Field expedient munition mechanism

Abstract

A disclosed field expedient munition mechanism includes an outer adapter sleeve housing and an inner sliding nose member. The outer adapter sleeve housing includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a mounting interface configured to mount the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container around the nozzle. The inner sliding nose member is configured to slide within the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. The inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. A dispersion path is included from the nozzle to out of the field expedient munition mechanism. Wherein, when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member displaces the nozzle of the aerosol container.

Description

FIELD EXPEDIENT MUNITION MECHANISMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 710,684 filed on October 23, 2024, entitled Field Expedient Munition Mechanism, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to munitions, and more specifically, to a method and system for converting a field expedient and readily available material into a munition.BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally speaking, a munition is a term for weapons, particularly ammunition, and can refer to the actual weapon systems themselves. Munition can refer to the ammunition (projectiles, propellants, explosives) or the complete weapons system that uses it, such as bombs, missiles, or grenades. The term is often used interchangeably with ammunition, although munition can also refer to the full weapons system rather than just the projectile. Ammunition may refer to projectiles, explosives, and propellants used to attack a target. This can include high-explosive shells, cartridges, and fuzes. Cluster munitions may refer to weapon that releases smaller submunitions (bomblets) over a wide area, often designed to kill personnel and destroy vehicles. Guided munitions may refer to weapons that use guidance systems like GPS, inertial navigation, or laser guidance to strike a target with precision, such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, may be unmanned aerial vehicles with explosives that can be sent on a mission to search for and attack targets. White phosphorus munitions may be used for smoke screens, illumination, and incendiary purposes. White phosphorus is pyrophoric (ignites on contact with air) and is used in smoke grenades and tracer ammunition.

[0004] The term expedient can be defined as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it means suitable or helpful for a purpose, often with the connotation of being practical and advantageous even if morally questionable. As a noun, it refers to a means to an end, such as a device, resource, or temporary solution to a problem. For example, using a garbage bag as rain gear at a sporting event is an expedient.

[0005] The instant disclosure recognizes the problem and need to provide a field expedient to create a munition out of readily available materials in the field.

[0006] The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a field expedient munition mechanism.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available munitions or the like, and methods of making, manufacturing or creating such munitions or the like, by providing the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism. The disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may generally include an outer adapter sleeve housing and an inner sliding nose member. The outer adapter sleeve housing may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may include a mounting interface configured to mount the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container around the nozzle. The inner sliding nose member may be configured to slide within the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. The inner sliding nose member may be configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. A dispersion path may be included from the nozzle to out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

[0008] One feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member may displace the nozzle of the aerosol container, whereby aerosol from the aerosol container may disperse through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

[0009] In select embodiments of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism, the outer adapter sleeve housing may include split rings. The split rings may be included with the mounting interface on the proximal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. The split rings may be configured for adapting the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container.

[0010] In other select embodiments of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism, the inner sliding nose member may include a bottom surface with a protruding member. The protruding member on the bottom surface of the inner sliding nose member may be configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing. In selectembodiments, the dispersion path may extend from below the protruding member, through the protruding member and a body of the inner sliding nose member and out of a tip end of the inner sliding nose member.

[0011] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that the inner sliding nose member can include an aerodynamic external shape.

[0012] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that the inner sliding nose member can include a weighted body. The weighted body of the inner sliding nose member may be configured to orient the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition with the inner sliding nose member first, like when the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped. Wherein, when the field expedient munition mechanism is attached to the aerosol container to create the munition and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped, the inner sliding nose member being oriented first may be configured to have the inner sliding nose member contact a target surface for pushing the inner sliding nose member into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing thereby displacing the nozzle of the aerosol container upon contact with the target surface. Whereby, aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism upon contact with the target surface.

[0013] In select embodiments of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism, a primer-initiator may be included. The primer-initiator may be configured to initiate an exothermic reaction of the aerosol from the aerosol container when dispersed out of the dispersion path.

