Compositions based on capsaicinoids and/or vanilloids for defensive and/or protective use, associated production and/or projection devices, and methods for producing and preparing such compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a principle of formulation and use of compositions based on capsaicinoids of natural and/or synthetic origin or the like, in particular based on capsaicin, for defensive and/or protective use. The invention also relates to methods and devices for producing and/or projecting such compositions.

Claims

1-29. (canceled)

30. A repellent and/or incapacitating storage concentrated fluid composition for defensive and/or protective use, comprising: one or more repellent and/or incapacitating agents, comprising capsaicinoids and/or vanilloids present at a first amount that is less than or equal to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of said composition, and being in the form either of an extract of at least partially de-oiled oleoresin, in solid form, or in the form of crystalline and/or amorphous powder, and at least one water-soluble oil, preferably castor oil or one of its derivatives.

31. The composition according to claim 30 wherein the first amount is one of: i) less than or equal to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of said composition; ii) less than or equal to 19 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of said composition, when said water-soluble oil is ethoxylated castor oil; or iii) less than or equal to 9 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of said composition, when said water-soluble oil is sulphated castor oil.

32. The composition according to claim 30 wherein the castor oil derivatives are chosen from sulphated castor oil, ethoxylated castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil optionally ethoxylated and mixtures thereof, preferably from sulphated castor oil, ethoxylated castor oil and mixtures thereof, ethoxylated castor oil, or PEG 40 ethoxylated castor oil.

33. The composition of claim 30 and further comprising at least one diluent solution chosen so that said storage and use composition is water-soluble, the at least one diluent solution comprising water and/or an oily diluent comprising castor oil or its derivatives so as to obtain a second use formulation in which said repellent and/or incapacitating agent(s) are present at an atmospheric projection and use in a second amount that is less than or equal to 0, 1% by weight of the total weight of said composition, less than or equal to 0.01% by weight, less than or equal to 0.001% by weight, less than or equal to 0.0001% by weight, or less than or equal to 0.00001% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, it being possible for said amount to be reduced by one or more orders of magnitude as a function of the duration of effectiveness, the type of effectiveness and the type of vectoring sought.

34. The composition according to claim 33, wherein the amount of said diluent solution ranges from 0.00005 to 95% by weight, preferably from 0.00005 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of said composition.

35. The composition according to claim 33 wherein the weight ratio between the amount of said diluent solution and the amount of the capsaicinoid(s) ranges from 5 to 32, from 5 to 20, from 5 to 15, or from 5 to 10.

36. The composition according to 33, wherein a final capsaicinoid amount in the second use formulation is equivalent to the storage capsaicinoid in the first amount of said storage concentrated composition.

37. The composition according to claim 33, wherein the capsaicinoid(s) and/or vanilloid(s) are chosen from natural capsaicinoids, comprising capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin and homocapsaicin; and/or synthetic capsaicinoids, comprising nonivamide, or else resiniferatoxin and tinyatoxin.

38. The composition according to claims 33, characterized in that it comprises one or more foaming agents, preferably chosen from surfactants, and preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of said composition.

39. The composition according to claim 33, and further comprising one or more thickening agents present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of said composition.

40. The composition according to claim 33 being a liquid, a foam, a mist or a smoke, being configured to occupy at least in part a predetermined space, said predetermined space corresponding to an open space or a closed space such as a room, said predetermined space being located inside a building or a closed place.

41. A process for preparing a storage concentrated fluid composition comprising one or more repellent and/or incapacitating agents, comprising capsaicinoids and/or vanilloids present at a first amount that is less than or equal to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of said composition, and being in the form either of an extract of at least partially de-oiled oleoresin, in solid form, or in the form of crystalline and/or amorphous powder, and at least one water-soluble oil, preferably castor oil or one of its derivatives, with a capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid in the first amount for defensive and/or protective use, the process comprising: extraction of an oil comprising at least one compound of the capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid family from peppers, then extraction of said at least one compound of the capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid family from said oil; or use of at least one pre-extracted compound of the capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid family, in solid form; and mixing the at least one compound from the capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid family with at least one water-soluble oil, preferably castor oil or a derivative thereof.

42. The process according to claim 41, wherein the composition further comprises at least one diluent solution chosen so that said storage and use composition is water-soluble, the at least one diluent solution comprising water and/or an oily diluent comprising castor oil or its derivatives so as to obtain a second use formulation in which said repellent and/or incapacitating agent(s) are present at an atmospheric projection and use in a second amount that is less than or equal to 0, 1% by weight of the total weight of said composition, less than or equal to 0.01% by weight, less than or equal to 0.001% by weight, less than or equal to 0.0001% by weight, or less than or equal to 0.00001% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, it being possible for said amount to be reduced by one or more orders of magnitude as a function of the duration of effectiveness, the type of effectiveness and the type of vectoring sought, with a capsaicinoid and/or vanilloid in the second amount for defensive and/or protective use, and the process further comprising diluting said storage concentrated fluid composition with a diluent solution chosen so that said storage and use composition is water-soluble, said diluent solution comprising water and/or an oily diluent, said oily diluent comprising castor oil or its derivatives.

43. The process according to claim 42, characterized in that it further comprises a step of adding at least one compound chosen from chemical markers, biological markers, dye markers and fluorescent markers, it thus being possible for the use of said storage and use composition also to be a use for marking at least one sensitive area.

44. The process according to claim 42, characterized in that said at least one compound of the capsaicinoid family is capsaicin of a purity equal to or greater than 85%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, or greater than 98%.

