U.S. patent application number 11/530591 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for anti-ballistic egress window assembly.
Invention is credited to Anthony Piscitelli, Curtis Taufman.
Application Number | 20100242714 11/530591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782522 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100242714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piscitelli; Anthony ; et
al. |
September 30, 2010 |
ANTI-BALLISTIC EGRESS WINDOW ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The present invention is an anti-ballistic egress window
assembly which is penetration-resistant and will protect living
subjects from a range and variety of moving projectiles traveling
at speed, and from the effects of exploding and/or advancing solid
fragments moving at high velocity. More specifically, the present
invention will protect living human and animal subjects occupying a
vehicle through the use of light-transmitting anti-ballistic
windows, windshields, roofs and doors prepared from laminated
constructs comprising multiple individual layers composed of
asymmetric composite materials. These penetration-resistant
assemblies will not only protect living subjects from high velocity
projectiles and fragments in both civilian and combat situations,
but also provide a means for egress from and/or ingress into the
vehicle on-demand whenever and wherever needed.
Inventors: |
Piscitelli; Anthony; (Long
Beach, NY) ; Taufman; Curtis; (Melville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG (PHX)
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT, 2450 COLORADO AVENUE , SUITE 400E
SANTA MONICA
CA
90404
US
|
Family ID: |
42782522 |
Appl. No.: |
11/530591 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10978880 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
7716206 |
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11530591 |
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PCT/US04/43513 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
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10978880 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 ;
89/905; 89/937 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/0407 20130101;
F41H 5/263 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 ;
89/905; 89/937 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/04 20060101
F41H005/04 |
Claims
1. A prepared kit for assembling an anti-ballistic egress window
comprising: wall juncture means intended to extend from a surface
of a pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly adjacent to an open
spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall; a
subassembly intended for placement as an array at a prepared open
spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall, said
subassembly array being comprised of (i) a substantially planar box
support having an opening of fixed dimensions and configuration
which is adapted for aligned positioning and attachment adjacent to
the open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall
using said wall juncture means, (ii) a fitted flange of sufficient
girth and length to line the perimeter of an open spatial zone then
present within a pre-existing solid wall and to overlay the
perimeter of said configured opening in said planar box support,
(iii) a window formed of light-transmitting, anti-ballistic
material which is penetration-resistant against a moving projectile
and which has been prepared as a laminated construct comprising not
less than three individual layers of asymmetric composite materials
joined together in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window
has a set configuration and fixed dimensions, presents a
demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a moving
projectile of pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is adapted
for aligned positioning adjacent to and arrayed overlay coverage
for the open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall using said wall juncture means, and (iv) a covering frame of
specific dimensions and shape mounted along and fitted to the edges
of said anti-ballistic window, said covering frame being adapted
for aligned positioning and arrayed attachment using said wall
juncture means; and removable closures for on-demand joining and
securing of, and for at-will release and detachment of, said
subassembly array using said wall juncture means.
2. A prepared kit for assembling an anti-ballistic egress window
comprising: wall juncture means intended to extend from each side
of a pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly array adjacent to an
open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall; a
first subassembly intended for external placement as an array at a
prepared open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i) a
substantially planar box support having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration, said box support being adapted for
aligned positioning and attachment adjacent to an open spatial zone
then present within a pre-existing solid wall using said wall
juncture means, (ii) a flange having fitted external and internal
sides and sufficient girth and length to line an open spatial zone
then present within a pre-existing solid wall and to overlay the
perimeter edges of said configured opening in said box support,
(iii) a window formed of light-transmitting, anti-ballistic
material which is penetration-resistant against a moving projectile
and has been prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less
than three individual layers of asymmetric composite materials
joined together in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window
has a set configuration and fixed dimensions, presents demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is adapted for aligned
positioning adjacent to said flange and arrayed overlay coverage of
an open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall
using said wall juncture means, (iv) a covering frame of specific
size and shape mounted along and fitted to the edge perimeter of
said anti-ballistic window, said covering frame being adapted for
aligned positioning and arrayed attachment to said anti-ballistic
window using said wall juncture means; and (v) removable first
closure means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
first subassembly array using said wall juncture means; and a
second subassembly array intended for internal placement adjacent
to a prepared open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing
solid wall, said second subassembly array being comprised of
(.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration and is adapted for aligned positioning
at an internal surface of a pre-existing solid wall and arrayed
attachment adjacent to said flange and said anti-ballistic window
of said first subassembly array using said wall juncture means, and
(.beta.) removable second closure means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said reinforcement frame when positioned upon an
internal surface of a pre-existing solid wall adjacent to said
first subassembly using said wall juncture means.
3. A prepared kit for assembling an anti-ballistic egress window
comprising: releasable wall juncture means intended to extend from
each side of a pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly adjacent to an open
spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall; a first
subassembly intended for external placement as an array at a
prepared open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i) a
substantially planar box support having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration and adapted for aligned positioning
and attachment adjacent to a prepared open spatial zone then
present within a pre-existing solid wall using said releasable wall
juncture means, (ii) a fitted flange having external and internal
sides and sufficient girth and length to line the dimensions of an
open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall and
to overlay the perimeter edges of said configured opening in said
box support, (iii) flange mounting means placed within and
extending from each side of said fitted flange for on-demand
mounting and attachment to and at-will detachment and dismounting
from said fitted flange, said flange mounting means being
positioned adjacent to and surrounding a prepared open spatial zone
then present in a pre-existing solid wall; (iv) a window formed of
light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which is
penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and has been
prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than three
individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together
in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window has a set
configuration and fixed dimensions, presents demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is adapted for aligned
attachment adjacent to and arrayed overlay coverage of said flange
and the open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall using said flange mounting means, (iv) a covering frame of
specific dimensions and shape mounted along and fitted to the
perimeter edges of said anti-ballistic window, said covering frame
being adapted for aligned positioning and arrayed attachment to
said anti-ballistic window using said flange mounting means, and
(v) removable first closure means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said first subassembly using said flange
mounting means and said wall juncture means; and a second
subassembly array intended for internal placement adjacent to a
prepared open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall, said second subassembly array being comprised of (.alpha.) a
reinforcement frame having a sized opening of fixed dimensions and
configuration and is adapted for aligned positioning at internal
surface of a pre-existing solid wall and arrayed attachment
adjacent to said flange and said anti-ballistic window of said
first subassembly using said flange mounting means and said
releasable wall juncture means, and (.beta.) removable second
closure means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
internal reinforcement frame when positioned at an internal surface
of a pre-existing solid wall adjacent to said first subassembly
using said flange mounting means and said releasable wall juncture
means.
4. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
anti-ballistic egress window is a laminated construct, which
comprises a plurality of asymmetric stacks joined together in
sequential series.
5. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein said
asymmetric composite materials of said anti-ballistic egress window
include at least one member of the group selected from plastics,
glass, substantially pure aluminum silicates, ionomer resins,
metals, rubbers, rigid aramid fiber materials, or any combination
of these.
6. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
asymmetric composite materials of said anti-ballistic egress window
include at least one member of the group selected from
polybenzoxazole, polybenzothiazole polymers or related copolymers,
thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, and elastomers.
7. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
asymmetric composite materials of said anti-ballistic egress window
include at least one member of the group selected from
polycarbonates, steel, ceramics, Kevlar, and S Glass steel
mesh.
8. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
anti-ballistic egress window is substantially transparent.
9. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
anti-ballistic egress window is substantially translucent.
10. The prepared kit as recited in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said
anti-ballistic egress window is substantially opaque.
11. A cab assembly equipped with anti-ballistic egress windows,
said cab assembly comprising: An erected, three-dimensional cab
structure comprised of solid walls having external and internal
surfaces and at least one open spatial zone intended as a visual
viewing area for the occupants of the cab; wall juncture means
extending from an external surface of said solid cab wall for
on-demand attachment and release of a subassembly lying adjacent to
said open spatial zone in said solid cab wall; a first subassembly
placed externally as an array at said open spatial zone in said
solid cab wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i)
a substantially planar box support having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration and is attached and lies in aligned
position adjacent to said open spatial zone in said solid cab wall
using said wall juncture means, (ii) a fitted flange of sufficient
girth and length which lines the perimeter of said open spatial
zone in said solid cab wall and overlaps said configured opening in
said solid support base, (iii) a window formed of
light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which is
penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and which has
been prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than
three individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined
together in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window has a
set configuration and fixed dimensions, presents a demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is in aligned position
adjacent to and provides an overlay cover for said open spatial
zone in said solid cab wall using said wall juncture means, and
(iv) a covering frame of specific dimensions and shape mounted
along and fitted to the edges of said anti-ballistic window using
said wall juncture means; and removable closures positioned upon
said wall juncture means for on-demand securing and at-will release
of said subassembly.
12. A cab assembly equipped with anti-ballistic egress windows,
said cab assembly comprising: An erected, three-dimensional cab
structure comprised of solid walls having external and internal
surfaces and at least one open spatial zone intended as a visual
viewing area for the occupants of the cab; wall juncture means
extending from each surface of said solid cab wall for on-demand
attachment and release of a subassembly lying adjacent to said open
spatial zone in said solid cab wall; a first subassembly placed
externally as an array at said open spatial zone in said solid cab
wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i) a
substantially planar box support having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration and is attached and lies in aligned
position adjacent to said open spatial zone in said solid cab wall
via said wall juncture means, (ii) a flange having fitted external
and internal sides and sufficient girth and length to line said
open spatial zone in solid cab wall and overlap the perimeter edges
of said configured opening in said solid support base, (iii) a
window formed of light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which
is penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and has been
prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than three
individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together
in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window has a set
configuration and fixed dimensions, presents demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is in aligned positioning
adjacent to said flange and provides an overlay cover for said open
spatial zone in said solid cab wall via said wall juncture means,
(iv) a covering frame of specific size and shape mounted along and
fitted to the edge perimeter of said anti-ballistic window via said
wall juncture means; and (v) removable first closure means
positioned upon said wall juncture means for on-demand securing of
and for at-will release of said first subassembly; and a second
subassembly placed internally as an array adjacent to said open
spatial zone in said solid cab wall, said second subassembly array
being comprised of (.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having a sized
opening of fixed dimensions and configuration which is attached in
aligned position adjacent to said flange and said anti-ballistic
window of said first subassembly array, at an internal surface of
said solid cab wall via said wall juncture means, and (.beta.)
removable second closure means positioned upon said wall juncture
means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
reinforcement frame.