[0014] In select embodiments of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism, a fuze-timer may be included. The fuze-timer may be configured to send a signal to the primerinitiator to initiate the exothermic reaction of the aerosol from the aerosol container. In select embodiments, the fuze-timer may be configured to send a signal to the primer-initiator to initiate the exothermic reaction at a set time after aerosol from the aerosol container is dispersed through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism. In select embodiments, the fuze-timer may be a dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS), as disclosed in United States Patent Application No. 19 / 353058, incorporated herein in its entirety. Wherein, the dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS) as used in the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be configured to allow the field expedient munition mechanism to be adapted to multiple fuzing methods for unmanned aerial system(UAS) and / or first-person-view (FPV) drones. In select embodiments, the primer-initiator and the fuze-timer may be positioned within the outer adapter sleeve housing.

[0015] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be the inclusion of a fin mechanism. The fin mechanism may be configured to be mounted on the bottom of the aerosol container. The fin mechanism may be configured to provide stability and control of the flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition, and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped. In select embodiments, the fin mechanism may include a plastic ring configured to attach to the bottom of the aerosol container.

[0016] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that the aerosol container that is connected to the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism to create the munition may be a spray paint can, or the like.

[0017] In select embodiments, the field expedient munition mechanism may include a tube inserted into a hole in the bottom of the aerosol container. In these embodiments, a blasting cap may be positioned at a far end of the tube. A fuze-timer may be positioned in the field expedient munition mechanism. A plug may be included in a near end of the tube sealing the hole in the aerosol container. Wires may connect the fuze-timer with the blasting cap through the plug and the tube. In select embodiments, the tube may be a plastic tube. Wherein, the fuze-timer may be configured to send a signal to the blasting cap through the wires to initiate an exothermic reaction of the aerosol inside of the aerosol container for combusting the aerosol container.

[0018] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to create a field expedient munition out of readily available material.

[0019] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to provide users with an ability to convert an aerosol container, or the like, to the field expedient munition.

[0020] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to create the field expedient munition configured to be used in the absence of a typical military-industrial complex produced munition.

[0021] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to allow the field expedient munition to be transported,refilled, and implemented onto a battlefield due to an ability to safely and readily transport the aerosol container, an aerosol canister, and combine or mate it with the field expedient munition mechanism.

[0022] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to enable the field expedient munition to be shipped via empty aerosol containers to the location of need, then to have the empty aerosol containers filled with an exothermic aerosol material, and then the field expedient munition can be applied to a unmanned aerial system (UAS) or a first-person-view (FPV) drone.

[0023] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism may be that it can be designed and configured to allow the user to utilize a pressurizable aerosol style can that is empty, fill the pressurizable aerosol style can with a purposeful material designed to fulfill a certain purpose once pressurized. Wherein, the certain purpose that the purposeful material is designed to fulfill may include, but is not limited to, burning vegetation or obstacles or other desired purposes.

[0024] In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism in any of the embodiments and / or combination of embodiments shown and / or described herein.

[0025] In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle. The disclosed method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle may generally include providing the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism in any embodiment and / or combination of embodiments shown and / or described herein. With the provided field expedient munition mechanism, the disclosed method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle may further include connecting the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container with the nozzle positioned inside of the outer adapter sleeve housing. Wherein, when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member displaces the nozzle of the aerosol container, whereby aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

[0026] In select embodiments of the disclosed method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle, the provided field expedient munition mechanism may further comprise a fin mechanism. With the fin mechanism included in theprovided field expedient munition mechanism, the disclosed method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle may further include mounting the fin mechanism on a bottom of the aerosol container. Whereby, the fin mechanism may be configured to provide stability and control of the flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the field expedient munition, and the field expedient munition is thrown, shot, or dropped.

