Abstract:
A system and method for manipulating an environment to create a tactical combat scenario requires the coordinated implementation of various actions. One requires detonating an explosion simulator to create a smoke cloud with pseudo shrapnel. Another requires activating a sound enhancer, and yet another involves making a fire-ball. The combined result of these concerted actions is a perception of a single explosive event. Importantly, personnel can be within approximately one foot of any action without suffering a significant injury.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains generally to training aids. More particularly, the present invention pertains to training aids that are used in training exercises to simulate a tactical combat environment. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system and method for safely combining elements of smoke, pseudo shrapnel, noise and fire into the perception of a single explosive event for the purpose of manipulating both the physical and sensory aspects of a training scenario. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Data collected by the U.S. Department of Defense over many years shows that the probability of a combatant receiving a mortal wound, or sustaining a debilitating wound that effectively eliminates his/her combat effectiveness, is highest during the combatant&#39;s first few exposures to combat. The logical conclusion to be drawn from this observation is that a person is best prepared for combat by having had previous combat experiences. Training, of course, can significantly contribute to this experience. Moreover, the more realistic the training, the better prepared the individual will be for actual combat. 
     Heretofore, the most notable simulations of combat have been presented in the movies, and by the military in their training programs. In the movies, however, situations simulating combat are scripted, orchestrated, rehearsed and presented under tightly controlled circumstances. Every event in the simulation is planned and practiced. Importantly, every combat simulation presented in the movies is performed “for the camera.” Although there is an emphasis on realism, it is not combat and, indeed, is not really presented to achieve a physical perception of actual combat. On the other hand, although military training exercises are conducted with efforts to include as much realism as possible, due to the real time flow of events the chaotic dimensions of actual combat are often restrained. In particular, the perception of hostile fire from an aggressor force that is commonplace in combat can be allowed to become unrealistically distant. 
     It is axiomatic that hyper-realism for the sights and sounds of a combat training environment is an important factor for the effectiveness level of the training. Importantly, it is well known that the mere perception of danger is often sufficient to create a combat response in a trainee. Further, for a training scenario, the perception of combat need not include the destructive forces that accompany ordinary explosions. Stated differently, a coordinated combination of smoke, fire and noise can simulate an actual explosion even though no destruction results, and even though the smoke, fire and noise may each come from separate sources. 
     In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for manipulating an environment to create a tactical combat scenario that creates a perception of an actual destructive explosion without creating destructive forces. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for manipulating an environment to create a tactical combat scenario by selectively coordinating the presentation of smoke, fire and noise to create a perception of a destructive explosion. Yet another object of the present invention is to repetitively recreate combat scenarios for compliance with a military training schedule. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for manipulating an environment to create a tactical combat scenario that is easy to use and install, that is simple to operate and that is cost effective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a system for creating a tactical combat scenario in an environment requires the concerted employment of explosion simulators, sound enhancers, and fire-ball generators. Though these various components can be independently employed, and sometimes are, when used together they are capable of creating a perception of a single explosive event. Importantly, the perception is created by a smoke cloud with an associated fire-ball that includes pseudo shrapnel and is accompanied by a realistic audio effect. Most importantly, the explosive event can be created within a very short distance from an individual (e.g. less than 0.30 meters or one foot) without causing any significant personal injury. 
     The explosive simulator of the present invention involves a “lifter” that directs a smoke cloud, with associated pseudo shrapnel, in a generally vertical direction. Structurally, this lifter includes a mortar that has a rectangular base member. Four contiguous sides extend upwardly at an angle from the edge of the base member. Together, the sides and the base member of the mortar define a receptacle. A handle that is affixed to a side of the mortar, outside the receptacle, can be incorporated with the mortar. In addition to providing a means for grasping and carrying the mortar, this handle will also orient the mortar at an angle when the mortar is tipped or tilted on its side. 