13. A cab assembly equipped with anti-ballistic egress windows,
said cab assembly comprising: An erected, three-dimensional cab
structure comprised of solid walls having external and internal
surfaces and at least one open spatial zone intended as a visual
viewing area for the occupants of the cab; releasable wall juncture
means extending from each side of said solid cab wall for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly lying adjacent to said
open spatial zone in said solid cab wall; a first subassembly
placed externally as an array at said open spatial zone in said
solid cab wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i)
a substantially planar box support having an enclosed opening of
fixed dimensions and configuration and is attached externally and
lies in aligned position adjacent to said open spatial zone in said
solid wall via said releasable wall juncture means, (ii) a fitted
flange having external and internal sides and sufficient girth and
length to line the dimensions of said spatial zone in said solid
cab wall and to overlap the perimeter edges of said configured
opening in said box support, (iii) flange mounting means placed
within and extending from each side of said fitted flange which are
positioned adjacent to and surround said open spatial zone in said
solid cab wall; (iv) a window formed of light-transmitting,
anti-ballistic material which is penetration-resistant against a
moving projectile and has been prepared as a laminated construct
comprising not less than three individual layers of asymmetric
composite materials joined together in series as a discrete stack,
wherein said window has a set configuration and fixed dimensions,
presents demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a
moving projectile of pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is in
aligned attachment adjacent to and provides an overlay cover for
said open spatial zone in said solid cab wall via said flange
mounting means, (iv) a cover frame of specific dimensions and shape
mounted along and fitted to the perimeter edges of said
anti-ballistic window via said flange mounting means; and (v)
removable first closure means positioned upon said flange mounting
means and said wall juncture means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said first subassembly array; and a second
subassembly placed internally as an array adjacent to said open
spatial zone in said solid cab wall, said second subassembly array
being comprised of (.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having a sized
opening of fixed dimensions and configuration attached in aligned
adjacent to said flange and said anti-ballistic window of said
first subassembly array upon an internal surface of said solid cab
wall via said flange mounting means and said releasable all
juncture means, and (.beta.) removable second closure means
positioned upon said flange mounting means and said releasable wall
juncture means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
reinforcement frame.
14. The cab assembly as recited in claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein said
visual viewing area is a format selected from the group consisting
of a viewable observation roof, a front windshield, viewing
windows, observation sidewalls, a viewing rear wall, and viewable
observation doors.
15. A prepared kit for assembling a standard vehicle production cab
in a newly manufactured vehicle, said kit comprising: a support
structure for a newly manufactured vehicle comprising an erectable
three-dimensional cab framework having distinct sections and
comprised of solid walls having external and internal surfaces and
at least one open spatial zone intended as a visual viewing area
for the occupants of the cab; releasable wall juncture means
extending from each side of said solid cab wall for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly lying adjacent to said
open spatial zone in said solid cab wall; a first subassembly
placed externally as an array at said open spatial zone in said
solid cab wall, said first subassembly array being comprised of (i)
a substantially planar box support having an enclosed opening of
fixed dimensions and configuration and is attached externally and
lies in aligned position adjacent to said open spatial zone in said
solid wall via said releasable wall juncture means, (ii) a fitted
flange having external and internal sides and sufficient girth and
length to line the dimensions of said spatial zone in said solid
cab wall and to overlap the perimeter edges of said configured
opening in said box support, (iii) flange mounting means placed
within and extending from each side of said fitted flange which are
positioned adjacent to and surround said open spatial zone in said
solid cab wall; (iv) a window formed of light-transmitting,
anti-ballistic material which is penetration-resistant against a
moving projectile and has been prepared as a laminated construct
comprising not less than three individual layers of asymmetric
composite materials joined together in series as a discrete stack,
wherein said window has a set configuration and fixed dimensions,
presents demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a
moving projectile of pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is in
aligned attachment adjacent to and provides an overlay cover for
said open spatial zone in said solid cab wall via said flange
mounting means, (iv) a cover frame of specific dimensions and shape
mounted along and fitted to the perimeter edges of said
anti-ballistic window via said flange mounting means; and (v)
removable first closure means positioned upon said flange mounting
means and said wall juncture means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said first subassembly array; and a second
subassembly placed internally as an array adjacent to said open
spatial zone in said solid cab wall, said second subassembly array
being comprised of (.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having a sized
opening of fixed dimensions and configuration attached in aligned
adjacent to said flange and said anti-ballistic window of said
first subassembly array upon an internal surface of said solid cab
wall via said flange mounting means and said releasable all
juncture means, and (.beta.) removable second closure means
positioned upon said flange mounting means and said releasable wall
juncture means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
reinforcement frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present invention is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/978,880 filed Jun. 29, 2004, now
pending; which is a Continuation of International Patent.
Application No. PCT/US2004/043513 filed 22 Dec. 2004, now pending.
The legal benefit and priority of these previously filed
applications is expressly claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is concerned generally with
penetration-proof fabrications and constructions useful for the
protection of living human and animal subjects from high velocity
projectiles and explosion fragments in military combat situations;
and is directed particularly to anti-ballistic egress/ingress
window assemblies constituted of a configured and dimensioned
plates, which have been prepared as penetration-proof laminated
constructs composed of asymmetric composite materials, and which
are able to protect and defend living subjects from traumatic
injury and/or death
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an undisputed fact today that military combat
personnel routinely encounter many threatening situations and
perilous circumstances which are potentially injurious, if not
actually life endangering. Exemplifying some of these precarious
incidents are the perilous and frequently tragic danger to human
life and limb caused by the improvised exploding devices, bombs and
other detonated explosives, shells and grenades of terrorist
attacks; and the always-present dangers and often imminent
vulnerabilities to the bodies and lives of soldiers, sailors, and
airmen caused by modern weaponry and ordinance during training
exercises or actual combat situations.
[0004] Clearly however, the degree of jeopardy to the body and life
of a living combat solider will vary in severity and degree with
these typically recurring circumstances and risk categories. Also,
the precise nature of the threat that the military combat
serviceman faces and the time duration for the risk of serious
injury that one encounters in these different situations is often
disparate and diverse.
[0005] Among all the unpredictable conditions and uncertain
predicaments is the very real danger to life and limb caused by the
shattering and penetration of solid objects into the body and/or
the effects of direct physical impact with flying shards or high
velocity projectiles, regardless of how they came to be matter
traveling at speed. Thus, there is a mutually shared need for all
living beings to avoid the risk of injury and death in all of these
hazardous situations and/or high risk occurrences, as well as a
commonly held desire to protect one's person and well-being against
the potentially serious injurious effects caused by physical
contact with solid objects, shattered fragments, and moving
projectiles traveling at even moderate rates of speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has multiple aspects, formats, and
applications. A first aspect of the invention provides a prepared
kit for assembling an anti-ballistic egress window comprising:
[0007] wall juncture means intended to extend from a surface of a
pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand attachment and
detachment of a subassembly adjacent to an open spatial zone then
present within a pre-existing solid wall;
[0008] a subassembly intended for placement as an array at a
prepared open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid
wall, said subassembly array being comprised of [0009] (i) a
substantially planar box support having an opening of fixed
dimensions and configuration which is adapted for aligned
positioning and attachment adjacent to the open spatial zone then
present within a pre-existing solid wall using said wall juncture
means, [0010] (ii) a fitted flange of sufficient girth and length
to overlay the perimeter of an open spatial zone then present
within a pre-existing solid wall and to line the perimeter of said
configured opening in said planar box support, [0011] (iii) a
window formed of light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which
is penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and which has
been prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than
three individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined
together in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window has a
set configuration and fixed dimensions, presents a demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is adapted for aligned
positioning adjacent to and arrayed overlay coverage for the open
spatial zone then present within pre-existing solid wall using said
wall juncture means, and [0012] (iv) a covering frame of specific
dimensions and shape mounted along and fitted to the edges of said
anti-ballistic window, said covering frame being adapted for
aligned positioning and arrayed attachment using said wall juncture
means; and
[0013] removable closures for on-demand joining and securing of,
and for at-will release and detachment of, said subassembly array
using said wall juncture means.
[0014] A second aspect of the invention provides a prepared kit for
assembling an anti-ballistic egress window comprising:
[0015] wall juncture means intended to extend from each side of a
pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand attachment and
detachment of a subassembly array adjacent to an open spatial zone
then present within a pre-existing solid wall;
[0016] a first subassembly intended for external placement as an
array at a prepared open spatial zone then present within a
pre-existing solid wall, said first subassembly array being
comprised of [0017] (i) a substantially planar box support having
an opening of fixed dimensions and configuration, said box support
being adapted for aligned positioning and attachment adjacent to an
open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall
using said wall juncture means, [0018] (ii) a flange having fitted
external and internal sides and sufficient girth and length to line
an open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall
and to overlap the perimeter edges of said configured opening in
said box support, [0019] (iii) a window formed of
light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which is
penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and has been
prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than three
individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together
in series as a discrete stack, wherein said window has a set
configuration and fixed dimensions, presents demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is adapted for aligned
positioning adjacent to said flange and arrayed overlay coverage of
an open spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall
using said wall juncture means, [0020] (iv) a covering frame of
specific size and shape mounted along and fitted to the edge
perimeter of said anti-ballistic window, said covering frame being
adapted for aligned positioning and arrayed attachment to said
anti-ballistic window using said wall juncture means; and [0021]
(v) removable first closure means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said first subassembly array using said wall
juncture means; and
[0022] a second subassembly array intended for internal placement
adjacent to a prepared open spatial zone then present within a
pre-existing solid wall, said second subassembly array being
comprised of [0023] (.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having an
opening of fixed dimensions and configuration and is adapted for
aligned positioning at an internal surface of a pre-existing solid
wall and arrayed attachment adjacent to said flange and said
anti-ballistic window of said first subassembly array using said
wall juncture means, and [0024] (.beta.) removable second closure
means for on-demand securing and at-will release of said
reinforcement frame when positioned upon an internal surface of a
pre-existing solid wall adjacent to said first subassembly using
said wall juncture means.
