MODULAR BREACHING DEVICE AND KIT

Abstract

A kit for forming a modular breaching device for breaching a surface. The kit includes a base including a bore, and a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls and the base are attached, or adapted to attach, to form a housing. The housing forms a hollow adapted to receive an explosive material therein. The kit further includes a cover, adapted to attach to the walls of the housing at an end thereof distal to the base. The kit further includes a detonator, including a portion defining an igniting tip. The detonator is adapted to engage the housing by insertion of the igniting tip into the bore in the base. The igniting tip is adapted, upon activation of the detonator, to cause the explosive material within the housing to explode.

Claims

1. A kit for forming a modular breaching device for breaching a surface, the kit comprising: a base including a bore; a plurality of walls, attached or adapted to attach to each other, and attached or adapted to attach to the base, thereby to form a housing, the housing forming a hollow adapted to receive an explosive material therein; a cover, adapted to attach to the walls of the housing at an end thereof distal to the base; and a detonator, including a portion defining an igniting tip, the detonator adapted to engage the housing by insertion of the igniting tip into the bore in the base, the igniting tip adapted, upon activation of the detonator, to cause the explosive material within the housing to explode.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the base and the plurality of walls are attached to each other within the kit, such that the kit includes the housing.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the explosive material is disposed within the housing and the cover is attached to the walls, enclosing the explosive material within the housing, and wherein, within the kit, the detonator is physically separated from the housing including the explosive material.

4. The kit of claim 1, further comprising an explosive brick, including the explosive material to be placed within the housing.

5. The kit of claim 1, further comprising an anchoring element, attachable or attached to the cover, the anchoring element adapted to enable anchoring of the cover to the surface to be breached.

6. The kit of claim 1, further comprising at least one detonating cord, the detonating cord adapted to functionally attach the housing to another said housing of another said kit.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the ends of the walls, distal to the base, are adapted to assist in cutting the explosive material from an explosive brick.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein a volume of the hollow within the housing functions as a measuring receptacle for measurement of a quantity of the explosive material to be placed within the housing.

9. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of walls includes at least one slot and at least one flange, the flange of a first wall of the plurality of walls being adapted to slide into the slot of a second wall of the plurality of walls, thereby to attach the first wall to the second wall.

10. The kit of claim 1, wherein walls of the plurality of walls are attached to each other, or are adapted to be attached to each other, to form a frame, and wherein the frame is attached to the base, or is adapted to be attached to the base, by snap fit engagement.

11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the detonator comprises: an electric detonator, adapted to generate an electric spark at the igniting tip, thereby to cause the plastic explosive to detonate; and a safety tab, such that the detonator can only generate the electric spark when the safety tab is removed from the detonator.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the detonator is adapted to generate the electric spark in response to receipt of a wireless signal received from a remote-control unit, disposed remotely from the detonator, the kit further comprising the remote-control unit.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the remote-control unit includes an interface configured to engage the safety tab following removal of the safety tab from the detonator, such that the remote-control unit can provide the wireless signal to the detonator when the safety tab engages the interface of the remote-control unit.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein, when the cover is disposed on the housing, gaps are formed in the cover, such that when the plastic explosive detonates, the force of the detonation is directed to the cover and toward the surface to be breached.

15. A method of breaching a surface using the kit of claim 1, the method comprising: (a) placing the explosive within the housing; (b) subsequently to (a), attaching the cover to the walls of the housing, at the end of the walls distal to the base; (c) attaching the detonator to the base, by inserting the igniting tip of the detonator through the bore in the base into the explosive within the housing; (d) anchoring the housing or the cover to the surface to be breached; and (e) triggering the igniting tip of the detonator to ignite, thereby to cause detonation of the explosive and breaching of the surface.