45. A production and/or projection device of a storage and use fluid composition with a second amount 2 of capsaicinoids and/or vanilloids, the compsption for protecting a sensitive area and/or to impact a targeted surface, said device comprising: a main reservoir; at least one means configured to project said storage and use composition from said device; and a control system configured to control the operation of said at least one projecting means, wherein the fluid composition comprises: one or more repellent and/or incapacitating agents, comprising capsaicinoids and/or vanilloids present at a first amount that is less than or equal to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of said composition, and being in the form either of an extract of at least partially de-oiled oleoresin, in solid form, or in the form of crystalline and/or amorphous powder, and at least one water-soluble oil, preferably castor oil or one of its derivatives and at least one diluent solution chosen so that said storage and use composition is water-soluble, the at least one diluent solution comprising water and/or an oily diluent comprising castor oil or its derivatives so as to obtain a second use formulation in which said repellent and/or incapacitating agent(s) are present at an atmospheric projection and use in a second amount that is less than or equal to 0, 1% by weight of the total weight of said composition, less than or equal to 0.01% by weight, less than or equal to 0.001% by weight, less than or equal to 0.0001% by weight, or less than or equal to 0.00001% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

46. The device according to claim 45, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one additional reservoir, suitable for containing a diluting solution, or a main inlet of a main pipe connected to an external inlet for a diluting solution, at least one mixing means, intended to mix the storage concentrated fluid composition coming from said reservoir in a first storage formulation with said diluent solution; as well as means for manual or automatic adjustment of said mixing, so as to adjust the relative quantity of diluent solution added to said storage concentrated fluid composition coming from said reservoir in a first storage formulation, so as to adjust the concentration of the storage and use fluid composition coming from the mixing means having a second use formulation after mixing.

47. The device according to claim 45, characterized in that it furthermore comprises at least one means for receiving at least one removable cartridge, capable of containing a diluent solution, or the storage concentrated fluid composition, or the storage and use fluid composition, it being possible for these compositions to comprise variable capsaicinoid amounts.

48. The device according to claim 45 characterized in that it belongs to the group comprising a pyrotechnic grenade, a compressed-air grenade, an aerosol bomb with compressed-air, an aerosol bomb with steam and a propellant liquid, and any other portable device comprising a compressed-air reservoir.

49. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that it comprises a reservoir for an emulsifying liquid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0112] Other aims, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer on reading the following description, which is given by way of a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, in relation to the figures, including:

[0113] FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating a two-stage operational production method according to the invention;

[0114] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart illustrating the methods for manufacturing a concentrated composition for storage and a composition for storage and use according to the invention;

[0115] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a device according to the invention for producing and/or projecting a composition for storage and use of capsaicinoid amount 2, which device comprises a main reservoir;

[0116] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a device according to the invention comprising a reservoir and at least one additional reservoir;

[0117] FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a device according to the invention comprising a main reservoir and a main inlet of a main pipe connected to an external inlet of at least one diluting agent.

[0118] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of curves comparing the duration of incapacitating action of compositions of the prior art comprising capsicum oleoresin with compositions according to the invention comprising capsaicin, as a function of the amount of active product, namely capsaicinoids or equivalents according to the invention.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the droplet fall times of the compositions of the invention as a function of their size, which constitutes a parameter for adjusting the formulations projected in different projecting scenarios according to the invention.

[0120] FIGS. 6 to 10 show various projecting devices of the invention enabling the compositions according to the invention to be projected in different usage scenarios.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0121] In the following, and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of a range of values are included in this range, in particular in the expressions between and ranging from . . . to . . . .

[0122] Furthermore, the term at least one used in this description is equivalent to the term one or more.

[0123] The general principle of the invention is based on a new approach to controlling the concentration of active product for the atmospheric projecting of compositions based on capcaicin or equivalent.

[0124] This improved control of concentration is crucial, as it determines both the effectiveness and the harmlessness (in the sense of absence of danger) of its use in terms of public safety.

[0125] It is also a factor in economising on active ingredients, and a means of regulating the terms and conditions of use depending on the circumstances, since adjusting the concentration of active ingredient can affect both the instant effectiveness and the duration of effectiveness.

[0126] As already mentioned, this control is achieved according to the invention on at least two levels: [0127] on the one hand, in the principle of using the composition in at least two successive formulations, depending on whether it is formulated for storage (in a warehouse and/or in a storage reservoir on a projecting device), or for use at the time of actual projecting, and this according to different methods depending on the nature of the projecting devices used (from the portable projecting device by blowing via a nozzle, for example, to the lance or explosive grenade, etc . . . ); [0128] on the other hand, in the methods of obtaining the composition, which consist in selecting compounds and respective amounts in the composition of active product and diluent solution, typically in the case of oily solutions, which make and keep the composition hydrophilic in its various successive formulations for storage and use.

[0129] It should be noted that the invention thus makes it possible, for example, to store the active product in reserves at hyper-concentrated strengths, then to dilute them subsequently as use approaches, for example to store them in merely partially deconcentrated form in cartridges intended to be mounted on projecting devices, before projecting them into formulations with an appropriate active product amount according to the desired use. As mentioned above, it may be necessary to re-oil the composition during the deconcentration method, so as to keep it within the water-solubility ranges required for the dilutions to be made for the final use, without any risk of precipitation.

Operational Production Method

[0130] As already mentioned, the general principle of the invention is thus based in particular on an operational production method 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1, for the manufacture of capsaicinoid-based fluid compositions, with a view to their use for defensive and/or protective purposes, comprising two major steps. A first step 11 makes it possible to manufacture a first composition, referred to as a concentrated composition for storage (CCS), according to a first formulation having a certain amount (first amount 1) of capsaicinoids. This concentrated composition comprises at least one capsaicinoid-based active substance, selected from the list comprising natural capsaicinoids, which may be, inter alia, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin and homocapsaicin; as well as synthetic capsaicinoids, such as nonivamide. This or these capsaicinoid(s) are solubilised by one or more water-soluble oils. At this stage, it is possible to have hyper-concentrated (non-soluble) solutions and soluble concentrated solutions. As explained above, the hyper-concentrated compositions must be reduced to a level compatible with their dilution for the next stage. A second step 12 then makes it possible to manufacture a second composition, or more precisely a new formulation of the composition (the two expressions second composition and second formulation of the composition used here are equivalent), referred to as composition for storage and use (CSU), having another amount (second amount 2) of capsaicinoids, different from the first amount 1 of the first (formulation of the) concentrated composition. This second (formulation of the) composition for use is manufactured from the first (formulation of the) concentrated composition for storage, by adding to this concentrated composition at least one diluting agent (also referred to as dilution solution), selected from the list comprising water, water-soluble, and mixtures thereof.

