Restraint and electric pulse application glove device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a restraining and electric pulse application glove device (1) comprising a palm side (2) and a back side (3) with an outer surface (4) and an inner surface (5) on the outer side and the inner side of the glove device (1), respectively, and at least two application contacts (11, 121) are arranged on the outer surface (4) of the palm side (3) designed to be connected to a power source (13) by an electrical connection means (17) comprising at least one contactor (19). More specifically, the two application contacts (11, 12) are arranged on the outer surface (4) of the palm side (3) at a distance (D) from each other so as to generate an electric arc between the contacts (11, 12) when they are connected to a power source (13) through a contactor (19) designed to be actuated from the inner side (20) of the glove device (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a restraining and electrical pulse application glove device of the type commonly used in personal protection and safety applications. [Background technology]

[0002] In the security field, taser-type devices are known which are capable of applying an electric pulse to an attacker or an individual who is considered dangerous in order to incapacitate them for personal safety.

[0003] Unfortunately, this type of device generally applies uncontrolled electrical pulses that can cause harm to the wearer or the incapacitated person.

[0004] From Chinese Utility Model No. 205037814, a safety device in the form of a glove is already known, which has two electrical conductors on the front side corresponding to the palm side of the hand, one of which runs from the base of the palm to the ends of the thumb, middle finger and little finger, the other conductor passing through the palm and connecting the ring finger to the index finger. A power controller connects these conductors to a rechargeable battery.

[0005] Also known from Chinese Utility Model No. 204924055 is a high-voltage electric shock glove of the order of 10,000 volts, which comprises, on the palm, two types of conductive fabric electrodes connected to a suitable power source, the electrodes being covered with a first layer in the form of an insulating fabric and a second, surrounding insulating layer made of polyester.

[0006] Similarly, WO 2019 / 086820 discloses an electric pulse application glove comprising first application contacts located substantially at the ends of at least three glove fingers, each connected to an electric energy source via a control unit. The latter also comprises second application contacts located on the palm side of the glove, through which a larger electric pulse can be applied at the fingertips than can be applied through the first application contacts. The control unit comprises a selection means for activating the contacts on the glove fingers or the contacts on the palm, as the case may be. These contacts are still covered with a polyurethane safety coating, which not only significantly reduces the risk of electric shock but also conceals them from view and makes the TASER function less noticeable.

[0007] This state-of-the-art glove device allows for easy adjustment of the intensity of the electrical pulse depending on the situation to be controlled, but by activating the finger contacts for a smaller discharge compared to that possible via the contacts in the palm of the glove, the discharge generated by the finger contacts can be considered essentially deterrent. However, for this deterrent property to be perceived by a threatening third party, physical contact must be established between the glove wearer and this third party.

[0008] Furthermore, the glove wearer must be able to activate contacts depending on the degree of risk he or she faces, which is obviously very difficult to change during a confrontation and can change very quickly without sufficient time to modify the selection of active contacts.

[0009] Furthermore, in the event that a presumptively aggressive third party attempts to activate the finger contacts in an initial approach, the glove wearer must keep their fingers away from any part of their body at all times to avoid receiving a shock.

[0010] Also known from US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0154071 is an electric pulse glove equipped with an electric energy source, which has two contacts connected to the palm side, one of which is on the little finger of the glove and the other on the thumb. More specifically, these contacts can be powered by the electric energy source via a contactor consisting of a first contact on the back side of the glove at the end of the glove finger corresponding to the index finger and a second contact on the palm side at the end of the glove finger corresponding to the middle finger.

[0011] In essence, to deliver an electrical pulse to an attacker via the two contacts on the pinky and thumb, the glove wearer must simultaneously bring the middle finger over the index finger, thereby aligning the contacts on the index and middle fingers. Successfully delivering an electrical pulse during a heated altercation with an attacker can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

[0012] The glove device according to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 015071 can also provide a deterrent effect by establishing an electric arc by bringing the contact points of the little finger and index finger close together. Obviously, apart from a suitable power source to obtain this electric arc, contact must again be established by bringing the contact point of the middle finger into contact with the contact point of the index finger.