[0025] A third aspect of the invention provides a prepared kit for
assembling an anti-ballistic egress window comprising:
[0026] releasable wall juncture means intended to extend from each
side of a pre-existing solid wall and to provide for on-demand
attachment and detachment of a subassembly adjacent to an open
spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall;
[0027] a first subassembly intended for external placement as an
array at a prepared open spatial zone then present within a
pre-existing solid wall, said first subassembly array being
comprised of [0028] (i) a substantially planar box support having
an opening of fixed dimensions and configuration and adapted for
aligned positioning and attachment adjacent to a prepared open
spatial zone then present within a pre-existing solid wall using
said releasable wall juncture means, [0029] (ii) a fitted flange
having external and internal sides and sufficient girth and length
to line the dimensions of an open spatial zone then present within
a pre-existing solid wall and to overlap the perimeter edges of
said configured opening in said box support, [0030] (iii) flange
mounting means placed within and extending from each side of said
fitted flange for on-demand mounting and attachment to and at-will
detachment and dismounting from said fitted flange, said flange
mounting means being positioned adjacent to and surrounding a
prepared open spatial zone then present in a pre-existing solid
wall; [0031] (iv) a window formed of light-transmitting,
anti-ballistic material which is penetration-resistant against a
moving projectile and has been prepared as a laminated construct
comprising not less than three individual layers of asymmetric
composite materials joined together in series as a discrete stack,
wherein said window has a set configuration and fixed dimensions,
presents demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a
moving projectile of pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity, and is
adapted for aligned attachment adjacent to and arrayed overlay
coverage of said flange and the open spatial zone then present
within a pre-existing solid wall using said flange mounting means,
[0032] (iv) a covering frame of specific dimensions and shape
mounted along and fitted to the perimeter edges of said
anti-ballistic window, said covering frame being adapted for
aligned positioning and arrayed attachment to said anti-ballistic
window using said flange mounting means; and [0033] (v) removable
first closure means for on-demand securing and at-will release of
said first subassembly using said flange mounting means and said
wall juncture means; and
[0034] a second subassembly array intended for internal placement
adjacent to a prepared open spatial zone then present within a
pre-existing solid wail, said second subassembly array being
comprised of [0035] (.alpha.) a reinforcement frame having a sized
opening of fixed dimensions and configuration and is adapted for
aligned positioning at internal surface of a pre-existing solid
wall and arrayed attachment adjacent to said flange and said
anti-ballistic window of said first subassembly using said flange
mounting means and said releasable wall juncture means, and [0036]
(.beta.) removable second closure means for on-demand securing and
at-will release of said internal reinforcement frame when
positioned at an internal surface of a pre-existing solid wall
adjacent to said first subassembly using said flange mounting means
and said releasable wall juncture means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0037] The present invention may be more readily appreciated and
more easily understood when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Drawing, in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the component parts of and positioning
for a simple minimalist embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates the component parts of and positioning
for the first subassembly array in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the component parts of and positioning
for the second subassembly array in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a standard vehicle production cab
comprising an overview support structure and a plurality of
differently configured and dimensioned assembled anti-ballistic
egress window and door assemblies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
I. Overall Scope of the Present Invention
[0042] The present invention is directed to anti-ballistic egress
windows, doors, and observation domes; and to and similar formats
employed for visual observation and viewing. All of these are
capable of protecting living subjects from a range and variety of
moving objects--which typically differ in size, shape and mass; and
can travel at moderate to very high rates of speed; and cause
serious injury or death as a consequence of physical impact with
the body of a living subject.
[0043] More specifically, the present invention relates to
protecting living human and animal subjects through the use of
anti-ballistic egress window kits, assemblies, and manufactures
which use penetration-resistant window panes and panels for visual
viewing and observation; and are prepared in advance as laminated
constructs having a plurality of layers formed of asymmetric
composite materials. These purposefully designed egress window
kits, assemblies, and manufactures will protect living subjects
from rapidly moving objects, from high velocity projectiles, and
from exploding fragments under many different military
circumstances and combat situations.
[0044] More specifically, the present invention relates to
protecting living subjects through the use of anti-ballistic egress
windows formed from purposely formulated laminated composites, each
of which comprises multiple layers of asymmetric composite
materials joined in overlay series. These laminated composites have
been configured, sized, and optionally contoured to pre-chosen
specifications in advance for their intended use as
penetration-resistant windows, panes and panels in an egress and/or
ingress window assembly.
[0045] All of these anti-ballistic egress window kits,
constructions, and manufactures can be advantageously employed in
many different settings; in a diverse range of risk circumstances
that vary greatly; and with particular modifications and
engineering specifications which allow their immediate assembly and
deployment with a minimum of difficulty by any person of ordinarily
skill.
[0046] While the present invention is expected and intended to
appear in multiple embodiments and in many different formats, some
preferred examples and embodiments of the invention will be
described in detail hereinafter, albeit with the clear
understanding that the particulars of these embodiments are only
illustrative and representative of the formats and applicability
for the present invention; and that the true breadth of the
invention is not limited in form nor restricted in scope to the
exemplary embodiments provided herein.
DEFINITIONS, TITLES & TERMINOLOGY
[0047] To provide greater clarity and ease of comprehension, as
well as to avoid ambiguities in wording and a confusion of
nomenclature, the following titles, terms and definitions are
provided. As concerns the description and details of the present
invention, the following terms, definitions, and meanings will be
employed routinely and consistently.
[0048] Composite and composite material: a formulated composition
or prepared substance composed of different chemical constituents
which are combined or blended together to form a single synthetic
compound having certain physical attributes and/or chemical
properties.
[0049] Layer: A planar sheet, film, fabric, or covering of matter
formed using only one formulated composition or individual
substance.
[0050] Substrate: A single bed, stage or tier of matter formed
using two or more distinct layers of matter having differently
formulated compositions and different substances in series or
sequential sequence.
[0051] Stratum and/or strata: A more general title and common name
for any plane, coating or ply of material which exists and can be
identified as being either a layer or a substrate.
[0052] Stack, stack of matter, and/or stacked material): A
plurality of different layers, or a plurality of different composed
substrates, or a plurality of different layers and substrates
joined together in combination as a single aggregate.
[0053] Laminate and laminated construct: At least one stack, and
usually multiple discrete stacks of matter joined together in
sequence, which form a unified entity and single article of
manufacture.
[0054] Plate: A flat pane, panel or slab of determinable
dimensions, configuration, volume, and mass, which is prepared and
exists as a laminated construct formed as multiple layers of
asymmetric composite materials.
[0055] Asymmetric and asymmetry: A physical property and
dimensional attribute of matter which describes the individual
thickness (or girth) for either a layer, or a substrate, or a stack
of matter which may exist as part of the laminated composite, and
where the thickness of one specific material layer, substrate, or
stack within the laminate composite varies, is non-uniform, or is
different from other individual layers, substrates, or stacks
present in the composite as a whole,
[0056] Penetration-resistance (and of being penetration-resistant):
The physical property and attribute of a material to withstanding
being pierced, split or fragmented and to prevent being penetrated
by the impact force of a moving object traveling at a measurable
rate of speed.
[0057] High velocity: Projectile rates of speed in the range from
approximately 1500 to 9000 (or more) feet per second.
[0058] Explosion fragments: Any type of high velocity projectiles
whose speed is generated by an explosion or an explosive force,
[0059] Opaque: a material that is totally absorbent of visible
light rays of a specified wavelength and thus fails to allow
visibility when viewing through the material from one side to the
other.
[0060] Transparent: a material that allows the visible light rays
of a specified wavelength to pass without substantial absorption
and thus allows visibility when viewing through the material from
one side to the other.
[0061] Translucent: a material that is capable of transmitting
light, but through which no image or object can be seen.
II. The Nature, Composition, and Manufacture of the Anti-Ballistic
Window Panes And Panels
[0062] The anti-ballistic egress window panes and panels employed
in the assembly are formed from purposely formulated laminated
composites. Each anti-ballistic egress window pane or panel is a
light-transmitting laminated composite comprised of multiple layers
of asymmetric composite materials joined in overlay series. Once
formed, these laminated composites are then configured, sized, and
optionally contoured to pre-chosen specifications to meet and
satisfy their intended use as penetration-resistant viewing panes
and panels in an anti-ballistic egress (and/or ingress) window
assembly.
A. The Laminated Constructs as Prepared Workpieces
[0063] It is critical and essential to recognize and appreciate the
nature and dimensional requirement for the asymmetrical composite
materials used in the making of the laminated constructs--which are
subsequently employed as tangible workpieces and component parts in
the making of the articles, manufactures, and assemblies of the
present invention.
[0064] As defined above, the characteristic of "asymmetry" refers
to the thickness dimension of a composite material, a size
dimension that exists and is part of the laminated construct
organization. Asymmetry is an essential physical requirement and
unique feature which identifies and describes the individual
differences in thickness (or girth) for either a layer or a
substrate composed of a particular composite material, wherein the
thickness of that composite material in a discrete one stack of the
laminate construct varies, or is inconsistent, or is measurably
different from the thickness(es) of that same composite material in
any other individual stack(s) also then present within and forming
a component part of the laminated construct as a single unitary
article.
[0065] The use of asymmetric intermediate materials is also
expected and envisioned with the use of different substrate
materials, with one or more distinct layers situated as a stratum.
Examples of such stratum uses are: employing glasses of different
types; utilizing a variety of different polycarbonates; using
alternative formulations of steel and other metallic alloys;
incorporating refractory ceramics of varying formulations; and
applying Kevlar, S Glass steel meshes, and other previously
manufactured synthetic compositions.
[0066] As a simple illustrative example, if a first layer formed of
a particular composite material has a thickness dimension of 1.5
mm, then at least one of the subsequent layers or strata using or
applying that same composite material must be quantitatively
different in thickness (or girth) from the 1.5 mm thickness
dimension employed by the first layer. Thus, layers or strata that
are 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, and the like (i.e., not 1.5 mm in size)
are acceptable as asymmetric examples. In addition, a single
composite material may be employed within a series of different
asymmetric stacks; which, in the alternative, may be present as a
plurality of only asymmetric layers, or exist as a solid mixture of
asymmetric and symmetric layers/strata in combination.
[0067] As a simple illustrative example therefore, if the construct
of choice is a laminated solid article that comprises a plurality
of separately positioned and distinguishable single layers, all of
which are identically composed of the same composite material, then
each of the individually positioned layers must be asymmetric, or
be different, in its thickness dimension. Thus each distinct and
distinguishable layer formed of the same substance constitutes an
individual stratum, which differs from all the others by its
thickness (or girth) dimension. In this manner, each of the
individual layers, albeit formed of the same composite material,
has a singular thickness, which differs from the others; and each
layer (or stratum) is positioned one on top of the other as a
series of overlays such that the totality of multiple asymmetric
layers in combination thereby forms a single unitary stack. Then,
by repeating this process and maintaining the asymmetry of
thickness requirement for each discrete stack, a plurality of
(i.e., two or more) different asymmetrical stacks can be prepared;
and each of these individually prepared stacks can then be joined
together in sequential series to form a fused and consolidated
laminated construct.
[0068] It will be noted that the joining of multiple individual
asymmetrical stacks together to achieve a merged and unified
laminated construct can be achieved by using one or more of the
many commonly available adhesives which can be applied in different
ways; or by bonding the prepared stacks together using one or more
of the conventionally known bonding techniques that are well known
in industry and widely documented in the technical literature.
Material bonding or curing procedures that utilize heat,
compression, chemical reactions, radiation, and UV light are
preferred and commonplace in this technical field [See for example,
the laminate manufacturing techniques described within U.S. Pat.
No. 5,443,883, the entire text of which is expressly hereby
incorporated by reference].
