US2876935A - Criminal apprehension aid - Google Patents

Description

March 10; 1959 n. P. LINDBERG CRIMINAL APPREHENSION AID Filed June 6, 1958 FIG. .1.

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United States Patent wa APP EHE N David Lindherg, Chicago, Application June 6, 1958, Seria No. 740,428 9 Claims. cl. 32-145 This invention relates to a device intended to aid in the detention and apprehension of criminals.

The ordinary citizen is generally defenseless in the presence of one committing a crime upon his or her person. For example, one walking upon a dark street or roadway late at night is particularly prone to attack bycriminals bent upon rob e assault and battery, rape, and other serious crimes. Women and children are particularly defenseless in these circumstances.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a device which will not only constitute a defense weapon usable by a citizen who is being attacked or robbed, but al o, will h v a funetien i a d ti n t ts en e t netien, me ma kin the imin in l h a wa tha pp e n e o the et mi e fter e .tl e the a e o the crime will be mad mach eas er than'ie u a the present time. i

Anothe e ieet is t pr v e .e de e at the el eete stated which will be small enough to be carried in the hand, ready for instant use if the occasion demands it.

Another object is to provide a device for defending oneself against criminals and for aiding in the apprehension of criminals, which device will be comparatively inexpensive'will be reusable an indefinite number of times, and will be small and light enough to be carried about in the purse or in ones pocket.

Another object is to provide a device of the character stated that will be provided with a quantity of chemicals, each of which has a particular purpose or function," said chemicals being sprayed in a fully intermixedstate so that all the chemicals will be simultaneously in'use in t e is a o t e nten d pu pos Another object is to provide a device of the character stated wherein the mentioned chemicals will be interm xe r en e e q e n .q 't e l entain e th dev e. nd w l se be m es a he ttl m w th e e o e e n a na u e to f e t ve P ess e a ap d to cause a strong spray of jet of the material to be directed forwardly from the nozzle of the device.

Other objects will appear from the following description, the claims appended thereto, and from the annexed drawing, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure l is a side elevational ,view bf a device according .tothe present invention, used in defending oneself against and aiding in the apprehension of criminals.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view therethrough substantially on line 2-2 ofFig'ure l; and i Figure 3 is a transverse section substantially on line 3.-3 of Figure 2. i

Referring to the drawing in detail, designated at ll] is acylindrical container, formed .to a constant diameter from end to end thereof, said container being formed of polyethylene or other material of a deformable nature. Such material is often used in the manufacture of socalled squeeze bottles, such as those used as containers ie sp a yr deed en e em The plastic at r a e wh h th e eiae l fl tonnes! (that; o ma ly tend ice to expand to the position shown in Figure 2. Neverthe less, the container can be gripped medially between its opposite ends, and a squeezing pressure can be exerted thereon. In these circumstances, container '10,, intermediate its ends, will be squeezed and contracted in a radial direction, to temporarily reduce the cubic area of the in,- terior of the container. When the squeezing pressure is relaxed, the container tends to expand to its normal, Figure 2 position.

Container 10 is integrally formed, at one end thereof, with a rear or outer end'wall 12, and also integral with the container is a longitudinal partition 14, which bisects the container longitudinally thereof, the partition 14 ee neit ins w t the o i ud n ee te n o e c il.- ai e an pa ti i 4 be n po e W a P ne l n ametr y o the n i e en e e 0 is also f m w h an n W l 1.6. wi h which the partition 14 is integral.

