Magnetic Pepper Spray Casing

The present disclosure relates generally to a pepper spray housing that houses a pepper spray formula canister, where the casing of the pepper spray housing attaches to an accessory, such as a wearable clip, through one or more magnets. In particular, some implementations may relate to a pepper spray housing that secures to a wearable clip through one or more magnets in the housing.

Jogging and walking are simple forms of transportation and popular forms of exercise, which can be done outdoor or indoor, whether on roads, walkways, stairs, treadmills, etc. Numerous factors may be considered in determining whether to jog and walk indoor or outdoor, with one such factor being safety. Joggers and walkers often carry pepper spray for safety. A typical pepper spray may be brightly colored, cylindrical in shape, and carried by a user on their keychain that is attached to the user's keys. A problem with the typical design is that it is often bulky and uncomfortable to carry. This is because the weight and also the size of the keychain is increased by attaching the pepper spray to the keys, making the keychain uncomfortable to hold.

Furthermore, users often carry pepper sprays irrespective of the destination or the reason for jogging or walking. As such, carrying a pepper spray, whether separately or attached to keys on a keychain, may pose a challenge with accessibility in situations where the user is preoccupied, such as when traveling or exercising. Carrying a pepper spray may also be problematic during exercise because exercise apparel often have insufficient pocket space for conveniently carrying personal belongings. Accordingly, joggers and walkers often carry a pouch to hold their pepper spray or secure the pepper spray to their body using unconventional means, such as, for example, placing the pepper spray in their pants/shorts, shirt, wrist/arm band, etc., which further impacts user comfort or potentially the user's safety due to inaccessibility. Due to the inconvenience stemming from carrying pepper sprays, one may limit their performance of walking or jogging to indoors, which could be inconvenient, or may even forego exercising, traveling or performing any other outdoor activities altogether for the same reason. As such, a design of a pepper spray holding device is needed that incorporates features to allow users to carry a pepper spray without impacting safety, comfort, convenience or accessibility.

The present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks of conventional pepper sprays by incorporating a magnetic feature that enables quick attachment and release from a wearable magnetic clip.

In accordance with some implementations, a pepper spray securing system is provided. The system may include: an accessory; a pepper spray housing configured to accept and dissipate pepper spray formula from a pepper spray canister; wherein the pepper spray housing comprises a surface configured to mate to the accessory; and wherein the pepper spray housing and the accessory can be magnetically engaged at the surface.

In some applications, one of either the surface of the pepper spray housing and the accessory comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other comprises one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage with the ferromagnetic material.

In some applications, the accessory further comprises an attachment feature and a clip feature.

In some applications, the attachment feature is configured to match the contour of the surface of the pepper spray housing.

In some applications, the surface and the attachment feature are flat.

In some applications, the surface and the attachment feature are curved.

In some applications, at least 75% of the attachment feature is in physical contact with the surface when the pepper spray housing and accessory are magnetically engaged.

In some applications, the pepper spray housing further comprises a top cover, a bottom cover, a nozzle and a trigger; wherein the top cover encapsulates the trigger and the top cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a first hinge; wherein the bottom cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a second hinge encapsulating the pepper spray canister; and compressing the trigger results in opening a valve in the pepper spray canister releasing the pepper spray formula through the nozzle.

In accordance with some implementations, an apparatus of a pepper spray securing device is provided. The apparatus may include: a pepper spray housing configured to accept and dissipate pepper spray formula from a pepper spray canister, wherein the pepper spray housing comprises a surface configured to mate to an accessory and wherein the pepper spray housing and the accessory can be magnetically engaged at the surface.

In some applications, the accessory further comprises an attachment feature and a clip feature.

In some applications, the attachment feature is configured to match the contour of the surface of the pepper spray housing.

In some applications, the surface and the attachment feature are flat.

In some applications, the surface and the attachment feature are curved.

In some applications, at least 75% of the attachment feature is in physical contact with the surface when the pepper spray housing and accessory are magnetically engaged.