[0027] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and / or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of the field expedient munition mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure connected onto the aerosol container around the nozzle;

[0030] FIG. 2A is cross-sectional of the field expedient munition mechanism of FIG. 1 connected onto the aerosol container around the nozzle in a ready state;

[0031] FIG. 2B is cross-sectional of the field expedient munition mechanism of FIG. 1 connected onto the aerosol container around the nozzle showing the inner sliding nose member contacting the target surface and sliding into the outer adapter sleeve and displacing the nozzle of the aerosol container;

[0032] FIG. 2C is cross-sectional of the field expedient munition mechanism of FIG. 1 connected onto the aerosol container around the nozzle showing the aerosol dispersing through the dispersion path and out of the tip end after the inner sliding nose member displaced the nozzle of the aerosol container;

[0033] FIG. 2D is cross-sectional of the field expedient munition mechanism of FIG. 1 connected onto the aerosol container around the nozzle showing the aerosol dispersed fromthe aerosol container and the primer-initiator initiating an exothermic reaction after the set time provided by the fuze-timer;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of the field expedient munition mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a blasting cap positioned at a far end of a tube inserted through a hole in the bottom of the aerosol container, with wires connecting the blasting cap with the fuze-timer;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective diagram of the field expedient munition mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a fin mechanism connected on the bottom of the aerosol container for the field expedient munition mechanism configured to provide stability and control of the flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition, and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped; and

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

[0037] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available munitions or the like, and methods of making, manufacturing or creating such munitions or the like, by providing field expedient munition mechanism 10. Field expedient munition mechanism 10 may generally include outer adapter sleeve housing 18 and inner sliding nose member 26. Outer adapter sleeve housing 18 mayinclude proximal end 20 and distal end 24. Proximal end 20 may include mounting interface 22 configured to mount outer adapter sleeve housing 18 to aerosol container 12 (or the like) around nozzle 14. Inner sliding nose member 26 may be configured to slide within distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18. Inner sliding nose member 26 may be configured to displace nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12 when pushed into distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18. Dispersion path 28 may be included from nozzle 14 to out of field expedient munition mechanism 10.

[0040] One feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that when inner sliding nose member 26 is pushed into distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18, inner sliding nose member 26 may displace nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12, whereby aerosol 50 from aerosol container 12 may disperse through dispersion path 28 and out of field expedient munition mechanism 10.

[0041] Outer adapter sleeve housing 18 may have mounting interface 22 at proximal end 20. Mounting interface 22 may be designed and configured to adapt, connect, and / or seal outer adapter sleeve housing 18 onto or around aerosol container 12, or other like containers, cans, cannisters, or the like. In select embodiments of field expedient munition mechanism 10, as shown in the Figures, outer adapter sleeve housing 18 may include split rings 32. Split rings 32 may be included with mounting interface 22 on proximal end 20 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18. Split rings 32 may be configured for adapting outer adapter sleeve housing 18 to aerosol container 12, like an aerosol can or spray paint can 76 (as shown in the Figures), or the like.

[0042] One feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be the ability for inner sliding nose member 26 to displace (compress, push, tilt, or the like, to release aerosol out of nozzle 14) nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12. Inner sliding nose member 26 may displace (compress, push, tilt, or the like to release aerosol out of nozzle 14) nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12 by any device or method. In select embodiments of field expedient munition mechanism 10, inner sliding nose member 26 may include bottom surface 34 with protruding member 36. Protruding member 36 on bottom surface 34 of inner sliding nose member 26 may be configured to displace nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12 when inner sliding nose member 26 is pushed into distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, dispersion path 28 may extend from below protruding member 36, through protruding member 36 and body 40 of inner sliding nose member 26 and out of tip end 42 of inner sliding nose member 26.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that inner sliding nose member 26 can include aerodynamic external shape 44. Aerodynamic external shape 44 may be designed and configured for making munition 16 created by field expedient munition mechanism 10 aerodynamic when flying or dropping through the air. Aerodynamic external shape 44 may be any desired aerodynamic external shape of inner sliding nose member 26, including, but not limited to, a rounded external shape, a cone external shape, a pointed external shape, or the like.