     In order to prepare the explosive simulator for operation, a detonator is positioned in the receptacle of the mortar, on the base member. An electrical wire is then run from the detonator to a remote controller to establish an electrical connection between the remote controller and the detonator. As envisioned for the present invention, the detonator is preferably either a 59.14 mL (2 oz.) or a 118.29 mL (4 oz.) black powder charge. Once the detonator has been positioned in the receptacle, cardboard can be positioned over the detonator. Chunks of Peruvian cork are then placed on top of the detonator/cardboard, and a powder like material, such as Fuller&#39;s earth, is positioned over the chunks of Peruvian cork. The explosive simulator is, thus, operationally loaded and can be pre-positioned in an environment, as desired. 
     Sound enhancers for use with the present invention are generally hollow metal tubes that are affixed (i.e. welded) perpendicularly onto a metal base plate. A sound making device, comprised of aluminum and potassium percholate powder, can then be dropped into the lumen of the hollow tube. Like the explosive device, an electrical wire is run from the sound making device to the remote controller. 
     Fire-balls are generated for the present invention by a device sometimes referred to herein as a “MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) Popper,” “Propane Popper,” or fire-ball generator. (MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) gas is a mixture of liquefied petroleum gas [LPG] and methylacetylene-propadiene. MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) is the trademark for a product of the Dow Chemical Company.) For the present invention, this fire-ball generator includes a hollow cylinder having a wall that defines a chamber. Further, the wall is formed with a plurality of air vents that extend through the wall near an end of the cylinder. Also included is a fluid container that is positioned in the chamber for movement between first and second end caps that are respectively engaged to the ends of the cylinder. In detail, the first end cap has a hollow probe that projects from the end cap and into the chamber. At the other end of the cylinder, the second end cap is formed with a depression for receiving an explosive charge. This explosive charge is connected to the remote controller. 
     In the operation of the fire-ball generator, when the explosive charge is exploded by the remote controller, the fluid container is driven against the probe. This causes the probe to pierce the fluid container, and thereby expel fluid from the container through the probe, which vaporizes under atmospheric pressure. Simultaneously, sparks from the explosive charge are directed through the vents in the wall of the cylinder for contact with the expelled fluid outside the cylinder. This generates the fire-ball. In addition to the components mentioned above, the fire-ball generator can also include a fluid deflector that is mounted on the first end cap, outside the chamber, but in fluid communication with the hollow probe. Further, this deflector can be mounted for rotation on the first end cap. Thus, when fluid is expelled from the container through the probe, the deflector can be oriented to spray the fluid (gas) in a predetermined direction. 
     As envisioned for the present invention, the explosive simulator can be pre-positioned in an environment, as desired. The sound enhancer can then also be pre-positioned at a first predetermined distance from the explosion simulator. Additionally, the “popper,” fire-ball generator, may also be pre-positioned at a second predetermined distance from the explosion simulator. Depending on the particular training scenario, these first and second distances may be substantially the same, or quite different from each other. Moreover, the first predetermined distance may be less than one foot, or greater than twenty feet, and the position of the fire-ball generator can be similarly varied. 
     In line with the above disclosure, an implementation of the system of the present invention requires pre-placement of the components in the environment, and absolute control of their detonations or activations by the remote controller. With this in mind, an explosion simulator can be positioned to project its smoke cloud upwardly, or at an angle (if the mortar is tipped onto its handle side). Further, the explosion simulator can be positioned directly on the ground, or buried in a road bed. In each case, a sound enhancer can be appropriately positioned adjacent the explosion simulator or at an extended distance from the explosion simulator. A fire-ball generator can be similarly employed. 
