U.S. patent application number 12/219621 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for building simulating apparatus and method for training emergency personnel.
Invention is credited to Robert Rivet.
Application Number | 20090188188 12/219621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40299585 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090188188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rivet; Robert |
July 30, 2009 |
Building simulating apparatus and method for training emergency
personnel
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
simulating a building environment through which emergency personnel
may be trained by practicing search and rescue. The present
invention provides an apparatus including a plurality of wall
panels which can be joined together and simulate a floor plan of a
building. The wall panels preferably are modular prefabricated wall
panels adapted to be assembled and disassembled permitting the same
wall panels to be adapted for use to provide different floor plans.
Thus, a modular kit incorporating a plurality of different wall
panels may be arranged and subsequently rearranged into as many
different floor plans as desired thus providing a variety of
different floor plans which will provide challenging training in
search and rescue.
Inventors: |
Rivet; Robert; (Barrie,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHES, MCKENZIE & HERBERT, LLP
SUITE 1800, 2 BLOOR STREET EAST
TORONTO
ON
M4W 3J5
CA
|
Family ID: |
40299585 |
Appl. No.: |
12/219621 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60935175 |
Jul 30, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/270 ;
52/127.7; 52/220.1; 52/656.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 99/0081 20130101;
E04B 2001/0076 20130101; E04B 1/6183 20130101; E04B 2001/6195
20130101; E04B 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/270 ;
52/127.7; 52/220.1; 52/656.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/30 20060101
E04C002/30; E04B 1/61 20060101 E04B001/61; E04C 2/52 20060101
E04C002/52; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38 |
Claims
1. A building simulation training apparatus comprising: a plurality
of modular rectilinear wall panels capable of movement by one or
two persons, the wall panels adapted to be releasably coupled to
adjacent wall panels to form a simulated floor plan of a building,
each wall panel being adapted for removable coupling to adjacent of
the wall panels both in line with any one adjacent of the wall
panels and perpendicular with any other adjacent of the wall panels
to form a free standing structure, each wall panel having a
plurality of identical coupling mechanisms, one proximate each of
the upper and lower corner of each end of the wall panel and
adapted for releasably coupling with the identical coupling
mechanism of adjacent wall panels both in inline and perpendicular
configurations.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each coupling
mechanism includes a catch rod with an end segment disposed
horizontally along the end of the wall panel and two side segments,
each disposed horizontally along a respective side of the wall
panel, each coupling mechanism also includes a latch member movable
from a retracted position within the confines of the wall panel to
an engaging position in which the latch member extends from an end
of its wall panel for engagement with either the end segment of a
catch rod of an adjacent wall panel in line therewith or a side
segment of a catch rod of an adjacent wall panel perpendicular
therewith.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wall panel
comprises an interior framework having a top rail, a bottom rail
and a plurality of vertically extending studs, extending between
the top rail and the bottom rail, the framework being clad on each
side by a sheet member.
4. A wall panel as claimed in claim 3 including wires extending
through the wall panel to simulate wires in the wall of a
building.
5. A wall panel as claimed in claim 4 including conduit pipe
extending through the framework to simulate conduit pipe in a
building.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wall panels
comprise a wooden framework clad with cladding materials selected
from gypsum board and plywood and each panel has a construction
substantially the same as the construction for a wooden building
wall with a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spaced
vertical studs extending between the top rail and the bottom rail,
the apparatus being supported on a floor.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including additionally, for
any specific floor plan to be simulated by the apparatus, an
information package comprising at least a partial description or
representation of a building which the floor plan simulates, which
information is to be received by a person in advance of entering
the simulator having the specific floor plan.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said wall panel
comprises an interior framework having a top rail, a bottom rail
and a plurality of vertically extending studs, extending between
the top rail and the bottom rail, the framework being clad on each
side by a sheet member.
9. A wall panel as claimed in claim 8 including wires extending
through the wall panel to simulate wires in the wall of a
building.
10. A wall panel as claimed in claim 9 including conduit pipe
extending through the framework to simulate conduit pipe in a
building.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the wall panels
comprise a wooden framework clad with cladding materials selected
from gypsum board and plywood and each panel has a construction
substantially the same as the construction for a wooden building
wall with a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spaced
vertical studs extending between the top rail and the bottom rail,
the apparatus being supported on a floor.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including additionally, for
any specific floor plan to be simulated by the apparatus, an
information package comprising at least a partial description or
representation of a building which the floor plan simulates, which
information is to be received by a person in advance of entering
the simulator having the specific floor plan.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the wall panels
comprise a wooden framework clad with cladding materials selected
from gypsum board and plywood and each panel has a construction
substantially the same as the construction for a wooden building
wall with a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spaced
vertical studs extending between the top rail and the bottom rail,
the apparatus being supported on a floor.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 including additionally, for
any specific floor plan to be simulated by the apparatus, an
information package comprising at least a partial description or
representation of a building which the floor plan simulates, which
information is to be received by a person in advance of entering
the simulator having the specific floor plan.
Description
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for
training emergency personnel such as fire, police and military
personnel to perform search and rescue within closed structures
under conditions as may be experienced in emergencies involving
fire, smoke, power outages and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Emergency personnel, such as firemen, have the difficult
task of moving into, through and out of structures, such as
buildings, under conditions in which they have no visibility or
limited visibility as, for example, when navigating through a
building with very heavy smoke conditions where there may be little
or no ambient light and emergency lighting such as headlamps and
flashlights may penetrate only limited distances such as not more
than a few feet. Similar conditions arise as in rooms which have no
ambient light and in which the firefighter may not have access to
any emergency light. In such situations, the firefighters adopt
techniques by which they carefully move through a building using
largely by touch and feel the location of various structures such
as walls, doorways, windows, banisters, steps and the like to move
through the building as, for example, in and out of different rooms
towards identifying the rooms and attempting to locate persons
within the building and/or to exit safely from the building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
simulating a building environment through which emergency personnel
may be trained by practicing search and rescue.
[0004] The present invention provides an apparatus including a
plurality of wall panels which can be joined together and simulate
a floor plan of a building. The wall panels preferably are modular
prefabricated wall panels adapted to be assembled and disassembled
permitting the same wall panels to be adapted for use to provide
different floor plans. Thus, a modular kit incorporating a
plurality of different wall panels may be arranged and subsequently
rearranged into as many different floor plans as desired thus
providing a variety of different floor plans which will provide
challenging training in search and rescue.
[0005] The preferred wall panels or partitions include wall panels
which incorporate doorways, and wall panels which incorporate
windows. Preferably, the windows simulate actual windows to assist
emergency personnel in entering or exiting via the windows.
[0006] Certain of the wall panels preferably have a construction
which simulates actual walls as found in buildings to assist in
training personnel in breaking through any type of wall as, for
example, to break through a drywall covered wall and in moving
through a wall in spaces between studs, wiring, plumbing, duct work
and the like.
