US20080017179A1

US20080017179A1 - Compressed Gas Cartridge Puncture Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080017179A1
Application number: US11/568,968
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Vasel; Eric Wenaas
Original assignee: PepperBall Technologies Inc
Current assignee: PepperBall Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2004-05-12
Filing date: 2005-05-12
Publication date: 2008-01-24
Also published as: WO2006033677A2; WO2006033677A3

Abstract

The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for use in releasing gas from a compressed gas source. Some embodiments provide apparatuses for use in releasing compressed gas from a source that include a source of compressed gas, a puncture pin, a driving mechanism positioned relative to the source of compressed gas, and a trigger mechanism. Upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the compressed gas onto the puncture pin releasing the compressed gas from the source. In other embodiments, upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the puncture pin into the compressed gas releasing the compressed gas from the source.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/570,549, filed May 12, 2004, by Vasel, et al., entitled “QUICK ACTIONCOMPRESSED GAS CARTRIDGE PUNCTURE MECHANISM.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to releasing compressed gas, and more particularly to rapidly releasing compressed gas to launch one or more projectiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For several years, Law Enforcement and similar agencies have used various compressed gas non-lethal weapons to gain control of suspects, quell riots, and save hostages. Some compressed gas launchers are configured as rifle type launchers and used a refillable compressed gas tank integrated with a valve system while pistol type launchers may use a disposable compressed gas cartridge, such as common disposable carbon dioxide cartridges or cylinders, e.g., 12 gram or 8 gram cylinders or cartridges.
However, often these devices do not provide rapid responses to activation and in many instances have to be pressure primed or pre-activated prior to use. This significantly reduces the effectiveness of these compressed gas non-lethal weapons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously addresses the above-identified needs, as well as other needs, by providing apparatuses for use in releasing compressed gas. Some embodiments include a source of compressed gas, a puncture pin, a driving mechanism positioned relative to the source of compressed gas, and a trigger mechanism. In operation of such embodiments, upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the source of compressed gas onto the puncture pin releasing the compressed gas from the source.
Other embodiments provide apparatuses for use in releasing compressed gas from a source. These embodiments include a source of compressed gas, a puncture pin, a driving mechanism positioned relative to the source of compressed gas, and a trigger mechanism. In operation of such embodiments, upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the puncture pin into the source of compressed gas releasing compressed gas from the source of compressed gas.
Some embodiments provide methods for use in releasing compressed gas from a source. These methods activate a trigger mechanism, cause a release of a driving mechanism, drive a source of compressed gas onto a puncture pin, and cause a release of the gas from the source. Still other embodiments provide methods for use in releasing compressed gas from a source that activate a trigger mechanism, cause a release of a driving mechanism, drive a puncture pin into a source of compressed gas, and cause a release of the gas from the source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a gas cartridge puncture system according to some embodiments;
FIG. 2 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative gas cartridge puncture system according to some embodiments;
FIG. 3 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher for use in launching one or more projectiles;
FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged view of the activation system or portion of the launcher of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a gas cartridge puncture mechanism according to some embodiments; FIG. 6 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of an alternate gas cartridge puncture mechanism;
FIG. 7 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of another puncture mechanism;
FIG. 8 depicts a simplified cross-section view of an alterative gas cartridge puncture mechanism according to some embodiments;
FIG. 9 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher that incorporates a puncture mechanism according to some embodiments; and
FIG. 10 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher that incorporates a puncture mechanism 1022.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the presently contemplated best mode of practicing the invention is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