[0131] The first concentrated composition is not configured to be used as it is for defensive purposes and/or to protect a sensitive area. Its concentration of capsaicinoids, in the water-soluble version, is less than or equal to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. However, for a capsaicinoid concentration greater than or equal to 0.1%, a composition is considered to be acutely toxic, and for a capsaicinoid concentration greater than or equal to 1%, a composition is considered to cause skin corrosion/irritation and irritation/serious eye damage. It is therefore necessary to dilute this first concentrated composition, in order to obtain a second composition, suitable for use as it is to protect and/or defend a sensitive area. This second composition for storage and use has a capsaicinoid concentration of less than or equal to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Such a diluted composition is therefore not considered to be dangerous/lethal.

[0132] According to a particular embodiment, these two steps 11 and 12 are not necessarily separate, in the sense that the concentrated composition for storage may not be stored as an intermediate. Such a method may very well result in the direct formulation of the usable composition at its target capsaicinoid concentration.

[0133] Advantageously, the method according to the invention also includes an additional step 13, in which the composition for storage and use is projected using a fixed or portable device. During this third projecting step 13, the capsaicinoid amount of the projected composition can be selected, set and adjusted within the device used for projecting, or just before it is inserted into this device, but always at the projecting site. This latter implementation ensures that the device's main reservoir is not contaminated with an active substance. This also makes it possible to adjust the concentration of capsaicinoids in the composition of use by means of a dosing system according to requirements at a given time t. For example, a very low dosage of capsaicinoids can be selected for a very short duration of effect at the start of an intervention, then a higher concentration of capsaicinoids can be used if there is a proven need, depending on how dangerous the situation becomes.

Storage and Use Composition

Capsaicinoids

[0134] The composition for storage and use according to the invention comprises one or more capsaicinoids i), in a amount of less than or equal to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0135] The capsaicinoids which can be used in the invention may be selected from natural capsaicinoids, such as capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), dihydrocapsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillylnonamide), nordihydrocapsaicin (7-methyl-N-vanillyloctamide), homodihydrocapsaicin (9-methyl-N-vanillyldecamide), homocapsaicin (trans-9-methyl-N-vanillyl-7-decenamide) and mixtures thereof, or synthetic capsaicinoids, such as nonivamide (N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)nonanamide).

[0136] According to a first variant, the capsaicinoid(s) are solid, preferably in the form of crystalline and/or amorphous powder.

[0137] By incorporating pure, solid, natural or synthetic capsaicinoids into the composition of use according to the invention, the exact purity of the active ingredient is known. For example, if the compound used is capsaicin, its purity is equal to or greater than 85%. This makes it possible to control the concentration of capsaicinoids in the composition for use, and therefore to control the strength and duration of the incapacitating effect of the composition. Such control is greatly improved compared with the known use of capsicum oleoresin as an incapacitating substance in such compositions. The amount of capsaicinoids in the capsicum oleoresin can vary significantly from one batch of chillies to another. Moreover, this substance contains capsaicinoids mixed with oils, making the exact dosage of the amount of capsaicinoids more complex.

[0138] According to a second variant, the capsaicinoid-based active product or products used result from an at least partial de-oiling treatment of capsaicin oleoresins.

[0139] According to this second variant, the approach consists in making the effect of the capsaicin molecule more effective by removing all or part of the natural oil of the capsaicin oleoresin, commonly used, and obtained by purification and extraction of the fruits of the chilli, then by re-oiling it with a hydrophilic solution, advantageously a water-soluble oily solution in the desired amounts.

[0140] According to an advantageous method implementing this variant, the capsaicin oleoresin is purified by extraction, then incorporated by dissolution with a high degree of purity, which the person skilled in the art and/or the user can choose as already mentioned, in a castor oil modified to allow its incorporation without precipitation. Preferably, the castor oil should be ethoxylated or sulphated or, to a lesser extent, ethoxylated and hydrogenated, as natural castor oil does not allow the capsaicin to be incorporated and is then soluble in water.

[0141] Extraction processes may be, for example, hydro-distillation or dry steam distillation processes (involving volatile compounds which would be sensitive to chemical reactions during exchanges in water), extraction processes using volatile solvents (typically polar or apolar organic solvents (hexane, ethanol, methanol) with a high solubilisation power), or supercritical CO2 extraction processes (using, for example, cold CO2 (31? c.) under vacuum to dissolve organic compounds), or even ultrasound extraction processes, although the list of these processes is not exhaustive.

[0142] Preferably, the amount of capsaicinoid(s) i) is less than or equal to 2% by weight, preferably less than or equal to 1% by weight, more preferably less than or equal to 0.1% by weight, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.01% by weight, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.001% by weight, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.0001% by weight, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.00001% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0143] Indeed, for a capsaicinoid concentration greater than 0.1% by weight, a composition is considered to cause skin corrosion/irritation and irritation/serious eye damage, particularly if its capsaicinoid concentration is greater than 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0144] Also, the incapacitating action of the composition according to the invention is optimal for a capsaicinoid amount of 0.1% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. Above this amount, the incapacitating efficacy of the composition remains optimal, but does not increase.

[0145] In concentrated compositions for storage according to the invention, it is also possible to replace all or part of the capsaicinoid active ingredients by at least one compound from the vanilloid family, other than capsaicin. For example such compounds may be resiniferatoxin or tinyatoxin. These incapacitating compounds, similar to capsaicinoids, bind to receptors of sensory nerves which respond to harmful stimuli, producing a sensation of heat or burning. Their greater irritant power compared with capsaicinoids means that they can be integrated into compositions in smaller quantities, thereby reducing the side effects resulting form the use of such compounds and thus the toxicity of the formulated compositions.