16. A kit for triggering detonation of an explosive, the kit comprising: a safety tab; an electric detonator, including a portion defining an igniting tip and a detonator-interface for reversibly attaching to the safety tab, the igniting tip adapted to engage the explosive and, upon activation of the detonator when the safety tab is detached from the detonator-interface, to generate an electric spark causing detonation of the explosive; and a remote-control unit, functionally associated with the electric detonator and including an interface for reversibly attaching to the safety tab, adapted, in response to receipt of a user input when the safety tab is attached to the interface, to send a wireless signal to the electric detonator, the wireless signal adapted to activate the detonator to generate the electric spark.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein: the safety tab includes at least one conductive portion; when the safety tab is attached to the detonator-interface, the conductive portion is adapted to cause a short circuit in an electrical circuit of the detonator, thereby to prevent formation of the electric spark; and when the safety tab is attached to the interface of the remote-control unit, the conductive portion is adapted to close an opening in an electrical circuit of the remote-control unit, thereby to enable sending of the wireless signal.

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the wireless signal is a radio frequency signal having a predetermined frequency, recognizable by the detonator.

19. A method of triggering an explosion of an explosive using the kit of claim 16, the method comprising: (a) engaging the igniting tip of the detonator to the explosive; (b) removing the safety tab from the detonator-interface of the detonator; (c) attaching the safety tab to the interface of the remote-control unit; and (d) following (b) and (c), providing the user input to the remote-control unit, thereby to send the wireless signal to the detonator triggering generation of the electric spark and detonation of the explosive.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, following (b) and prior to (c), ensuring a pre-determined safe distance between a user carrying the remote-control unit and the explosive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] The foregoing discussion will be understood more readily from the following detailed description of the technology, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0050] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of components of a kit for forming a modular breaching device, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of a base of a modular breaching device formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of a wall of a modular breaching device formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of a cover of a modular breaching device formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0054] FIG. 5 is a side view planar illustration of a detonator of a modular breaching device formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0055] FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustration of a modular breaching device, formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0056] FIG. 6B is a side view planar illustration of a modular breaching device, formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0057] FIG. 6C is a top view planar illustration of a modular breaching device, formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0058] FIG. 6D is a sectional illustration of a modular breaching device, formed from the kit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0059] FIG. 7A is a first schematic illustration of settings of the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D, in use, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0060] FIG. 7B is a second schematic illustration of settings of the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D, in use, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0061] FIG. 7C is a third schematic illustration of settings of the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D, in use, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0062] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of use of the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D;

[0063] FIG. 9A is an exploded view illustration of another detonator suitable for use with the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the detonator being associated with a safety key for preventing ignition of the detonator;

[0064] FIG. 9B is a first perspective view of the detonator of FIG. 9A.

[0065] FIG. 9C is a second perspective view of the detonator of FIG. 9A.

[0066] FIG. 9D is a side view planar illustration of the detonator of FIG. 9A.

[0067] FIG. 9E is a partial sectional illustration of the detonator of FIG. 9A.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of the detonator of FIGS. 9A to 9E, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0069] FIG. 11A is a first perspective view illustration of a remote-control unit suitable for activating the detonator of FIGS. 9A to 9E in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the remote-control unit being associated with the safety key of the detonator;

[0070] FIG. 11B is a second perspective view of the remote-control unit of FIG. 11A;

[0071] FIG. 11C is a side view planar illustration of the remote-control unit of FIG. 11A;

[0072] FIG. 11D is a bottom view of the remote-control unit of FIG. 11A;

[0073] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of the remote-control unit of FIGS. 11A to 11D, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology; and

[0074] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method of use of the modular breaching device of FIGS. 6A to 6D, using the detonator of FIGS. 9A to 10 and the remote-control unit of FIGS. 11A to 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The principles of the inventive modular breaching device, kit, and method of the disclosed technology may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0076] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0077] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is an exploded view illustration of components of a kit 10 for forming a modular breaching device, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0078] As seen, kit 10 includes a base 12, and a plurality of walls 14 adapted to connect to the base from all sides thereof, to form a hollow structure of a modular breaching device according to the disclosed technology. Kit 10 further includes a cover 16, adapted to connect to each of the walls surrounding the base at an end thereof distal to the base, and a detonator 18 adapted to engage the base.

[0079] In some embodiments, within kit 10, base 12 and walls 14 may be connected to each other to form a hollow structure of a modular breaching device, suitable for accommodating an explosive. In other embodiments, base 12 and walls 14 may be disconnected from each other within kit 10, enabling a user to form a modular hollow structure for the breaching device having desired dimensions, as explained hereinbelow.

