Patent Publication Number: US-7707700-B1

Title: Rapid access tool

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Field 
     This invention generally relates to the field of tools, such as for first responders. 
     II. Background 
     Vehicle crashes and other emergency scenarios involving ballistic vehicles, or alternatively structures designed to defeat armed assaults from gunfire and explosive devices, present a unique challenge to rescuer providers. First responders and military personnel (also referred to herein as “rescue provider”) are often called upon to rapidly extricate individuals from within armored vehicles or structures and are limited to very few options for completing the extrication task. In addition, the safety of the individuals may be compromised in the extrication process. 
     Conventional approaches have failed to solve these aforementioned problems. For example, one approach is to use of power saws (e.g., a K-12, chain saw, or circular saw) to cut into the vehicle. However, this requires that the rescue provider have the saw in his/her possession at the time of need. Moreover, the saw must have the proper cutting blade already installed. If the saw is gasoline powered, then the saw must be fueled and ready for use at all times. This technique and method often places the victim(s) at greater risk for additional injuries from exposed cutting edges of the tools being used, respiratory injury from airborne particulate created from the cutting and grinding, and impact injuries from falling material that may enter the occupant space of the vehicle once the cut has been completed. 
     Another conventional rescue technique involves the use of “Halligan” bar and sledge hammer. However, this rescue technique requires that the rescue provider have the “Halligan” bar and sledge hammer in his/her possession at the time of need. This process also requires a significant amount of time and energy to eventually begin to breach the ballistic material. The rescue provider will need additional personnel to help leverage the ballistic material to the point of displacement or removal. And, the weight of such material may require additional equipment or rigging to safely remove the material thus minimizing unintended injuries to rescuers and/or victims. 
     In addition to the above mentioned shortcomings, many of the above techniques are not readily portable for rescue providers and require a great deal of labor. Another shortcoming is that conventional ballistic rescue tools tend to be large, bulky, and/or dangerous, and, thus, create a potential hazard when the technician transports the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced, according to exemplary embodiments, by the tool, apparatuses and methods for a breaching ballistic material or barriers such as by first responders. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a tool comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and a first portion with a first end and a second portion with a second end, the second portion having an elongated aperture or slot. The tool includes a pull line attachment assembly coupled to the first end, the pull line attachment assembly being configured to couple to a pull line or strap. The tool also includes a pin coupled to the elongated shaft within the elongated aperture or slot. The tool also provides a self-orienting pull arm pivotally coupled within the elongated aperture or slot and being configured to automatically latch to the pin to conceal and hold the self-orientating pull arm, when the elongated shaft is in a first predetermined orientation, and being configured to automatically orient to a deployed state from the first predetermined orientation under a force of gravity when the elongate shaft is rotated to a second predetermined orientation. The pull arm, when concealed, has a longitudinal axis which is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft and, when in the deployed state, the longitudinal axis of the pull arm is angled greater than 0° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of breaching a barrier using a rapid access tool is provided. The rapid access tool has a self-orienting pull arm pivotally coupled to an elongated shaft and a pull line attachment assembly with a strap or pull line. The method comprises the steps of: forming a hole in the barrier; inserting a portion of the elongated shaft and the pull arm of the rapid access tool through said hole in said barrier; automatically orienting to a deployed state under a force of gravity, after the portion of the elongated shaft has been inserted through the barrier, said pull arm; and when in the deployed state, applying pressure to the barrier to breach the barrier by the pull arm by pulling on the strap or the pull line. 
     Further details on these embodiments and other possible embodiments including methods for using the rapid access tool are set forth below. As is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, this invention has wide utility in a number of areas as illustrated by the discussion below. These embodiments may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the implementations of this invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel features of this invention are more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of a rapid access tool in a non-deployed state and a deployed state, respectively, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a first side view of the rapid access tool in the non-deployed state and with the hook in an alternate position according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a second view of the rapid access tool in the deployed state and with the hook removed according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a partial third side view of an elongated shaft of the rapid access tool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an end view of the elongated shaft according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a fourth side view of the rapid access tool in the non-deployed state and with the hook removed according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the rapid access tool in a deployed state and being used to remove a windshield according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a process for using the rapid access tool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary pin; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a supplemental band. 
     
    
    
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment, configuration or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations or designs. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the schematics and the like represent conceptual views of illustrative structures embodying this invention. 
