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{{About|the original tear gas chemical spray and its derivatives|capsicum spray in general|pepper spray|tear gas in general|tear gas|other uses of the word mace|Mace (disambiguation){{!}}Mace}}
'''Mace''' is a [[tear gas]] in the form of an [[aerosol spray]] which propels a [[lachrymatory agent]] mixed with a volatile solvent. It is sometimes used as a [[self-defense]] device. This form of Mace is legal in very few countries, thus its use is becoming uncommon.
{{short description|Brand name of an aerosol self-defense spray}}
{{Infobox product
| title = Mace
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| type = [[Self-defense]] chemical spray
| inventor = Alan Lee Litman
| inception = 1960s
| manufacturer = [[Mace Security International]]
| available = Available
| current supplier =
| models =
| website = {{URL|mace.com}}
| notes =
}}
'''Mace''' is the [[brand name]] of an early type of aerosol [[self-defense]] spray invented by Alan Lee Litman in the 1960s. The first commercial product of its type, Litman's design packaged [[phenacyl chloride]] (CN) [[tear gas]] dissolved in [[hydrocarbon]] solvents into a small [[aerosol spray]] can,<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/whats-inside-triple-action-mace-chili-peppers-and-uv-dye/|title=What's Inside Triple-Action Mace? Chili Peppers and UV Dye|last=Leu|first=Chelsea|date=1 July 2017|magazine=Wired|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701154002/https://www.wired.com/story/whats-inside-triple-action-mace-chili-peppers-and-uv-dye/|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> usable in many environments and strong enough to act as a deterrent and incapacitant when sprayed in the face.{{cn|date=March 2020}}


A [[generic trademark]], its popularity led to the name "mace" being commonly used for other defense sprays regardless of their composition,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gerhardt |first1=Nick |title=27 Trademarked Names That Have Become Commonly Used Terms |url=https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/27-trademark-names-that-have-become-generic-terms/ |website=The Family Handyman |access-date=March 11, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Quirk |first1=Mary Beth |title=15 Product Trademarks That Have Become Victims Of Genericization |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/15-product-trademarks-that-have-become-victims-of-genericization/ |website=Consumerist |publisher=Consumer Reports |date=July 19, 2014}}</ref> and for the term "maced" to be used to reference being [[pepper spray]]ed.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Clankie |first1=Shawn |editor1-last=Buranen |editor1-first=Lise |editor2-last=Roy |editor2-first=Alice Myers |title=Perspectives on Plagiarism and Intellectual Property in a Postmodern World |date=1999 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-4080-3 |pages=260–261 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3OrS-VZ9EcsC&pg=PA260 |language=en |chapter=Brand Name Use in Creative Writing: Genericide or Language Right?}}</ref> It is unrelated to the spice [[Mace (spice)|mace]].
The original formulation consisted of 1% [[CN gas]] in a solvent of [[2-Butanol|2-butanol]], [[propylene glycol]], [[cyclohexene]], and [[dipropylene glycol methyl ether]]. Some formulations now also include [[capsaicin|Oleoresin Capsicum]] (active ingredient in [[pepper spray]]).


⚫
==History==
Mace was originally manufactured under the name "Chemical Mace" by Lake Erie Chemical (a former division of [[Smith & Wesson]]) in 1962, but is now a registered [[trademark]] of Mace Security International. The Mace sold today by Mace Security International is [[pepper spray]] rather than [[tear gas]]. Many other companies now manufacture similar products.
The original formulation consisted of 1% [[chloroacetophenone]] (CN) in a solvent of [[2-butanol]], [[propylene glycol]], [[cyclohexene]], and [[Propylene glycol|dipropylene glycol methyl ether]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sarosh|first=Tuba|date=2021-11-26|title=Pepper Spray vs Mace Spray: What's the Difference?|url=https://techsherlock.com/pepper-spray-vs-mace-difference/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Tech Sherlock|language=en-US}}</ref> Chemical Mace was originally developed in the 1960s by Allan Lee Litman and his wife, Doris Litman, after one of Doris's female colleagues was robbed in [[Pittsburgh]].<ref name="Gross">{{cite web |last1=Gross |first1=Daniel A. |title=The Forgotten History of Mace, Designed by a 29-Year-Old and Reinvented as a Police Weapon |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/forgotten-history-mace-designed-29-year-old-and-reinvented-police-weapon-180953239/ |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en |date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> In 1987, Chemical Mace was sold to [[Smith & Wesson]] and manufactured by their Lake Erie Chemical division. Smith & Wesson subsequently transferred ownership to Jon E. Goodrich along with the rest of the chemical division in what is now [[Mace Security International]], which also owns federal trademark registrations for the term "mace".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/|title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval|website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=74541060&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval|website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77689274+&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval|website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88737833+&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval|website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref>


