HAND WEAPON WITH ROUNDED TIPS, HARDENED MATERIAL, AND HOLSTER

Abstract

A hand weapon which is intended to control combative individuals with minimal injury. The hand weapon generally made from a cudgel with a hand grip portion, a first abutment surface on one end of the hand grip portion, a first striking end portion, and a first stop surface between the first abutment surface and the first striking end. The first striking end portion is in the form of an outwardly extending generally cylindrical portion with a completely rounded generally hemispherical tip. In select embodiments, the hand weapon is made from a hardened material. In other select embodiments, the hand weapon includes a holster.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Field of the Disclosure

The instant disclosure relates generally to a hand weapon with rounded tips, a hardened material, and a holster for such a hand weapon. More particularly, the instant disclosure relates to a hand weapon of the type which may deliver a debilitating but non-lethal blow, thus allowing a law enforcement officer to gain control and compliance of a combative individual without excessive force and with minimal injury to the individual.

Description of the Related Art

There has been a need over the years for a less than lethal hand weapon which may be used to control combative individuals while accomplishing an arrest with minimal injury to the individual. Today a typical police officer only carries a revolver or piston and a nightstick. In many situations, the use of the revolver is inappropriate and thus the police officer is required to resort to use of the nightstick. However, in many situations the police officer may use, or may be accused of using, too much force with the nightstick thus leading to charges of police brutality. However, in general, most police officers merely want to use only that force necessary to control the individual so that a proper arrest can be made.

International Publication Number WO 90/07959 discloses a hand weapon intended to control combative individuals with minimal injury. International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is incorporated herein in its entirety. The small hand weapon (10) of International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is designed to deliver an opponent a debilitating yet non-lethal blow, thus allowing the user of the hand weapon to gain control and compliance of an opponent without unnecessary or excessive force. The hand weapon includes a cudgel (12) which has a central hand grip portion (16) and striking end portions (18, 20). The striking end portions are cylindrical projections with flat top surfaces (34, 36), and they are separated from the hand grip portion by stop surfaces (22, 24). The hand grip portion has a finger grip portion and first and second abutment surfaces (28, 30) which are adapted to be engaged by the tip of the thumb and the heel of the hand when the hand weapon is in use.

One problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that the flat surfaces (34, 36) of the striking end portions (18, 20) can easily cause lacerations or cuts on the skin of an opponent, even with the rounded corners or edges (40, 42). This is obviously not desired as the purpose of the hand weapon is merely to control combative individuals, while not causing any injuries. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon with striking surfaces that are less prone to cause lacerations or cuts on the skin of an opponent.

Another problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that it can be broken or splintered. The cudgel (12) of the hand weapon (10) disclosed therein is described to be formed of a hardwood such as rock maple. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon that is harder or less prone to breaking and/or splintering.

Another problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that users, like law enforcement, do not like to carry the hand weapon as it requires the user to continuously hold it in their hands, dangle it from their wrists via the provided thong (14), or stick it in their pockets, where it is a bit too large and uncomfortable. This undesirability to carry the hand weapon can lead to law enforcement personnel either leaving the hand weapon somewhere, like their car or desk, or not using the hand weapon at all. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon that is easier to carry.

The instant disclosure is designed to address at least some aspects of the problems discussed above. The hand weapon described herein may be designed to reduce or prevent lacerations or cuts of the skin via rounded tips, provide a harder longer lasting device with the hardened material, and be easier to carry with the holster.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a hand weapon with rounded tips, hardened material, and a holster. The hand weapon as disclosed herein may be a weapon intended to control combative individuals with minimal injury, similar to International Publication Number WO 90/07959, incorporated herein in its entirety.

It may be a principal object of the present invention to provide a hand weapon for use by law enforcement personnel and security professionals which may be utilized to control combative individuals while accomplishing an arrest with minimal injury to the individual.

It may be another object of the present invention to provide such a hand weapon which is small and which may be concealed in the hand, holster, or pocket during use.

It may be a further object of the present invention to provide such a small hand weapon which will deliver a debilitating yet non-lethal blow.

A still further object of the present invention may be to provide a hand weapon which may be used for self-defense purposes, the weapon being designed to deliver debilitating but non-lethal blows.

