GB2548587A

GB2548587A - An explosive device

Info

Publication number: GB2548587A
Application number: GB1604799.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peters Timothy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-22
Filing date: 2016-03-22
Publication date: 2017-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-22
Also published as: GB2548587B; GB201604799D0

Abstract

An explosive device (e.g. for clearance of minefields or IEDs) comprises a launcher housing, a line 30 and a head (comprising a dart 12 and flight 14). The line 30 is arranged in use to connect to the head and the housing. The housing is arranged with a deployment mechanism (trigger 10 and handle 4) to launch the head.

Description

AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an explosive device, in particular a device comprising explosive charges; more particularly but not exclusively a device using explosive charges for exploding unexploded landmines.

Background

Increasing and indiscrimate use of landmines or improvised explosive devices in many war zones across the world creates a great and unknown danger.

Thousands of military personnel and civilians in conflict areas are at risk of fatal or life changing injuries as a result of landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (lEDs).

Clearance of lEDs can be labour and time-intensive to accomplish, meaning that during war personnel can be exposed for long periods of time, for example to sniper fire.

However this risk does not disappear after the war has ceased.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Japanese patent application JPH 11 351 799 (MORI et al) discloses a device to quicken removal of mine while reducing the system weight by providing a hauling bullet being charged to a shoulder type launcher and a blasting rope having base end side secured to the ground face and forward end side coupled with the hauling bullet. A blasting rope is set on the ground surface in drawable state and a brake rope provided at the base end side of the blasting rope is secured to the ground surface by means of an anchor. A hauling bullet is then launched toward a target position.

More specifically, an igniter is actuated by operating a trigger and the rocket motor 10a of the hauling bullet is fired by combustion gas thus produced. Consequently, the hauling bullet is launched from a launcher and the blasting rope is thrown into a mine field. Since the weight of the blasting rope is applied to a coupling part, an outer tubular body moves rearward up to a position where the rocket motor is covered completely. Since the coupling part moves to the rear of the center of gravity of the hauling bullet, flying attitude thereof is stabilized.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 200 081 (SMITH) discloses a minefield breaching system comprising a projectile adapted to be mounted on a rifle or light mortar and to be projected from a region in a desired direction by firing a round from the rifle or light mortar into the projectile whereby the energy of the round is transferred to the projectile to propel the projectile; a length of non-explosive material connected at one end thereof to the projectile, an explosive line comprising an outer casing filled with a continuous length of explosive, the other end of said nonexplosive material being connected to the one end of said explosive line; a nonexplosive line connected at one end to the other end of said explosive line; and initiation means adapted to be connected to the explosive line to provide selective detonation by a soldier in said region using the breaching system, said non-explosive line having a length such that, following projection of said projectile, non-explosive material and explosive line, a portion of said non-explosive line is at all times accessible to a soldier in said region whereby said non-explosive line may be manually pulled to straighten said explosive line and bring its proximal end to an optimum position relative to said region to enable the connection thereto of said initiation means.

United Kingdom patent application GB 924 634 (STEGBECK et al) discloses a line fired across a minefield by means of a rocket from a launcher, after which explosive charges spaced along the line are exploded by the detonator at the free end of the line. To prevent snarling as the line runs out, it is mounted on a backing in a container to which it is anchored at one end. The striker is rendered safe by a spring hook which imposes a time delay to allow the line to reach the ground before detonation. The charges are so spaced that their spheres of action intersect, and therefore mines lying between the charges are exploded. In a modification a plurality of explosive charges is arranged in staggered rows on lines such as mounted on a backing strip. Extensible members such as helical springs or telescopic tubes may be placed between the network of charges and the anchoring means.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an explosive device comprising a launcher housing, a line and a head, wherein the line is arranged in use to connect the head and the housing, and the housing is arranged with a deployment mechanism to launch the head.

In some embodiments the device is arranged to be a portable handheld device, comprising an elongate housing and a trigger.

In this way the device comprises a compact and/or self-contained device with no need for external apparatus, in effect so as to allow a user to POINT - DEPLOY--DETONATE-- GO. This ensures rapid advancement of users with minimal time spent in a stationary position, thereby reducing likelihood of sniper fire.

In some embodiments the deployment mechanism comprises at least one spring.

