Drug cartridge and self-defense device

Abstract

Drug cartridge (16) for a self-defense device (10), comprising a cartridge-like container (18) filled with an active ingredient (20) which can be inserted into the self-defense device (10), a dispensing nipple (24) which can be connected to a dispensing nozzle (44), and a dispensing valve (22) connected to the dispensing nipple (24) which, when actuated, causes a dispensing of the active ingredient (20), characterized in that the drug cartridge (16) comprises an adapter element (26) which is connected to the dispensing nipple (24) and has a conical contact section (32) which is designed to cooperate with a complementary conical contact section (56) of the self-defense device (10), and that the adapter element (26) has a cylindrical receiving section (34) in which the dispensing nozzle (44) is received.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an active ingredient cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1 and a self-defense device according to the preamble of the dependent claim.

[0002] US 5,446,985 A relates to a self-defense device comprising a flashlight and a tear gas dispenser. US 5,529,215 A discloses a personal defense wand that can be used to direct a spray of personal defense gas at an attacker. DE 10 2008 024 768 A1 describes a self-defense device with a housing for an active ingredient cartridge. The active ingredient cartridge is filled with a liquid in which an active ingredient, for example, oleoresin capsicum, is dissolved. The active ingredient is stored under pressure in the cartridge. The cartridge has a dispensing nipple that is rigidly connected to a dispensing nozzle. When the user pushes the dispensing nozzle toward the cartridge, a dispensing valve is actuated, releasing the active ingredient through the dispensing nipple and nozzle.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to create an active ingredient cartridge that has an extended range of applications, as well as to create a self-defense device that can be reliably used with said active ingredient cartridge.

[0004] These problems are solved by an active ingredient cartridge with the features of claim 1 and by a self-defense device with the features of the dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Furthermore, essential features of the invention are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing. These features can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations, without this being explicitly stated here.

[0005] The active ingredient cartridge according to the invention is designed for use in a self-defense device. Use of the active ingredient cartridge according to the invention without a self-defense device is not intended. It comprises a cartridge-like container filled with an active ingredient, which can be inserted into the self-defense device. Typically, such a cartridge-like container is designed as a cylindrical pressure vessel in which the active ingredient is stored under pressure. The active ingredient can be, for example, a liquid in which oleoresin capsicum is dissolved. However, other active ingredients are also conceivable, which, when released against an attacker, would have an effect on the attacker.This effect can consist of irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes (the active ingredient is then also referred to as an irritant), but it can also consist of a visible or invisible marking of an attacker, or a combination of the effects just mentioned.

[0006] The active ingredient cartridge according to the invention includes a dispensing nipple, which can be a relatively thin but rigid tube that usually extends axially along the active ingredient cartridge, preferably coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the active ingredient cartridge, and which can be connected to a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle essentially serves to ensure that the active ingredient is dispensed in a desired manner, for example as a drug mist and / or a drug jet. For this purpose, the dispensing nipple is connected to a dispensing valve, which is located, for example, inside the cartridge-like container and which, when actuated, causes the dispensing of the active ingredient. Actuation can be effected, for example, by moving the dispensing nipple axially against a spring force relative to the cartridge-like container.

[0007] The active ingredient cartridge comprises an adapter element connected to the dispensing nipple and featuring a conical contact section designed to interact with a complementary conical contact section of the self-defense device. In its operating position, the adapter element is in contact with the complementary conical contact section of the self-defense device via its conical contact section. The conical contact section of the adapter element thus points away from the cartridge-like container. It is understood that the conical contact section of the adapter element has a longitudinal axis that runs parallel to, or preferably even coaxial with, a longitudinal axis of the dispensing nipple. The adapter element therefore ensures radial positioning or centering of the dispensing nipple relative to the contact section of the self-defense device.This ensures a correct connection of the delivery nipple to the self-defense device, thereby improving its operational reliability.

