Projectile Construction, Launcher, and Launcher Accessory

Abstract

A launcher and projectile system include at least one magnet disposed on or within the launcher for charging a wire coil of the projectile to energize the projectile, thereafter having a housing of the projectile rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created therein after launch to release a payload. In another embodiment, an accessory for a launcher and projectile is provided, the accessory comprising a magnet for charging a projectile that is launched by the launcher. The strength of magnetic field of the magnet may be adjusted for selective performance of the projectile.

Claims

1. A projectile and launcher system, said launcher comprising a launch axis and at least one magnet, said projectile comprising a housing, a payload, a conductive wire coil, a control circuit and an energizable energy storage means, wherein said at least one magnet is magnetically aligned with said launch axis, wherein said energy storage means is at least partially energized by the at least one magnet, and wherein, after launch of said projectile, said projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates or otherwise has an opening created therein and releases said payload.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet comprises one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher comprises an adjustable power source.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the adjustable power source is coupled to the at least one electromagnet such that the magnetic field strength can be adjusted.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the adjustable power source comprises an alternating current signal, and wherein the magnetic field strength is adjusted by varying at least one of the power and the frequency of an alternating current signal.

6. The launcher of claim 1, wherein the launch axis comprises a barrel and wherein the at least one magnet is disposed on or in said barrel.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher and projectile comprise a wireless communications means.

8. A projectile and launcher system, said launcher comprising a launch axis and at least one magnet, said projectile comprising a housing, a payload, a conductive wire coil, and an initiator, wherein said at least one magnet is magnetically aligned with said launch axis such that it induces a current in the conductive wire coil of the projectile during launch of said projectile, and wherein said projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates or otherwise has an opening created therein after launch and releases a payload.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one magnet comprises one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.

10. The launcher of claim 8, wherein the launch axis comprises a barrel and wherein the at least one magnet is disposed on or within said barrel.

11. The projectile of claim 8, wherein the initiator of the projectile is activated by the magnet.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the launcher and projectile comprise a wireless communications means.

13. A launcher accessory, said launcher accessory comprising at least one magnet and, said launcher accessory removably attachable to a launcher, said launcher comprising a launch axis, wherein said at least one magnet is magnetically aligned with said launch axis of said launcher when said accessory is attached to said launcher.

14. The launcher accessory of claim 13, wherein the at least one magnet comprises one of an electromagnet and a permanent magnet.

15. The launcher accessory of claim 14, wherein the launcher accessory further comprises an adjustable power source to adjust the magnetic field strength of the electromagnet.

16. The accessory of claim 15, wherein the adjustable power source comprises an alternating current signal, and wherein the magnetic field strength is adjusted by varying at least one of the power and the frequency of an alternating current signal.

17. The launcher accessory of claim 13, wherein the launcher accessory comprises a wireless communications means.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1000 with a projectile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1A is a view of the barrel of a projectile launcher and at least one magnet of the launcher.

[0022] FIG. 2 are views of a projectile both before launch and then during flight in which the housing of the projectile has separated and released a payload, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a view of a projectile launcher with a magazine in which the projectiles are set to rupture at various times/distances after launch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a view of a projectile comprising a payload, a control circuit, an initiator, and an energy storage means, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a view of a projectile comprising a payload, an initiator, and a control circuit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a projectile comprising a coil of conductive wire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 shows a projectile, launcher and a launcher accessory, the accessory comprising at least one magnet which magnetic field lines are shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 shows a projectile and a launcher in which the projectile may communicate wirelessly with the launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a launcher, components of a projectile and at least one means of communicating information to the projectile, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0030] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular projectile or projectile launcher as shown and described. That is, it is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0031] The present disclosure provides for a projectile 100 and a launcher 1000, and, in an embodiment, a launcher accessory 1100. The projectile 100 preferably comprises a payload 200 for immobilizing and/or marking a target or suspect. It will be understood that payload as used herein may also comprise a substance, object, compound, or material that is capable of delivering a lethal or incapacitating force to and/or resulting in a lethal or incapacitating effect upon a target

[0032] The projectile 100 preferably comprises an enclosure, which enclosure may be formed by an at least partially annular-shaped shell 102. The shell may include a closed, substantially planar end portion 104 (also referred to herein as “end cap”) that corresponds to a radius of the annular portion of the shell to form the enclosure. The shell and end portion may individually and collectively refer to herein as a housing of projectile 100. It will be apparent that the projectile housing is not limited to the shell and end portion configuration mentioned in the preceding exemplary embodiment, and that the projectile housing may comprise any shape that forms an enclosure without deviating from the spirit of the disclosure, such as, but not necessarily limited to a sphere or a cone. The payload 200 is preferably contained in the enclosure prior to launch of the projectile 100.

[0033] In an embodiment, the projectile 100 is capable of self-separating, disintegrating or otherwise opening prior to impact with a target or other impact surface. In an embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of initiating separation or disintegration or rupturing or opening, etc. of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of communicating to the projectile 100 and or arming a projectile 100 prior to or coincident with projectile launch. In another embodiment, the launcher comprises a safety and/or trigger, which safety and/or trigger, until activated, prevent the projectile from becoming armed. The arming can be, for example, the charging of an energy storage element or means contained within the projectile.