In some embodiments the housing comprises the spring, which spring is primed or retracted to allow release to launch the head. In some embodiments the spring may be pre-primed and/or the launcher housing may be single-use.

In this way the device may be made disposable with attendant cost consequences. Additionally or alternatively the device is an improvement in safety over existing or known devices, with no explosive charge needed proximate the line or head prior to use.

In some embodiments the line comprises at least one charge.

In some embodiments the housing may be arranged to actuate at least one explosive charge.

In some embodiments the housing may be arranged to electrically actuate the charge. The housing may therefore comprise an electrical energy source.

In this way the housing deploys or launches the head and line in use, wherein the head is deployed over an area thought to contain explosive devices, mines, or other non-visible unexploded munitions, and the housing is used to actuate at least one explosion in the line, to clear adjacent munitions.

In some embodiments the line may comprise at least one explosive charge.

For example in some embodiments the line may comprise a plurality of charges, which charges may be spaced along the line.

In some embodiments the line may comprise a detonation cord. Such cord is a thin, flexible plastic tube usually filled with pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN, pentrite).

In this way the charges may provide a means of providing a plurality of explosions between the housing, that is the user, and the head. This may be used for clearing a path from the user.

The device thereby provides a portable, personal anti landmine clearance device which is designed to safely and effectively clear a secure passageway.

In some embodiments the deployment mechanism is combined with deployment safety apparatus, which apparatus is arranged to limit accidental or unauthorised usage of the mechanism.

For example in some embodiments the deployment safety apparatus may comprise a displaceable part, which part may displace to enable mechanical movement of the mechanism, or mechanical movement so as to allow deployment.

In some embodiments displacement of the part may be a first discrete step towards deployment, for example wherein at least one more mechanical or electrical step must be taken for deployment. For example the first step may comprise rotation or movement of a trigger or trigger assembly, to allow the trigger assembly to provide deployment.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise multiple displacements and/or of multiple parts.

In some embodiments the device comprises an actuation means. Such means may be arranged to actuate the explosive, or explosion of the line. In some embodiments this may only be after deployment.

In some embodiments the apparatus may further comprise an actuation safety apparatus of the actuation means. In this way for example the actuation safety apparatus may limit or minimise actuation of the explosion(s).

Such actuation means may comprise automatic apparatus. For example in some embodiments the actuation safety apparatus may comprise attainment of a stage of the deployment, wherein actuation occurs or is made possible at or immediately after a predefined point during deployment.

For example actuation may only be possible at full extension of the line or deployment from the housing. In this way possibility of incorrect or non-extended line being triggered is avoided, and thereby damage avoided to the user and provided enhanced safety.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a winding means, which means may be operable to wind in the line and head, for example after a partial or unsuccessful extension. In this way the device may not be wasted in event of a failed deployment.

In some embodiments actuation means comprises an electrical energy source, wherein for example the actuation safety apparatus comprises an electrical step.

The energy source may comprise a battery or electrical cell. The actuation means may further comprise circuit closure apparatus. For example a circuit may be closed to/from the energy source so as to control actuation.

In some embodiments the head may comprise a weighted part, which part may be weighted and aerodynamically shaped to travel through the air and bury or enter ground on impact. Consequently inclined, smooth or curved surfaces may be envisaged to be preferable for a leading part of the head, for example providing a dart. Behind the dart some embodiments may include an elongate shaft or flight so as to aid in airborne stability.

The trigger in some embodiments may be deployable so as to access the deployment mechanism.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device, with trigger not ready for deployment;

Figure 2 shows a second reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3a shows a view from below of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1, and Figures 3b and 3c show end views of the embodiment;

Figures 4 show exploded isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of a trigger assembly for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of a trigger assembly for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7 show diagrammatic views of the trigger assembly for use in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, respectively the assembly before deployment, the assembly after deployment and the assembly at actuation;

Figures 8 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with trigger not ready for deployment, and ready for deployment respectively;

Figures 9 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with trigger ready for deployment;

And

Figures 10 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with head and line partially deployed.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a 20m line 30, secured to a leading head, and a user-held launch housing.

The pictured embodiment has a range only for immediate close proximity of users, wherein multiples can be used for further distances. Shorter distances than known devices allows for increased accuracy and for urban areas.

The embodiment comprises an Intuitive pistol design, including a single trigger for both mechanical deployment and electronic detonation, being an effective safety point in context of battle.

