Flexible explosive container

Abstract

A flexible explosive container includes an explosive housing with a cavity containing an explosive and a detonation housing situated within the explosive housing. The detonation housing contains a detonation element, a port for connecting the detonation element to an external detonator; a detonation cord; and an input and outport port for connecting the detonation cord to one or more external detonation cords. The explosive container may be exploded separately via the detonation element or in sequence via the detonation cords. A detonation jar may be attached to the detonation housing, wherein the detonation jar includes a booster, and wherein explosion of the detonation element or detonator cord causes ignition of the booster, which causes ignition of the explosive. A system includes a plurality of flexible explosive containers arranged in sequence, and connected via one or more external detonation cords connected in sequence to the detonation cord within each explosive container.

Description

[0001] FLEXIBLE EXPLOSIVE CONTAINER

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This Application claims priority to Israeli Patent Application No. 314522, filed July 24, 2024, entitled “Flexible Explosive Container,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the field of explosives, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to flexible explosive containers for controlled demolition.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Explosives may be used in a number of applications such as mining, law enforcement, construction, and the like, in which the object is to direct energy from explosives at a substrate to break up the underlying substrate.

[0008] Controlled demolition is typically performed by selective destruction of supporting elements with sequenced and confined explosions. The technique involves the firing of precisely placed demolition charges in specified time intervals. In order for controlled demolition to proceed properly, it is desirable to have the explosives fire in a directed manner at walls, columns, or other building supports.

[0009] U.S. Patent Publication 2012 / 0145027 describes an explosives container including an inner bag containing an explosive composition, a booster compartment containing an explosive booster, and a detonator cord for delivering a detonation charge from a detonator to the booster compartment. The explosive container may be lowered into a borehole of a mine and used to blast a wider opening at the location of the borehole.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure introduces apparatuses and methods for an explosive, such as an explosive used for controlled demolition.

[0012] The apparatus includes a flexible container. The container contains a large cavity containing an explosive, optionally an explosive powder, such as ANFO (ammonium nitrate / fuel oil), or another suitable high explosive. The container further contains a detonation housing including a detonation element, such as a plastic explosive, and optionally an explosive booster. When the detonation element is detonated, the resulting detonation causes ignition of the booster, which in turn ignites the explosive powder, thereby destroying the object on which the container is mounted.

[0013] The apparatus may also be arranged for sequential explosion. In this configuration, a plurality of the flexible containers are arranged in sequence and connected via a detonating cord, which passes through the detonation housing. When the detonator cord is detonated, the detonating cord ignites explosions in sequence in each flexible container.

[0014] Advantageously, the system described herein may be used to detonate multiple locations on a building using a single detonation. In addition, the flexibility of the containers enables the containers to be hung directly on vertical pillars or supports, or mounted on curved or angled surfaces, or generally any three-dimensional surface, thereby ensuring that the explosive force is directed to those structures.

[0015] The apparatus may be made of any suitable flexible material, such as corduroy or any knitted, woven, or non-woven fabric, fiber, or polymeric material, and is configured to maintain operational integrity under variable environmental conditions, including immersion in water, extreme temperatures, and high vibration.

[0016] According to an implementation, a flexible explosive container includes a housing containing an explosive, e.g., a powdered explosive; a detonation housing provided within said container and containing a standalone detonation element, a port for connecting the standalone detonation element to an external detonator; a detonation cord; and an input and outport port for connecting the detonation cord to one or more external detonation cords or to other flexible containers.

[0017] The flexible explosive container may be configured to be exploded separately via the detonation element or in sequence via the detonation cords.

[0018] The flexible explosive container may include a detonation jar within the housing and attached to the detonation housing, e.g., at an inner wall thereof. The detonation jar includes a booster. Explosion of the detonator element or detonator cord causes ignition of the booster, which causes ignition of the explosive.

