Less-lethal projectile launcher

Abstract

This invention relates to a less-lethal pneumatic projectile launcher, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a pressurised gas cannister used within the launcher. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a puncturing mechanism for a less lethal pneumatic launcher by pulling back the slide to puncture the CO2 canister, and a further alternative of puncturing the cannister by depressing a safety actuating lever. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a puncturing assembly for puncturing a compressed gas cannister which is movable relative to the barrel of the launcher, and wherein the movement of the cannister enables the cannister to be moved towards a puncturing arrangement of the launcher when an actuator of the launcher is pulled, thereby puncturing the cannister.

Description

[0001] LESS-LETHAL PROJECTILE LAUNCHER

[0002] INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a less-lethal pneumatic projectile launcher, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a pressurised gas cannister used within the launcher.

[0004] Various pneumatic projectile launchers are known in the art, which are predominantly used for sporting purposes, like paintball or airsoft. Another use that has become a lot more prevalent and popular of late is so called less-lethal launchers for personal security, or for law enforcement purposes to lessen the incidence of fatalities during law enforcement operations. Pneumatic launchers are typically equipped with a relatively large reusable cannister that can be refilled once the pressurised gas is depleted. Launchers of this sort are predominantly used for sporting applications referred to above. Alternatively to having a large, refillable cannister, launchers are equipped to utilise a smaller, discardable pressurised gas cannister that is sealed by a metal film that is punctured by a mechanism within the launcher to provide the launcher with pressurised gas when the user requires to use the launcher. This type of launcher is popular for carry or concealment, and in particular less lethal applications, such as self-defence and law enforcement, wherein the launcher is equipped with a pressurised, sealed compressed gas cannister and thus ready to be used when needed in an emergency situation upon puncturing of the cannister seal. A distinction is generally made between one type of launcher having a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a discardable CO2 cannister on the first trigger pull, witha second and subsequent trigger pulls being required for each projectile launched from the launcher (a so-called second or double trigger pull mechanism), and a second type of launcher wherein the cannister is punctured and a projectile is launched with a single pull of the trigger (so called first or single trigger pull launchers).

[0005] Both types of launchers have advantages and disadvantages associated therewith.

[0006] Single trigger pull launchers have the advantage that a user can discharge a projectile from the launcher immediately on the first trigger pull, which can be particularly useful in an emergency situation. It can however increase the possibility of accidental discharge by a single, often unintended trigger pull, and a first trigger pull may also require additional force to pull the trigger since the metal film covering the CO2 cannister has to be punctured, which could be difficult for users with a smaller stature. Another type of launcher has the CO2 canister positioned in the grip, with an extrusion extending from the bottom of the grip needing to be compressed to puncture the CO2 canister - this is a push-button system. This type of launcher typically requires significant force to puncture the CO2 canister, and the piercing of the CO2 canister can be awkward and difficult, especially in emergency situations. In some cases, it requires the user to hit the protrusion on the bottom of the handle against another solid object, because it can be difficult to puncture by hand.

[0007] Second trigger pull launchers have the advantage that it almost completely cancels out the possibility of an accidental discharge and associated injury to a large extent, and also gives the user additional time to consider if they really want to discharge thelauncher. It also gives the user the possibility to warn an assailant before the weapon is discharged.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a puncturing mechanism for a less lethal pneumatic launcher, that also includes an alternative method of pulling back the slide to puncture the CO2 canister, and a further alternative of puncturing the cannister by depressing a safety actuating lever, with which the above disadvantages associated with prior art puncturing mechanisms could at least partially be overcome or alleviated.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a puncturing assembly for puncturing a compressed gas cannister providing gas pressure for propelling a projectile from a barrel of a projectile launcher, wherein the compressed gas cannister is located above the barrel of the launcher, with the compressed gas cannister being movable relative to the barrel of the launcher, and wherein the movement of the cannister enabling the cannister to be moved towards a puncturing arrangement of the launcher when an actuator of the launcher is pulled, which actuates the cannister from a first position wherein it is compressed, to a second position towards a puncturing arrangement in order to puncture the cannister and allow compressed gas to be released from the cannister into a gas collection chamber of the launcher.Further according to the invention, the actuator may be a trigger. Further alternatively, the actuator may be a slide of the launcher.

[0012] Further according to the first aspect of invention, the gas collection chamber is connected to a valve chamber via a release valve, wherein upon compression of the collection chamber by gas released from the punctured cannister via the release valve, which pressurises the valve chamber, with the plunger being maintained in the second position by the pressurised valve chamber which seals the cannister against the puncturing arrangement.

[0013] Still further according to the first aspect of the invention, the puncturing arrangement comprises a puncturing pin, a biasing member and a sealing member, wherein movement of the cannister towards the puncturing arrangement when the trigger of the launcher is pulled forces the cannister against the sealing member to seal the cannister against the sealing member, and the sealing member is forced against the biasing member which moves the biasing member against the bias and in turn forces the puncturing pin through a mouth of the cannister and into the cannister which enables the release of pressurised gas from the compressed cannister and into the gas collection chamber of the launcher.