     In the claims hereof any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that performs that function. The invention as defined by such claims resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner that the claims call for. Applicant thus regards any means that can provide those functionalities as equivalents as those shown herein. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, the rapid access tool provides a portable rescue tool to remove or otherwise invade ballistic or other difficult to penetrate barrier material (e.g., glass, metal, etc.) in order to gain access to an enclosed chamber, such as, a compartment of a vehicle. The rapid access tool comprises an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a hole or attachment means to attach a pull line or strap. The second end includes a hinge pin connected to a pull arm that aligns within an aperture of the shaft. Additional features of the rapid access tool include a keeper pin to hold the pull arm in a concealed (non-deployed) orientation wherein the pull arm is configured for self-orienting based on rotation of the elongated shaft. The pull arm is configured to deploy (automatically orient to align a longitudinal axis of the pull arm perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft) under the force of gravity as the elongated shaft is rotated, moved or otherwise manipulated to at least one particular orientation of the shaft. 
     A further feature of the rapid access tool is a groove at an opposite side of the elongated shaft from a side of the keeper pin and extends to an aperture configured to conceal the pull arm. The groove allows a retrieval rod to close the pull arm (pivot or swing back to a concealed orientation), if necessary, when the pull arm is deployed behind a barrier. The elongated shaft of the rapid access tool further includes a tapered end for easy insertion of the rapid access tool through ballistic material of a barrier. The rapid access tool may be made of a variety of materials, such as, for example, steel, titanium, other metals, polymers and/or combinations thereof. The material and construction is configured such that the rapid access tool has a tensile strength to withstand 90,000 psi (pounds per square inch). 
     In addition to the advantages described above, the method, when using the rapid access tool, selects a weak point in the ballistic barrier or system that can be exploited for the purposes of rescue operations. The method involves a non-complex tool (rapid access tool) for use by minimally trained personnel to execute a timely rescue from a complex vehicle or structure. The minimally invasive rescue process reduces the risk of injury or death to victims and rescuers alike. Furthermore, the (breaching) method may facilitate the exchange of communication, fluids, lighting, and other rescue equipment or rations to support or sustain life during periods of prolonged operations. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of a rapid access tool (RAT)  100  in a non-deployed state and a deployed state, respectively. The RAT  100  includes an elongated shaft  110  of strong and durable metallic material (e.g. steel, titanium, or composite) or other suitable material (e.g. plastic, polymers, or composites). The RAT  100  comprises, at a first end, a strap attaching means or member  180  configured to attach to an end of a pull line or strap  220  ( FIG. 7 ) and a pull arm  120  in proximity to a second end opposite the first end. In an embodiment, the RAT  100  has a tensile strength to withstand 90,000 psi (pounds per square inch). 
     In  FIG. 1A , the pull arm  120  ( FIG. 1B ) is in a non-deployed state which corresponds to a concealed orientation or being enclosed within the elongated shaft  110 . In  FIG. 1B , the pull arm  120  is deployed which corresponds to an open pull arm  120 . The pull arm  120  is uniquely configured to be self-orienting and is provided with a notch  162  to automatically latch onto a keeper pin  112  to maintain the concealed orientation under the forces of gravity, when the elongated shaft  110  is in at least one specific orientation. 
     The elongated shaft  110  has a longitudinal axis. In the illustration of  FIG. 1B , the elongated shaft  110  has a closed-pin configuration. More specifically, the elongated shaft  110  includes a first portion  110 A and a second portion  110 B. The first portion  110 A, in an embodiment, is integrally formed with the second portion  110 B to form a unitary elongated shaft  110  having the closed-pin configuration. The second portion  110 B, in an embodiment, is essentially solid and has formed along one side an elongated groove  115 , as best seen in  FIG. 1A . The elongated groove  115  extends the length of the second portion  110 B and may be used to insert a retrieval rod (not shown) to selectively close the pull arm  120  (e.g. move the pull arm  120  to a concealed or closed-pin orientation), if necessary. For example, in a situation when the force of gravity cannot be used to re-orient the pull arm  120  to a concealed or closed-pin orientation, the retrieval rod can be used to manually close the pull arm  120 . 
