MODULAR RAPID DEPLOYMENT CHARGES

Abstract

A modular rapid deployment explosive charge device, the device being configured for simple assembly and ease of access and placement at a target site, with the feature that detonation cords may be reversibly loaded, adjusted, removed or replaced to facilitate flexibility of operation and adjustments to intended characteristics and impact of blast event, facilitate flexibility of operation in placement and in timing of explosive blast event, and features of the device system and methods of fabrication and assembly thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular explosive charge devices that may be transported and deployed readily, expediently, and effectively, and features of the device and methods of fabrication and preparation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Explosives are used in a large number of practical applications, including military use, law enforcement, mining, construction and related professions and industries where the objective is to direct concentrated energy from explosives at a target or substrate to compromise or break up the target or underlying substrate. Often in such situations, particularly crisis or emergency situations, it is imperative that the explosive charge can be transported, placed, deployed and actuated readily and effectively in a time-critical, responsive and adaptable manner. Additionally, such situations often change or escalate without warning, and the explosive charge may have to be relocated, reset, and redeployed at a moment's notice. Often, conventional assembly, placement, and deployment of explosive charges is difficult, time-consuming, dangerous, burdensome, and lack ease of transport and lack in adaptability to changing conditions or changing assessments.

On a more general use level, conventional explosive charges often are configured so that the assembled device is transported with the actual explosive on-board. Such configurations make transport hazardous and subject to the restrictions or impracticalities that are concomitant with transport via air, water or ground vehicular means, or particularly in situations where the explosive charges are carried on the persons of the explosives team.

As such, there is a long-felt and pronounced present need for explosive charge devices that are modular and designed for rapid and straightforward assembly and operation and can be loaded on-site and adapted and modified immediately in event of a rapidly-changing situation. The present invention offers devices and methods that are simpler, more reliable, more stable and better adaptable to different environments, including unstable and transient target environments that may include rapid modification of the condition or required force of the charge, and thus the present invention promotes facility of transport, greater precision, greater flexibility, and greater effectiveness, thereby providing greater control and better ease of use and deployment efficacy to the construction, mining, security, military or law enforcement personnel operating the instruments and methods of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present structure and system of the invention provides for a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device that can be fully-constructed and configured for immediate use, or, alternatively, presented for ready assembly on-site by operating personnel. In most preferred embodiments, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device is in one of four configurations: a blasting modular rapid deployment charge configuration, a blasting tamped modular rapid deployment charge configuration, a pushing modular rapid deployment charge configuration, or a pushing tamped modular rapid deployment charge configuration.

In select “blasting” embodiments of the invention, blasting refers to the intrinsic operational properties of high explosives to produce a detonation velocity and force which can shatter materials that the force encounters.

In select “pushing” embodiments, pushing refers to the transfer of the energy produced via detonation of high explosives into an inert, highly dense, non-explosive, non-flammable material which, in turn, is operably propelled into a target structure or object thereby directing the compromise of the target structure or object. In preferred embodiments, a suitable push material may comprise rubber or plastic materials. In particular preferred embodiments, the suitable push materials comprises conveyor belt rubber or polyethylene plastic materials.

In select “tamped” embodiments, tamping refers to the use of highly dense, non-explosive, non-flammable material which, in turn, when properly placed on the rear end of the explosive charge will serve to redirect the explosive energy back toward the direction of the target objective, as opposed to permitting the energy of the blast to escape into the ambient atmosphere, and serves to dampen the action of or risk of uncontrolled blast energy at collateral objects, operating personnel, or bystanders.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device will comprise (stable) housing for the explosive charge, clear tubing for the specific housing of detonation cord segments, heatshrink polyolefin tubing for stabilizing and fixing the shape and structure of the charge device, and adhesive materials to fix and secure the charge device to a target structure or target location. In particular preferred embodiments of the invention, the housing material for the explosive charge device comprises medium-density fiberboard which incorporates the benefits of low cost, stability, and the capacity to maximize the rigidity of the device structure with low weight while simultaneously mitigating hazardous fragmentation secondary effects of the blast.

In preferred tamped embodiments of the invention, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device will incorporate hydrogel materials as the tamping material. In a most preferred embodiment, the tamping material will comprise Global Assets FE112 HydroBreach gel.