[0080] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view illustration of base 12 of kit 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0081] Base 12 includes a main plate 20, defining a first broad surface 22 and a second broad surface 24. A bore 26 extends through plate 20, in some embodiments, and as illustrated, bore 26 may extend through the center of the plate. In some embodiments, bore 26 may be a threaded bore.

[0082] Flanges 28 extend from edges of plate 12, perpendicularly to broad surfaces 22 and 24. Typically, flanges 28 extend away from first broad surface 22, such that the first broad surface is recessed relative to flanges 28.

[0083] In some embodiments, a plurality of fingers 30, each terminating in a protrusion 32, extend away from flanges 28 perpendicularly to and distally to first broad surface 22. As such, when second broad surface 24 is placed on a table or other base surface, fingers 30 extend upwardly from first broad surface 22 with protrusions 32 being at the upper ends of the fingers 30. As explained in further detail hereinbelow, fingers 30 are adapted for snap fit engagement with walls 14 of kit 10 to form the hollow structure of the modular breaching device. However, in some embodiments, walls 14 may be connected to base 12 in a different manner, such as by an adhesive. In such embodiments, fingers 30 may be obviated. For example, the connection may be using pins and corresponding bores, such that the pins are adapted to be seated within the bores.

[0084] In some embodiments, and as illustrated, base 12 may be generally square. However, the base may have any desirable shape, such as a circle, oval, rectangle, or any polygonal shape. Similarly, base 12 may have a suitable footprint, depending on the use of the modular breaching device.

[0085] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a perspective view illustration of wall 14 of kit 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. As seen clearly in FIG. 1, kit 10, and a modular breaching device formed therefrom, typically includes multiple walls 14, which are adapted to be connected to each other.

[0086] Each wall 14 includes a first broad surface 42 and a second broad surface 44. Lateral edges of wall 14 define slots 46, adapted to form a join with flanges of another wall 14. A pair of flanges, or protruding ridges, 48, extend outwardly from first broad surface 42 and from second broad surface 44, adjacent one lateral edge of wall 14. Flanges 48 are sized and configured to be slidably accommodated within slots 46.

[0087] In some embodiments, flanges 48 have a substantially trapezoidal cross section, and slots 46 each form a cavity having a correspondingly trapezoidal cross section, such that each flange 48 can slide into a slot 46 from the top or bottom end of the slot, and cannot be inserted directly into the lateral opening of the slot. Similarly to dovetail joins, this assists in maintaining the connection between the flange and the slot, and ensuring that the two connected walls do not separate from each other easily.

[0088] First broad surface 42 includes a plurality of slots 50, extending from an upper edge of wall 14 partially down the wall. In some embodiments, slots 50 extend substantially perpendicularly to the upper edge of wall 14. Slots 50 are adapted to engage cover 16 of kit 10 for covering of the hollow structure of the modular breaching device, as explained hereinbelow. Slots 50 may have any suitable cross section, but typically have a trapezoidal cross section, to form a stronger join with cover 16 in a similar manner to that explained with respect to slots 46.

[0089] As seen clearly in FIG. 1, second broad surface 44 of wall 42 may include a plurality of indentations 52, adapted for snap fit engagement with protrusions 32 of base 12. Typically, indentations 52 are disposed adjacent a lower edge of wall 14. As mentioned above, in embodiments in which walls 14 do not engage base 12 by snap fit engagement, indentations 52 may be obviated. For example, an alternate connection mechanism may include pins and corresponding bores, such that the pins are adapted to be seated within the bores.

[0090] Typically, each wall 14 is sized and configured to engage an edge of plate 20 of base 12. As such, a device in which base 12 is square, includes four walls 14. However, in some embodiments, a smaller or larger number of walls may be used.

[0091] Typically, each wall 14 is linear. However, in a modular breaching device having a circular or oval base, walls 14 may form arcs, to be able to engage with, and circumscribe, the base.

