COMPOSITE WHIP

Abstract

The composite whip described herein relates to the fields of self-defense and personal protection tools. The present invention is compact, concealable, and easy to use. The present invention allows a user to strike quickly, repeatedly, and from a distance to repel would be attackers. The tensioning mechanism of the present invention allows the user to increase or decrease the flexibility of the striking portion of the tool based on the user's preferences. The present invention can be carried in a multitude of discreet locations, and is a non-lethal defensive option. The present invention could be utilized in other fields such as law enforcement, or military, where carrying hand-held, non-lethal, self-defense tools are necessary.

Claims

1. A composite whip comprising: (a) a handle; (b) an outer sleeve connected to said handle and extending distally from said handle; (c) an inner cable within said outer sleeve; (d) a distal anchor, which anchors said inner cable to the distal end of said outer sleeve; and (e) an anchor, which anchors said inner cable to the proximal end of said outer sleeve.

2. The composite whip of claim 1, where said distal anchor accepts interchangeable tips.

3. The composite whip of claim 1, where said handle further comprises a proximal striking end.

4. The composite whip of claim 1, where the proximal portion said outer sleeve is supported by an outer support tube.

5. The composite whip of claim 1, where said distal anchor is further comprised of a distal tensioning sleeve.

6. The composite whip of claim 5, where the distal end of said inner cable is comprised of a weld ball seated within said distal tensioning sleeve.

7. The composite whip of claim 6, where the proximal anchor is further comprised of a proximal tensioning sleeve.

8. The composite whip of claim 7, where the proximal end of said inner cable is comprised of a weld ball seated within said proximal tensioning sleeve.

9. A composite whip with adjustable tensioning comprising: (a) a handle; (b) an outer support tube connected to said handle and extending distally from said handle; (c) an inner cable within said outer support tube; (d) a distal tensioning anchor, which anchors said inner cable to the distal end of said outer support tube; (e) a tensioning mechanism proximal to said distal tensioning anchor; (f) a tensioning anchor proximal to said tensioning mechanism, which said tensioning mechanism pushes against to increase tension of said inner cable.

10. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9 where said distal tensioning anchor accepts interchangeable tips.

11. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9, where said handle further comprises a proximal striking end.

12. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9, where the proximal portion of said outer sleeve is supported by an outer support tube.

13. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9, where said distal tensioning anchor is further comprised of a distal tensioning sleeve.

14. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 13, where the distal end of said inner cable is comprised of a weld ball seated within said distal tensioning sleeve.

15. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9, where said tensioning mechanism further comprises: a. a threaded inner sleeve slid onto the proximal end of said inner cable; b. a threaded outer sleeve, which is rotated onto said inner sleeve; and c. a weld ball at the proximal end of said inner cable, which said threaded outer sleeve pushes against to increase tension of said inner cable.

16. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 14, where said tensioning mechanism further comprises: a. a threaded inner sleeve slid onto the proximal end of said inner cable; b. a threaded outer sleeve, which is rotated onto said inner sleeve; and c. a weld ball at the proximal end of said inner cable, which said threaded outer sleeve pushes against to increase tension of said inner cable.

17. A composite whip with adjustable tensioning comprising: (a) a handle; (b) an outer support tube connected to said handle and extending distally from said handle; (c) an inner cable within said outer support tube; (d) a distal tensioning anchor, which anchors said inner cable to the distal end of said outer support tube; (e) where said distal tensioning anchor is further comprised of a distal tensioning sleeve; (f) where the distal end of said inner cable is comprised of a weld ball seated within said distal tensioning sleeve; (g) a tensioning mechanism proximal to said distal tensioning anchor; (h) where said tensioning mechanism further comprises: a threaded inner sleeve slid onto the proximal end of said inner cable; a threaded outer sleeve, which is rotated onto said inner sleeve; and a weld ball at the proximal end of said inner cable, which said threaded outer sleeve pushes against to increase tension of said inner cable.

18. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 17 where said distal tensioning anchor accepts interchangeable tips.

19. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 17, where said handle further comprises a proximal striking end.

20. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 17, where the proximal portion of said outer sleeve is supported by an outer support tube.

21. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9 where said tensioning mechanism is comprised of tensioning means to provide automatic tensioning to said inner cable.

22. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 21 where said tensioning means is comprised of a stainless-steel spring.

23. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 21 where said composite whip can be configured for storage by attachment means to attach the distal end of said composite whip to said handle.

24. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 23 where said attachment means are comprised of plugging the distal end of said composite whip into a storage recess located on said handle.

25. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 23 where said attachment means are comprised of plugging the distal tensioning sleeve into a storage recess located on said handle.

26. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9 further comprising quick release means to release said outer support tube, inner cable, distal tensioning anchor, tensioning mechanism, and proximal tensioning anchor from said handle.

27. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 26, where said quick release means is comprised of: a. a quick release slide connected to; b. a quick release ramp, which; c. elevates a quick release spring to disengage said tensioning mechanism and whip from said handle.

28. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 26 further comprising a plurality of interchangeable implements with a universal shaft, which would be engaged and disengaged by said quick release means.

29. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 27 where said quick release spring engages and disengages a corresponding recess of said universal shaft of said interchangeable implements.

30. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 9 further comprised of means for external adjustable tensioning.

31. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 30 where said means for external adjustable tensioning is comprised of: a. a slide button located on said handle attached to; b. a catch which engages said tensioning means, which; c. when said slide button is pulled back, said tensioning means increase tension of said inner cable.

32. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 31 where said tensioning means is comprised of a stainless-steel spring.

33. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 31 further comprising means to lock said slide button in a predetermined tensioning position.

34. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 33 where said means to lock said slide button in a predetermined tensioning position is comprised of a plurality of grooves in which said slide button can be engaged and locked.

35. The composite whip with adjustable tensioning of claim 30 where said composite whip can be configured for storage by attachment means to attach the distal end of said composite whip to said handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of the composite whip.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the composite whip with pointed striking tip attached at distal striking end.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the composite whip, handle unassembled showing tensioning mechanism.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side cut away view of distal striking end with standard distal tensioning sleeve and proximal end tensioning mechanism.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of unassembled inner cable tensioning mechanism.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of assembled proximal end tensioning mechanism in handle casing.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a blow-up, side cut-away view of proximal tensioning mechanism.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of user gripping the composite whip.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of reaction of composite whip during use.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of handle with quick release slide.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a side, cutaway view of handle with quick release slide mechanism.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a side, cutaway view of handle with detailed view of quick release slide engaged.

[0032] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of whip plugged into handle for storage.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a side cutaway elevational view of handle recess with whip plugged into handle for storage and spring automatic tensioning mechanism.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a side cutaway elevational view of handle recess with whip disengaged and ready for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Regarding the embodiments explained in detail, the figures and specifications should be understood as illustrations only, and are not intended to limit the invention in its scope. Also, in describing the embodiments, specific terminology may be used, but it should be understood that specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in similar manners to accomplish similar purposes.

[0036] With reference to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the composite whip is illustrated in the attached drawings. A preferred embodiment of the composite whip is depicted in FIG. 9. The preferred embodiment of the composite whip with adjustable tensioning is comprised of a proximal handle 1, which is gripped by the user 13 to swing the composite whip 14. An outer support tube 2 extends distally from the interior of the handle 1 casing, which provides support to the proximal portion of the whip outer sleeve 3.

[0037] At the distal striking end of the whip outer sleeve 3 is a distal tensioning sleeve 4, which can be threaded to accept interchangeable striking tips 5. The standard distal tensioning sleeve 4 is unthreaded. The distal tensioning sleeve 4 holds the distal weld ball 6 of the inner cable 7. During assembly, the inner cable 7 is inserted into the distal tensioning sleeve 4 and whip outer sleeve, which have been pre-inserted into the outer support tube 2. The distal weld ball 6 is then seated within the distal tensioning sleeve 4. Once the distal weld ball 6 is seated within the distal tensioning sleeve 4, the tensioning mechanism 16 is then assembled. To assemble the tensioning mechanism 16, a threaded inner sleeve 8 is slid onto the proximal end of the inner cable 7. The distal end of the threaded inner sleeve 9 butts up against the proximal end of the whip outer sleeve 10. The threaded inner sleeve 8 then accepts a threaded outer sleeve 11 which is used to increase or decrease tension of the inner cable 7.

[0038] Once the threaded outer sleeve 11 is fully rotated on to the threaded inner sleeve 8, a proximal weld ball 12 is created by TIG welding the proximal end of the inner cable 7. Tension of the inner cable 7 is created by counter-rotating the outer threaded sleeve 11 on the threaded inner sleeve 8 as shown in FIG. 7. The outer threaded sleeve 11 pushes against the proximal weld ball 12 while the distal weld ball 6 is anchored in place by the distal tensioning sleeve 4, which results in a stretching force applied to the length of the inner cable 7 as shown in FIG. 7. In another embodiment, a crimp 21 can be used to provide the proximal tensioning anchor as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Tensioning of the inner cable 7 results in the composite whip 14 being more stiff and reactive. Decreasing the tension of the inner cable 7, results in the composite whip being more flexible.