The above objects and other objects of this invention may be accomplished by providing an integral cudgel having an intermediate hand grip portion and opposed striking end portions which are coaxial with the hand grip portion. The hand grip portion is so contoured that the hand grip portion can be comfortably engaged by the hand. Thus, the grip is engaged with the hand being in a hand-shaking position with the thumb extended so that it is in line with the user's forearm, the thumb engaging an abutment at one end of the hand grip portion and the heel of the hand engaging another abutment at the other end of the hand grip portion. When so engaged the cudgel will be locked in the hand. The striking end portions are generally cylindrical and have a diameter sufficiently wide not to puncture the skin but sufficiently small to effectively transmit impact forces. Adjacent each striking end portion is a radially outwardly extending stop surface which causes the striking portion to have an effective length short enough to prevent damage to internal organs but long enough to damage muscle or bone thus being capable of delivering a debilitating blow.

In one aspect, the hand weapon disclosed herein may generally be formed of the cudgel including: a hand grip portion, a first abutment surface on one end of the hand grip portion, a first striking end portion, and a first stop surface between the first abutment surface and the first striking end. The first striking end portion may be in the form of an outwardly extending generally cylindrical portion with a completely rounded generally hemispherical tip. In other words, the completely rounded tip may have no flat surfaces.

One feature of the hand weapon disclosed herein may that it can be formed of a hardened material. The hardened material of the cudgel may be a hard wood, a hard plastic, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In select embodiments, the hardened material of the cudgel may be a hard wood with grain running substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the cudgel. For example, and clearly not limited thereto, the hardened material may be a rock maple with grain running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cudgel. In other select embodiments, the hardened material may be a polycarbonate hard plastic. In other select embodiments, the hardened material may include a hardened coating. As an example, the hardened coating may include, but is clearly not limited thereto, a hardened primer paint and a hardened paint. The hardened primer paint may include 13 primer at 250 milliliters, 1 primer at 19.25 milliliters, and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters. The hardened paint may include 2 paint at 250 milliliters, 1 paint at 125 milliliters, and 25% paint at 94 milliliters.

Another feature of the hand weapon disclosed herein may be the inclusion of a holster for carrying the hand weapon, like on the belt of a user. The holster may generally include a first strap configured to loop around and secure to itself via a fast connector to form a loop. The loop may be sized larger than the hand grip portion of the cudgel but smaller than the first abutment surface for securing the cudgel in the holster. An attachment mechanism may be secured to the first strap. The attachment mechanism may be configured to attach to a user for securing the holster on the user.

In select embodiments, the fast connector on the loop of the holster may be a snap connector. The snap connector may include a male snap on one end of the first strap and a female snap on the other end of the first strap. As such, the male snap may be configured to removably connect to the female snap for forming the loop with the first strap.

In other select embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the holster may be a belt attachment. The belt attachment may be configured to attach the holster to the belt of the user. The belt attachment may include a second strap folded over upon itself with a first end connected to a second end thereby creating a slot configured to receive the belt of the user. In select embodiments, the two ends of the second strap may be connected together via a first rivet connection. In select embodiments, the second strap may be folded over with one end inserted through the loop created by the first strap. As such, the loop may be positioned under the fold of the second strap for securing the first strap with the second strap. In select embodiments, the second strap may be connected to the first strap approximate its center via a second rivet connection. In select embodiments, the first strap and the second strap may be made of a leather material.

In select embodiments, a thong may be included with the hand weapon disclosed herein. The thong may be configured to be disposed about the wrist of the user. The thong may be interconnected with the cudgel, wherein the thong passes through an aperture extending through the cudgel.

In other select embodiments, the cudgel of the hand weapon disclosed herein may include a second abutment surface that is opposed with the first abutment surface for engagement by the thumb and the heel of the hand, respectively.

In other select embodiments, the cudgel of the hand weapon disclosed herein may include a second striking end portion opposed with the first striking end portion.

In other select embodiments, the cudgel of the hand weapon disclosed herein may include a second radially outwardly extending stop surface positioned between the second striking end portion and the second opposed abutment surface.

In other select embodiments of the cudgel of the hand weapon disclosed herein, the second striking end portion may be in the form of an outwardly extending generally cylindrical portion with a completely rounded generally hemispherical tip. The first and second striking end portions may be generally coaxial with the hand grip portion and may have a diameter sufficiently wide not to puncture the skin but sufficiently small to effectively transmit impact forces.

In another aspect, the hand weapon disclosed herein may be generally made from a cudgel which may include a hand grip portion, a first and second abutment surface on opposing ends of the hand grip portion, a first and second opposing striking end portion, and a first and second opposing stop surface between the first abutment surface and the first striking end. Wherein the cudgel may be formed of a hardened material. The hardened material may include, but is not limited to, a hard wood, a hard plastic, a hard coating, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

In select embodiments, the hardened material may be a hard wood with grain running substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the cudgel. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, the hardened material may be a rock maple with grain running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cudgel.