[0007] In accordance with the preferred apparatus, coupling
mechanisms are provided so as to fixedly couple the modular wall
panels together where they abut and optionally secure the panels to
a floor or other structure.
[0008] In accordance with a preferred method of use of the
apparatus, pictorial representations are provided to the emergency
personnel before they enter the building simulator which
representations show an exterior of a building which the simulator
is intended to simulate. The pictorial representation can provide
clues and input to the emergency personnel as to the possible
layout of the building. The pictorial representations would
approximate the information to be received by an emergency worker
on visually surveying a building to be entered. Similarly, in
respect of high rise apartments, any particular floor plan for the
simulator may have accompanying information and representations
such as information which emergency workers could gain from
adjoining apartment units which would assist the emergency worker
in determining the nature of the floor plan to be encountered.
[0009] Preferably, a floor plan is constructed using the modular
wall panels in accordance with the present invention as, for
example, on a flat planar, preferably, concrete floor.
Subsequently, furniture and other props may be placed within the
floor plan. Subsequently, the structure may be either filled with
smoke or the emergency worker may be required to perform a search
and rescue operation as with a face piece or mask of a
self-contained breathing apparatus completely covered which would
simulate heavy smoke conditions. The apparatus may merely be used
in the dark with a minimum of light.
[0010] Insofar as buildings in any particular geographic area may
have consistent floor plans, such floor plan arrangements can be
selected to be a floor plan to be simulated.
[0011] The building simulator permits for various floor plans to be
constructed and removed in a minimal of time. This facilitates
construction of a training floor plan anywhere as, for example, on
an existing floor within an existing building such as on the main
floor of a fire hall or garage or on an existing cement pad outside
of a building, to be used and, subsequently, to be dismantled and
stored in a comparatively small space. For use over various
surfaces such as over dirt, gravel or grassed surfaces surface
modular flooring panels may also be provided. Similarly, as a
roofing structure such as demountable flexible roof such as from
canvas or Nylon fabric may be provided as to keep smoke in the
structure, to minimize light egress and/or to protect the other
components of the simulator from the elements such as rain. The
simulator could be mounted inside a collapsible tent-like
enclosure. The entire simulator may be stored and moved inside a
trailer for ease of transport as well as storage. The wall panels
may also be used in conjunction with pre-existing walls, doorways
and windows in an existing fire hall or training centre.
[0012] The modular wall panels preferably are individual wall
panels which are adapted to be manipulated for assembly and
disassembly by one or two individuals. In this regard, they
preferably are made of standard wall construction materials such as
formed of a framework of metal or wood studs and carry plywood
sheeting or panelling-type material, alternately, drywall sheeting
with or without baseboard or the like. Towards rendering the
individual wall panels more lightweight, they may alternatively
comprise, for example, a core of lightweight foamed material with
thin metal or fibreglass protective sheeting. The modular wall
panels may also comprise a plastic-type material formed by
injection molding and/or extrusion.
[0013] The individual wall panels may be coupled together by
various methods, preferably, in a manner which provides for quick
connection and disconnection.
[0014] One preferred configuration is to provide male and female
latching mechanisms at corners of each panel to permit each panel
to be connected to all other similar panels. Preferably, the male
and female latching mechanism will permit rectangular panels when
orientated vertically with a designated top as the upper end to
have its ends joined in-line, that is, end to end, with other
similar panels without regard to which end of one panel may engage
the end of another panel. Such latching mechanisms not only render
the panels ambidextrous for coupling end-to-end in a straight line
but also preferably permit the end of any panel to be coupled to
another panel proximate its end to extend perpendicular thereto.
Preferably, a single configuration of the latching mechanism is
provided at each of the top and bottom corners at each end of each
panel permitting in-line and/or perpendicular coupling at the end
of each panel to other similar panels.
[0015] The latching mechanisms are preferably accessible from the
front and rear faces of each panel and when not activated for
coupling are retained within the confines of the panel, that is,
within the end faces, front and back faces and top and bottom faces
so as to not extend therefrom or increase the overall dimensions of
the panel during storage or movement.
[0016] The latching mechanisms are preferably modular elements
which can be manufactured separately and installed within the
corners of each panel.
[0017] Preferably, the panels when coupled together provide a
sufficiently strong self-supporting structure with in-line panels
and panels extending perpendicular to other panels that there is no
need for coupling of the structure to the floor or another building
structure.
[0018] Another preferred configuration is to provide flat brackets
which are to lie on a floor surface bridging two or more wall
panels and provide vertically extending pins to extend vertically
into holes in the wall panels. Similar such brackets may be
provided at the top of the wall panels to bridge between two or
more wall panels. The floor brackets need not be secured to the
floor, however, could be secured to the floor by various means such
as pins which extend from the bracket vertically downward into the
floor or, possibly, Velcro brand touch fasteners which are
removably secured to the floor at desired locations as by adhesive
and the like. Such floor brackets preferably engage the floor
having regard to the relative weight of the wall panels so as to
resist movement under normal forces to be experienced under search
and rescue conditions such as having emergency personnel forcefully
urge themselves into portions of the wall panels. Cross braces may
be provided at the top of adjacent wall panels extending between
adjacent wall panels at a height which will not interfere with
emergency personnel during training.
[0019] The modular wall panels preferably provide relatively full
height walls as, for example, six to eight feet high to mimic the
walls of a normal building, however, this is not necessary.
Preferably, the wall panels are sufficiently high so as to
accommodate normal full sized windows as can be used in an exercise
to enter or exit via the windows. This is also not necessary and
the wall panels, for example, which are three feet to five feet
high can be useful to simulate conditions to be experienced by
emergency personnel as they typically crawl on the floor about the
periphery of the floor plan.
[0020] Preferably, the modular wall panels are assembled such that
they are open upwardly and supervisory personnel can view the
progress of any personnel in the simulator possibly recording the
progress which can be used towards assisting and/or developing
improved techniques for teaching or simulation. Thus, in accordance
with one preferred embodiment, an observatory station is provided
above the floor plan to observe and/or record personnel's activity
as with time.
[0021] The modular wall panels preferably are adapted to be stored
stacked horizontally or vertically on their ends or sides.
[0022] Preferably, where a doorway is to be provided, the door is
provided within a single modular wall panel providing both sides
and the top of framing for the door with a relatively thin bracket
or plate to extend across the bottom of the door simulating a low
height sill and assisting to keep the sides of the door in fixed
locations.
