Articulating high-density less-lethal ballistic projectile

Abstract

high-density, less-lethal ballistic projectile incorporating multiple sections that articulate from a closed configuration, wherein the sections are aligned with the projectile's intended direction of travel, to an open configuration, wherein the sections are positioned perpendicular to the projectile's intended direction of travel, at or near the time of impact. The articulation of these sections increases the proportion of the projectile's total surface area that comes into contact with a target, thereby enabling the projectile to transfer its kinetic energy into said target without penetrating said target.

1 . An articulating high-density less-lethal ballistic projectile comprising:
 Two or more articulating sections that move from a closed configuration, wherein the sections are aligned with the projectile's intended direction of travel, to an open configuration, wherein the sections are positioned perpendicular to the projectile's intended direction of travel, at or near the time of impact with a target;   
     
     
         2 . An articulating high-density less-lethal ballistic projectile, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 The exterior surface, as defined when the projectile is in a closed configuration, of the projectile is able to interface with rifling grooves, if present, in the bore of the weapon from which the projectile is being fired.   
     
     
         3 . An articulating high-density less-lethal ballistic projectile, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 High-strength flexible material is attached to the articulating sections in such a way that when the sections move from a closed to an open configuration at or near the time of impact with a target, said high-strength flexible material increases the total surface area of the projectile that comes into contact with said target.