GB2386673A

GB2386673A - Target immobilisation device / bolas arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2386673A
Application number: GB0223434A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Gregory Lloyd
Original assignee: Roke Manor Research Ltd
Current assignee: Roke Manor Research Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-21
Filing date: 2002-10-04
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-04
Also published as: GB0223434D0; GB0206676D0; GB2386673B

Abstract

A target immobilisation device in the form of a discus or bolas unit 1, comprises at least two parts 2, 3, 4 which are coupled together by strings/chains/wires 7 and via a central hub 6 and wherein the coupled parts form a single cased unit prior to expansion and the device/ arrangement comprises an energy storage mechanism which propels the device/bolas and a trigger mechanism which causes the bolas/device to open out from the coupled state to an expanded state, allowing it to immobilise a target at which it is aimed. The device is launched from a projector and is adapted so as to open out only when at a pre-determined distance from the intended target. Any of parts 2, 3, 4 may comprise a radio receiver/loud speaker for communication between the user of the device and the captured target, an identification device for indicating the position of the target, an imaging sensor and aerodynamic flaps or compressed jets. Each of the parts 2, 3, 4 and/or the connecting wires 7 may have a barbed surface (Fig 6b) and in use the device may include a stun and/or small explosive effect.

Description

1 2386673

TARGET IMMOBILISATION DEVICE

This invention relates to a target immobilization device, for example for capturing fugitives, game or bringing down aircraft, such as helicopters.

5 A traditional method of capturing game for domestication or larder is to use a boles to wrap around the back legs ofthe animal to slow it down. A problem with existing boles is that if the user is not skilled in throwing, the boles will not open up, but will travel as one unit, so the game cannot be caught. A further limitation is that the user must be close to the target for the boles to be effective.

10 In accordance with a first aspect ofthe present invention a target immobilization device comprises two or more parts coupled together to form a boles; the parts forming an aerodynamic outer casing before the boles opens out; the device further comprising an energy storage mechanism; wherein, in use, the energy storage mechanism propels the boles in its aerodynamic outer casing; and a trigger mechanism causes the boles to open 15 out into its constituent parts to immobilise the target.

The device may be hand launched, but preferably the device is launched from a projector. Preferably the energy storage mechanism comprises one of compressed air, gas, an electric motor or springs in compression.

20 Preferably, the parts of the boles are coupled together via strings, chains or wires.

Preferably, the boles is provided with a stun effect, such as by an electrical stunning arrangement or a small explosive charge to provide sound and light flash.

Where the target is a person, the user may wish to communicate with them, therefore preferably, the device further comprises a radio receiver and loudspeaker.

25 Preferably, the device further comprising an identification device for indicating position of the target. The identification device may be a proximity sensor or a radar, but preferably the identification device comprises an imaging sensor.

The advantage of an imaging sensor is that it allows easy distinction between a target and other objects such as trees.

30 Where a distance measuring device or proximity sensor of some type is used, the device may be adapted to only open out when it is within a predetermined distance of the

- 2 target. Alternatively, the user can send a radio signal to open at the device when it is determined to be at the correct distance.

Preferably the device further comprises flaps or compressed air jets in the aerodynamic outer casing to control the direction of flight.

5 The present invention provides a projector mechanism which is operable by an unskilled user, increases the distance from the target at which it can be used and is provided with actuators to open up a unit into individual parts and wires to wrap around the target once the unit is close by.

As well as being able to catch game, this invention could provide law 10 enforcement agents and police units with a non-lethal means of disabling and remotely restraining a fugitive or suspect so that they can be safely arrested.

An example of a target immobilization device in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I illustrates an example of a device according to the invention; 15 Figure 2 illustrates operation of the device of Fig. 1 to restrain a fugitive; Figure 3 illustrates one possible launch mechanism for the device of Fig. 1; Figure 4 illustrates a control device for operating an opening out mechanism for the device of Fig. 1; Figure 5 shows an example of an imaging system for use in the device of Fig. 1.

20 Figure 6 illustrates examples of additional features for the device of Fig. 1; and, Figure 7 illustrates a remotely controlled example of the device of Fig. 1.