In some applications, the pepper spray housing further comprises a top cover, a bottom cover, a nozzle and a trigger; wherein the top cover encapsulates the trigger and the top cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a first hinge; wherein the bottom cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a second hinge encapsulating the pepper spray canister; and compressing the trigger results in opening a valve in the pepper spray canister releasing the pepper spray formula through the nozzle.

In accordance with some implementations, a method for securing a pepper spray canister is provided. The method may include: receiving, by a pepper spray housing, the pepper spray canister, wherein the pepper spray housing is configured to accept and dissipate pepper spray formula from the pepper spray canister; and attaching, by the pepper spray housing, to an accessory using a magnet, wherein the pepper spray housing comprises a surface configured to mate to the accessory, and the pepper spray housing comprises the magnet along the surface.

In some applications, the accessory comprises a material attracted to the magnet in the pepper spray housing such that the surface of the pepper spray housing attaches magnetically to the accessory.

In some applications, the accessory further comprises an attachment feature and a clip feature.

In some applications, the attachment feature is configured to match the contour of the surface of the pepper spray housing.

In some applications, the pepper spray housing further comprises a top cover, a bottom cover, a nozzle and a trigger; wherein the top cover encapsulates the trigger and the top cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a first hinge; wherein the bottom cover is secured to the pepper spray housing with a second hinge encapsulating the pepper spray canister; and compressing the trigger results in opening a valve in the pepper spray canister releasing the pepper spray formula through the nozzle.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with various examples. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

The devices described herein enables a user to quickly attach and detach a pepper spray housing, containing a pepper spray canister for use, to an accessory, such as, for example, a wearable clip. The pepper spray housing may be attached, via the accessory, to various objects at various locations on a person, such as, for example, on a belt wrapped around the waist of the person, on a waistband of a pants worn by the person, on a purse strap looped around the body of the person, on a backpack strap hanging over a shoulder of the person, etc. The pepper spray housing with the accessory may allow a person to maintain user comfort, while allowing the user to easily detach and reattach the pepper spray housing between using and storing the pepper spray canister. In this way, a person may feel protected and at ease regarding their safety when walking, jogging, or running outside, without jeopardizing their comfort. As such, a pepper spray housing with an accessory may allow a user to carry a pepper spray without impacting safety, comfort, convenience or accessibility.

The pepper spray housing may securely hold a pepper spray canister and allow full use of the pepper spray canister. The attaching and detaching of the pepper spray housing from an accessory may be enabled through magnetic forces between the pepper spray housing and the accessory. The accessory, such as, for example, a clip, may allow a user to carry the pepper spray housing containing the pepper spray canister on their person (for example by securing the clip onto the user's waistband). The pepper spray housing may include one or more magnets and the accessory may be made from a material (e.g., metal, ferromagnetic, etc.) that is attracted to the magnetic forces emitted by the one or more magnets in the pepper spray housing. Conversely, the accessory may include one or more magnets and the pepper spray housing may be made from a material (e.g., metal, ferromagnetic, etc.) that is attracted to the magnetic forces emitted by the one or more magnets in the accessory. Alternatively, the pepper spray housing and the accessory may each include one or more magnets that are attracted to the magnetic forces of the other. The above examples allow the user to secure the pepper spray onto their person when moving, whether during exercise, traveling, etc., and easily release the pepper spray from their person after exercise or for use.

The pepper spray housing may be secured to the user through other means beyond the accessory. As an example, the pepper spray housing may attach to a surface that further includes an opening, such as, for example, a keychain hole. As another example, the pepper spray housing may attach to a surface that may be attached to a flexible band that can be worn. A primary means of securing the pepper spray housing may be through magnetic attraction between an accessory and the pepper spray housing. However, the disclosure should be read such that it covers all variations and methods in which the pepper spray housing may be secured to the user using various means, such as magnetic forces, clamps, plugs, etc.