[0008] Furthermore, this method allows the active ingredient cartridge to be used in a self-defense device where the dispensing valve is not actuated by pressing down the dispensing nipple while the cartridge-like container is otherwise held in place, but rather by an axial displacement of the cartridge-like container. The dispensing nipple is pressed against the complementary conical contact section of the self-defense device via the adapter element and is thus at least substantially immobile in the axial direction relative to the device. The conical contact section of the self-defense device therefore acts as a kind of stop for the dispensing nipple. This significantly expands the range of applications for the active ingredient cartridge according to the invention.

[0009] The adapter element can be an extremely inexpensive part, for example a plastic element manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0010] The active ingredient cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the adapter element has a cylindrical receiving section in which the dispensing nozzle is received. This creates a single, multifunctional component, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. The cylindrical receiving section can, for example, be coaxial with the conical contact section, or it could also be at an angle, for example at an angle of 90°, to the longitudinal axis of the conical contact section. The receiving section can be connected to the contact section.

[0011] A further development of the active ingredient cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that the dispensing nozzle is pressed into the receiving section or formed integrally with it. This in turn benefits the manufacturing costs and / or the assembly costs.

[0012] A further development of the inventive drug cartridge is characterized by the fact that the adapter element is pressed onto the dispensing nipple. This is very cost-effective and simplifies assembly. Furthermore, this creates a drug cartridge that, together with the adapter element, can also be supplied as a spare part and is therefore exclusively suitable for use with a corresponding complementary conical contact section of a self-defense device. This increases the operational reliability of the self-defense device, as it reduces the risk of inserting a drug cartridge into the device that is not actually suitable or authorized for use in that device.

[0013] The further development of the active ingredient cartridge according to the invention goes in the same direction, in which the adapter element is glued onto the dispensing nipple.

[0014] The self-defense device according to the invention is characterized by the radial play between the receiving housing and the cartridge-like container of the active ingredient cartridge. This facilitates the centering of the active ingredient cartridge in the receiving housing and keeps lateral forces away from the dispensing nipple, thereby improving the functional reliability of the self-defense device.

[0015] The self-defense device according to the invention, in conjunction with a special design of the active ingredient cartridge, is characterized in that the cylindrical receiving section is held within a housing section of the receiving housing, with radial play between the receiving section and the housing section. This also facilitates the centering of the active ingredient cartridge in the receiving housing and keeps lateral forces away from the dispensing nipple, thereby improving the functional reliability of the self-defense device.

[0016] A further development of the self-defense device according to the invention is characterized by the inclusion of a baton section. This creates a multifunctional self-defense device with which an attacker can be repelled both by means of the baton section and by the use of the active ingredient cartridge.

[0017] A further development of the self-defense device according to the invention is characterized in that the receiving housing is arranged laterally to the baton section and connected to it via at least two spaced-apart connecting sections. A user preferably holds such a self-defense device by the baton section in the area formed within the connecting sections. The receiving housing for the active ingredient cartridge then forms a protective section for the user's hand, similar to that of a sword.

[0018] The following describes an embodiment of an active ingredient cartridge and a self-defense device with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A side view of an area of ​​a self-defense device; Fig. 2 a cut along line II-II of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an adapter element of an active ingredient cartridge of the self-defense device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4. An enlarged cross-sectional view through the self-defense device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the adapter element of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the self-defense device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a first use position; and Fig. 6 a perspective view of the self-defense device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a second usage position.

[0019] A self-defense device, represented by the reference numeral 10 in the figures, comprises a baton section 12 and a spray section 13 with a receiving housing 14 for an active ingredient cartridge 16. The active ingredient cartridge 16 includes a substantially cylindrical, cartridge-like container 18 filled with an active ingredient 20. The cartridge-like container 18 can be made of a metal, such as aluminum.

[0020] The active ingredient 20, for example, could be a liquid containing oleoresin capsicum. Alternatively or additionally, another active ingredient could be dissolved in the liquid. It is advantageous if the active ingredient has such an effect that, upon contact with a person's eyes or mucous membranes, it temporarily incapacitates them. Alternatively or additionally, the active ingredient could also leave a visible or invisible mark (e.g., visible only under UV light) on the person.