     The first portion  110 A has an elongated aperture or slot  122  formed therein. The elongated aperture or slot  122  essentially cuts the first portion  110 A of the elongated shaft  110  longitudinally in half and forms parallel and overlapping shaft sections  111 A and  111 B, separated by the elongated aperture or slot  122 . The elongated aperture or slot  122  has a closed end. The end opposite the closed end corresponds to the second end of the RAT  100  and has a tapered tip  117 . The closed end is closed by the solid surface of the front of the second portion  110 B. The elongated aperture or slot  122  is otherwise open along or on all other sides to form a gap between the parallel and overlapping shaft sections  111 A and  111 B. The closed end of the aperture or slot  122 , in an embodiment, is configured to be accessed through the groove  115 . 
     The elongated shaft  110  comprises a coupler  150  configured to attach or couple to the strap attaching means  180 . In an embodiment, the strap attaching means  180  is a hook. The coupler  150  includes a coupling pin  152  configured to be received in a hole in the coupler  150 . The combination of the coupler  150  and the hook or other strap attaching means  180  is a pull line attachment assembly. 
     In the exemplary configuration, the hook is a C-shaped hook. However, a D-clip hook or other means of securing a pull line or strap  220  ( FIG. 7 ) may be used. For example, in lieu of coupling a hook to coupler  150 , the coupler  150  may be equipped with a hole sufficient to have a hook or D-clip attached directly thereto provided the pull line or strap  220  has the hook or D-clip on its free end. Nonetheless, the strap attaching means  180  may comprise a hole to journal the strap therethrough. For example, a pull line or strap  220  could be fed through a hole in the coupler  150 . Thereafter, two ends of the pull line or strap  220  could be used to pull on the RAT  100  about the coupler  150 . As can be appreciated, the strap attaching means  180  may have a variety of other different constructions all of which is prohibitive to describe herein. 
     In operation, the pull line or strap  220  is configured to be coupled or affixed to a vehicle, towing device or other pulling device. As the vehicle or towing device is propelled to pull on the RAT  100 , the pull arms  120  when deployed are firmly anchored behind the ballistic material or barrier. As the RAT  100  is pulled, the pull arms  120  apply pressure to the ballistic material or barrier so that it is breached such as, without limitation, causing unsealing or breaking of a frame or seal, breaking of the ballistic material or barrier, etc. 
     The RAT  100  further includes a keeper pin  112  which is coupled to one or both of the shaft sections  111 A and  111 B within the elongated aperture or slot  122 . A longitudinal axis of the keeper pin  112  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110  but is offset or displaced to one side (or in closer proximity to a longitudinal edge) of the elongated aperture or slot  122 . The groove  115  is provided along a side of the second portion  110 B opposite the one side or longitudinal edge associated with (nearest) the keeper pin  112 . The groove  115  is configured to facilitate the insertion of a retrieval rod (not shown) to close or conceal the pull arm  120 , when pull arm  120  is deployed behind a substrate, ballistic material, glass, metal or other barrier. 
     The pull arm  120  is pivotally coupled within the elongated aperture or slot  122  via hinge pin  166 . The hinge pin  166  is perpendicular to and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110 . The keeper pin  112 , in an embodiment, is between the supportive pin  114  and the hinge pin  166 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 9 , an exemplary pin  400  is shown. One or more of the pins (e.g. keeper pin  112 , supportive pin  114 , and hinge pin  166 ) described herein may be configured as the pin  400 . The pin  400  comprises concentrically mated cylinders  402  and  404  coupled to shaft sections  111 A and  111 B ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ). For example, one (female) cylinder  402  would be attached to section  111 A and the second (male) cylinder  404  (shown in phantom) would be attached to the section  111 B. The second (male) cylinder  404  is configured to be received in and concentric with the one (female) cylinder  402 . In an embodiment, the pin  400  is made to support the pulling force exerted when the RAT  100  is being pulled by a vehicle, towing device or other pulling device. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a first side view of the RAT  100  in the non-deployed state and with the hook (strap attaching means  180 ) in an alternate position.  FIG. 2  illustrates an alternate orientation of the hook (strap attaching means  180 ). Nonetheless, the hook may be oriented in a variety of positions. As a point of reference and understanding, assume that the RAT  100  is oriented at 0° or a first predetermined orientation. In the illustration of  FIG. 2 , the pull arm  120  is shown concealed within the elongated shaft  110 . In the first predetermined orientation, under the force of gravity, the pull arm  120  is configured to remain concealed in the elongated aperture or slot  122 . In the concealed position, the pull arm  120  is not susceptible to damage and allows the RAT  100  to be deployed through a small hole. In  FIG. 2  the second end of the RAT  100  is denoted by the numeral  118 . Also, the shaft section  111 B is shown. 