In other select embodiments, the hardened material may be a polycarbonate hard plastic.

In other select embodiments, the hardened material may include a hardened coating. The hardened coating may include a hardened primer paint and a hardened paint. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, the hardened primer paint may include Primer 13 at 250 milliliters, standard primer at 19.25 milliliters, and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters. Also as examples, and clearly not limited thereto, the hardened paint may include 2 paint at 250 milliliters, 1 paint at 125 milliliters, and 25% paint at 94 milliliters.

In yet another aspect, the hand weapon disclosed herein may generally be made from a cudgel which may include a hand grip portion, a first and second abutment surface on opposing ends of the hand grip portion, a first and second opposing striking end portions, and a first and second opposing stop surface between the first abutment surface and the first striking end. In addition, the hand weapon may include a holster. The holster may include a first strap and an attachment mechanism. The first strap may be configured to loop around and secure to itself via a fast connector to form a loop. The loop may be sized larger than the hand grip portion of the cudgel but smaller than the first abutment surface for securing the cudgel in the holster. The attachment mechanism may be secured to the first strap. The attachment mechanism may be configured to attach to a user for securing the holster on the user.

In select embodiments of the holster for the hand weapon disclosed herein, the fast connector may be a snap connector. The snap connector may include a male snap on one end of the first strap and a female snap on the other end of the first strap. Whereby, the male snap may be configured to removably connect to the female snap for forming the loop.

In select embodiments of the holster for the hand weapon disclosed herein, the attachment mechanism may be a belt attachment configured to attach the holster to the belt of the user. The belt attachment may include a second strap folded over upon itself with a first end connected to a second end thereby creating a slot configured to receive the belt of the user. In select embodiments, the two ends of the second strap may be connected together via a first rivet connection. In select embodiments, the second strap may be folded over with one end inserted through the loop created by the first strap. As such, the loop may be positioned under the fold of the second strap for securing the first strap with the second strap. In select embodiments, the second strap may be connected to the first strap approximate its center via a second rivet connection.

In select embodiments of the holster for the hand weapon disclosed herein, the first strap and the second strap may be made of a leather material.

These and other features of the hand weapon with rounded tips, hardened material, and holster will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary, and the following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present apparatuses, systems and methods will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hand weapon according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand weapon of FIG. 1 gripped between the heel H and tip of the thumb T of the user's hand with the thong wrapped around the wrist W of the user;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a hand weapon according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front plane view of hand weapon from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side plane view of the hand weapon from FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand weapon from FIG. 3 inserted into a loop of a holster according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the holster for a hand weapon according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with the snaps closed;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the holster from FIG. 7 with the snaps opened; and

FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view of the hand weapon from FIG. 3 inserted into the holster of FIG. 7, where the holster is hanging from the belt of a user via a belt attachment.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the hand weapon of the prior art disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is shown. International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is incorporated herein in its entirety. It can be seen that the hand weapon of this disclosure, which is indicated generally at 10, consists of two principal components, these being a cudgel or the like, indicated generally at 12, and an optional thong indicated generally at 14. The cudgel of International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is disclosed as being formed of a hardwood such as rock maple. It is also a wood which may be easily turned in a lathe to produce the desired end product.

The cudgel has a number of separate coaxial portions, these being a hand grip portion, that being the portion within the bracket 16, first and second opposed striking end portions 18, 20, respectively and first and second radially outwardly extending stop surfaces 22, 24, respectively.

The hand grip portion includes a finger grip portion 26 and first and second opposed abutment surfaces 28, 30, respectively, for engagement by the tip T of the thumb and the heel H of the hand. As can be seen from these drawings each of these abutment surfaces is in a curved conical form so that it conforms to either the tip of the thumb or the heel of the hand when the cudgel is engaged by the fingers of the hand in the manner illustrated. The finger grip portion has first and second reduced diameter portions 26.1 and 26.2, respectively, these being adjacent the first and second opposed abutment surfaces, respectively, and an enlarged diameter center portion 26.3 for engagement with the fingertips, this being best illustrated in FIG. 5. In order to prevent slipping, the enlarged diameter center portion 26.3 of the finger grip portion is provided with a plurality of axially spaced-apart circumferentially extending grooves 32, the grooves being sufficiently deep to provide good resistance to slipping but not so deep as to pinch the flesh of the fingers. The hand grip portion 16 is specifically contoured so that the hand grip can be engaged by a hand in a hand-shaking position with the thumb extended so it is in line with the user's forearm. Thus, when the hand weapon of this disclosure is engaged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 with the thumb locked against the back lip of the larger end of the cudgel, the hand weapon will be correctly held and it will feel locked in the hand. Thus, if the user were to strike forward he would feel the solid strength of his forearm and wrist, not just his hand.