[0014] Yet further according to the first aspect of the invention, when the gas in the compressed cannister is depleted, the pressure in the valve chamber is decreased, and the biasing member of the puncturing arrangement moves the empty cannister and plunger back to an empty position, and the puncturing pin is removed from the cannister.According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a puncturing arrangement for piecing a compressed gas cannister of a projectile launcher, wherein pulling a trigger of the launcher actuates a sliding mechanism which moves a slide of the launcher from a safe position wherein an gas cannister can be loaded into the slide of the launcher, towards a firing position wherein the slide is moved towards a valve assembly having a puncturing pin projecting therefrom, with the movement of the cannister puncturing the cannister, which allows compressed gas to flow from the gas cannister into the compressed gas chamber in order to pressurise the compressed chamber.

[0015] Further according to the second aspect of the invention, the slide may be pulled backwards by a user to move between the safe position and firing position.

[0016] Further according to a second aspect of the invention, a piston located within the chamber and connected to the trigger is moved against the bias of a biasing spring by the pressure in the compressed gas chamber, with the movement of the piston disengaging the trigger from the sliding mechanism whilst the slide of the launcher is in the firing position.

[0017] Further according to the second aspect of the invention, the trigger and slide are connected to each other by a rack and pinion gear, with the rack being connected to the slide, and the trigger being provided with a gear arrangement which engages the pinion gear, whereupon pulling the trigger causes the gear arrangement on the trigger to rotate the pinion gear, which engages the rack on the slide and actuates the slideand moves the cannister within the slide towards the puncturing pin in order to puncture the cannister.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a compressed gas cannister contained within a cannister compartment of a pneumatic launcher, the puncturing arrangement being located below a barrel and inside the slide of the launcher and slidably connected to the slide of the launcher by a sear, with the sear abutting a puncturing pin of the launcher when the launcher is in an unloaded position, wherein the sear pushes the puncturing pin against a biasing member and away from the compressed gas cannister compartment when the slide is pulled towards a rear end of the launcher, with the sear being disengaged from the puncturing pin when the slide reaches a loading position wherein a compressed gas cannister can be loaded into the launcher, with a second trigger sear engaging the puncturing pin, and pulling a trigger of the launcher disengages the puncturing pin causing the biasing member to move the puncturing pin towards the gas cannister compartment to puncture a seal of a compressed gas cannister loaded within the compartment, which releases compressed gas from the cannister into a valve chamber of the launcher.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile launcher having a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a compressed gas cannister of the projectile launcher, the launcher being provided with a safety actuating lever connected to an internal pivotable member, the pivotable member being pivotable between a first position wherein the safety actuating lever is in a safe position, and a second position wherein the safety actuating lever is depressed and in a firing position,in which second position the pivotable member pushes a puncturing mechanism away from a resting position and towards a compressed gas cannister, and a puncturing member of the puncturing mechanism punctures the compressed gas cannister.

[0020] Further according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the puncture mechanism is maintained in a puncturing position upon puncturing of the gas cannister by compressed gas escaping from the cannister through a puncturing member and pressurising an internal cavity of a puncture mechanism, with the pressure in the internal cavity pushing the puncture mechanism towards the gas cannister and against the bias of a biasing member, thus maintaining the puncture mechanism in the puncturing position. The safety actuating lever may be actuated between a safe position and a firing position when the internal cavity is pressurised, with the puncturing mechanism being disengaged from the safety actuating lever. The puncture mechanism may return to the resting position when the compressed gas in the cannister is depleted, and the internal cavity is depressurised.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will now be described further by way of a non-limiting example(s) with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 : is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing a cannister inserted into the launcher prior to being punctured;Figure 2: is the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of figure 1 , wherein the cannister is moved towards the puncturing pin by a trigger mechanism of the launcher;

[0024] Figure 3: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of figure 1 and figure 2, wherein the trigger mechanism is disengaged from the puncturing mechanism when the cannister is punctured;

[0025] Figure 4: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 5: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figure 4, showing a trigger mechanism being actuated and moving the cannister forward towards a puncturing pin, and puncturing the cannister;

[0027] Figure 6: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figures 4 and 5, showing the trigger mechanism being disengaged when the cannister is punctured;

[0028] Figure ?: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher according to a third embodiment of the invention;Figure 8: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of figure 7, showing a trigger mechanism being actuated and moving the cannister forward towards a puncturing pin, and puncturing the cannister;

[0029] Figure 9: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of figures 7 and 8, showing the trigger mechanism being disengaged from the gas cannister when the cannister is punctured;

[0030] Figure 10: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0031] Figure 11: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher of figure 10, wherein a slide of the launcher containing the cannister is moved towards the puncturing pin by a trigger mechanism of the launcher;

[0032] Figure 12: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly of a pneumatic launcher of figures 10 and 11 , showing the trigger mechanism being disengaged when the cannister is punctured;Figure 13: is a plan view of a pressurised cannister puncturing assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 14: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figure 13, showing a compressed gas cannister inserted into a slide of the launcher when the slide is in an unloaded position;

[0034] Figure 15: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figures 13 and 14, wherein the slide is being moved between an unloaded position of figure 14, and a loaded position (shown in picture 16), with the cannister being moved towards a firing pin of the puncturing assembly;

[0035] Figure 16: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figures 13 to 15, wherein a trigger of the launcher has been pulled and the puncturing pin has been released and inserted into the mouth of cannister, and the trigger is disengaged from the puncturing mechanism;

[0036] Figure 17: is a plan view of an alternative to the puncturing assembly of the first embodiment of figures 1 to 3, showing a handle actuator in a first position wherein the puncturing assembly is not yet actuated and inserted into the cannister;Figure 18: is a plan view of the puncturing assembly of figure 17, wherein the handle actuator is pressed forward, and the compressed gas cannister is punctured;