     The pull arm  120  has a width (non-longitudinal length or shortest side) that is configured to closely track the diameter of the elongated shaft  110 . In the non-deployed state, the pull arm  120  is concealed within the elongated aperture or slot  122 . 
     In the concealed orientation, a longitudinal axis of the pull arm  120  is longitudinally aligned to be parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110 . The strap attaching means  180  is configured to attach to a pull line, chain, or strap  220 . The strap attaching means  180  includes at least two engagement members coupled to the hook, each of the two engagement members having a first end attached to the coupler  150  via coupling pin  152 . In an embodiment, the hook may be configured to pivot about coupling pin  152 . 
     The elongated shaft  110  is divided in half. In the first predetermined orientation, the longitudinal openings (meaning those openings that would allow the pull arm to swing in and out of the elongated aperture or slot  122 ) of the elongated aperture or slot  122  are positioned at 90° and 270° of a circular profile. The keeper pin  112  is located at substantially 90° of the circular profile. In other words, the longitudinal axis of hinge pin  166  and keeper pin  112  are oriented to traverse an axis aligned with 0° and 180° (or the horizon). The longitudinal axis of the keeper pin  112  is parallel to the horizon. Thus, when carrying the RAT  100  in the first predetermined orientation, under the force of gravity the keeper pin  112  prevents the pull arm  120  from rotating, swinging or deploying. 
     It is important to note that in the illustration of  FIG. 2 , the elongated shaft  110  is oriented such that the keeper pin  112  is positioned above the horizon (corresponding to 0° and)180°. 
     The unique properties of the pull arm  120  will be more evident based on the description of  FIG. 3 . Thus, with respect to  FIG. 3 , a second view of the RAT  100  is shown in the deployed state and with the hook (strap attaching means  180 ) removed. As a point of reference and understanding, assume that the RAT  100  is rotated 180°, with respect to the first predetermined orientation ( FIG. 2 ), to a second predetermined orientation. Thus, the first side view and second side view are different halves of the elongated shaft  110 . Here, shaft section  111 A is shown. In the illustration of  FIG. 3 , the pull arm  120  is shown deployed. The pull arm  120  is self-orientating such that when rotating the RAT  100  from the 0° orientation of  FIG. 2  approximately 180° to the orientation shown in  FIG. 3 , the force of gravity exerted on the pull arm  120  causes the pull arm to automatically unlatch from the keeper pin  112  and deploy. 
     In the second predetermined orientation, the longitudinal openings of the elongated aperture or slot  122  are also positioned at 90° and 270° of the circular profile with the keeper pin  112  located at substantially 270°. The longitudinal axis of hinge pin  166  and keeper pin  112  are oriented to traverse an axis aligned with 0° and 180° (or the horizon). The longitudinal axis of the keeper pin  112  is parallel to the horizon but the keeper pin  112  is positioned below the horizon (corresponding to 0° and)180°. 
     In other words, the forces of gravity allow the pull arm  120  to rotate down and vertically orient such that a longitudinal axis of the pull arm  120  is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110 . The force of gravity acting on the pull arm  120  automatically unlatches the notch  162  from keeper pin  112 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the pull arm  120  is shown deployed such that the orientation of the pull arm is longitudinally perpendicular (or essentially longitudinally perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110 . The pull arm  120  is capable of being pivoted, rotated or swung to a deployed state, as best seen in  FIGS. 1B and 3 . 
     In an embodiment, the pull arm  120  is not pivotally connected about a midpoint with respect to a longitudinal length of the pull arm  120 . Instead, the pivotal connection is displaced longitudinally to form first and second arm sections  164  and  168 , the first and second arm sections  164  and  168  having different lengths with respect to the pivot point of hinge pin  166 . The first arm section  164  is longer than the second arm section  168 . Thus, when the force of gravity is exerted on the pull arm  120 , the longitudinal displacement of the pivot point on the pull arm causes the heavier side, which corresponds to the longer section  164 , to automatically vertically orient downward thereby effectuating the unlatching and lifting of the shorter section  168  (lighter side) vertically upward. 
