Patent Publication Number: US-11662182-B2

Title: Non-lethal defensive fluid composition and pressurized delivery system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a defensive fluid and pressurized delivery system for use by individuals, in classrooms, for crowd control, in commercial environments, and for firefighting. Specifically this invention relates to a defensive fluid chemical composition having high lubricity and a gel-like consistency. In one embodiment, the product is formulated to temporarily impair vision, but not to cause pain or stinging to the eyes. In an alternative embodiment, the product is formulated to temporarily impair vision, and to cause temporary stinging to the eyes. Each will have utility in different situations. 
     In recent years, safety and security has become a top priority for the public in light of tragic events such as mass shootings, home invasions, and rioting. Numerous proposals of how the public can be protected and protect themselves have been discussed on a national and international scale. Many of the solutions to date, such as weapons and pepper spray, are not viable for various reasons. 
     One solution is for individuals to carry guns for protection. However, guns are not always accessible to the general public. Additionally, guns are often subject to bans in many locations such as schools, private businesses, and public spaces. Another problem is the training and experience required for the safe use and care of guns. 
     Pepper spray, chemical Mace®, tear gas, and other types of lachrymator agents are frequently used in crowd control and carried as personal protection. The basic idea is that the composition causes extreme irritation and/or inflammation to the target&#39;s eyes such that an assailant is disabled. While these methods have had success, many states and schools consider these personal defense sprays to be weapons and have added heavy regulation or outright banned the sale. Schools have generally banned students from carrying these types of sprays. Even in situations where these spray products are permissible, the use of these sprays which inflame or irritate the eyes of an assailant are only effective in close proximity to the assailant where the nose, mouth or eyes can be targeted. This greatly reduces the time for a targeted individual to escape. 
     There is a need for a product and pressurized delivery system that can be used as a personal defense spray and preemptively delay or disable an assailant, increasing the time for a targeted individual to escape. 
     There is also a need for a product and pressurized delivery system that has specific eye-irritating characteristics that dissipate without long term damage to the eyes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a defensive fluid composition that disables or delays an assailant and can be applied pre-emptively to a surface. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid composition which increases the lubricity of a surface. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid composition delivery system that can be installed in walls and ceilings. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid composition that is biodegradable, non-toxic, water soluble, non-corrosive, and non-explosive. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid composition that does not sting the eyes. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid that causes temporary stinging to the eyes. 
     In all aspects of the invention the defensive fluid is intended to have temporary effect with no injury to the eyes. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved in one preferred embodiment set forth below by providing a lubric gel composition for personal defense which includes a fatty acid at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition, a thickening agent at a concentration ranging from 1.75 wt % to 8.75 wt % of the composition, a detergent at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the composition, a surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition, and water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embedment of the invention, the lubric gel composition includes a preservative at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preservative includes sodium benzoate. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid includes glycerine. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickening agent includes guar gum at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickening agent includes methyl cellulose at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the detergent includes sodium lauryl sulfate at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the detergent includes sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the surfactant includes a non-ionic, anionic, and/or an amphoteric surfactant. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the surfactant includes an amphoteric surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 40 wt % of the surfactant. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the amphoteric surfactant includes coco amino propionate. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the water is deionized water. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, an additive is selected from the group essentially consisting of: a dye, a luminescent, and a phosphorescent. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a bag-on-valve spray canister is adapted to contain and spray the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a pressurized composition delivery system is provided which includes a pressurized reservoir containing the composition and having a fluid outlet through which the composition can flow. A valve is connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir having a closed position preventing flow of composition out of the reservoir and an open position enabling the composition to flow. A sprinkler head is adapted to receive and spray the composition when the valve is open. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition for personal defense is provided which includes glycerin at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition. Guar gum is included at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of the composition. Sodium benzoate is included at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1 wt % of the composition. Methyl cellulose is included at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the composition. Sodium lauryl sulfate is included at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt % of the composition. Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is included at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of the composition. A surfactant is included which has a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and/or an amphoteric surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition. Deionized water is included at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition for personal defense, comprising, Propylene Glycol@0.1 wt % to 10 wt %, Citric acid@5 wt % to 20 wt %; Trihydroxyborane@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; Pumicite@0.1% to 5 wt %; Sodium chloride@5 wt % to 20% wt; Cocoamide DEA@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; and Phenoxyethanol@0.025 wt % to 1 wt %. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the lubric gel includes Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.0-5%. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the lubric gel includes Boric Acid at 0.125-1 wt %. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system for personal defense is provided which has a pressurized reservoir containing the composition and having a fluid outlet through which the composition can flow. A valve is connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir having a closed position preventing flow of composition out of the reservoir and an open position enabling flow of composition out of the reservoir. A sprinkler head is adapted to receive and spray the composition when the valve is open. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a trigger is positioned remote from the delivery system and connected to the valve by a wire or by wireless technology whereby activating the trigger opens the valve. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a refilling system is provided which has a fluid inlet on the reservoir through which the composition can flow. A valve is connected to the fluid inlet adapted to prevent the flow of composition out of the reservoir through the fluid inlet. A refilling fitting is connected to the valve and adapted to receive composition for refilling the reservoir. A pressure gauge is connected to the reservoir to monitor pressure within the reservoir. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler head is positioned on a wall or ceiling or a building. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a partial cutaway of a hand-held pressurized composition delivery system; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery system installed on a ceiling; and 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery system installed on a wall. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and a pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system is described. It is envisioned that the composition may be sprayed onto a wide variety of surfaces such as concrete, tile, and wood or sprayed directly at an individual. When applied to surfaces such as a walking surface the composition creates a slick surface for the purposes of disabling or delaying an individual. A coating of the composition on an individual&#39;s hands increases difficulty of manipulating items such as weapons and doorknobs. The composition maintains a gel-like consistency when stored, sprayed, or coating a surface and does not foam in its natural state. This gel-like quality is important for maintaining the lubricity of the composition. 
     In addition to the primary purpose of increasing lubricity of a surface, the composition also has secondary features such as fire suppression/extinguishing and contact irritation of eyes/nose/mouth. Protective eyewear having a coat of the composition will smear when wiped and reduce visibility. The composition is also environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-lethal, and easily washable off surfaces. 
     Primary components of one preferred composition designed not to sting the eyes include a fatty acid, a thickening agent, a detergent, a surfactant, and water. Optionally, a preservative may be included. Other additives are envisioned such as dyes, illuminates, and/or phosphorescents which leave a detectable signature on any individuals who came into contact with the defensive fluid. Each of the components may include multiple substances, or one substance may function as two of the components. The water is preferably deionized water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the overall solution. 
     A pre-mix is prepared which contains the fatty acid and the thickening agent. The fatty acid is preferably at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the overall composition. The fatty acid coats the thickening agent to reduce clumping when exposed to water. The fatty acid also acts as a barrier film on hard surfaces and enhances lubricity. In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid is glycerin. 
     The thickening agent serves to increase the film strength and enhance lubricity. The thickening agent is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1.95 wt % to 13.75 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment of the invention guar gum, methyl cellulose, and polyethylene oxide are included in the overall composition as thickening agents. Guar gum is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of the overall composition and methyl cellulose is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the overall composition. Polyethylene oxide is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.2 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition. 
     The detergent serves as a wetting agent to ensure the surface is wetted and can potentially enhance lubricity. The detergent is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment of the invention the detergent includes of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Sodium lauryl sulfate is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt % of the overall composition and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of the overall composition. 
     The surfactant serves to slow the rate of evaporation and provide enhanced lubricity. The surfactant is preferably at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the overall concentration. In one embodiment, the surfactant comprises a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. The amphoteric surfactant is coco amino propionate and is preferably at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 40 wt % of the surfactant. 
     A preservative may be added to the composition in order to increase longevity or self-life of the composition. The preservative is preferably at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % of the overall composition. In one embodiment the preservative is sodium benzoate. 
     In the above formulation, a make-up diluent such as water is used to arrive at a total of 100 percent. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual by impairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation, without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system includes Propylene Glycol@0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; Trihydroxyborane@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite@0.1% to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride@0.1 wt % to 10% wt; Cocoamide DEA@0.1 wt % to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol@0.025 wt % to 1 wt. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces for personal defense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual by impairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation, without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition delivery system includes Propylene Glycol@0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid@5 wt % to 20 wt %; Trihydroxyborane@0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite@0.1% to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride@5 wt % to 20% wt; Cocoamide DEA@0.1 wt % to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol@0.025 wt % to 1 wt. 