[0037] Figure 19: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of a pneumatic launcher according to a sixth and preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the internal components of the launcher;

[0038] Figure 20: is a plan view of an opposite side of the launcher of figure 19, showing the external appearance of the launcher;

[0039] Figure 21 : is a perspective front view of the internal components of the launcher of figures 19 and 20, with the external shell of the launcher removed to indicate the internal workings of some of the components;

[0040] Figure 22: is a perspective bottom view of the internal components of the launcher of figures 21 as viewed from below, with the external shell of the launcher removed to indicate the internal workings of some of the components;

[0041] Figure 23: is a plan view of the launcher of figures 19 to 22, showing a slide of the launcher pulled rearwards in order to puncture a pressurised gas cannister;Figure 24: is a plan view of the launcher of figures 19 to 23, showing the slide pushed forwards by pressure released from the gas cannister when the internal components of the launcher are pressurised;

[0042] Figure 25: is a plan view of the launcher of figures 19 to 24, showing movement of the internal components when the trigger is pulled to fire a projectile from the launcher;

[0043] Figure 26: is a perspective front view of the launcher of figure 25, with the external shell of the launcher removed to indicate the internal workings of some of the components;

[0044] Figure 27: is a plan view of the launcher of figures 19 to 26, indicating the slide of the launcher moved forward past the level of the barrel in order to eject a depleted gas cannister from the launcher;

[0045] Figure 28: is a plan view of the launcher of figure 27, with the gas cannister removed;

[0046] Figure 29: is a perspective front view of the opposite side of the launcher of figures 27 and 28, indicating the outer shell of the launcher, and the aperture in the slide of the launcher for insertion of a pressurised gas cannister, and ejection of a depleted cannister;Figure 30: is a plan view of a pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of a pneumatic launcher according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, showing a safety actuating lever in a safe position;

[0047] Figure 31 : is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of figure 31 , showing the internal components of the pneumatic launcher when the safety actuating lever is in the safe position of figure 30;

[0048] Figure 32: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of figures 30 and 31 , showing the safety actuating lever actuated into a firing position, which punctures the gas cannister, with compressed gas from the fas cannister pressurising the pneumatic launcher;

[0049] Figure 33: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of figures 30 to 32, showing the internal components of the pneumatic launcher when the safety actuating lever is in the actuated firing position of figure 32;

[0050] Figure 34: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of figures 30 to 33, showing the internal components of the pneumatic launcher when the safetyactuating lever is actuated towards the safe position after the cannister has been punctured, and the pneumatic launcher is in a pressurised state, but prevented from firing by the safety actuating lever; and

[0051] Figure 35: is a plan view of the pressurised gas cannister puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of figures 30 to 34, showing the internal components of the pneumatic launcher when the compressed gas in the pressurised gas cannister has been depleted, the launcher depressurised, and the safety actuating lever returning to the safe position.

[0052] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Referring to figures 1 to 3, a puncturing assembly for a pneumatic projectile launcher according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10.

[0054] As shown in figure 1, there is provided a puncturing assembly 10 for puncturing a compressed gas cannister 12 providing gas pressure for propelling a projectile from a barrel of a projectile launcher (not shown). The compressed gas cannister 12 is located above the barrel of the launcher (not shown), with the compressed gas cannister being movable relative to the barrel of the launcher. Once the cannister 12 has been loaded into the launcher, the cannister 12 abuts a puncturing arrangement of the launcher, consisting of a piston 14, a puncturing pin 16, a biasing spring 18, and a seal 20. Whena trigger 22 of the launcher is pulled, as shown in figure 2, the trigger pivots around pivot point 24, and pushes push rod 26 towards the front end of the launcher. Push rod 26 is releasably connected to connection rod 28, and when push rod 26 is moved forward, it pivots connection rod 28 around a second pivotable connection 30 from a first position to a second position, which causes plunger 32 to move the cannister 12 from a first position where it is not punctured, to a second position wherein the plunger 32 pushes the cannister 12 against seal 20, which forces piston 14 against the biasing spring 18, which compresses the spring 18 and exposes puncturing pin 16 and forces puncturing pin 16 into the mouth of the cannister 12. When the cannister 12 is punctured by the puncturing pin 16, compressed gas escapes from the cannister 12 into gas collection chamber 34. Gas collection chamber 34 is connected to a second gas collection chamber 36 via a gas duct 38. Compressed gas from released from the cannister 12 through the pin 16 flows from collection chamber 34 towards collection chamber 36 via the gas duct 38 and pressurises second gas collection chamber 36, which pressure pushes against plunger 32, which pushes cannister 12 against seal 20 in order to establish and maintain airtight seal whilst the cannister is compressed.

[0055] When gas collection chamber 36 is pressurised, the plunger 32 moves to its second position wherein it forces gas cannister 12 forward, and connection rod 28, being connected to plunger 32, remains pivoted towards the second position (as shown in figure 2). In this position, the releasable connection between push rod 26 and connection rod 28 is disconnected, which disengages trigger 22 from the puncturing assembly 10 (as shown in figure 3), and allows the trigger 22 to be utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher (not shown).When the pressurised gas in cannister 12 has been depleted, the pressure in gas collection chambers 34 and 36 are decreased, and the cannister can be moved away from valve 14 in order to release puncturing pin 16 from the mouth of cannister 12, whereafter cannister 12 can be removed from the launcher and replaced with a sealed, pressurised cannister.