Water-Soluble Oils

[0146] The composition according to the invention also comprises one or more water-soluble oils ii).

[0147] Preferably, the water-soluble oil or oils ii) are selected from castor oil, sulphated castor oil, ethoxylated castor oil, optionally ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the water-soluble oil or oils are selected from sulphated castor oil, ethoxylated castor oil and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the water-soluble oil is ethoxylated castor oil. Even more preferably, the water-soluble oil is PEG 40 ethoxylated castor oil.

[0148] Water-soluble castor oil enables the compound or compounds of the capsaicinoid family, which are initially insoluble in water, to be solubilised in an aqueous medium. Castor oil gives better results in terms of capsaicinoid solubility than oils naturally associated with such compounds, such as in capsicum oleoresin.

[0149] Preferably, the amount of water-soluble oil(s) ii) ranges from 0.00005 to 95% by weight, more preferably from 0.00005 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0150] Advantageously, the weight ratio between the amount of water-soluble oil(s) ii) and the amount of capsaicinoid(s) i) ranges from 5 to 32, preferably from 5 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, still more preferably from 5 to 10.

[0151] In a particular embodiment, the weight ratio between the amount of castor oil and the amount of the capsaicinoid(s) i) ranges from 5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, still more preferably from 5 to 10.

[0152] In another particular embodiment, the weight ratio between the amount of ethoxylated castor oil and the amount of the capsaicinoid(s) i) ranges from 5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, still more preferably from 5 to 10.

[0153] In yet another particular embodiment, the weight ratio between the amount of sulphated castor oil and the amount of capsaicinoid(s) i) ranges from 9 to 30, preferably from 9 to 20, more preferably from 9 to 15, still more preferably from 9 to 10.

[0154] Preferably, the amount of castor oil ranges from 5 to 10 times the amount of capsaicinoids, i.e. from 0.00005% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0155] Preferably, the amount of ethoxylated castor oil is at least 5 times the amount of capsaicinoids, i.e. from 0.00005% to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0156] Preferably, the amount of sulphated castor oil is at least 9 times the amount of capsaicinoids, i.e. from 0.00009% to 0.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Dilution Additives

[0157] The composition according to the invention may optionally additionally comprise one or more dilution additives iii) selected from water, water-soluble oils, and mixtures thereof.

[0158] The addition of one or more diluting agents makes it possible in particular to dilute the first concentrated composition for storage to obtain the second composition for storage and use, suitable for use to protect/defend a sensitive area.

Foaming Agents

[0159] The composition according to the invention may optionally also comprise one or more foaming agents, other than water-soluble oils ii), preferably selected from surfactants.

[0160] Advantageously, when they are present in the composition according to the invention, the foaming agent(s) selected from surfactants may be selected from those with a protein base obtained by hydrolysis of animal or vegetable proteins, or those with a synthetic base from the chemical industry, or any molecule capable of generating a foam.

[0161] The surfactant(s) are preferably be selected from ionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, the surfactants are selected from surfactants with foaming power that have the least possible irritating or corrosive effect on the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Examples are anionic surfactants, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, or non-ionic surfactants, such as decyl glucoside, n-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) or potassium laurate.

[0162] Mixtures of different types of surfactant (non-ionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric) are possible depending on the characteristics of the foam desired, particularly in terms of: [0163] expansion, i.e. the volume of foam obtained in relation to the liquid contained in the foam, [0164] desired decantation or drainage over time, i.e. migration of the liquid contained in the foam, or of a portion of this liquid, by gravity towards the lower surface of the foam, [0165] the resistance of the foam over time, i.e. the lifespan of the foam with maintained effect characteristics.
The choice of surfactant(s) can be made according to the desired application for the foam produced.

[0166] Preference should be given to foaming agents with low irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.

[0167] Advantageously, the foaming agent(s) are present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0168] Advantageously, the surfactant(s) are present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Thickening Agents

[0169] The composition according to the invention may optionally also comprise one or more thickening agents.

[0170] Examples of thickening agents that can be used in the present invention include xanthan gum or gum arabic.

[0171] Advantageously, the thickening agent(s) is/are present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, when they are present, the thickening agent(s) are selected from gelling agents.

[0173] Advantageously, the thickening agent(s) selected from gelling agents are present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Additional Incapacitating Agents

[0174] The composition according to the invention may optionally also comprise one or more additional incapacitating agents, not belonging to the capsaicinoid family.

[0175] Advantageously, the additional incapacitating agent(s) are selected from a list including chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS), chloroacetophenone (CN), bromobenzyl cyanide (CA) and dibenzoxazepine (CR). Preferably, an additional incapacitating agent is chlorobenzylidene malonitrile. This compound is generally used as tear gas during public order disturbances. Its incapacitating action has an effect on an individual's bronchi, complementing the incapacitating action of capsaicin, which mainly has an effect on the eyes at the doses used.

[0176] Such an additional agent may also be a compound of the vanilloid family, other than capsaicin, such as resiniferatoxin and tinyatoxin. Such an additional agent may also be a compound from the monoterpene family, such as menthol. Used as additional incapacitating agents, these compounds can advantageously be incorporated into the composition according to the invention in small quantities, reducing the toxicity of the composition.

Markers

[0177] The composition according to the invention may optionally also comprise one or more markers, such as visual, chemical and/or biological markers.

Visual Markers (Dyes, Fluorescent Products)

[0178] As visual markers, dyes can be used, such as those with a high solubility in the dilution additive, preferably water, and high chemical stability. Methylene blue, Eosin Y (red), Rhodamine WT (red), Falavine FF of Lissamine (yellow), as well as food dyes, such as Patent Blue V [E 131], Azorubine [E 122] (red) and Quinoline yellow [E 104] (yellow), are preferred.