B. The Choice of Materials for the Composite
[0069] It will be intuitive to those of skill in the art that a
wide range of composite materials can be used in the making of
discrete layers, substrates and stacks for the manufacture of the
laminated construct, each chosen composite material being able and
well suited to provide particular properties. For example, a
variety of prepared-in-advance composite materials can be employed,
which typically include plastics, glass, aluminum silicates,
ionomer resins, metals, rubbers, rigid aramid fiber materials,
synthetic film, fabric, ceramics, or different combinations of
these materials. These prepared-in-advance composite materials are
frequently used in the fabrication of light-transmitting--i.e.,
opaque, translucent, and transparent--laminated constructs.
[0070] It will be noted in particular that a variety of opaque and
clear ceramic materials are available under the trademark
TORVEX.RTM. from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co.; and that rigid
and flexible aramid fibers, such as those sold under the trademark.
KEVLAR.RTM., are very desirable for use. Furthermore, a range of
desirable composite materials identified by the trademarks
SENTRYGLAS.RTM. and SENTRYGLAS PLUS.RTM. are commercially sold; and
a frequently used plastic composite material available under the
trademark LEXAN.RTM.--are all manufactured and sold today by E. I.
Du Pont de Nemours & Co. Other prepared light-transmitting
composite materials sold under the mark VISTASTEEL.TM. are also
commercially available from American Defense Systems, Long Beach,
N.Y.
[0071] In addition, and as merely a second illustrative list of
representative choices, an alternative category of suitable
composite materials typically includes polybenzoxazole ("PBO");
polybenzothiazole ("PBT") polymers or related copolymers;
thermoplastic polymers (such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc.);
thermosetting polymers (such as vinyl ester, polyvinyl butyral
("PVB"), epoxy resins, polyvinyl urethanes, etc.); and elastomers
(such as polybutadiene, natural rubber, etc.).
[0072] For best results, a very preferred listing of
prepared-in-advance composite materials typically includes many
diverse kinds and types of glass, ionomer resins, polycarbonates,
steel, ceramics, KELVAR, and S Glass steel mesh. For example, AR
500 steel (a high hardened steel manufactured by a variety of
different specialty steel manufacturers) and ionomer resins
(existing as sodium salts or potassium salts) are available under
the trademark SURLYN.RTM. from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co.,
or under the trademark PRIMACORE.RTM. from the Dow Chemical
Company.
[0073] It will be appreciated that the different and diverse
listings of suitable composite materials provided herein are merely
illustrative and representative of the commercially available
choices; and the examples of the above-given listings should not be
construed as being exclusive or limiting in any manner. Many other
prepared-in-advance composite materials are suitable for use, are
commonly known and may be easily obtained from commercial sources,
some of which are alternative formulations or species of the
aforementioned materials. Accordingly, any given list of such
composite materials is deemed to be non-inclusive, incomplete, and
unnecessary for practitioners ordinarily skilled in this technical
field.
C. The Demonstrable Penetration-Resistance Properties Provided by
the Asymmetric Composite Materials
[0074] The demonstrable property and physical attribute of
penetration-resistance to the force of impact or attack by rapidly
moving objects is one of the most essential and critical qualities
provided by the asymmetric composite materials in the prepared
laminated constructs. However, the presence or absence of this
crucial property--effective resistance against penetration (as well
as piercing or perforation) by the impact force of a moving object
of determinable size, mass, and velocity--for any formulated
composition or manufactured substance is neither apparent, nor
foreseeable, nor predictable. To the contrary, recognition that the
attribute of penetration-resistance actually exists and is provided
by any specific composite material, particular chemical compound,
or individual composition of matter depends almost entirely upon
direct experimental testing and empirical proof. This was
previously and remains today the prevailing view of practitioners
within this technical field, and the underlying reasons or this
position and commonly accepted belief are abundantly clear.
The Problem
[0075] It will be recognized and appreciated that the overall force
generated by a moving object at the time of its impact upon any
formulated composition of matter or manufactured substance will
largely vary with and depend upon two distinct factors, which are:
(a) the object's physical qualities and intrinsic characteristics,
such as its dimensions, volume, shape, mass (or weight),
malleability, tensile strength, and hardness; and (b) the rate of
speed or travel velocity for the moving object at the moment of
impact.
[0076] Thus, for example, when evaluating penetration-resistance
among similar thicknesses of the same substance, the capability to
avoid being penetrated by an impact force will markedly deviate and
vary when the moving object is one of the following: (i) a 2000
pound car driven at 45-95 miles per hour by an out-of-control
driver; or (ii) a 8 foot length of 2.times.4 inch lumber moving
between 100425 miles per hour as a result of hurricane force winds;
or (iii) a 9 millimeter lead bullet traveling at 2500-9000 feet per
second after being fired from a hand gun.
[0077] Also, as an operational guideline, an object having a larger
size and mass will typically travel at a relatively slow to
moderate rate of speed, and thus will require a lesser degree of
resistance property to prevent penetration of the material upon
impact. Conversely, an object of small size and mass will often
travel at a much greater rate of speed; and thus the material will
be required to demonstrate a much greater degree of
penetration-resistance to avoid being pierced, punctured,
perforated, fragmented, or shattered.
[0078] Accordingly, if the test material undergoing experimental
evaluation empirically demonstrates effective
penetration-resistance to high-velocity projectiles of small mass
and size, then it may be properly believed and expected that that
test material will provide more than adequate
penetration-resistance properties against the impact force
generated by moving objects of larger size and mass
The Manner of Empirical Testing
[0079] Through prolonged empirical testing, it has been empirically
determined that the prepared-in-advance composite materials used
herein for making a laminated composite are durable and effective
in terms of their capabilities to withstand penetration by high
velocity, small mass projectiles. To demonstrate this
penetration-resistance capacity, and as one exemplary illustration
representative of such compositions and formulations generally, the
empirical data and details of Table 1 are provided below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Composite Materials Projectiles Tests Weight
Thickness AlfaClass.5.NS-SGP 9 mm FMJ-1400 FPS Exceeds UL, 6.08 lbs
50 inches NIJ, HP White AlfaClass75.NS-SGP 357 Mag158 grs lead
Exceeds UL, 6.75 lbs 0.75 inches 1450 FPS NIJ, HP White
AlfaClass.1.01.NS-PC 44 Mag-240gr lead Exceeds UL, 8.14 lbs 1.01
inches 1470 FPS NIJ, HP White AlfaClass.1.01.NS-PC 0.454 Casull 300
grs Never Tested 8.14 lbs 1.01 inches lead 1550 FPS Before - Beyond
Testing Parameters AlfaClass.1.01.NS-PC 12 Ga. Shotgun Exceeds UL,
8.14 lbs 1.01 inches Breneke Slugs NIJ, HP White Bravo Class. 1.243
NS-PC 0.499 Mini 50 cal 2 hits, six inches 10.75 lbs 1.2 inches
express round apart at 15' Bravo Class. 1.403. S-SGP 5.56 NATO
Round 5 hits less then 13.85 lbs 1.403 inches 8'' apart at 15'
Bravo Class. 1.305. NS-PC 5.56 AP-NATO Round 1 hit a 15 feet 10.65
lbs 1.305 inches Bravo Class. 1.305. NS-PC AK 47 3 hits at 15 feet
10.65 lbs 1.305 inches Bravo Class. 1.5. NS-PC AK 74 5 hits at 15
feet 11.37 lbs 1.5 inches Bravo Class. 1.5. S-SGP 7.62 NATO M-80
Ball 3 hits at 15 feet 10.6 lbs 1.5 inches Bravo Class. 1.7. S-SGP
7.62 NATO M-80 Ball 5 hits at 15 feet 18.52 lbs 1.7 inches Bravo
Class. 1.745. NS-PC 7.62 NATO M-80 Ball & 13 hits 3-4'' 17.13
lbs 1.745 inches AK47 apart at 15 feet Delta Class. 1.745. NS-PC
300 Winchester Mag 2 hits 4'' apart at 17.13 lbs 1.745 inches 15
feet Delta Class. 1.745. NS-PC 300 Weatherby Mag 9 hits 6'' apart
at 17.13 lbs 1.745 inches 15 feet Delta Class. 1.950. NS-PC 30.06
AP 1 hit at 15 feet 22.31 lbs 1.95 inches Delta Class. 1.950. NS-PC
7.62 AP 3 hits 8'' apart at 22.31 lbs 1.95 inches 15 feet Delta
Class. 1.850. NS-PC 0.30 Cal AP 1 hit at 15 feet 21.42 lbs 1.85
inches Tango Class. 2.0. NS-PC 0.50 cal NATO Ball 1 hit 100' by
36'' 20 lbs 2.05 inches FMJ 700 Grs. barrel Tango Class. 2.356.
NS-SGP 0.50 cal NATO Ball 1 hit 100' by 28'' 28.23 lbs 2.3 inches
FMJ 700 Grs. barrel Tango Class. 2.8. NS-PC 0.50 cal API/PPI 1 hit
75 yds by 28.88 lbs 2.6 inches Athena - FN USA 28'' barrel Tango
Class. 3.1 NS-PC 0.50 cal API NATO 2 hits 75 yds by 33.16 lbs 3.4
inches Silver Tip 28'' barrel Tango Class. 3.55 NS-PC 0.50 Cal
API-LaMas 3 hits 8'' apart 37.22 lbs 3.55 inches Urban SWAT 28''
Barrel 100'
[0080] Clearly, Table 1 presents the empirical results of multiple
performance tests experimentally conducted using a variety of
different composite materials of varying thicknesses. The empirical
data of Table 1 illustrates that the attribute of effective
penetration-resistance does exist in fact as a distinct and
demonstrable property for a range of different composite materials,
and in particular identifies a variety of diverse substances able
to resist penetration after being impacted by high-velocity
projectiles.
[0081] In addition, it will be appreciated that while Table 1
displays the penetration-resistance of many effective composite
materials, the data provided by this table does not present nor
illustrate the other compositions or substances that were
empirically tested, but which failed to resist being penetrated by
the moving projectiles. Thus, all the composite materials
identified within Table 1 either meet or exceed the recognized and
accepted testing parameters and guidelines deemed necessary for
intended use as impervious compositions and impenetrable
substances. Consequently, the embodiments of the laminated
composite, which employ such materials as multiple individual
layers joined together in overlay series as a unitary article, have
set new performance standards for penetration-resistance, which
were previously held to be unobtainable.
D. The Organization Structure of and Range of Formats for the
Laminated Constructs
[0082] While the range and variety of layer, substrate and stack
specifications are well illustrated by the examples described
herein, it will be expressly understood that these particulars are
presented solely for representative purposes only, as many other
embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the
invention.
