Inflatable explosive breaching device

• US 7,819,063 B1
• Filed: 06/21/2007
• Issued: 10/26/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Matthew D. Lehman
• Original Assignee: Matthew D. Lehman
• Inventors: Lehman, Matthew D.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAYES, BRET C
• Application Number:
  US11/820,541
• Time in Patent Office: 1,223 Days
• Field of Search: 102/301, 102/315, 102/321, 102/323, 102/324
• US Class Current: 102/301
• CPC Class Codes: B26F 3/04 Severing by squeezing B26F3/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 3/087 Flexible or deformable blasting cartridges, e.g. bags or hoses for slurriesloaded cartridge bags F42B5/38
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 1/02 Arranging blasting cartridges to form an assembly adaptation of blasting cartridges therefor F42B3/02
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 3/00 Particular applications of blasting techniques explosive welding B23K20/08; explosive bolts or actuators F42B3/006; explosive valves F16K13/06; cutting devices actuated by explosion B23D15/145; pyrotechnical actuators F15B15/19; switching devices actuated by explosion H01H39/00

Abstract

A breaching device for positioning explosives on a structure for rapid entry constructed of soft, plastic material formed into elongated inflatable chambers allowing the breaching device to be positioned by secondary attachment means to a target surface. A sleeve is formed on the chamber for insertion of an explosive material thereby reducing the need for supplemental construction materials for the device. The rigidity of the inflated device is achieved by inflation so as to hold its shape and be semi self-supporting and to increase the ease to which the device can be deployed. By utilizing a device which will hold its specific shape and precise positioning of explosives therewithin will insure that the explosive force of detonation will be applied directly to the structure and the desired shape, size and amount for breaching a structure for entry.

Claims

1. A breaching device for positioning explosive charges for access oriented demolition comprises,

an inflatable support column, an explosive charge receiving sleeve formed thereon, means for inflating said column,

means for visually confirming explosive charges within said sleeve, means for selectively securing said column to a targeted support surface and means for positioning said explosive charges within said sleeve.

2. The breaching device set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for inflating said column comprises, a fluid inlet valve in communication with said column enclosure.

3. The breaching device set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for visually confirming explosive charges within said sleeve comprises,

a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligned openings in said sleeve.

4. The breaching device set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for selectively securing said support column enclosures to a supporting surface comprises,

fixation fasteners on said column of mechanical and adhesive attachment.

5. The breaching device set forth in claim 1 wherein said column enclosure is preferably made of synthetic flexible resin material.