     In an embodiment, the free ends of the first and second arm sections  164  and  168  are slanted to form a parallelogram shape and provide for precise movement within the aperture or slot  122  as the pull arm  120  is deployed. In an embodiment, the notch  162  of the pull arm  120  is formed in a (leading) edge of the second (shorter) arm section  168 . The notch  162  is configured to receive therein the keeper pin  112  to stop the free movement, rotation, swing motion, or pivoting motion of the pull arm  120 . In an embodiment, the keeper pin  112  is configured to assist in concealing the pull arm  120  within the aperture or slot  122  wherein when the pull arm  120  is concealed within the aperture or slot  122 , the keeper pin  112  is received in or latches with the notch  162 . 
     In operation, rotating the elongated shaft  110  such that the keeper pin  112  is below the horizon deploys the pull arm  120 . Intermediary positions or angles of rotation clockwise or counter-clockwise work to assist in the self-orienting feature effectuated by the force of gravity to achieve deployed and non-deployed states. The groove  115  can be used with a retrieval rod (not shown) as a manual means to cause the pull arm  120  to be closed or moved to a non-deployed state, as needed. In another embodiment, the groove  115  could be used as an access to manually deploy the pull arm, if necessary. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the hook (strap attaching means  180 ) is removed. The first end of the RAT  100  is denoted in  FIG. 3  as the number  140 . The coupler  150  has a smaller diameter than the elongated shaft  110 . The coupler  150 , in an embodiment, may be flat or configured to be used as chisel or impact device. For example, the coupler  150  or the first end of the elongated shaft  110  could be used to form a hole in the ballistic material or other barrier. A hammer could be used to apply an impact force directly on or to end  118  ( FIG. 2 ). The impact force applied to end  118  ( FIG. 2 ) would be channeled to the first end  140  or the coupler  150  to pierce through the ballistic material or other barrier. In an embodiment, the piercing would create a hole, crack or other weak point. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a partial third side view and an end view of the elongated shaft  110  are shown. The second end  118  of the elongated shaft  110  or first portion  110 A has a tapered tip  117 . In an embodiment, the tapered tip  117  has a supportive pin  114  coupled perpendicularly to the shaft sections  111 A and  111 B. The supportive pin  114  has a longitudinal axis which is essentially perpendicular to and aligned with the longitudinal axis of elongated shaft  110 . The supportive pin  114  is configured to secure the shaft sections  111 A and  111 B together at a location corresponding to the tapered end  117  of the shaft  110 . In an embodiment, the tapered profile of the tapered end  117  facilitates easy insertion of the elongated shaft  110  of the RAT  100  into a drilled hole formed in a barrier, security barrier or other ballistic material to be removed or breached. 
     The supportive pin  114  is configured to strengthen the second end  118  to bear the force, applied the shaft sections  111 A and  111 B through an insertion or drilling process, as will be described later. The supportive pin  114  would also block any matter, particles, material from being lodged between shaft sections  111 A and  111 B or within the elongated aperture or slot  122 . Lodged matter or material could block, hinder or obstruct the self-orienting feature of the pull arm  120  to automatically deploy or orient to a non-deployed state. The groove  115  is shown on the third side view. The third side view (third predetermined orientation) corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the keeper pin  112 , supportive pin  114  and hinge pin  166  being oriented perpendicular to the horizon. The third side view can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  approximately 90° in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to the first predetermined orientation ( FIG. 2 ). Likewise, the third side view can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  approximately 270° counter-clockwise direction with respect to the second predetermined orientation ( FIG. 3 ). Nonetheless, the third side view can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  clockwise. 
     In the third predetermined orientation of  FIG. 4 , the pull arm (not shown) could be in a non-deployed state and may stay in the non-deployed state under the force of gravity. In other words, the force of gravity applied to the pull arm may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation when the elongated shaft  110  or RAT  100  is oriented in the third predetermined orientation of  FIG. 4 . Gravity alone, generally, would not cause rotation of the pull arm  120  in the third predetermined orientation. Instead, the force of gravity would tend to cause the pull arm  120  to remain stationary in a point of rest. 
