Rapid access tool

• Main Author: LAPETINA TROYHUNTER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.05.2010
• Subjects: COMBINED OPERATIONS; DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; LIFE-SAVING; MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; OTHER WORKING OF METAL; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TRANSPORTING; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS

An exemplary embodiment of the tool comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and a first portion with a first end and a second portion with a second end, the second portion having an elongated aperture or slot. The tool includes a pull line attachment assembly coupled to the elongated shaft, the pull line attachment assembly being configured to couple to a pull line or strap. The tool also provides a self-orienting pull arm pivotally coupled within the elongated shaft and being configured to automatically latch and be concealed within said elongated shaft. The pull arm is configured to automatically orient to a deployed state under a force of gravity after the elongated shaft has been inserted through a barrier. The pull arm, when in the deployed state, is configured to apply pressure to the barrier to breach the barrier. Methods are described for using the tool to breach a barrier or ballistic material of an enclosed chamber.