Electrically conductive apron and accessory to protect against electric stun device misuse

Abstract

An electrically conductive apron and a removable ground strap worn as an electric stun device misuse countermeasure made from metal coated fabrics, that effectively short circuits the electric stun device to itself and / or to an electrically ground floor when the stun voltage is applied to the electrically conductive apron. The electrically conductive apron is lightweight, does not decrease mobility, readily concealable, can be worn under or over street clothes, has an option of padding elements and is easily manufactured.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 61 / 516,683, filed Mar. 21, 2011 entitled “ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE APRON AND ACCESSORY TO PROTECT AGAINST ELECTRIC STUN DEVICE MISUSE” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Applicant claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119 (e).STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to protective garments and, more particularly, to a garment in the form of an electrically conductive apron and accessory that protects the user's torso by disrupting the effectiveness and functionality of electric stun devices used in criminal and terrorist activities which can be worn under or over street clothes, as the user prefers.[0005]Electric stun devices have evolved with several methods for the delivery o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrically conductive apron and accessory which protects the user's torso against the misuse of most of the multitude of available electric stun devices by short circuiting the high voltage probes and / or the electrode-projectiles of the electric stun device power supply across each other, causing the effects of the electric stun device to be negligible. It is another object of the present invention is to provide an electrically conductive apron and accessory which protects the user's torso against the aforementioned misuse by providing an alternate circuit path for directing the stun current to an appropriate electrical ground, thus causing the effects of the electric stun device to be negligible. It is yet another object that an electrically conductive apron and accessory of the present invention is lightweight and flexible as not to decrease the mobility of the wearer. It is still another object that an electrically conductive apron and accessory of the present invention is readily concealable while worn. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention in its details and of fabrication and arrangement of materials will be seen from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when considered with the drawings and from the appended claims.

Problems solved by technology

In addition to the reasons for the need of such devices stated in the aforementioned patents, the increasing activity of international terrorists and the increased accessibility to stun devices present a potentially serious problem to law enforcement agencies as well as to the general public.

If these electric stun devices are operated with a short-circuit condition for a prolonged period of time, it is most likely that the electrical and / or electronic circuitry would be damaged and render the device useless until it is completely disassembled and repaired.

The disadvantages of the garments described in the “Background of the Invention” of U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,193 are due to the bulk and rigidity of such externally worn metallic vests.

The primary disadvantages are that they are uncomfortable to wear, decrease mobility, cause fatigue and are not readily concealable.

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