[0023] Preferably, where windows are to be provided, a unitary wall
panel is provided carrying the entirety of a window including the
sill, two sides and a top. Windows may be provided with depths to
simulate an actual window in a home and, therefore, to simulate the
exercise of emergency personnel passing outwardly or inwardly via
the window.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus may
comprise a kit providing a plurality of identical modular wall
panels together with suitable quick attach connection means for
connecting the wall panels together into different floor plans and
with the kit including a plurality of suggested floor plans which
can be adopted. Preferably, the kit would also include visual
representations showing exterior details or other details which
would indicate to the emergency personnel in advance of entering
any simulated floor plan some clues as to the nature of the floor
plan. In addition, specific information could be given in different
exercises such as the exiting of smoke from a particular window or
areas, information as to the date, time, nature of the persons
which may be expected inside the simulated building and/or
information about location of persons within the simulated
building.
[0025] The training apparatus may comprise but a simple maze of the
wall panels, however, preferably furniture, floor coverings,
appliances and the like placed in suitable locations. Various other
props and enhancements may be provided as, for example, loud
speakers, lights, heaters, devices to provide smoke and/or flame or
the like to simulate actual conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Further aspects and advantages will become apparent from the
following description taken together with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a pictorial front view of a simulated building
training apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIGS. 3A and 3B are pictorial front and rear views of the
building shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel
used in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an assembled basic wall panel
whose frame is shown in FIG. 4;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall
panel used in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 6 is pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel
used in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIGS. 7 through 11 are pictorial views of brackets, namely
straight, corner, extended T, simple T, and extendable brackets,
respectively, used to join the tops and bottoms of panels of FIGS.
4 to 6 together.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a schematic pictorial top view illustrating the
use of the brackets shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11 to join basic wall
panels of the type shown in FIG. 4;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view illustrating the use of
brackets shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11 to join basic wall panels of
the type shown in FIG. 4;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall
panel as illustrated in FIG. 4 but modified for use in
breeching;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall
panel as illustrated in FIG. 4 but modified to provide restricted
through openings;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall
panel similar to that shown in FIG. 14, however, modified to
provide smoke simulation and lighting;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall
panel similar to that in FIG. 5 but modified to provide an exterior
window covering;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel
similar to that in FIG. 6, however, modified to provide a
spring-loaded door for tactical breeching and forcible entry;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a second simulated building
training apparatus in accordance with the invention;
[0043] FIGS. 20 and 21 are pictorial views of brackets, namely a
straight and a corner bracket, used to join the bottom of wall
panels to a floor or to a wall panel below the wall panel;
[0044] FIG. 22 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating the
manner of securing floor joist members for the floor of a second
story room shown in FIG. 19;
[0045] FIG. 23 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating one
manner for connection of an enclosed stairway in accordance with
the invention;
[0046] FIG. 24 is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 2 of a third
simulated building training apparatus formed by use of the panels
of FIGS. 4 to 6;
[0047] FIG. 25 is a further plan view of a fourth simulated
building training apparatus formed using the wall panels of FIGS.
4, 5 and 6;
[0048] FIG. 26 is a floor plan of another simulated building
training apparatus, however, utilizing the wall panels illustrated
in FIGS. 27 to 31;
[0049] FIG. 27 is a pictorial view of a four foot wide basic wall
panel used in FIG. 26;
[0050] FIG. 28 is a pictorial view of a six foot wide wall panel
used in FIG. 26;
[0051] FIG. 29 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel
used in FIG. 26;
[0052] FIG. 30 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel
with a door used in FIG. 26;
[0053] FIG. 31 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel
with a window used in FIG. 26;
[0054] FIG. 32 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel
formed from two sub-panels;
[0055] FIG. 33 is a pictorial view of a fully assembled wall panel
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 34 is a pictorial view of the wall panel of FIG. 33
with its cladding layers removed so as to show its internal
framework and corner coupling mechanisms;
[0057] FIG. 35 is an enlarged pictorial view of one of the corner
coupling mechanisms shown in FIG. 34;
[0058] FIG. 36 is a pictorial view showing two wall panels of the
type shown in FIG. 33 arranged end to end in line;
[0059] FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional plan view along section
line P-P' in FIG. 36;
[0060] FIG. 38 is a schematic pictorial view showing merely the two
coupling mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 37 in abutment in an
uncoupled condition;
[0061] FIG. 39 is the same view as in FIG. 38 but showing the
coupling mechanisms coupled together;
[0062] FIG. 40 is a plan view identical to that in FIG. 37 but also
showing two additional wall panels extending perpendicular to one
of the wall panels and coupled thereto;
[0063] FIG. 41 is a schematic pictorial view of a second embodiment
of a corner coupling mechanism in accordance with the present
invention;
[0064] FIG. 42 is a schematic exploded view of an uppermost corner
of a wall panel for use with the corner coupling mechanism of FIG.
41;
[0065] FIG. 43 is a pictorial assembled view of the uppermost
corner of a wall panel shown in FIG. 42;
[0066] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional plan view along section line
Q-Q' in FIG. 43;
[0067] FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the
coupling mechanism shown in FIG. 44 but showing four wall panels
coupled together, two end-to-end and two side-to-side;
[0068] FIG. 46 is a schematic front view of a wall panel with a
configuration having similarities to that shown in FIG. 43;
[0069] FIG. 47 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to
that shown in FIG. 46 but with a friction fit removable window;
[0070] FIG. 48 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to
that shown in FIG. 46 but with a doorway therethrough;
[0071] FIG. 49 is a schematic front view of two wall panels similar
to that shown in FIG. 46 ready for end-to-end coupling;
[0072] FIG. 50 is a schematic front view showing three panels, one
as seen in FIG. 47, a second as seen in FIG. 46 and a third as seen
in FIG. 48 ready for coupling end-to-end;
[0073] FIG. 51 is a schematic front view showing a panel similar to
that shown in FIG. 46 but with a mechanism for simultaneously
latching and unlatching both coupling mechanism on one end of the
panel;
[0074] FIGS. 52, 53 and 54 are pictorial views of a plan view of a
layout for simulated buildings with the same floor plan as
constructed with the wall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48;
[0075] FIGS. 55, 56 and 57 are plan views of the floor plans shown
in FIGS. 52, 53 and 54, respectively;
[0076] FIGS. 58 to 64 are plan views of different floor plans for
simulated buildings constructed with the wall panels of FIGS. 46,
47 and 48;
[0077] FIG. 65 is a schematic pictorial view of a corner post for
use in accordance with the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the corner post of the
FIG. 65 along section lines Z-Z';
[0079] FIG. 67 is a schematic pictorial view of the internal
bracket member provided within the corner post shown in FIG.