As used herein, the term “projectile system” or “projectile” or “non-lethal projectile” refers generally to the entire projectile apparatus of the various embodiments of the present invention that travels to a target. For example, at least with some embodiments contemplated herein, the projectile system or projectile at least includes a projectile body that contains a substance for delivery to the target. For example, this projectile body may be embodied as a capsule having a hollow volume within that contains the substance. This projectile body may be a variety of shapes, for example, the projectile body may be oblong, spherical or other shapes depending on the specific embodiment. In some embodiments, the projectile includes stabilizers or other aspects to provide a straighter or more accurate flight path. In some embodiments, the projectile body may be embodied as a stabilizer body, for example, which apparatus travels to the target.
The present embodiments provide methods and systems for use in rapidly opening and/or releasing compressed gas. In some implementations, the systems are employed with projectile launcher systems and apparatuses such that the rapid release of compressed gas is used to launch the projectiles from the launchers.
For several years, Law Enforcement and similar agencies have used various compressed gas non-lethal weapons to gain control of suspects, quell riots, save hostages, and other relevant uses. Some of these launchers used compressed gas to launch projectiles as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,965,839; 6,393,992; 6,543,365; and 6,546,874. Some compressed gas launchers are configured as rifle type launchers and used a refillable compressed gas tank integrated with a valve system while pistol type launchers may use a disposable compressed gas cartridge such as the common disposable 12 gram carbon dioxide cartridge or cylinder. This apparatus, in various embodiments and variations, can be utilized with virtually all types of compressed gas and compressed gas containers.
The use to date of compressed gas launchers such as handheld pistols utilizing, for example, disposable compressed gas cartridges containing such gases as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and the like has been very limited. One of the primary reasons is that some launchers require the puncturing of the disposable gas cartridge in a separate action before activating the launching of projectiles through, for example, the pulling of a trigger to launch the projectiles. This pre-puncturing operation or “gassing up” typically pressurizes pistol valve mechanisms so that gas from the punctured gas cartridge can flow to the trigger-valve assembly. This “gassing up” function is common to some paintball pistols on the market today. If the launcher was intended to be used as a defensive/offensive weapon, or a non-lethal weapon, this process of launcher “pre-pressurization” typically required the operator to puncture the cartridge first before launching. This is usually accomplished by some mechanical means prior to even knowing if or when the launcher was going to be utilized and before pulling the trigger to launch the projectiles.
One of the most common mechanical puncture methods used in compressed gas paintball launchers involves manually screwing a threaded knob up against the compressed gas cartridge forcing it into the puncture pin and seal assembly. This operation needed to be accomplished quickly before the gas leaked out from the cartridge. It usually takes several turns of the knob to accomplish this pre-pressurization. This “gassing-up” takes time, needs pre-planning, and typically if the launcher is not utilized relatively soon after the gassing-up, could require the operator to “de-gas” or depressurize the launcher and replace the punctured gas cartridge before needing the launcher in the future. Failure to “de-gas” the launcher could allow the gas pressure to leak out overtime, thus possibly putting the user in a position where he or she is unknowingly holding a launcher with substantially an empty gas cartridge and/or insufficient gas to launch the projectile. This two-step process of “pre-pressurization” before pulling the trigger or other initiating of launching is cumbersome, takes several seconds, typically requires two hands, and might place the user at risk in a defensive situation when reaction time is critical to the outcome.
The present embodiments provide, at least in part, gas cartridge puncture mechanism that is very quick acting and/or is integrated into a trigger mechanism of the launcher so that the trigger pull is one smooth action to allow operation of a point and launch compressed gas projectile launcher.
Some embodiments provide a quick action compressed gas cartridge puncture mechanism that is compact in design, simple in operation, and relatively low cost to manufacture. The launchers according to some implementations can be operated single handedly and typically triggered or activated with a single finger. The present cartridge puncture mechanisms can be employed in lethal, non-lethal and paintball launchers.