[0019] The detonation jar may include at least one detonator port for receiving a standalone detonation element, and at least one interior channel for receiving a detonation cord. There may be two interior channels that cross in an X-shaped formation, with the detonator port extending to a crossing point of the two interior channels. In some embodiments, the detonation jar includes a receptacle element containing the at least one interior channel formed integrally therein, an X-shaped wing element sized to close each of the interior channels and having a central cavity, and a capping element including the detonator port wherein, when the receptacle element, wing element, and capping element are assembled, the detonator port is inserted within the central cavity and aligned over the crossing point of the two interior channels. Advantageously, in such embodiments, the multiple detonation cords and standalone detonation element may be operatively connected without being physically integrated with each other.

[0020] The explosive may be any military grade or civilian grade explosive material as known in the art. The explosive may be selected amongst primary, secondary or tertiary explosives. In some embodiments, the explosive material is selected from acetone peroxide, alkali metal ozonides, ammonium permanganate, ammonium chlorate, azidotetrazolates, azoclathrates, benzoyl peroxide, benzvalene, 3,5- bis(trinitromethyl)tetrazole, chlorine oxides, copper acetylide, copper azide, cyanogen azide, cyanuric triazide, diacetyl peroxide, l-diazidocarbamoyl-5-azidotetrazole, diazodinitrophenol, diazomethane, diethyl ether peroxide, 4-dimethyl aminophenylpentazole, disulfur dinitride, ethyl azide, explosive antimony, fluorine perchlorate, fulminic acid, fluorine azide, chlorine azide, bromine azide, hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, hydrazoic acid, hypofluorous acid, lead azide, lead styphnate, lead picrate, manganese heptoxide, mercury fulminate, mercury nitride, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, nickel hydrazine nitrate, nickel hydrazine perchlorate, nitrogen trichloride, nitrogen tribromide, nitrogen triiodide, nitroglycerin, nitronium perchlorate, nitrosyl perchlorate, nitrotetrazolate-n-oxides, octaazacub ane, pentazenium hexafluoroarsenate, peroxy acids, peroxymonosulfuric acid, silver azide, silver acetylide, silver fulminate, silver nitride, tellurium tetraazide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, tetraamine copper complexes, tetraazidomethane, tetrazene explosive, tetranitratoxycarbon, titanium tetraazide, triazidomethane, TNT, RDX, black powder, ANFO and others.