[0092] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a perspective view illustration of cover 16 of kit 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0093] Cover 16 includes a main plate 60, defining a first broad surface 62 and a second broad surface 64. Flanges 68 extend from edges of plate 16, perpendicularly to broad surfaces 62 and 64. Typically, flanges 68 extend away from second broad surface 64, such that a recess is formed between the second broad surface and the flanges. In some embodiments, flanges 68 are not flush with first broad surface 62, such that a second recess may be formed between the first broad surface and the flanges. As explained in further detail hereinbelow, the recesses may accommodate an anchoring element, adapted to anchor a modular breaching device formed of kit 10 to a surface to be breached.

[0094] Extending outwardly from flanges 68, away from plate 60, are a plurality of rods 70, each terminating in an engagement protrusion 72. Engagement protrusions 72 are adapted to be received within slots 50 of walls 14, in a similar manner to that described hereinabove for slots 48 and flanges 48. Gaps 74 are formed between rods 70.

[0095] In some embodiments, and as illustrated, plate 62 of cover 16 may be generally square. However, the base may have any desirable shape, such as a circle, oval, rectangle, or any polygonal shape.

[0096] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a side view planar illustration of detonator 18 of kit 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0097] As seen, detonator 18 includes a body 80, from which extends a protrusion 82 terminating in an igniting tip 84. In some embodiments, at least a portion of protrusion 82 may be threaded. Typically, body 80 includes an igniter for igniting tip 84, when the detonator is activated. The igniter may be any suitable igniter, such as a pressure-based igniter, an electrical-spark igniter, or the like.

[0098] In some embodiments, detonator 18 may be a typical detonator know in the art, such as detonators commercially available from Austin Powder of Cleveland OH. Typically, detonator 18 is suitable for generating an explosion of plastic explosives or explosive putty, such as C4, RDX, CLX, and/or PX, which are commonly used by many armies in the world.

[0099] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, which are, respectively, a perspective view illustration, a side view planar illustration, a top view planar illustration, and a sectional illustration of modular breaching device 100, formed of kit 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0100] As seen, modular breaching device 100 includes a housing 101, formed by base 12, walls 14, and cover 16. Housing 101 is constructed by connecting walls 14 to each other to form a frame, by placing flanges 48 within slots 46 on the lateral edges of walls 14. The walls are connected to each other such that first broad surfaces 42 including slots 50 face the center of the frame, and second broad surfaces 44 including indentations 52 form the exterior of the frame.

[0101] The frame is then placed onto base 12, such that protrusions 32 of fingers 30 engage indentations 52 by snap fit engagement.

[0102] Cover 16 is placed onto walls 14, by inserting protrusions 72 thereof into slots 50 in first broad surfaces 42. Typically, an upper edge of rods 70 of cover 16 is flush with upper edges of walls 14, such that housing 101 is substantially box, or cube, shaped.

[0103] In use, prior to placement of cover 16 onto walls 14, a hollow 102 formed by base 12 and walls 14 is filled with an amount of a plastic explosive 103 (FIG. 6D), which is suitable for forming a breach having desired dimensions in a structure being breached.

[0104] In some embodiments, housing 101 may be used as a measuring cup for measuring a suitable amount of explosive, without the troops utilizing the device needing to know, or compute, the weight of the explosive to be used. In some such embodiments, the edges of walls 14 may be used to cut a portion of explosive, e.g., in the form of explosive putty, from an explosive brick, so as to fill hollow 102.

[0105] In some embodiments, housing 101 is adapted to accommodate up to 200 g, or up to 250 gr of plastic explosive. However, the quantity of plastic explosive to be used is selected based on the desired magnitude of explosion, or to create a breach of a desired size, and can be in the range of 50 gr to 200 gr, or in the range of 100 gr to 200 gr.

[0106] Detonator 18 is then attached to base 12 by inserting protrusion 82 and igniting tip 84 into bore 26 in the base, such that the igniting tip engages the plastic explosive within housing 101. In some embodiments, a surface of body 80 of detonator 18 engages second broad surface 24 of base 12. In some embodiments, protrusion 82 is threadably attached to bore 26.

