GB2379003A

GB2379003A - An artificial wind generating riot control vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2379003A
Application number: GB0124472A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Josef Erwin Jeffries
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-23
Filing date: 2001-10-12
Publication date: 2003-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-12
Also published as: GB0124472D0; GB2379003B; GB0120528D0

Abstract

A combat vehicle comprises an integral compressor 1 which generates an artificial wind of sufficient strength to temporarily throw rioters off balance. Air is passed from compressor 1 via flexible hose 2 to a discharging pipe 4 positioned under telescopic jib 3. Air pressure may be varied (11 m / min) by an operator positioned next to the driver. Jib 3 is capable of hydraulically extending up to 7 metres. Deflector 5 aids to disperse the air downwards and sideways whilst an actuated forward support 6 allows sideways (arc) movement of jib 3 and underlying pipe 4. An arrangement whereby the compressor is mounted on a trailer, in which case jib 3 is replaced by a flexible hose, is also disclosed. The windscreen of the vehicle may be made from poly-carbonate or the like or even protected by a metal grid-arrangement which may be lowered into position to cover it. Additionally disclosed is a compressed air carrying backpack which can be utilised in the control of riots.

Description

DESCRIPTION RIOT CONTROL Riots have become a way of life for some members of our Society who are bent on wanton destruction and often resort to looting afterwards as well.

Up to now police forces have been limited to using police dressed in riot gear to make baton charges to break up the rioters and then make arrests. Plastic bullets, C. S. gas and water cannon are also part of their armour but do not seem to be used in this country now.

The use of manpower is costly and where an officer is injured a life may be at stake.

The essential features of the system which is the subject of this Patent application is based on a combat vehicle which is designed to be used to put down a riot.

The combat vehicle and equipment to do this are shown in figures 1 and 2, being a side elevation and plan respectively. To protect the equipment from attack, side plates would be fitted to envelop the equipment but these are not shown for clarity.

The windscreen of the truck will be made from poly-carbonate or similar unbreakable material to offer protection to the driver and equipment operator from

objects being hurled at the vehicle Alternatively'cattle grid'protection will be supplied in the form of a metal grid which can be lowered down in front of the windscreen The equipment consists of a compressor marked 1, capable of delivering compressed air at varying pressures to suit the circumstances at the rate of 11 m Imin. The compressed air passes via a flexible hose marked 2, to a pipe marked 4, which is underslung from the telescopic jib marked 3 The compressed air is discharged at the nose end of the pipe marked 4, and dispersed downwards and sideways by the deflector marked 5, on to anyone in front of it. The output pressure from the compressor can be modulated by means of a pressure regulating valve fitted to the compressor. The telescopic jib is capable of being extended by 7 metres from its travelling position and this applies also to the underslung pipe marked 4. It can also be slewed sideways in an arc by actuators mounted on either side of it located on the forward support, marked 6.

The telescopic jib is shown in its'closed'position in figures 1 and 2, which is its normal travelling position.

All the equipment is capable of being controlled by an operator sitting in the cab of the truck next to the driver. The driver's job is therefore specifically limited to

driving so that he can be in complete charge of where the vehicle is going without any distraction concerning operating any other equipment.

A tracker system using internet technology will be fitted in the cab so that the vehicle can be in constant contact with the officer in charge of controlling the riot.

Method how the equipment is used is as follows :As soon as the combat vehicle approaches the scene of a riot the operator presses the starter button to actuate the compressor and immediately compressed air begins to flow towards the outlet marked 4. The jib is then extended by hydraulic means in the general direction of the crowd so as to deliver the compressed air at the people in the crowd. The compressed air is used to apply pressure to the upper parts of people in front of the pipe marked 4 so as to cause them to be thrown off balance and possibly make them fall over. The way the pressure is directed at the people is discrete and so only one person at a time will be subjected to this treatment. Once that person has been dealt with and is no longer a menace the operation is repeated elsewhere within the crowd. The intention is that once a person has lost his balance he will offer less resistance to being arrested and this is to be done by snatch squads who would follow closely behind the combat vehicle

The jib can be moved through an arc so as to be able to reach rioters who may be ducking behind vehicles parked at the side of the road where the riot is taking place, and the combat vehicle can not get to.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. The combat vehicle can be used to control crowds at football matches and the like as well as cases of civil disturbance.
2. The underlying principle is to use the compressed air from the compressor to generate an artificial wind of sufficient strength which when directed at the rioters will cause them to be thrown off balance, temporarily, so that police snatch squads can move in and arrest them..
3. A feature of the equipment is that it can be adapted to individual circumstances as the air pressure can be varied by the operator of the equipment who sits at the side of the driver.
4. The use of the vehicle will enable snatch squads to move in much earlier than up to now, helping to cut down on wanton destruction and any looting that may be taking place
5. The principle in claim 2 can also be used to design equipment to be used to quell prison riots. In these cases the compressor would be mounted on a trailer and the telescopic jib would be replaced by a flexible hose.

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6. For quelling riots on terraces of football stadiums the compressed air would be carried in backpacks similar to those used in underwater exploration. As the air from one backpack would be quickly exhausted, several officers with backpacks would be required for any one incident.