[0034] In another embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1A, the launcher comprises at least one magnet 500. The at least one magnet 500 may be disposed within or in proximity to the barrel of the launcher, and in a further embodiment, proximate to the point of projectile exit, and in any event along the launch axis of the projectile. (See FIG. 1, for example). The at least one magnet 500 is preferably magnetically-aligned with the launch axis. In a further embodiment, a launcher accessory 1100 comprises at least one magnet 1500 (see FIG. 7, for example). The launcher accessory may be removably attachable to a launcher 1000, and the at least one magnet 1500 of the accessory may be disposed along the launch axis of the projectile that is to be launched by the launcher.

[0035] In an embodiment, and as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, the projectile comprises at least one coil of wire 550. When the projectile is launched, the at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and/or the at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory 1100 causes a rapid change in magnetic flux of coil 550 of the moving projectile. This rapid change causes a current to be induced through the coil 550 of the projectile, causing an inductive energy to be produced. The resultant energy can be used to cause an initiator or electrical circuit (described elsewhere herein) to be activated, for example. That is, electrical energy can be generated in this embodiment from the change in magnetic flux as the projectile moves through the magnetic field caused by the at least one magnet 500 and/or 1500.

[0036] An exemplary launcher 1000 is shown in FIG. 1A. The launcher comprises a barrel 1010 for directing and launching a projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may also comprise a chamber 1015 for holding a projectile prior to firing thereof. It will be apparent that the launcher 1000 shown in FIG. 1a may be in other configurations so long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing a projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein.

[0037] In an embodiment, the projectile 100 housing opens or otherwise separates after it leaves the barrel 1010 of a launcher 1000 to distribute a payload. That is, the rupturing or breaching of the projectile housing or the separation of housing components creates an opening in the projectile 100 out of which the payload 200 may emanate.

[0038] In another embodiment the projectiles 100 disclosed herein include various means of adjustment of the aforementioned embodiments in which the release or dispersion of the payload 200 occurs at fixed or predetermined distances from the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 and/or launcher accessory 1100. Selective release may also be achieved by adjusting the strength of the electromagnetic field of the at least one magnet 500 or 1500 that induces a charge in the projectile. Such adjustment may be made by a power source (such as a battery) that is disposed within the launcher 1000 or accessory 1100. The power source itself may be adjustable to provide for various amounts of power to the electromagnet and adjustment of the strength of the field. In an embodiment, the power source is in communication with the magnet via an alternating current signal, and the strength of the magnetic field is controllable by varying the power and/or the frequency of the signal.

[0039] In another embodiment, the release may be accomplished by a control circuit 120. Such a control circuit 120 may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile 100 may cause the projectile 100 to rupture at a user-specified distance from the launcher 1000 or launcher accessory 1100. Said rupturing may be caused by initiating a reaction with nitrocellulose for example. In such an embodiment, it will be apparent that the launcher 1000 and launcher accessory 1500 may comprise a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag or the reaction may be controlled by other means. In another embodiment, the control circuit is inductively activated.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher and projectile system may comprise a magazine 1040 that holds a plurality of projectiles 100 and that feeds said projectiles 100 to the launcher 1000 for firing/launching the projectiles 100. In an embodiment, the various projectiles 100 of the magazine 1040 may be configured to separate or rupture, etc. at the same distance “D” or time after launch, or they may be configured to separate or rupture, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch. In the embodiment where the various projectiles are configured to separate or rupture, etc. at the same distance “D” or time after launch, it will be apparent that a user may concentrate the effect of the payload from the ruptured projectiles within a certain defined area. In an embodiment where the various projectiles are configured to separate or rupture, etc. at different distances and/or time after launch, it will be apparent that the particular distance and/or time after launch at which the separation, etc. of each particular projectile of the various projectiles may be accomplished by selectively setting the separation, etc. of each projectile of the various projectiles as elsewhere set forth herein.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the projectile 100 may further comprise an energy storage means 140 (such as, but not limited to, a capacitor or a miniature Lithium ion rechargeable battery) and an initiator 150 (such as, but not limited to, a heating element). As used herein, “energy storage means” is a storage means that lacks a sufficient charge to activate or arm the projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage means has been charged or energized by an outside source (such as a launcher, said launcher comprising an electrical, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic source) beyond a threshold energy. The charging of the energy storage means may also be referred to herein as “energizing” the energy storage means. The energy storage means disclosed herein may also be referred to as an energizable energy storage means. The energy storage means 140 and initiator 150 may be operatively coupled to a switch 180, and the timer 130 may cause the switch 180 to trip at a particular time after launch of the projectile 100, after which the energy storage means 140 may deliver stored energy to the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to perform a reaction (such as heating) that results in the projectile 100 opening, separating or disintegrating to release the payload 200 In an embodiment, the energy storage means is energized by the at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and/or the at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory coincident with launch of the projectile as described elsewhere herein.