Formed upon vthe rear Wall 1.2, at opposite sides of the a on 4 a i a dl P ie n b ss s 8 ext d n abou th e o n n 2 Threededly e a i the pe i 2. are pl s 22, a n en e eret 24 he in er ea e a wh h e a ed as a 6 t P de valv se te- Y l e ease erefit d m d n the i ner ends of the plugs 22, said valve cages projecting inwardly of the ,een ei er i em he ea en e n te i les a thei i n aaller nds w h f a e e e ebu m t .9 e t trally apentured to ,slidably receive the stems 32 of frus to ee t e ve el men ,34 h e l e e tt t th e et 26 by compression, coil springs 36 interposed between the valve el me t end ab m nt 39- h e. t W l be see that the container, at the outer end thereof, is provided with a pair of transyersely spaced inlet check valves, disposed at opposite sides of the partition 14 and opening into chambers A and B defined within the container 10 by the partition. i ii End wall i6 is provided .with inwardly projecting bosses 38 extending abo ut threaded openings 39 ,"in which are threadedly engaged plugs having icente'r bores ,42 the outer or forward ends of which are flared to provide valye seats .44. Against these bear conically shaped valve elements d6, the fstemsof which extend .through compression coil springs 5tl. Springs 50 are held under compression betweenplugs Atlaiid abutment washers 52, engaged with .stenis'gtlS at the outer ends thereof by pins 53' or fihfl k v v v Container 10, at its forward end, is provided with a low, externally threaded neck 54, extending circum ferentially of the 'container'and cngagedw-ith internal threads provided upon the larger end '55 of a conically shaped, forwardly projecting dispensing head .56, the interior of {which defines the mixing chamber C. Head 5.6 at its forward end is providedwith a solid portion constituting a nozzle 58, having an axial, smalldiarneter bore fill-opening upon the forward extremity of head 5d. Bore 6t} merges at its ll l' end into a counterbore ,62, threaded to receive a valye' plug v 64 having an axial bore 65 the forward end of which is flared to proyide' 'a couically shaped valve element 66 Element 66 is rigid with a ,valve'stem .67 projecting rearwardly through the bore into the chamber ,C. washer is connected the projecting, rear end of the stem 67, to provide an abutment 68 against which bears the end of a compression, coil spring 70, the forward end of which bears against the plug .64. Thus, the valve within the nozzle 58 constitutes an outlet check valve. The valves in the wall "16 constitute outlet check valves so far as the chambers A, B and are concerned, and inlet check valves so far as the chamber C is concerned. In use of the'deyice, the chambers A, B would be filled withditfererit liquid substances." Chamber A, for

V 3 example, could contain liquid citric acid, intermixed with a fluorescent or luminous liquid. Chamber B could contain a mixture of liquid bicarbonate of soda, together with-a dye of a type that would strongly resist 'efiorts to remove the same. The citric acid has the purpose of acting as a blinding chemical, that is, when sprayed upon the criminals face, it temporarily blinds the criminal, but does not permanently afi'ect or injure his eyesight. The dye, when sprayed upon the criminals person and clothes, provides an effective marking of the clothes, so that when the criminal is later apprehended, it becomes clear that there would be no question as to the fact that he was in fact the criminal being sought. So far as the fluorescent liquid is concerned, this serves the same purpose as the dye, in the sense of being a marking liquid. The purpose of the fluorescent liquid is to make the clothes of the criminal luminous, particularly when light is directed thereagainst, to provide a clear outlined the criminal and to make him clearly visible at night, to aid in his apprehension.

The bicarbonate of soda, when mixed with the chemicals in chamber A, reacts to expand. Accordingly, when all the chemicals in chambers A, B are intermixed within chamber C, expansion of the pressure-creating chemical (in this instance bicarbonate of soda) occurs, so that the liquid in chamber C, seeking an outlet, acts upon the valve element 66 to unseat the same. The liquid is thus caused to issue from the nozzle in a thin but very effective jet or stream, which travels a substantial distance against theperson of the criminal.

- It will be understood that the chemicals mentioned can obviously be varied, and it is mainly important that the chemicals comprise one or more marking chemicals, and. preferably, a disabling chemical such as one that will temporarily blind the criminal. It is also of importance that the chemicals be such that they would include one that will create pressure within chamber C, whenever intermixed with the chemicals from which it is normally separated in the body of the container. For example, in chamber B there could be only one chemical, namely, one that will expand to create pressure when mixed with certain other liquids. In chamber A, said other liquids could be confined. In suspension or otherwise intermixed with the liquids in chamber A there could be the marking dyes, fluorescent particles, etc.

In use of the device, one may carry the same in the hand, ready for use, and of course the'device would be so small as to not be normally visible except on close inspection. Assuming that one were attacked by a criminal, the device would be pointed toward the criminal, and the container 10 would be squeezed. This forces the liquids in chambers A, B through the bores 42 in the chamber C, with valve elements 46 being unseated against the restraint of the spring 50. Within chamber C an immediate chemical reaction takes place, so that heavy pressure is created. Valve elements 46 of course prevent return flow of the chemicals into the chambers A, B. The pressure in chemical C rises to a value such as to overcome the force of thespring 70. The chemicals in chamber C, bearing against the valve element 66, unseat the same and under heavy pressure the chemicals are sprayed through the nozzle against the criminals person. When the squeezing pressure is exerted on container 10, valve elements 34 of course remain firmly seated. As soon as the squeezing pressure is relaxed, a partial vacuum will be created in the chambers A, B, which will be replaced by air rushing inwardly through bores 24 and temporarily unseating the inlet check valves 34.

