Lethal Projectile Construction and Launcher

Abstract

A lethal projectile for immobilizing a target is capable of self-separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher and may release a payload prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of launch on the projectile. A magazine may hold a plurality of projectiles and the various projectiles of the magazine may each be configured to open specified distances and/or times after launch. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met.

Claims

1. A launcher and projectile system, the system comprising a launcher, a lethal projectile, said projectile comprising a housing, a control circuit, and an energizable energy storage means, wherein, after launch of said projectile, said projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates, fragments or otherwise has an opening created therein.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said launcher comprises a means to measure the distance and/or time to the target and to communicate with the projectile.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said projectile further comprises at least one initiator, which at least one initiator may initiate a chemical reaction or a mechanical response to cause an opening in the housing of the projectile.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a trigger and a safety switch, wherein the energy storage means is not energized beyond the threshold energy until after the at least one trigger and/or safety switch is actuated.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising one of a wired and wireless means of communication and/or energy transfer between the launcher and the projectile.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a launcher accessory, and wherein at least one of the launcher and launcher accessory comprises an energy source which energizes said energy storage means beyond a threshold energy.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher comprises a magazine, which magazine comprises a plurality of projectiles, each of which projectile of the plurality of projectiles ruptures, disintegrates, separates, fragments or otherwise has an opening created therein after launch at its own specified distance from the launcher.

8. The system of claim 1, the launcher further comprising a breech assembly, said breech assembly comprising a bolt and a breech, said projectile receivable within the breech assembly and wherein the energizable storage means is energized or otherwise enabled by contact with the bolt.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage means is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery.

10. The system of claim 1, said projectile further comprising a payload that is released from the projectile after rupture, disintegration, separation, fragmentation or an opening created therein.

11. A lethal projectile, said projectile comprising a housing, a control circuit, and an energizable energy storage means, said projectile further comprising a means for causing said housing to rupture, fragment, disintegrate, separate, or otherwise create an opening after launch.

12. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the energy storage means is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery.

13. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile further comprises one of a launcher and a launcher accessory, wherein at least one of the launcher and launcher accessory comprises an energy source which energizes said energy storage means beyond a threshold energy.

14. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile comprises at least one fracture line or frangible housing.

15. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile further comprises at least one initiator, which at least one initiator may initiate a chemical reaction or a mechanical response to cause an opening in the housing of the projectile.

16. The projectile of claim 11, wherein said projectile further comprises at least one of a timer, a switch, and a proximity sensor.

17. The projectile of claim 16, wherein the at least one switch or timer is initiated by movement of the projectile launch or by communication with a launcher or launcher accessory.

18. The projectile of claim 15 in which the initiation is determined as a result of communication of analog or digital data to the control circuit from a launcher or launcher accessory.

19. The projectile of claim 11, said projectile further comprising a payload that is released from the projectile after rupture, disintegration, separation, fragmentation or an opening created therein.

20. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is encased in a gel, liquid, or potting compound.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 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:

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 1A is a view of a breech assembly of a projectile launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] 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.

[0020] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of a projectile that comprises fracture lines before (2A) and after (2B) the projectile has separated or fragmented along the fracture lines, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a view of a projectile that has a component which can increase the pressure inside the housing of the projectile based on a predetermined time, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 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.

[0023] FIG. 5 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.

[0024] FIG. 6 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.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a projectile containing a payload, a control circuit, an initiator and a switch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a projectile with a control circuit and timer that are activated by the force of the launch of the projectile, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a projectile and launcher in which the launcher may communicate to the projectile through at least one connection, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a projectile and a launcher in which the projectile may wirelessly communicate with and/or be energized by the launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 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.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows a projectile comprising multiple elements which may be dispersed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12 shows a breech assembly in which the electrical storage element of a projectile may be charged past the threshold energy by contact with an element of the launcher such as a bolt, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 13 shows said projectile that may be charged by contact with an element of the launcher such as a bolt, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0033] 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.