[0056] Compressed gas from gas collection chamber 24 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0057] In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 4 to 6, a puncturing assembly for a pneumatic launcher is indicated by reference numeral 40.

[0058] The compressed gas cannister and puncturing assembly is located above a barrel of the launcher (not shown). The compressed gas cannister 42 is inserted into the launcher and abuts a trigger plunger 44. Trigger lever 46 is pivotally connected to trigger 48 at pivot point 50. At an opposite end, the mouth of cannister 42 abuts seal 52 forming part of valve 54, which further houses biasing spring 56. Puncturing needle 58 is centrally disposed within valve 54. Puncturing needle 58 comprises a central longitudinal aperture, which is in fluid flow connection with gas conduit 60, which terminates in gas collection chamber 62. Biasing spring 64 is located within gas collection chamber 62, and abuts trigger plunger 44 at an opposite end to cannister 42. Spring 64 pulls plunger 44 away from the cannister.Referring to figures 5 and 6, when trigger 48 is pulled, the trigger lever 46 pivots around the pivot point 50 and pushes trigger plunger 44 forward, which forces cannister 42 against seal 52 and valve 54 causing valve 54 to compress biasing spring 56 and slide over puncturing pin 58, which forces puncturing pin 58 into cannister 42, thereby puncturing cannister 42, with the seal 52 forming an gas tight seal against the mouth of cannister 42. Once the cannister 42 has been punctured, compressed gas flows from cannister 42 through puncturing pin 58, into and through conduit 60 and into gas collection chamber 62, pressurising the chamber and forcing the trigger plunger 44 and cannister 42 against valve 54. Biasing spring 64 is now in an extended position due to the gas pressure in gas collection chamber 62 pushing the spring 64 against its bias, with the compressed gas in chamber 62 further maintaining trigger plunger 44 and cannister 42 against valve 54 and further maintaining the gas tight seal against mouth of cannister 42. Trigger lever 46 can now be disengaged from trigger plunger 44, and trigger 48 is released from the puncturing assembly 40, and can be used to propel projectiles from the launcher (not shown).

[0059] When the pressurised gas in cannister 42 has been depleted, the pressure in gas collection chamber 62 is decreased, and plunger 44 is pulled away from the cannister 42 by spring 64 returning to its biased position, and the cannister can be moved away from valve 54 in order to release puncturing pin 58 from the mouth of cannister 42, whereafter cannister 42 can be removed from the launcher and replaced with a sealed, pressurised cannister.

[0060] Similar to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, compressed gas within gas collection chamber 62 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequentpulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0061] In a third embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 7 to 9, a puncturing assembly for a pneumatic launcher is indicated by reference numeral 70.

[0062] Puncturing assembly 70 comprises space for containing compressed gas cannister 72, which, is in contact with seal 74 abutting mouth of cannister 72 when the cannister is loaded in the launcher. Piston 76 is movable and in a direction parallel to the length of cannister 72 with biasing spring 78 surrounding puncturing needle 80, which is in fluid flow connection with gas collection chamber 82. Trigger 84 is pivotably connected to trigger lever 86 at pivot point 88.

[0063] As indicated in figures 8 and 9, when trigger 84 is pulled, the trigger lever 86 is rotated about pivot point 88, with trigger lever 86 pushing connection rod 90 towards the front end of the launcher by applying force to a connecting member 92. When connecting rod 90 is pushed forward, it pushes the cannister 72 towards the valve 76 by applying force to pivotable arms 94 and 95, pivoting around pivot point 96.

[0064] In doing so, cannister 72 is pushed rearwards by the interaction of pivoting arms 94 and 95, and cannister 72 pushes piston 76 towards collection chamber 82, which compresses spring 78 and exposes puncturing needle 80. When spring 78 is compressed and puncturing pin 80 is exposed from piston 76, an airtight seal is created by seal 74 pushing against the mouth of cannister 72, and the puncturing needle 80 pierces into cannister 72. When cannister 72 is punctured, compressed gasflows from cannister 72 past puncturing needle 80 and enters compressed gas chamber 82 via aperture 83, or alternatively through puncturing needle 80 when the puncturing pin 80 is in the form of a needle having a central conduit spanning through the length thereof. Puncturing needle 80 can thus either be a needle with a central bore, or a solid pin. When gas collection chamber 82 is pressurised, sealing member 98, which has been moved by the pressure released from the gas cannister into the collection chamber to a closed position indicated in figures 8 and 9, is maintained in position by the pressure within collection chamber 82. When pivoting arm 94 has been pushed sufficiently forward, pivoting arm 95 seats in notch 100, and cannister 72 is forced backwards by the air pressure in gas collection chamber 82 and spring 78, pushing seal 74 and piston 76 against cannister 72 in order to maintain an air tight seal and pressurised environment between cannister 72 and gas collection chamber 82. When pivot arm 94 sits in the notch 100 when system is pressurised, the cannister 72 can move back forwards to the original position and the pivot arm 94 is captured in this position by the gas cannister 72 until the system is depressurised, at which point the cannister can be removed and the system re-sets. Alternatively the slide could be pulled rearwards to pull the CO2 canister into the puncture pin to initiate the puncture sequence as described above.

