Patent Application
20100090026
Pepper spray delivery systems, more specifically, a compressed gas cartridge powered pepper spray gun.
Non-lethal spray, such as pepper spray, is sometimes used to control unruly crowds. Pepper spray to the face can sting the eyes of the unfortunate recipient and is sometimes used by prison guards to quell riots.
Briefly, the present system includes a storage cylinder 12 having a threaded end 12A. The storage cylinder 12 is typically filled about half full with a water/ground pepper slurry (“M”). A firing unit 16 functions to expel the slurry M when the system is charged with a compressible gas through a charging port 30. The firing unit 16 includes a dip tube 18 (also known as a charge delivery tube) extending into the slurry, the dip tube typically having a weighed end 18A. The firing unit also includes a trigger valve 20 including a trigger/hand guard 22. A trigger grip 24 and a spray nozzle 26 are also typically included in the present system as part of firing unit 16.
Trigger valve 20 will release a high pressure pulse of gas carrying part of the charge M which will pass out of spray nozzle 26. Weighed end 18A is designed to maintain the end of the dip tube in slurry M when the pepper spray gun of the present system is brought into firing position as illustrated in
The present procedure using the present system illustrated in
There are a number of problems with the present system. These include the requirement for using the storage cylinder about approximately twice the liquid capacity of the charge. Further, it is often difficult to find a high pressure gas charging source. Thus, it is not convenient for field charging. Another problem is that output pressure decreases as pepper spray is sprayed out, that is to say, there is not a regulated gas pressure in the storage cylinder. Moreover, as output pressure decreases, the discharge loses range and accuracy.
Applicant's present system is designed to overcome these and other problems with the present system.
The advantages achieved by using Applicant's retrofit kit 14, which typically adapts to the present system, is that the present systems now are easily recharged by simply threading a small charging cartridge into the pressure regulator. Typically a number of small charging cylinders (2-6, for example) or cartridges may be carried by the user, as these pre-charged, single use cylinders typically are only about 6 inches tall in size.
Moreover, the length of the storage cylinder used on the present system may be cut in a third to a half while maintaining the same charge. This is because the storage cylinder can now be filled entirely with the slurry M. Also, the charging cylinder is sufficiently charged to expel a charge, relative to the storage cylinder, such that the positive storage tank pressure is maintained, through the regulator until the storage tank is empty of slurry. This helps to ensure that the charges are fired repeatedly with the same range and accuracy. This charge is typically about 250 psi.
The present system utilizes storage cylinders that are approximately 14 inches in length and Applicant may replace the present system storage cylinders with ones about 10 inches in size and not lose any charge capacity. Moreover, it is noted that expensive prior art charging systems or large field units are not necessary. Further, while it is noted that Applicant typically provides a retrofit kit 14 as set forth in
Applicant's gas cartridge retrofit system 14 typically utilizes a charging cartridge 32 typically having a threaded end 32A. Threaded end 32A engages a regulator 34, which regulator 34 is typically, but not necessarily, mounted to firing unit 16 by any type of convenient mounting member, for example, a clamp or a clip. One such firing unit is found on the Mk. 46 model pepper spray gun from Security Equipment Corporation, St. Louis, Mo. Pressure regulator 34 may be a set pressure or an adjustable pressure regulator fitting adapted to engage first fitting 36. One such regulator which may be used is a Rehvac Series 4000 regulator. The pressure regulator may be set, for example, to 250 psi. Pressure regulator 34 will have an input end 34A that receives high pressure charging gas from charging cartridge 32 and an output end 34B feeding regulated gas, for example, N2 (preferably) at about 250 psi, to (optionally) a gas tight first fitting 36, as seen in
Swivel collar fitting 42 includes a central opening 42A and a threaded portion 42B. The center opening 42A is designed to receive in fluid sealing relation O-rings 44 (typically two) that are on either side of transfer port 46C. This will place swivel collar fitting 42 between threaded male end 46A and threaded female end 46B. Transfer port 46C will transfer the gas received into the swivel collar fitting 42 through the collar fitting, through transfer port 46C, and into at least the very top (head space) of the storage cylinder (depending on the amount of fluid of slurry M in the cylinder). O-rings 44 will allow the swivel collar fitting 42 to fit snugly between walls of female end 46B and walls adjacent threaded end 20A of trigger valve 20.
This and other advantages are achieved by providing the gas cartridge retrofit system 14 with, in place of adapter fitting 46, a fitting 62 which is adapted to receive a first fitting 64A on flexible line 64. Fitting 62 threadably receives first fitting 64a, which fluidly connects end 18B of dip tube 18 (which in this embodiment may be rigid). That is to say, fitting 62 will provide gas sealing and fluid sealing connection of first fitting 64A to second end 18B of dip tube 18. Second end 18b is threaded outside to engage inside end 62b of fitting 62. Outside surface of end 62b screws into storage cylinder 12. The second function of fitting 62 is to receive high pressure gas from second fitting 40 of tubing 38 and to direct that gas through one or more channels 62a into head space HS above the charge “M” of the storage cylinder 12. That is to say, the function of both elements 46 and 62 is to provide a regulated charging gas to the head space from charging cartridge 32.
The alternate system illustrated in
The use of swivel collar fitting 42 and adapter fitting 46 of the previous embodiment (
While the embodiments illustrated show the use of pressure dispensing of a liquid slurry mix, wherein the mix happens to include pepper spray, the embodiments of Applicant's novel invention may be used with any liquid or slurry that a user wishes to dispense under pressure. Moreover, spare charging cartridges may be provided with any of the systems disclosed herein, which may be engaged with a regulator as backup or disconnected.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.
This patent application claims the benefit of, priority from, and incorporates herein by reference U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/196,204, filed Oct. 15, 2008.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61196204 | Oct 2008 | US |