Some embodiments employ a non-integrated puncture mechanism that the user typically can operate with one hand to rapidly puncture the compressed gas cartridge through a movement of a button, lever or the like, and then substantially immediately activate the launching, such as through the pull of a launcher trigger, to launch one or more projectiles. Other embodiments provide integrated configurations where the operator pulls a trigger, operates a button, or moves a lever that results in both the puncturing of the gas cartridge, and actuation of the trigger mechanism that launches the projectiles. Some preferred embodiments make operation of a compressed gas launcher one simple step: pull a trigger, push a button, move a lever, or other such simple single step process. The single step launching provide an effective point and launch feature for the present embodiments, providing safer, more effective, and quicker response projectile launchers. Some embodiment can be integrated with the trigger function of many types of launchers currently on the market that use compressed gas.
FIG. 1 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a gas cartridge puncture system 100 according to some embodiments. The puncture mechanism includes a spring 101, a compressed gas cartridge 102, spring compression knob 103, a frame or body 104, trigger lever or release mechanism 105, lever arm 106, and puncture pin assembly 107. In some embodiments, an additional integrated trigger link 108 is cooperated with the lever arm 106 and/or trigger mechanism 105. The spring 101 is positioned and compressed between the gas cartridge 102 and the compression spring knob 103. The spring 101 is compressed against the gas cartridge 102 by securing the compression knob 103 into body 104, for example through screw threading, tongue and groove or other such securing methods. The gas cartridge is held in place by the trigger mechanism 105 establishing the stored spring energy due to compression as the knob 103 is positioned into the frame 104. The stored energy is maintained by the trigger mechanism 105 until such time that actuation is needed.
When rapid release of the gas is needed, a trigger button, lever, slide or other means 106 is actuated to move away from the gas cartridge 102 and release the stored energy in the compressed spring 101 propelling the gas cartridge 102 into the fixed puncture pin assembly 107 with sufficient force to release the gas through and/or around the puncture pin. In some implementations, the puncture pin assembly additionally includes besides the puncture pin a seal that seals with the gas cartridge limiting and preferably preventing gas from escaping around the gas cartridge. Optionally, this embodiment can easily be integrated into existing launcher designs by adding the mechanical link 108 from the trigger mechanism 105 to the launcher trigger allowing actuation of the gas cartridge puncture mechanism coincidentally with the first launch of the launcher. Since the spring 101 is released and the gas cartridge is punctured on the initial activation, any subsequent shots of the launcher would have gas pressure already in place. The mechanical link 108 may move with each subsequent launching activation, however, the spring force would have already been released at the initial launching.
The trigger link can be implemented through one of many different designs to actuate the gas cartridge puncture mechanism of some present embodiments. The trigger link 108, for example, can include a button to release the spring mechanism; a levered wedge mechanism that forces a disposable compressed gas cartridge into a puncture pin; an explosive device to force the gas cartridge into a puncture pin and/or the puncture pin into the cartridge; or other relevant mechanisms can be used to puncture a sealed compressed cartridge. The compressed gas(es) and/or compressed liquid gas vapor flow through or around the puncture pin providing needed substantially instant pressure for substantially any number of relevant projectile launcher devices that employ gas pressure to operate. In these described embodiments, the triggers can include recessed balls or cylinders, levers, slides, buttons or other means of actuation. The parts can be fabricated, machined or molded by one skilled in the art from metals, plastics, polymers, fiber reinforced polymers, other suitable materials and/or combination of materials that can withstand the forces and gas pressures. The springs are commercially available from several sources such as McMaster-Carr of Elmhurst, Illinois, Century Spring of Los Angles, California or other sources. The compressed gas cartridges are commercially available from sources such as Leland Ltd of New Jersey. The puncture pins are commercially available from sources such as SpeedPaintBall of Taiwan, or can be custom fabricated by well known machining methods
FIG. 2 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative gas cartridge puncture system 200 according to some embodiments. The mechanism 200 includes a spring 101, a compressed gas cartridge 102, spring compression knob 103, a frame or body 104, trigger lever or release mechanism 105, lever arm 106, puncture pin assembly 107, and gas release aperture 201. The spring 101 is positioned between the puncture pin assembly 107 and the compression knob 103 with the trigger lever 105 maintaining the positioning of the puncture pin assembly 107 and storing the potential energy of the compressed spring 101. Upon release of the trigger lever 105 through pressure applied to the lever arm 106, the puncture pin assembly is released and the spring 101 propels the puncture pin assembly 107 into the fixed gas cartridge 102. The gas passes through and/or around the puncture pin and out of the gas aperture 201 to be utilized by a launcher into which the puncture system 200 is implemented.