[0021] In some embodiments, the explosive is selected amongst acetylides of heavy metals, aluminum containing polymeric propellant, aluminum ophorite explosive, amatex, amatol, ammonal, ammonium nitrate explosive mixtures, ammonium nitrate explosive mixtures, aromatic nitro-compound explosive mixtures, ammonium perchlorate explosive mixtures, ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, ammonium picrate, ammonium salt lattice with isomorphously substituted inorganic salts, ANFO, baratol, baronol, BEAF [1, 2-bis (2, 2-difluoro-2-nitroacetoxy ethane)], black powder, black powder based explosive mixtures, blasting agents, blasting caps, blasting gelatin, blasting powder, BTNEC [bis (trinitroethyl) carbonate], bulk salutes, BTNEN [bis (trinitroethyl) nitramine], BTTN [1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate], butyl tetryl, calcium nitrate explosive mixture, cellulose hexanitrate explosive mixture, chlorate explosive mixtures, composition A and variations, composition B and variations, composition C and variations, copper acetylide, cyanuric triazide, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine [RDX], cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine [HMX], cyclonite [RDX], cyclotol, DATB [diaminotrinitrobenzene], DDNP [diazodinitrophenol], DEGDN [diethyleneglycol dinitrate], detonating cord, detonators, dimethylol dimethyl methane dinitrate composition, dinitroethyleneurea, dinitroglycerine [glycerol dinitrate], dinitrophenol, dinitrophenolates, dinitrophenyl hydrazine, dinitroresorcinol, dinitrotoluene-sodium nitrate explosive mixtures, DIPAM, dipicryl sulfone, dipicrylamine, display fireworks, DNPD [dinitropentano nitrile], DNPA [2,2-dinitropropyl acrylate], dynamite, EDDN [ethylene diamine dinitrate], EDNA, ednatol, EDNP [ethyl 4,4-dinitropentanoate], erythritol tetranitrate explosives, esters of nitro-substituted alcohols, EGDN [ethylene glycol dinitrate], ethyl-tetryl, explosive conitrates, explosive gelatins, explosive mixtures containing oxygen releasing inorganic salts and hydrocarbons, explosive mixtures containing oxygen releasing inorganic salts and nitro bodies, explosive mixtures containing oxygen releasing inorganic salts and water insoluble fuels, explosive mixtures containing oxygen releasing inorganic salts and water soluble fuels, explosive mixtures containing sensitized nitromethane, explosive mixtures containing tetranitromethane (nitroform), explosive nitro compounds of aromatic hydrocarbons, explosive organic nitrate mixtures, explosive liquids, explosive powders, flash powder, fulminate of mercury, fulminate of silver, fulminating gold, fulminating mercury, fulminating platinum, fulminating silver, gelatinized nitrocellulose, gem-dinitro aliphatic explosive mixtures, guanyl nitrosamino guanyl tetrazene, guanyl nitrosamino guanylidene hydrazine, guncotton, heavy metal azides, hexanite, hexanitrodiphenylamine, hexanitrostilbene, hexogen (RDX), hexogene or octogene and a nitrated N-methylaniline, hexolites, HMX [cyclo-l,3,5,7-tetramethylene 2,4,6,8-tetranitramine; Octogen], hydrazinium nitrate / hydrazine / aluminum explosive system, hydrazoic acid, igniter cord, igniters, initiating tube systems, KDNBF [potassium dinitrobenzofuroxane], lead azide, lead mannite, lead mononitroresorcinate, lead picrate, lead salts, lead styphnate [styphnate of lead, lead trinitroresorcinate], liquid nitrated polyol and trimethylolethane, liquid oxygen explosives, magnesium ophorite explosives, mannitol hexanitrate, MDNP [methyl 4,4-dinitropentanoate], MEAN [monoethanolamine nitrate], mercuric fulminate, mercury oxalate, mercury tartrate, metriol trinitrate, minol-2 [40% TNT, 40% ammonium nitrate, 20% aluminum], MMAN [monomethylamine nitrate], mononitrotoluenenitroglycerin mixture, monopropellants, NIBTN [nitroisobutametriol trinitrate], nitrate sensitized with gelled nitroparaffin, nitrated carbohydrate explosive, nitrated glucoside explosive, nitrated polyhydric alcohol explosives, nitrates of soda explosive mixtures, nitric acid and a nitro aromatic compound explosive, nitric acid and carboxylic fuel explosive, nitric acid explosive mixtures, nitro aromatic explosive mixtures, nitro compounds of furane explosive mixtures, nitrocellulose explosive, nitroderivative of urea explosive mixture, nitrogelatin explosive, nitrogen trichloride, nitrogen tri-iodide, nitroglycerine [NG, RNG, nitro, glyceryltrinitrate, trinitroglycerine], nitroglycide, nitroglycol (ethylene glycol dinitrate, EGDN), nitroguanidine explosives, nitroparaffins explosive grade and ammonium nitrate mixtures, nitronium perchlorate propellant mixtures, nitrostarch, nitro- substituted carboxylic acids, nitrourea, octogen [HMX], octol [75 % HMX, 25 % TNT], organic amine nitrates, organic nitramines, PBX [RDX and plasticizer], pellet powder, penthrinite composition, pentolite, perchlorate explosive mixtures, peroxide based explosive mixtures, PETN [nitropentaerythrite, pentaerythrite tetranitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate], picramic acid and its salts, picramide, picrate of potassium explosive mixtures, picratol, picric acid (manufactured as an explosive), picryl chloride, picryl fluoride, PLX [95% nitromethane, 5% ethylenediamine], polynitro aliphatic compounds, polyolpolynitrate-nitrocellulose explosive gels, potassium chlorate and lead sulfocyanate explosive, potassium nitrate explosive mixtures, potassium nitroaminotetrazole, pyrotechnic compositions, PYX (2,6-bis(picrylamino))-3,5- dinitropyridine, RDX [cyclonite, hexogen, T4, cyclo-1, 3, 5, -trimethylene-2, 4,6,- trinitramine; hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-S-triazine], salutes, salts of organic amino sulfonic acid explosive mixture, silver acetylide, silver azide, silver fulminate, silver oxalate explosive mixtures, silver styphnate, silver tartrate explosive mixtures, silver tetrazene, slurried explosive mixtures of water, inorganic oxidizing salt, gelling agent, fuel and sensitizer, smokeless powder, sodatol, sodium amatol, sodium azide explosive mixture, sodium dinitro-ortho-cresolate, sodium nitrate-potassium nitrate explosive mixture, sodium picramate, special fireworks, styphnic acid explosives, tacot [tetranitro-2, 3,5,6- dibenzo-l,3a,4,6a tetrazapentalene], TATB [triaminotrinitrobenzene], TEGDN [triethylene glycol dinitrate], Tetrazene [tetracene, tetrazine, l(5-tetrazolyl)-4-guanyl tetrazene hydrate], tetranitrocarbazole, tetryl [2,4,6-tetranitro-N-methylaniline], tetrytol, thickened inorganic oxidizer salt slurried explosive mixture, TMETN [trimethylolethane trinitrate], TNEF [trinitroethyl formal], TNEOC [trinitroethylorthocarbonate], TNEOF [trinitroethylorthoformate], TNT [trinitrotoluene], torpex, tridite, trimethylol ethyl methane trinitrate composition, trimethylolthane trinitrate-nitrocellulose, trimonite, trinitroanisole, trinitrobenzene, trinitrobenzoic acid, trinitrocresol, trinitro-meta-cresol, trinitronaphthalene, trinitrophenetol, trinitrophloroglucinol, trinitroresorcinol, tritonal, urea nitrate, xanthamonas hydrophilic colloid explosive mixture and others.