     In a further embodiment, the composition may also include Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.0-5% and/or Boric Acid 0.125-1%. 
     These compositions causes temporary moderate to severe eye irritation, and reduces the ability for the eyes to open due to the irritation and gumminess of the solution. 
     Delivery of the composition may be accomplished by hand-held spray devices of various sizes depending on the specific application. Small capacity devices, such as a four ounce device, can be carried by an individual on a daily basis for self-defense. Larger capacity devices, for example eight to twenty ounce devices, can be stored in a manner similar to the storage of fire extinguishers in homes, classrooms, school and business entryways, commercial buildings, and other locations where people frequent. Other applications are envisioned such as bulk delivery by vehicles such as tankers or airplanes. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a pressurized hand-held composition delivery device  10  is shown. The hand-held device  10  utilizes ‘bag-on-valve’ technology. A pressurized canister  12  contains a bag  14  which holds the composition. The hand-held device  10  is operated by engaging a trigger  18  which cooperates with a valve  16  to spray the composition. 
     The hand-held device  10  is able to spray the composition in streams of twenty feet or more with precision. Other applications where the composition would be applied, such as utility poles before/during parades or riots may be performed with other spray devices having varying strength of spray, width of spray, and shape of spray depending on the application. Other portable delivery systems are envisioned such as conventional spray bottles. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    show a pressurized composition delivery system  30  where the delivery system  30  is installed in a ceiling  50  or a wall  52  respectively. This delivery system  30  has a pressurized reservoir  32  containing the composition. A switch  40  is connected to a valve  44  such as a solenoid valve which controls flow of the composition out of the reservoir  32  and into a sprinkler head  42 . Wires travel from the switch  40  to the valve  44  through a conduit  38 . When the switch  40  is activated, the valve  44  opens and allows the composition to flow into the sprinkler head  42  and spray outward from the ceiling  50  or wall  52 . 
     The composition, which is sprayed from a ceiling  50  or a wall  52 , can serve multiple functions. The sprayed defensive fluid will coat the surface of the floor, creating a slick/slippery floor. In an emergency situation, a slippery floor can slow down and possibly deter an assailant, giving others more time to run and/or hide. The additional fire extinguishing feature of the defensive fluid allows for the spray to be used on fires. It is also envisioned that existing fire systems can be retrofitted to accommodate the composition. 
     Pressure on the delivery system  30  is monitored by a pressure gauge  36  connected to the reservoir  32 . When the pressure is low, or after the delivery system  30  has been emptied of the composition, the reservoir  32  has a refill fitting  34  that can be used to refill the delivery system  30 . The refill fitting  34  may be similar to conventional air fittings. A one-way check valve  35  is positioned between the refill fitting  34  and the reservoir  32  to prevent backflow. In other embodiments the emptied reservoir  32  can be replaced with a full reservoir  32  instead of being refilled. 
     This delivery system  30  may be installed in ceilings  50  in a similar manner as fire sprinkler systems such that the switch  40  is located in an accessible location and only the sprinkler head  42  protrudes through the ceiling  50 . Similarly, the delivery system  30  can be installed in a wall  52  where the sprinkler head  42  protrudes from the wall  52 . Sprinkler heads  42  can be angled for maximum effectiveness in each application. 
     Other configurations are also envisioned where the delivery system  30  has multiple sprinkler heads  42  per reservoir  32  or where a single switch  40  controls multiple valves  44  and reservoirs  32 . Plumbing, such as pipes, can be used to connect the reservoir  32  to the valve  44  and connect the valve  44  to the sprinkler head  42 . 
     Switches  40  can be simple buttons, switches similar to light switches, or pull stations similar to fire alarms. They can also be encased to prevent accidental activation. Since the switch  40  is connected by wires, it can be located anywhere that can be hard wired. The wires can be in long conduits  38  or added to pre-existing building wiring. In lieu of hard wiring the valve  44  can be controlled by wireless technology when the switch  40  is activated. 
     A lubric gel composition and pressurized delivery system according to the invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.