[0044] Still referring to Figures 1-2 and 4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that inner sliding nose member 26 can include weighted body 40. Weighted body 40 of inner sliding nose member 26 may be configured to orient field expedient munition mechanism 10 when attached to aerosol container 12 (or the like) to create munition 16 with inner sliding nose member 26 oriented first, like when munition 16 is thrown, shot, or dropped. Wherein, when field expedient munition mechanism 10 is attached to aerosol container 12 (or the like) to create munition 16 and munition 16 is thrown, shot, or dropped, inner sliding nose member 26 with weighted body 40 being oriented first (nose first orientation 46 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D) may be configured to have inner sliding nose member 26 contact target surface 48 (see FIG. 2A) for pushing inner sliding nose member 26 into distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18 (see FIG. 2B) thereby displacing nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12 upon contact with target surface 48. Whereby, aerosol 50 from aerosol container 12 disperses through dispersion path 28 and out of field expedient munition mechanism 10 upon contact with target surface 48 (see FIG. 2C).

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, in select embodiments of field expedient munition mechanism 10, primer-initiator 54 may be included. Primer-initiator 54 may be configured to initiate exothermic reaction 56 of aerosol 50 (or the like) from aerosol container 12 (or the like) when dispersed out of dispersion path 28 (see FIG. 2D).

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in select embodiments of field expedient munition mechanism 10, fuze-timer 58 may be included. Fuze-timer 58 may be configured to send a signal to primer-initiator 54 (or blasting cap 84, as shown in FIG. 3) to initiate exothermic reaction 56 of aerosol 50 (or the like) from aerosol container 12 (or the like), as best shown in FIG. 2D. In select embodiments, fuze-timer 58 may be configured to send a signal to primerinitiator 54 to initiate exothermic reaction 56 at set time 62 after aerosol 50 from aerosol container 12 is dispersed through dispersion path 28 and out of field expedient munition mechanism 10. In select embodiments, fuze-timer 58 may be dual-safe fuze 64 for unmannedaerial system (UAS), as disclosed in United States Patent Application No. 19 / 353058, incorporated herein in its entirety. Wherein, dual-safe fuze 64 for unmanned aerial system (UAS) as used in the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be configured to allow field expedient munition mechanism 10 to be adapted to multiple fuzing methods for unmanned aerial system (UAS) and / or first-person-view (FPV) drones. In select embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, primer-initiator 54 and fuze-timer 58 may be positioned within outer adapter sleeve housing 18.

[0047] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be the inclusion of fin mechanism 70. Fin mechanism 70 may be configured to be mounted on bottom 72 of aerosol container 12, or the like. Fin mechanism 70 may be configured to provide stability and control of the flight of field expedient munition mechanism 10 when attached to aerosol container 12 (or the like) to create munition 16, like when munition 16 is thrown, shot, or dropped. In select embodiments, fin mechanism 70 may include plastic ring 74 configured to attach to bottom 72 of aerosol container 12. Fin mechanism 70 may be designed, shaped and configured similar to the fins of a 155mm shell, or modem guided or extended-range 155mm artillery projectiles.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that aerosol container 12 that is connected to field expedient munition mechanism 10 to create munition 16 may be spray paint can 76, or the like. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be designed and configured for various other containers, cans, pressurized aerosol style cans 82, or other readily available materials 80.