65;
[0080] FIG. 68 is a plan view of a floor plan utilizing four corner
posts as shown in FIG. 65;
[0081] FIG. 69 is a schematic pictorial view of another embodiment
of a coupling mechanism 800 which has similarities to the coupling
mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 35 as adapted to be a replacement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0082] Reference is made first to FIG. 1 which illustrates a
training apparatus 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of
the present invention. The training apparatus illustrated is formed
in its entirety from a plurality of modular wall panels generally
indicated 12. The wall panels 12 preferably are selected from the
basic wall panel 14 of FIG. 4, a window wall panel 16 of FIG. 5 and
a door wall panel 18 of FIG. 6. The modular wall panels preferably
have identical height, width and thickness and are adapted to be
coupled together on a supporting floor so as to provide
interrelated walls which define a particular floor plan of a
building to be simulated. FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a
training apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 and includes written designations
of the various areas contained within the floor plan as being
different rooms within a three bedroom house and particularly
indicating areas designated as a kitchen, living room, bedroom 1,
bedroom 2, bedroom 3 and a washroom.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 4, 4A, 5 and 6, each of the wall panels
12 preferably comprise an internal framework 20, preferably covered
on both sides by cladding layers 22 and 23. The framework 20
preferably comprises a plurality of vertically spaced studs 24 and
horizontal top and bottom rails 25 and 26. The framework 20 may
preferably comprise wood as, for example, two by four inch lumber
as is commonly used in construction, however, the framework 20 may
also comprise standard metal stud framing. The cladding layers 22
and 23 may comprise a wide variety of materials including gypsum
board, plywood, plastic sheeting, fibreglass, laminate, panelling,
sheet metal and particle board which is secured to overlie the
framework 20 on each side of the framework. The basic wall panel 14
of FIG. 4A has the entirety of its surfaces covered by the cladding
layers 22 and 23 so that each of the basic wall panels 14 would
appear as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0084] The window wall panel 16 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a
framework 20 similar to that in FIG. 4, however, with a window 28
opening therethrough and the cladding layers 22 and 23 would cover
the sides of the frame of the window wall panel other than over the
window. The door wall panel member 18, shown in FIG. 6, also has a
similar interior framework 20, however, has a door opening 30
provided therethrough with the door opening opened through the
lower rail 26. Preferably, a low height metal plate 33 may extend
across the bottom of the door opening 30 to simulate a door
threshold and to assist in maintaining integrity of the door wall
panel. As with the other wall panels 12, the door wall panel 18 has
its. surfaces covered by cladding layers 22 and 23 other than over
the door opening.
[0085] The door wall panel 18 preferably has a door 32, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, received in the door opening and pivotally coupled
at one side thereof to the framework 20 such that the door 32 is
adapted for opening and closing in a standard manner of a
conventional door in a household. As well, a door wall panel 18
could be used without the door provided so as to provide a mere
passageway therethrough.
[0086] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall panels 12 are
arranged vertically end-to-end and in abutment to each other at
right angles so as to define by suitable location and selection of
the various wall panels 12, a desired floor plan for the training
apparatus.
[0087] Reference is made to FIGS. 7 to 13 which illustrate a number
of brackets which may be used to secure the wall panels 12
together. As illustrated in each of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the wall
panels 14, 16 and 18 are provided with a plurality of vertically
extending holes 34 which extend through the top rail 25 and the
bottom rail 26 forming their framework 20. The various brackets
indicated in FIGS. 7 to 13 each comprise a flat metal plate 36 from
which a plurality of pins 38 extend perpendicular thereto. The pins
38 are sized to be received within the holes 34 of the wall panels
and the pins 38 are spaced so as when located within the holes 34
of the wall panels to suitably space the wall panels from each
other.
[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates a straight wall bracket 40 adapted to
secure two wall panels 12 together when extending end-to-end in a
straight line as, for example, illustrated in each of FIGS. 12 and
13.
[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates a corner bracket 42 adapted to secure two
wall panels together at a corner as illustrated, for example, in
FIG. 13. FIG. 9 illustrates a T bracket 44 to couple a wall panel
12 to extend perpendicularly from wall panels at a junction between
two inline wall panels as illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 10
illustrates a T bracket 46 for coupling a wall panel 12 to extend
perpendicularly from one or more other wall panels as illustrated
in FIG. 12. The bracket members are, for example, to be located
underneath each panel. In assembly, a selected bracket is placed on
the floor and then desired wall panels are manually manipulated and
lifted so as to have a side wall panel 12 sit upon the bracket with
the pins 38 from the bracket received in the holes 34 of the wall
panel. After the wall panels 12 have been engaged on the bracket on
the floor, a complementary bracket is placed and lowered down into
the holes 34 at the top of the wall panels such that the wall
panels are securely held together both at their lower rail 26 on
the floor and at their upper rail 25. Preferably, assembly is
commenced at a location where two wall panels 12 extend at right
angles to each other. From that starting point, new panels may
successively be added to the existing structure coupled together by
the various brackets. It is to be understood that, for example,
when placing any wall panel 12, preferably, the brackets to be
received underneath the wall panel at any location under that wall
panel will be located in place prior to the wall panel being
positioned.
[0090] FIG. 11 shows an adjustable length bracket 48 carrying a pin
38 on each of two telescoping members 50 and 52. The inner member
50 is telescopically slidable within the outer member 52. A locking
mechanism is provided to lock the two members 50 and 52 against
relative longitudinal sliding and for unlocking. As illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 13, the adjustable length bracket 48 may be extended
to desired lengths so as to secure the tops of different wall
panels 12 together. In FIG. 12, the bracket 48 is shown as
extending diagonally between wall panels disposed at angles to each
other. In FIG. 13, the bracket 48 is shown as extending between two
parallel lengths of wall panels 14.
[0091] The brackets which are provided on a floor may
advantageously be secured to a floor for increased security, if
this may be desired. As shown in each of FIGS. 7 to 10, each
bracket is provided with an additional opening 54 as, for example,
may accommodate a fastener to extend through the bracket into a
floor structure. For example, a screw (not shown) may be driven
into a concrete or wooden floor.
[0092] Alternatively, other mechanisms may be provided for securing
each of the brackets to a floor. For example, a Velcro brand touch
fastener may be adhesively secured to the floor to be coupled with
a complementary Velcro brand touch fastener which is adhesively
provided underneath each bracket. As another method, each bracket
may be secured to the floor as with an adhesive which will prevent
laterally sliding on the floor, however, which adhesive forces can
fairly readily be overcome by upward lifting of the bracket.
Additionally, the floor may be provided with a plurality of holes
which extend downwardly into the floor in a grid-like pattern and
permit the use of brackets similar to brackets 56 and 58 shown in
FIGS. 20 and 21 in which the pins 38, which extend upwardly, have
corresponding pins 39 which extend downwardly.
[0093] By reason of use of the modular wall panels, the training
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 may readily be assembled manually
on a floor surface.
[0094] In addition to providing the training apparatus, persons to
use the training apparatus may be provided in advance of entering
the training apparatus with drawings, pictures or the like which
show a representation of the building which the floor plan of FIG.