[0039] The proximal end 15 and tensioning mechanism 16 of the composite whip 14 seat within a molded groove 17 of each half of the handle 1. The halves of the handle 1 are secured together by a plurality of screws 18 and corresponding nuts 19, which hold the proximal end 15 and tensioning mechanism 16 securely in place. The handle 1, also features a striking end 20 at the proximal end of the handle 1.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the tensioning mechanism is comprised of a stainless-steel spring 22, which automatically tensions the whip portion of the invention when the whip is bent, thus increasing the reaction force and speed of the whip when the whip returns back to its straight position. Once the distal weld ball 6 is seated within the distal tensioning sleeve 4, the stainless-steel spring 22 tensioning mechanism is then assembled. To assemble the stainless-steel spring 22 tensioning mechanism, a stainless-steel washer 23 is slid onto the proximal end of the inner cable 7. Said stainless-steel spring 22 is then slid onto the proximal end of the inner cable 7, and compressed slightly against the stainless-steel washer 23, which butts up against the proximal end of the whip outer sleeve 10. A proximal stainless-steel washer 24 is then slid onto the proximal end of the inner cable 7. A proximal weld ball 12 is then created by TIG welding the proximal end of the inner cable 7. Tension of the inner cable 7 is automatically created by the stainless-steel spring simultaneously pushing against the proximal end of the whip outer sleeve 10, and the proximal weld ball 12, which results in a stretching force applied to the length of the inner cable 7 as already described above.

[0041] A novel feature of this embodiment is the automatic tensioning provided by said stainless-steel spring 22, which allows increased flexibility of the inner cable 7. Providing for increased flexibility and automatic tensioning of the inner cable 7 allows the invention to be configured for discreet storage as shown in FIG. 13, yet maintain the invention's fast deployment characteristics. A novel feature of this embodiment includes a storage recess 24 embedded in the handle 1 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Said storage recess 24 accepts the distal tensioning sleeve 4 to configure the invention for discreet storage. To configure the invention for storage, the user simply bends the composite whip 14 back toward the handle 1, and plugs the distal tensioning sleeve 4 into the storage recess 24. One skilled in the art would understand that a multitude of means could be used to secure the distal end of the composite whip 14 to the handle 1 to achieve the storage configuration described herein. To re-configure the invention for use, the user simply unplugs the distal tensioning sleeve 4 from the storage recess 24 to deploy the composite whip 14. The composite whip will be automatically tensioned for use due to the stainless-steel spring 22 tensioning mechanism.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is comprised of quick release means. This embodiment is comprised of a quick release slide 25, which allows the whip and tensioning mechanism 16 to be disengaged and removed from the handle 1. Quick release capability of the whip/tensioning mechanism 16 allows the user to quickly adjust the tension of the inner cable 7 without taking the handle 1 apart. To disengage the whip/tensioning mechanism 16 from the handle 1, the user slides the quick release slide 25 back towards the proximal end of the handle 1. Said quick release slide 25 is further comprised of a molded quick release ramp 26, which slides back when the user slides the quick release slide 25 back. When slid back, the quick release ramp 26 elevates a quick release spring 27. When the quick release spring 27 is in the elevated position, the user can pull the whip/tensioning mechanism 16 from the handle 1.

[0043] Once the whip/tensioning mechanism 16 is disengaged from the handle 1, the tension of the inner cable 7 can be easily adjusted to user preference by rotating the outer threaded sleeve 11 until the desired amount of stiffness of the composite whip 14 is achieved. The user then simply slides back the quick release slide 25, re-inserts the whip/tensioning mechanism 16 into the handle, and releases the quick release slide 25, which drops the quick release spring 27 into the engaged position as shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the quick release spring 27 is engaged between the distal surface of the outer threaded sleeve 11, and the distal end of the threaded inner sleeve 9.

[0044] Said quick release means also allows the user to quickly switch interchangeable implements for use with the handle 1. For example, the user could remove the composite whip 14, and install a ridged club implement, knife, hatchet, etc. depending on situational need. Such interchangeable implements would be comprised of a universal shaft with a corresponding recess to be engaged and disengaged by the quick release spring 25.

[0045] In yet another embodiment of the current invention, a combination of features herein described can be utilized to achieve external adjustable tensioning means of the composite whip 14, and allow for discreet storage. For example, a slide button similar to the quick release slide 25 could be configured to further comprise a catch, which engages the tensioning means of the device, which would allow the user to increase and decrease tension of the composite whip 14 by positioning the slide at predetermined tensioning positions. Specifically, the slide catch would engage the distal end of the stainless-steel spring 22. When the user slides the slide button back, the stain-less spring will be compressed and will increase the longitudinal tension on the inner cable 7, thus increasing the overall stiffness of the composite whip 14. Said slide button could then be locked in predetermined tensioning positions comprised of grooves or other means to lock the slide and catch mechanism in the desired tensioned position. To de-tension the device, the user would simply release the slide button from the locked position. In the de-tensioned state, the user would then be able to discreetly store the device as already described herein, and shown in FIG. 13. It should be understood by one skilled in the art, that many combinations of methods of tensioning and de-tensioning of the device could be utilized to achieve the features described herein.

[0046] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.