An example of the invention is shown in Fig. 1. In this example the boles comprises three parts 2, 3, 4 which at rest form an aerodynamic, generally discus shaped, unit 1. In the side of one of the parts 2, a sensor window 5 is provided. The three parts 25 2, 3, 4 are mounted around a central hub 6 and coupled to the hub via wires or strings.

Figure 2 illustrates operation of the boles. The unit is spun up around a vertical axis as shown (stage 1) then projected towards the target making use of the gyrostabilised effect of the spin in much the same way as a frisbee moves (stage 2). In stage 3 the parts 2, 3, 4 and wires 7 wrap around the fugitive so that he is restrained (stage 4). The unit may 30 be projected manually, using springs in compression, by using compressed air or a gas in a projector 8 as illustrated in Fig. 3, or by an electric motor. Optionally, an on-board

- 3 sensor senses the target and splits the unit into three parts, each connected to the central hub 6 by wires of equal length at an appropriate distance off. The central hub may be used to house the control electronics and power supply. Alternatively, the unit splits a predetermined time after it has been projected under control of a timing circuit such as 5 shown in Fig. 4.

The trip circuit of Fig. 4 comprises a 555 timer circuit 9 which provides a release signal to a power amplifier 10. Optionally, there is a second input 11 to the power amplifier from an object detector. The power amplifier 10 drives a solenoid/magnet release mechanism 12 which causes the parts 2, 3, 4 to separate.

10 Further features may be added such as an electric stunning arrangement, or barbs to prevent the target from uncoiling the wires as well as stun gas, glue or dye to mark the target.

The direction and operation of the boles may be controlled by a processor which actuates flight control surfaces to modify the direction of flight of the boles.

15 The sensor operation is described in more detail with respect to Fig. 5. A window 2 is provided in the unit I through which an image is formed on a lens or mirror surface 13. This focuses onto a linear array 14 of pyro-electric infra-red detectors which pass through a readout circuit 15 to an analogue to digital converter (ADC) 16. A digital signal processor (DSP) chip 17 interprets the signals and sends an appropriate 20 output to the flight control or release mechanism circuit 18 to modify the direction of travel of the unit by actuating control surfaces or jets suitably, or causing the unit to split when a target has been sensed. Alternatively, an image 19 can be produced at a remote location for the user.

A further feature which may be added is an electric stun circuit as shown in Fig. 25 6a. This has probes 20 and is triggered by a control circuit, either remotely or within the unit. Fig. 6b shows barbs (or spines) 17 on the wires and parts 2, 3, 4 which may be set permanently or actuated once the target has been immobilised. A chamber (not shown) may be provided within each part to hold liquid or gaseous stunning agents or dye to the mark the clothing or skin of the target to permit later identification. The boles does not 30 have to have a target sensor built in, but can have a receiver to receive control signals from a remote station 21 which will then actuate the appropriate mechanisms as shown

in Fig. 7. The user can remain at a distance and control the path and opening of the unit

Claims

- 5 Claims

1. A target immobilization device, the device comprising two or more parts coupled together to form a boles; the parts forming an aerodynamic outer casing before the boles opens out; the device further comprising an energy storage mechanism; wherein, in use, the energy storage mechanism propels the boles in its aerodynamic outer casing; and a trigger mechanism causes the boles to open out into its constituent part to immobilise the target.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is launched from a projector.

3. A device according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the energy storage mechanism comprises one of compressed air, gas, an electric motor or springs in compression.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the parts of the boles are coupled together via strings, chains or wires.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the boles is provided with a stun effect.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the stun effect is chosen from on of an electrical stunning arrangement or a small explosive charge to provide sound and light flash.

7. A claim according to any preceding claim wherein the target is a person, the device further comprises a radio receiver and loudspeaker.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises an identification device for indicating position of the target.

- 6

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the identification device comprises an imaging sensor.

10. A device according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the device is adapted to only open out when it is within a predetermined distance of the target

11. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising flaps or compressed air jets in the aerodynamic outer casing to control the direction of flight.

12. A target immobilization device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.