Organization
[0083] For example, a laminated construct may comprise any number
of layers, substrates, and stacks that are fabricated using many
different kinds or types of composite materials, each varying in
the thickness dimension; and the laminated construct will, of
necessity, be made to meet and satisfy the exact objectives
sought.
[0084] Accordingly, it is deemed to be within the scope of the
present invention that a laminated construct can be fabricated
using various composite materials in structural formats comprising
not less than 3 layers and not more then 20 layers joined in
overlay series; and in structural formats comprising not less than
1 discrete stack and not more than 24 discrete stacks laminated
together in sequential series. In general, a laminated construct
may vary from less than 1.5 inches to more than 2 feet in overall
thickness.
[0085] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the
resulting laminated constructs will comprise and utilize multiple
composite materials in formats comprising from 3 to 10 layers in
overlay series, and from 3 to 15 discrete stacks in joined in
sequential series. In the most preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is contemplated one or more composite materials would
be present as discrete layers or individual substrates in a range
of thicknesses varying from about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches in
size.
Structural Format Alternatives
[0086] It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that
a host of different materials can be used in fabrication of the
laminated constructs to suit the particular goals and desired
objectives. For example, one generally useful embodiment of a
laminated construct uses a choice of composite materials wherein
the layers, substrates and stacks are created from plastics, glass,
aluminum silicates, ionomer resins, metals, rubbers, rigid aramid
fiber materials, synthetic film, fabric, ceramics or combinations
of these materials.
A Minimalist Format
[0087] As an illustration of how to make a generally useful
embodiment, one can manufacture a minimal, three layer (single
stack), laminated construct comprised of asymmetric composite
materials. This minimalist format comprises one sheet of glass, one
ionomer resin interlayer, and one polycarbonate sheet--which are
collectively superimposed over one another as overlays and are
permanently joined together in sequential series to form a laminate
sheet. The three individual composite materials can and are easily
joined together to form a unified single article using any of the
joining methods commonly known in this art.
[0088] Also if desired, one or more other composite materials can
be added as additional layers or substrates to the minimalist three
layer (single stack) laminate recipe, to meet the purposes and
goals of the particular project. Thus, if and when desired, the
minimal three-layered (single stack) fabrication can be further
bonded to one or more independently manufactured asymmetric stacks
in a manner that produces a more durable and more
penetration-resistant laminated construct, which further eliminates
spall (i.e. small flying glass shards), a frequently seen event
when ordinary glass shatters.
[0089] Moreover, in this minimalist three layer (one stack)
laminate embodiment, it has been found that all three layers and
composite materials can be dimensioned to extend no more then 1.5
inches in overall thickness; and that this minimal laminated
construct format is itself capable of withstanding any penetration
or piercing from the impact force of 12 shots from a 7.62 mm M80
standard NATO rounds, with the entire grouping of shots being
spaced less then 3 inches apart. Also, as concomitant features, the
minimal three layer (one stack) laminated construct is transparent
and resists spall.
[0090] Furthermore, if the maker chooses to increase the overall
thickness (depth) of the minimal three (one stack) laminated
construct to 2.0 inches overall, this format of the laminated
construct will withstand penetration of a conventional round fired
from a 0.50 caliber machine gun; and, furthermore, if the overall
thickness (depth) of the minimal three (one stack) laminated
construct is increased to 2.5 inches overall, this format of the
fabricated laminate article is able and sufficient to stop
penetration from a .50 caliber armor-piercing round.
High Velocity Projectile Resistance Formats
[0091] Another generally useful embodiment of the fabricated
laminated construct pertains to the use of opaque, translucent,
and/or transparent composite materials that are capable of
preventing penetration by high velocity projectiles, high velocity
explosion fragments, or combinations of these. The term "high
velocity" as used herein, is defined as projectile velocities in
the range from approximately 1500 to 9000 or more feet per second,
velocities typically demonstrated by various explosion fragments.
"Explosion fragments", in turn, is defined as any type of high
velocity projectiles whose velocity is generated by an explosion
(e.g. including explosions caused by heat, pressure, electricity,
compressed air, water, etc.). The phrase "high velocity
projectiles" therefore includes both ballistic projectiles, such as
bullets; and also encompasses shotgun scatter, bomb shrapnel, and
metal or other type material fragments caused by large bombs,
improvised explosive devices ("IEDs"), blast mines, and those types
of hand grenades equivalent in force to an M67 fragmentation
grenade detonated at a horizontal distance of 5 meters.
[0092] It is contemplated and expected that high velocity
projectiles and explosion fragments can derive from any number of
firearms or explosive devices. Two common example are: a
7.62.times.39.times.AP (steel core) bullet [manufactured at Plant
71, 1986, and Plant 3, 1989] fired from an AK 47 (Rumania) rifle
[number 155 H Comp B M107 No. D544]; and metal shrapnel fragments
generated by the detonation blast of a 155 mm artillery shell.
Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Embodiments and Formats
[0093] Alternative formats of the asymmetric laminated construct
contemplate using composite materials that are substantially
transparent, or alternatively are substantially opaque. The term
"opaque", as defined herein, identifies a material that fails to
allow reasonable amounts of visibility when viewing through from
one side of the material to the other. In comparison, the term
"transparent", defines a substantially clear material that allows
for a reasonable amount of visibility when viewing through from one
side of the material to the other; while the term "translucent"
defines a material capable of transmitting visible light rays, but
through which no clear image or object can be seen.
[0094] It is believed that the transparent, translucent, or opaque
formats of the laminated constructs will likely be either tinted or
colored light-transmitting fabrications. Generally speaking, the
formats pertaining to opaque laminate composites will comprise at
least one layer of a metal or alloy material; while those
embodiments pertaining to transparent and translucent laminate
composite typically will not contain any metal material, but will
comprise material layers that allow for the passage of visible
light rays. These formats allow for the utilization of transparent
composites materials in instances where both explosive blast
mitigation and visual function are to be maintained--such as in
vehicle and boat windshields, side and rear viewing windows,
observation domes and roofs, and view thru doors and walls.
The Prepared Anti-Ballistic Window Panes and Panels
[0095] Each laminated construct, utilizing opaque, translucent,
and/or transparent composite materials, is fabricated initially as
a unitary flat plate (i.e., a planar pane, panel or slab); and then
is sized, molded, shaped, bent, and/or contoured into a pre-chosen,
three-dimensional configuration and volumetric orientation. The
choice of possibilities include: differing specifications as to
length, width and height, density, and mass; use of multiple
geometric and/or non-geometric configurations; availability of
concave and/or convex orientations, if desired; incorporation of
uniform or non-uniform curves and bends as needed; presence of
regular and/or irregular patterns; desirability of sculpted and
non-sculpted models; and appearance of template and/or non-template
fashioned forms.
[0096] It is also expected and intended that a range and variety of
differently configured, dimensioned and/or contoured plates will be
individually prepared in advanced; and that these prepared plates
will be able to be arranged, assembled, and arrayed to produce
anti-ballistic egress/ingress windows, doors, roofs, wind shields,
canopies and observation domes.
III. The Range of Embodiments for the Invention
[0097] The present invention, an anti-ballistic egress window
assembly, can be prepared in multiple embodiments and will take
commercial form in a variety of alternative constructions. It will
be expressly understood and appreciated also that although the
embodiments described below focus attention upon windows per se,
the present invention overtly encompasses and clearly includes any
visual viewing sheet, panel, article, or design such as: a viewable
observation roof, a front windshield, observation sidewalls, a
viewing rear wall, and viewable observation doors.
[0098] It will be recognized also that the instant invention
presumes the prior existence and availability of a pre-existing
solid wall having at least one open spatial zone of preset
dimensions and configuration, wherein each open spatial zone is
intended to be a portal for visual viewing. Thus, the specific
format of and tangible presence for any pre-existing wall having at
least one open spatial zone encompasses and includes every
conventionally known, manufactured, built, and/or used continuous
and vertical structure having little width in proportion to its
length and height which encloses, protects, or divides a space or
supports a roof.
[0099] Moreover, any manner, shape, or style of open spatial zone
may be present in the pre-existing solid wall and can be
accommodated by the present invention. Thus, the open spatial zone
may differ in length, width and height; be geometric or
non-geometric in configuration; be concave or convex in
orientation; have uniform or non-uniform curves and bends; be
regular or irregular in pattern; be sculpted or non-sculpted; and
be fashioned as the result of template or non-template forms.
[0100] In the most common instances, the pre-existing solid wall
will typically be part of a motorized vehicle which has a solid
(typically metal) body shell; and has one or more arranged
compartments, seating areas, roofs and doors delineated by walls
having surfaces formed of hard outer materials (usually metal
alloys). The erected anti-ballistic egress window assembly is
joined and secured to the external (and preferably internal) all
surfaces of the body shell, side walls, roofs, and doors.
A. One Simple Embodiment
[0101] A simple and minimalist embodiment of the anti-ballistic
egress window constituting the present invention is illustrated by
FIG. 1. As seen therein, a minimalist embodiment of the present
invention appears as an assembly 20 including, but not limited to,
the following:
[0102] Wall juncture means 30 which extend from a surface of a
pre-existing solid wall 10 and which provide the means for
on-demand attachment and detachment of a subassembly 40 lying
adjacent to an open spatial zone 12 then present within a
pre-existing solid wall 10.
[0103] a subassembly 40, which is an array to be placed around and
over the open spatial zone 12 then present within the pre-existing
solid wall 10. The subassembly array is itself comprised of the
following:
[0104] a substantially planar box support 50 having a circumscribed
opening 52 of fixed dimensions and configuration. The box support
50 is adapted for aligned positioning and attachment adjacent to
the open spatial zone 12 then present within the pre-existing solid
wall 10; and is joined and secured on-demand to the solid wall 10
using the wall juncture means 30.
[0105] a flange 60 of sufficient girth and length to fit into and
line the perimeter of the open spatial zone 12 then present within
the pre-existing solid wall 10, as well as overlay and overlap the
perimeter edges of said configured opening 52 in the planar box
support 50.
[0106] An anti-ballistic window 70 formed of light-transmitting,
anti-ballistic material which is penetration-resistant against a
moving projectile and which has been prepared as a laminated
construct comprising not less than three individual layers of
asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as a
discrete stack. The window 70 has fixed dimensions and
configuration; has an edge perimeter 72; presents demonstrable
penetration-resistance properties against a moving projectile (of
pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity); and is adapted for aligned
positioning adjacent to and provides an overlay cover for the open
spatial zone 12 then present within a pre-existing solid wall 10.
The on-demand joining and securing of the window 70 is achieved
using the wall juncture means 30.
[0107] The last component part of the subassembly 40 is a covering
frame 80 of specific dimensions and shape, which is mounted along
and fitted to the edges 72 of the anti-ballistic window 70. As
shown, the covering frame is adapted for aligned positioning and
attachment as part of the array using the wall juncture means
30.