[0042] In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, the control circuit 120 is directly coupled to the initiator 150 such that the control circuit 120 permits operation by the initiator 150 after the initiator 150 or control circuit 120 has been activated by inductive energy from the coil 550 of the projectile 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the initiator 150 may be an electric match, which electric match may heat upon activation to create an opening in the shell of the projectile 100 to release the payload 200. It will be apparent that the control circuit may be activated by the at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and/or the at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory. In said embodiment, the initiator will initiate opening of the projectile shortly after exiting the launcher. This would be desirable in a short-range situation, for example.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, a launcher accessory 1100 for a launcher is shown. The launcher accessory 1100 comprises at least one magnet 1500. The launcher accessory 1100 may be removably attached to a launcher (including, but not necessarily limited to launcher 1000). The accessory 1100 is preferably attached to a launcher such that the at least one magnet 1500 of the accessory 1100 is disposed in sufficient proximity to the launch axis of the launcher to facilitate launch of the projectile 100 and to engage the coil of wire 550 of the projectile 100 prior to or coincident with launch of the projectile. FIG. 7 also shows exemplary magnetic flux lines 1501 through which a projectile may pass and which may engage the coil of wire 550 of the projectile. In this exemplary embodiment, the magnetic flux 1501 is disposed along the launch axis of the accessory 1100 and is accordingly magnetically aligned with path of the projectile's launch. In an embodiment, the accessory 1100 is an elongated cylinder in shape, with a circumference that corresponds to the circumference of the barrel of the launcher to which the accessory 1100 is attached. Attachment of the accessory 1100 to the launcher 1000 may be by way of complementary engagement features, by a friction- or press-fit engagement, or by threaded connection, for example.

[0044] In still another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 the projectile 100 and the launcher 1000 communicate through at least one of a wireless or wired means. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile allowing for more precise control of the point at which the housing is breached or ruptured, i.e. to set a particular distance or time at which the projectile may rupture. The launcher accessory 1100 may comprise similar or the same such communication means as the launcher 1000 for communicating with the projectile 100. In a still further embodiment, the projectile has an energy storage means 140 which is activated or powered or energized by the launcher 1000 (for example, by means of at least one magnet 500 of the launcher acting upon the coil 550 of the projectile) and/or by the accessory 1100 (for example, by means of at least one magnet 1500 of the accessory acting upon the coil 550 of the projectile) and thus enhances the safety profile of the projectile 100, e.g., by keeping the projectile 100 and dispersal means inactive until it is at least chambered in the launcher. In a still further embodiment, the launcher 1000 and launch accessory 1100 include a means for measuring distance, such as a range-finder, which means may communicate with the control circuit 120 and which means may permit in-situ customization of at least one parameter related to the burst or breach of the projectile 100, thus further increasing its ability to disperse the payload 200 at a more preferred or precise location.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the launcher 1000 may comprise a trigger 1080 to initiate the launch process. It will be apparent that the charging of the energy storage means by the launcher and/or launcher accessory eliminates the requirement that the energy storage means comprise a self-contained power source (i.e., a battery for the energy storage means is not required), thereby eliminating the possibility that the energy storage means will suffer a power drain prior to launch. In an embodiment, the rangefinder is operatively coupled to an at least one electromagnet 500 of the launcher 1000 and/or an at least one magnet 1500 of the accessory 1100 such that the projectile 100 will be energized to a specific energy which corresponds to a particular distance (distance to the target, for example).

[0046] FIG. 1 represents a projectile launcher 1000 that is preferably based on electrical-driven or a combination of electrical and combustion or compressed gas means. It is understood that the projectile is not limited to a particular launching method but a preferable designed-launcher in which the advantages of having an electronic control and communication element with the projectile can be used. In an embodiment, the projectile herein is of lightweight construction (for at least the reason that it does not require an internal battery), such that compressed gas can sufficiently and effectively launch the projectile. However, the disclosure may, in other embodiments include, a primer and/or propellant on the projectile and a hammer of the launcher to strike such primer, as well as other means of launching the projectile other than by way of compressed gas. Because the projectile is energizable by the launcher (such as by the at least one magnet of the launcher) or other outside source, the possibility that the projectile would fail to operate due to draining of an internal battery is rendered moot.

[0047] The projectile, launcher, and launcher accessory disclosed herein offer the advantages of more controlled release of payload than existing solutions can offer. For instance, a user can set the range and/or rate at which the material is released by configuring parameters that control the opening in the projectile. The projectile further does not require impact upon a target. Configuration of the shell of the projectile disclosed herein may also increase accuracy of flight of the projectile to further improve the safety of use of the projectile disclosed herein. Furthermore, the projectile can be kept in an unarmed state until the projectile is launched from the launcher. The charging of the energy storage means by the launcher or other outside source eliminates the possibility that the projectile will suffer from power loss or failure prior to firing.

[0048] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.