Method of rapidly deploying volume-displacement devices for restraining movement of objects

• US 5,649,466 A
• Filed: 01/05/1995
• Issued: 07/22/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Original Assignee: The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Inventors: Genovese, James A.
• Primary Examiner(s): TUDOR, HAROLD JAY
• Application Number:
  US08/370,586
• Time in Patent Office: 929 Days
• Field of Search: 89/1.11, 142/293, 142/348, 142/354, 142/357, 142/393, 142/489, 142/502, 142/529, 142/530, 142/531
• US Class Current: 89/1.11
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0015 Devices specially adapted for the protection against criminal attack, e.g. anti-hijacking systems
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0036 by disabling or restraining attackers
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 11/00 Defence installations; Defence devices constructional aspects see Section E, e.g. air-raid shelters E04H9/04; protective arrangements for buildings E04B1/92; extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire from, incendiary bombs A62C3/06; dynamic armour F41H5/007; ballistically deployed systems for restraining persons or animals F41H13/0006; electronic countermeasures G01S
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0006 Ballistically deployed systems for restraining persons or animals, e.g. ballistically deployed nets
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/58 Cluster or cargo ammunition, i.e. projectiles containing one or more submissiles F42B12/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/00 Identifying, scaring or incapacitating burglars, thieves or intruders, e.g. by explosives

Abstract

Rapidly deployable restraining systems and methods for rendering personnel,nimals and other objects immobile includes an assembly of confinement devices housed in a dispersion package. Each confinement device has a propellent, a primer and an inflatable bag that is rapidly inflated by the propellent when fired by the primer. A detonator, located in the package, is discharged to open the package, disperse the confinement devices and cause the primers to be energized, thereby inflating the bags. The package is pre-emplaced in a target area or it is projected into the area via a fired projectile of which it is a part.

Claims

1. A method for rescue of persons where a first group of persons are under threat of hostile action by a second group of persons and the first and second groups are situated within an enclosed volume, the method comprising gaining control of the enclosed volume by the steps of (a) creating an entry into the enclosed volume by the steps of (a) creating an entry into the enclosed volume (b) rapidly and randomly dispersing a plurality of independent, inflatable, volume displacement devices in the enclosed volume through said entry, (c) inflating each of said devices by igniting a propellant contained within each of said devices, to substantially fill the enclosed volume and surround the persons in the enclosed volume with the devices and (d) maintaining the inflated devices for a sufficient period of time to effect rescue operations.

2. The method of claim 1 where the rescue operations include entry of a rescue team, removal of the displacement devices and taking the second group into custody.

3. The method of claim 1 where the devices are contained in a projectile, the projectile penetrates a side of the enclosed volume and the devices are then dispersed inside the enclosed volume.

4. The method of claim 1 where the enclosed volume is a building.

5. The method of claim 1 where the devices push against and restrain the persons in the enclosed volume.