     As a specific example of an employment of the present invention, consider the use of a pseudo RPG (Rocket-Propelled-Grenade). In this example, an explosive simulator can be pre-positioned near a predetermined location where the pseudo RPG is to be aimed. Additionally, a sound enhancer can be pre-positioned within less than a foot of the explosion simulator. And, a fire-ball generator can be similarly positioned. A wire is then connected between a launch pad and the predetermined location. The pseudo RPG is actually an elongated, cylindrical shaped stick having a plastic-foam cone mounted on its front end, with the stick connected for movement along the wire. When a propellant on the aft-end of the stick is energized, the stick and cone (pseudo RPG), moves from the launch pad and along the wire to the point at the predetermined location in the environment. When the pseudo RPG reaches the predetermined location, the remote controller detonates the explosion simulator and activates the sound enhancer and the fire-ball generator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an employment of the system of the present invention for simulating an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack on a convoy; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a pseudo RPG attack prior to an explosive event; 
         FIG. 2B  is a view of the attack shown in  FIG. 2A  at the time of the explosive event; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a mortar for use as a component of an explosion simulator in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a view of the mortar shown in  FIG. 3A  when tipped on its side; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of an explosion simulator as would be seen along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3A  when the mortar has been loaded; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a sound enhancer in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a metal plate for use with a sound making device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a fire-ball generator in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation end view of a cap for the fire-ball generator as seen along the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a system in accordance with the present invention is shown and is generally designated  10 . As shown, the system  10  includes an explosion simulator  12  that is connected via an electrical wire  14  to a remote controller  16 . Also included is a sound enhancer  18  that is connected via an electrical wire  20  to the remote controller  16 , and a fire-ball generator  22  that is likewise connected via an electrical wire  24  to the remote controller  16 . It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that although electrical wires  14 ,  20  and  24  are shown in  FIG. 1  for connection with the remote controller  16 , the wires  14 ,  20  and  24  are exemplary. These connections, alternatively, may be electronic, and therefore wireless. As shown, in  FIG. 1 , the system  10  is being employed with the explosion simulator  12  buried in a road bed  26  for simulating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on a convoy  28 . 
     In  FIG. 2A , the system  10  is shown being employed for the simulation of an attack on troops  30 , of which the troops  30   a ,  30   b  and  30   c  are exemplary. In this case, the troops  30  are shown being attacked by a pseudo Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)  32 . For this scenario, the pseudo RPG  32  requires use of a wire  34  that has one end attached to a predetermined point  36  at a location in an environment where the troops  30  are expected to be, some time during a training exercise. The other end of the wire  34  is attached to a launch pad  38 . In  FIG. 2A , the launch pad  38  is shown to be a hand-held device that is being carried by an actor  40  who is dressed as an indigenous person. It is to be appreciated, however, that the launch pad  38  need not be hand-held, and instead may be located wherever desired. Further, the wire  34  may initially be buried and raised from the ground by the actor  40  before activation of the pseudo RPG  32 . In any event, during an operation of the pseudo RPG  32 , the wire  34  should be above head height in order to avoid garroting the troops  30  or the RPG from striking the troops  30 . In detail, the pseudo RPG  32  includes a stick  42  that has a plastic-foam cone  44  attached to its fore end. Eyelets  46   a  and  46   b  connect the stick  42  to the wire  34 , and a propellant  48  at the aft end of the stick  42  propels the pseudo RPG  32  along the wire  34  from the launch pad  38  to the predetermined point  36 . 
     After the pseudo RPG  32  arrives at the predetermined point  36 ,  FIG. 2B  shows there is an explosive event  45 . Specifically, to create this explosive event  45  an explosion simulator  12  is detonated. The result is a smoke cloud  50 , as well as accompanying pseudo shrapnel  52 . As indicated in  FIG. 2B , the explosive event  45  is directed upward. Consequently, although the troop  30   a  may, perhaps, be within a foot of the explosion simulator  12 , he/she may well be startled and frightened, but will not be injured. 
     An important part of the explosion simulator  12  (i.e. “lifter”) is a mortar  54 , such as the one shown in  FIG. 3A . For purposes of the present invention, the mortar  54  can be positioned either upright ( FIG. 3A ), or tilted ( FIG. 3B ). The structural components of the mortar  54 , as well as the contents that make it operational, are best appreciated by a cross-reference to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  4 . In  FIG. 4  is will be seen that the mortar  54  has a base member  56  that is substantially, though not necessarily, rectangular. Extending upward from this base member  56  is a plurality of side  58 , of which the sides  58   a  and  58   b  are exemplary. In detail, the sides  58  are sloped upwardly from the base member  56  at an angle “a” to a height “h” (see  FIG. 4 ). Further, a handle  60  can be affixed to a side  58  of the mortar  54  for the purposes of carrying the mortar  54  or supporting the mortar  54  when it is tilted (see  FIG. 3B ). With this structure, the mortar  54  forms a chamber  62  for holding contents that will create the explosive event  45  for explosion simulator  12 . 