[0065] Trigger lever 86 can now be disengaged from connection member 92, whilst the connection rod 90 and is maintained in the forward position by the pressured force in gas collection chamber 82 on sealing member 98, and trigger 84 is released from the puncturing assembly 70, and can be used to propel projectiles from the launcher (not shown).When the pressurised gas in cannister 82 has been depleted, cannister 72 can be removed from the launcher. Pivoting member 94 is pivoted to engage connection rod 90, and cannister 72 can be replaced with a sealed, pressurised cannister.

[0066] Similar to the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 6, compressed gas within gas collection chamber 82 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0067] A fourth embodiment is shown in figures 10 to 12, wherein a puncture assembly for a pneumatic projectile launcher is indicated by reference numeral 110.

[0068] The fourth embodiment differs from embodiments one to three, in that a slide of the launcher 112 containing the cannister 114 is movable towards a puncturing pin in order to puncture cannister 114.

[0069] Trigger 118 pivots around pivoting point 120, and is connected to trigger gear 122, which is removably connected to pinion gear 124. Rack 126 is engaged by pinion gear 124, and is connected to slide 112.

[0070] Trigger bar 130 is connected to pivot point 120 and trigger gear 122 at a first end, and pivotally connected to pivot point 132 at a second end. Trigger bar 130 is further connected to connection rod 134 at a point along the length of trigger bar 130, and connection rod 134 terminates in valve end 136 located within gas collection chamber 128.When trigger 118 is pulled, trigger gear 122 engages pinion gear 126, and moves slide 112 towards a rear end of the launcher by engaging rack 126, as shown in figure 11. Connection rod 134 keeps gas collection chamber 128 in a stationary position relative to the trigger bar 130. Puncturing pin 116, connected to gas collection chamber 128, accordingly also remains stationary as slide 112 and cannister 114 is moved towards piecing pin 116, which in the process compresses spring 138, and causes puncturing pin 116 to protrude from piston 140 and seal 142, with seal 142 making an airtight seal against the mouth end of cannister 114. When the puncturing pin 116 protrudes sufficiently past piston 140 and seal 142, it punctures cannister 114, which releases compressed gas from cannister 114 through puncturing pin 116 into gas collection chamber 128, which creates a pressurised environment between cannister 114 and collection chamber 128. Alternatively the slide could be pulled rearwards to pull the CO2 canister into the puncture pin to initiate the puncture sequence as described above.

[0071] Once the gas collection chamber 128 has been pressurised, piston end 136 is pushed from a first position as shown in figures 10 and 11, to a second pressurised position as shown in figure 12. Connection rod 134, connected to piston end 136, pushes trigger bar 130 away from the slide 112 by pivoting around pivot point 132. Pivoting point 120, connected to connection rod 130 and trigger gear 122 is accordingly moved away from pinion gear 124, and the trigger gear 122 is disengaged from pinion gear 124, and trigger 118 is thus in a disengaged position, which makes it possible for the trigger to be utilised to launch projectiles from the launcher. When the trigger is in the disengaged position shown in figure 12, trigger spring 144 is compressed byconnection rod 130, and maintained in a compressed position by the gas pressure within collection chamber 128 exercising force on piston end 136.

[0072] When the pressurised gas in cannister 114 has been depleted, pressure on piston end 136 is decreased, and the trigger spring 144 pushes connection rod 130 upwards and spring 138 simultaneously pushes slide 112 forward relative to the launcher, enabling trigger gear 122 to engage pinion gear 124.

[0073] Similar to the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 9, compressed gas within gas collection chamber 128 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0074] A fifth embodiment of the invention is indicated in figures 13 to 16, wherein a puncture assembly for a pneumatic launcher is indicated by reference numeral 150. In this embodiment, a slide 152 of the launcher is moveable relative to the puncture assembly 150, and cannister 154. The puncture assembly 150 comprises of a puncture body 156, a valve 158, a pressure seal 160, a slide sear 162, and a slide sear channel 164. It further comprises a trigger 166, a trigger sear 168, puncturing pin body 170, puncturing pin 172, a spring 174, and gas collection chamber 176 which is in fluid flow communication with puncturing pin 172.

[0075] Figure 13 shows the slide 152 moved forward relative to the launcher, in which position a compressed cannister can be inserted into the slide 152. Figure 14 shows the slide moved partially backwards towards the rear of the launcher, with the mouth ofcannister 154 abutting pressure seal 160. As the slide is pulled backwards, slide sear 162 moves along a horizontal section of slide sear channel 164, and simultaneously pushes puncturing pin body 170 and puncturing pin 172 away from 158 and cannister 154 until the point where slide sear 162 moves into a diagonal section of slide sear channel 164, which pulls the slide sear 162 upwards and away from puncturing body 170. In the process, spring 174 is compressed between the puncturing pin body 170, and compressed air chamber 176. Trigger sear 168 is simultaneously pushed upward by a compression spring (not shown) and engages puncturing pin body 170 and locks puncturing pin body 170 into a cocked position.

[0076] When slide 152 is moved backwards, the mouth of cannister 154 is pushed against seal 160, which moves valve 158 backwards along the length of puncturing pin 172 until the point of puncturing pin 172 abuts the mouth of cannister 154, as shown in figure 15. In this position, the trigger sear 168 keeps the puncturing pin body 170 in the cocked position of figure 14.