[0034] The present disclosure provides for a lethal projectile 100 and a launcher 1000 for such a projectile 100, the launcher 1000 and projectile 100 comprising a system. The projectile 100 preferably comprises a payload 200 (such as shrapnel, which shrapnel may comprise fragmentation of part or all of the enclosure etc.) for affecting a target or suspect. The projectile 100 preferably comprises an enclosure, which enclosure may, in an embodiment be formed by an at least partially annular-shaped shell section 102 or shell sections (hereinafter also referred to as “shell”). In such an embodiment, the at least one shell section may include a closed, substantially planar end portion 104 (also referred to herein as “end cap” or “end portion”) that corresponds to a radius of the annular portion of the shell to form the enclosure. The at least one shell section 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 section 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. Furthermore, the shell may be of a one-piece configuration. The payload 200 is preferably contained in the enclosure prior to launch of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, the projectile 100 is capable of self-separating, disintegrating, fragmenting or otherwise opening prior to impact with a target. 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 (and/or launcher accessories) 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 means contained within the projectile.

[0035] One end portion 104 of the projectile 100 may be removably attachable to the annular portion of the at least one shell section 102. The attachability of the end portion 104 to the annular portion may be mechanical, adhesive, or welded, for example. The attachability allows for ease of access to the enclosure formed by the end portion 104 and annular portion of the shell 102. The end portion 104 of the shell may have a greater dimension than the diameter of the annular portion of the shell 102 against which it attaches to create a flange. In another embodiment, the shell 102 comprises a first annular portion and a second annular portion in which the end portion 104 is fixedly attached to said first annular portion and in which the first annular portion and second annular portion are removably attached to one another such that the enclosure of the shell 102 may be opened elsewhere than the end portion 104 of the shell.

[0036] An exemplary launcher 1000 is shown in FIG. 1. The launcher comprises a barrel 1010 for directing and launching a projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may also comprise a chamber or breech for holding a projectile prior to firing thereof. It will be apparent that the launcher 1000 shown in FIG. 1 may be in other configurations so long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing a projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein. In an embodiment, launcher 1000 further comprises a breech and/or a breech assembly 1030 (as shown in FIG. 1A in an exemplary embodiment) in which a projectile or projectiles may be loaded prior to launch. The breech assembly 1030 includes a barrel 1010, at least one projectile inlet 1032 and a bolt 1034. The projectile inlet 1032 is adapted to receive a projectile into the barrel 1010. The bolt 1034 includes a front portion and a rear portion and may be configured the bolt 1034 is configured to be partially received within the barrel 1010 such that the front portion of the bolt 1034 shuts off the projectile inlet 1032 and in the second position the bolt 1034 is configured to enable the projectile 100 to enter the barrel 1010 from the projectile inlet 1032. The breech assembly may also comprise a charger or charging elements 1036, for charging the projectile. In an embodiment, the launcher and/or breech and barrel can comprise rails, such as those found in a rail gun.

[0037] In an embodiment, the projectile 100 housing opens or otherwise separates after it leaves the barrel 1010 of a launcher 1000 to distribute payload 200. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2B, such payload may include the separation and/or the fragmentation of the projectile itself. 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. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, projectile 100 is shown prior to separation and the after separation into distinct sections 100a and 100b, after which separation payload 200 has emanated outside of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the projectile 100 housing comprises at least one fracture line 108, which fracture line or lines 108 may comprise comparatively weaker or thinner sections of the housing, along which fracture line or lines 108 the projectile housing may rupture (as shown in FIG. 2B) after launch. The rupturing of the projectile along the fracture line or lines may assist in facilitating a lethal effect of the projectile on a target. In another embodiment, the projectile housing is frangible.

[0038] In another embodiment, the projectile housing separates or fragments and becomes part of or is the lethal force.

[0039] In another embodiment the projectile 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.

