Abstract: A puncture mechanism that is configured to puncture a seal provided over a mouth of a canister of compressed gas received within a less-lethal device to propel a projectile from the less-lethal device when a trigger mechanism of the less-lethal device is actuated by a user. The puncture mechanism includes a displaceable body that has a piercing mechanism which is configured to pierce the seal provided over a mouth of the canister. The puncture mechanism further includes an actuation arrangement, which comprises a trigger mechanism, for displacing the displaceable body towards the canister whereby the piercing mechanism pierces a seal of the canister and compressed gas flows into a barrel of the less-lethal device to propel the projectile from the less-lethal device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dart (10) comprising a body, the body defining a chamber (24) having a plunger located therein to operatively deliver a substance through a hypodermic needle (32) extending through a front end of the body, and a retainer comprising a barb body locatable on the hypodermic needle (32) characterised in that the barb body is threaded. The invention further relates to a dart retainer, wherein the retainer comprises of a threaded barb body locatable on a hypodermic needle (32) of a dart (10).

Abstract: This invention relates to mechanisms and components of a less lethal device, including a magazine configured to house a plurality of projectiles in a “staggered” configuration, a barrel displacement mechanism, a projectile release mechanism and load indicator, a projectile detent, and a loading mechanism. The magazine comprises a hollow body with a first closed end and a second end with an opening through which projectiles are received into or from the body; a first follower which is displaceable from the first end in a direction of the second end for a first distance, the first follower being biased in the direction of the second end; and a second follower which is displaceable from the first end in the direction of the second end for a second distance, the second follower being biased in the direction of the second end and wherein the first distance exceeds the second distance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic arrangement of a less-lethal device, which pneumatic arrangement comprises a puncture mechanism used for puncturing a sealed mouth of a canister of compressed gas, in use received within a body of the less-lethal device; a pressure sensitive activation assembly used to inhibit the device from propelling a projectile therefrom before a predetermined pressure is reached within a release valve of the device; a release valve assembly for venting compressed gas to a barrel to propel the projectile from the device; and a propelling assembly for adjusting the kinetic force with which a hammer impacts a release valve of the device. The invention also relates to a method of propelling a projectile from a less-lethal device.

Abstract: This invention relates to less-lethal munitions. More particularly, the invention relates to a wad and a less-lethal round of ammunition adapted for use with a conventional firearm, which less-lethal shell enables the firearm to propel less-lethal projectiles therefrom. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wad operatively received within an ammunition casing, the wad comprising a substantially disc-shaped base; and a plurality of tabs extending from the base defining a receiving zone therebetween, with at least some of the tabs provided with an inwardly projecting formation for urging against a projectile operatively received within the receiving zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to less-lethal munitions. More particularly, the invention relates to a wad and a less-lethal round of ammunition adapted for use with a conventional firearm, which less-lethal shell enables the firearm to propel less-lethal projectiles therefrom. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wad operatively received within an ammunition casing, the wad comprising a substantially disc-shaped base; and a plurality of tabs extending from the base defining a receiving zone therebetween, with at least some of the tabs provided with an inwardly projecting formation for urging against a projectile operatively received within the receiving zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dart (10) comprising a body, the body defining a chamber (24) having a plunger located therein to operatively deliver a substance through a hypodermic needle (32) extending through a front end of the body, and a retainer comprising a barb body locatable on the hypodermic needle (32) characterised in that the barb body is threaded. The invention further relates to a dart retainer, wherein the retainer comprises of a threaded barb body locatable on a hypodermic needle (32) of a dart (10).

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-lethal projectile to be fired using a paintball gun, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an aerodynamic non-lethal projectile which is used for marking, inhibiting or administering medicinal or other chemical substances to live targets. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile comprising a body shaped to receive a capsule containing a substance, the body having a stabilizing member connected thereto for stabilizing the projectile in flight when the projectile is discharged from a weapon, and an annular member connected to the stabilising member at a rear end of the projectile for positioning the projectile relative to the weapon and relative to other projectiles to be discharged by the weapon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-lethal projectile to be fired using a paintball gun, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an aerodynamic non-lethal projectile which is used for marking, inhibiting or administering medicinal or other chemical substances to live targets. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile comprising a body shaped to receive a capsule containing a substance, the body having a stabilising member connected thereto for stabilising the projectile in flight when the projectile is discharged from a weapon, and an annular member connected to the stabilising member at a rear end of the projectile for positioning the projectile relative to the weapon and relative to other projectiles to be discharged by the weapon.