In preferred embodiments of manufacture or assembly of the invention, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device manufacture or assembly will comprise steps of: forming structural housing for the explosive charge, incorporation of clear tubing sections for the specific housing of detonation cord segments, incorporation and securing heatshrink polyolefin tubing to the (detonation cord) clear tubing sections for stabilizing and fixing the shape and structure of the charge device to the housing, and application of adhesive materials to fix and secure the charge device to a target structure or target location. In particular preferred embodiments of the manufacture and/or assembly of the invention, the housing material used for the explosive charge device comprises medium-density fiberboard, which incorporates the benefits of low cost, stability, and the capacity to maximize the rigidity of the device structure with low weight while simultaneously mitigating hazardous fragmentation secondary effects of the blast.

Furthermore, in a particular preferred embodiment, the device is optimally designed for handheld use and thus features a small and lighter body and emphasized ergonomic shape for ease of manual handling. In particular preferred such embodiments, the overall device is carefully balanced in shape and weight to facilitate single-handed ease of use and performance with the device. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the device is sized and shaped for ease of transport and concealment within a rucksack or similar personal transport instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the present invention.

These components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, identical reference numerals, letters or other identifying symbols may designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument of the invention features a housing of medium-density fiberboard encasing tamping material of inert, non-flammable hydrogel and the housing features a compartment for dual clear tubing for the loading (insertion) and unloading (removal) of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments. In a most preferred embodiment, single, dual or multiple clear tubing segments provide for quick reversible and repeatable insertion and removal of detonation cord segments such that a user may load, unload, and/or reload detonation cord segments immediately and readily at the site of explosive charge device use, as opposed to the required pre-loading and irreversible, fixed loading of detonation cord by conventional prior art methods.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device instrument features dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments within medium-density fiberboard housing, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments within heatshrink polyolefin tubing encased within medium-density fiberboard housing, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within a corresponding volume of hydrogel tamping material that is encased within medium-density fiberboard housing, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within a corresponding volume of hydrogel tamping material sealed or stabilized with medium-density fiberboard within a heatshrink polyolefin tubing capsule, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within or against a pushing medium, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within or against a pushing medium within a heatshrink polyolefin tubing capsule, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing that allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within a corresponding volume of hydrogel tamping material that is further fitted within or against a pushing medium, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in a preferred embodiment, the modular rapid deployment explosive charge device features single or dual clear plastic tubing allows for the reversible and repeatable loading (insertion) and removal of variable-length and variable-grain detonation cord segments, wherein one or more plastic tubing segments are fitted within a corresponding volume of hydrogel tamping material that is further fitted within or against a pushing medium within a heatshrink polyolefin tubing capsule, further wherein a hydrogel adhesive strip is operably securable to the housing for placement and attachment upon a blast/push target.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims

1. An explosive charge device, comprising a rigid explosive charge device housing, wherein a receptacle tube within the housing is sized and configured to allow a length of detonation cord or explosive charge to be reversibly placed therein.

2. The explosive charge device of claim 1, wherein there are dual, parallel receptable tubes.

3. The explosive charge device of claim 1, wherein the explosive charge device housing contains a volume of tamping material.

4. The explosive charge device of claim 3, wherein the tamping material is a hydrogel.

5. The explosive charge device of claim 1, wherein the explosive charge device housing contains a volume of push material.

6. The explosive charge device of claim 5, wherein the push material comprises rubber or plastic.

7. The explosive charge device of claim 5, wherein the explosive charge device housing further comprises a tamping material.

8. The explosive charge device of claim 7, wherein the tamping material is a hydrogel.

9. The explosive charge device of claim 1, wherein the device is sized and configured for hand-held operation.

10. The explosive charge device of claim 9, wherein the device is sized and configured for single hand-held operation.

11. A method of assembling an explosive charge device, comprising the steps of:

forming a rigid explosive charge housing with a hollow cylindrical receptable therein; optionally adding a tamping material therein; optionally adding a push material adjacent thereto; inserting a detonation cord or explosive charge therein such that the insertion is reversible.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the explosive charge housing has dual parallel hollow cylindrical receptacles.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the explosive charge housing comprises fiberboard materials.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the explosive charge housing has one hollow cylindrical receptacle.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the tamping material is a hydrogel.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the push material is rubber or plastic.