When striking the first striking end 18 will typically be utilized, the striking end being a generally cylindrical projection having a diameter sufficiently wide not to puncture the skin but sufficiently small to effectively transmit impact forces. The length of the striking end portion is such that it is short enough to normally prevent damage to internal organs but long enough to damage muscle and bone near the surface of the skin. Each striking end portion 18, 20 terminates in a flat surface 34, 36 which is disposed at right angles to the axis 38 of the hand weapon. In an effort to try and prevent cutting or tearing of the skin, the projections were provided with a rounded corner between the flat surface and the cylindrical portion, the rounded corner between the first flat surface 34 and the first striking end 18 being indicated at 40, and the other rounded corner being indicated at 42.

In order to control the depth of penetration of the striking end portions 18, 20, the first and second stop surfaces 22, 24 are provided. Each of these stop surfaces is essentially the same although the maximum diameter of the first stop surface, where it intersects the first abutment surface 28 is greater than the maximum diameter of the second stop surface 24 where it intersects the second abutment surface 30. Each of the stop surfaces is generally conical in shape and initially extends away from the associated cylindrical striking end portion 18 or 20 at approximately 45° to the axis 38, the angle progressively decreasing to establish a curved conical surface.

The hand weapon also includes a thong 14 being a leather strap having an intermediate portion 44 which passes through an aperture 46 in the cudgel, which aperture intersects the axis 38 at right angles thereto, the aperture extending through the second abutment surface. The ends 48 and 50 of the leather strap are tied together so that the thong may be slipped over the wrist W of the user to prevent the inadvertent loss of the hand weapon during use or otherwise.

As discussed above in the Background, one problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that the flat surfaces (34, 36) of the striking end portions (18, 20) can easily cause lacerations or cuts on the skin of an opponent, even with rounded corners or edges (40, 42). This is obviously not desired as the purpose of the hand weapon is merely to control combative individuals, while not causing any injuries. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon with striking surfaces that are less prone to cause lacerations or cuts on the skin of an opponent. Referring to FIGS. 3-6 and 9, the instant disclosure is designed to improve the hand weapon of International Publication Number WO 90/07959 by changing the flat surfaces 34, 36 into the completely rounded hemispherical shaped tips 340, 360 to reduce or prevent lacerations or cuts of the skin via rounded tips.

Another problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that it can be broken or splintered. The cudgel (12) of the hand weapon (10) disclosed therein is described to be formed of a hardwood such as rock maple. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon that is harder or less prone to breaking and/or splintering. Referring to FIGS. 3-9, the instant disclosure is designed to improve the hand weapon of International Publication Number WO 90/07959 by providing a harder longer lasting device that is made of hardened material 510.

Another problem that has been discovered with the hand weapon disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/07959 is that uses, like law enforcement, do not like to carry the hand weapon as it requires the user to continuously hold it in their hands, dangle it from their wrists via the provided thong (14), or stick it in their pockets, where it is a bit too large and uncomfortable. This undesirability to carry the hand weapon can lead to law enforcement personnel either leaving the hand weapon somewhere, like their car or desk, or not using the hand weapon at all. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a similar hand weapon that is easier to carry. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the instant disclosure is designed to improve the hand weapon of International Publication Number WO 90/07959 by providing holster 600 which may allow the hand weapon to be easily carried on the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-9, briefly described, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing hand weapon 110 with rounded tips or ends 340, 360, hardened material 510, and holster 600. The hand weapon 110 as disclosed herein may be a weapon intended to control combative individuals with minimal injury, similar to International Publication Number WO 90/07959, incorporated herein in its entirety.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3-6 and 9, by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of hand weapon 110. Hand weapon 110 disclosed herein may generally be formed of cudgel 120 including hand grip portion 160, first and second opposed abutment surfaces 280, 300 on one end of the hand grip portion 160, first and second opposed striking end portions 180, 200, and first and second opposing stop surfaces 220, 240 between the first abutment surface 280 and the first striking end 180, and the second abutment surface 300 and the second striking end 200, respectively. The first and second striking end portions 180, 200 may be in the form of outwardly extending generally cylindrical portions 400, 420, respectively with completely rounded generally hemispherical tips 340, 360, respectively. In other words, the completely rounded tip 340, 360 may have no flat surfaces at the end of cylindrical portions 400, 420. These completely rounded tips 340, 360 may provide smooth surfaces for striking end portions 180, 200 that help reduce and/or prevent cuts or lacerations.