[0022] In some embodiments, the explosive includes a waste explosive material or a mixture of explosives with other non-explosive materials.

[0023] In some embodiments, the explosive is a powdered explosive such as ANFO or a mixture of ANFO with another explosive.

[0024] The detonation cord provided in the detonation jar or an external detonation cord used for associating or connecting a plurality or at least two flexible containers may be a conventional detonation cord as known and used in the art. In some cases, the detonation cord may be formed of a plastic, textile, a waterproof sheath, or nylon, at times enforced with a metal wire and containing a core of a high-explosive material, such as PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate). Non-limiting examples of detonation cords include Primacord®, Mil-Det™ cord and safety fuse assembly, PETN detonation cord, Cordtex® cord and others as known in the field.

[0025] The flexible explosive container may include one or more eyelets, or one or more handles, for hanging the flexible explosive container on a surface.

[0026] The weight of each flexible explosive container may be approximately 10 kg or less. This weight enables the container to be easily deployed on or adjacent to various structures which are desired to be destroyed.

[0027] The invention further concerns a flexible explosive container comprising a sealed housing formed of a pliable material, said housing having an internal cavity containing a high explosive compound; an input port (e.g., a primary initiation interface) configured to receive a detonation signal; and an output port (e.g., a secondary transfer interface) configured to transmit said detonation signal to at least one adjacent explosive container; wherein the flexible explosive container is configured for series connection to one or more additional explosive containers, such that a single detonation event initiates a sequential or simultaneous explosive response across all connected containers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the input port comprises a detonation cord receptacle (e.g., jar).

[0029] In some embodiments, the output port includes a pre-formed detonation path or boosted transfer charge positioned to align with the initiation interface of a neighbouring container.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flexible container further comprises mechanical coupling means such as clips, straps, or magnets to attach to structural surfaces or neighbouring containers.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flexible container is configured to maintain operational integrity under variable environmental conditions, including immersion in water, extreme temperatures, and high vibration.

[0032] In some embodiments, the detonation transfer is directionally biased, preventing reverse or unintended propagation of the detonation signal.

[0033] In some embodiments, wherein multiple containers, when connected in series, form a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications.

