Non-lethal defensive fluid composition and pressurized delivery system

Abstract

A lubric gel composition for personal defense includes a fatty acid at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition, a thickening agent at a concentration ranging from 1.75 wt % to 8.75 wt % of the composition, a detergent at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the composition, a surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition, and water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition.

Claims

1. A lubric gel composition for personal defense, comprising: (a) glycerine; (b) a thickening agent at a concentration ranging from 1.95 wt % to 13.75 wt % of the composition, the thickening agent comprises at least polyethylene oxide; (c) a detergent at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the composition; (d) a surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition; (e) sodium chloride; and (f) water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition, wherein the lubric gel is configured for temporary ocular irritation of human eyes and temporary incapacitation of a human when contacted with human eyes.

2. The lubric gel composition of claim 1, further comprising a preservative at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % of the composition.

3. The lubric gel composition of claim 2, wherein the preservative includes sodium benzoate.

4. The lubric gel of claim 1, wherein glycerine is at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

5. The lubric gel composition of claim 1, wherein the thickening agent includes guar gum at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of the composition.

6. The lubric gel composition of claim 5, wherein the thickening agent includes methyl cellulose at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the composition.

7. The lubric gel composition of claim 6, wherein the thickening agent includes polyethylene oxide at a concentration ranging from 0.2 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

8. The lubric gel composition of claim 7, wherein the detergent includes sodium lauryl sulfate at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt % of the composition.

9. The lubric gel composition of claim 1, wherein the detergent includes sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of the composition.

10. The lubric gel composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant includes a non-ionic, anionic, and/or an amphoteric surfactant.

11. The lubric gel composition of claim 8, wherein the surfactant includes an amphoteric surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the surfactant.

12. The lubric gel composition of claim 11, wherein the amphoteric surfactant includes coco amino propionate.

13. The lubric gel composition of claim 12, wherein the water is deionized water.

14. The lubric gel composition of claim 13, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of: a dye, a luminescent, and a phosphorescent.

15. The lubric gel composition of claim 7, wherein the sodium chloride is at a concentration from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the composition.

16. The lubric gel composition of claim 8, wherein the sodium chloride is at a concentration from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the composition.

17. The lubric gel composition of claim 1, wherein the sodium chloride is at a concentration from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the composition.

18. A bag-on-valve canister comprising the lubric gel composition of claim 1 under pressure, wherein the lubric gel composition is a temporary ocular irritant when contacted with human eyes.

19. A pressurized composition delivery system, comprising the lubric gel composition of claim 1 that is configured for temporary ocular irritation when contacted with human eyes and (a) a pressurized reservoir containing the lubric gel composition under pressure and having a fluid outlet through which the composition can flow; (b) a valve connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir having a closed position preventing flow of composition out of the reservoir and an open position enabling the composition to flow; and (c) a sprinkler head adapted to receive and spray the composition when the valve is open.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway of a hand-held pressurized composition delivery system;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery system installed on a ceiling; and

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery system installed on a wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(5) A lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and a pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system is described. It is envisioned that the composition may be sprayed onto a wide variety of surfaces such as concrete, tile, and wood or sprayed directly at an individual. When applied to surfaces such as a walking surface the composition creates a slick surface for the purposes of disabling or delaying an individual. A coating of the composition on an individual's hands increases difficulty of manipulating items such as weapons and doorknobs. The composition maintains a gel-like consistency when stored, sprayed, or coating a surface and does not foam in its natural state. This gel-like quality is important for maintaining the lubricity of the composition.

(6) In addition to the primary purpose of increasing lubricity of a surface, the composition also has secondary features such as fire suppression/extinguishing and contact irritation of eyes/nose/mouth. Protective eyewear having a coat of the composition will smear when wiped and reduce visibility. The composition is also environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-lethal, and easily washable off surfaces.

(7) Primary components of one preferred composition designed not to sting the eyes include a fatty acid, a thickening agent, a detergent, a surfactant, and water. Optionally, a preservative may be included. Other additives are envisioned such as dyes, illuminates, and/or phosphorescents which leave a detectable signature on any individuals who came into contact with the defensive fluid. Each of the components may include multiple substances, or one substance may function as two of the components. The water is preferably deionized water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the overall solution.

(8) A pre-mix is prepared which contains the fatty acid and the thickening agent. The fatty acid is preferably at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the overall composition. The fatty acid coats the thickening agent to reduce clumping when exposed to water. The fatty acid also acts as a barrier film on hard surfaces and enhances lubricity. In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid is glycerin.

(9) The thickening agent serves to increase the film strength and enhance lubricity. The thickening agent is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1.95 wt % to 13.75 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment of the invention guar gum, methyl cellulose, and polyethylene oxide are included in the overall composition as thickening agents. Guar gum is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of the overall composition and methyl cellulose is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the overall composition. Polyethylene oxide is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.2 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

(10) The detergent serves as a wetting agent to ensure the surface is wetted and can potentially enhance lubricity. The detergent is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment of the invention the detergent includes of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Sodium lauryl sulfate is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt % of the overall composition and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of the overall composition.