[0077] When the trigger 166 is pulled, as shown in figure 16, trigger sear 168 is pivoted and disengaged from the puncturing pin body 170, with the spring 174 being rapidly decompressed, which forces the puncturing pin body 170 and puncturing pin 172 forward, with the puncturing pin puncturing the cannister 154, and compressed gas flowing from the cannister 154 through the puncturing pin 172 and into the collection chamber 176, creating a pressurised environment within the puncturing assembly 150. Similar to other embodiments, the puncturing pin may be a solid pin, with compressed gas moving past it, or a needle, with compressed gas moving through it.In a variation to the fifth embodiment, the launcher does not have a cannister loaded in it. The puncture pin is then armed by pulling the slide backwards, and when the trigger is pulled, the puncturing pin is forced into the cannister.

[0078] Similar to the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 12, compressed gas within gas collection chamber 176 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0079] In a variation of the first embodiment of the invention, the puncturing arrangement is actuated by the handle of the launcher, as shown in figures 17 and 18, wherein the puncturing arrangement is indicated by reference numeral 200. When a compressed air cannister 202 is loaded into the launcher, the handle actuator 204 is in a first position, as shown in figure 17. By gripping the handle firmly and with intent, the user pushes the handle actuator 204 inward, as shown in figure 18. In this embodiment, pushing the handle actuator 204 inwards pulls the rod 206 backwards, which pulls the pivotable plunger lever 208 towards the rod 206. Pivotable plunger lever 208 is connected to plunger 210, and when the plunger lever 208 is pulled towards rod 206, the plunger 208 pushes plunger 210 towards the puncturing pin 212. From here onwards, the puncturing arrangements functions similarly to the puncturing arrangement if the first embodiment of figures 1 to 3.

[0080] In a sixth and preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 19 to 29, a puncturing assembly and firing mechanism of a less lethal launcher is indicated by reference numeral 250.As shown in figure 20, a gas cannister 252 is inserted into the launcher at an aperture in a slide 254 of the launcher. The cannister 252 is inserted via the aperture in the slide 254 into a retention ring 256, which is biased forward by a spring 258. When the cannister 252 is inserted into the aperture and retention ring 256, the retention ring is pushed backwards towards the rear end of the launcher, which compresses the spring 258, which enables the cannister 252 to fit through the aperture and into a space provided in the slide 254. Slide 254 is provided with an interior indentation towards the front of the slide, which indentation is shaped complementary to the closed, rounded end of a gas cannister. As soon as the cannister 252 is inserted into the slide 254, the spring 258 pushes the retention ring 256 forward towards the front end of the launcher, and the cannister 252 is held firmly in place in the slide 254, and the retention ring 256 creates a dust seal against a shoulder of the cannister 252. The launcher is now ready to be used when needed by puncturing the cannister 252 (as per the steps described hereinbelow). In this current state, wherein a sealed, unpunctured cannister is provided in the launcher, a user can safely store the launcher, or carry the launcher on their person.

[0081] The launcher is further provided with a puncturing mechanism comprising a puncturing pin 260 within a puncturing chamber 262. Puncturing pin 260 extends through a seal 261 which sits against the mouth of cannister 252. Valve 264 seats against the puncturing chamber 262, and is provided with a regulator pin 266 which extends into the puncturing chamber 262. Piston 266 is in fluid flow communication with firing valve 268, releasing compressed gas into the firing valve 268. The launcher is further provided with a trigger mechanism comprising a trigger 272, a trigger rod 274 providedwith a trigger pin 276 that fits slidably into a diagonal, longitudinal groove 278 in barrel 280 (see figure 21). Barrel 280 terminates in projectile chamber 282 which receives projectiles 284 from a stack of projectiles 284 inserted into a magazine (not shown), with the magazine being inserted into the handle of the launcher. Puncture chamber 262 is connected to the slide 254 at inwardly extending rib 255 located within the slide.