Reference will now be made in detail to various implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure and the implementations described herein. However, implementations described herein may be practiced without such details. In other instances, some methods, procedures, components, and mechanical apparatuses may not be described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

illustrates an example of a pepper spray housing and an accessory according to various examples of the present disclosure. Pepper spray housingmay include components such as, but not limited to, a top cover, a bottom cover, an attachment side, and a nozzle opening. Accessoryis a separate device that attaches to the pepper spray housing. In many examples, accessoryis a wearable device. In this example accessoryincludes a clip featureand an attachment feature. Here, the pepper spray housing attaches to the attachment featureof the accessoryand the accessoryis further secured to the user using the clip feature. In some examples, accessorymay include a plurality of attachment features. In some examples, accessorymay include a plurality of clip features. In other examples, accessorymay include feature other than a clip to secure to the user, such as an opening as described below in reference to.

In one example, a magnet or a plurality of magnets may be located internally along the attachment sideof the pepper spray housing. The attachment featureof accessorymay be made from a material that is configured to be attracted to the magnet or plurality of magnets installed along the attachment sideof the pepper spray housing. The material of the attachment featuremay be of a magnetic or non-magnetic material. In another example, the attachment featureof the accessorymay include a magnet or a plurality of magnets. The attachment sideof the pepper spray housingmay be made from a material that is configured to be attracted to the magnet or plurality of magnets installed along the attachment featureof the accessory. The material of the attachment sidemay be of a magnetic or non-magnetic material. Many variations are possible.

In some examples, pepper spray housingmay have a plurality of attachment sides, such as attachment side. A magnet or plurality of magnets may be installed on each of the plurality of attachment sides of pepper spray housing. The accessorymay be made of one or more materials configured to be attracted to the magnet or the plurality of magnets on each attachment side of the pepper spray housing. In other examples, a magnet or plurality of magnets may be installed on the attachment featureof accessory. The plurality of attachment sides, such as attachment side, of the pepper spray housingmay be made from one or more materials configured to be attracted to the magnet or plurality of magnets on the attachment featureof the accessory.

Accessorymay be made from a single piece of material that is formed to make the clip featureand attachment feature. In some examples, accessorymay be made from multiple pieces of one or more materials, that may include a single piece for clip featureand a separate piece for attachment feature. The material of the accessorymay be of a single type and uniform (such as metal or plastic), or of a plurality of types and uniforms. In some examples, accessorymay be made from more than one material (e.g., rubber for attachment featureand plastic for attachment feature). In other examples, the material of accessorymay be the same material as the pepper spray housing. Many variations are possible.

Pepper spray housingand accessorymay be coated with paint. In some examples, the color of the paint may match between the accessoryand the pepper spray housing. In other examples, the paint color of the pepper spray housingmay not match the paint color of the accessory. In further examples, the pepper spray housingand/or accessorymay be coated with one or more paint colors. Many variations are possible.

The attachment sideis configured to attach to the attachment feature. More specifically, the shape of attachment sideand attachment featureenables each component to secure to each other, e.g., via magnets or physical connection. In one example, the attachment sideand attachment featureare flat and rectangular. This is unique as compared to most pepper sprays, which are cylindrical in shape. The flat rectangular shape of the attachment sideand attachment featurehave two obvious advantages.

First, the flat rectangular shape enhances the magnetic forces. In a situation where the attachment sideis cylindrical and the attachment featureis flat, such pairing will result in the contact point being a single point along the length of the attachment surfaceor attachment feature, whichever is shorter. In other words, there is some distance between attachment surfaceand attachment featurethat is not along the contact point. Because the magnitude of a magnetic force is a function of distance, these gaps reduce the combined magnetic force acting between attachment surfaceand attachment feature. The flat rectangular shape eliminates these gaps to enhance the combined magnetic force acting between attachment surfaceand attachment feature.