[0179] Fluorescent products can also be used as visual markers, such as zinc sulphide, wurtzite, with the basic formula ZnS associated with a heavy metal, scheelite (CaW04), or another alkaline or alkaline-earth sulphide such as CaS, for example.

Chemical/Biological Markers

[0180] As chemical and/or biological markers, in particular synthetic DNA can be used consisting of a sequence of the four nucleic acids of which it is composed: adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine.

Storage Concentrated Composition

[0181] The concentrated composition for storage according to the invention comprises one or more capsaicinoids i), in a amount less than or equal to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0182] This concentration of 20% by weight capsaicinoids, relative to the total weight of the composition, corresponds to the maximum concentration which makes it possible to obtain and maintain a homogeneous composition, without the precipitation of capsaicin, when the diluting agent is added, in order to obtain the final use composition.

[0183] In particular, it has been determined that the maximum concentration of capsaicin in a concentrated composition comprising ethoxylated castor oil must be between 18 and 20% by weight, and that of ethoxylated castor oil between 80 and 82% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, as shown in table 1 below. Above this concentration range, when the diluting agent, in particular water, is added, the capsaicin precipitates and the final mixture is not homogeneous.

[0184] Similarly, it has been determined that the maximum concentration of capsaicin in a concentrated composition comprising sulphated castor oil should be between 8 and 10% by weight, and that of sulphated castor oil between 90 and 92% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Study of the maximum concentration of capsaicin in formulations intended to be diluted with water. Type of % capsaicin/ % oil/ castor oil capsaicin + oil capsaicin + oil Results Ethoxylated 16.0 84.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture Ethoxylated 17.0 83.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture Ethoxylated 18.0 82.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture Ethoxylated 19.0 81.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogenous mixture* Ethoxylated 20.0 80.0 Precipitation of PEG 40 capsaicin, heterogeneous mixture Sulphated 6.0 94.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture Sulphated 7.0 93.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture Sulphated 8.0 92.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture Sulphated 9.0 91.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogenous mixture* Sulphated 10.0 90.0 Precipitation of capsaicin, heterogeneous mixture The lines in the table above marked with an * correspond to transition zones in which precipitation may occur depending on the quality of the capsaicin and the castor oil.

[0185] It has also been determined that, in the case of formulations based solely on capsaicin and castor oil, not intended to receive water, the maximum concentration of capsaicin may be between 42 and 44% by weight, and that of ethoxylated castor oil between 56 and 58% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation, as shown in table 2 below. In this concentration range, capsaicin precipitates when water is added.

[0186] At the same time, the maximum concentration of capsaicin in such a concentrated formulation comprising sulphated castor oil may be between 62 and 64% by weight, and that of sulphated castor oil between 36 and 38% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Study of the maximum concentration of capsaicin in concentrated formulations not intended to be diluted with water. Type of % capsaicin/ % oil/ castor oil capsaicin + oil capsaicin + oil Results Ethoxylated 40.0 60.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture Ethoxylated 42.0 58.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture Ethoxylated 43.0 57.0 Soluble capsaicin, PEG 40 homogeneous mixture * Ethoxylated 44.0 56.0 Precipitation of PEG 40 capsaicin, heterogeneous mixture Sulphated 60.0 40.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture Sulphated 62.0 38.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture Sulphated 63.0 37.0 Soluble capsaicin, homogeneous mixture * Sulphated 64.0 36.0 Precipitation of capsaicin, heterogeneous mixture As in the previous table, the lines in the above table marked with an * correspond to transition zones in which precipitation may occur depending on the quality of the capsaicin and the castor oil.

[0187] It can thus be seen that the presence of water reduces the maximum possible concentration for capsaicin compared with castor oils, in different proportions depending on the type of oil. Beyond this range of relative concentrations of capsaicin and castor oil, capsaicin precipitates when water is added.

[0188] The capsaicinoids used in such a concentrated composition for storage are the same as those described for the storage and use composition.

[0189] This composition also comprises one or more water-soluble oils ii), such as those mentioned for the storage and use composition.

Physical States of the Composition

[0190] The composition for use according to the invention can be used in various forms. In particular, it may be in the form of liquid, foam, mist, gel, paste or smoke.

[0191] According to a first particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be projected/sprayed, for example in the form of a jet of variable shape. It may be in liquid form.

[0192] According to a second particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be sprayed with nozzles. It can be in the form of droplets or mist.

[0193] According to a third particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be used in a machine of the smoke type, by vaporisation or atomisation. It can therefore be in the form of a water and/or oil mist.

[0194] According to a fourth particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be used in the form of a foam. In this embodiment, the composition according to the invention preferably also comprises one or more foaming or texturing agents as defined above. The choice of foaming agent can be made according to the desired application for the foam produced. Here, the foam generated can be projected or fill a space. The choice of the desired expansion coefficient for such a foam therefore depends on the mode of use of the device which produces and/or projects the foam, the place where the foam is generated and its composition. In particular, in the case of projecting, the foam will have a low expansion coefficient of less than 100 litres of foam per litre of liquid used to generate it, preferably between 2 and 30 litres of foam per litre of liquid. When filling a space, the aim is to achieve a high foam expansion rate, preferably greater than 300 litres of foam per litre of liquid used to generate it, more preferably greater than 600 litres of foam per litre of liquid, even more preferably more than 1000 litres of foam per litre of liquid used to generate it.

[0195] According to a fifth particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be used in gel form. In this embodiment, the composition according to the invention preferably additionally comprises one or more thickening or gelling agents as defined above.

[0196] According to a sixth particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be conveyed by a sudden variation in pressure by pyrotechnic explosionor by release of compressed gas in a hand-held projector or gun, cannon or grenade (direct projecting with almost instantaneous effect and/or mist in suspension with longer action and more or less slow fall-out).

[0197] According to a seventh particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention can be used in a smoke generator. It can therefore take the form of a smoke of varying thickness or opacity.

Sensitive Areas

[0198] The composition for use according to the invention can be used both outside and inside a building, as well as on or in a vehicle.

