Tear spray

Abstract

To provide a tear gas spray having a repelling effect and capable of reducing adverse effects on surrounding people and animals.SOLUTION: The composition comprises a surfactant solution containing a surfactant component as an active ingredient and a propellant, wherein the surfactant is sodium tetradecene sulfonate and is contained in the surfactant solution in an amount of 40 wt% ± 10 wt%, the propellant is dimethyl ether and is contained in the surfactant solution in an amount of 70 wt% ± 10 wt%, and the propellant is contained in the propellant in an amount of 30 wt% ± 10 wt%.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tear gas spray that is sprayed in the face of a thug or wild animal to repel them. [Background technology]

[0002] As a form of self-defense and crime prevention equipment, there is tear gas spray, which sprays tear gas to irritate the eyes of the target you want to repel, such as a thug or a wild animal like a bear, allowing you to take advantage of the opportunity to escape while the target is intimidated.

[0003] Commercially available tear gas sprays are known to contain oleoresin capsicum (OC gas, chili pepper extract) as their main ingredient. Other types include chemically synthesized chloroacetophenone (CN gas) tear gas sprays, chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS gas) tear gas sprays, and types that combine multiple OC and CN gases. OC gas is said to be somewhat effective against drug addicts and drunken thugs, and there are also products designed to repel wild animals such as bears. OC gas types are widely available due to their shape and distribution, and are therefore generally considered tear gas sprays (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-266159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The typical tear gas spray described in Patent Document 1 suffers from various drawbacks. For example, tear gas sprays based on OC gas are liquids containing capsaicin as their active ingredient. When sprayed forcefully from a spray can onto the face, they not only cause uncontrollable tears but also cause stinging pain in the skin and mucous membranes and coughing. Furthermore, tear gas sprays based on CN gas contain an active ingredient derived from toxic gas, which raises concerns about after-effects such as skin irritation. However, they are not considered effective against drug addiction or intoxication. Therefore, they are rarely sold to the general public and are in low circulation. Furthermore, tear gas sprays based on CS gas contain cyanide compounds (potassium cyanide), which are classified as poisonous and toxic substances, and are therefore not distributed on the general market at all.

[0006] Furthermore, when spraying at assailants or wild animals, if there are people or animals nearby, they will inevitably suffer the effects of tearing, skin sores, pain, coughing, etc., which poses a risk of secondary damage.

[0007] Furthermore, if the product is accidentally sprayed while stored in a bag or the like, the tear-inducing component may be released into the surrounding area, which could result in personal injury or a foul odor causing a disturbance.

[0008] Another problem is that the spray is a fine mist, making it susceptible to wind.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a repelling effect while minimizing the adverse effects on surrounding people and animals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a tear gas spray comprising a surfactant solution containing a surfactant component as an active ingredient, and a propellant.

[0011] In addition, in the tear gas spray according to the first aspect of the present invention, the surfactant component is preferably an anionic surfactant, and is contained in the surfactant solution at 40 wt%±10 wt%.

[0012] Furthermore, in the tear gas spray of the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the anionic surfactant is sodium tetradecene sulfonate, the propellant is dimethyl ether, the surfactant solution is 70 wt%±10 wt% of the total, and the propellant is 30 wt%±10 wt% of the total, and the spray is in foam form and sprayed continuously for 60 seconds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a repellent effect while reducing the adverse effects on surrounding people and animals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the tear gas spray of the present invention will be specifically described using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these. [Example]

[0015] The tear gas spray of this example does not contain any OC or CN gas components, but instead uses a surfactant, which is used in detergents, as the active ingredient for the tear gas. This example contains a surfactant solution containing a surfactant component as the active ingredient, and a propellant.

[0016] The tear gas spray of this example is enclosed in a spray canister and sprayed when in use. The components of the tear gas spray in the spray canister are a surfactant mixture containing a surfactant component as the tear gas component, i.e., the active ingredient, at 70 wt%±10 wt% of the total, and dimethyl ether as the propellant at 30 wt%±10 wt% of the total.

[0017] The tear gas spray of this embodiment contains 30 wt% dimethyl ether as the propellant. It is preferable that the dimethyl ether content be 25 to 35 wt% of the total. If it is 40 wt% or less, the proportion of the chemical solution in the spray can is high, allowing for continuous effective spraying and a high repellent effect. If it is 20 wt% or more, the chemical solution can be sprayed to the target even when the target is too far away to attack.

[0018] The surfactant solution used in this example is a surfactant aqueous solution (lacrimatory concentrate) made by mixing purified water and surfactant in a 6:4 ratio, accounting for 70% of the total spray components. In this example, of the 240 ml of solution filled in the spray can, 168 ml is lacrimal concentrate and 72 ml is DME (propellant). In this example, the surfactant component is contained in the surfactant aqueous solution at 40 wt%. The surfactant component is preferably contained in the surfactant solution at 35 to 45 wt%, but may also be 30 to 50 wt% (18 to 40 wt% of the total including the propellant). The concentration can be adjusted depending on the desired strength of the lacrimal effect. If the surfactant concentration is lower than 18 wt%, eye irritation will be reduced and the repellent effect will be reduced.