FIG. 3 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher 200 for use in launching one or more projectiles. FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged view of the activation system or portion of the launcher 200 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the launcher includes the gas cartridge 201, a gas cartridge holder 202, one or more springs 203, a trigger slide or mechanism 204, a launcher body 205, a puncture pin 206, spring tension knob 207, and a mechanical link 208. The gas cartridge 201 is loaded into the cartridge holder 202. The spring 203 provides compressive force to act on the holder 202 and is held back from releasing this force by the trigger mechanism 204 attached to the body 205. The spring 203 can be compressed between a rear contact flange (not shown) on the holder 202 and the spring tension knob 207 to apply a force to the holder 202, or in order to save design length, the spring 203 may wrap around the holder 202 and apply the force through the forward contact flange on the holder 202. The trigger mechanism 204 may be of many types of mechanical designs. The trigger 204 can include be one or more small recessed retaining members, for example having a spherical or cylindrical shape in front of the holder 202. Other shapes can be included to maintain the positioning of the gas cartridge and housing. Alternatively, the trigger design can be a keyhole type that when misaligned with the holder 202 does not allow forward movement; a yoke style trigger assembly restraining the holder 202; a lever and fulcrum trigger design; or some other means of restraining the holder 202, gas cartridge 201 and spring 203 assembly from moving towards the fixed puncture pin 206.
The spring 203 can be loaded or compressed in some embodiments when installing the gas cartridge 201 by threading a spring tension knob 207 into the frame 205 and up against the spring assembly thereby compressing the spring(s) 203. The operator loads the gas cartridge 201 into the holder 202, sets the trigger 204 in an off position, and then screws in the spring tension knob 207 providing sufficient spring force that when released by actuation of the trigger assembly 204 causing a recess to align with the retaining sphere such that the retaining sphere moves into the recess releasing the gas cartridge and holder. The spring accelerates the gas cartridge 201 into the puncture pin 206 with sufficient force to puncture the cartridge 201 and release the compressed gas within. The present embodiments can be reloaded by simply unscrewing the spring tension knob 207, replacing the empty gas cartridge 201 with a full one, resetting the trigger 204 to the off position and screwing the spring tension knob in 207 to again add potential force to the holder 202 assembly. As depicted in FIG. 4, optionally these embodiments can easily be integrated into existing launcher designs by adding a mechanical link 208 from the trigger mechanism 204 to the launcher trigger allowing actuation of the gas cartridge puncture mechanism coincidentally with first launch of the launcher. Since the spring is released and the gas cartridge is punctured on the first launch in some embodiments, subsequent launches from the launcher 200 would have gas pressure already in place.
The mechanical link 208 may move with each subsequent shot but the force from spring 203 would already be released at the first shot. In a similar but alternate configuration of this embodiment, the spring 203 propels the puncture pin 206 into a fixed gas cartridge 201. The other components work in a similar fashion as described above.
FIG. 5 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 according to some embodiments. The puncture mechanism 300 includes a trigger lever mechanism 301, a wedge or driver 302, a compressed gas cartridge 303, a fixed surface 304 of a frame or coupled with the frame, a puncture pin 305 and a mechanical link 308. The trigger lever mechanism 301 is utilized to drive the wedge 302 against the compressed gas cartridge 303 forcing the cartridge into the puncture pin 305, quickly releasing pressure. In some embodiments the gas cartridge is a disposable cartridge. In all embodiments (including those described herein in reference to other figures), the trigger position, the trigger can be on the top bottom or sides of the apparatus.
The gas cartridge 303 is installed in a position close, and in some embodiments not touching, the fixed puncture pin 305. The trigger lever mechanism is fixed with the body or fixed surface, for example with a bolt, rivet, or other similar methods such that it is hinged or levered. When the trigger lever assembly 301 is actuated, the wedge 302 is forced against the gas cartridge 303 (or gas cartridge holder as described above) causing sufficient force to be applied to the cartridge that it moves toward and against the puncture pin 305 with sufficient force to puncture the gas cartridge 303. The wedge 302 may be attached to the trigger lever 301 or may be a separate part such as a small ball 307 (see FIG. 6 and the description below) or other shaped part that can be driven into a space behind the gas cartridge 303 causing the cartridge to move against the puncture pin 305.