[0199] The composition according to the invention can be used, among other things, to protect individuals and sensitive terrestrial buildings such as crisis management stations, logistics hubs, data processing centres, prisons, communications centres, and all types of neuralgic points and points of vital interest at regional and/or national level, and/or isolated points (wind turbines, lighthouses, aircraft, trains, command posts, jewellers, banks, government establishments, etc.).

[0200] The composition can be projected by a device which can also protect and be on mobile elements such as ships of all sizes but also floating or fixed buildings such as platforms, surface or underwater drones, barges, water turbines, dams, vehicles for transporting equipment/denr?es/personnel, VIP vehicles, convoys, vehicles for transferring funds or valuables or for judicial transfers, vehicles on wheels, tracks or rails, terrestrial drones, and manned or unmanned aircraft.

[0201] The composition according to the invention can be projected into a sensitive zone situated locally, i.e. at the point of use of the device for producing and/or projecting the composition, for example between 0 and 2 m. It can also be projected into a proximal area, for example situated between 2 and 15 metres from the place of use of the device. It can also be projected into a median area, situated for example between 15 and 50 metres from the place where the device is used. Finally, it can be projected into a distant area, situated, for example, more than 50 metres from the place where the device is used.

[0202] The composition according to the invention can be used both in an enclosed space and in an open area.

[0203] The composition according to the invention can be invasive and/or have a good hold and/or be very adherent, and allow the occupation of a large space, in particular when it is in the form of foam, smoke or mist. In this case, it remains localised in the area to be protected and/or marked. In addition, it is generally resistant to wind action. When it is in the form of foam, gel or paste, it visually delimits the areas where the incapacitating product(s) is (are) projected, unlike charged smoke or mist.

[0204] Finally, the composition in foam form can be durable over time and be stable from a few minutes to a few hours or several tens of hours, depending on the nature and amount of the surfactant(s) selected. The same applies to the mist, depending on the size of the droplets.

Preparation Methods

[0205] FIG. 2 shows method 20 for preparing a concentrated composition for storage and a composition for storage and use.

[0206] According to a first implementation of this method, it is possible to extract the capsaicinoids to be incorporated into the compositions according to the invention directly from chillies in a factory. To do this, according to step 21, an oil containing capsaicinoids is first extracted from oleoresin capsicum (from the chilli pepper) or directly from crushed chilli peppers. Then the capsaicinoids are extracted from this extracted oil (concentrated capsicum oleoresin), in step 22. The capsaicinoids are then obtained in solid form (step 23).

[0207] It is also possible, in a separate method, to use solid capsaicinoids directly, which have previously been extracted outside the factory (step 24).

[0208] Next, in step 25, these solid capsaicinoids are mixed with water-soluble oil. At this stage, the first concentrated composition for storage (CCS) is obtained, with a capsaicinoid amount 1, which comprises capsaicinoids and water-soluble oil in optimum concentrations so that there is no precipitation of the capsaicinoid(s) in the mixture. According to a subsequent step 26, at least one dilution additive, such as water, is added to this CCS composition. The result is the composition for storage and use (CSU), with a capsaicinoid amount 2.

[0209] Furthermore, this method may include additional steps 27 for adding at least one additional incapacitating agent, and/or at least one foaming agent, and/or at least one thickening agent, and/or at least one marker. These various additional compounds are as described above in the application.

Production and/or Projection Device

[0210] The invention is also intended to protect devices for producing and/or projecting a composition according to the invention in its final conditions of atmospheric use as a repellent and/or incapacitating composition in defence and/or protection situations related to public safety, or any similar situation.

[0211] A first example of such a device 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, consists of a device for spraying/projecting an aerosol charged with an active product according to the invention. This device comprises a main reservoir 31, suitable for containing the composition for storage and use. It also comprises at least one means 33 configured to spray this composition out of the device 30. It also comprises a control system 32, configured to control the operation of this spraying means 33, so as to protect and/or defend a sensitive area.

[0212] According to a particular embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the main reservoir 32 of such a device 30 may contain the first concentrated composition for storage, of capsaicinoid amount 1. In this case, the device 30 also comprises at least one additional reservoir 34, intended to contain at least one diluting agent, in order to generate the composition for storage and use from the concentrated composition for storage, within the device 30 itself, by bringing the concentrated composition into contact with the diluting agent. Such a configuration allows only the concentrated composition to be stored before the defence/protection operation, which is simpler and less costly. It also means that a smaller quantity of active incapacitating composition can be transported to the area to be defended/protected, as the volume of the concentrated composition is smaller than that of the composition suitable for use. The example of FIG. 3B, also illustrates the presence of a second additional reservoir 34.

[0213] This device 30 may also comprise, in place of the additional reservoir suitable for containing the diluting agent, a main inlet 35 of a main pipe connected to an external inlet for the diluting agent, as illustrated in FIG. 3C. This makes it even more advantageous to transport smaller quantities of reagents to the area to be defended/protected, since the diluting agent, which is often water, can be incorporated into the device via a source directly present in the area where the device is to be used.

[0214] The liquid/additive dilution inlet may comprise an urban water circuit, with a pump drawing water directly from a natural source, such as sea water, for example. Generally, the liquid/additive dilution inlet is connected to a network under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, which allows the liquid/additive dilution to be moved through the device.

[0215] The control system can be manual, semi-automatic or automatic.

[0216] The main reservoir 32 and/or the additional reservoir(s) (34, 34) of the device 30 can be configured to be removable. This enables the operator to refill the device with incapacitating composition at any time, and to be able to adapt the concentration of the composition for storage and use to be sprayed/projected over time, according to the needs associated with the changing situation in the sensitive area. It is therefore possible to load a cartridge 32 containing the ready-to-use composition in a certain concentration into the device 30, then to replace this cartridge 32 with a separate cartridge containing the ready-to-use composition in another concentration, higher, for example, if the area to be protected becomes increasingly sensitive, or conversely, lower if the situation in presents a decreasing threat, all using the same device 30. The more concentrated the concentration, the longer the period of immobilisation of a threatening target in a sensitive area.