Historically, "chemical mace" was the development of irritant with the active ingredient called phenacyl chloride (CN) to incapacitate others whereas the term "Mace" is a trademarked term for use on personal defense sprays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pepper-spray-store.com/pages/mace-vs-pepperspray|title=Mace vs. Pepper Spray – Pepper Spray Store|website=www.pepper-spray-store.com}}</ref> Though the design has been expanded on, the original chemical mace formula using only CN has since been discontinued. Due to the potentially toxic nature of CN and the generally superior incapacitating qualities of [[oleoresin capsicum]] (OC) pepper spray in most situations, the early CN has been mostly supplanted by OC formulas in police use, although Mace Security International still retains a popular "Triple Action" formula combining CN, OC and an [[ultraviolet]] marker dye.<ref name=":0"/>
== Mace vs. pepper spray ==


⚫
==References==
Due to the current brand-name use of the term "Mace" to refer to pepper sprays and the fact that mace is illegal in most Western countries, it is very difficult to find information on traditional mace. "Mace" and "pepper spray" are frequently used interchangeably, although they clearly are very different substances.
{{Reflist}}


== Training ==
==External links==
{{wiktionary|Mace|mace}}
* [http://www.mace.com/ Official site of manufacturer Mace Security International]
* [https://selfdefensemall.com/pepper-spray-laws/ Official Pepper Spray Laws]
* {{cite web |url=http://pa.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac/SAC/PA/1976/19760422_0040898.PA.htm/qx |title=''Klages v. General Ordnance Equipment Corporation'' (04/22/76) |publisher=FindACase |access-date=2011-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422120749/http://pa.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac/SAC/PA/1976/19760422_0040898.PA.htm/qx |archive-date=2012-04-22 |url-status=dead }}


{{Chemical agents}}
Most law enforcement agencies require that their personnel become certified on similar [[aerosol spray]] devices such as [[pepper spray]] before using them in the field. Inert units which use the same mechanism but spray an inactive [[sugar|saccharine]] solution are also used for training purposes. [http://galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=SD033&cat=3031]
{{Transient receptor potential channel modulators}}

== Effect ==
[[Image:Police Officer-Mace training.jpg|thumb|right|An Icelandic police officer recovering from being sprayed with OC pepper spray.]]

The effect of Mace varies on humans. Most common is a burning sensation on the area affected with the spray. If in contact with eyes it causes automatic closing of the eyes due to intense pain if open. This along with a feeling of suffocating if inhaled it causes the person to be very vulnerable and dependent, resulting in easy overpowering (for example, law enforcement officials over a suspect). Effects can be minimal on those under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The duration of the effects vary from 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the person and treatment.

⚫
== Mace in History ==

During the [[September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]] Mace was used by the hijackers of [[American Airlines Flight 11]] to prevent entry to the first-class area and keep passengers at the rear of the plane. The official 9/11 Commission Report states that "The hijackers quickly gained control and sprayed Mace, pepper spray, or some other irritant in the first-class cabin, in order to force the passengers and flight attendants toward the rear of the plane."<ref>[http://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Ch1.htm 9/11 Commission Report Chapter 1: We Have Some Planes]</ref>

== Mace in Literature ==

[[Norman Mailer]] mentions this product in his book ''[[The Armies of the Night]]'' (1968).

[[Patrick Bateman]] makes frequent use of mace spray as a torture device upon his victims in the book [[American Psycho]].