[0082] When a user intends to use the launcher, which has been loaded with a compressed gas cannister, but without the cannister being punctured, the user pulls back the slide into the position indicated in figure 23, wherein the retention ring 256 abuts the interior rib 255. The cannister 252, which is located in the slide 254 and held firmly in place by the biasing spring 258 pushing against retention ring 256 at the mouth of the cannister, and the opposite rounded end of the cannister fitting into the complementary rounded indentation within the slide, is pushed against the puncturing pin 260, which punctures the cannister 252. As soon as the cannister 252 is punctured, compressed air escapes from the cannister 252, moving past the piercing pin 260, and exits the puncture chamber 262 between an opening between the rear end of the puncture chamber 262 and regulator pin 266. The compressed air forces piston 264 backwards towards the firing valve 268 due to the difference in 0-ring sizes, compressed gas flowing through the hole in piston 264 pressurises the firing valve 268. Regulator pin 266 extends through a seal 267 at the rear end of the puncture chamber 262, and pushes against piston 264 when pressurised, and spring 265 is compressed by piston 264 due to the increase in pressure, the regulator pin 266 seats against the seal 267, sealing the pressurised gas within the regulator assembly and firing valve 268. The gas cannister 252 has now been punctured, with pressurised gas from the cannister 252 pressuring firing valve 268. The seal holder assembly 288 is now being pushed forward by thegas pressure and in turn pushes the cannister 252 and in turn the slide 254 forward to its original position, as shown in figure 24, which removes the puncturing pin 260 from the mouth of the cannister, with gas pressure from the pressurised cannister being maintained within the launcher. When the user intends to fire a projectile 284 from the launcher, when the launcher has been pressurised pulling the slide 254 backwards, puncturing the cannister and pressuring the launcher, the trigger 272 is pulled backwards. When the trigger 272 is pulled, trigger rod 274 is pushed forward, as shown in figure 26, with the trigger pin 276 sliding from one side of the diagonal longitudinal groove 278 towards another, which causes the barrel 280 to partially rotate. Barrel chamber 282, forming part of the barrel 280, rotates around a projectile 284 when the trigger 272 is pulled, which seals the projectile within the barrel chamber. At the same time when the trigger is pulled, valve release pin 286 is pulled from the firing valve 268, as shown in figure 26, which causes compressed gas to flow from the firing valve 268, pushing piston valve 270 backwards and releasing pressurised gas into the barrel chamber 282, which propels projectile 284 forward towards the mouth of the barrel and out of the barrel, in view of the barrel chamber 282 being sealed by the rotation of the barrel chamber, and pressurised gas from the firing valve 268 having nowhere else to go apart from forcing the projectile 284 forward and out of the barrel of the launcher. When the trigger 272 is released, it moves back to its forward safe position, with the trigger rod 274 moving backwards with the trigger, which rotates the barrel 280 and barrel chamber 282 in the opposite direction towards its original orientation. The opening in barrel chamber 282 is now exposed, and a projectile 284 can be pushed into the barrel chamber 282 by the spring actioned magazine (not shown). Repetitive shots can now be fired from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger 272 until the gas in the cannister 252 has been depleted.When the gas in cannister 252 is depleted, the slide is moved forward to the position indicated in figures 27 to 29. In this orientation, the retention ring 256 is pushed forward by spring 258. The air pressure that had pushed piston 264 backwards and towards the firing valve 268 has now been released, and biasing spring 265 pushes piston 264 forward in the absence of pressure within the launcher, with spring 265 pushing the piston 264 away from the firing valve 268. The cannister 252 has been depressurised, and can now be removed from the launcher via the aperture in slide 254. Figures 28 and 29 shows the launcher without a cannister inside, with the slide 254 being moved into a forward position relative to the launcher, enabling the empty cannister to be easily removed and discarded from the launcher.

[0083] Referring finally to a seventh embodiment of the invention, depicted in figures 30 to 35, a puncturing assembly for a pneumatic launcher is indicated by reference numeral 300.

[0084] The seventh embodiment 300 receives gas cannister 302 into a retention ring 304 through a side aperture in the top portion of the launcher, and the gas cannister 302 is retained in within the launcher in a similar fashion as that of the sixth embodiment. The slide of launcher 300 may be fixed into position, or may be slidable relative to the barrel of the launcher. If the slide is movable, the slide may be used to puncture the gas cannister 302, as described in the sixth embodiment hereinabove. The launcher 300 of this seventh embodiment is however provided with a piercing arrangement actuated by the safety mechanism of the launcher, with the safety actuating lever 306 pivoting around pivot point 308. Figures 30 and 31 shows the safety actuating lever306 in a safe position, wherein the trigger is unable to be pulled, and a projectile cannot be launched from the projectile launcher 300. Figure 31 shows the internal components of the launcher 300. Pivot point 308 extends through the body of the launcher 300, and terminates internally in actuating pivot point 308, which actuates lever 310. When the safety actuating lever 306 is moved from the safe position of figures 30 and 31, to the firing position of figures 32 and 33, lever 310 pushes puncturing mechanism 312 towards the mouth of gas cannister 302, causing puncturing needle 314 to puncture gas cannister 302. As soon as gas cannister 302 is punctured, pressurised gas flows through puncturing needle 314, and into the gas cavity 316, with pressure accumulating in the cavity 316 forcing the puncturing mechanism 312 towards the gas cannister 302 and further into the mouth of the gas cannister 302. The accumulated pressure in the cavity 316 also forces piston 318 rearwards away from the gas cannister 302, and towards gas collection chamber 320. With the piston 318 pushed against gas collection chamber 320, compressed gas flows past regulator pin 322, through an air passage 324 in piston 318, and causes gas to accumulate in the valve chamber 320.

[0085] When the launchers is in a pressurised configuration as described above, with the puncturing mechanism 312 pressurised towards the gas cannister 302, the actuating lever 310 is free to move between the safe position of figures 30 and 31 , to the position of figures 32 to 34, wherein the actuating lever 310 is disengaged from the puncturing mechanism 312, and a user can still use the safety mechanism of the launcher to prevent accidental and unintended discharge of the launcher and launching of the projectile.Figure 35 shows the launcher with the compressed gas in gas cannister 302 being depleted, and the puncturing mechanism 312 moving back to the position indicated in figures 30 and 31 where the safety mechanism is activated, and the safety actuating lever 306 being returned to the safe position.

[0086] Similar to the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 29, compressed gas within the gas collection chamber 320 is utilised to propel projectiles from the launcher by subsequent pulls of the trigger using known pneumatic release valves and firing mechanisms available in the art.

[0087] Compressed gas cannisters in all of the embodiments detailed herein can optionally be punctured by pulling the slide of the launcher towards the rear of the launcher. In embodiments 1 to 5 (figures 1 to 16), the trigger can also be used to puncture the gas cannister. In the seventh embodiment, the safety actuating lever can be used to puncture the gas cannister, as explained hereinabove.