[0034] The flexible container of the invention may be utilized for any civilian or military purpose including mining, demolition, military, and others. To render the explosive effect more effective, the flexible container may be serially associated with one or more same or different explosive devices. In some configurations, a series of flexible containers according to the invention are associated to each other via detonation cords to affect serial or sequential explosion.

[0035] The invention thus further provides a modular demolition system or a system comprising a plurality of the flexible explosive containers of the invention, arranged in sequence and connected via one or more external detonation cords that are connected in sequence to the detonation cord within each explosive container. Ignition of the external detonation cords causes ignition in sequence of the detonation cords of the explosive containers, thereby causing each of the flexible explosive containers to explode.

[0036] In some embodiments, where multiple containers are used, when connected in series, they form a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications. In some embodiments, the length of the detonation cord associating the plurality of flexible containers, or the distance between any two flexible containers, is set to enable effective coverage of the surface to be demolished or damaged. In some configurations, the plurality of flexible containers is set such that the containers touch each other. In other configurations, the plurality of flexible connections is set such that the distance between the containers is governed or determined in accordance with the surface to which the system is to be associated with.

[0037] Typically, the detonation transfer is directionally biased, preventing reverse or unintended propagation of the detonation signal.

[0038] The flexible container or the system of the invention may be associated to any solid surface which demolition or destruction is desired. The flexible container or the system may be used for blasting or synchronized blasting, to bring down a structure in a controlled way, to breach an obstacle, etc. The solid surfaces may be solid surfaces of a shaft, a building, a wall, a beam, a column, a bridge, a ship, a bunker or generally a solid surface that is soil or ground, rock, cement-based, concrete-based, metal-based, enforced composite, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, the flexible container further comprises mechanical coupling means such as clips, straps, or magnets to attach to structural surfaces or neighbouring containers.

[0040] In some embodiments, a system of the invention comprises a plurality of flexible containers connected in series, forming a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications.

[0041] The invention further concerns a method of demolishing or causing damage to a solid structure, the method comprising associating (or affixing) at least one flexible explosive container or a system of the invention to a surface of the solid structure and causing the at least one flexible explosive container to explode.

[0042] In some embodiments, the solid structure is a cement-based or metal-based structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the affixing of the at least one flexible explosive container comprises affixing by adhesion, affixing by nails or screws, affixing by hanging, affixing with a rope or a metal or a polymeric wire, affixing using mechanical fasteners, affixing using magnetic mounts etc. In some embodiments, the affixing comprises affixing the flexible container(s) to a structural member such as beams, columns, or walls using mechanical fasteners, ropes, adhesives, or magnetic mounts.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method comprises positioning a plurality of flexible explosive containers at predetermined points on or within the structure; wherein the containers are pre-connected or the method may further comprise a step of connecting the containers in series using a detonation cord, such that each container is configured to receive and transmit a detonation signal.

[0045] In some embodiments, the step of connecting the containers in series comprises inserting a detonator cord extending from one of the flexible explosive containers into an interior channel of a detonation jar of a second of the flexible explosive containers, and sealing the detonation jar of the second container. Optionally, the method further includes inserting two different detonator cords into interior channels within the detonation jar that cross in an X-shaped formation. The method may further include inserting a standalone detonator into a central cavity of the detonator jar, wherein the central cavity is aligned over a crossing point of the two interior channels. When arranged this manner, the detonator and detonator cords may be configured to transfer explosive charges therebetween, even when not physically connected.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method comprises initiating a detonation sequence.

[0047] In some embodiments, the affixing comprises positioning a plurality of the flexible containers such that detonation causes progressive shearing, breaching, or collapse of critical structural elements.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method comprises affixing a modular demolition system comprising a plurality of serially connected flexible containers.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a perspective view of a flexible explosive container, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. IB depicts a side view of the flexible explosive container of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1C depicts a top view of the flexible explosive container of FIG. 1 A;

[0053] FIG. 2 depicts a photograph of a top view of a flexible explosive container;

[0054] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up of a detonation housing of the flexible explosive container;

[0055] FIG. 4 depicts a detonation cord and a detonator attached to the denotation housing;

[0056] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a single flexible explosive container attached to an external detonator;

[0057] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a sequence of multiple flexible explosive containers attached to a detonator;

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a photograph of multiple flexible explosive containers attached to a detonator;

[0059] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an explosion of a single flexible explosive container;

[0060] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an explosion of a flexible explosive container via a detonation cord;

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a detonation housing which may be incorporated into the flexible explosive container; and

[0062] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate photographs of an exemplary flexible explosive container including the detonation housing illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The present disclosure relates to the field of explosives, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to systems for controlled demolition.

