Battering ram

Abstract

A battering apparatus including a battering element, an air source, a sensing device, a triggering mechanism, and a battering element release mechanism. Engagement of the sensing device activates the triggering mechanism which in turn activated the battering element release mechanism. The battering element is then released, and driven by air from the air source, moved to its extended position, causing the battering head of the battering element to engage an item to be broken.

1 . A battering apparatus comprising
 a body, the body having a manifold and a cavity, the manifold in fluid communication with the cavity;   a battering element, the battering element disposed at least partially within the cavity, the battering element movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position; and   a triggering element, the triggering element coupled to the body.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an air source coupled to the body, the air source being in fluid communication with the manifold. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the air source further comprises a self contained breathing apparatus bottle. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the battering element further comprises
 a head, the head having a battering surface;   a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft being coupled to the head; and   a piston coupled to the second end of the shaft.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising at least one air release element. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the air release element further comprises at least one valve disposed in the piston, the at least one valve having a first closed position and a second open position. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  further comprising at least one air release aperture extending through the body, the air release aperture being in fluid communication with the cavity. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the triggering element further comprises a peg, the peg being movable between a first inactive position and a second active position. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising at least one valve within the manifold, the valve being operatively coupled to the triggering element. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a sensing device operatively coupled to the triggering element. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a safety element, the safety element coupled, directly or indirectly, to the triggering element. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the body further includes a reservoir, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the manifold. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a battering ram return element. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the battering ram return element further comprises a spring. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising at least one handle coupled, directly or indirectly, to the body. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the head is removably coupled to the first end of the shaft. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the cavity and manifold are separately formed and mechanically coupled to each other. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a guard element coupled to the body. 
   
   
       19 . A method comprising:
 providing a battering apparatus, the battering apparatus comprising a body, the body having a manifold and a cavity, the manifold in fluid communication with the cavity, the manifold having at least one normally closed valve, a battering element, the battering element disposed at least partially within the cavity, the battering element movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position, and a triggering element, the triggering element coupled to the body;   providing an air source, the air source being in fluid communication with the manifold;   activating the triggering element;   extending the battering element;   retracting the battering element.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the normally closed valve is operably coupled to the triggering element and activating the triggering element opens the normally closed valve in the manifold and provides air to the cavity.