[0088] It is accordingly asserted that the disadvantages associated with known devices for puncturing a compressed gas cannister of a less-lethal launcher could be alleviated with the device according to the invention. In particular, the problems associated with first pull trigger mechanisms can be alleviated by providing a more reliable, consistent puncturing system than those in the art namely first or second trigger pull or push button mechanisms. In addition, locating the barrel below the puncturing assembly lowers the barrel axis, which improves accuracy in the launcher, and also eases manufacturing and servicing of the launchers having intricate parts, components and manufacturing requirements.It will be appreciated that in terms of the invention, variations in details are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A projectile launcher having a puncturing assembly for puncturing a compressed gas cannister providing gas pressure for propelling a projectile from a barrel of the projectile launcher, wherein the compressed gas cannister is located above the barrel of the launcher, with the compressed gas cannister being movable relative to the barrel of the launcher, and wherein the movement of the cannister moves the cannister towards the puncturing arrangement of the launcher when an actuator of the launcher is pulled, which actuates the cannister from a first position to a second position towards a puncturing arrangement in order to pierce the cannister and allow compressed gas to be released from the cannister into a gas collection chamber of the launcher.

2. The projectile launcher of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a slide of the launcher.

3. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a trigger of the launcher.

4. The projectile launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas collection chamber is connected to a valve chamber via a release valve, wherein upon compression of the collection chamber by gas released from the punctured cannister via the release valve, which pressurises the valve chamber, with the plunger being maintained in the second position by the pressurised valve chamber which seals the cannister against the puncturing arrangement.

5. The projectile launcher of any one of the preceding claim, wherein the puncturing arrangement comprises a puncturing pin, a biasing member and a sealing member, wherein movement of the cannister towards the puncturing arrangement when the trigger of the launcher is pulled forces the cannister against the sealing member to seal the cannister against the sealing member, and the sealing member is forced against the biasing member which moves the biasing member against the bias and in turn forces the puncturing pin through a mouth of the cannister and into the cannister and enables the release of pressurised gas from the compressed cannister and into the gas collection chamber of the launcher.

6. The projectile launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein depletion of the gas in the compressed cannister causes the pressure in the valve chamber to be decreased, upon which the biasing member of the puncturing arrangement moves the empty cannister and plunger back to an empty position, and the puncturing pin is removed from the cannister.

7. A projectile launcher having a puncturing arrangement for piecing a compressed gas cannister of the projectile launcher, wherein pulling a trigger of the launcher actuates a sliding mechanism which moves a slide of the launcher from a safe position wherein an gas cannister can be loaded into the slide of the launcher, towards a firing position wherein the slide is moved towards a valve assembly having a puncturing pin projecting therefrom, with the movement of the cannister puncturing the cannister, which allows compressed gas to flow from the gas cannister into the compressed gas chamber and pressurise said chamber.

8. The projectile launcher of claim 7, wherein the slide may be pulled backwards to move from the safe position towards the firing position.

9. The projectile launcher according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein a piston located within the chamber and connected to the trigger is moved against the bias of a biasing spring by the pressure in the compressed gas chamber, with the movement of the piston disengaging the trigger from the sliding mechanism whilst the slide of the launcher is in the firing position.

10. The projectile launcher according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the trigger and slide are connected to each other by a rack and pinion gear, with the rack being connected to the slide, and the trigger being provided with a gear arrangement which engages the pinion gear, whereupon pulling the trigger causes the gear arrangement on the trigger to rotate the pinion gear, which engages the rack on the slide and actuates the slide and moves the cannister within the slide towards the puncturing pin in order to pierce the cannister.

11. A projectile launcher having a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a compressed gas cannister of the projectile launcher, wherein the puncturing arrangement is located below a barrel and inside the slide of the launcher and slidably connected to the slide of the launcher by a sear, with the sear abutting a puncturing pin of the launcher when the launcher is in an unloaded position in which the sear pushes the puncturing pin against a biasing member and away from the compressed gas cannister compartment when the slide is pulledtowards a rear end of the launcher, with the sear being disengaged from the puncturing pin when the slide reaches a loading position wherein a compressed gas cannister can be loaded into the launcher, with a second trigger sear engaging the puncturing pin, and pulling a trigger of the launcher disengages the puncturing pin causing the biasing member to move the puncturing pin towards the gas cannister compartment to pierce a seal of a compressed gas cannister loaded within the compartment, which releases compressed gas from the cannister into a valve chamber of the launcher.

12. A projectile launcher having a puncturing arrangement for puncturing a compressed gas cannister of the projectile launcher, the launcher being provided with a safety actuating lever connected to an internal pivotable member, the pivotable member being pivotable between a first position wherein the safety actuating lever is in a safe position, and a second position wherein the safety actuating lever is depressed and in a firing position, in which second position the pivotable member pushes a puncturing mechanism away from a resting position and towards a compressed gas cannister, and a puncturing member of the puncturing mechanism punctures the compressed gas cannister.

13. The projectile launcher of claim 12, wherein the puncture mechanism is maintained in a puncturing position upon puncturing of the gas cannister by compressed gas escaping flowing through a puncturing member and pressurising an internal cavity, with the pressure in the internal cavity pushing the puncture mechanism towards the gas cannister and against the bias of a biasing member, thus maintaining the puncture mechanism in the puncturing position.

14. The projectile launcher of claims 12 and 13, wherein the safety actuating lever can be actuated between a safe position and a firing position when the internal cavity is pressurised, without the puncturing mechanism being moved by the safety actuating lever.

15. The projectile launcher of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the puncture mechanism returns to the safe position when the compressed gas in the cannister is depleted, and the internal cavity is depressurised.

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