[0049] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, in select embodiments, field expedient munition mechanism 10 may include tube 88 inserted into hole 92 in bottom 72 of aerosol container 12, or the like. In these embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, blasting cap 84 may be positioned at far end 94 of tube 88 positioned in hole 92 in bottom 72 of aerosol container 12. Fuze-timer 58 may be positioned in field expedient munition mechanism 10 connected onto aerosol container 12 with blasting cap 84 positioned therein. Plug 90 or a cover may be included in near end 96 of tube 88 sealing hole 92 in aerosol container 12. Wires 86 may connect fuze-timer 58 with blasting cap 84 through plug 90 and tube 88. In select embodiments, tube 88 may be a plastic tube (similar to a tire sealant container for fixing a flat tire). Wherein, fuze-timer 58 may be configured to send a signal to blasting cap 84 throughwires 86 to initiate exothermic reaction 56 of aerosol 50 inside of aerosol container 12 for combusting aerosol container 12. Fuze-timer 58 used in this embodiment may be various proximity style fuzes, or the like, including but not limited to, dual-safe fuze 64 for UAS, as disclosed in United States Patent Application No. 19 / 353058, like for use in FPV drones and other UAS applications.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to create field expedient munition 78 out of readily available material 80 (like aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14, or other various containers, cans, canisters, pressurized vessels, or the like, including spray paint can 76).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to provide users with an ability to convert aerosol container 12, or the like, to field expedient munition 78.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to create field expedient munition 78 configured to be used in the absence of a typical military-industrial complex produced munition.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to allow field expedient munition 78 to be transported, refilled, and implemented onto a battlefield due to an ability to safely and readily transport aerosol container 12 (or the like), an aerosol canister (canister containing aerosol 50), or the like, and combine or mate it with field expedient munition mechanism 10 out in the field to create field expedient munition 78.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to enable field expedient munition 78 to be shipped via empty aerosol containers 12 (or the like) to the location of need, then to have the empty aerosol containers 12 (or the like) filled with an exothermic aerosol material 50 (or other flammable material, or the like), and then the field expedient munition 78 can be applied to a unmanned aerial system (UAS) or a first-person-view (FPV) drone.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, another feature of field expedient munition mechanism 10 may be that it can be designed and configured to allow the user to utilize a pressurizable aerosol style can 82 that is empty, fill the pressurizable aerosol style can 82 with a purposeful material designed to fulfill a certain purpose once pressurized. Wherein, the certain purposethat the purposeful material is designed to fulfill may include, but is not limited to, burning vegetation or obstacles or other desired purposes.

[0056] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces method 100 of creating field expedient munition 78 from aerosol container 12 (or the like) with nozzle 14. Method 100 of creating field expedient munition 78 from aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14 may generally include step 102 of providing field expedient munition mechanism 10 in any embodiment and / or combination of embodiments shown and / or described herein. With the provided field expedient munition mechanism 10, method 100 of creating field expedient munition 78 from aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14 may further include step 102 of connecting outer adapter sleeve housing 18 to aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14 positioned inside of outer adapter sleeve housing 18. Wherein, when inner sliding nose member 26 is pushed into distal end 24 of outer adapter sleeve housing 18, inner sliding nose member 26 displaces nozzle 14 of aerosol container 12, whereby aerosol 50 from aerosol container 12 disperses through dispersion path 28 and out of field expedient munition mechanism 10. In select embodiments of method 100 of creating field expedient munition 78 from aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14, the provided field expedient munition mechanism 10 may further include fin mechanism 70. With fin mechanism 70 included in the provided field expedient munition mechanism 10, method 100 of creating field expedient munition 78 from aerosol container 12 with nozzle 14 may further include step 106 of mounting fin mechanism 70 on bottom 72 of aerosol container 12. Whereby, fin mechanism 70 may be configured to provide stability and control of the flight of create field expedient munition 78 when created from field expedient munition mechanism 10 attached to aerosol container 12, like the flight of field expedient munition 78 when field expedient munition 78 is thrown, shot, dropped, or the like.

[0057] In sum, the present disclosure may relate to a novel method and system for converting a field expedient from readily available material 80 into munition 16. Munitions 16 can be created from pressurized aerosol containers 12 or cans such as spray paint cans 76, or the like, or cans of other aerosol 50 or dispersible material which is flammable. As well, through the use of the present disclosure, the user can utilize empty aerosol cans, or the like, and fill the empty aerosol can with a material designed to fulfill a certain purpose, such as to perform functions such as burning vegetation or obstacles or other purposes, once pressurized.

[0058] Using method 100 and field expedient munition mechanism 10, aerosol container 12 or can, may be used as munition 16 in the absence of a typical military-industrial complex produced munition. The disclosed method 100 and field expedient munition mechanism 10 may make it easier to transport, to refill, and to implement munition 16 onto the battlefield due to the ability to safely and readily transport the aerosol materials, the aerosol canister, and combine or mate it with the other components of field expedient munition mechanism 10, like the dual-safe fuze 64 for UAS disclosed and specified in United States Patent Application No. 19 / 353058, like for use in FPV drones and other UAS applications.