1 is intended to simulate. In this regard, drawings such as the
front and rear perspective views illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B,
may be provided to persons who enter the training apparatus 10
prior to their entry. From the external pictorial view of the
building, the persons to be subjected to the training can surmise
various things such as expected floor plan and layout giving the
locations of doors 32 and windows 28 and the possible location of
the fire given, for example, the appearance of a plume of smoke
60.
[0095] Each of the wall panels 12 preferably is constructed to be
of a size, shape and weight to permit handling by one or more
individuals and to permit stacking as by standing vertically or
horizontally. The modular wall panels 12 may readily be assembled
into a training assembly 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be
disassembled and assembled into different training assemblies. In
this regard, FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate two additional floor plans
for single storey training assemblies. Each of the floor plans
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 24 and 25 are formed using identical width
building panels. Such building panels may preferably have a width
of approximately four feet and a height in the range of about eight
feet such that a basic wall panel as illustrated, for example, in
FIG. 4 may be clad by a standard 4 feet by 8 feet sheet of gypsum
board or plywood. Preferred dimensions of a basic wall panel 12
include a width of 4 feet and a height of 7.5 feet providing a
height approximate that of walls in many building
constructions.
[0096] The wall panels illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate
preferred forms of the wall panels. FIGS. 14 to 18 illustrate
additional modular wall panels 12 for substitution of those wall
panels shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 and which such additional wall
panels have additional features.
[0097] Reference is made to FIG. 14 which illustrates a basic wall
panel 14 which has vertical studs 24 at 16 inch centers as is
standard with some forms of construction. In addition, a metal pipe
62 is provided to extend horizontally through the interior of the
framework 20 simulating water, gas and other piping typically found
in walls. Further, a length of electrical wire 64 is also provided
to extend through the framework 20 to simulate electrical wiring.
At least the lower portion of the framework is clad with gypsum
board. The wall panel of FIG. 14 is intended to be a breeching wall
panel, that is, one which in a training operation, a person is to
pass through as by cutting away the covering gypsum board and
attempting to pass through the wall between the studs avoiding the
wiring 64 and/or pipe 62.
[0098] Reference is made to FIG. 15 which illustrates another wall
panel 14 which is pre-provided with restrictive openings 65 and 66
and which is intended to have the surfaces of the framework 20
entirely covered but for the restricted openings 65 and 66
indicated as being a circular opening 65 and a square opening 66.
The restricted openings 65 and 66 provide openings through which
trainees can practice passing and which can involve some difficulty
especially when trainees are carrying self-contained breathing
apparatus.
[0099] Reference is made to FIG. 16 which illustrates a wall panel
14 which is provided with firstly, lights 67 which can be connected
to an electrical source as, for example, to illuminate portions of
the training apparatus and may, for example, be provided as
infrared lights or lights which emit red or yellow colours as may
simulate heat and/or lighting conditions in a fire. The light 67
may be provided with male and/or female plugs 68, 69 at each side
of the wall panel 14 for easy electrical connection with similar
modular plug connections from other panels which may be connected
to an electrical source. The wall panel is also illustrated as
being provided with a pipe 70 which extends longitudinally
therethrough and is adapted to be connected in sealed arrangement
with similar pipes which extend through adjacent wall panels. The
pipe 70 has a vent 71 which extends through one or both sides of
the wall panel and is adapted to vent real or simulated smoke or
other gases. For example, smoke may be discharged from a smoke
machine, fog generator, dry ice or liquid carbon dioxide to impair
vision. Alternatively, real smoke may be introduced into the
structure.
[0100] Reference is made to FIG. 17 which illustrates a window
panel 16 similar to that shown in FIG. 5, however, with a covering
72 provided on a simulated exterior side of the window. The window
covering 72 may be transparent or non-transparent material such as
Plexiglass which may be secured in place by various flexible
fasteners 73 to permit forcible removal by prying or striking
action with use of forcible entry type tools such as axe, sledge
hammer, pry bar, pike pole or halogen bar and to better simulate
"Forcible Entry" practices for smoke removal, victim rescue and/or
personnel moving into or out of a structure through a window.
Another means of securing and attaching a removable window covering
72 may be by use of magnetic fasteners affixed to the window
covering and both front and rear faces of the wall panel permitting
attachment and removal of the wall covering 72 to or from either
face. As illustrated in FIG. 47, another modification to the wall
panel for placement of a window pane is by means of friction
fitting a window material such as LEXAN-type sized and framed to a
dimension that would permit placement and removal thereof within
the window opening to both front or rear faces of the wall
panel.
[0101] Reference is made to FIG. 18 which shows a door wall panel
18 similar to the door wall panel of FIG. 6, however, including a
door 32 having a number of features to assist the practice of
techniques involving forcible breeching of the door and/or
penetration with explosive charges. This door is preferably
reinforced by plywood on the door and may have an opening provided
through the door which more readily will become destroyed upon
tactical breeching with explosive charges. The door may be secured
by self-closing hinges which, while under the application of
forces, be able to be biased open in forcible entry conditions
without undue damage to the door. As further illustrated in FIG.
48, to better simulate forcible entry or breaching of a door
structure, the wall panel could comprise a functioning door mounted
and secured to one side of the door jamb by use of self-closing
hinges (not shown) and in the closed position, secured and locked
to the other side of the door jamb by means of a locking door knob
assembly with latching mechanism and catch plate affixed to the
doorjamb. The doorjamb side affixed with the catch plate to receive
the latching mechanism to the door knob, could be constructed,
secured and supported as such with spring-type devices positioned
between the door jamb and wall panel stud member in a hollow cavity
or void. Such design would permit the flexible characteristic or
"bending" of a doorjamb comprising of a flexible material such as
wood, plastic, thin-gauge steel or other material with flexible
properties. The door jamb could then be pried outwardly or away
from the door without damage by use of forcible entry-type tools
such as axe, halogen bar or pry par and thus separating the catch
plate and latching mechanism permitting the locked door to be swung
in the open position allowing personnel to move into, out of or
within the structure through locked doors. The flexible door jamb
would then instantly return to original vertical positioning
without flex or bend by the opposing forces of the supporting
spring devices without damage permitting the door assembly to be
secured and locked again in the closed position for further
simulations of forcible entry practices.
[0102] Reference is made to FIG. 19 which shows a training
apparatus constructed from same width modular wall panels of FIGS.