Second, the flat rectangular shape stabilizes the pepper spray housingto the accessory. Referring back to the previous scenario where the attachment sideis cylindrical and attachment featureis flat, such pairing will allow minor forces, such as bumps and taps, to result in the pepper spray housingto roll off of the accessory. Pepper spray housingwith a flat attachment sidewill not roll off as described in the above scenario. This improves the stability of the pepper spray housingwhile secured to the accessory. As shown in, the attachment featureof the accessorymay be a flat and rectangular surface to attach to a flat attachment sideof the pepper spray housing.

The improvements described above are also present for shapes with some radius of curvature. In some examples, attachment sideof the pepper spray housingand attachment featureof the accessorymay be shaped where the radius of curvature for both the attachment sideof the pepper spray housingand the attachment featureof the accessoryare similar to that of a body part of a person where the accessorymay be configured to be worn (e.g., curvature radius may be similar to a waist of a person and the clip featureof the accessorymay be configured to be worn on a user's waist). Many variations are possible as to the shape of the attachment sideof the pepper spray housingand the attachment featureof the accessory.

The improvements described above are also present for configurations where the attachment featureis shaped to make substantial contact with the attachment side. For example, the attachment featureand attachment sidemay be shaped such as to maximize the amount of surface area that is in contact between the attachment featureand attachment side. In the example depicted in, 100% of the surface area of the attachment featureis in contact with the attachment side. In another example, the attachment feature and attachment sideare shaped such that at least 75% of the surface area of the attachment featureis in contact with the attachment side. In yet another example, the attachment featureand attachment sideare shaped such that at least 50% of the surface area of the attachment featureis in contact with the attachment side.

In some examples, the pepper spray housingis further mechanically secured or restrained to the accessory. In on example, in addition to, or in place of, the magnetic forces that join the attachment sideto the attachment feature, the pepper spray housing and/or the accessoryinclude an additional feature, such as a spring clip, that mechanically secures the pepper spray housingto the accessory. Here, in order for the user to release the pepper spray housing, the user would have to overcome the forementioned magnetic forces between the attachment sideand the attachment feature, if present, and also release the pepper spray housingfrom the spring clip. In other examples, the attachment sideor the attachment featuremay include restraining mechanisms, such as pins and pin holes, to reduce the risk for unintended release due to torsional force (i.e., twisting) or sheer forces (i.e., sliding). Here, the pepper spray housingis joined to the accessorypurely through the magnetic forces described above. Accordingly, the user would only need to overcome the forementioned magnetic forces to release the pepper spray housingfrom the accessory. It should be noted that various combinations of securing or restraining mechanisms can be used in conjunction with the magnetic attachment mechanism described above. It should further be noted that the pin and pin hole restraining mechanism may include any numbers and shapes of pins and pin holes.

illustrates an example of a transparent image of a pepper spray housing, displaying the internal components of the pepper spray housing according to various examples of the present disclosure. Here, pepper spray housing(e.g., pepper spray housingof) may include components, such as, but not limited to, a top cover(e.g., top coverof), a bottom cover(e.g., bottom coverof), an attachment side(e.g., attachment sideof), a plurality of magnets, a trigger, a nozzle opening(e.g., nozzle openingof), a pepper spray canister compartmentand a pepper spray canister. In some examples, a single piece of magnet may be used instead of a plurality of magnets.

The pepper spray canister compartmentmay be depicted as a portion of the internal volume of the pepper spray housing. In some examples, the pepper spray canister compartmentmay encompass the entire volume of space available inside the pepper spray housing. Many variations are possible.

The top coverand the bottom covermay open using one or more hinges. Here, top coverand bottom covermay each pivot around one or more hinges allowing a user access to triggerand a pepper spray canister within the pepper spray canister compartment. In other examples, the top coverand bottom covermay open using other mechanisms. For example, top coverand bottom covermay incorporate a sliding mechanism such that top covermay slide in the direction of nozzle openingto reveal trigger. Similarly, bottom covermay slide in the direction away from nozzle openingrevealing the pepper spray canister within the pepper spray canister compartment. Many variations are possible.

