# US 7,744,471 B2 · Tactical defense device having baton and spray dispensing capabilities

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- Number: US 7,744,471 B2
- Document ID: US7744471B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 10/625,020
- Filed: 2003-07-23
- Published: 2004-07-15
- Granted: 2010-06-29
- Earliest claimed: 2002-07-26
- Assignees: Armanent Systems and Procedures, Inc.
- Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7744471B2

## CPC

- F41H 9/10: Hand-held or body-worn self-defence devices using repellant gases or chemicals
- F41H: ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL

## Abstract

A non-threatening combination baton and spray dispenser that can be readily employed was a baton or as a dispenser without requiring complex re-orientation or concentrated aiming, including an expandable baton having a mounted connector coupling that facilitates connection to an end of an irritant spray dispenser disposed in axial alignment with the baton. The connector coupling supports a switch mechanism readily operable by the user's thumb while grasping the connector coupling to selectively dispense spray axially from the dispenser with the baton in either its retracted or expanded positions. The dispenser preferably utilizes the barrel and lens support end of a flashlight to facilitate use as a flashlight or for conversion to receive a pressurized chemical irritant cartridge, and enables selective interchangeability of nozzle plates of different color exposed surfaces to simulate a flashlight lens, provide a dark, non-reflective color during night maneuvers, or use a bright color so that a subject is readily aware that an irritant spray dispenser is pointed at him. The switch mechanism includes a safety button selectively operable to prevent unintended actuation of the dispenser.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a dispenser adapted to receive the pressurized spray cartridge;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an expandable baton portion adapted for connection to the second end;
a cap accessible on a side surface of the dispenser;
the cap movable between first and second positions;
wherein, in the first position, the cap may be depressed in a generally radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis mechanically causing the actuator movement, with movement of the cap between the first and second positions being in a direction that is different than the generally radial direction;
wherein depression of the cap is prevented when the cap is in the second position; and
wherein the device is generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, the cap being slidingly movable between the first and second positions in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator button;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator button;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement;
a guide pin for guiding movement of the actuator button;
a spring about the guide pin for biasing against depression of the actuator button.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, the cap comprising an upper surface with raised concentric rings for facilitating tactile feedback and control.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, the cap being positioned, on the side surface of the dispenser, to permit operation by a user's thumb of one hand while said hand is gripping the device in a generally horizontal orientation, with said hand raised and said thumb generally facing the user.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1,
the cap comprising a depending retainer leg;
the retainer leg limiting the direction of the movement of the cap between the first and second positions.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator button;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement;
the cap comprising a depending retainer leg;
the actuator button comprising a slot, adapted to slidingly receive the retainer leg to enable sliding movement of the cap between the first and second positions.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator button;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement;
the cap and the actuator button having mutually cooperable channels for releasably retaining the cap in the first position.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
the nozzle plate being interchangeable with any one of a plurality of nozzle plates;
each of the plurality of nozzle plates comprising a visible outer surface, and each of the nozzle plates being distinguishable from the other nozzle plates by an appearance of its visible outer surface;
the appearances of the different nozzle plate outer surfaces respectively designed to conceal or to reveal the chemical dispersing use of the device.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
the nozzle plate comprising a visible outer surface;
the visible outer surface being selected from a group consisting of a surface made of a light-reflective material, a silver color surface, a surface made of a non-reflective material, a dark buff color surface, a black color surface, a surface made of a brightly colored material, and a red color surface.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
an annular retainer in the forward portion;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion by the annular retainer and defining the discharge orifice.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
an annular resilient seal member configured to cooperate with an annular surface of the nozzle plate.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, further comprising a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, wherein the dispenser has an annular cover sleeve formed thereon.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The tactical defense device of claim 15, wherein the annular cover sleeve is formed of a material that enhances gripping of the dispenser.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, wherein the discharge orifice is in axial alignment with a discharge nozzle of the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, the dispenser comprising:
a tubular body for receiving the pressurized spray cartridge; and
a coupling connector coupled to the tubular body;
the coupling connector comprising the second end of the dispenser;
the coupling connector comprising the cap.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The tactical defense device of claim 1, the expandable baton portion comprising telescoping sections.