[0065] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 1A-1C and Figs. 2-4, flexible explosive container 10 includes an explosive housing 12. The explosive housing 12 may be made of any suitable flexible material, such as corduroy or any knitted, woven, or non-woven fabric, fiber, or polymeric material. Housing 12 includes one or more eyelets 14, and optionally one or more handles 16 (seen in Fig. 2), via which the container 10 may be hung or otherwise attached to a structure. Optionally, additional mechanical coupling means, such as clips, straps, or magnets, may also be employed to attach to structural surfaces or neighboring containers.

[0067] Housing 12 defines a cavity therein which contains an explosive powder. In exemplary embodiments, the explosive powder is ANFO (ammonium nitrate / fuel oil). Other suitable high explosives, such as TNT, or proprietary explosive compositions, including mixtures of ANFO with proprietary explosives, may likewise be used. A list of possible explosives is provided hereinabove.

[0068] The explosive container 10 further includes a detonation housing 18. Detonation housing 18 may be formed as a detonation jar 19, which is situated within the housing 12, with access points to an exterior of the container 10. On an interior side, detonation housing 18 includes a detonator port 26. The detonator port 26 may receive, for example, a plastic explosive or any detonation element 27. The detonator port 26 is configured to connect via port 24 (shown in Fig. 3) to an external detonation device, for direct explosion of a single flexible explosive container. The detonation housing 18 further includes an interior channel 28 for receiving a detonation cord 29. Detonation cord 29 may be part of or connected to a longer detonation cord outside of explosive container 10, via ports 20 and 22 (seen in Fig. 3). These components are used when it is desired to explode multiple explosive containers 10 in sequence.

[0069] Optionally, detonator port 26 and interior channel 28 are provided in a detonation jar 19. The detonation jar 19 may contain an explosive booster material, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The booster material is used to ignite the explosive powder within the housing 12.

[0070] Fig- 5 illustrates an exemplary setup of a flexible explosive container 10 being configured for independent detonation. An external detonator 30 is attached to the interior standalone detonation element 27 via cord 32, through port 24. When the exterior detonator 30 is activated, a detonation element 27 positioned in port 26 is exploded, thereby initiating explosion of the booster (when present) and the remaining explosive contents of the flexible explosive container 10.

[0071] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a system 100 including multiple of the flexible explosive containers 10 being configured to explode in sequence. An external detonator 30 is attached to each of the flexible explosive containers via a single detonating cord. As shown, the detonating cord is made of sub-cord 34a (between the detonator 30 and a first bag), sub-cord 34b (between the first bag and a second bag, sub-cord 34c (between a second bad and a third bag, and sub-cord 34d (extending from the third bag). The cord enters each bag 10 at port 20 and exits at port 22. The sub-cords may be separate cords that are spliced together; alternatively, a single cord may pass through each of the channels. Although only a single channel for a cord is illustrated for entering and exiting each bag, there may be more than one channel and more than one cord entering and exiting each bag, as depicted in the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11A-C.

[0072] Figs. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate a cross-section view of a sequence of explosion of the flexible explosive container 10, whether directly exploded via standalone detonator 27 (as in Fig. 8) or exploded in sequence via detonation cord 29 (as in Fig. 9). In both cases, the initial detonation ignites a booster 40 within the detonation jar. The booster, in turn, ignites the explosive 42.

[0073] The flexible explosive containers 10 may be made to various specifications regarding size and weight. In exemplary embodiments, the containers weigh up to approximately 10 kg. Advantageously, containers of this size are easily transported and situated in a position close to the target of the explosives.