== Mace in other media ==

This product appears in both [[The Simpsons]]' episode [[Homer to the Max]] and in the [[South Park]] episode [[Miss Teacher Bangs a Boy]]. It is also mentioned in the [[Golden Girls]] episode 'Break-In'. It also appears in the seventh series of the British Drama Bad Girls, used by Natalie Buxton against a Police Officer.

⚫
== References ==
<div class="references-small">
* [http://www.9-11commission.gov 9/11 Commission Report]
</div>
{{reflist}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mace (Spray)}}
[[Category:American inventions]]
[[Category:Lachrymatory agents]]
[[Category:Lachrymatory agents]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1965]]
[[Category:Self-defense]]
[[Category:Self-defense]]
[[Category:Stun guns]]

Latest revision as of 16:43, 8 January 2024

This article is about the original tear gas chemical spray and its derivatives. For capsicum spray in general, see pepper spray. For tear gas in general, see tear gas. For other uses of the word mace, see Mace.
Mace
TypeSelf-defense chemical spray
InventorAlan Lee Litman
Inception1960s
ManufacturerMace Security International
AvailableAvailable
Websitemace.com

Mace is the brand name of an early type of aerosol self-defense spray invented by Alan Lee Litman in the 1960s. The first commercial product of its type, Litman's design packaged phenacyl chloride (CN) tear gas dissolved in hydrocarbon solvents into a small aerosol spray can,[1] usable in many environments and strong enough to act as a deterrent and incapacitant when sprayed in the face.[citation needed]

A generic trademark, its popularity led to the name "mace" being commonly used for other defense sprays regardless of their composition,[2][3] and for the term "maced" to be used to reference being pepper sprayed.[4] It is unrelated to the spice mace.

History

[edit]

The original formulation consisted of 1% chloroacetophenone (CN) in a solvent of 2-butanol, propylene glycol, cyclohexene, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether.[5] Chemical Mace was originally developed in the 1960s by Allan Lee Litman and his wife, Doris Litman, after one of Doris's female colleagues was robbed in Pittsburgh.[6] In 1987, Chemical Mace was sold to Smith & Wesson and manufactured by their Lake Erie Chemical division. Smith & Wesson subsequently transferred ownership to Jon E. Goodrich along with the rest of the chemical division in what is now Mace Security International, which also owns federal trademark registrations for the term "mace".[7][8][9][10]

Historically, "chemical mace" was the development of irritant with the active ingredient called phenacyl chloride (CN) to incapacitate others whereas the term "Mace" is a trademarked term for use on personal defense sprays.[11] Though the design has been expanded on, the original chemical mace formula using only CN has since been discontinued. Due to the potentially toxic nature of CN and the generally superior incapacitating qualities of oleoresin capsicum (OC) pepper spray in most situations, the early CN has been mostly supplanted by OC formulas in police use, although Mace Security International still retains a popular "Triple Action" formula combining CN, OC and an ultraviolet marker dye.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Leu, Chelsea (1 July 2017). "What's Inside Triple-Action Mace? Chili Peppers and UV Dye". Wired. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. ^ Gerhardt, Nick. "27 Trademarked Names That Have Become Commonly Used Terms". The Family Handyman. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  3. ^ Quirk, Mary Beth (July 19, 2014). "15 Product Trademarks That Have Become Victims Of Genericization". Consumerist. Consumer Reports.
  4. ^ Clankie, Shawn (1999). "Brand Name Use in Creative Writing: Genericide or Language Right?". In Buranen, Lise; Roy, Alice Myers (eds.). Perspectives on Plagiarism and Intellectual Property in a Postmodern World. SUNY Press. pp. 260–261. ISBN 978-0-7914-4080-3.
  5. ^ Sarosh, Tuba (2021-11-26). "Pepper Spray vs Mace Spray: What's the Difference?". Tech Sherlock. Retrieved 2021-11-29.
  6. ^ Gross, Daniel A. (November 4, 2014). "The Forgotten History of Mace, Designed by a 29-Year-Old and Reinvented as a Police Weapon". Smithsonian Magazine.
  7. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov.
  8. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov.
  9. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov.
  10. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov.
  11. ^ "Mace vs. Pepper Spray – Pepper Spray Store". www.pepper-spray-store.com.
[edit]
Look up Mace or mace in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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