[0107] As seen clearly in FIG. 6D, a cavity of cover 16, formed between plate 62 and flanges 68, accommodates an anchoring element, such as a magnet 104. In use, the anchoring element is adapted to secure modular breaching device 100 to the surface to be breached. It is to be appreciated that the anchoring element may be any suitable anchoring element, including adhesive putty, a vacuum based anchoring element (e.g., a suction cup), a wire or rope (e.g., for being placed on a door handle), and the like.

[0108] As seen clearly in FIGS. 6A and 6C, walls 14 housing 101 includes a plurality of slots 46a and flanges 48a extending outwardly from the housing, which remain available for connection to additional wall portions, as shown for example in FIG. 7C. In this manner, additional housings 101 of the same type may be attached to modular breaching device 100, by engagement of available flanges thereof in slots 46a, and/or engagement of flanges 48a with available slots of the additional housings. Consequently, the effective dimensions of the resulting modular breaching device are highly modular, and can be selected in the field to correspond to the requirements at the time.

[0109] It is to be appreciated that the components of modular breaching device 100, specifically base 12, walls 14, cover 16, and detonator 18, as well as the explosive material to be used within the breaching device, may be carried by soldiers as a deconstructed light-weight kit, and put together to build the modular breaching device, which is suitably sized and suitably forceful, in the field based on the mission requirements.

[0110] It is to be appreciated that when the explosive within modular breaching device 100 is detonated, the fact that base 12 fully engages walls 14, combined with the presence of gaps 74 between rods 70, directs the explosion toward cover 16, which is anchored to the surface to be breached by anchoring element 104. As such, the force of the explosion is in the required direction, and is not wasted on the surroundings, facilitating use of a smaller quantity of explosives than if the housing did not assist in guiding the direction of the explosion.

[0111] References is now made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, which are schematic illustrations of modular breaching device 100 of FIGS. 6A to 6D, in use, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0112] In FIG. 7A, a single modular breaching device 100 is used to breach a door 110. As seen in the enlarged portion of FIG. 7A, modular breaching device 100 is attached to a surface of the door near, or over, a handle thereof, such that base 12 and detonator 18 are distal to the door. The attachment may be using a cable or rope, or using the anchoring element of device 100. In the use case of FIG. 7A, the amount of explosive placed within modular breaching device 100 is typically in the range of 100-200 gm or 150-200 gm.

[0113] In FIG. 7B, a multi-unit modular breaching device 100b, here shown as including four modular breaching devices 100, is used to breach an opening in a wall 120. Modular reaching devices 100 are connected to each other by detonation cords 122, such that detonation of any one of devices 100 triggers detonation of the other devices. As such, in some embodiments, only one of modular breaching devices 100, here labeled as device 100, need include a detonator. However, in other embodiments, each of modular breaching devices 100 includes a detonator, as described hereinabove.

[0114] As seen in the enlarged portion of FIG. 7B, each modular breaching device 100 is attached to a surface of the wall, for example using the anchoring element of that device, such that bases 12 thereof are distal to the wall. In the use case of FIG. 7B, the explosive load of multi-unit modular-breaching device 100b is split between all four devices 100. As such, each modular breaching device 100 accommodates an amount of explosive in the range of 125-150 gm, such that the entire construction, including all four devices, has an explosive load in the range of 500-600 gm.

[0115] In FIG. 7C, a multi-unit modular breaching device 100c is used to breach a door 130, for example a door having double hinges. As seen in the enlarged portion of the Figure, modular breaching device 100c includes two breaching devices 100, whose walls are connected to each other as described hereinabove. Modular breaching device 100c is attached to a surface of the door near, or over, a handle thereof, for example using the anchoring element of one or both of its component devices, such that bases 12 and detonators 18 of each of its component breaching devices are distal to the door.

[0116] In the use case of FIG. 7C, the amount of explosive placed within modular breaching device 100 is typically double that placed in a single breaching device, and is in the range of 200-400 gm or 300-400 gm.

[0117] It is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, a single detonator 18 may be used for modular breaching device 100c, since it can be assumed that detonation of one of its component devices would trigger detonation of the other.

