DOOR BREACHER

Abstract

A door breaching device comprising: a longitudinal chassis having a first and a second extremity; a piston assembly located at said first extremity of the chassis, said piston assembly comprising a piston rod, said piston rod having, at a first end, a head and a second end located inside a piston chamber, said piston chamber having two opposite ends, a first end having an opening adapted for the movement of the piston rod therethrough and a second end located opposite said first end; wherein said piston rod is adapted for linear displacement between a first position where the second end of the piston rod is positioned at the second end of the piston chamber and a second position where the second end of the piston rod is at the first end of the piston chamber; a motor operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is operatively connected to the piston chamber; a control unit for user input, said control unit being operatively connected to the motor; a two-part head assembly comprising: a fixed jaw, attached to the first extremity of the chassis; and a movable jaw, operatively connected to the piston rod of the piston assembly; wherein, in the rest position, the piston rod is in a retracted position to allow the fixed jaw and the movable jaw form a L-shaped extension from the chassis, and upon actuation, the piston rod moves outwardly from the retracted position, the fixed jaw braces the device against an element of a door and frame assembly, while the movable jaw applies a linear force to an opposite element of the door and frame assembly thereby having the movable jaw and fixed jaw form a F-shaped extension from the chassis.

Claims

1. A door breaching device comprising: a longitudinal chassis having a first and a second extremity; a piston assembly located at said first extremity of the chassis, said piston assembly comprising a piston rod, said piston rod having, at a first end, a head and a second end located inside a piston chamber, said piston chamber having two opposite ends, a first end having an opening adapted for the movement of the piston rod therethrough and a second end located opposite said first end; wherein said piston rod is adapted for linear displacement between a first position where the second end of the piston rod is positioned at the second end of the piston chamber and a second position where the second end of the piston rod is at the first end of the piston chamber; a motor operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is operatively connected to the piston chamber; a control unit for user input, said control unit being operatively connected to the motor; a two-part head assembly comprising: a fixed jaw, attached to the first extremity of the chassis; and a movable jaw, operatively connected to the piston rod of the piston assembly; wherein, in the rest position, the piston rod is in a retracted position to allow the fixed jaw and the movable jaw form a L-shaped extension from the chassis, and upon actuation, the piston rod moves outwardly from the retracted position, the fixed jaw braces the device against an element of a door and frame assembly, while the movable jaw applies a linear force to an opposite element of the door and frame assembly thereby having the movable jaw and fixed jaw form a F-shaped extension from the chassis.

2. The door breaching device according to claim 1, wherein the movable jaw has two extremities: a first extremity having a tapered end and adapted for insertion into objects to be breached and a second extremity opposite said first extremity.

3. The door breaching device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one guide rod substantially parallel to the piston and along which the movable jaw is displaced upon actuation of actuator.

4. The door breaching device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one guide rod is secured proximate the second extremity of said movable jaw and the piston rod is secured proximate the first extremity of said movable jaw.

5. The door breaching device according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic regulation subsystem operatively connected to the control unit.

6. The door breaching device according to claim 5, further comprising a power dense electrical storage device operatively connected to the motor and the control unit.

7. The door breaching device according to claim 1, further comprising wireless reception and transmission means operatively connected to the control unit.

8. The door breaching device according to claim 1, further comprising a primary state control subsystem adapted to interpret an operator's input and a current state of the device in order to assist the user in determining the correct mode of operation for the device and the appropriate motor movement status.

9. A door breaching device adapted to provide a user with two ways of breaching a door, said device comprising: a longitudinal chassis having a first and a second extremity; a piston assembly located at said first extremity of the chassis, said piston assembly comprising a piston rod, said piston rod having, at a first end, a head and a second end located inside a piston chamber, said piston chamber having two opposite ends, a first end having an opening adapted for the movement of the piston rod therethrough and a second end located opposite said first end; wherein said piston rod is adapted for linear displacement between a first position where the second end of the piston rod is positioned at the second end of the piston chamber and a second position where the second end of the piston rod is at the first end of the piston chamber; a motor operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is operatively connected to the piston chamber; a control unit for user input, said control unit being operatively connected to the motor; a two-part head assembly comprising: a fixed jaw, attached to the first extremity of the chassis; and a movable jaw, operatively connected to the piston rod of the piston assembly; at least one guide rod having a first and a second opposite ends, said guide rod positioned parallel to the piston rod, said guide rod having a first end attached to the movable jaw and a second end slidably engaged with the chassis; wherein, in the rest position, the piston rod is in a retracted position to allow the fixed jaw and the movable jaw form a L-shaped extension from the chassis, and upon actuation, the piston rod moves outwardly from the rest position, the fixed jaw braces the device against an element of a door and frame assembly, while the movable jaw applies a linear force to an opposite element of the door and frame assembly thereby having the movable jaw and fixed jaw form a F-shaped extension from the chassis. wherein the device can alternatively be used as a battering ram by said user.