The launch housing comprises an elongate body 1, with a distal end 2 having a displaceable cap 5, and a trigger assembly at the end 3 proximate to the user in use, and comprising the deployment mechanism and safety apparatus and the actuation means and actuation safety apparatus.

The capped distal end comprises a displaceable disposable cap, which cap covers the whole end, and which cap is displaced by exiting of the head.

The head comprises a dart 13, and a flight 14, wherein the flight comprises an elongate bar extending rearwards from the dart. The flight further comprises a plate 31, which plate is an enlarged section to the flight and acts as a mechanical failsafe to restrain the spring from acting and the head deploying.

In the pictured embodiment the housing comprises:

Camouflaged sleeve - polypropylene tubular sleeve with a ‘push fit’ cap end to provide robust protection for the contents within - having two open ends, the trigger end 8 with a longitudinal notch 6 to allow movement of the trigger;

Cord support frame 12 for supporting the line in a coiled state and comprising a closed trigger end 13 and open launch end 14;

Trigger assembly 15 comprising: safety tab channel 9, locking pin 7, handle 4 hinged on a pivot 16, trigger 10 pivoting on a pivot, trigger plate 18, trigger springs 26, electrical contact bolt 23, sliding in guide channel 29, and limited by anti-friction ring 19, rotating contact 33 on a geared wheel 25, and rotating trigger catch 24, and trigger plate block control 27 driven by a spring 32;

Battery and casing 28;

Compression spring 17.

As a result the actuation safety apparatus comprises a sliding contact providing a circuit fail-safe; the friction Ό’ ring further preventing the sliding contact accidentally engaging.

As a result the deployment safety apparatus comprises a displaceable part, namely the lock pin, and a trigger latch and geared contact providing a mechanical and electrical circuit fail-safe.

The plate is restrained by the vertically travelling switch plate 18, acting against a spring 26, and displaced theretowards by the subordinate trigger plate control.

In use the user would:

Tear away the safety tab 20 to remove the handle locking pin from its seat 21 in the trigger assembly.

Hinge down the handle to release the trigger from the body and prepare for deployment.

Aim the device at a 45 degree angle and pull the trigger to rotate the gear and release the spring loaded head and line.

At deployment and full extension the 20m line engages the sliding contact ready for electrical actuation of the charges.

Upon safe deployment, pull the trigger once again to rotate the gear for a second time whereupon the gear contacts engage to complete the circuit with the contact and actuate the line so as to clear a pathway for the user or others.

The dart comprises a solid metal part, shaped with a profile narrowing towards a point distal from the flight. The dart provides a weighting sufficient to provide effective momentum, such that in this way it may be envisaged that the dart may insert into the ground or slip or bounce along it. In any event it may be envisaged that the line will continue to extend from the housing to full extension.

The line may be 30m, the last being benign with no explosive charge to ensure safe distance for user, wherein the line comprises a 20m of 5mm diameter, 50 grain explosive cord. .

The PETN explodes at a rate of approximately 4 miles per second, such that the charges appear to explode instantaneously. The PETN provides a high-speed fuse which explodes, rather than burns, being suitable for detonating high explosives.

The velocity of detonation synchronises multiple charges to detonate almost simultaneously, despite the charges being placed at different distances from the housing so as to chain together multiple explosive charges.

The embodiment thereby provides a device that is not problematic or intrusive to carry and is lightweight, such that the device can be used without need to let go of a primary weapon such as a rifle, allowing the device to be carried upon the user at all times in webbing or equipment pack.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. An explosive device comprising a launcher housing, a line and a head, wherein the line is arranged in use connect to the head and the housing, and the housing is arranged with a deployment mechanism to launch the head.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a mechanical step.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a spring.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the mechanical step comprises displacement of a part.

5. A device according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the mechanical step comprises rotation of a handle.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises a trigger assembly with an actuation means for at least one explosive charge.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the line comprises explosive charge.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the line comprises 10m without explosive charge.

9. A device according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the explosive charge is electrically actuated.

10. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an actuation safety apparatus comprising attainment of a stage of the deployment, wherein actuation occurs or is made possible at or immediately after a predefined point during deployment.

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims arranged as a portable handheld device.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims arranged as a single-use device.

13. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.

14. A device according to any preceding claim using an explosive charge comprising PETN.