[0013] This is an operation that is not natural and requires a degree of dexterity, and is even more difficult to perform intuitively and very quickly in the face of imminent danger. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Within the framework of the first inventive step, it is conceivable that the glove device comprises at least two contacts on the palm side, arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, which contacts are configured to apply an electric pulse to the attacker, either in contact with the attacker and a suitable power source, in order to control the attacker, or without contact, in order to establish a suppressive electric arc.

[0015] In a second step of the present invention, it was envisaged that the glove would be provided with a contactor for supplying electrical energy to contacts designed to be activated from inside the glove.

[0016] Very particularly advantageously, this contactor is designed to be activated by powering on the body of the glove, preferably the palm side, and / or by extension of at least one glove finger.

[0017] The advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that a single natural gesture, performed when faced with a threatening third party who wishes to keep a certain distance, consisting of bringing the arm forward and opening the hand, causes the body of the glove, or even the fingers of the glove, to expand, resulting in the activation from inside this glove of the contactor for the electrical supply of the contacts and the establishment of an electric arc between them.

[0018] This natural gesture allows the glove according to the invention to immediately generate a deterrent signal and keep the third party at a distance. In case of an attack, activation of the contactors from inside the glove occurs naturally as the wearer's hand comes into contact with the attacker.

[0019] Therefore, the present invention relates to a restraint and electric pulse application glove device comprising a palm side and a back side with an outer surface and an inner surface on the outside and inside of the glove device, respectively, characterized in that at least two application contacts designed to be connected to a power source by electrical connection means comprising at least one contactor are located on the outer surface of the palm side, the two application contacts being located on the outer surface of the palm side at a determined distance from each other so as to allow the establishment of an electric arc between them when connected to a power source via a contactor designed to be actuated from inside the glove device.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, the application contacts include electrode heads that project from the outer palmar surface.

[0021] Alternatively, as a further feature of the present invention, the glove apparatus may comprise a glove body with or without at least one glove finger, and the two application contacts attempt to contact the planter on the palm side of the glove body or on the glove finger.

[0022] According to yet another feature of the invention, the electrical connection means comprises at least one high voltage generator designed to provide high voltage power of between 220 and 5,000,000 volts to the application contacts from a low voltage source provided by the power supply.

[0023] Advantageously, the high voltage generator is designed to provide a high voltage supply, preferably above 5,000 volts, more particularly in the order of 20,000 volts.

[0024] Preferably, the contactor is an impulse type located on the inner surface of the palm side of the glove apparatus and is designed to be activated by the hand of the glove wearer.

[0025] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments given as illustrative and non-limiting examples only.

[0026] This description will be more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the palm side of a glove device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the glove device from the back of the hand. [Figure 3] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the location of application contacts on the fingers of the glove device. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a glove apparatus at an application contact point showing the contactor in an inactive position. [Figure 5] 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the contactor in an active position for providing an application contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention relates to a restraining and electric pulse application glove device 1.

[0029] This type of glove device 1 is typically used in personal protection and safety applications: it is in particular a deterrent and at the same time a defensive device that can make it possible to defeat an attacker.

[0030] Its use may be for law enforcement, security personnel, and even hospital personnel to control and contain dangerous patients or those showing signs of aggression.

[0031] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the glove apparatus 1 comprises a palm side 2 or front side and a back side 3 or rear side, each having an outer surface 4 and an inner surface 5.

[0032] It should be noted that palm side defines the side of the glove apparatus 1 that corresponds to the palm side of a wearer of the glove apparatus 1. It extends across the entire front of the wearer's hand, from the end of any fingers of the glove apparatus to their opposite ends at the wrist or even beyond.

[0033] In the remainder of the description, for ease of understanding, the terms "palm side" and "back side" will be used exclusively.