10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising at least one handle located on a longitudinal side of the device and adapted to allow said user to use the device as a battering ram.

11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a second handle located away from the at least one handle and adapted to allow said user to use the device as a battering ram.

12. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a second handle is located on the second extremity of the chassis.

13. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a second handle located on the longitudinal chassis parallel to the at least one handle.

14. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a second handle located on the longitudinal chassis on a side opposite that where the at least one handle is located.

15. The device according to claim 10, wherein the striking head of the battering ram consists of the first extremity.

16. The device according to claim 10, wherein the striking head of the battering ram consists of the second extremity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a top view of a door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a side view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view of the jaw member in the retracted position of a door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 4 is a close up perspective view of the jaw member in an extended position of a door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional close up view of the back of the jaw member in a retracted position of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional close up view of the back of the jaw member in an extended position of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention without any covering panels to show the various inner elements;

[0062] FIG. 9 is an exploded side perspective of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 10 is an exploded side perspective of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 11 is a close up perspective view of the jaw member in the retracted position of a door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 12 is a close up perspective view of the jaw member in an extended position of a door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0073] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the door breacher can be actuated from the rest position to a first position where the movable jaw moves against either the door or the frame (depending on its placement) and braces itself without breaching the door but sufficiently enough to hold the door breacher in place with no help from the operator. This is referred to actuation without breaching, or actuation to a first position. Once braced against the door and door frame assembly, the user can then actuate the pump by remote activation to breach the door while being in a safe location if the user fears threats such as gunfire or explosion upon door breaching.

[0075] A preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably uses a primary state control subsystem. The actuator control and electrical regulation subsystem are controlled by the primary state control subsystem, which will interpret the operator's input and the current state of the device in order to determine the correct mode of operation for the device and the appropriate hydraulic pump motor movement status. Preferably, the control subsystem panel can comprise a few pushbuttons and an on/off switch for manual actuation of the device. It then transmits the operating instructions to the electrical regulation subsystem, as well as transmitting a status indication feedback signal to a control panel subsystem in order for the control panel to display an accurate visual status indicator to the user. The primary state control subsystem receives electrical and potentially mechanical feedback from other subsystems via sensors and transducers in order to detect the current status of the device. According to a preferred embodiment, the panel includes a battery level indicator which will be “solid” when the battery level is good and “blink” when the battery is almost dead.

[0076] The present invention preferably uses a control panel subsystem. The control panel subsystem is a physically separate assembly and is intended to translate direct user input, such as button presses, switch toggles, and other manipulations of physical interface elements into electrical signals, which will then be communicated to the primary state control system. It will also operate visual indicator elements to inform the user of the current device state. Communication between the control panel subsystem and the primary state control subsystem can, at the user's option, take place either via a direct wired connection and/or via a pair of radio-frequency digital wireless transceivers.

[0077] Preferably, wireless transmissions will be protected against both random error (due to noise, interference, etc.) and falsified third-party signals. This will be achieved by employing both error detection and correction methods and/or encryption of data sent over the wireless link.

Mechanical Operation

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electrical regulation subsystem will actuate the hydraulic pump motor, which will convert the stored electrical energy into linear mechanical force. This force is to be manipulated by the mechanical subsystem in order to produce a shearing or pushing force, which can then be delivered to the mechanical load (i.e. the door, doorjamb, frame, or other fixture which must be deformed to breach the door).