4, 5 and 6 in a manner similar to that in FIG. 1, however,
including in addition to a first floor arranged on a primary floor
level, a second floor disposed supported upon the wall panels
forming the floor plan for the first floor.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 22, joist members 74 for a second
floor flooring may extend between wall panels 12 for the first
floor and carry support pins at their end which hook over the wall
panels forming the floor plan for the first wall. Plywood sheathing
75 may be provided on top of such joist members 74. Wall panels 12
for the second floor may be secured above wall panels 12 for the
first floor as by the use of connecting brackets as best
illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 having pins which extend both
upwardly and downwardly. While not shown in FIG. 19, in a manner
similar to that discussed with FIG. 1, connecting brackets are also
to be used to connect the tops of each of the wall panels 12
forming the second story walls. FIG. 19 shows a stairway 76
providing access from the first floor to the second floor. FIG. 23
shows advantageous construction for such a similar stairway
adopting a lower stairway forming portion 76 and having stepped
wall panels 78 adapted for enclosing each side and upon which other
standard modular wall panels 12 may be attached.
[0104] The training apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 25 use wall
panels 12 of substantially identical shape and size. This is
preferred, however, it is not necessary. Reference is made to FIG.
26 which shows a plan view of a training apparatus formed using
modular panels which are provided to have different widths,
preferably, widths of four feet, six feet and eight feet.
[0105] FIGS. 27, 28 and 29, respectively, illustrate basic wall
panels 81, 82 and 83 used in FIG. 26 of four foot, six foot and
eight foot widths, respectively. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a door
wall panel 88 and a window wall panel 86 of eight foot widths. As
seen in FIG. 26, the use of different modular sizes of wall panels
provide for different arrangements and configurations of the floor
plans as illustrated.
[0106] FIG. 32 illustrates an arrangement of two stacked wall
panels 90 and 91, each having a width of eight feet and a desired
height. The two wall panels are stackable by the provision of
vertically extending pins 38 and 39 to extend into holes 34 in the
upper and lower plates of the frames of the wall panels.
[0107] Reference is made to FIGS. 33 to 40 which illustrate a
second embodiment of a wall panel 12 in accordance with the present
invention. The wall panel 12 comprises an internal framework 20
formed as best seen in FIG. 34 with vertical studs 24 extending
between horizontal top and bottom rails 25 and 26. The studs 24
adjacent each end of the wall panel 12 are recessed inwardly from
the ends of the horizontal top and bottom rails 25 and 26 so as to
provide an end space to accommodate at each of the four corners
adjacent an end and the top or bottom a connecting mechanism 100.
The framework 20 is covered on both sides by cladding layers 22 and
23 with the cladding layers 22 and 23 having slots 102 formed
therein approximate each of the corners to provide for access to
and operation of the corner mechanisms 100.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 36, two identical wall panels 12 are
provided arranged end to end in line in which position, the
coupling mechanisms 100 at opposed ends of the panels 12 align with
each other for coupling to secure the ends of the wall panels 12
together securely.
[0109] References made to the FIG. 35 which illustrates a preferred
embodiment of the coupling mechanism 100. The coupling mechanism
100 has a housing 104 preferably of metal with two L-shaped side
walls 105 and 106 supported and held securely parallel to each
other by an inner bridging end wall 107 and an outer bridging end
wall 108. The inner end wall 107 has four holes 110 therethrough to
permit securing to the outer most stud 24 as by screws, bolts,
rivets or like fasteners not shown. A U-shaped catch rod 112 has
the inner ends of its two side arms 115 and 116 secured to the side
walls 105 and 106 such that the U-shaped catch rod 112 is disposed
in a horizontal plane. The catch rod 112 has an end portion 117
extending horizontally and disposed such that its outer surface is
in the same plane as the outer surface as to the outer end wall
108. Each side arm 115 and 116 is shown to have a Z-shaped with an
inner portion 118 secured inside each of the side walls 105 or 106,
an intermediate portion 119 extending laterally outwardly and a
side portion 120 which extends horizontally parallel to the side
walls 105 and 106 and is best seen in FIG. 37 as having its outer
surface in the same plane in the outermost surface 121 of the
cladding 22 or 23. The catch rod 112 may preferably comprise a
metal rod and may preferably be secured to the metal side walls as
by welding.
[0110] A latch member 122 is pivotally mounted to the housing 104
or pivoting about an axis 123. A cylindrical axle 124 is journalled
to the side walls 105 and 106 by extending through correspondingly
shaped circular opening in each of the side walls. The axle 124 has
fixedly secured to each of its ends an octagonal engagement nut 126
each disposed outside the walls 105 and 106. The latch member 122
includes an elongate hook element 128 secured at an inner end 129
to the axle 124 for rotation with the axle 124. The hook element
128 extends to a distal end 130 which provides a bight 132 on an
inner surface. A coil spring 136 only shown in FIG. 35 for ease of
illustration has a first end 137 secured to the inner end wall 107
and an outer end 138 secured to the hook element 128 spaced from
the axis 123. The spring 136 draws the hook element 128 to rotate
about the axis 123 counter clockwise as shown into a retracted
position shown in FIG. 35 in which the hook element 128 engages a
stop rod 134 which is secured to extend horizontally between the
side walls 105 and 106. When two wall panels 12 are placed end to
end as shown in FIG. 36, two coupling mechanisms 100 come to be in
opposed abutment as schematically illustrated in isolation in FIG.
38 with each of the latch members 122 in a retracted position under
the bias of the spring 136 not shown however in FIG. 38. From the
retracted position shown in FIG. 38, by engagement with the nuts
126 which are accessible from of the front and rear faces of each
panel 12 through the slots 102 in the cladding layers 22 or 23,
each of the latch members 122 may be rotated from the retracted
position of FIG. 38 to the engaged position of FIG. 39. In the
engaged position of FIG. 39, each latch member 122 engages on the
end portion 117 of the catch rod 112 of the coupling mechanism 100
of the adjacent wall panel 12. Preferably on rotating the latch
member 122 to the engaged position shown in FIG. 39 the hook member
128 will come to engage the inner side of the catch rod 112 with
the distal end of the hook element 128 being required to be forced
downwardly over the catch rod 112 such that the catch rod 112
becomes disposed within the bight 132 and will retain in the
engaged position against the bias of the spring 136.
[0111] As seen in FIG. 37 each of the latch members 122 is
preferably disposed marginally to one side of a centreline such
that the distal end 130 of the hook member 128 lay side-by-side and
do not interfere with each other. Preferably each of the coupling
mechanisms 100 are identical such that in any end to end
orientation each hook element 128 will have its distal ends
disposed on appropriate, opposite side to the hook element 128 of
the opposing mirror image coupling mechanism 100.
[0112] Reference is made to FIG. 40 which illustrate a top plan
view identical to that in FIG. 37 however, in additional to showing
two left and right wall panels 12 coupled together inline end to
end, shows two additional wall panels 12 extending laterally
perpendicularly from the left inline wall panel 12. FIG. 40 shows
the two laterally extending wall panels as having their latch
members 122 engaging the side portion 120 of the side arms 115 or
116 of the catch rods 112. The laterally extending wall panels 12
are shown in a preferred configuration with one outer surface 120
of the cladding 22 or 23 in the same plane as the outer surface of
the outer end wall 108.