[0059] These and other features of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary, and following Brief Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings:

[0060] One feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism 10 and method 100 may be its ability to provide users with the ability to convert an aerosol container 12 or can to field expedient munition 78, with the ability to be adapted to UAS and FPV drones.

[0061] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism 10 and method 100 may be that it can employ the fuze and timer method and system as described in United States Patent Application No. 19 / 353058 to be adapted to multiple fuzing methods.

[0062] Another feature of the disclosed field expedient munition mechanism 10 and method 100 may be that it can enable munition 16 to be shipped in an economical and efficient manner by shipping an empty aerosol container 12 to the location of need, then to have the aerosol container 12 filled with the exothermic aerosol material 50, or the like, and then the combined field expedient munition 78 can be applied to a UAS or an FPV drone.* * *

[0063] In the specification and / or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0064] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments.Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A field expedient munition mechanism for converting an aerosol container with a nozzle into a munition, the field expedient munition mechanism comprising:an outer adapter sleeve housing including:a proximal end with a mounting interface configured to mount the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container around the nozzle; a distal end;an inner sliding nose member configured to slide within the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing; anda dispersion path from the nozzle to out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

2. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 wherein, when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member displaces the nozzle of the aerosol container, whereby aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

3. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mounting interface of the outer adapter sleeve housing includes split rings on the proximal end, the split rings are configured to adapt the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container.

4. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner sliding nose member including a bottom surface with a protruding member, the protruding member on the bottom surface of the inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing.

5. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the dispersion path extending from below the protruding member, through the protruding member and a body of the inner sliding nose member and out of a tip end of the inner sliding nose member.

6. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner sliding nose member includes an aerodynamic external shape.

7. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner sliding nose member includes a weighted body, the weighted body is configured to orient the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition with the inner sliding nose member first when the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped.

8. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 7, wherein when the field expedient munition mechanism is attached to the aerosol container to create the munition and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped, the inner sliding nose member being oriented first is configured to have the inner sliding nose member contact a target surface for pushing the inner sliding nose member into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing thereby displacing the nozzle of the aerosol container upon contact with the target surface, whereby aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism upon contact with the target surface.

9. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 further comprising a primer-initiator, the primer-initiator is configured to initiate an exothermic reaction of aerosol from the aerosol container when dispersed out of the dispersion path.

10. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 further comprising a fuze-timer, the fuze-timer is configured to send a signal to a primer-initiator to initiate an exothermic reaction of aerosol from the aerosol container; andwherein the fuze-timer is configured to send the signal to the primer-initiator to initiate the exothermic reaction at a set time after the aerosol from the aerosol container is dispersed through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

11. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the fuzetimer is a dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS), wherein the dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS) is configured to allow the field expedient munition mechanism to be adapted to multiple fuzing methods for an unmanned aerial system (UAS) and first-person-view (FPV) drones.

12. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the primerinitiator and the fuze-timer are positioned within the outer adapter sleeve housing.

13. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 further comprising a fin mechanism, the fin mechanism is configured to be mounted on a bottom of the aerosol container, the fin mechanism is configured to provide stability and control of flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition, and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped; andwherein the fin mechanism including a plastic ring configured to attach to the bottom of the aerosol container.

14. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol container is a spray paint can.

15. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 further including: a tube inserted into a hole in a bottom of the aerosol container;a blasting cap positioned in a far end of the tube;a fuze-timer positioned in the field expedient munition mechanism;a plug in a near end of the tube sealing the hole; andwires connecting the fuze-timer with the blasting cap through the plug and the tube.

16. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the tube being a plastic tube, and the fuze-timer is configured to send a signal to the blasting cap through the wires to initiate an exothermic reaction of aerosol inside of the aerosol container for combusting the aerosol container.