[0118] Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 8, which is a flow chart of a method of constructing and using modular breaching device 100 of FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0119] At step S200, walls 14 are connected to each other to form frame, and the frame is attached to base 12 at step S202, to form housing 101. In some embodiments, steps S200 and S202 may include connection of multiple bases and their corresponding walls to each other, to form a larger breaching device, for example as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0120] At step S204, a quantity of explosive is inserted into hollow 102 formed by base 12 and walls 14, for example by using housing 101 as a measuring cup, and at step S206 cover 16 is connected to walls 14, to form housing 101. At step S208, detonator 18 is inserted into base 12, completing the construction of modular breaching device 100. In some embodiments, particularly in embodiments in which more than one modular breaching device is used, such as in the embodiments of FIGS. 7B and 7C, multiple detonators may be inserted at step S208.

[0121] At step S210, modular breaching device 100 is attached to a surface to be breached, with cover 16 adjacent to the surface to be breached and detonator 18 extending away from that surface. For example, the attachment may be using magnet 104 or any other anchoring element forming part of cover 16.

[0122] In some embodiments in which multiple modular breaching devices 100 are used, for example the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the breaching devices may be connected to each other using detonating cords, at optional step S211.

[0123] Subsequently, at step S212, the user triggers ignition of igniting tip 84 of detonator 18, resulting in explosion of the plastic explosive within the housing.

[0124] In some embodiments, walls 14 and base 12 may be pre-attached. In such embodiments, steps S200 and S202 may be obviated.

[0125] In some embodiments, step S208 of inserting the detonator(s) may occur following step S210 of attaching the devices to the surface to be breached.

[0126] In some embodiments, step S211 of connecting devices using detonating cords may occur prior to step S208 of inserting the detonators, and/or prior to step 210 of attaching the devices to the surface to be breached.

[0127] In some embodiments, the explosion may be caused by multiple modular breaching devices 100, modularly connected to each other to form a multi-unit modular breaching device, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7C. In such embodiments, steps S200 to S206 may be repeated multiple times, and in an additional step, occurring prior to step S212, the modular breaching device may be connected to each other to form the expanded modular breaching device.

[0128] In some such embodiments, a single detonator may be used to explode the entire multi-unit modular breaching device. In such embodiments, step S208 would be carried out once for the entire multi-unit modular breaching device.

[0129] In other embodiments, which each modular breaching device forming part of the multi-unit modular breaching device has its own detonator. In such embodiments, step S208 may be repeated multiple times, for each of the units within the multi-unit modular breaching device.

[0130] FIGS. 9A to 13 relate to a kit for triggering detonation of an explosive, in a safe manner. As explained in further detail hereinbelow, the kit includes a safety tab, also termed a pin-key, an electric detonator, and a remote-control unit. The electric detonator and the remote-control unit each include a unique interface for reversible attachment to the safety tab, for example in the form of a unique arrangement of pins.

[0131] The electric detonator includes a portion defining an igniting tip adapted to engage the explosive. Upon activation of the detonator, and only when the safety tab is detached from the detonator-interface, the igniting tip generates an electric spark causing detonation of the explosive.

[0132] The remote-control unit is functionally associated with the electric detonator and is adapted, in response to receipt of a user input, and only when the safety tab is attached to its interface, to send a wireless signal to the electric detonator to activate the detonator to generate the electric spark.

[0133] As such, the safety tab has a dual role in controlling activation of the detonatorit first must be removed from the detonator, and subsequently must be inserted into the remote control unit, before the remote control unit can send a signal that will cause detonation.

[0134] The safety tab and the interfaces in the detonator and the remote-control units are unique, so that the safety tab of one kit cannot be associated with the detonator or remote control unit of another kit, thereby further enhancing the safety of the system formed from the kit.

[0135] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E, which are, respectively, an exploded view illustration, two perspective view illustrations, a side view planar illustration, and a partial sectional illustration of another detonator 250 suitable for use with modular breaching device 100 of FIGS. 6A to 6D in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Detonator 250 is associated with a safety key 252 for preventing unintentional ignition of the detonator.