[0108] Completing the egress window assembly 20 as a whole are a
plurality of removable closures 90 for on-demand joining and
securing of, and for at-will release and detachment of, the arrayed
subassembly 40. These removable closures 90 are positioned upon the
wall juncture means 30; and provide the means of egress or ingress
through the open spatial zone 12 then present within a pre-existing
solid wall 10 when the closures are removed and a manual
disassembly of the array is made.
Some Particulars of the Minimalist Assembly
The Wall Juncture Means
[0109] It is intended and expected that the exact number,
particular structural format, and desired location or placement of
the wall juncture means will vary markedly and will be chosen to
meet the singular conditions of the individual application or
intended use circumstances. Accordingly, the arrangement
illustrated by FIG. 1 represents merely one instance and example of
the wall juncture means.
[0110] As shown by FIG. 1 however, the wall juncture means appear
as self-threading screws or bolts. These screws or bolts are
manufactured in advance; and are pre-selected as to length,
diameter or girth, screw thread count, chemical composition and
formulation, overall configuration or type, head form, and any
other attribute relating to size, grade, quality or style.
Similarly, the actual number of screws or bolts will typically vary
for reasons of economy, security, convenience, or need.
[0111] In FIG. 1 there are six (6) self-threading bolts 32 employed
as the wall juncture means 30. The six self-threading bolts 32 are
deployed around the open spatial zone 12 then present within a
pre-existing solid wall 10; and are individually inserted into one
of six pre-drilled holes made into the material substance of the
pre-existing solid wall 10. After being inserted into the solid
wall 10, each bolt 32 will individually extend from the exterior
surface 14 of the wall 10; and be of sufficient length to position,
align and hold the component parts of the subassembly 40--i.e., the
planar box support 50, the anti-ballistic window 70, and the
covering frame 80--collectively--and cumulatively as an array.
The Removable Closures
[0112] The removable closures 90 are employed for on-demand joining
and securing of, and for at-will release and detachment of, the
arrayed subassembly 40. Here also, it is intended and expected that
the exact number, particular structural format, and desired
location or placement of the removable closures will vary markedly
and will be chosen to meet the singular conditions of the
individual application or intended use circumstances. Accordingly,
the arrangement illustrated by FIG. 1 represents merely one
instance and example of the removable closures.
[0113] As shown by FIG. 1 however, the removable closures appear as
pre-threaded nuts or self-locking collars that are often hexagonal
in shape. These nuts or collars are manufactured in advance; and
are pre-selected as to length, diameter or girth, screw thread
count, chemical composition and formulation, overall configuration
or type, head form, and any other attribute relating to size,
grade, quality or style. Similarly, the actual number of nuts or
collars will typically vary for reasons of economy, security,
convenience, or need.
[0114] In FIG. 1 there are six (6) pre-threaded collars 92 which
constitute the removable closures 90. The six collars 92 are
deployed singly; are individually positioned upon each bolt 32; and
are rotated over and down the unoccupied length of each bolt 32 to
join together the earlier-positioned planar box support 50,
anti-ballistic window 70, and covering frame 80 as a subassembly,
and secure them collectively as an array.
[0115] The removable closures 90 are also employed for at-will
release and detachment of the arrayed subassembly 40. Clearly,
after the closures have been used initially to join and secure the
subassembly array, the closures can be singly and aggregately
removed at will to disassemble the array and thereby provide the
means and manner of on-demand egress or ingress through the open
spatial zone 12 then present within a pre-existing solid wall
10.
The Box Support of the Subassembly Array
[0116] The box support 50 is a substantially planar article which
has a circumscribed opening 52 of fixed dimensions and
configuration that corresponds to the length, width, and overall
two-dimensional shape of the open spatial zone 12 then present
within the pre-existing solid wall 10. Accordingly, the box support
50 is adapted for aligned positioning and precise attachment to the
exterior surface 14 of the pre-existing solid wall 10; and the
circumscribed opening 52 is intended to lie directly next to and
superimposed upon (i.e., in congruous alignment) with the open
spatial zone 12. Such adjacent positioning and congruous alignment
of the box support 50 and the circumscribed opening 52 is provided
by the wall juncture means 30.
The Anti-Ballistic Window of the Subassembly Array
[0117] The antiballistic window 70 has fixed dimensions and
configuration that correspond to the length, width, and overall
two-dimensional shape of the open spatial zone 12 then present
within the pre-existing solid wall 10. The window 70 has an
identifiable edge perimeter 72; and is adapted for direct contact
with and aligned positioning adjacent to the box support 50 and the
circumscribed opening 52. Once in the aligned position, the window
70 provides a complete overlay cover for the circumscribed opening
52 of the box support 50 as well as for the open spatial zone 12
then present within the pre-existing solid wall 10. Such adjacent
positioning and precise alignment of the anti-ballistic window 70
is provided by the wall juncture means 30.
The Covering Frame of the Subassembly Array
[0118] The covering frame 80 has specific dimensions and a
configuration that correspond to the length, width, and overall
two-dimensional shape of the antiballistic widow 70. The covering
frame 80 is placed upon the window 70; and is mounted along and
fitted to the edges 72 of the anti-ballistic window. As shown, the
covering frame is adapted for aligned positioning and attachment as
part of the subassembly array.
[0119] Once in the aligned position, the covering frame provides a
partial overlay support for the window 70; and serves to hold and
maintain the window 70 as an overlay cover against the box support
50, the circumscribed opening 52, and the open spatial zone 12 then
present within the pre-existing solid wall 10. Such adjacent
positioning and precise alignment of the covering frame 80 in the
subassembly array 40 is provided by the wall juncture means 30.
The Limited Manner Of Egress And Ingress
[0120] Egress and ingress (under those circumstances which warrant
it) is to be made through the open spatial zone 12 then present
within the pre-existing solid wall 10. This manner of egress and
ingress will be typically made from military vehicles, under actual
combat or high risk circumstances; and will be employed when the
conventional means of entry and exit for the military vehicle (such
as doors) are non-functional, or it is too dangerous to use them
under the given circumstances.
[0121] In the simple and minimalist format of FIG. 1, the available
means and manner for egress and ingress are limited by the manner
in which the wall juncture means 30 are inserted into the substance
of the pre-existing solid wall 10 and by the removable closures 90
which appear on the exterior of the erected assembly 20. Because
there is no direct or easy access to the juncture means 30 and the
removable closures 90 from the interior side of the pre-existing
solid wall 10, all egress and ingress through the open spatial zone
12 then present within the pre-existing solid wall 10 can be
achieved only by removing the closures from the exterior side of
the solid wall 10 and then externally disassembling the subassembly
array 40. In short, there is no capability to initiate or make
available any egress or ingress from the interior side of the
pre-existing solid wall 10.
B. A Highly Preferred Embodiment
[0122] A very preferred embodiment of the anti-ballistic egress
window constituting the present invention is illustrated by FIGS. 2
and 3. As seen therein, a very desirable embodiment of the present
invention appears as an assembly 120 including, but not limited to,
the following:
[0123] Optionally releasable wall juncture means 130, 230 are seen
in FIG. 2 which extend from both the exterior side 114 and the
interior side 214 of a pre-existing solid wall 110; and together
provide for separate on-demand attachment and detachment of an
externally placed first subassembly 140 and an internally placed
second subassembly 240--each of which is positioned oppositely in
orientation and direction adjacent each other at single open
spatial zone 112 then present within the pre-existing solid wall
110.
[0124] A first subassembly 140 is FIG. 2 as an externally placed as
an array at the open spatial zone 112 then present within a
pre-existing solid wall 110. This first subassembly array includes
the following component parts:
[0125] A substantially planar box support 150 appears in FIG. 2 and
has a circumscribed opening 152 of fixed dimensions and
configuration. The box support 150 is adapted for aligned
positioning and attachment adjacent to the open spatial zone 112
then present within the pre-existing solid wall 110; and is joined
and secured on-demand to the solid all 10 using the releasable wall
juncture means 130.
[0126] A fitted flange 160 is shown by FIG. 2. The flange 160 has
an external side 162 and an internal side 262; and is of sufficient
girth and length to fit into and line the perimeter of the open
spatial zone 112 then present within the pre-existing solid wall
110, as well as concomitantly overlay and overlap the perimeter
edges of said configured opening 152 in the planar box support
150.
[0127] Flange mounting means 164, 264 are shown by FIGS. 2 and 3.
The Flange mounting means 164, 264 are placed within the material
substance of the flange 160; and extend from both the exterior side
162 and the interior side 262 of said fitted flange 160. The flange
mounting means 164 extending from the exterior side 162, as well as
the flange mounting means 262 extending from the interior side 262
of the fitted flange 160, individually provide on-demand mounting
and attachment (and at-will detachment and dismounting) from said
fitted flange. It will be noted also that the flange mounting means
164, 264 are positioned adjacent to and surround the open spatial
zone 112 then present in the pre-existing solid wall 110.
[0128] An anti-ballistic window 170 is shown in FIG. 2. The window
170 is formed of light-transmitting, anti-ballistic material which
is penetration-resistant against a moving projectile and which has
been prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than
three individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined
together in series as a discrete stack. The window 170 has fixed
dimensions and configuration; provides an edge perimeter 172;
presents demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a
moving projectile (of pre-chosen size, mass, and velocity); and is
adapted for aligned positioning adjacent to and serves as an
overlay cover for the open spatial zone 112 then present within a
pre-existing solid wall 110. On-demand joining and securing of the
window 170 is achieved using the exteriorly extending flange
mounting means 164.
[0129] A covering frame 180 is seen in FIG. 2. The covering frame
180 has specific dimensions and a set shape; and is to be mounted
along and fitted to the edges 172 of the anti-ballistic window 170.
As shown, the covering frame 180 is adapted for aligned positioning
and attachment as pare of the array using the exteriorly extending
flange mounting means 164.
[0130] Completing the exteriorly disposed first subassembly array
140 are a plurality of removable first closure means 190 for
on-demand joining and securing of, as well as for at-will release
and detachment of, the covering frame 180, the anti ballistic
window 170. The removable closure means 190 are externally
positioned upon the releasable wall juncture means 130 and the
flange mounting means 164; and provide the externally available
means for egress or ingress through the open spatial zone 112 then
present within a pre-existing solid wall 110 when these closures
means are removed and a manual disassembly of the first subassembly
array 140 is made.
[0131] A second subassembly array 240 is shown by FIG. 3, it is
positioned upon the interior side 214 of the pre-existing solid
wall 110 adjacent to the open spatial zone 112. The second
subassembly array 240 includes the following:
[0132] A reinforcement frame 210 is shown by FIG. 3, which has a
sized opening 222 of fixed dimensions and configuration; and is
adapted for aligned positioning and attachment to the interior side
214 of the pre-existing solid wall 110. The reinforcement frame 210
is placed in aligned position adjacent to the interior side 214 by
the interiorly extending releasable wall juncture means 230 and the
interiorly extending flange mounting means 264. After it has been
properly positioned, the reinforcement frame 210 will rest directly
opposite (in direction and orientation) the anti-ballistic window
170 of the first subassembly array 140.