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device will achieve the successful breaching of the door via the application of a shearing or pushing force (as determined by the device's position relative to the door). In order to achieve this, it utilizes a two-part, F-shaped head assembly comprising a fixed jaw, attached to the chassis of the device, and a movable jaw, operatively connected to the piston rod of the actuator. In the default position, these two jaws form a single L-shaped extension from the device chassis, and can be positioned in several orientations in order to target different components of the targeted door-and-frame fixture. Upon actuation, as the piston rod extends from its default position, the fixed jaw will brace the device against one element of the door and/or frame fixture, while the movable jaw will apply the actuator's linear force to the opposite part of the of the door and/or frame assembly. The application by the actuator of a mechanical force would, either via opposing push forces or shearing, cause the opposing jaws to cause deformations to the door and/or frame assembly, with the net result being the loss of the fixture's structural integrity and/or opening of the door.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device can be positioned, but not limited to: (a) between the door and the doorjamb, for an inward-opening door, such that the movable jaw would push against the door and the fixed jaw would rest against the doorjamb. This would result in considerable stress being placed on the locking mechanism, deadbolt(s), doorknob mechanism, doorjamb itself and/or the hinges; (b) between the door and the side of the door frame on the lock side or hinges, for an outward-opening door, such that the movable jaw would push against the door frame and the fixed jaw would rest against the door. This would result in a significant bending moment being generated against both the door and frame; (c) under the door, such that the movable jaw would push against the floor and the fixed jaw would rest against the door. This would result in a significant bending moment being generated against the door, This type of usage might require additional intervention by the operator to fully compromise the door, depending on the door configuration; (d) between the door and the top of the door frame, in a manner similar to under the door, with the added possibility of deformation of the door frame; and (e) between the door and the side of the door frame on the hinge side, for an inward or an outward-opening door, such that the movable jaw would push against the door frame and the fixed jaw would rest against the door. This would result in considerable stress being placed on the door's hinges as well as the door frame.

[0081] The following is a list of functional characteristics of the door breaching tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Preferred Functional Characteristics—Breaching Targets

[0083] Preferably, the device must be capable of breaching doors that would typically be found in commercial or residential buildings A steel fire door with steel frame, deadbolt lock, and high-strength hinges can be considered as the most difficult potential target for a door breaching tool according to the present invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the device can function reliably against both inward- and outward-opening doors. According to another preferred embodiment, the door breacher can open magnetically locked doors, pry tour bus doors and car doors.

[0084] Autonomy

[0085] Preferably, the device must be operable by a single individual without the presence of additional support personnel or vehicles. The device's primary power source should preferably be stored within the physical structure of the device and the device must not require any additional equipment such as an external pump, battery, charger, or other apparatus for operation, although these may be required for preparation or maintenance between periods of use.

[0086] Preferably, the device is to be remotely controlled in order to minimize the risk of injury to the operator as a result of hazards present during deployment, such as armed criminal suspects or fire flashover. By including remotely controlled operation, this danger can be alleviated. According to a preferred embodiment, the door breacher does not require the operator to maintain the placement of the device during operation.

[0087] Preferably, the chassis is designed such that in case of electrical failures, the device may be used as a battering ram preferably when the movable jaw is in the rest position (i.e. retracted).

[0088] Ideally, the device must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding radio frequency interference and must operate in a suitably licensed (or unregulated) frequency band of for any radio communications performed. It must also operate safely even in the presence of interference or noise, even if such interference or noise prevents meaningful wireless communication, in which case it should return to a safe state and allow the user to take corrective action.

[0089] Preferred Non-Functional Characteristics

[0090] The following is a list of non-functional characteristics of the door breaching tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Weight is extremely important in order to allow for the greatest possible number of users and uses for portable applications. Preferably, the device must operate so that a single operator can easily carry it a reasonable distance under stressful conditions without exhausting themselves. Ideally, the device is preferably small enough to be stored in an emergency response vehicle.

[0091] Preferably also, the device must be able to withstand shocks caused by dropping or physical impact since its primary intended use is to be in emergency situations. The device's reliability is also of great importance since lives may be at stake. The rate of failure of components must be at an absolute minimum in most environmental conditions even after heavy wear and tear.

[0092] Upon proper use, the device will not pose a significant risk of injury to the operator or others in its vicinity. According to a preferred embodiment, extensive safety training should not be required to use the device correctly and despite the possibility that a large electric current may flow through the device, it will minimize the risk of explosion, overheating or catching fire under normal operating conditions. If operated beyond its capacity, the device is designed to preferably fail safely to maintain the operator's safety.

[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is shown various preferred embodiments of a door breaching device according to the present invention are shown.

[0094] FIG. 1 shows the door breacher (1) from above with the external panels removed to see the internal components thereof. Starting from the left end, a first handle (2), followed by the main control unit (34) and then the pump (4), the second handle (6), the guide rod (8) and the two-part jaw member (10, 10a and 12). The door breacher comprises a strengthening brace made up of two longitudinal rods (14) running from the back of the door breacher all the way to the front and terminating at the fixed part of the jaws (10 and 10a). The front part of the door breacher is determined by the location of the teeth of the first and second jaw members (10, 10a and 12) as it those teeth that are inserted in the space between a door and a door frame.