[0136] As seen, detonator 250 includes a housing 254, accommodating an electrical circuit 256 and a battery 258. A protrusion 260 extends out of detonator 250, and terminates in an igniting tip 262. Electrical circuit 256 is adapted to create an electrical spark at igniting tip 262. In some embodiments, an exterior of housing 254 includes a recess 263, adapted to accommodate a portion of safety key 252, as explained herein.

[0137] Electrical circuit 256 includes a safety connector 264, which includes multiple pins 266 which are disposed on an exterior surface of housing 254.

[0138] Safety key 252 comprises a plate 270 defining a conductive surface and including multiple bores 276, arranged to accommodate pins 266. Extending from plate 270 is an extension 278, including a copper plate.

[0139] Reference is additionally made to FIG. 10, which is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of detonator 250, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0140] As seen in block 280, battery 258 is associated with a diode and a regulator adapted to ensure that the electrical circuit receives appropriate voltage from the battery.

[0141] Block 282 includes the ignitor, which is configured to create the electrical spark at igniting tip 262.

[0142] Blocks 284a and 284b represent the engagement of the electrical circuit with safety key 252. When pins 266 are disposed within bores 276 of safety key 252 (see block 284a), the conductive surface of plate 270 short circuits the pins 266, preventing current from flowing to the ignitor. Additionally, when extension 278 is disposed within recess 263, as seen for example in FIGS. 9D and 9E and in block 284b, the copper filament thereof engages the ignitor and prevents the formation of a spark, because it conducts the current away from the ignitor. As such, it is clear from FIG. 10, that a spark may be created by detonator 250 only when safety key 252 is removed from its engagement with pins 266 and with housing 254.

[0143] As explained in further detail hereinbelow, detonator 250 is functionally associated with a remote-control unit, and is adapted to be activated to form a spark by receipt of a suitable RF communication from the remote control.

[0144] As such, and as seen in block 286, electrical circuit 256 of detonator 250 includes an antenna adapted to receive the communication from the remote control, as well as an RF module and a crystal adapted to covert the received signal into a trigger for the activation of the ignitor.

[0145] A relay, shown in block 288, forms a switch configured to close, and allow the current to pass from the battery toward the ignitor in block 284b, only when the received RF communication is in an appropriate wavelength, preset to be suitable for this detonator. In this manner, the detonator is similar to a car unlocking system or to a boom-gate opening system, which is adapted to respond to RF communications from a remote control providing an RF signal at a specific wavelength.

[0146] Block 288 further includes an indicator LED, adapted to indicate when a suitable RF communication is received from the remote control.

[0147] In some embodiments, electrical circuit 256 may include an additional regulator, shown in block 290. The additional regulator is configured to regulate the voltage received by the ignitor to ensure the formation of a spark, when desired.

[0148] It is a particular feature of the present invention that detonator 250 has multiple safety precautions integrally formed therein. First, in order to trigger the formation of the spark, the detonator must receive an appropriate RF communication, in a pre-set wavelength, from a specific remote-control unit associated with the detonator. However, such a communication will only be able to activate the ignitor following removal of safety pin 252 from housing 254. As such, even if one were to use a suitable remote control, the detonator would not go off, thus ensuring the safety of the soldiers deploying the modular breaching device.

[0149] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, which are, respectively, two perspective view illustrations, a side view planar illustration, and a bottom view planar illustration of a remote-control unit 300 suitable for activating detonator 250 of FIGS. 9A to 9E in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Remote-control unit 300 is associated with safety key 252 of detonator 250, as explained herein.

[0150] Remote-control unit 300 includes a housing 302, accommodating an electrical circuit, described hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 12. On a front surface thereof, housing 302 includes activation and deactivation buttons 304, which are functionally associated with the electrical circuit. Housing 302 further houses a battery (illustrated in FIG. 12), adapted to power the electrical circuit of the remote-control. A charging port 306, suitable for charging the battery, is disposed in a bottom surface of housing 302.

[0151] The electrical circuit of remote-control unit 300 further includes a safety connector 314, including multiple pins 316 which are disposed on a rear surface of housing 302.