[0074] Experiments demonstrated that the flexible explosive container 10 was highly effective in various destructive tasks. These included the following uses: a vibrating pile (e.g., a pile of explosive bags, raised approximately 1 meter above the floor of a room, for purposes of destroying the room); destruction of a vertical shaft (lowering a number of the explosive containers around 2 / 3 of the vertical height of the shaft, and exploding the bags); destruction of pillars and other concrete objects (hanging the explosive containers on a pillar or concrete T-structure and exploding them).

[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a detonation housing 118 which may be incorporated in the flexible explosive container. Certain of the elements of detonation housing 118 are similar in function to those of detonation housing 18, and accordingly similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements, except that they begin with “1.” Beginning from the top, capping element 131 includes detonator port 126 for receiving a standalone detonation cord. The capping element 131 is insertable within a central cavity in X-shaped wing element 132, which, in turn, is received within receptacle element 133. The receptacle element 133 includes one or more interior channels 128 formed integrally therein, for receiving therein a detonator cord. The two interior channels 128 cross in an X-shaped formation. Furthermore, detonator port 126 reaches the crossing point at the center of the “X” at which the two interior channels 128 cross. Thus, when the receptacle element 133, wing element 132, and capping element 131 are assembled, the detonator port 126 is inserted within the central cavity and aligned over the crossing point of the two interior channels 128.

[0076] Each of these elements is inserted into detonation jar 119, which also contains the booster material (when present). Sealing ring 134 seals all the elements in place and ensures that the booster material remains securely within detonation j ar 119. Each of these components may be inserted into solid container 138, and held in place with rings 136, 137 and bolts (not shown).

[0077] Figs. 11A-11C illustrate the detonation housing 118 incorporated into a flexible explosive container 110. In Fig. 11 A, each of the components illustrated in Fig. 10 is laid flat on a surface. Fig. 11B depicts the components assembled within an explosive flexible container 110. The container includes housing 112, which may be filed with an explosive material, and eyelets 114. Fig. 11C depicts the flexible explosive container 110 with three cords inserted into the detonation housing: two cords 34a, 34b inserted into the X-shaped interior channel, and a standalone detonation cord 132 which is inserted into the channel 128 within capping element 131.

[0078] One advantage of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10 and Figs. 11A-C is that a cord may be introduced into each of the channels 128 without needing to thread the end of the cord. The crossing of the two detonation cords together at the junction of the “X”, as well as the insertion of the standalone detonation cord into the detonator port reaching the same exact spot, allows transfer of the explosive force between cords without the cords being physically threaded together. This allows joining of different explosives even after the cords have already been deployed. Another advantage is that more than one cord may be threaded through each bag, thus enabling not only straight linear chains of explosive containers, but also more complex types of branched chains.

[0079] Accordingly, a method of connecting two or more of the flexible containers in series may include threading one or more of the detonator cords from one container to the interior channel of a second container, and closing the interior channel with the X-shaped wing element and the capping element. The containers may then be exploded in series by operation of a standalone detonation cord from the detonator port of any one of the flexible containers.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flexible explosive container, comprising: a housing containing an explosive; a detonation housing containing a detonation element, a port for connecting the detonation element to an external detonator; a detonation cord; and an input and outport port for connecting the detonation cord to one or more external detonation cords or to one or more other flexible containers.

2. The flexible explosive container of claim 1, wherein the explosive container is configured to be exploded separately via ignition of the detonation element or in sequence via ignition of the detonation cords.

3. The flexible explosive container of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a detonation jar within the housing and attached to the detonation housing, wherein the detonation jar includes a booster, and wherein ignition of the detonation element or detonator cord causes ignition of the booster, which causes ignition of the explosive.

4. The flexible explosive container of claim 3, wherein the detonation jar includes at least one detonator port for receiving a detonation element, and at least one interior channel for receiving a detonation cord.

5. The flexible explosive container of claim 4, wherein the at least one interior channel comprises two interior channels that cross in an X-shaped formation.

6. The flexible explosive container of claim 5, wherein the detonator port extends to a crossing point of the two interior channels.

