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Combination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash lightRelated Patent Categories: Mechanical Guns And Projectors, Fluid Pressure, With Control For Discharge Of Fluid PressureCombination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash light description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070181114, Combination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash light. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a flash light with a projectile launching mechanism and particularly to a mechanism capable of launching non-lethal projectiles. The invention also relates to a valve arrangement for use with compressed gas guns. BACKGROUND [0002] Law enforcement personnel and security guards often carry immobilizing devices, such as pepper spray, tear gas or firearms. Individuals also employ these types of devices to protect against an attacker or aggressive animal. In dark conditions, it is desirable to carry a portable light, such as a flash light, to illuminate the surroundings. Since the simultaneous use of a flash light and immobilizing device requires both hands, this can become unmanageable when the user needs a free hand for another task. [0003] Lighting devices that mount to lethal firearms are well known. These devices allow the use of a firearm and lighting device with a single hand. However, such devices are bulky when mounted to the firearm. Moreover, the lighting device must be separately carried when not mounted. [0004] In many cases, law enforcement and other individuals use non-lethal guns, such as for crowd control. For example, marking guns (commonly known as paintball markers) typically use compressed gas to propel frangible projectiles. Typically, these projectiles are filled with a marking material and/or an immobilizing material, similar to pepper spray. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,512 to Ho et al. describes a paintball marker with a lighting device that mounts to the hopper of the marker. As with other mounting assemblies for lighting devices, the marker described in Ho et al. is bulky. For example, law enforcement personnel would be unable to holster the marker with the lighting device attached. Moreover, the mounting assembly would not be appropriate for non-lethal guns that do not have a hopper. [0006] Therefore, there exists a need for a lighting device that is integral to an immobilizing device. SUMMARY [0007] An apparatus for firing non-lethal projectiles in accordance with one aspect of the invention comprises a grip portion defining a grip axis along a longitudinal axis of the grip portion. A front portion is provided that defines a bore therethrough. The bore defines a barrel axis along a longitudinal axis of the bore, such that the grip axis and the barrel axis are substantially parallel. The apparatus also includes a firing mechanism operable to cause a projectile to be propelled through the bore. [0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the grip axis is aligned with the barrel axis. The grip portion may be constructed such that the grip portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the front portion. Typically, the grip portion is generally cylindrical in shape. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the grip portion may have an oblong cross section. [0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the firing mechanism may include a trigger. For example, the trigger may have a longitudinal axis that is approximately parallel to the barrel axis. In other embodiments, the trigger may be movable with respect to the front portion along an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the barrel axis. Typically, the trigger is a push button. [0010] The apparatus may be constructed with a safety that is movable between a safe position and a fire position. In the safe position, the safety covers access to the trigger. In the fire position, the safety allows access to the trigger. [0011] Depending on the exigencies of a particular application, the apparatus may include a light source adapted to illuminate an area extending away from the front portion. For example, the light source may be constructed from at least one light emitting diode. In other examples, the apparatus may have a light switch operable to cause the light source to illuminate, such that the light switch is disposed on the grip portion where a user can actuate the light switch using a hand that is grasping the grip portion. In some cases, the light switch may be a slide switch. In such embodiments, the light switch may be movable along an axis that is approximately parallel to the barrel axis. Typically, the light switch is proximate to a trigger such that a user can actuate the light switch and the trigger using a hand that is grasping the grip. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include an aiming mechanism, such as a laser pointer, integrally formed in the front portion. [0012] According to another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprising a body with a grip portion and a front portion, in which the body defines an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the front portion. [0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the front portion includes a transverse front face through which the projectile exits and light is projected. The apparatus may be constructed with a light switch integrally formed on the body. In some such embodiments, the light switch may be proximate to the grip portion such that a user can actuate the light switch using a hand that is grasping the grip portion. [0014] In other examples, the apparatus may include an aiming mechanism disposed in the cavity. For example, the aiming mechanism may project a laser beam through the front face. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the body is generally cylindrical in shape. [0015] According to a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a frangible projectile. The apparatus includes a body shaped to resemble a flash light. A light source is disposed in a cavity in the body, such that the light source is adapted to project light out of the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a frangible projectile to be propelled out of the body. [0016] In some examples, a light switch and a trigger may be provided. In such embodiments, the light switch may be movable with respect to the body with a thumb while holding the body. The trigger may be also movable with respect to the body with an index finger while holding the body. [0017] A still further aspect of the present invention is achieved by a flash light with a generally cylindrical body. The flash light includes a light source disposed in the body, such that the light source is operable to project light out of the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a non-lethal projectile to be propelled out of the body. [0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the flash light may include a valve arrangement disposed in the body. For example, the valve arrangement may selectively open and close fluid communication between a source of compressed gas and the firing mechanism. In some cases, the flash light may include a canister of compressed gas disposed in the body that is in fluid communication with the firing mechanism. The flash light may be constructed with a magazine disposed in the body. [0019] In other examples, the flash light may include a safety associated with the firing mechanism, such that the safety moves along an axis that is approximately parallel with a longitudinal axis of the body. The body may include a bulge to which the safety is slidably coupled. In some cases, the safety may have an arcuate shape. [0020] According to another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile, the apparatus having a barrel, firing mechanism and inlet valve. The firing mechanism may include a piston disposed in a chamber, such that the piston is movable between a first position that prevents fluid communication and a second position that allows fluid communication. The inlet valve is movable between an open position that provides fluid communication between the chamber and a source of compressed gas and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the source of compressed gas. The inlet valve moves to the closed position responsive to movement of the piston from the first position to the second position. [0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the piston is configured to move from the first position to the second position when a pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure. For example, a spring may urge the piston toward the first position when the chamber reaches the predetermined pressure. Depending on the application, the inlet valve may be a Schrader valve. 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