[0019] As the surfactant, an anionic surfactant is preferred, but amphoteric surfactants or other surfactants may also be used as long as they have a lachrymatory effect.

[0020] Among anionic surfactants, aliphatic sulfonates are preferred, and olefin (C14-16) sulfonates are especially preferred. These ingredients can be used in natural and plant-based shampoos, and they do not immediately cause skin irritation when they come into contact with the skin, and they are also low in toxicity.

[0021] In this example, sodium tetradecene sulfonate, an α-olefin (C14) sulfonic acid sodium salt, is used as the surfactant. In the tear gas spray of this example, the surfactant solution is prepared by mixing sodium tetradecene sulfonate and water in a weight ratio of 4:6 to produce a solution containing 40 wt% sodium tetradecene sulfonate.

[0022] The surfactant solution may contain, in addition to the surfactant component and water, a colorant, a preservative, a viscosity modifier, etc. Other water-soluble solvents may be used instead of water.

[0023] The preferred propellant is dimethyl ether (DME: CH3OCH3). Other liquefied gases, such as LP gas (LPG: liquefied petroleum gas) and fluorocarbons, can also be used, but they are less likely to mix with aqueous solutions than dimethyl ether. Compressed gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, can also be used, but their repellent effect is weaker than that of dimethyl ether.

[0024] Wild animals, which are mammals like humans, have eyes that are protected by three mucous membranes: the sclera, choroid, and retina. Therefore, this embodiment has the effect of providing strong stimulation to the mucous membranes of the eyes of wild animals, just as it does to humans.

[0025] If the tear gas spray of this example accidentally gets into the eyes, it will cause irritation so severe that the eyes cannot be opened. If it gets into a person's eyes, it will cause corneal burns, but there will be no loss of vision, and recovery is expected in 2 to 3 days with eye drops, and the discomfort will also disappear in about 2 days. Therefore, according to this invention, it is possible to achieve a high repelling effect without inflicting irreparable injuries on the victim.

[0026] The tear gas spray of this embodiment has a large nozzle diameter of 2.15 mm, which sprays the liquid in a foam form for 60 seconds or more. The diameter of the tear gas spray of the present invention is preferably 2 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. Conventional tear gas sprays have small diameters and cannot spray in a foam form. Unlike conventional tear gas sprays, a diameter of 2 mm or more allows the liquid to be sprayed in a foam form with large particle diameters rather than a mist, and each droplet has sufficient weight to prevent it from being blown away by wind and ensure accurate application to the target. A diameter of 2.5 mm or less allows the liquid to be sprayed in a foam form and for a long period of time, making it easy to match the movements of assailants and pests, and allowing for effective application of the liquid with a single push.

[0027] In this example, the ratio of tear gas concentrate to the amount of spray is high, so one can can be sprayed for a long time. Conventional tear gas sprays run out of liquid after 7 to 8 seconds, or at most 20 seconds, and are therefore not effective enough to repel insects, but in this example, a 240ml can is sprayed for 60 seconds continuously, making it highly effective at repellent insects.

[0028] According to a biodegradation test (JIS K 3363) of the surfactant aqueous solution in this example, the biodegradation rate was determined to be 99%.

[0029] {effect} The tear gas spray of this embodiment, when sprayed on the face of a target, strongly irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, rendering them unable to open. Even if the target manages to open their eyes, the surfactant coats the mucous membranes, significantly impairing visibility, resulting in significant blurring. This temporarily obscures vision, reducing the attacking power of assailants and providing self-defense. Meanwhile, because the tear gas spray of this embodiment is a nearly odorless liquid, there is no significant problem even if people or animals are nearby when the spray is sprayed, as long as it does not get into their eyes. Even if it is accidentally sprayed in a bag or other container, there is no impact on the surrounding area and no need to worry about a foul odor.

[0030] Furthermore, the tear gas spray of this embodiment contains more water than conventional sprays and is sprayed in a foam form, making it less susceptible to wind and less likely to be blown away by the wind and carried away by the surrounding area rather than the target. It also has a high biodegradability and is environmentally safe. Therefore, the tear gas spray of this embodiment can repel insects while minimizing the adverse effects on surrounding people and animals.

[0031] In addition, because it is designed to spray foam forcefully for 60 consecutive seconds, when sprayed in the face of a criminal or pest, the liquid can be sprayed continuously for a long period of time rather than just for an instant, which can be expected to have a certain degree of repelling effect.

[0032] Furthermore, this example is a foaming liquid, which can blind people more effectively than mist-like products. It can also penetrate the mucous membranes of the eyes and induce a tear-inducing effect. Furthermore, this example is a slimy liquid with a bad taste, which can enter the mouth and nose and cause a feeling of disgust.

Claims

1. A tear gas spray comprising a surfactant solution containing a surfactant component as an active ingredient, and a propellant.

2. 2. The tear gas spray according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant component is an anionic surfactant and is contained in the surfactant solution at 40 wt %±10 wt %.

3. 3. The tear gas spray according to claim 2, wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium tetradecene sulfonate, the propellant is dimethyl ether, the surfactant solution accounts for 70 wt%±10 wt% of the total amount, and the propellant accounts for 30 wt%±10 wt% of the total amount, and the tear gas spray is sprayed in foam form for 60 seconds continuously.