7. The flexible explosive container of claim 6, wherein the detonation jar includes a receptacle element containing the at least one interior channel formed integrally therein, an X-shaped wing element sized to close each of the interior channels and having a central cavity, and a capping element including the detonator port wherein, when the receptacle element, wing element, and capping element are assembled, the detonator port is inserted within the central cavity and aligned over the crossing point of the two interior channels.

8. The flexible explosive container of claim 1, wherein the explosive is a powdered explosive.

9. The flexible explosive container of claim 8, wherein the powdered explosive includes ANFO or a mixture of ANFO with another explosive.

10. The flexible explosive container of any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more eyelets for hanging the flexible explosive container on a surface.

11. The flexible explosive container of any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more handles for hanging the flexible explosive container on a surface.

12. The flexible explosive container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the explosive comprises a waste explosive material or a mixture of explosives with other nonexplosive materials.

13. A flexible explosive container comprising a sealed housing formed of a pliable material, said housing having an internal cavity containing a high explosive compound; an input port configured to receive a detonation signal; and an output port configured to transmit said detonation signal to at least one adjacent explosive container; wherein the flexible explosive container is configured for series connection to one or more additional explosive containers, such that a single detonation event initiates a sequential or simultaneous explosive response across all connected containers.

14. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein the input port comprises a detonation cord receptacle.

15. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein the output port includes a pre-formed detonation path or boosted transfer charge positioned to align with the initiation interface of a neighbouring container.

16. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein the flexible container further comprises mechanical coupling means such as clips, straps, or magnets to attach to structural surfaces or neighbouring containers.

17. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein the flexible container is configured to maintain operational integrity under variable environmental conditions, including immersion in water, extreme temperatures, and high vibration.

18. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein the detonation transfer is directionally biased, preventing reverse or unintended propagation of the detonation signal.

19. The flexible explosive container of claim 13, wherein multiple containers are connected in series, form a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications.

20. A modular demolition system comprising a plurality of the flexible explosive containers according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the containers being arranged in sequence and connected via one or more external detonation cords that are connected in sequence to the detonation cord within each explosive container.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the containers are connected in series, forming a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein one or a plurality of the flexible containers in the system comprise mechanical coupling means such as clips, straps, or magnets to attach to structural surfaces or neighbouring containers.

23. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the containers are connected in series, forming a modular demolition chain for linear, shaped, or distributed explosive applications.

24. A method of demolishing or causing damage to a solid structure, the method comprising affixing at least one flexible explosive container or a system of any one of claims 1 to 23 to a surface of the solid structure and causing the at least one flexible explosive container to explode.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the solid structure is a cement-based or metalbased structure.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the affixing of the at least one flexible explosive container comprises affixing by adhesion, affixing by nails or screws, affixing by hanging, affixing with a rope or a metal or a polymeric wire, affixing using mechanical fasteners, or affixing using magnetic mounts.

27. The method of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the affixing comprises affixing the flexible container(s) to a structural member such as beams, columns, or walls using mechanical fasteners, ropes, adhesives, or magnetic mounts.

28. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the method comprises positioning a plurality of flexible explosive containers at predetermined points on or within the structure wherein the containers are pre-connected; or the method further comprises a step of connecting the containers in series using a detonation cord, such that each container is configured to receive and transmit a detonation signal.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of connecting the containers in series comprises inserting a detonator cord extending from one of the flexible explosive containers into an interior channel of a detonation jar of a second of the flexible explosive containers, and sealing the detonation jar of the second container.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising inserting two different detonator cords into interior channels within the detonation jar that cross in an X-shaped formation.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising inserting a standalone detonator into a central cavity of the detonator jar, wherein the central cavity is aligned over a crossing point of the two interior channels.

32. The method of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the method comprises initiating a detonation sequence.

33. The method of any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the affixing comprises positioning a plurality of the flexible containers such that detonation causes progressive shearing, breaching, or collapse of critical structural elements.

34. The method of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the method comprises affixing a modular demolition system comprising a plurality of serially connected flexible containers.

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