[0034] It essentially comprises a glove body 6 which may or may not have one or more glove fingers 7. In short, the glove apparatus 1 may take the form of a mitten or glove which may have between one and five glove fingers.

[0035] At the end 8, which includes an opening 9 for engaging the hand of the wearer of the glove apparatus 1, the glove body 6 may be provided with a closure means 10 for keeping it closed and fastened around the wrist of the wearer, which may also be extended by a sleeve (not shown).

[0036] According to the invention, the outer surface 4 of the palm side 3 of the glove device 1 is provided with at least two application contacts 11 , 12 designed to be connected to a power source 13 .

[0037] These application contacts 11, 12 may therefore be located on the outer surface 4 of the palm side 3, either on the glove body 6 as shown in FIG. 1, or, if the glove apparatus 1 has glove fingers 7, along the glove fingers 7 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] It should be noted that this FIG. 3 only shows a non-limiting example of this placement of the contacts on one of the fingers 7.

[0039] Preferably, the power source 13 is of the autonomous type and is defined by at least one battery 14. This may be, for example, of the lithium type, 3.7 V and 500 mAh.

[0040] Advantageously, the glove device 1 comprises a receiving housing 15, in particular in the form of a closable pouch, for receiving the battery or batteries therein. This receiving housing can be provided on the palm side 2 or on the back side 3 of the hand, preferably at the end 16 of the glove device 1 intended to extend to the wrist of the wearer.

[0041] The latter also comprises electrical connection means 17 for connecting the application contacts 11, 12 to such power source 13. Essentially, such electrical connection means 17 comprises insulated electrical conductors (not shown) extending from at least the receiving housing 15 of the power source 13 to the application contacts 11, 12.

[0042] More specifically, these electrical conductors may extend inside the glove apparatus 1, advantageously between the glove apparatus 1 and the inner lining 18.

[0043] Said electrical connection means 17 comprise at least one high voltage generator designed to supply a high voltage power supply comprised between 220 and 5,000,000 volts to the application contacts 11, 12 from a low voltage power supply provided by the power supply 13.

[0044] Advantageously, the high voltage generator is designed to provide a high voltage supply, preferably above 5,000 volts, more particularly in the order of 20,000 volts.

[0045] At least the glove apparatus 1 is made of a non-conductive insulating material to prevent electrical pulses from being transmitted to the wearer. If present, the inner lining 18 is also made of a non-conductive insulating material.

[0046] Furthermore, at least the glove body 6 and possibly the glove fingers 7 are made from a woven or nonwoven material to resist cuts and / or be fire resistant to avoid the risk of burns.

[0047] The material may be based on carbon fibers, for example poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), (PPD-T or KEVLAR®). The invention should not be construed as being limited with respect to such materials.

[0048] According to the present invention, the two application contacts 11, 12 are located on the outer surface 4 of the palm side 3 of the glove apparatus 1 at a distance D from each other determined to allow the establishment of an electric arc between them when they are connected to the power source 13 via said electrical connection means 17.

[0049] In accordance with the present invention, the glove device 1 may include multiple pairs of contacts to accommodate this feature.

[0050] According to another feature of the invention, these electrical connection means 17 comprise at least one contactor 19 to ensure the supply of electrical energy by the power source 13 to the application contacts 11, 12. This contactor 19 is designed to be actuated from the inside 20 of the glove apparatus 1.

[0051] In particular, this contactor 19 is designed to be activated by powering on the glove body 6, preferably the palm side 2 thereof, and / or by extension of at least one glove finger 7.

[0052] According to one embodiment, this contactor 19 is of the pulse type and comprises a push button 21 which is pushed back by a resilient return means into an inactive power-off position 22 inside the glove device 1. Conversely, applying pressure in the opposite direction against the resilient return means in the active position 23 establishes the supply of the contacts 11, 12.