     Likewise, in the third predetermined orientation of  FIG. 4 , the pull arm (not shown) could be in a deployed state and may stay in the deployed state under the force of gravity since the pull arm would be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation when the elongated shaft  110  or RAT  100  is oriented in the third predetermined orientation of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5  is an end view of the elongated shaft  110  but does not include the groove  115  or the keeper pin  112 . The groove  115  may be an optional feature. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a fourth side view of the RAT  100  in the non-deployed state and with the hook removed. The fourth side view can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  approximately 270° in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to the first predetermined orientation ( FIG. 2 ). Likewise, the fourth side view can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  approximately 270° counter-clockwise direction with respect to the second predetermined orientation ( FIG. 3 ). Nonetheless, the fourth side view (fourth predetermined orientation) can be achieved by rotating the elongated shaft  110  clockwise. In the fourth predetermined orientation of  FIG. 6 , the pull arm  120  is shown in a non-deployed state and may stay in the non-deployed state under the force of gravity. In other words, the force of gravity applied to the pull arm  120  is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation when the elongated shaft  110  or RAT  100  is oriented in the fourth predetermined orientation of  FIG. 6 . 
     In the fourth predetermined orientation of  FIG. 6 , the pull arm  120  could be in a deployed state (opposite the state shown) and may stay in the deployed state under the force of gravity. In other words, the force of gravity applied to the pull arm  120  is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation when the elongated shaft  110  or RAT  100  is oriented in the fourth predetermined orientation of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a supplemental band  500  which may be made of resilient and flexible material or elastic material, such as rubber. The band  500  would be used to keep the pull arm  120  concealed such as when the RAT  100  is stored away or at other times. The band  500  can be easily removed when the RAT  100  is ready to be used. 
     In lieu of an elastic band, the band  500  may be some other strapping member that can be easily removed. For example, ends of the strap could be fastened via a hook and loop type fastening system, such as Velcro™. 
     The operation of the RAT  100  will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the RAT  100  in a deployed state and being used to remove a windshield or barrier  210  of an automobile or vehicle  200 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a process  300  for using the RAT  100  to breach or remove a windshield or barrier  210  of  FIG. 7 . In various configurations, the blocks of the process  300  described herein are performed in the depicted order or at least two of these blocks or portions thereof may be performed contemporaneously, in parallel, or in a different order. Furthermore, one or more of the blocks may be omitted. 
     The process  300  begins with block  302  where a hole is drilled or formed in the windshield or barrier  210 . The barrier  210  may be made of ballistic material. In the illustration, the barrier is a windshield  210  of a vehicle  200 . Depending on the material, more than one hole may be needed. Thus, at block  304  a determination is made whether more holes are needed. If the determination is “YES,” the process  300  loops back to block  302 . The user would determine a new location of the second hole to be drilled in the barrier  210 . 
     Once the last hole is drilled or formed, at block  302 , the determination at block  304  would be “NO.” Hence, block  304  is followed by block  306 . At block  306 , the RAT  100  is inserted through one of the drilled or created holes in barrier  210 . The RAT  100  is slid or inserted through the hole a sufficient distance so that the pull arm  120 , when non-deployed, has sufficient clearance to rotate to a deployed state. This can be accomplished when the RAT  100  is slid or inserted so that the aperture or slot  122  has passed through the hole. At block  308 , the pull arm  120  is deployed such that the pull arm  120  is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft  110 , as best seen in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 7 , that portion of the RAT  100  including the deployed pull arm  120  inserted through the barrier  210  is shown in phantom. When the pull arm  120  is deployed, the longitudinal axis of the pull arm  120  is configured to be parallel with the ballistic material or barrier surface. At block  310 , the pull line or strap  220  is attached to the coupler  150  of the RAT  100 . At block  312 , the strap is pulled such as via another vehicle, tow device or pull device to weaken or breach the windshield or barrier  210 . 
     Block  312  is followed by block  314  where a determination is made whether any more holes have been drilled or created. If the determination is “NO,” then the process  300  ends. However, if the determination is “YES,” then the process  300  loops back to block  306 . Blocks  306 - 312  may be repeated for each hole. However, block  310  may be optional in subsequent loops once the pull line or strap  220  is attached to strap attaching means  180  or hook. As can be appreciated, the pull arms  120 , when deployed behind the barrier or ballistic material to be breached, provide an anchor to which a force is leveraged against as the RAT  100  is pulled. 
     In an embodiment, a one-inch (1″) diameter hole may be drilled completely through the ballistic material to provide a pathway for inserting the RAT  100 . The diameter of the RAT  100  is slightly smaller than the one-inch diameter hole. Nonetheless, other diameters may be used. The tapered end  117  of the RAT  100  along with the reaming of the hole during drilling allows the RAT  100  to be inserted through the ballistic material without resistance. 