[0021] The active ingredient cartridge 16 comprises, at its in the Fig. 1 and Fig. At the upper end is a dispensing valve 22, which is shown only schematically. A dispensing nipple 24, which is a relatively thin but rigid tube, is connected to the dispensing valve 22. The dispensing nipple 24 is axially movable relative to the dispensing valve 22 and thus also relative to the cartridge-like container 18. By moving the dispensing nipple 24 relative to the dispensing valve 22, the dispensing valve 22 can be actuated so that the active ingredient 20, stored under pressure in the cartridge-like container 18, is dispensed via the dispensing valve 22 and the dispensing nipple 24.

[0022] An adapter element 26 is pressed onto the dispensing nipple 24. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter element 26 can also be glued onto the dispensing nipple 24. Furthermore, a one-piece design of the adapter element 26 and the dispensing nipple 24 is also conceivable. This adapter element 26 is now described in particular with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 explained in detail.

[0023] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. From bottom to top, the adapter element 26 initially has a cylindrical connecting section 28, which essentially serves to connect the adapter element 26 to the dispensing nipple 24. Adjoining the cylindrical connecting section 28 is a radially outwardly extending cylindrical collar 30, which in turn transitions into a conical contact section 32. In the embodiment shown here, the outer diameter of the adapter element 26 tapers linearly from bottom to top. In other embodiments not shown, the taper could also be slightly convex. A cylindrical receiving section 34 adjoins the conical contact section 32 of the adapter element 26.

[0024] In the embodiment shown here, the adapter element 26 is penetrated internally by a continuous stepped opening 36, which runs coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the adapter element 26 (and also coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the dispensing nipple 24 and the cartridge-like container 18). A lower section 38 of the stepped opening 36, as shown in the figures, has a larger diameter than an adjoining intermediate section 40, to which, in turn, an end section 42 with a larger diameter is connected. A shoulder 43 is formed between the lower section 38 and the intermediate section 40.

[0025] The lower section 38 essentially serves to receive the dispensing nipple 24, and the section 43 essentially serves as a stop for a projecting annular end face (without reference numeral) of the dispensing nipple 24. The end section 42 serves to receive a cylindrical dispensing nozzle 44, which, in the embodiment shown here, is pressed into the end section 42 of the stepped opening 36. In an embodiment not shown, the dispensing nozzle 44 could also be integral with the adapter element 26.

[0026] The dispensing nozzle 44 has an internal nozzle channel 46 and a nozzle opening 48 at its upper end, as shown in the figures. The nozzle channel 46 and the nozzle opening 48 are shaped such that, when the dispensing valve 22 is actuated, the active ingredient entering the dispensing nozzle 44 via the dispensing nipple 24 and the intermediate section 40 is dispensed to the outside in a desired manner, for example as a spray mist or a spray jet.

[0027] The receiving housing 14 of the self-defense device 10 has an essentially cylindrical base section 49, which contains an essentially cylindrical receiving chamber 50 inside it ( Fig. 2) in which the cylindrical cartridge-like container 18 is received with radial clearance. In the figures, the receiving chamber 50 is closed at the top by a cap 52 of the receiving housing 14 having a conical outer shape, which is penetrated in the axial direction by a through-opening 44.

[0028] To replace the active ingredient cartridge 16, the cap 52 can be detached from the base section 49. For example, the cap 52 is detachably connected to the base section 49 by a screw or snap-fit ​​connection. As shown in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the cylindrical receiving section 34 of the adapter element 26 is received in the through-opening 54 with a radial clearance.

[0029] The cap 52 has a conical contact section 56 adjacent to the conical contact section 32 of the adapter element 26. The two conical contact sections 32 and 56 are complementary to each other, meaning they have identical cone angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the adapter element 26. While the conical contact section 32 is located on an outer surface of the adapter element 26, the conical contact section 56 of the cap 52 is located on an inner surface of the cap 52.

[0030] As can be seen particularly from the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the receiving housing 14 is connected to a handle section 57 of the baton section 12 by two spaced-apart connecting sections 58 and 60. As can also be seen in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the baton section 12 in this case has two interlocking tubular baton segments 62a and 62b.

[0031] In the Fig. In the operating situation shown in Figure 5, the self-defense device 10 is used as a baton. In this operating situation, the two baton segments 62a and 62b are extended from the handle section 57, and a user holds the handle section 57 with a hand 64, indicated here by a dotted line, in the area formed between the two connecting sections 58 and 60. In this way, the user's hand 64 is protected by the receiving housing 14 of the active ingredient cartridge 16, similar to a sword.

[0032] At the in Fig. In the operating situation shown in Figure 6, the self-defense device 10 is used as a drug spray device. In this operating situation, the two baton segments 62a and 62b are retracted into the handle section 57 (although this is not strictly necessary to use the self-defense device 10 as a drug spray device). The user holds the handle section 57 with their hand 64 in the same way as in Figure 6. Fig. 5 shown operating situation.

[0033] The user can operate a pressure rod 66 via an actuating element 65, which he can operate with his thumb, using a mechanism not shown in the figures. Fig. 2) press it in its axial direction against a base of the cartridge-like container 18. This causes the cartridge-like container 18 to be inserted into the receiving chamber 50. Fig. 2 pressed upwards or in the direction of cap 52.

[0034] Since the dispensing nipple 24 rests against the shoulder 43 with its projecting annular end face, and since the conical contact section 32 of the adapter element 26 rests against the complementary conical contact section 56 of the cap 52 of the receiving housing 14, the movement of the cartridge-like container 18 moves the dispensing nipple 24 relative to the dispensing valve 22 (whereas it remains at least substantially fixed relative to the receiving housing 14), thereby opening the dispensing valve 22 and allowing the active ingredient to flow out via the dispensing valve 22, the dispensing nipple 24, the intermediate section 40 of the stepped opening 36 in the adapter element 26, and finally the nozzle channel 46 of the dispensing nozzle 44, as indicated by reference numeral 70 in Fig. 6 is indicated.

[0035] It is readily apparent that the mutually complementary conical contact sections 32 and 56 and the radial clearance between the outside of the cylindrical cartridge-like container 18 and the receiving chamber 50, as well as the radial clearance between the outside of the cylindrical receiving section 34 and the through-opening 54 in the cap 52, provide automatic centering of the adapter element 26 and thereby also of the dispensing nipple 24 and the cartridge-like container 18 relative to the receiving housing 14, thereby keeping lateral forces away from the dispensing nipple 24 and thus also from the dispensing valve 22.

Claims

[1] Drug cartridge (16) for a self-defense device (10), comprising a cartridge-like container (18) filled with an active ingredient (20) which can be inserted into the self-defense device (10), a dispensing nipple (24) which can be connected to a dispensing nozzle (44), and a dispensing valve (22) connected to the dispensing nipple (24) which, when actuated, causes a dispensing of the active ingredient (20), characterized by , that the active ingredient cartridge (16) comprises an adapter element (26) which is connected to the dispensing nipple (24) and has a conical contact section (32) which is designed to cooperate with a complementary conical contact section (56) of the self-defense device (10), and that the adapter element (26) has a cylindrical receiving section (34) in which the dispensing nozzle (44) is received. [2] Active ingredient cartridge (16) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the receiving section (34) connects to the contact section (32). [3] Active ingredient cartridge (16) according to claim 2, characterized by that the dispensing nozzle (44) is pressed into the receiving section (34) or is formed integrally with it. [4] Active ingredient cartridge (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adapter element (26) is pressed onto the dispensing nipple (24). [5] Active ingredient cartridge (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adapter element (26) is glued onto the dispensing nipple (24) or is integral with it. [6] Self-defense device (10) with an active ingredient cartridge (16) according to claim 1, characterized by, that there is radial clearance between the receiving housing (14) and the cartridge-like container (18) of the drug cartridge (16), that the cylindrical receiving section (34) is held within a housing section (52) of the receiving housing (14), and that there is radial clearance between the receiving section (34) and the housing section (52). [7] Self-defense device (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that it includes a baton section (12). [8] Self-defense device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the receiving housing (14) is arranged laterally to the baton section (10) and is connected to it via at least two spaced-apart connecting sections (58, 60).

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