[0133] Removable second closure means 290 are shown by FIG. 3 for
on-demand securing (and at-will release) of the reinforcement frame
210 when positioned upon the internal side 214 of the pre-existing
solid wall 110. The removable second closure means 220 are placed
upon and tightened on the interiorly extending flange mounting
means 264 and the interior releasable wall juncture means 230 to
achieve secure assembly.
Some Particulars of the Preferred Embodiments
The Optionally Releasable Wall Juncture Means
[0134] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the wall junction
means differ in two major respects from the minimalist format
described previously herein. First, in preferred formats, the wall
juncture means extend both from both sides of the pre-existing
solid wall 110--that is, extend externally from the exterior side
114, and extend internally from the interior side 214, of the
pre-existing solid wall 110. Second, in preferred embodiments, the
wall juncture means as a whole are optionally, but preferably,
releasable and removable in their entirety from the material
substance of the pre-existing solid wall 110, whenever it is deemed
desirable or necessary to do so.
[0135] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the externally
extending and the internally extending wall juncture means
typically appear as self-threading screws or bolts. These screws or
bolts are manufactured in advance; and are pre-selected as to
length, diameter or girth, screw thread count, chemical composition
and formulation, overall configuration or type, head form, and any
other attribute relating to size, grade, quality or style. The
actual number of screws or bolts will typically vary for reasons of
economy, security, convenience, or need.
[0136] Also, as appears in FIGS. 2 and 3, there are typically four
(4) elongated self-threading bolts 332 employed as the wall
juncture means 130, 230. The four elongated bolts 332 are deployed
around the open spatial zone 112 then present within a pre-existing
solid wall 110; and are individually inserted into one of four
pre-drilled holes present in the material substance of the
pre-existing solid wall 10. Then, after being inserted into and
through the solid wall 110, each bolt 332 will in part externally
extend from the exterior side 114, and concomitantly also partially
extend from the interior side 214, of the solid wall 110. In this
manner, each bolt 332 will provide sufficient linear length to
extend both externally and internally from the solid wall; and via
this arrangement, the wall juncture means 130, 230 will serve to
align and in part hold the planar box support 150 of the first
subassembly 140 and the reinforcing frame 210 of the second
subassembly 240 together in aligned orientation as oppositely
positioned components.
The Flange Mounting Means
[0137] The flange mounting means 164, 264 are a unique feature of
preferred embodiments; are positioned to lie within and to pass
through the material substance of the fitted flange 160; and will
extend as discrete forms from both the exterior side 162 and the
interior side 262 of the fitted flange 160.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the externally and internally
extending flange mounting means 164, 264 appear as elongated
self-threading screws or bolts. It is expected and intended that
these elongated screws or bolts will be manufactured in advance;
and will be chosen for proper length, diameter or girth, screw
thread count, chemical composition and formulation, overall
configuration or type, head form, as well as any other attribute
relating to their size, grade, quality or style.
[0139] Moreover, as appears in FIGS. 2 and 3, there are six (6)
elongated threaded bolts 350 which serve collectively as both the
externally extending flange mounting means 164 and the internally
extending flange mounting means 264. The six elongated bolts 350
are individually deployed around the perimeter of the fitted flange
160; have sufficient length to lie within and to pass through the
material substance of the fitted flange 160; and will extend from
the exterior flange side 162 and concomitantly also extend from the
interior flange side 262. Thus, each elongated bolt 350 will extend
both externally and internally from the fitted flange 160; and via
this arrangement, will serve to align and place the anti-ballistic
window 170 and the covering frame 180 of the first subassembly 140,
as well as the reinforcing frame 210 of the second subassembly 240,
in oppositely directed and oriented positions,
The First and Second Removable Closure Means
[0140] The first and second removable closure means 190, 290 are
employed for on-demand joining and securing of, and also for
at-will release and detachment of, the first and second
subassemblies 140, 240. Accordingly, the arrangement illustrated by
FIGS. 2 and 3 represent merely one instance and example of the
removable closures.
[0141] As shown by FIGS. 2 and 3 however, the removable closure
means 190, 290 appear as pre-threaded nuts or self-locking collars,
which are often hexagonal in shape. These nuts or collars are
manufactured in advance; and are pre-selected as to length,
diameter or girth, screw thread count, chemical composition and
formulation, overall configuration or type, head form, and any
other attribute relating to size, grade, quality or style.
Similarly, the actual number of nuts or collars will typically vary
for reasons of economy, security, convenience, or need.
[0142] Moreover, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the removable closures
190, 290 appear as two individual sets of six (6) pre-threaded
collars 192, 292. Each of the six collars forming one set is
deployed singly; is individually positioned upon a bolt; and is
rotated over and down the linear length of the bolt. In this
manner, the removable closures 190, 290 join and secure the first
and second subassembly arrays together.
[0143] The removable closures 190, 290 are also employed for
at-will release and detachment of the arrayed subassemblies 140,
240 from the pre-existing solid wall 110L Clearly, after the
closures have been initially used to join and secure each of the
two subassembly arrays, the closures can be singly and collectively
removed at will (whenever needed or desired) to disassemble either
subassembly array separately, and thereby provide two different
means and individual manners for initiating on-demand egress or
ingress through the open spatial zone 12 then present within a
pre-existing solid wall 10.
The Dual Manners of Egress and Ingress
[0144] Egress and ingress (under those emergency circumstances
which warrant it) is to be made through the open spatial zone 12
then present within the pre-existing solid wall 10. This manner of
egress and ingress will be typically made from military vehicles,
under actual combat or high risk circumstances; and will be
employed when the conventional means of entry and exit for the
military vehicle (such as doors) are non-functional, or it is too
dangerous to use them under the given circumstances.
[0145] In contrast with and distinction from the simple and
minimalist format of FIG. 1, the available means and manner for
egress and ingress in the most preferred embodiments are not
limited by the manner in which the wall juncture means are inserted
into the substance of the pre-existing solid wall; nor is direct
access to the closures which hold and secure the erected assembly
in place a problem of any consequence. Instead, there is direct and
easy access whenever desired or needed to the wall juncture means,
the flange mounting means, and the removable closures 290 from both
the interior side 214, as well as from the exterior side 114, of
the pre-existing solid wall 110.
[0146] Egress and ingress through the open spatial zone 112 then
present within the pre-existing solid wall 110 can therefore be
achieved in two different ways: (a) by removing the first closure
means 190 from the exteriorly extending wall juncture means 130 and
the flange mounting means 164 on the exterior side 114 of the solid
wall 110, and then externally disassembling the first subassembly
array 140; and/or (b) by removing the second closure means 290 from
the interiorly extending wall juncture means 230 and the flange
mounting means 264 on the interior side 214 of the solid wall 110,
and then externally disassembling the first subassembly array 140
In short, there is full and able capability to initiate or make
available any egress or ingress from either side of the
pre-existing solid wall 110.
IV. Some Commercial Formats of the Anti-Ballistic Egress Window
Assembly
A. Kits Produced in Advance
[0147] It is intended and expected that produced in advance kits
(and subsequently to be used by the actual purchaser or intended
beneficiary) will be one commercial format and manner of sale for
the anti-ballistic egress window assemblies prepared using the
laminated constructs as viewing window panes and panels.
Accordingly, every kit will comprise: one or more fabricated
laminated constructs comprised of asymmetric composite materials,
which have been produced in advance as specifically sized and
configured light-transmitting windows, windshields, roofs and
doors; and optionally include a purposefully designed subassembly
which provides not only as the structural support for holding the
windows in their proper respective positions and intended
alignments, but also serves as a means for egress and ingress
on-demand when and as needed.
[0148] Clearly there are expected and intended to be a wide range
and variety of kits produced in advance to meet a variety of
different use demands and contingencies; and each type of produced
in advance kit will, in turn, be sold and delivered to the actual
purchaser or intended user, through conventional sales methods,
distribution and warehousing systems, and common transportation
carriers to the given mailing address or indicated geographic
location (e.g. an office, business, town, city, or other site) for
installation by the purchaser or a trained service technician.
B. The Range and Variety of Kit Uses
[0149] It is expected and intended that the present invention will
be most beneficial when introduced and used with motorized
vehicles, particularly those vehicles used in high risk and/or
military combat situations.
[0150] As merely one useful example, any military vehicle such as
the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (or "HMMWV") can
use, quickly erect and beneficially deploy the anti-ballistic
egress window assembly. The present invention may be installed
directly onto a vehicle such as the HMMWV, where the vehicle has a
solid (typically metal) body shell and one or more of its doors
have hard outer (usually metal) surfaces. The erected egress window
assembly is secured directly to the external and internal metal
surfaces of the doors and/or body shell. It is also most desirable
that the pre-designed component parts of the erected assembly
(other than the window itself) be made using at least one substance
selected from the group membership consisting of plastics, glass,
substantially pure aluminum silicates, ionomer resins, metals,
rubbers, rigid aramid fiber materials, glazing or combinations
thereof.
[0151] The anti-ballistic egress window can also be specifically
prepared to be quickly and easily installed in any of the follow ng
types of military vehicles: The D7G Dozer; any Grader; any Scraper;
the 2.5 CY Loader; a High Speed Compactor; a Vibratory Roller; and
the 7.5 Ton Crane.
As Replacement Kits for Original Windows and Windshields Made of
Penetrable Glass
[0152] In another intended application and expected usage of kits,
the anti-ballistic egress window assembly comprising the present
invention can be prepared in advance to meet preset specifications
as penetration-resistant window and windshield replacements in
order to provide greater protective safety for any existing vehicle
or carriage.
[0153] In such instances, the kit's components will provide a
plurality of penetration-resistant window panes or panels, which
are individually configured, dimensioned, and contoured in advance;
and will serve as direct replacements and complete substitutions
for the shatterable original sheet glass windows or windshield then
present in the existing vehicle. Such direct replacement and
complete substitution of all shatterable or penetrable sheet glass
will markedly improve and greatly enhance the protection and safety
of the vehicle's occupants.
[0154] Accordingly, usage of this type of kit requires removing
some or all the original sheet glass windows, the original sheet
glass windshield, and any other original sheet glass existing
within the vehicle; and then replacing some or all the penetrable
glass objects with the replacement penetration-resistant egress
window assemblies. It is expected also that the user will attach
the customized or pre-designed supporting structures to each of the
different sections and areas of the vehicle where the original
sheet glass is to be found.