As will be readily apparent, the device has very desirable characteristics, in respect to not only aiding in ones defense against criminals, but also, in marking the criminal so that in the event of his escape, and his later apprehension, he can be readily identified as the 4 particular person being sought in connection with the commission of a recent crime.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals, comprising a container formed of a deformable material so as to temporarily reduce its cubic content responsive to a squeezing pressure exerted thereon by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition dividing the container into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head secured to one end of and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber; and a third check valve arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere.

2. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition bisecting the container from end to end thereof to divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arrangedto permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber; and a third check valve mounted in the forward end of the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere.

3. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by a hand grasping thesame; a longitudinal partition bisecting the container from end to end thereof to divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arranged to permitflow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber, said first and second check valves being spring-biased to a normally seated position; and a third check valve mounted in the forward end of the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said third check valve being spring-biased to a normally seated position.

4. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by-a hand grasping .the same; a longitudinal partition' bisecting the container'from end to end thereof to 'divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber, said first and second check valves being springbiased to a normally seated position; and a third check valve mounted in the forward end of the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said third check valve being spring-biased to a normally seated position, the spring bias of the valves being selected of a value such as to cause unseating of the valves responsive only to pressure of a predetermined value greater than the value of said spring bias.

5. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition bisecting the container from end to end thereof to divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container andarranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber, said first and second check valves being springbiased to a normally seated position; and a third check valve mounted in the forward end of the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said third check valve being spring-biased to a normally seated position, the spring bias of the valves being selected of a value such as to cause unseating of the valves responsive only to pressure of a predetermined value greater than the value of said spring bias, the several valves including axially bored valve plugs having valve seats at one end.

6. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition bisecting the container from end to end thereof to divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arranged to permit fiow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber, said first and second check valves being spring-biased to a normally seated position; and a third check valve mounted in the forward endof the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said third check valve being springbiased to a normally seated position, therspring' bias of the valves being selected of a value such as to cause unseating of the valves responsive only to pressure of a predetermined value greater than the value of said spring bias, the several valves including axially bored valve plugs having valve seats at one end, said valves further including valve elements tapered complementarily to the seats.

7. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals comprising a container at least the side wall of which is formed with a material of a deformable nature, so as to temporarily reduce the cubic content of the container responsive to squeezing pressure exerted upon the side wall by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition bisecting the container from end to end thereof to divide the same into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head detachably connected to one end and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed over substantially its full area to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head including a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the other end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on said one end of the container and arranged to permit flow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber, said first and second check valves being springbiased to a normally seated position; and a third check valve mounted in the forward end of the dispensing head and arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said third check valve being spring-biased to a normally seated position, the spring bias of the valves being selected of a value such as to cause unseating of the valves responsive only to pressure of a predetermined value greater than the value of said spring bias, the several valves including axially bored valve plugs having valve seats at one end, said valves further including valve elements tapered complementarily to the seats, the several valves further including stems projecting from the valve elements through the bores of the plugs, the spring bias of the valves being provided by compression, coil springs circumposed about the stems and bearing at one end against the plugs, the stems having abutments spaced from the plugs against which the other ends of the springs bear.

8. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals, comprising a container formed of a deformable material so as to temporarily reduce its cubic content responsive to a squeezing pressure exerted thereon by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition dividing the container into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head secured to one end of and projecting forwardly from the container and hollowly formed to provide a mixing chamber in the dispensing head, said dispensing head in cluding a nozzle at its forward end communicating between the mixing chamber and atmosphere; first check valves mounted on the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second check valves mounted on the container and arranged to permit fiow only from the first named chambers into the mixing chamber; and a third check valve arranged to permit flow only from the mixing chamber through the nozzle to atmosphere, said container being of substantially constant diameter from end to end thereof.

9. A device for aiding in the apprehension of criminals, comprising a container formed of a deformable material so as to temporarily reduce its cubic content responsive to a squeezing pressure exerted thereon by a hand grasping the same; a longitudinal partition dividing the container into side-by-side, separate chambers; a dispensing head secured to one end of and projecting forwardly from enemas 11 g; mutairmv andi hnllnwly fozmed tb Pr a i in 'cfiambefrjin thedispens'ing: head, said dispensing head inc'lliding a nozzle at its 'fbrwar'dend communicating betweenthe mixing chamber and atmosphere; first'check valves-mounted on the container and arranged to permit flow only from atmosphere into the first named chambers; second: check valves mounted on the container and anranged to permitflow only from the first named chamhers; intqwthe chamber; angl a third; check valve arranged tb permit: flow. dnlyfrom the mixing chamber th 'oug'h the nozzle to atmosphexe, said dispensing. head No references cited."

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