The hand grip portion 160 may include finger grip portion 260 and first and second opposed abutment surfaces 280, 300, respectively, for engagement by the tip T of the thumb and the heel H of the hand (see FIG. 2). As can be seen from the drawings each of these abutment surfaces 280, 300 may be in a curved conical form so that it comfortably conforms to either the tip of the thumb or the heel of the hand when the cudgel 120 may be engaged by the fingers of the hand in the manner illustrated. The finger grip portion 260 may have first and second reduced diameter portions 261 and 262, respectively, these being adjacent the first and second opposed abutment surfaces, respectively, and an enlarged diameter center portion 263 for engagement with the fingertips, this being best illustrated in FIGS. 4-5. In order to prevent slipping, the enlarged diameter center portion 263 of the finger grip portion may be provided with a plurality of axially spaced-apart circumferentially extending grooves 320, the grooves being sufficiently deep to provide good resistance to slipping but not so deep as to pinch the flesh of the fingers. The hand grip portion 160 may be approximately 5¾ inches (14.6 cm) in length and, is specifically contoured so that the hand grip can be engaged by a hand in a hand-shaking position with the thumb extended so it is in line with the user's forearm. Thus, when the hand weapon of this invention is engaged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 with the thumb locked against the back lip of the larger end of the cudgel, the hand weapon will be correctly held and it will feel locked in the hand. Thus, if the user were to strike forward he would feel the solid strength of his forearm and wrist, not just his hand.

When striking, the first striking end 180 may typically be utilized, the striking end being a generally cylindrical projection having a diameter sufficiently wide not to puncture the skin but sufficiently small to effectively transmit impact forces. The length of the striking end portion is such that it is short enough to normally prevent damage to internal organs but long enough to damage muscle and bone near the surface of the skin. In practice, the diameter may be approximately ⅜ inches (9.5 cm) to 7/16 inches (11.1 mm) and the length being approximately ⅜ inches (9.5 cm).

In order to control the depth of penetration of the striking end portions 180, 200, the first and second stop surfaces 220, 240 are provided. Each of these stop surfaces is essentially the same although the maximum diameter of the first stop surface, where it intersects the first abutment surface 280 may be greater than the maximum diameter of the second stop surface 240 where it intersects the second abutment surface 300. Each of the stop surfaces may be generally conical in shape and initially extends away from the associated cylindrical striking end portion 180 or 200 at approximately 45° to the axis 380, the angle progressively decreasing to establish a curved conical surface.

The hand weapon may also include a thong 14 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) being a leather strap having an intermediate portion 44 which passes through an aperture 460 in the cudgel (see FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 9), which aperture 460 intersects the axis 380 at right angles thereto, the aperture 460 extending through the second abutment surface 300. The ends 48 and 50 of the leather strap are tied together so that the thong may be slipped over the wrist W of the user to prevent the inadvertent loss of the hand weapon during use or otherwise.