     The RAT  100  may includes markings to indicate the necessary positions of the elongated shaft  110  to allow the pull arm  120  to deploy. Once the pull arm  120  is deployed (opened), the shaft  110  can be rotated in any direction to allow for the most favorable angle to connect the tow strap  220  to the hook. The pull arm  120  can be placed against the ballistic material in any direction and will not close unless the retrieval rod is inserted through the provided groove  115  to close the arm  120 . The elongated shaft  110  or RAT  100  may have marking to instruct the closing of the arm  120  with the retrieval rod (not shown). 
     The pull line or strap  220  may be attached to a pulling device. The pulling device may include a towing vehicle, a winch, another mechanical device, etc. The pulling device should exert the necessary force to remove or displace the ballistic material. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, the apparatus (also referred to herein as the “rapid access tool” or the “RAT”) is used to assist in the removal of a ballistic and/or other security barrier (e.g., glass, metal, etc.) for access to an enclosed chamber, such as, for example, a compartment of a vehicle, a room of a building or other barriers, doors or walls to buildings. 
     The RAT  100  can be used by rescue providers to remove a ballistic and/or security barrier. The rescue provider utilizes a drill or other means to penetrate the ballistic and/or safety barrier. In an embodiment, the location of the hole to be drilled or created is selected by calculating a weakest position or by calculating one or more positions that will facilitate access. For example, for a windshield or barrier  210  on the door of a vehicle  200 , the windshield or barrier  210  is usually secured by a frame. A side portion of the windshield could have an A-frame to a front windshield and the opposite side portion might have a B-frame to the door. The rescue provider could select an upper location skewed towards the B frame to drill. After the hole is drilled or created, the tapered end  117  of the RAT  100  is inserted into the hole or orifice and the pull arm  120  is deployed such that a longitudinal axis of the pull arms  120  are parallel with the barrier or ballistic material. 
     Tension is used to maintain the position of the pull arm  120  in the deployed state. After positioning the pull arm, the RAT  100  is pulled such that the ballistic material or barrier is pulled off or broken away, such as removing a ballistic windshield from its casing or seal, to provide access into the compartment. 
     According to some of the exemplary embodiments, the RAT  100  may be constructed in a variety of sizes to facilitate removal of barriers having different thicknesses and/or of different compositions. Other embodiments include simultaneous use of a plurality of RATs  100  to exert one or more forces to pull the barrier, wall, door, window, glass, etc. and facilitate access to a chamber, room of a building or other walls and barriers. Likewise a plurality of straps or pull lines could be attached and used simultaneously to generate a plurality of pressure or pulling forces simultaneously on a barrier via the plurality of RATs  100 . 
     A barrier is defined as a wall, door, window, glass, structure of ballistic material or other material used to form a barrier, enclosure, or chamber. 
     While the exemplary configurations shown above show a unitary elongated shaft  110  and coupler  150 , other configurations may include an elongated shaft (e.g. shaft  110 ) divided longitudinally into removable sections so that one or more of the sections can be selectively removed. For example, the coupler  150  may be a separate section from the elongated shaft  110 . In an alternate embodiment, the first portion  110 A may be a separate and removable section from the second portion  110 B. Thus, when the RAT  100  is used, damaged portions may be removed and replaced, as needed. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, the RAT  100  may have a coating. The coating may coat all surfaces of the elongated shaft  110 , pull arm  120 , coupler  150 , etc. 
     According to still further exemplary embodiments, the RAT  100  may be packaged in a small hard case that can be easily stowed in most any vehicle. The following equipment may be packaged with the RAT  100  to carry out the method of the invention. The other packaged elements or tools needed for extrication and such packaging provides one container for immediate use. The exemplary packaging includes a drill or drilling device, 2-drill bits, a battery pack, an extra battery and/or battery charger, the RAT  100 , safety glasses, 2-2″×30′ tow straps, written operating instructions, safety warnings, and a block for connecting tow straps inside a vehicle to establish a tow point. 
     As can be appreciated, the RAT  100  and process  300  described above address the above needs and others by providing a portable RAT  100  and a corresponding method for using the RAT  100  in order to significantly reduce the amount of time needed to gain access to vehicles or structures and to significantly reduce rescue times. Furthermore, the RAT  100  and associated method solve some of the above problems by doing away with the need for specially trained and heavily-equipped personnel and by eliminating prolonged extrication operations when rescuing an individual from a structure composed of ballistic or other difficult to breach material. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.