[0095] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the extension of piston rod (16) moving the movable jaw member (12) outwardly away from the fixed part of the jaw (10 and 10a). The frame of the door breacher is constructed of four members (24) running longitudinally from the front of the device (where the jaw is located) to the back (where the first handle is located). The pump (4) is secured to the frame by two framing members (26 and 28) which are perpendicular to the four longitudinal frame members (24). The guide rod (8) is similarly secured to at least two of the longitudinal frame members (24) in a similar fashion, that is either by welds or by attachments means.

[0096] FIG. 3 is a close up of the jaw member (10, 10a and 12) showing the multi-tapered edge of the teeth (18, 18a and 18b) to allow easier insertion in the space between a door and a door frame. The jaws of the door breacher are in position to be inserted into a door frame.

[0097] FIG. 4 is a close up of the front of the device more specifically focusing on the jaw member (10, 10a and 12) showing the jaws of the door breacher in an open position after the piston rod (16) was actuated to move the movable jaw (12) outwardly away from the fixed jaws (10 and 10a).

[0098] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the door breacher displaying the handles (2 and 6) in a desirable position should the door breacher be used as a battering ram. This figure also provides a view of the external panels (20 and 20a) which are used to generally protect the internal components of the door breacher from the elements (such as dust, water, etc.). The panels (20 and 20a) may be made of any durable material, preferably the material should be lightweight not to add too much weight to the device to ensure it may handled by most people. Fiberglass, aluminum, lightweight composites are just a few of the materials that can be considered for the manufacturing of the panels.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional back close up view of the jaw members (10, 10a and 12) in a “rest” position and the piston rod (16) adapted to push the movable jaw member (12) outwardly when the electrohydraulic system is activated as seen in FIG. 7. Elements (22 and 22a) are guide rods adapted to provide additional stability to the movable jaw (12) upon actuation.

[0100] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the door breacher with no panels covering the internal components and none of the longitudinal frame members. The radio communication board (32) allows for remotely activating the door breacher. The main control unit (34) allows sending the signal to the motor which then activates the pump and begins the fluid flow into the piston chamber to actuate the piston and begin extending the piston rod (16) outwardly and breach a door. The handles (2 and 6) are also in evidence.

[0101] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two opposite exploded perspective views of the door breacher according to a different embodiment without the chassis or casing. The door breaching device depicted therein is designed to have a cylindrical casing (not shown). The guide rods (22 and 22a) are put in evidence as well as the jaw members (10, 10a and 12) in a retracted position. Reference numeral 7 refers to the hydraulic pump and reservoir combined together according to this preferred embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a close up of the jaw member (10, 10a and 12) of the door breacher illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The multi-tapered edge of the teeth (18, 18a and 18b) are visible. These allow easier insertion in the space between a door and a door frame. The jaws of the door breacher are in a retracted position ready for insertion between a door and a door frame.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a close up of the front of the door breacher device illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 more specifically focusing on the jaw member (10, 10a and 12) showing the jaws of the door breacher in an extended (“open”) position after the piston rod (16) was actuated to move the movable jaw (12) outwardly away from the fixed jaws (10 and 10a).

[0104] FIGS. 13 and 15 illustrate opposite perspective views of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the handles (2, 2a and 6, 6a) are on opposite sides of the longitudinal chassis (60). According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16, the door breacher may comprise two control units (34 and 34a) which can allow an operator to actuate operation of the door breacher from either side of the device (handle (2) or handle (6)). The piston chamber (15) is located proximate the first end of the longitudinal chassis and comprises the piston rod (16). On either side of the piston chamber (15) are located guide rods (22 and 22a) which prevent rotation of the movable jaw (12) upon actuation.

[0105] FIGS. 14 and 16 illustrate opposite perspective views of the door breacher according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. These figures illustrate the door breacher with the battery pack (17) removed from inside the chassis. The battery pack provides power to the motor and control panel/control unit (34).

[0106] Similarly, FIGS. 17 and 19 and FIGS. 18 and 20 provide complimentary perspective views of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this illustrated embodiment, the handles (2 and 6) are located on the same side of the longitudinal chassis (60) of the door breacher (1).

[0107] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiment will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are in the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.