[0053] For example, by locating the application contacts 11, 12 on the outer surface 4 of the glove body 6, the contactor 19 can be located behind these application contacts 11, 12 on the inner surface 5 of the glove body 6. Thus, in a restraint application of the glove apparatus 1, as seen in Figures 4 and 5, stretching the palm side 2 of the glove apparatus 1 simply involves the wearer opening their hand, causing tension on the palm side 3 of the glove body 6, which presses against the wearer's palm at its inner surface 5, thereby pushing the push button 21 for applying the contacts 11, 12 back to the active position 23.

[0054] Conversely, closing the wearer's hand releases tension on the palm side 2 of the glove apparatus 1, causing the push button 21 to return to its inactive position 22 via said elastic return means, allowing the power application contacts 11, 12 to be disconnected.

[0055] As a result, when an attacker approaches, the wearer of glove device 1 can open their hand toward the attacker, thereby activating contactor 19. As application contacts 11, 12 are powered, they create an electric arc between them that is visible to the attacker to deter the attacker from further approach, while also informing the attacker that they will likely receive a high intensity electric pulse in the event of an attack.

[0056] In this regard, it will be appreciated that when applying the glove apparatus 1 with the palm side 2 in contact with an attacker, the inner surface 4 of the palm side 2 will come into contact with the wearer's hand. The push button 21 is then pushed back from the inactive position 22 to the active position 23, thereby powering the application contacts 11, 12 and automatically applying an electrical pulse to the attacker.

[0057] The same result can be achieved by placing two application contacts 11, 12 on the palm side 2 of a glove finger 7. In this case, the contactor 19 can either remain in its position on the glove body 6 as in the example below, or can be positioned below the application contacts 11, 12 of this glove finger 7 on the inside 20 of the glove apparatus 1. Spreading the wearer's hand and / or fingers has the same result.

[0058] To facilitate control of the contactor 19 from the inside 20 of the glove apparatus 1, along this push button 21 the inner lining 20 may be provided with a control plate 24 of larger cross section than the cross section of this push button 21. In this way, pressure not necessarily applied along this push button 21 by the palm of the wearer's hand still has the effect of pushing the push button 21 back from its inactive position 22 to its active position 23.

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment, the application contacts 11, 12 are attached to a support plate 25 through which the electrical connection means 17 are led. This support plate 25 can be provided in a suitable opening in the palm side 2 of the glove apparatus 1 by sewing, welding, etc., but is advantageously located on the inner surface 5, preferably between the inner surface 5 and the inner lining 18. In this case, the application contacts 11, 12 pass through the glove apparatus 1 and are located on the outer surface 4 of the palm side 2 thereof.

[0060] This support plate 25 may still include the contactor 19 so that the push button 21 extends to the interior 20 of the glove apparatus 1 .

[0061] The support plate 25 may take the form of a printed circuit board.

[0062] The application contacts 11 , 12 advantageously comprise electrode heads 26 that project at the outer surface 4 of the palm side 2 of the glove apparatus 1 .

[0063] These electrode heads 26 are designed to define at their protrusions 27 a preferential path for establishing an electric arc between the application contacts 11,12.

[0064] In particular, these electrode heads 26 of the application contacts 11, 12 define, at their protrusions 27, a minimum distance 28 between the application contacts 11, 12.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, these electrode heads 26 have a T-shaped or mushroom-shaped configuration, with a larger cross section at their protruding end 29 .

[0066] Advantageously, again, the glove device 1 comprises a control switch 30 for activating the glove device 1 or, conversely, deactivating it as required.

[0067] It may also comprise means 31 for controlling the load of the source of electrical energy 13, which, according to the invention, also receives an operation indicator 32.

[0068] The control switch 30 and / or load control means 31 and / or operation indicator 32 may be mounted on a control panel 33 which may be positioned on the palm side 2 or back side 3 of the glove device 1, preferably at the end 8 on the wrist side of the wearer.

[0069] According to the invention, the glove device 1 can receive additional equipment such as at least one sensor of the health condition of the wearer of the glove device 1, for example a voltage and / or pulse sensor.

[0070] In more advanced designs, the glove device 1 is equipped with remote transmission means, either directly or via a unit connected to the internet or a communication network, for example a mobile phone.