[0113] As seen in FIG. 40, the side portion 120 of each catch rod
112 is disposed relative to the outer surface 120 of the cladding
layers 22 and 23, that is, in the front and rear faces surfaces of
the wall panel 12 at a corresponding position that then end portion
117 of the catch rod 112 bears to the outer surface of the end wall
108 that is in the end face of the wall panel 12.
[0114] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the coupling
mechanisms 100 are fully retracted within the exterior surfaces of
the wall panel 12 when in the retracted position and when in the
engaged position the latch member 122 extends from the end of the
wall panel 12 to engage the catch rod 112 of an identical coupling
mechanism of an adjacent wall panel either inline or
perpendicular.
[0115] The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 33 to 40 illustrates a
simple mechanism for rotating the latch member 122 between the
retracted and engaged position as for example by access on each
face of the panel 12 through the slot 102 to the nut 126 forming
part of the latch member 122. Various other mechanisms could be
provided for activation of the latch members.
[0116] In the preferred embodiment spring 136 is provided to bias
the latch member 122 to the retracted position. Additional
arrangements could be provided such as pairs of springs one of
which biases the latch member 122 to the retracted position and
another spring not shown which biases the latch member 122 to the
engaged position. Each spring may take dominance over the other on
different sides of an intermediate position of the latch member
between the retracted position and the extended position such that
the latch member from the intermediate position is either bias to
assume the retracted position or biased to assume the engaged
position.
[0117] As seen in FIG. 33 the slots 102 in the cladding panels may
be relatively large. Much smaller slots may be provided as for
example merely to provide access through an opening in the cladding
layers to each of the nuts 126 and to provide a horizontal slot way
for the side portion 120 of the catch rod 112 and a vertical slot
way for passage of the latch member 122 of a perpendicularly
abutting wall panel such as shown in FIG. 40. While the framework
20 is illustrated in FIG. 34 however many modifications will occur
to those skilled in the art. For example, additional vertical studs
could be provided outwardly of the vertical studs 24 shown in FIG.
34 between each of the coupling mechanisms 100.
[0118] As further examples in FIGS. 46 to 50, one such modification
for wall panels fabricated substantially entirely from wood could
use studs constructed of plywood such as that used for sheathing
but of a greater thickness. Such plywood studs would result in a
much lighter wall panel and less likely to twist and warp than
solid wood used as standard building construction 2''.times.2'',
2''.times.4'', 2''.times.6'' members. Additionally, the top and
sole plates could comprise of multiple thicknesses of plywood for
increased strength and structural support.
[0119] Reference is made to FIG. 41 schematically showing a second
embodiment of a coupling mechanism 100 substantially the same as
that shown in FIG. 35, however, with the U-shaped catch rod 112
having its side arms 115 and 116 spaced inwardly from the side
walls 105 and 106 of the housing 104.
[0120] The coupling mechanism 100 of FIG. 41 is adapted for use in
a wall panel 12 in which at the end of the panel 12 and end plate
620, preferably of plywood, is mounted to extend vertically
covering the top rail 25 as shown and to also cover the end of the
bottom rail, not shown. As seen in the exploded view of FIG. 42,
the pictorial view of FIG. 43 and the plan view of FIG. 44, the end
plate 620 has a thickness the same as the thickness of the cladding
layers 22 and 23. A slot 622 is provided through the end plate 620
to provide access to the end portion 117 of the catch rod 112.
[0121] The slot 622 through the end plate 620 is similar to the
slots 102 through the cladding layers 22 and 23 to provide access
to the side arms 115 and 116 of the catch rod 117. FIG. 43 shows a
circular opening 624 for access to the engagement nut 126 of the
coupling mechanism 100.
[0122] FIG. 45 shows in a cross-sectional plan end portions of four
wall panels similar to the arrangement in FIG. 40. As seen in FIG.
40 in the end-to-end abutment, the two opposed end portion 117 are
each spaced an equal distance from the end of their respective wall
panel, the distance being the thickness of the end plate 620.
Similarly, in the end-to-side abutment, the opposed end portion 117
is spaced a distance from the end of its wall panel the same as the
distance that either the side arm 115 or 116 is spaced from the
outside of its wall panel, that distance being the thickness of the
respective cladding panels, which is equal to the thickness of the
end plate 620.
[0123] In the embodiments of FIGS. 41 to 45, the latch members are
of the same identical length.
[0124] FIG. 46 schematically illustrates a four foot wide by seven
foot high wall panel 12 with corner coupling mechanisms 100 similar
to that in FIGS. 41 to 45 and illustrating one arrangement for
location of framing members and the provision of relatively small
sized slots 102 throughout the cladding panel.
[0125] FIG. 47 schematically illustrates a wall panel 12 of a size
and construction the same as in FIG. 46 but modified to include a
window which receives a pane of LEXAN.TM. Plexi glass in a friction
fit relation for forcible removal and replacement.
[0126] FIG. 48 schematically illustrates wall panel 12 of a size
and construction the same as in FIG. 46 but modified to include a
door.
[0127] FIG. 49 shows two wall panels 12 as shown in FIG. 46 located
end-to-end with their corner coupling mechanisms 100 in position to
be coupled.
[0128] FIG. 50 shows three panels, one as in each of FIGS. 46, 47
and 48 located end-to-end ready to be coupled.
[0129] Each coupling mechanisms 100 preferably is prefabricated
unit which can readily be securely in a desired location at each
corner of the wall panels 12 as for and simplicity and ease of
installation, however this is not necessary.
[0130] The preferred coupling mechanisms 100 utilize the inter
engagement of a catch rod 112 and a pivotal latch member 122.
Various other forms of ambidextrous coupling mechanisms may be
utilized which provide for coupling at each of the ends proximate
the corners not only for end-to-end in-line coupling but also for
perpendicular coupling as shown in FIG. 40.
[0131] With the coupling mechanisms 100 being, in a retracted
position entirely within the exterior surfaces of the panel, the
panel may be readily moved to position and then once in position
coupled to adjacent panel members.
[0132] The wall panels 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50 are
adapted to be manipulated by one or more persons into a desired
position and easily connected together manually as with a simple
tool to engage the nut 126. Alternatively, manual engagement means
such as a lever could be provided on the nuts 126 to permit for
example rotation of the latch members 122 without the need for any
tools whatsoever.
[0133] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
invention, wall panels such as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50, could
be placed on a floor surface so as to form the training apparatus
as illustrated in FIG. 1 without the need for any other connection
to the floor or any other structure.
[0134] The wall panel 12 in accordance with the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 34 and 46 could also adopt any of the
other features illustrated, for example, in the various other
embodiments of wall panels 12 described in this application as in
combination therewith.