(11) The surfactant serves to slow the rate of evaporation and provide enhanced lubricity. The surfactant is preferably at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the overall concentration. In one embodiment, the surfactant comprises a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. The amphoteric surfactant is coco amino propionate and is preferably at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 40 wt % of the surfactant.

(12) A preservative may be added to the composition in order to increase longevity or self-life of the composition. The preservative is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment the preservative is sodium benzoate.

(13) In the above formulation, a make-up diluent such as water is used to arrive at a total of 100 percent.

(14) In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual by impairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation, without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system includes Propylene Glycol@0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; Trihydroxyborane@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite@0.1% to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride@0.1 wt % to 10% wt; Cocoamide DEA@0.1 wt % to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol@0.025 wt % to 1 wt.

(15) In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual by impairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation, without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system includes Propylene Glycol@0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid@5 wt % to 20 wt %; Trihydroxyborane@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite@0.1% to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride@5 wt % to 20% wt; Cocoamide DEA@0.1 wt % to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol@0.025 wt % to 1 wt.

(16) In a further embodiment, the composition may also include Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.0-5% and/or Boric Acid 0.125-1%.

(17) These compositions causes temporary moderate to severe eye irritation, and reduces the ability for the eyes to open due to the irritation and gumminess of the solution.

(18) Delivery of the composition may be accomplished by hand-held spray devices of various sizes depending on the specific application. Small capacity devices, such as a four ounce device, can be carried by an individual on a daily basis for self-defense. Larger capacity devices, for example eight to twenty ounce devices, can be stored in a manner similar to the storage of fire extinguishers in homes, classrooms, school and business entryways, commercial buildings, and other locations where people frequent. Other applications are envisioned such as bulk delivery by vehicles such as tankers or airplanes.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 1, a pressurized hand-held composition delivery device 10 is shown. The hand-held device 10 utilizes ‘bag-on-valve’ technology. A pressurized canister 12 contains a bag 14 which holds the composition. The hand-held device 10 is operated by engaging a trigger 18 which cooperates with a valve 16 to spray the composition.

(20) The hand-held device 10 is able to spray the composition in streams of twenty feet or more with precision. Other applications where the composition would be applied, such as utility poles before/during parades or riots may be performed with other spray devices having varying strength of spray, width of spray, and shape of spray depending on the application. Other portable delivery systems are envisioned such as conventional spray bottles.

(21) FIGS. 2 and 3 show a pressurized composition delivery system 30 where the delivery system 30 is installed in a ceiling 50 or a wall 52 respectively. This delivery system 30 has a pressurized reservoir 32 containing the composition. A switch 40 is connected to a valve 44 such as a solenoid valve which controls flow of the composition out of the reservoir 32 and into a sprinkler head 42. Wires travel from the switch 40 to the valve 44 through a conduit 38. When the switch 40 is activated, the valve 44 opens and allows the composition to flow into the sprinkler head 42 and spray outward from the ceiling 50 or wall 52.

(22) The composition, which is sprayed from a ceiling 50 or a wall 52, can serve multiple functions. The sprayed defensive fluid will coat the surface of the floor, creating a slick/slippery floor. In an emergency situation, a slippery floor can slow down and possibly deter an assailant, giving others more time to run and/or hide. The additional fire extinguishing feature of the defensive fluid allows for the spray to be used on fires. It is also envisioned that existing fire systems can be retrofitted to accommodate the composition.

(23) Pressure on the delivery system 30 is monitored by a pressure gauge 36 connected to the reservoir 32. When the pressure is low, or after the delivery system 30 has been emptied of the composition, the reservoir 32 has a refill fitting 34 that can be used to refill the delivery system 30. The refill fitting 34 may be similar to conventional air fittings. A one-way check valve 35 is positioned between the refill fitting 34 and the reservoir 32 to prevent backflow. In other embodiments the emptied reservoir 32 can be replaced with a full reservoir 32 instead of being refilled.

(24) This delivery system 30 may be installed in ceilings 50 in a similar manner as fire sprinkler systems such that the switch 40 is located in an accessible location and only the sprinkler head 42 protrudes through the ceiling 50. Similarly, the delivery system 30 can be installed in a wall 52 where the sprinkler head 42 protrudes from the wall 52. Sprinkler heads 42 can be angled for maximum effectiveness in each application.

(25) Other configurations are also envisioned where the delivery system 30 has multiple sprinkler heads 42 per reservoir 32 or where a single switch 40 controls multiple valves 44 and reservoirs 32. Plumbing, such as pipes, can be used to connect the reservoir 32 to the valve 44 and connect the valve 44 to the sprinkler head 42.

(26) Switches 40 can be simple buttons, switches similar to light switches, or pull stations similar to fire alarms. They can also be encased to prevent accidental activation. Since the switch 40 is connected by wires, it can be located anywhere that can be hard wired. The wires can be in long conduits 38 or added to pre-existing building wiring. In lieu of hard wiring the valve 44 can be controlled by wireless technology when the switch 40 is activated.

(27) A lubric gel composition and pressurized delivery system according to the invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.