17. The field expedient munition mechanism according to claim 1 being designed and configured to:create a field expedient munition out of readily available materials;provide users with an ability to convert the aerosol container to the field expedient munition;create the field expedient munition configured to be used in an absence of a typical military -industrial complex produced munition;allow the field expedient munition to be transported, refilled, and implemented onto a battlefield due to an ability to safely and readily transport the aerosol container, an aerosol canister, and combine it with the field expedient munition mechanism;enable the field expedient munition to be shipped via empty aerosol containers to a location of need, then to have the empty aerosol containers filled with an exothermic aerosol material, and then the field expedient munition can be applied to a unmanned aerial system (UAS) or a first-person-view (FPV) drone;allow the users to utilize a pressurizable aerosol style can that is empty, fill the pressurizable aerosol style can with a purposeful material designed to fulfill a certain purpose once pressurized, wherein the certain purpose that the purposeful material is designed to fulfill including burning vegetation or obstacles or other desired purposes; orcombinations thereof.

18. A field expedient munition mechanism for converting an aerosol container with a nozzle into a munition, the field expedient munition mechanism comprising:an outer adapter sleeve housing including:a proximal end with a mounting interface configured to mount the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container around the nozzle; a distal end;split rings included with the mounting interface on the proximal end, the split rings are configured for adapting the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container;an inner sliding nose member configured to slide within the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member including: a bottom surface with a protruding member, the protruding member on the bottom surface of the inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing;an aerodynamic external shape;a weighted body, the weighted body is configured to orient the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition with the inner sliding nose member first whenthe munition is thrown, shot, or dropped;a dispersion path from the nozzle to out of the field expedient munition mechanism, the dispersion path extending from below the protruding member, through the protruding member and the weighted body of the inner sliding nose member and out of a tip end of the inner sliding nose member;a primer-initiator, the primer-initiator is configured to initiate an exothermic reaction of aerosol from the aerosol container when dispersed out of the dispersion path;a fuze-timer, the fuze-timer is configured to send a signal to the primer-initiator to initiate the exothermic reaction of the aerosol from the aerosol container, the fuze-timer is configured to send the signal to the primer-initiator to initiate the exothermic reaction at a set time after aerosol from the aerosol container is dispersed through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism, wherein the fuze-timer is a dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS), wherein the dual-safe fuze for unmanned aerial system (UAS) is configured to allow the field expedient munition mechanism to be adapted to multiple fuzing methods to be adapted to an unmanned aerial system (UAS) and first-person-view (FPV) drones;the primer-initiator and the fuze-timer are positioned within the outer adapter sleeve housing;a fin mechanism, the fin mechanism is configured to be mounted on a bottom of the aerosol container, the fin mechanism is configured to provide stability and control of flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container to create the munition, and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped, the fin mechanism including a plastic ring configured to attach to the bottom of the aerosol container;wherein, when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member displaces the nozzle of the aerosol container, whereby the aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism; andwherein, when the field expedient munition mechanism is attached to the aerosol container to create the munition and the munition is thrown, shot, or dropped, the inner sliding nose member being oriented first is configured to have theinner sliding nose member contact a target surface for pushing the inner sliding nose member into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing thereby displacing the nozzle of the aerosol container upon contact with the target surface, whereby the aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism upon contact with the target surface.

19. A method of creating a field expedient munition from an aerosol container with a nozzle, the method comprising:providing a field expedient munition mechanism comprising:an outer adapter sleeve housing including:a proximal end with a mounting interface configured to mount the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container around the nozzle;a distal end;an inner sliding nose member configured to slide within the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member is configured to displace the nozzle of the aerosol container when pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing; anda dispersion path from the nozzle to out of the field expedient munition mechanism;connecting the outer adapter sleeve housing to the aerosol container with the nozzle positioned inside of the outer adapter sleeve housing; andwherein, when the inner sliding nose member is pushed into the distal end of the outer adapter sleeve housing, the inner sliding nose member displaces the nozzle of the aerosol container, whereby aerosol from the aerosol container disperses through the dispersion path and out of the field expedient munition mechanism.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the provided field expedient munition mechanism further comprising a fin mechanism, the method further comprising:mounting the fin mechanism on a bottom of the aerosol container, whereby the fin mechanism is configured to provide stability and control of flight of the field expedient munition mechanism when attached to the aerosol container tocreate the field expedient munition, and the field expedient munition is thrown, shot, or dropped.

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