[0071] Such transmission means make it possible to transmit the information transmitted by the sensors of the wearer's health status periodically, continuously or from time to time to a central unit.

[0072] The glove device 1 can receive an alert device that enables the wearer to send out a signal via a transmitting means to call for help or assistance.

[0073] The glove device 1 may also be equipped with a GPS tracking device that allows the glove wearer's location to be determined, possibly continuously or at the glove wearer's command, for example through an alert device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Deterrent and electric pulse application glove device 2 Palm side 3 Back of the hand 4 External surface 5. Inner Surface 6 Glove body 7 glove fingers 11, 12 Apply contacts 13 Power supply 14 Batteries 15 Containment Housing 17 Electrical connection means 19 Contactor 20 Internal Lining 21 Push Button 22 Inactive Power Cut Position 24 Control Plate 25 Support Plate 26 Electrode Head 27 Protrusion 29 Protruding end 30 Control Switch 31 Load control measures 32 Operation indicator [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0075] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 205037814 [Patent Document 2] China Utility Model No. 204924055 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 086820 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0154071 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 015071

Claims

1. A glove body (6) having an outer surface (4) and an inner surface (5), the outer surface (4) having a palm side (2) and a back side (3) opposite the palm side (2); an internal lining on said inner surface (5); two application contacts (11, 12) located on the palm side (2) of said outer surface (4); Electrical connection means (17) to a power source (13) for the two application contacts (11, 12), said electrical connection means (17) being located on said inner surface (5); A restraining and electric pulse applying glove device (1) comprising: an electrical connection means (17) comprising a contactor (19) between the inner lining and the glove body (6) connected to the two application contacts (11, 12); The contactor (19) comprises a push button (21) between the inner lining and the glove body (6), the push button (21) having an inactive position (22) and an active position (23); the power source (13), the contactor (19) and the two application contacts (11, 12) are spaced apart from one another, and the push button (21) is connected in an active position (23) to generate an electric arc between the two application contacts (11, 12); a portion of the inner lining is aligned with an electrical connection means (17) such that pressure from the inner lining towards the two application contacts (11, 12) activates the push button (21) between the inactive position (22) and the active position (23) when the glove body (6) is extended from a closed hand position to an open hand position; said power source (13) being of autonomous type and defined by at least one battery (14); The arresting and electric pulse applying glove device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a receiving housing (15), in particular in the form of a closable pouch, for receiving one or more of said batteries.

2. 2. The glove device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the glove body (6) comprises at least one glove finger (7).

3. 2. The glove device (1) of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection means (17) comprises an insulated conductor extending from at least the receiving housing (15) of the power source (13) to the application contacts (11, 12).

4. 4. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contactor (19) is of the pulse type and comprises a push button (21) which is pushed back to an inactive power-off position (22) inside the glove device (1) by elastic return means.

5. 5. A glove device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises an inner lining (20) provided with a control plate (24) aligned with said push button (21).

6. 6. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the application contacts (11, 12) are mounted on a support plate (25) to which the electrical connection means (17) are led.

7. 7. The glove device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support plate (25) comprises the contactor (19).

8. 8. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the application contacts (11, 12) comprise electrode heads (26) protruding from the outer surface (4) of the palm side (2) of the glove device (1).

9. 9. A glove device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrode heads (26) of the two application contacts (11, 12) are designed to define, at their protrusions (27), a preferential path for establishing the electric arc.

10. 10. A glove device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the electrode head (26) has a T-shaped or mushroom-shaped shape and has a larger cross section at its protruding end (29).

11. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a control switch (30) and / or load control means (31) and / or an operation indicator (32) for the power supply (13).

12. 12. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor of the health status of the wearer of the glove device (1), such as a voltage and / or pulse sensor.

13. 13. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises remote transmission means, either directly or via a unit connected to the internet or a communication network.

14. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a warning device.

15. A glove device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a GPS tracking device.

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