The pepper spray housingmay be compatible with commercially available pepper spray canisters containing pepper spray formula. Commercially available pepper spray canisters may slide into the pepper spray canister compartmentof the pepper spray housing. A pepper spray canister may be secured inside the pepper spray housingat the pepper spray canister compartmentwhen the bottom coveris closed. In some examples, the pepper spray housingand a pepper spray canister may incorporate other mechanisms to secure the pepper spray canister inside the pepper spray housing, irrespective of whether the bottom coveris open or closed. For example, a pepper spray canister may slide into pepper spray canister compartment, and both the pepper spray canister and the pepper spray housingmay each have threads configured to accept the threads on the other, establishing a mating component. Here, a pepper spray canister may be mechanically secured to the pepper spray housingat the pepper spray canister compartmentusing threading, and may also be secured by the bottom coverbeing in a closed position. Many variations are possible.

Opening the top covermay reveal the trigger. Triggermay be configured to accept a pepper spray canister installed within the pepper spray canister compartmentof the pepper spray housingand discharge the pepper spray formula within the pepper spray canister when the triggeris compressed. The pepper spray formula within the pepper spray canister may be discharged out of the nozzle openingof the pepper spray housingwhen the triggeris compressed. In some examples, triggermay include a locking mechanism to prevent unintended discharge of the pepper spray formula in the pepper spray canister. For example, a safety position (i.e., a position of triggerthat will not allow triggerto be compressed) may be offset, such as, by being at an angle away from being parallel with an attachment wall of top cover. Here, repositioning triggerto be parallel with an attachment wall of top covermay free the triggerfrom any mechanical obstruction and enable the triggerto be compressed to release the pepper spray formula in the pepper spray canister installed within the pepper spray canister compartmentof the pepper spray housing. In other examples, the pepper spray housingmay include a button (e.g., a spring loaded button) that obstructs triggerfrom being compressed when the button is not pressed. Many variations are possible.

A pepper spray canister may be of a spring, valve, and stem type, where compression of a spring of the pepper spray canister opens the valve of the pepper spray canister and releases pepper spray formula within the pepper spray canister through the valve. In this example, compression of a pepper spray canister may release pepper spray formula through the stem of the pepper spray canister and out through a nozzle of the pepper spray canister.

illustrates an example pepper spray housing that is secured to a surface according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this example, a pepper spray housing(e.g., pepper spray housingandof) may comprise a top cover(e.g., top coverandof), an attachment side(e.g., attachment sideandof), one or more magnets(e.g., magnetsof) lined against the attachment sideand located inside the pepper spray housing, and a nozzle opening(e.g., nozzle openingandof). As described previously, an accessory can utilize various securing features to secure the accessory to the user.depicts an accessory in the form of a keychain accessorywith an attachment featureand an opening, such as, for example, a keychain hole. The attachment featureattaches to the attachment sideof the pepper spray housing.

Here, the attachment featuremay be made from one or more materials configured to be attracted to magnetic forces (e.g., metal, ferromagnetic, etc.). In some examples, pepper spray housingmay include one or more magnetsand the attachment featuremay be made from a magnetic material that may attach to the attachment sidefrom magnetic forces caused by the one or more magnets. In other examples, pepper spray housingmay not include one or more magnets, and the attachment sidemay be a material that is attracted to the material of the attachment featuresuch that the attachment featuremay attach to the attachment side. Here, pepper spray housingmay be made from a material that is attracted to a magnetic material of attachment feature. As depicted in, the attachment featuremay extend along the surface of the accessory.

As an example, the pepper spray housingmay attach to an accessorythat further includes an opening, such as, for example, a keychain hole. As another example, the pepper spray housingmay attach to an accessorythat may be attached to a flexible band that can be worn by a user. A primary means of securing a pepper spray housingcontaining a pepper spray canister may be through magnetic attraction between the accessoryand the pepper spray housing.