[0217] It is also possible to load a cartridge 32 containing the concentrated composition for storage into the device 30. The composition for storage and use can be finalised within the device 30 itself, when the concentrated composition for storage is brought into contact with the dilution additive. It is therefore possible, in a first embodiment, to prepare the composition for storage and use ready for use and to fill a removable reservoir 32 with it at the factory or in the laboratory, then to insert it into the device 30, which will then be used only for spraying/projecting the composition onto the site of the sensitive area. It is also possible, according to another embodiment, to prepare the concentrated composition for storage in a factory or laboratory and then insert it into the device 30. The composition according to the dilution for use will then be produced directly at the site of the sensitive area. The device 30 serves as a production and projection device.

[0218] A device according to the invention may be fixed or portable. A portable device is particularly well-suited to the two-stage operational manufacturing method (optimum and user-adjustable dosage). A fixed device may be particularly relevant with regard to the removable cartridges that it may comprise.

[0219] The invention also covers the use of the active product in question in other types of devices.

[0220] To illustrate the potential diversity of uses, a Table of devices and conditions of use in the Appendix lists several examples of such devices depending on the conditions of use, and in particular the nature and consistency of the composition in its various formulations, and the constraints or objectives of projection and/or atmospheric diffusion.

[0221] The Table of devices and conditions of use in the Appendix provides indications which can be adjusted by the person skilled in the art as regards: [0222] the type and category of projection device to be used according to the distance and range of projection required; [0223] the different conditions of effectiveness (hatched areas) for each category of device depending on the consistency of the composition projected (foam, liquid gel, gel paste, smoke, mist, etc.); [0224] the concentrations of active product recommended for each device according to the desired duration of effectiveness; [0225] the conditions favouring the repellent effect (action on the respiratory tract) and/or the incapacitating effect (effect on the eyes), particularly in relation to the size of the droplets projected.

[0226] FIG. 5 illustrates the impact of the droplet size on their sustentation time in the atmosphere, which is a parameter of use of the compositions of the invention appearing in the table of criteria for choosing spray devices in the Appendix.

[0227] Droplet jets, misting or pyrotechnic propulsions define water droplet sizes. In the case of a jet of droplets in the air (open or closed space) obtained by aerosol, misting or grenade, the effect will depend on the speed of the jet or droplets, bearing in mind that if the diameter of the droplets is less than 200 microns, the droplets follow Stokes' law for their displacement. Stokes' law states that the speed of fall is inversely proportional to the diameter of the droplet?: a 100 micron droplet will take 3.4 seconds to fall one metre.

[0228] If the size of the water droplets is less than 100 microns, or even 20 microns (this limit may depend on the temperature and atmospheric pressure), the droplets will remain suspended in the ambient air for some time (see FIG. 5). In this case, droplets are inhaled and the respiratory system will be affected, causing irritation and coughing, leaving the eyes unaffected. Only the high relative speed of the face in relation to the air could affect the eyes.

[0229] The larger the droplet size, the greater the impact on the eyes, but the lower the impact on the respiratory system.

[0230] Thus, spraying micro-droplets smaller than 100 microns will have a repulsive effect on the respiratory tract and will cause people to leave the area affected by the airborne solution; this typically achieves what is sought in certain phases of policing, the breaking up or disencirclement of the targeted area, and its evacuation.

[0231] On the other hand, when the size of the droplets exceeds 100 microns, they begin to fall towards the ground at a significant speed and behave like ultra-fine to coarse rain for 3000 to 5000 microns. In this case, the respiratory system will no longer be the first to be affected, and the eyes will only be affected if the droplets travel at a speed greater than that of the person.

[0232] In this way, the vectoring of 100 micron to 5000 micron jets, droplets or droplets will act on the eyes mainly on the basis of their initial vectoring (before falling to the ground), which will have an incapacitating effect, more conducive to interrupting belligerent or dangerous actions, for an appropriate period of time. In this scenario, in contrast to disencirclement and evacuation, the aim is to keep the targeted individuals in place.

[0233] FIGS. 6 to 10 illustrate the structure and operating modes of various spraying/projecting devices listed in the Table of devices and uses in the Appendix, namely [0234] a diagram of a pyrotechnic or compressed gas grenade for spraying the active product (FIG. 6). [0235] a diagram of an aerosol can compatible with the invention (FIG. 7), the product 72 also being able to be contained in a flexible bag (not shown) inside the container (bag on valve system) rather than directly in the rigid container of the aerosol can where it is directly in contact with compressed gas 71 (or a mixture of vapour and spray liquid); [0236] a diagram (FIG. 8) of a portable device for projecting a jet of liquid or foam connected to two reservoirs 81, 82 containing compressed air and the composition to be projected respectively, which are conveyed to the gun 83 when the trigger 84 is activated in order to project a jet 85 of liquid aerated or not, or a jet of foam in the case where the gun includes an emulsifier; by aerated liquid is meant the principle of projecting the liquid by injecting a gas such as air, without this necessarily forming a foam due to the absence of an intentional emulsifier; [0237] another diagram (FIG. 9) of a foam projecting device comprising a first reservoir 91 of water under compressed air pressure from a compressed air bottle 90, and a second reservoir 92 of active product, the two reservoirs 91 and 92 being connected to a mixer 93 which dilutes the composition to be projected. Advantageously, the mixer 93 is equipped with dilution control means, so that the final active product amount of the projected foam 94 can be selected according to use, in accordance with a feature of the invention; [0238] another diagram (FIG. 10) of a device for projecting a jet of foam or liquid comprising a first reservoir 101 of water under compressed air pressure from a compressed air bottle 100, a second reservoir 102 of active product and foam-forming liquid and an optional third reservoir 103 containing a foam-forming agent depending on whether a jet 86 of liquid or foam is to be produced by the foam or water gun 105. The three reservoirs 101, 102 and 103 are connected to a mixer 104 which dilutes the composition to be projected. The mixer 104 is advantageously provided with dilution control means, so as to be able to select the final amount of active product of the liquid or foam 106 projected according to the use.

Use

[0239] Advantageously, the composition according to the invention is used for its repellent and/or incapacitating action in an atmospheric spraying/projecting application. According to the present invention, a repellent and/or incapacitating action is defined in particular as causing the discomfort and/or temporary incapacitation of a person or animal by annoyance or irritation, typically irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes and/or the respiratory tract and tear ducts. In general, the purely repellent action is preferably obtained by targeting the respiratory tract, so as to encourage people to leave the area where the active product is being sprayed without affecting their vision.

[0240] The present invention makes it possible to adjust the time of effectiveness of the incapacitating action.

[0241] The following examples are used to illustrate the invention without being limiting in any way.

Examples

1. Formulation of an Incapacitating Composition According to the Invention

[0242] A composition according to the invention is made by mixing 0.1% by weight capsaicin and 0.9% by weight ethoxylated castor oil, based on the total weight of the composition, and water.

[0243] This composition can be used as it is and sprayed/projected in the form of a jet or by nozzles in the form of droplets or mist, or it can be conveyed by a sudden variation in pressure.

[0244] This composition can be used in the form of foam when it is mixed with a gas at the time of projecting. The foam generated in this way is then ephemeral, and one or more surfactants can be added as foaming agents to make it last longer.

[0245] To ensure that the foam lasts longer in large volumes, surfactants such as cetyl alcohol and potassium laurate can be added to the basic formula, along with thickening agents such as gum arabic and xanthan gum, in particular between 0.01% and 0.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the final aqueous solution.

[0246] For use in a misting machine, water can be replaced by a liquid specially prepared for misting machines, commonly used for entertainment, special effects, safety or disinfection, in misting machines by spraying or atomising.

[0247] For use in gel form, 0.2% to 2% by weight of water may be replaced by xanthan gum or another thickening or gelling agent, in proportions according to the method of use and the desired viscosity, to obtain the desired gel appearance.

[0248] For a smoke-producing method, all or part of the water is replaced by oil, in proportions dependent on the desired effects, and incorporated into the fuel or the components of the conventional smoke-producing agent.

[0249] It is also possible to combine these embodiments, for example by spraying a mist of charged water through a nozzle with large-volume foam bubbles, or by spraying a mist of charged water based on smoke, with or without capsaicin. This obviously depends on the desired effect: increased incapacitation, increased opacity, etc.

2. Comparison of the Efficacy of Such Compositions According to the Invention With Compositions of the Prior Art

[0250] In order to visualise the effectiveness of compositions comprising a low percentage of capsaicinoids, compared with compositions of the prior art, as shown in FIG. 4, compositions according to the invention comprising pure capsaicin as the main incapacitating agent and compositions of the prior art comprising capsaicin formulated with an oleoresin (oleoresin capsicum (OC)) as the main incapacitating agent were compared.

[0251] The experimental conditions correspond to the use of a conventional aerosol spray device, which has been tested for foam, jet and mist sprays, and which produce comparable results.

[0252] As the incapacitating effects differ from one individual to another, the graph comprises two curves: a lower curve 44 corresponding to the sensitivity threshold of the least sensitive individuals, and an upper curve 43 for the effect on the most sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the right-hand part 42 of the graph, to the right of the cut-off point 40 between 1% and 0.1%, corresponds to the effects obtained by using compositions according to the invention. The left-hand part 41 of the same graph illustrates the effect of commercially known compositions which do not use the concentration control principle of the invention.

[0253] The effectiveness of the incapacitating action, expressed in minutes during which the person keeps their eyes closed, varies according to the concentration of capsaicin in the composition according to the invention. It can thus be seen from the curves on the right-hand side of the graph in FIG. 4 that: [0254] for a capsaicin concentration of 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition according to the invention is effective for 22 to 30 minutes, [0255] for a capsaicin concentration of 0.05% by weight, the composition has an efficacy of 12 to 15 minutes, [0256] for a capsaicin concentration of 0.01% by weight, the composition is effective for 4 to 7 minutes, [0257] for a capsaicin concentration of 0.001% by weight, the composition is effective for 2 to 3 minutes, [0258] for a capsaicin concentration of less than 0.0005% and greater than 0.00001% by weight, the composition is effective from between 2 minutes and a few seconds, [0259] for a capsaicin concentration of less than 0.00001% by weight, the composition is slightly irritating for a few seconds.

[0260] The above values are given for guidance only and represent only one order of magnitude.

[0261] These times may also vary according to the individuals brought into contact with the vectored agents at these concentration levels, as well as the other components used in a mixture with the at least one incapacitating agent of the composition and the type of vectoring used.

[0262] By way of comparison, it can be seen from the curves on the left-hand side of the graph that for compositions of the prior art comprising OC as the incapacitating agent to be effective for 20 to 30 minutes, their capsaicin concentration needs to be between approximately 3 and 14% by weight.

[0263] This graph therefore clearly shows that the same incapacitating action (approximately 20 to 30 minutes) is achieved with compositions of the prior art having a high amount of capsaicin (approximately 3 to 14% by weight) and with compositions according to the invention having a low amount of capsaicin (less than or equal to approximately 0.1% by weight).

[0264] These results therefore show that the particular combination of capsaicin with at least one water-soluble oil makes it possible to obtain a composition with a high temporary incapacitating action with a low capsaicin concentration.

[0265] It should be noted that, in the present description of the invention, the terms capsaicinoids or capsaicin, as the case may be, refer not only to capsaicin and its derivatives, but also all the components and derivatives of the capsicum oleoesin which are capable of producing an incapacitating effect as mentioned above. By extension, according to certain embodiments of the invention, capsaicinoids are also defined, where appropriate, as compounds of analogous active products, with a similar effect, and/or other vanilloid active compounds.