     The contents used for loading the mortar  54  are shown in  FIG. 4  and include (from bottom to top): a detonator  64 , cardboard  66  (optional); cork chunks  68  and a powder material  70 . Preferably, the detonator  64  is black powder and is formed either in a 2 oz. or 4 oz. block. The detonator  64  is then connected via the wire  14  to the remote controller  16 . For the present invention, the cork chunks  68  are preferably a “Peruvian cork,” and the powder material  70  is preferably a commercially available material known as “Fuller&#39;s earth.” 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , two embodiments are shown for a sound enhancer  18  in accordance with the present invention. In  FIG. 5  it is seen that the sound enhancer  18  includes a base plate  72  on which a hollow tube  74  has been attached. In  FIG. 6 , only the base plate  72  is used. For both embodiments, a noise maker  76  of a type well known in the art, comprised of aluminum and potassium percholate powder, is attached to the wire  20 . In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the noise maker  76  is positioned in the lumen  78  of the hollow tube  74 . In both cases, the wire  20  is electrically connected to the remote controller  16  for selective activation. 
     In  FIG. 7  it will be seen that a fire-ball generator  22  (i.e. MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) Popper) as envisioned for the present invention includes a hollow cylinder  80 . The cylinder  80  has a wall  82  that defines a chamber  84 , and it has a plurality of air vents  86  that pass through the wall  82 .  FIG. 7  also shows a fluid container  88  positioned inside the chamber  84  that contains a flammable liquid  90 , such as propane or MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) gas. It is also shown in  FIG. 7  that the hollow cylinder  80  is formed with notches  92  and  94 . As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the notches  92  and  94  are each one of a pair of opposed notches  92 ,  94 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7  it is seen that the fire-ball generator  22  includes an end cap  96  that is formed with a depression  98  (see  FIG. 8 ) for receiving an explosive charge (not shown). The wire  24  is then attached to the explosive charge for detonation by the remote controller  16 .  FIG. 7  also shows the fire-ball generator  22  includes an end cap  100  that has a hollow probe  102 . More specifically, the hollow probe  102  is formed with a lumen  104 , and has a blade  106  that projects from the end cap  100 . Further, the end cap  100  can include a fluid deflector  108  that is mounted for rotation on the end cap  100 . 
     In the assembly of the fire-ball generator  22 , the fluid container  88  is first positioned in the chamber  84  of the hollow cylinder  80 . The end cap  100  is then placed with its probe  102  projecting into the chamber  84 , and the yoke  110   a  is engaged with the hollow cylinder  80 . Specifically, for this engagement the yoke  110   a  extends through the notch  92  for engagement with the notch  112  on end cap  100 . Likewise, the end cap  96  is engaged with the hollow cylinder  80  as the yoke  110   b  extends through the notch  94  for engagement with the notch  114  on end cap  96 . 
     In the operation of the fire-ball generator  22 , the fire-ball generator  22  is positioned horizontally so that the probe  102  is aligned with the flammable liquid  90  in fluid container  88 . The remote controller  16  then detonates the explosive charge held in the depression  98  on end cap  96 . With this detonation, the fluid container  88  is driven into contact with the blade  106  of probe  102 . This causes the probe  102  to pierce the fluid container  88  and to eject the flammable liquid  90  from the fluid container  88 , vaporizing the liquid under atmospheric pressure to form a gas cloud. Specifically, the flammable liquid  90  exits the fluid container  88  via the lumen  104  of probe  102  and is thereafter spewed outwardly, as a gas, in a direction determined by the orientation of the fluid deflector  108 . As this gas is leaving the fluid deflector  108 , sparks from the detonation of the explosive charge exit the hollow cylinder  80  via the air vents  86 . When these sparks contact the gas the fire ball is generated. 
     While the particular Pyrotechnic Audio and Visual Effects for Combat Simulation as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.