### Claim 20

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
the actuator movement being caused by depression of the actuator button in a generally radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;
a guide pin for guiding movement of the actuator button;
a spring about the guide pin for biasing against depression of the actuator button;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 21

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
a cap accessible on a side surface of the dispenser;
the cap slidingly movable between first and second positions in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement;
wherein depression of the cap is prevented when the cap is in the second position;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 22

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
the nozzle plate being interchangeable with any one of a plurality of nozzle plates;
each of the plurality of nozzle plates comprising a visible outer surface, and each of the nozzle plates being distinguishable from the other nozzle plates by an appearance of its visible outer surface;
the appearances of the different nozzle plate outer surfaces respectively designed to conceal or to reveal the chemical dispersing use of the device;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 23

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
the nozzle plate comprising a visible outer surface;
the visible outer surface being selected from a group consisting of a surface made of a light-reflective material, a silver color surface, a surface made of a non-reflective material, a dark buff color surface, a black color surface, a surface made of a brightly colored material, and a red color surface;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 24

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
an annular retainer in the forward portion;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion by the annular retainer and defining the discharge orifice;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 25

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge;
a dispenser adapted to receive the slidingly insertable sleeve;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
an annular resilient seal member configured to cooperate with an annular surface of the nozzle plate;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an actuator button for mechanically moving the actuator;
the second end adapted for separate interchangeable connection with each one of (a) an end cap and (b) an expandable baton portion;
the baton portion structured and dimensioned for the connected baton portion and dispenser to form a combined body for use of the device both as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge and as an expandable baton;
the combined body being generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis;
the end cap structured and dimensioned for closing the second end of the dispenser for use of the device only as a dispensing apparatus for dispersion of the chemical from the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 26

A tactical defense device for dispersing a chemical from a pressurized spray cartridge, comprising:
a dispenser adapted to receive the pressurized spray cartridge;
the dispenser having a first end defining a forward portion and an opposite second end;
the forward portion having a discharge orifice for dispersing the chemical through the discharge orifice in a generally axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser;
a nozzle plate supported within the forward portion and defining the discharge orifice;
the nozzle plate being interchangeable with any one of a plurality of nozzle plates;
each of the plurality of nozzle plates comprising a visible outer surface, and each of the nozzle plates being distinguishable from the other nozzle plates by an appearance of its visible outer surface;
the appearances of the different nozzle plate outer surfaces designed respectively to conceal or to reveal the chemical dispersing use of the device;
an actuator for movement in a generally axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, between a normally inactivated position and an activated position for dispersing the chemical;
an expandable baton portion adapted for connection to the second end;
wherein the device is generally cylindrical about the longitudinal axis.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, further comprising a slidingly insertable sleeve for holding the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 28 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, further comprising:
a cap accessible on a side surface of the dispenser;
the cap movable between first and second positions;
wherein, in the first position, the cap may be depressed in a generally radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis mechanically causing the actuator movement, with movement of the cap between the first and second positions being in a direction that is different than the generally radial direction;
wherein depression of the cap is prevented when the cap is in the second position.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The tactical defense device of claim 28, further comprising:
an actuator button;
the cap overlying the actuator button when the cap is in the first position, with depression of the cap mechanically causing depression of the actuator button and the actuator movement.

### Claim 30 (depends on 28)

The tactical defense device of claim 28, the cap being positioned, on the side surface of the dispenser, to permit operation by a user's thumb of one hand while said hand is gripping the device in a generally horizontal orientation, with said hand raised and said thumb generally facing the user.

### Claim 31 (depends on 28)

The tactical defense device of claim 28, the dispenser comprising:
a tubular body for receiving the pressurized spray cartridge; and
a coupling connector coupled to the tubular body;
the coupling connector comprising the second end of the dispenser;
the coupling connector comprising the cap.

### Claim 32 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, wherein the dispenser has an annular cover sleeve formed thereon.

### Claim 33 (depends on 32)

The tactical defense device of claim 32, wherein the annular cover sleeve is formed of a material that enhances gripping of the dispenser.

### Claim 34 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, wherein the discharge orifice is in axial alignment with a discharge nozzle of the pressurized spray cartridge.

### Claim 35 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, the visible outer surface being selected from a group consisting of a surface made of a light-reflective material, a silver color surface, a surface made of a non-reflective material, a dark buff color surface, a black color surface, a surface made of a brightly colored material, and a red color surface.

### Claim 36 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26 wherein the forward portion is enlarged.

### Claim 37 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, further comprising:
an annular retainer in the forward portion;
the nozzle plate supported within the forward portion by the annular retainer.

### Claim 38 (depends on 26)

The tactical defense device of claim 26, further comprising an annular resilient seal member configured to cooperate with an annular surface of the nozzle plate.