One feature of the hand weapon disclosed herein may that it can be formed of hardened material 510. Hardened material 510 of the cudgel 120 may be any hardened material designed to reduce breaking and/or splintering. Hardened material 510 may be hard wood 520, hard plastic 530, hardened coating 570, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, in select embodiments, the hardened material 510 of the cudgel 120 may be hard wood 520 with grain 540 running substantially parallel with longitudinal axis 380 of the cudgel 120. The feature of grain 540 running substantially parallel with longitudinal axis 380 of the cudgel 120 may prevent splintering and breaking of cudgel 120. For example, and clearly not limited thereto, the hardened material 510 may be rock maple 560 with grain 540 running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 380 of the cudgel 120.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, in other select embodiments, the hardened material 510 may be polycarbonate hard plastic 550. The polycarbonate hard plastic 550 may be any desired polycarbonate plastic configured for reducing breaking and/or splintering of cudgel 120 of hand weapon 110. In fact, polycarbonate hard plastic 550 by its nature may not splinter similar to wood type products.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, in other select embodiments, the hardened material 510 may include hardened coating 570. Hardened coating 570 may be any coating or the like applied to cudgel 120 of hand weapon 110 for strengthening, hardening, and/or reducing splinters of cudgel 120 of hand weapon 110. Hardened coating 570 may be in substitute or addition to hardened wood 520 and/or hard plastic 530. As an example, the hardened coating 570 may include, but is clearly not limited thereto, hardened primer paint 580 and/or hardened paint 590. The hardened primer paint 580 may include, but is clearly not limited thereto, Primer 13 at 250 milliliters, standard primer at 19.25 milliliters, and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters. The hardened paint 590 may include, but is clearly not limited thereto, 2 paint at 250 milliliters, 1 paint at 125 milliliters, and 25% paint at 94 milliliters. In select embodiments, the hardened coating may include a combination of hardened primer paint 580 with Primer 13 at 250 milliliters, 1 primer at 19.25 milliliters, and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters, coated directly on cudgel 120 of hand weapon 110, and hardened paint 590 with 2 paint at 250 milliliters, 1 paint at 125 milliliters, and 25% paint at 94 milliliters applied on top of hardened primer paint 580 with low voltage electrical current.

The instant hardened coating 570 may be a hard, high gloss finish, that may be hard to chip, or dull. Hardened coating 570 may be designed to make hand weapon 110, not only harder, but a more finished appearance. Hardened coating 570 may also be designed to keep hand weapon 110 looking new. This may be ideal for law enforcement officers, who take great pride in taking care of their equipment.

Hardened coating 570 may be coated onto hand weapon 110 by a specific unique process. The unfinished hand weapon 110 could be brought into a building where everything in the factory may be divided into different rooms or between large sheets of heavy plastic from ceiling to floor. The first thing could be to set the unfinished hand weapon 110 into a jig made to hold hand weapon 110. A drill could then be used to put the hole for leather strap in the one end. The unfinished hand weapon 10 could then be taken over to a sanding station where a final sanding and cleaning could be done before applying the first coat of hardened primer paint 580 in another room or section of the building. The next step could be to send the hand weapon 110 to a “primer” room, where the hand weapon 110 could be hung on a hook, where the hooks could be spaced approximately 6″ apart on an overhead line (like a clothesline in your yard). There could also be a wire that ran the length of the clothesline that is wrapped around each hook (like twice) and then went next hook on down the line. As an example, there could be 5 rows like this and 20 hand weapon 110s in each row. The room may need to remain warm at all times, like above 75 degrees. The drying time between primer coats could be determined based on parameters. The color of the primer paint 580 could be a medium gray oil based paint. As the primer paint 580 may be applied, there may be a small electric current going thru each hand weapon 110. The painting areas humidity level may be kept between 50-60%. The next step may be that the hand weapons 110 may be brought over to another room sealed off with heavy plastic, ceiling walls, completely sealed off except for a large exhaust fan to the outside. The hand weapons 110 may be placed same way as primer room and given 2 coats of black oil based primer paint 580. Fine sanding and cleaning may be done between coats. After this, the hand weapons 110 may be brought into another sealed off room with large spotlights, exhaust fan, with electric wire running the length and wrapped around each hook. A clear, high gloss finish may then be applied to the hand weapons 110, then a quick very fine sanding, then wipe down cleaning. This high gloss finish process may be repeated 3 times, each time using a low voltage electrical current.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6-9, another feature of hand weapon 110 may be the inclusion of holster 600. Holster 600 may be for carrying the hand weapon 110, like on the belt B of user U, as shown in FIG. 9. Holster 600 may generally include first strap 610 configured to loop around and secure to itself via fast connector 620 to form loop 630. Loop 630 may be sized larger than hand grip portion 160 of the cudgel 120 but smaller than the first abutment surface 280 for securing the cudgel 120 in holster 600.

Fast connector 620 may be included with holster 600 to form loop 630 for holding hand weapon 110. Fast connector 620 may be any device or mechanism used to releasably form loop 630 with first strap 610. In select embodiments, the fast connector 620 on the loop 630 of the holster 600 may be snap connector 650. The snap connector 650 may include male snap 660 on one end 670 of the first strap 610 and female snap 680 on the other end 690 of the first strap 610. In operation, the male snap 660 may be configured to removably connect to the female snap 680 for forming and releasing the loop 630 for quickly securing and releasing hand weapon 110 in holster 600.