[0152] As seen, plate 270 of safety key 252 is adapted to be placed onto the rear surface of housing 302, such that bores 276 accommodate pins 316, while extension 278 protrudes loosely above a top surface of housing 302.

[0153] Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 12, which is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of remote-control unit 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0154] Block 320 shows the battery which is adapted to power the electrical circuit of remote-control unit 300. Block 322 shows the main active component of the circuit, namely the signal encoder, crystal, and corresponding components required in order to provide a signal, having a desired RF frequency, from remote-control unit 300 to detonator 250. The signal encoder is associated with a visual indicator, such as an LED shown in block 324. The visual indicator is adapted to indicate when a desired signal is transmitted, as is common in many remote-control units.

[0155] Block 326 illustrates activation button 304. As seen, when the activation button is at rest, the electrical circuit of FIG. 12 is open, and current cannot flow from the battery to the signal encoder. However, when the activation button is pressed, the circuit is closed, facilitating operation of the signal encoder.

[0156] Block 328 illustrates pins 316 adapted to engage safety key 252. As seen, as long as pins 316 are not disposed within safety key 252, the electrical circuit of remote-control unit 300 is open. As such, even if one were to press the button 304 in this situation, current would not flow from the battery to the signal encoder, and no signal would be provided. Upon connection of safety key 252, the conductive surface of plate 270 closes that portion of the circuit. As such, when safety key 252 engages the remote-control unit 300, and button 304 is pressed, the circuit can fully close and a signal will be emitted from the signal encoder.

[0157] It is a particular feature of the present invention that, in addition to preventing ignition of detonator 250 when connected thereto, safety key 252 is also required in order to provide a signal from the remote-control unit for activating the detonator. As such, in order to activate the detonator, the safety key must be removed from the detonator and connected to the remote-control unit, and then the button of the remote-control unit can be pressed. This provides two layers of security to assist in ensuring that the detonator is not pre-maturely triggered.

[0158] It is to be appreciated that detonator 250, safety key 252, and remote-control unit 300, can be used for activation of any explosive, regardless of presence of that explosive within the housing of FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0159] As such, in some embodiments, a detonator kit according to the disclosed technology includes detonator 250, safety key 252, and remote-control unit 300.

[0160] In some embodiments, a modular explosive kit according to the disclosed technology includes detonator 250, safety key 252, and remote-control unit 300, in addition to base 12, walls 14, and cover 16.

[0161] Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a flow chart of a method of use of modular breaching device 100 of FIGS. 6A to 6D, with detonator 250 of FIGS. 9A to 10 and remote-control unit 300 of FIGS. 11A to 12.

[0162] As seen, at step S350, the housing of modular breaching device 100 is constructed. For example, this step may be equivalent to, or may include, steps S200 to S206, and in some embodiments, step S211, of FIG. 8 described hereinabove. As described above, the modular breaching device may be a multi-unit modular breaching device, in which case step S350 includes the connection of multiple modular breaching devices 100 to each other, as described hereinabove.

[0163] Subsequently, at step S352, protrusion 260 of detonator 250 is inserted into bore 26 in base(s) 12 of the modular breaching device or of at least one units of a multi-unit device, such that igniting tip 262 engages the plastic explosive within the housing.

[0164] At step S354, the modular breaching device 100 is attached to a surface to be breached, substantially as described hereinabove.

[0165] At step S356, safety key 252 is removed from detonator 250, thereby facilitating triggering of the detonator. However, the detonator is not yet triggered.

[0166] At step S358, which typically occurs after the user (e.g., soldier) activating the modular breaching device has moved sufficiently far from the device, the user connects safety key 252 to its appropriate location in remote-control unit 300.

[0167] Subsequent pressing of button 304 of the remote-control unit, at step S360, triggers igniting of the detonator, thereby causing the modular breaching device 100 to explode and the wall or door to be breached.

[0168] It will be appreciated that certain features of the technology, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the technology, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Similarly, the content of a claim depending from one or more particular claims may generally depend from the other, unspecified claims, or be combined with the content thereof, absent any specific, manifest incompatibility therebetween.

[0169] Although the technology has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.