Optionally, the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 can easily be integrated into a projectile launcher system by cooperating and/or adding a mechanical link 308 from the trigger mechanism 301 to the launcher trigger allowing actuation of the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 coincidentally with a first launch of the launcher. Since the gas cartridge 303 is punctured on the first launch, subsequent shots of the launcher would have gas pressure already in place. The mechanical link 308 may move with each subsequent shot but the wedge 302 would remain in place behind the cartridge during and after the first and each subsequent shot.
FIG. 6 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of an alternate gas cartridge puncture mechanism 350 according to some embodiments that is similar to the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 FIG. 5. The gas cartridge puncture mechanism 350 includes a trigger lever mechanism 301, a compressed gas cartridge 303, a fixed surface 304 of a frame or coupled with the frame, a puncture pin 305 and a mechanical link 308, and a drive mechanism 307. The drive mechanism in some embodiments is a sphere, cylinder or other similar structure that is easily forced between the frame or fixed surface and the gas cartridge. For example, the drive mechanism 307 can be a small ball or other shaped part that can be driven into a space behind the gas cartridge 303. The trigger lever mechanism 301 is utilized to drive the drive mechanism 307 between the compressed gas cartridge 303 and the fixed surface 304 to force the cartridge into the puncture pin 305, quickly releasing pressure. The gas cartridge puncture mechanism 350 operates similar to the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 of FIG. 5 such that gas is released from cartridge when the trigger lever mechanism 301 is depressed it forces the driver mechanism 307 between the cartridge and the fixed surface puncturing the cartridge on the puncture pin 305.
Optionally, the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 300 can easily be integrated into a projectile launcher system by cooperating and/or adding a mechanical link 308 (not shown in FIG. 6) from the trigger mechanism 301 to the launcher trigger allowing actuation of the gas cartridge puncture mechanism 350 coincidentally with a first launch of the launcher. Since the gas cartridge 303 is punctured on the first launch, subsequent shots of the launcher would have gas pressure already in place. The mechanical link 308 may move with each subsequent shot but the drive mechanism 307 would remain in place behind the cartridge during and after the first and each subsequent shot.
In a similar but alternate configuration of this embodiment, the wedge 302 or ball 307 forces the puncture pin 305 into a fixed gas cartridge 303. The other components work in a similar fashion as described above.
FIG. 7 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a puncture mechanism 400 according to some embodiments. The puncture mechanism 400 includes an explosive material 401, a compressed gas cartridge 402 and a puncture pin 403 housed in and/or coupled with a frame 404. The explosive material 401 can include a primer, gun powder, blank load or other type of chemically explosive material and/or combinations of materials that generate an explosive force upon activation or ignition. The explosive material 401 is drives the compressed gas cartridge 402 into the fixed puncture pin 403 upon ignition or activation of the material such that the cartridge is punctured quickly releasing the gas. The primer or gunpowder can be ignited by conventional means, such as through striking with a hammer or other object, electrical ignition and other methods.
FIG. 8 depicts a simplified cross-section view of an alterative gas cartridge puncture mechanism 500 according to some embodiments. The puncture mechanism includes an explosive material 501, a puncture pin 502, a compressed gas cartridge 503 housed in and/or coupled with a frame 504. The explosive material 401 can include a primer, gun powder, blank load or other type of chemically explosive material and/or combinations of materials that generate an explosive force upon activation or ignition. Upon ignition or activation of the explosive material, a chemical explosion is used to drive a puncture pin 502 into the fixed compressed gas cartridge 503 quickly releasing gas. The primer or gunpowder could be ignited by conventional means, such as through striking with a hammer or other object, electrical ignition and other methods.