Attachment mechanism 635 may be included with holster 600. Attachment mechanism 635 may be for securing or attaching holster 600 with and without hand weapon 110 onto User U. Attachment mechanism 635 may be secured to the first strap 610. The attachment mechanism 635 may be configured to attach to user U for securing the holster 600 with the hand weapon 110 on the user U. Attachment mechanism 635 may be designed to attach to any location or device on User U, or any other desired location for carrying and transporting hand weapon 110. In select embodiments, attachment mechanism 635 may be belt attachment 640. Belt attachment 640 may be configured to attach the holster 600 to the belt B of the user U. Belt attachment 640 may include any device or mechanism for attaching holster 600 to belt B of the user U. In select embodiments, the belt attachment 640 may include second strap 700 folded over upon itself with first end 710 connected to second end 720 thereby creating slot 730 configured to receive the belt B of the user U. The two ends 710, 720 of second strap 700 may be connected together by any means. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the two ends 710, 720 of the second strap 700 may be connected together via first rivet connection 740. In select embodiments, the second strap 700 may be folded over with one end inserted through the loop 630 created by the first strap 610. As such, the loop 630 may be positioned under the fold 750 of the second strap 700 for securing the first strap 610 with the second strap 700. In select embodiments, the second strap 700 may be connected to the first strap 610 approximate its center 760 via a second rivet connection 770. In select embodiments, the holster 600 including the first strap 610 and the second strap 700 may be made of leather material 780.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, 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 disclosure. 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 will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure 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 disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A hand weapon comprising:

a cudgel including: a hand grip portion a first abutment surface on one end of the hand grip portion; a first striking end portion; and a first stop surface between the first abutment surface and the first striking end portion; said first striking end portion being in the form of a first outwardly extending generally cylindrical portion with a first completely rounded generally hemispherical tip.

2. The hand weapon of claim 1, wherein the first completely rounded generally hemispherical tip having no flat surfaces.

3. The hand weapon of claim 1, wherein the cudgel being formed of a hardened material being selected from a group consisting of: a hard wood; a hard plastic; and a hardened coating;

wherein the hard wood including grain running substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the cudgel; or

wherein the hard plastic being a polycarbonate hard plastic.

4. The hand weapon of claim 3, wherein the hard wood being a rock maple with grain running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cudgel.

5. The hand weapon of claim 3, wherein the hardened coating including a hardened primer paint and a hardened paint, wherein:

the hardened primer paint including: Primer 13 at 250 milliliters; standard primer at 19.25 milliliters; and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters; and

the hardened paint including: 2 paint at 250 milliliters; 1 paint at 125 milliliters; and 25% paint at 94 milliliters.

6. The hand weapon of claim 1 further comprising a holster.

7. The hand weapon of claim 6, wherein the holster comprising:

a first strap configured to loop around and secure to itself via a fast connector to form a loop;

said loop being sized larger than the hand grip portion of the cudgel but smaller than the first abutment surface for securing the cudgel in the holster; and

an attachment mechanism secured to the first strap, said attachment mechanism being configured to attach to a user for securing the holster with the hand weapon on the user.

8. The hand weapon of claim 7, wherein:

the fast connector being a snap connector, said snap connector comprising a male snap on one end of the first strap and a female snap on the other end of the first strap, whereby said male snap is configured to removably connect to the female snap for forming said loop; and

the attachment mechanism being a belt attachment configured to attach to a belt of the user, said belt attachment comprising a second strap folded over upon itself with a first end connected to a second end thereby creating a slot configured to receive the belt of the user, wherein the two ends of the second strap are connected together via a first rivet connection, wherein the second strap is folded over with one end inserted through the loop created by the first strap, whereby the loop is positioned under the fold of the second strap for securing the first strap with the second strap.

9. The hand weapon of claim 8, wherein:

the second strap is connected to the first strap approximate its center via a second rivet connection; and

wherein the first strap and the second strap are made of a leather material.

10. The hand weapon of claim 1 further comprising a thong configured to be disposed about a wrist of a user, the thong being interconnected with the cudgel, wherein the thong passes through an aperture extending through the cudgel.