[0040] 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 specified distance from the launcher 1000. In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a reaction may be initiated in response to a timer 130. Such reaction may increase the pressure inside the projectile 100 (as shown by an airbag 170 in FIG. 3 for example) or otherwise cause a breach in the projectile housing. Furthermore, such component may be initiated by a chemical reaction and comprise materials such as nitrocellulose, NaN.sub.3 or the like. In such an embodiment, it will be apparent that the launcher 1000 may comprise a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag or the reaction may be controlled by other means. In an embodiment, GPS is used to track and initiate projectile separation, rupture, or fragmentation. In a further embodiment part or all of the control circuit can be encased in a gel, liquid, or potting compound, for example, to minimize damage from the forces resulting from acceleration of the projectile.

[0041] The launcher may also comprise at least one accessory thereto such as a magazine, for example, which at least one accessory may be in communication with a projectile using the same or other communications means as the launcher. As shown in FIG. 4, 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. Further, the separation, etc. of the various projectiles at different distances may provide for a more distributed dispersion of the payload in the event that dispersion of such material over a greater area is desired. In an embodiment, the magazine comprises an energy source (such as, but not necessarily limited to, a charger) for energizing the energizable storage means of a projectile while such a projectile is disposed within the magazine.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 5, the projectile 100 may further comprise an energy storage means 140 (such as, but not limited to, a capacitor) and an initiator 150 (such as, but not limited to, a heating element). 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, disintegrating or fragmenting. In another embodiment, the timer and/or switch or proximity sensor (describe below) may be initiated by movement of the projectile launch or by communication with a launcher or launcher accessory. In another embodiment, the projectile comprises a proximity sensor, which proximity sensor may cause selective opening, separating, disintegrating or fragmenting of the projectile after launch. For example, the proximity sensor can initiate the separation and/or opening of the projectile once the projectile is within three feet of the target.

[0043] In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 6, the control circuit 120 is directly coupled to the initiator 150 such that the control circuit 120 activates the initiator 150. As shown in FIG. 6, the initiator 150 may be an electric match, which electric match may heat upon activation to cause a future reaction, causing the shell of the projectile 100 to release the payload 200 and/or to fragment.

[0044] In another embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B, the projectile control circuit 120 and/or timer 130 may be activated in response to the sudden acceleration or force that occurs upon the launch of the projectile 100, such as by a switch or an accelerometer 190 (shown in FIG. 7 in an exemplary embodiment). The control circuit 120 and/or timer 130 may then activate an initiator 15,0 which triggers a breach in the projectile housing, allowing for dispersal of the payload 200. This breach may be a result of internal pressure buildup, a mechanical response of the initiator such as component separation, or melting a section of the housing, for example.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a projectile 100 with a control circuit 120 and timer 130 that are activated by the force of the launch of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, the projectile 100 comprises a button 195. Upon launch of the projectile 100, the end cap 104 presses or otherwise engages the button 195. The button 195 is operatively coupled to the timer 130 such that, upon the pressing of the button, the timer 130 is started. After a period of time measured by the timer 130, the capacitor 140 discharges into an initiator, and the initiator performs a reaction (such as heating and such as elsewhere described herein) that results in the projectile 100 opening, separating, disintegrating, or fragmenting to release the payload 200.

[0046] In another embodiment, the projectile launcher 1000 comprises a trigger and/or a safety switch, which trigger and/or switch prevent the projectile 100 from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. For instance, the safety may be configured to prevent the projectile 100 from becoming armed unless it is turned to fire mode in the launcher 1000. In another embodiment, the energy storage means is in communication with trigger or safety switch and is not energized until after the trigger or safety switch is actuated. Such trigger and safety switch can thereby prevent accidental firing or rupturing of a projectile in the event that the launcher is forcibly but unexpectedly moved, or if the user accidentally drops the launcher, for example.

[0047] In another embodiment the energy storage means is not energized until the projectile has contacted the bolt 1034 of the breech assembly 1030. In such an embodiment, the bolt does not come in contact with the projectile until the launcher is fired. This provides another level of safety, i.e., by preventing the projectile from being armed until the launcher is fired. In such an embodiment, the bolt can be made of a conductive material, such as brass, for example. In such embodiment, for example, the bolt can contain at least one conductive probe that contacts one section of the projectile while the conductive bolt, itself, contacts another section of the projectile. In this manner, the bolt can successfully charge the energy storage means of the projectile.