FIG. 9 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher 920 that incorporates a puncture mechanism 922 according to some embodiments. The launcher further includes a trigger link mechanism 924, gas guide or channel 926, barrel 930, laser mechanism 932 and projectiles 934. The puncture mechanism 922 can be similar to one or more of the puncture mechanisms described above. In this embodiment, the puncture mechanism includes a trigger lever mechanism 940, a driver mechanism 942, a compressed gas cartridge 944, and a puncture pin 946. The trigger lever mechanism 940 is cooperated with the trigger link mechanism 924 such that upon activation of the trigger lever mechanism, the trigger lever 940 shifts the driver mechanism 942 to drive the gas cartridge 944 onto the puncture pin 946. The punctured cartridge releases the gases through the puncture pin and into the gas channel 926 that directs a portion of the gas to the barrel to propel one or more projectiles 934 from the barrel.
Additional activations of the trigger link mechanism 924 cause additional releases of portions of the gases into the barrel, such as through a valve mechanism and sear common to paintball launchers (not shown). The additional releases of portions of the gas propel one or more additional projectiles from the barrel. The additional activations of the trigger link mechanisms 924, however, typically do not cause additional release of gas from the cartridge in some embodiments as the gas flows from the cartridge into value mechanism upon the initial puncturing.
FIG. 10 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a launcher 1020 that incorporates a puncture mechanism 1022. The launcher 1020 further includes a trigger link mechanism 1024, two gas guide or channels 1026 and 1027, two barrels 1030 and 1031, laser mechanism 1032 and projectiles 1034. The puncture mechanism 1022 can be similar to one or more of the puncture mechanisms described above. In this embodiment, the puncture mechanism includes a trigger lever mechanism 1040, a first driver mechanism 1042, a second driver mechanism 1043, a first compressed gas cartridge 1044, a second compressed gas cartridge 1045, and a first and second puncture pins 1046 and 1047. The trigger lever mechanism 1040 is cooperated with the trigger link mechanism 1024 such that upon a first activation of the trigger lever mechanism, the trigger lever 1040 shifts the first driver mechanism 1042 to drive the first gas cartridge 1044 onto the first puncture pin 1046. The punctured first cartridge releases the gases through the puncture pin and into the gas channel 1026 that directs the gas to the first barrel 1030 to propel one or more projectiles 1034 from the barrel. Similarly, upon a second activation of the trigger lever mechanism, the trigger lever 1040 shifts the second driver mechanism 1043 to drive the second gas cartridge 1045 onto the second puncture pin 1047. The punctured second cartridge releases the gases through the puncture pin and into the gas channel 1027 that directs the gas to the second barrel 1031 to propel one or more projectiles 1034 from the barrel. This configuration allows subsequent launching of projectiles upon successive activations of the trigger lever mechanism.
The present embodiments allow for a rapid puncturing of the disposable gas cartridge to quickly release the gas, thus enabling substantially instant use of the launching device utilizing a source of compressed gas. Some embodiments can also be used to quickly actuate non-disposable (refillable) compressed gas cartridges by simply replacing the puncture pin with a non-piercing pin to actuate the pin valve on refillable gas cartridges. The present embodiments therefore allow for rapid actuation or triggering of compressed gas cartridges, bottles, cylinders and the like, and preferably substantially all compressed gas cartridges, bottles, and the like whether they are disposable or refillable. In some embodiment, a pre-loaded trigger-spring mechanism is utilized to drive a disposable compressed gas cartridge into a puncture pin, quickly releasing pressure.
The gas cartridge puncture mechanisms of the present embodiments can be implemented into many different types of launchers, such as launchers for the paintball market, non-lethal launchers, and other relevant launchers. Typically, previous gas propelling launchers utilize some form of slow acting threaded screw or other type of manual force mechanism generally requiring two hands to initiate a puncturing of the gas cartridge to release the gas prior to preparing to use the launcher for propelling projectiles. Some present embodiments, however, alternatively employ a spring assisted, lever actuated and/or explosive actuated puncture mechanism that results in a low cost, highly reliable, single-handed, quick action gas cartridge puncture mechanism. These embodiments do not require pre-puncturing of the gas cartridge before the time that the launcher is needed. Further, the puncture mechanisms of the present embodiments can also be utilized with at least some of the compact launcher systems described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/570,548, filed May 12,2004, entitled COMPACT PROJECTILE LAUNCHERS FOR PERSONAL DEFENSE, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed May 12, 2005, entitled COMPACT PROJECTILE LAUNCHER to Edward Vasel.
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in releasing compressed gas from a source, comprising:

