US-20260126266-A1 - Self-Defense Devices and Methods of Use

US20260126266A1US 20260126266 A1US20260126266 A1US 20260126266A1US-20260126266-A1

Abstract

Various implementations include a baton device. The baton device includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis from the first end. The first end includes a handle. The body includes a plurality of telescoping segments including a first telescoping segment and at least one additional telescoping segment. The first telescoping segment includes the first end of the body and the handle. The additional telescoping segment is telescopingly slidable relative to an adjacent telescoping segment. A plurality of sensors is disposed within the body. A controller is disposed within the body and operatively connected to the plurality of sensors.

Inventors

Chase Alexander Lawson
Michael Joseph Mahon
Robert Stewart McKeeman

Assignees

Evidence Tools Company, Inc.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20250919

Claims (20)

1 . A baton device, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis from the first end, the first end including a handle, wherein the body includes a plurality of telescoping segments including a first telescoping segment and at least one additional telescoping segment, wherein the first telescoping segment includes the first end of the body and the handle, and wherein the additional telescoping segment is telescopingly slidable relative to an adjacent telescoping segment; a plurality of sensors disposed within the body; and a controller disposed within the body and operatively connected to the plurality of sensors, wherein the controller is configured to process and store data from the plurality of sensors to create a usage log of the baton device.
2 . The baton device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes an accelerometer configured to sense movement of the baton device.
3 . The baton device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a speed and angle of the baton device based on data sensed by the accelerometer.
4 . The baton device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes a force sensor configured to measure force applied by the baton device.
5 . The baton device of claim 4 , wherein the force sensor comprises a strain gauge.
6 . The baton device of claim 4 , wherein the force sensor comprises a flexure.
7 .- 11 . (canceled)
12 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising a microphone disposed within the body.
13 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) module disposed within the body.
14 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising a data storage device disposed within the body and operatively connected to the controller.
15 . The baton device of claim 14 , wherein the data storage device is configured to store operational data collected by the plurality of sensors.
16 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising an energy storage element disposed within the body.
17 . The baton device of claim 16 , further comprising a charging port disposed on the body and operatively connected to the energy storage element.
18 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless communication module disposed within the body and operatively connected to the controller.
19 . The baton device of claim 18 , wherein the wireless communication module is configured to transmit real-time data collected by the plurality of sensors.
20 . The baton device of claim 18 , wherein the wireless communication module is configured to communicate with a remote display device.
21 . The baton device of claim 18 , wherein the wireless communication module is configured to communicate with a mobile device of a user.
22 . The baton device of claim 1 , further comprising an accessory attachment feature disposed at the second end of the body.
23 . The baton device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes a temperature sensor.
24 . The baton device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes an inertial measurement unit.

Description

BACKGROUND Batons are widely utilized tools in law enforcement, private security, and military applications. These devices serve as an important less-than-lethal option for personnel in close quarters combat situations, providing an alternative means of apprehension that avoids escalation to greater levels of physical force or deadly force. The fundamental design of expandable, lockable, and releasable batons has remained largely unchanged since their modern introduction in the early 1980s. Conventional expandable batons typically consist of a hollow tubular barrel with nesting telescoping members that can be extended to a fully expanded position. The telescoping components are held in both closed and open expanded positions by detent locks, with the ends of the telescoping components designed to engage each other in a positive, rigid relationship using multiple parallel tapered stop surfaces. While minor refinements have been made to manufacturing processes, construction methods, and locking mechanisms, no substantial improvements have been made to incorporate electronic components, Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, or telecommunications functionalities. The use of a baton often occurs in high-stress situations where there may be threats to law enforcement officers and the public. These encounters can be volatile, with the potential for injury to officers if backup reinforcements do not arrive promptly. Currently, there is no capability to electronically alert fellow officers that an altercation is taking place or to relay critical real-time information to public safety dispatchers or other police officers during a violent encounter. Additionally, batons are routinely used in various applications such as crowd control to contain and manage potentially unruly groups. In these scenarios, batons may be utilized to push subjects to gain compliance without resorting to forceful strikes. However, there is presently no means to collect and store data related to the level of force applied or the specific method of baton use. This lack of data collection leaves officers and their employing agencies without measurable evidence in the event of civil or criminal claims of malfeasance. Thus, a need exists for an improved baton that incorporates electronic components and sensors to enhance situational awareness, provide real-time data capture and reporting capabilities, and offer quantifiable evidence of baton usage in the field. SUMMARY Various implementations provide a baton device. The baton device includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis from the first end, the first end including a handle, wherein the body includes a plurality of telescoping segments including a first telescoping segment and at least one additional telescoping segment, wherein the first telescoping segment includes the first end of the body and the handle, and wherein the additional telescoping segment is telescopingly slidable relative to an adjacent telescoping segment. The baton device also includes a plurality of sensors disposed within the body, and a controller disposed within the body and operatively connected to the plurality of sensors. In some implementations, the plurality of sensors includes an accelerometer configured to sense movement of the baton device. In some implementations, the controller is configured to determine a speed and angle of the baton device based on data sensed by the accelerometer. In some implementations, the plurality of sensors includes a force sensor configured to measure force applied by the baton device. In some implementations, the force sensor comprises a strain gauge. In some implementations, the force sensor comprises a flexure. In some implementations, the baton device further comprises a camera disposed at the second end of the body. In some implementations, the camera is configured to capture video data. In some implementations, the camera is configured to capture audio data. In some implementations, the camera includes thermal imaging capabilities. In some implementations, one of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense when the telescoping segments move from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In some implementations, sensing of the telescoping segments moving from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration causes the camera to be activated. In some implementations, the baton device further comprises a microphone disposed within the body. In some implementations, the baton device further comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) module disposed within the body. In some implementations, the baton device further comprises a data storage device disposed within the body and operatively connected to the controller. In some implementations, the data storage device is configured to store operational data collected by the plurality of sensors. In some implementations, the bat