Multi-stage projectile weapon for immobilization and capture

• US 6,877,434 B1
• Filed: 09/13/2003
• Issued: 04/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Safariland LLC
• Original Assignee: James F. Mcnulty Jr
• Inventors: McNulty, James F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Carone, Michael J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BLACKNER, HENRY A
• Application Number:
  US10/662,694
• Time in Patent Office: 577 Days
• Field of Search: 89/11.1, 102/502
• US Class Current: 102/502
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0025 for remote electrical discharge via conducting wires, e.g. via wire-tethered electrodes shot at a target
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0031 for remote electrical discharge by means of a wireless projectile
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/36 for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information

Abstract

Two distinct projectile stages are employed in a projectile configured to be fired at a remote target from a rifle, grenade launcher, gas gun or the like. A first stage comprises a pair of wire tethered contact darts for applying an immobilizing electrical discharge to the target. The second stage comprises a battery, circuits, transformer and wires used to generate a high voltage pulsed signal and apply it to the contact darts in the first stage. The higher mass of the second stage impacts the lower mass first stage at launch causing the first stage to be propelled to the target while the slower second stage hits the ground short of the target.

Claims

1. A multistage projectile for firing from a weapon for immobilization of a remote target;

the projectile comprising;

a first stage having at lest one electrical contact for discharging electrical energy into the target; and

a second stage positioned behind said first stage and having a high voltage source and at least one wire tether connected to said first stage for transmitting said electrical energy to said electrical contact.

2. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 further comprising a case, said case housing said first stage and said second stage.

3. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said second stage high voltage source comprises a transformer.

4. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said second stage high voltage source comprises a battery.

5. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said first stage has two of said electrical contacts and wherein said second stage has two of said wire tethers.

6. The multistage projectile recited in claim 2 wherein said first and second stages are positioned apart relation within said case.

7. The multistage projectile recited in claim 2 wherein said case is shaped as a hollow circular cylinder.

8. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said second stage has a mass that is greater than the mass of said first stage.

9. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said second stage has a mass which is at least ten times the mass of said first stage.

10. The multistage projectile in claim 1 wherein said first stage has a mass that is no greater than about 10 grams.

11. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second stages have different aerodynamic characteristics.

12. The multistage projectile recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one electrical switch for selectively disabling said high voltage source until said projectile is fired from a weapon.