a source of compressed gas;

a puncture pin;

a driving mechanism positioned relative to the source of compressed gas; and

a trigger mechanism, wherein upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the compressed gas onto the puncture pin releasing the compressed gas from the source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism comprises a compressed spring that is released upon activation of the trigger mechanism to force the source of compressed gas onto the puncture pin.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein driving mechanism comprises a wedge device such that upon activation of the trigger mechanism the wedge device forces the gas cartridge onto the puncture pin.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein driving mechanism comprises an explosive material such that upon activation of the trigger mechanism the explosive material is ignited generating an explosive force that forces the gas cartridge onto the puncture pin.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a trigger link mechanism cooperated with the trigger mechanism such that an activation of the trigger link mechanism causes the activation of the trigger mechanism.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a gas source housing within which the source of gas is positioned, and the driving mechanism is positioned to drive the gas source housing to drive the source of gas onto the puncture pin.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a retaining member and a recess, where the retaining member maintains a position of the source of gas relative to the puncture pin and upon the activation of the trigger mechanism the recess is at least partially aligned with the retaining member such that the retaining member shifts such that at least a portion of the retaining member enters the recess allowing the driving mechanism to force the source of gas onto the puncture pin.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a trigger link mechanism cooperated with the trigger mechanism such that an activation of the trigger link mechanism cause the at least partial alignment of the recess with the retaining member such that the retaining member shifts releasing the driving mechanism.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a trigger lever hinged to pivot about the hinge.

10. An apparatus for use in releasing compressed gas from a source, comprising:

a source of compressed gas;

a puncture pin;

a driving mechanism positioned relative to the source of compressed gas; and

a trigger mechanism, wherein upon activation of the trigger mechanism the driving mechanism drives the puncture pin into the source of gas releasing the compressed gas from the source.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the driving mechanism comprises a compressed spring that is released upon activation of the trigger mechanism to force the puncture pin into the source of compressed gas

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein driving mechanism comprises a wedge device such that upon activation of the trigger mechanism the wedge device forces the puncture pin into the gas cartridge.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein driving mechanism comprises and explosive material such that upon activation of the trigger mechanism the explosive material is ignited generating an explosive force that forces the puncture pin into the gas cartridge.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a retaining member and a recess, where the retaining member maintains a position of the source of gas relative to the puncture pin and upon the activation of the trigger mechanism the recess is at least partially aligned with the retaining member such that the retaining member shifts such that at least a portion of the retaining member enters the recess allowing the driving mechanism to force the puncture pin into the source of gas.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

17. A method for use in releasing compressed gas from a source, comprising:

activating a trigger mechanism;

causing a release of a driving mechanism;

driving a source of compressed gas onto a puncture pin; and

causing a release of the gas from the source.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the activating a trigger mechanism comprises activating a trigger link mechanism and causing the trigger link mechanism to activate the trigger mechanism.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the activating the trigger mechanism comprises forcing trigger lever mechanism from a first position to a second position.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing the release of the driving mechanism comprises igniting an explosive material causing an explosion to implement the driving of the source of compressed gas onto the puncture pin.

21. A method for use in releasing compressed gas from a source, comprising:

activating a trigger mechanism;

causing a release of a driving mechanism;

driving a puncture pin into a source of compressed gas; and

causing a release of the gas from the source.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the causing the release of driving mechanism comprising forcing a wedge device against the puncture pin implementing the driving of the puncture pin into the source of compressed gas.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the releasing of the driving mechanism comprises releasing a spring that implements the driving of the puncture pin into the source of compressed gas.