[0135] In accordance with one preferred aspect the present
invention provides a plurality of wall panels which carry at their
ends coupling mechanisms which are adapted for engagement which
identical coupling mechanisms in adjacent wall panels either for
end to end inline coupling of the wall panels or for perpendicular
coupling of the wall panels approximate their ends.
[0136] The wall panel as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50 illustrate
arrangements in which each coupling mechanism 100 must separately
be activated. It is to be appreciated that the two coupling
mechanisms 100 on each side of any panel 12 may be linked such that
activation manually as by a single manually operated activation
lever could cause both latch members 122 to move between the
retracted and engagement position. One such example of an integral
linkage system assembly is schematically illustrated in FIG.
51.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 51, an elongate linkage bar 600 extends
vertically between the upper and lower latch members 122 on each
side of the panel 12. The linkage bar 600 carries at each end a
horizontally forwardly extending pin 602 which is received in a
short cam slotway (not clearly shown) extending longitudinally of
each latch member 122 spaced axially from the ale 124 of the latch
member 122. The linkage bar 600 has a central toothed rack portion
604 which engages with a toothed pinion or sprocket gear 606 having
a square forwardly extending engagement head 608 which is
accessible for rotation as with a suitable tool such as a socket
wrench. Manual rotation of head 608 rotates the pinion gear 606,
moving the linkage bar 600 pivoting the latch members 122
simultaneously towards or away from a latched position.
[0138] Reference is made to FIGS. 52 to 54 which illustrate
schematic pictorial views of training apparatus 10 which is
constructed entirely from the wall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48
and define different floor plans as seen schematically in plan view
respectively in FIGS. 55, 56 and 57, respectively. FIGS. 58 to 64
illustrate alternate floor plans which can be made entirely from
the wall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48 and all shown on the same
overall square footprints to show versatility, although this is not
necessary.
[0139] Reference is made to FIGS. 65 to 68 illustrating a corner
post 702 in accordance with the present invention. The corner post
as best illustrated in FIG. 65 comprises a hollow rectangular
member of square cross-sectional with each side of the square
having a dimension equal to the thickness of the panels 12 with
which it is to be used. The corner post 702 is adapted for use with
panels 12 such as shown in FIGS. 33 and 43. As seen in FIG. 68 a
corner post 702 is located at each of the four corners of the floor
plan as adapted to have a respective panel 12 abut against each of
two of its faces. The corner post 702 is to be coupled to each of
the panels 12 by use of the coupling mechanism 100 found within
each panel 12 as for example as shown in FIG. 33. In this regard,
two adjacent faces 704 and 706 of the corner post 702 are provided
with slots 705 and 707 providing access to a catch rod 708 which
has side arms 709 and 710 extend transversely across the slots 705
and 707. The side arms 709 and 710 are for engagement by a latch
members 122 carried by adjacent panels 12 in the same manner that
latch members 122 are adapted to engage the catch rods 112 of
adjacent panels 12. The corner post 702 is easily formed by having
four planar members as for example of plywood secured together
forming a hollow rectangular structure and with a bend metal plate
member 712 carrying the rod 708 secured internally at appropriate
height and proximate to the slots 705 and 707. As seen in FIG. 68,
four corner posts 702 are provided one at each respect of corner of
the plan.
[0140] The use of such corner posts 702 facilitates for example the
providing of an interior wall indicated as 714 to be used in
substitution for example of an exterior wall 716 or an exterior
wall 718. In essence the corner posts 702 facilitates the use of
merely identical width panels 12 in most exterior and interior
positions.
[0141] While the corner post 702 is shown as being adapted for
coupling merely on two sides, a similar corner post could be
provided adapted for coupling at two, three or four sides. As well
the corner posts 702 could be adapted for use with other coupling
mechanisms as for example shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 to
9.
[0142] FIG. 69 shows a coupling mechanism 800 adapted to replace
the coupling mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 35. The coupling mechanism
800 has a housing 804 preferably of metal with opposed side walls
805 and 806 secured by an end wall 807 and a bottom wall 809. Each
of the side walls have similar longitudinal horizontally extending
slots 811 and 812 therethrough as well as lock holes 813 and 814. A
U-shaped catch rod 112 is secured to and bridges between the side
walls 805 and 806 extending forwardly thereof. A latch member 122
has a cylindrical axle 124 fixably secured thereto. The axle 124
extends horizontally through the slots 811 and 812 in the side
walls 805 and 806 such that the axle 124 is slidable horizontally
together with the latch member 122 away from the rear wall 807
against the bias of a first spring 816 which connects to rear end
of the latch 122 with the rear wall 807.
[0143] A second spring 818 is coupled between a lower portion of
the latch member 122 and the base wall 809 and biases the latch
member 122 to pivot about the axle 124 down onto the top of the
catch rod 112.
[0144] Each end of the axle 124 is accessible from the side of a
panel. A user will insert a tool into the end of the axle and using
the tool manually pivot the hook end 132 of the latch member 122
upwardly, that is in a direction of the arrow 820 while at the same
time sliding the axle 124 and latch member 122 towards the right as
seen in FIG. 69 sufficiently to clear a catch rod 112 (not shown)
on an adjacent panel at which time the user will rotate the latch
member 122 downwardly and slide the hook member 122 back to the
left as seen in FIG. 69 such that the catch rod 112 (not shown) of
an adjacent panel 12 may become received within the bight of the
hook end 132 of the latch member 122. After the latch member 122
has been raised above and moved to left beyond the catch rod 112 of
the adjacent panel 12, the springs 816 and 818 will assist in
drawing the latch member 122 downwardly and to the left.
[0145] The latch member 122 has a lock hole 822 therethrough which
when the latch member 122 is engaged on a catch rod 112 of an
adjacent panel 12 will co-axially align with the lock holes 813 and
814 in the side walls 805 and 806. A lock pin 824 shown
schematically of reduced length in FIG. 69 is adapted to then be
slid through the holes 814, 822 and 813 to lock the latch member
122 in engagement on the catch rod 112 of the adjacent panel
against release. Rather than use the lock pin 824 merely the
resiliencies of the springs 816 and 818 could be used to maintain
the latch member 122 in a lock position. Other locking mechanisms
could be provided.
[0146] The embodiment of FIG. 69 illustrates but a further
arrangement of a coupling mechanism to join ends of panels 12. The
arrangement of FIG. 69 has the advantage over the arrangement of
FIG. 35 of reducing the extent to which the latch 122 needs to
rotate. Various other coupling and latching mechanism may be used
in accordance with the present invention. Preferred characteristics
of these latching mechanisms are that they do not extend beyond the
end or sides of a panel when a panel 12 is in storage or being
manipulated for use.
[0147] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now
occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the
invention, reference is made to the accompanying claims.
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