11. The hand weapon of claim 1, wherein the cudgel further comprising:

a second abutment surface that is opposed with the first abutment surface for engagement by the thumb and the heel of the hand, respectively;

a second striking end portion opposed with the first striking end portion;

a second radially outwardly extending stop surface positioned between the second striking end portion and the second opposed abutment surface;

said second striking end portion being in the form of a second outwardly extending generally cylindrical portion with a second completely rounded generally hemispherical tip;

the first and second striking end portions being generally coaxial with the hand grip portion and having a diameter sufficiently wide not to puncture the skin but sufficiently small to effectively transmit impact forces, each striking end portion also having a length short enough to prevent damage to internal organs but long enough to damage muscle or bone;

each of the first and second stop surfaces preventing excessive penetration of an associated striking end portion to prevent undue injury from the associated striking end portion; and

each of the first and second stop surfaces extending radially outwardly and away from the cylindrical striking end portions, where each of the radially outwardly extending stop surfaces initially forms an angle adjacent the cylindrical portion of approximately 45°, where the angle of the stop surface with respect to the axis of the hand grip portion progressively decreases to form a curved generally conically shaped surface;

wherein the cylindrical hand grip portion is contoured so that the hand grip can be comfortably engaged by a hand with the hand being in a handshaking position with the thumb extended so that it is in line with the user's forearm, wherein the first opposed abutment surface is curved so that it comfortably conforms to the tip of the thumb when the hand grip is engaged by the fingers of the hand, wherein the second opposed abutment surface is curved in such a manner that it may be comfortably engaged by the heel of the hand when the fingers of the hand are engaging the hand grip portion;

wherein the hand grip portion between the first and second opposed abutment surfaces is provided with a finger grip portion, the finger grip portion having reduced diameters adjacent the first and second opposed abutment surfaces and an enlarged diameter which may be engaged by the middle finger of the hand, wherein the finger grip portion is provided with a plurality of axially spaced apart circumferentially extending grooves to provide resistance to slipping of the hand, wherein the grooves are sufficiently deep to provide good resistance to slipping but not so deep as to pinch the flesh of the fingers; and

wherein the first abutment surface and the first stop surface intersect each other in a circular diameter greater than the intersection diameter of the second abutment surface and the second stop surface.

12. A hand weapon comprising:

a cudgel including: a hand grip portion a first and second abutment surface on opposing ends of the hand grip portion; a first and second opposing striking end portions; and a first and second opposing stop surfaces between the first and second abutment surfaces and the first and second striking end portions, respectively; wherein the cudgel being formed of a hardened material.

13. The hand weapon of claim 12, wherein the hardened material being selected from a group consisting of: a hard wood; a hard plastic; and a hardened coating.

14. The hand weapon of claim 13, wherein the hard wood including grain running substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the cudgel.

15. The hand weapon of claim 14, wherein the hard wood being a rock maple with grain running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cudgel.

16. The hand weapon of claim 13, wherein the hard plastic being a polycarbonate hard plastic.

17. The hand weapon of claim 13, wherein the hardened coating including a hardened primer paint and a hardened paint; wherein the hardened paint being applied with low voltage electrical current.

the hardened primer paint including: Primer 13 at 250 milliliters; standard primer at 19.25 milliliters; and 25% primer at 67.5 milliliters; and

the hardened paint including: 2 paint at 250 milliliters; 1 paint at 125 milliliters; and 25% paint at 94 milliliters;

18. A hand weapon comprising:

a cudgel including: a hand grip portion a first and second abutment surface on opposing ends of the hand grip portion; a first and second opposing striking end portions; and a first and second opposing stop surface between the first and second abutment surfaces and the first and second striking end portions, respectively; and a holster comprising: a first strap configured to loop around and secure to itself via a fast connector to form a loop; said loop being sized larger than the hand grip portion of the cudgel but smaller than the first abutment surface for securing the cudgel in the holster; and an attachment mechanism secured to the first strap, said attachment mechanism being configured to attach to a user for securing the holster with the hand weapon on the user.

19. The hand weapon of claim 18, wherein:

the fast connector being a snap connector, said snap connector comprising a male snap on one end of the first strap and a female snap on the other end of the first strap, whereby said male snap is configured to removably connect to the female snap for forming said loop; and

the attachment mechanism being a belt attachment configured for attaching to a belt of a user, said belt attachment comprising a second strap folded over upon itself with a first end connected to a second end thereby creating a slot configured to receive the belt of the user, wherein the two ends of the second strap are connected together via a first rivet connection;

wherein the second strap is folded over with one end inserted through the loop created by the first strap, whereby the loop is positioned under the fold of the second strap for securing the first strap with the second strap; and

wherein the second strap is connected to the first strap approximate its center via a second rivet connection.

20. The hand weapon of claim 19, wherein the first strap and the second strap are made of a leather material.