[0048] In still another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 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. In a still further embodiment, the projectile has an energy source (such as an energy storage means 140) which is activated or powered or energized by the launcher 1000 (for example, by an electrical source therein or by means of a battery 1050 in the launcher that the projectile 100 may come into contact with when loaded in the launcher 1000, at a contact point 1070 as shown in FIG. 8) and thus enhances the safety profile of the projectile 100, e.g., by keeping the projectile 100 inactive until it is chambered in the launcher. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the projectile (and, in an embodiment, the energy storage means 140 thereof) can be charged or energized via induction, such as via an inductive charger 1060. In an embodiment, said inductive charging can occur while the projectile is within and/or moving down the barrel. In a still further embodiment, the launcher 1000 includes 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. As shown in FIG. 10, 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 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. It will be apparent that the energy storage means can also be charged by an outside source other than the launcher prior to loading a projectile in the launcher. Further, a capacitor as an exemplary storage means is significantly lighter and cheaper than a battery, thereby improving performance and reducing the cost of manufacture of the present projectile.

[0049] In yet another embodiment and referring to FIG. 11, the projectile 100 comprises at least one mass 110 (such as a pellet, for example) and preferably, a plurality of masses 110, disposed in and/or on the housing of the projectile 100.

[0050] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 13, the projectile comprises a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 106. In an embodiment, the projectile PCB comprises one or more wired or wireless contacts, which contacts may receive a signal or other input from launcher, which input or signal may instruct the PCB to initiate a projectile separation timer or countdown. In another embodiment, bolt 1034 may contact the PCB 106 and transmit input or signal to the PCB 106, such as from the launcher control circuit 1040, such that when the projectile 100 is disposed in the breech 1030 and/or against the bolt 1034, a projectile separation timing or countdown may be initiated. In a still further embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 12, the energy storage means is energized past the threshold energy by way of at least one contact 1036 with the bolt and can include launcher electronics as well. In a further embodiment, the energization occurs in less than 20 milliseconds. In another embodiment, all projectile electrical components are compiled onto an at least one ASIC.

[0051] Such launcher electronics may include logic or other means to enable the charging of the projectile and/or other activation coincident with the launch of the projectile. That is, in an embodiment, the launcher electronics may communicate at least one of analog and digital data to the control circuit of the projectile to determine the initiation in the projectile. The logic may include a fast-charge means wherein the current conducted to the projectile energy storage means exceeds at least 500 ma for at least a portion of the time in which the projectile and launcher electronics are in communication. Additionally, the launcher electronics may include safety means in which the energizing of the energy storage means does not occur until the trigger is pulled or otherwise activated. Further the launcher electronics can include or communicate with a targeting system in which the target distance for the projectile disruption is programmed at the projectile launch. Such a system may be a voltage control wherein a voltage threshold that is communicated to the projectile corresponds to a burst or rupture time. Additionally, it is possible that, as part of the launcher electronics, the projectile launch velocity may be either measured or otherwise determined such that accurate burst distance of the projectile via a simple timing means may be enabled. For example, if the projectile average velocity is 100 meters per second and the target is at a distance of 100 meters, the timer may be set to enable disruption of the shell and or release of its contents at a time of 1.000 seconds. Such timing may be easily accomplished with either timing chips such as 555 or a microcontroller such as AtTiny. In still a further embodiment of the launcher circuit, the circuit may include fingerprint or other biometric or access means (such as a personal identification number code) which may preclude launcher use except for by authorized individuals.

[0052] 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. The projectile herein being of lightweight construction (for at least the reason that it does not require an internal battery), compressed gas can sufficiently and effectively launch the projectile. Because the projectile is energizable by 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.

[0053] The projectile and launcher 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 payload is delivered by configuring parameters that control the opening in the projectile. This range and/or rate can also be set automatically by a rangefinder that calculates the optimal distance at which fragmentation or separation is to occur. 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 energy storage means is sufficiently charged, i.e., beyond a threshold energy. The energizing 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 and further improves safe handling of a projectile.

[0054] 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.