Portability of and On-Site Installation of Kits
[0155] Each and every kit envisioned herein, regardless of its
expected use or true application, is intended to be both portable
and transportable on demand to a particular geographic site or
locale whenever and as needed. The means for properly assembling
and/or installing all the component parts of each kit in a vehicle
regardless of location has been considered and typically has been
included as one extra element added to the kites component parts.
Also included within each kit are specific means and articles for
installing the components at the ultimate site of need or at a
particular assembly location. For these reasons also, any other
needed or desirable equipment (e.g. computers, software, telephone,
vehicles, and other apparatus), and hardware (e.g. tools, etc.),
useful for the proper assembly and installation of the kit
components are expected to be readily available and at hand.
[0156] In certain other versions and formats of the kit, the
individual component parts constituting the kit as a whole will be
based upon and in compliance with specified measurements or
particular engineering specifications, and/or exact architectural
drawings; and, at least in these instances, the prepared
anti-ballistic egress window assembly will rely completely upon
these previously given specifics and particulars.
[0157] In addition, the produced-in-advance kits are envisioned and
expected to be warehoused as accumulated inventory and then
subsequently delivered upon demand, order, or sale, as well as in
accordance with a preset time schedule. In this manner, the proper
type and number of kits will routinely be available to meet the
needs of the individual buyer or user; and to satisfy the
particular nuances of a particular project; and to comply with the
requirements defined by communications between parties, private or
government contracts, and specific project coordinators. Quality
control, including project testing, is also contemplated as
necessary to meet the demands or expectations of the prospective
purchaser.
Original Equipment Manufactures (OEMs)
[0158] It is a valuable feature and prominent aspect of the present
invention that the anti-ballistic egress window assemblies can be
employed as original equipment manufacture assemblies and as
self-supporting, erected structures for almost any type of motored
vehicle, movable carriage, or transporting conveyance. In these
instances and circumstances, it is clearly understood that the
three-dimensional egress/ingress window formed of
penetration-resistant light-transmitting panes and panels is
intended to be part of the original vehicular construction
specifications and manufacturing process; and, as such, is not a
retrofitted improvement or later replacement upgrade of the
original equipment parts used in the vehicle's construction.
[0159] As an original equipment manufacture (or "OEM"), each of the
egress window panes and panels has been sized, molded, shaped,
bent, and/or prepared in advance to meet specific three-dimensional
configurations, contours, and volumetric orientations. The
engineering specifications will include: particulars as to length,
width and height, density, and mass; and specific choices of
geometric and non-geometric configurations, concave and convex
orientations, uniform and non-uniform curves and bends, regular and
irregular patterns, sculpted and non-sculpted models, and template
and non-template fashioned forms.
[0160] Also, as OEM erections and structures, the engineering
specifications will require that the configured and dimensioned in
advance anti-ballistic egress windows to be arranged and assembled;
and to provide light-transmitting, penetration-resistant windows,
windshields, doors, roofs, canopies, and observation for any newly
manufactured vehicle, carriage or conveyance.
The Standard Vehicle Production Cab
[0161] In view of our current geopolitical and economic world
climates, it is deemed most useful and desirable to provide an
illustrative example of OEM assemblies can be prepared for safety
and designed for protection against injury in military use
instances, particularly under live-fire combat circumstances. The
representative example has been designated as the "Standard Vehicle
Production Cab" and is described in detail below.
[0162] This cab assembly constitutes a second generation of
tactical wheeled vehicles deemed suitable for general military
uses. The cab assembly provides protection for soldiers and other
combatants as the mission dictates; may be used in peacetime and
wartime circumstances; and represents a marked increase in fuel
economy, payload, and component reliability in comparison to
earlier choices and systems. In addition, the assembly provides a
very high degree of ballistic protection for the occupants of the
vehicle and is suitable for use in extremely dangerous combat
situations,
[0163] As merely one immediately useful vehicle type suitable as an
OEM cab assembly, the HMMWV ["High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled
Vehicle"] illustrated by FIG. 4 serves quite well. However, it will
be expressly recognized and understood that many other military
vehicles are also very suitable for utilizing original equipment
manufactured cabs.
The Cab Assembly
[0164] A typical cab assembly is shown by FIG. 4 and illustrates a
standard vehicle production cab 410 comprising an overview support
structure 420 and a plurality of differently configured and
dimensioned assembled anti-ballistic egress window and door
assemblies.
[0165] The overview support structure 420 is a pre-designed
three-dimensional cab framework having distinct sections and
transparent viewing zones, which collectively and cumulatively
appear as an erected observation dome and protected viewing
compartment. The assembled cab 410 provides a discrete observation
roof 422, a viewing front windshield 424, transparent viewing
sidewalls 426, 427 and rear wall 428, and transparent viewing
windows 430, and doors 432 and 434.
[0166] It is intended and expected that the standard vehicle
production cab comprising an overview support structure and a
plurality of differently configured and dimensioned windows,
windshields, roofs and doors (comprised of penetration-resistant
laminated constructs formed of asymmetric composite materials) will
be an original equipment manufacture prepared as an OEM kit. The
prepared in advance OEM kit is expected to be warehoused and stored
as kit inventory. Subsequently, at a chosen time, the prepared kit
is shipped to the factory or cab assembly location where the
vehicle is to be constructed; and then each type of prepared OEM
kit will be assembled and erected as part of the cab structure to
form a unified and fully constructed vehicle.
V. Experiments and Empirical Data
[0167] To demonstrate the merits and value of the present
invention, a series of planned experiments and empirical data are
presented below. It will be expressly understood, however, that the
experiments described and the results provided hereinafter are
merely the best evidence of the subject matter as a whole which is
the present invention; and that the empirical data, while somewhat
limited in content, are only illustrative of the scope of the
invention envisioned and claimed.
Experimental Example 1
Opaque Composite Material Blast Testing
[0168] The physical specifications of the opaque composite material
being tested are provided by Table E1 below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE E1 Layers of Composite Layer Material
Thickness Layer Materials Number 1 .125 inch AR 500 Steel (high
hardened) Number 2 .03 inch Ionomer Resin (Surlyn .RTM.) Number 3
.125 inch Opaque Ceramic (98% pure aluminum silicate) Number 4 .03
inch Ionomer Resin (Surlyn .RTM.) Number 5 .375 inch Aramid Fiber
(Rigid Kevlar .RTM.) Total: 5 .56 inch, or 14.3 mm Total weight per
square layers .times. 3 for each foot: 10.03 lbs. stacks individual
stack
[0169] In order to test the capability of one embodiment of the
present invention to withstand projectile and fragment penetration,
a 12''.times.12'' opaque composite material test sample having the
dimensions described in Table E1 was installed in a metal frame at
a height of approximately 5 feet. The sample was then subjected to
six consecutive 7.62.times.39.times.AP steel core shots from an AK
47 rifle, followed by being further subjected to the metal shrapnel
fragments from a detonation blast of a 155 mm shell placed at the
distance of approximately 33 feet from the opaque composite
material. The composite material remained at a height of
approximately 5 feet above the ground, while the 155 mm shell was
detonated at a height of approximately 8 feet above the ground.
[0170] Results of the multiple impacts on the opaque composite
material tested are provided by Table E2 below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE E2 Projectile Angle of Projectile Blast Number
Projectile Velocity Results 1 (bullet) 0 degree angle of 2520 feet
No Penetration projectile impact per second No spall detected 2
(bullet) 0 degree angle of 2520 feet No Penetration projectile
impact per second No spall detected 3 (bullet) 0 degree angle of
2520 feet No Penetration projectile impact per second No spall
detected 4 (bullet) 30 degree angle of 2520 feet No Penetration
projectile impact per second No spall detected 5 (bullet) 30 degree
angle of 2520 feet No Penetration projectile impact per second No
spall detected 6 (bullet) 30 degree angle of 2520 feet No
Penetration projectile impact per second No spall detected 7
(detonated shell) 30 degree angle of 8000 feet No Penetration
projectile impact per second No spall detected
[0171] After impact of the high velocity explosion fragments with
the composite material of Table E2, it was determined by visual
inspection that the composite material was not penetrated by any of
the 7 blasts. The impact of the six ballistic projectiles on the
12''.times.12'' opaque composite material test sample was
determined. The impact of the seventh blast, which was a shrapnel
bomb blast, was scattered across the surface of the material. But
it was determined by post ballistic testing that a
1.5''.times.0.75'' inch explosion fragment was stopped, and did not
penetrate the material. Surprisingly, no spall was detected.
Experimental Example 2
Transparent Composite Material Blast Testing
[0172] Physical specifications of transparent composite material
tested are provided by Table E3.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE E3 Layers of Composite Layer Material
Thickness Layer Materials Number 1 0.5 inch Annealed glass Number 2
0.06 inch SentryGlas Plus .RTM. Number 3 0.375 inch Annealed glass
Number 4 0.05 inch Polyurethane Number 5 0.375 inch Polycarbonate
Total: 5 1.36 inch, or 34.54 mm Total weight per square layers
.times. 3 each for foot: 14.33 lbs. stacks individual stack
[0173] In order to test the capability of one embodiment of the
present invention to withstand projectile and fragment penetration,
a 12'.times.12'' opaque composite material test sample having the
dimensions described in Table E3 was installed in a metal frame at
a height of approximately 5 feet. The sample was then subjected to
three consecutive 7.62.times.39.times.AP steel core shots from an
AK 47 rifle, followed by being further subjected to the metal
shrapnel fragments from a detonation blast of a 155 mm shell placed
at the distance of approximately 33 feet from the opaque composite
material. The composite material remained at a height of
approximately 5 feet above the ground, while the 155 mm shell was
detonated at a height of approximately 8 feet above the ground.
[0174] Results of the multiple impacts on the transparent composite
material tested are provided by Table E4.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE E4 Projectile Angle of Projectile Blast Number
Projectile Velocity Results 1 (bullet) 0 degree angle of 2520 feet
No Penetration projectile impact per second No spall detected 2
(bullet) 0 degree angle of 2520 feet No Penetration projectile
impact per second No spall detected 3 (bullet) 0 degree angle of
2520 feet No Penetration projectile impact per second No spall
detected 4 (detonated shell) 0 degree angle of 8000 feet No
Penetration projectile impact per second No spall detected
[0175] After impact of the high velocity explosion fragments with
the composite material of Table E4, it was determined by visual
inspection that the composite material was not penetrated by any of
the 4 blasts. The impact of the six ballistic projectiles on the
12''.times.12'' opaque laminated composite material test sample was
determined. The impact of the forth blast, which was a shrapnel
bomb blast, was scattered across the surface of the material. But
it was determined by post ballistic testing that a
1.5''.times.0.75'' inch explosion fragment was stopped, and did not
penetrate the material. Again, no spall was detected.
[0176] The present invention is not to be restricted in form nor
limited in scope except by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *