Baton system

Abstract

A baton system for providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject. The baton system includes an elongate handle and an elongate engaging member extending from the handle. The handle and engaging member are preferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight. The weight is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves within creating a plurality of radial ridges for increasing the gripping by a user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to baton devices and more specifically it relates to a baton system that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Conventional baton devices have been in use for years. Conventional baton devices are commonly utilized by law enforcement personnel such as police for self-defense and criminal apprehension. A conventional baton device is typically constructed of a rigid, one-piece, elongate structure of a solid cross section and having a smooth outer surface. Conventional batons may be comprised of solid steel, plastic, or wood. Gripping covers made of foam or rubber are available for attachment about the handle of the baton to increase the gripping of the baton during usage.

[0005] The main problem with conventional baton devices is that they are easily damaged or broken when utilized. A broken baton provides reduced protection for law enforcement. Another problem with conventional batons is that they are difficult for a person to grasp within their hand and can be accidentally removed from the person's hand. A further problem with conventional batons is that they are prone to “rebounding” after engaging an object making the batons difficult to operate and control. Also, some batons constructed of flexible materials are prone to bending when engaging an object.

[0006] Examples of patented baton related devices which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,839,967 to Moe; 6,135,888 to Hindi; 5,568,922 to Siddle; 5,320,348 to Starrett; 4,667,958 to Raitto; 5,295,687 to Bedard; 5,160,140 to Starrett; 4,687,131 to von Braunhut.

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for use by individuals for self-defense and criminal apprehension. Conventional batons are easily broken or damaged over time and are difficult to utilize.

[0008] In these respects, the baton system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of baton devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new baton system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new baton system that has many of the advantages of the baton devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new baton system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art baton devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an elongate handle and an elongate engaging member extending from the handle. The handle and engaging member are preferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight. The weight is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves within creating a plurality of radial ridges for increasing the gripping by a user.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a baton system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a baton system for providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0016] Another object is to provide a baton system that is not easily broken or damaged over extended periods of time of usage.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a baton system that is easy to grasp and maintain control of.

[0018] A further object is to provide a baton system that does not bounce or rebound when engaging an object.

[0019] Another object is to provide a baton system that is capable of inducing a fluid shock wave within a subject.

[0020] Another object is to provide a baton system that has a weight filled end to provide a commanding impact force without dramatically increasing the overall weight of the baton.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the present invention showing the weight within the baton.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 illustrating the interior cavity and weight material within the engaging portion.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of the present invention being held in a vertical manner.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the present invention being swung showing the weight material positioned near the end of the baton.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a baton system 10, which comprises an elongate handle 30 and an elongate engaging member 20 extending from the handle 30. The handle 30 and engaging member 20 are preferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity 22 toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight 50. The weight 50 is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle 30 preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves 32 within creating a plurality of radial ridges 34 for increasing the gripping by a user.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the handle 30 and the engaging member 20 form an elongate structure having various lengths between 1-4 feet. As shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the engaging member 20 and the handle 30 are preferably constructed of a single solid structure with the engaging member 20 extending from the handle 30. The handle 30 and the engaging member 20 are preferably constructed of a nylon material for reducing flexing and breakage during usage.

[0033] A desirable material for constructing the handle 30 and the engaging member 20 is manufactured under the name NYLATRON by DSM ENGINEERING PLASTIC PRODUCTS. NYLATRON is comprised of conventional nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide to improve its strength and rigidity. NYLATRON provides increased heat resistance, tensile strength and flexural strength compared to conventional nylon.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the handle 30 includes a rounded end portion 36 with a plurality of grooves 32 radially turned into the handle 30 forming a plurality of radial ridges 34. The handle 30 is an elongate solid structure as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings. The radial ridges 34 preferably have a width less than the width of the grooves 32 as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The grooves 32 preferably have a concave cross section for providing an orthogonal upper portion for the ridges 34.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, a collar 40 is preferably positioned about the end of the handle 30 for separating the handle 30 from the engaging member 20. The collar 40 is preferably tapered inwardly from the handle 30 toward the engaging member 20. The collar 40 may be either integral within the handle 30 and engaging member 20 or attached thereto by a conventional attaching means.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the engaging member 20 is an elongate structure extending from the distal portion of the engaging member 20. The engaging member 20 has a width similar to the width of the handle 30 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The engaging member 20 and the handle 30 preferably have a circular cross sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 through 7 of the drawings, the distal portion of the engaging member 20 has an interior cavity 22 within that is sealed with a cap member 24. The interior cavity 22 defines a volume and is less than ⅓ of the length of the entire engaging member 20. The interior cavity 22 is partially filled with a weight 50 preferably comprised of a particular material such as lead. The particulate material for the weight 50 may be comprised of other materials such as steel, copper and the like.

[0038] The particulate material is preferably spherical in shape to facilitate smooth and easy movement of the material within the interior cavity 22 during usage. The cap member 24 is sealed within the distal end of the engaging member 20 for retaining the particulate weight 50 within. The weight 50 provides an increased “sweet spot” when engaging a subject or an object. In addition, the weight 50 reduces the bouncing of the end of the engaging member 20 from the subject or object after engagement.

[0039] In use, the user grasps the handle 30 prior to swinging the baton system 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. When the user swings the baton system 10 towards an object or subject, the particulate weight 50 within the interior cavity 22 is shifted toward the distal end of the engaging member 20 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. After engaging the subject or object with the end of the engaging member 20, the particulate material of the weight 50 is repositioned within the interior cavity 22 toward the point of impact thereby reducing the bounce affect and maintaining an increased contact time with the subject or object. The user thereafter repositions the baton system 10 into the strike position as shown in FIG. 5 for usage again if necessary.

[0040] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0041] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0042] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 1 Index of Elements for Baton System □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10. Baton System □ 11. □ 12. □ 13. □ 14. □ 15. □ 16. □ 17. □ 18. □ 19. □ 20. Engaging Member □ 21. □ 22. Interior Cavity □ 23. □ 24. Cap Member □ 25. □ 26. □ 27. □ 28. □ 29. □ 30. Handle □ 31. □ 32. Grooves □ 33. □ 34. Ridges □ 35. □ 36. End Portion □ 37. □ 38. □ 39. □ 40. Collar □ 41. □ 42. □ 43. □ 44. □ 45. □ 46. □ 47. □ 48. □ 49. □ 50. Weight □ 51. □ 52. □ 53. □ 54. □ 55. □ 56. □ 57. □ 58. □ 59. □ 60. □ 61. □ 62. □ 63. □ 64. □ 65. □ 66. □ 67. □ 68. □ 69. □ 70. □ 71. □ 72. □ 73. □ 74. □ 75. □ 76. □ 77. □ 78. □ 79.

Claims

1. A baton system, comprising:

an elongate shaft having a handle and an engaging member, wherein said engaging member includes an interior cavity within a distal portion thereof; and

a weight movably positioned within said interior cavity.

2. The baton system of claim 1, wherein said weight is comprised of a particulate material.

3. The baton system of claim 2, wherein said particulate material is comprised of a lead material.

4. The baton system of claim 3, wherein said lead material is comprised of a plurality of spherical lead particles.

5. The baton system of claim 4, wherein said lead material comprises at least 80 percent of a volume of said interior cavity.

6. The baton system of claim 4, wherein said lead material comprises at least 90 percent of a volume of said interior cavity.

7. The baton system of claim 5, wherein said interior cavity is exposed through an opening within a distal end of said engaging member and including a cap member secured within said opening for retaining said lead material within said interior cavity.

8. The baton system of claim 1, wherein said interior cavity comprises less than 33 percent of the length of said engaging member.

9. The baton system of claim 1, wherein said elongate shaft is constructed of a nylon material.

10. The baton system of claim 1, wherein said nylon material is comprised of nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide.

11. A baton system, comprising:

an elongate shaft having a handle and an engaging member, wherein said engaging member includes an interior cavity within a distal portion thereof and wherein said elongate shaft is constructed of nylon;

a collar attached to said elongate shaft about the transition from said handle to said elongate member;

a plurality of radial grooves within said handle forming a plurality of radial ridges within said handle; and

a weight movably positioned within said interior cavity.

12. The baton system of claim 11, wherein said weight is comprised of a particulate material.

13. The baton system of claim 12, wherein said particulate material is comprised of a lead material.

14. The baton system of claim 13, wherein said lead material is comprised of a plurality of spherical lead particles.

15. The baton system of claim 14, wherein said lead material comprises at least 90 percent of a volume of said interior cavity.

16. The baton system of claim 14, wherein said plurality of grooves have a semi-circular cross sectional shape and wherein said plurality of ridges have a flat outer perimeter that is orthogonal to an upper portion of said plurality of grooves.

17. The baton system of claim 15, wherein said interior cavity is exposed through an opening within a distal end of said engaging member and including a cap member secured within said opening for retaining said lead material within said interior cavity.

18. The baton system of claim 11, wherein said interior cavity comprises less than 33 percent of the length of said engaging member.

19. A method of manufacturing a baton, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a length of nylon shaft having a first end and a second end;

(b) boring an interior cavity within said second end;

(c) inserting a volume of particulate lead material within said interior cavity; and

(d) securing a cap member within said second end for enclosing said interior cavity.

20. The method of manufacturing a baton of claim 19, further comprising the step of:

(e) turning a plurality of radial grooves within said nylon shaft adjacent said first end.