U.S. patent application number 12/807532 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-07 for vehicle and structure shield net/frame arrangement.
Invention is credited to Mike Anderson, Patrick Callahan, Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael D. Farinella, David Hoadley, Abed Kanaan, Brendan LaBrecque, William R. Lawson, Thomas Mann, Frances Rush, Michael Wheaton.
Application Number | 20110079135 12/807532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45810919 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110079135 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farinella; Michael D. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2011 |
Vehicle and structure shield net/frame arrangement
Abstract
A vehicle and structure shield system including a flexible
structure with a fabric border including one of a hook and loop
type fastener thereon, a frame for the flexible structure including
frame members with the other of hook and loop fastener thereon for
releasably securing the flexible structure to the frame, and hard
points attached to the flexible structure.
Inventors: |
Farinella; Michael D.;
(Belmont, MA) ; Anderson; Mike; (Lowell, MA)
; Mann; Thomas; (Littleton, MA) ; Kanaan;
Abed; (Still River, MA) ; Cardenas; Robert Lee;
(Framingham, MA) ; Lawson; William R.; (Hamilton,
MA) ; LaBrecque; Brendan; (Peabody, MA) ;
Rush; Frances; (Norwood, MA) ; Hoadley; David;
(Lexington, MA) ; Wheaton; Michael; (Newton,
MA) ; Callahan; Patrick; (Maynard, MA) |
Family ID: |
45810919 |
Appl. No.: |
12/807532 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12386114 |
Apr 14, 2009 |
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12807532 |
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61124428 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 ;
89/36.04; 89/903; 89/917; 89/920; 89/930 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/026 20130101;
F41H 7/04 20130101; F41H 5/023 20130101; F41H 7/00 20130101; F41H
5/013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 ;
89/36.04; 89/903; 89/920; 89/930; 89/917 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/24 20060101
F41H005/24; F41H 5/02 20060101 F41H005/02; F41H 7/02 20060101
F41H007/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle and structure shield system comprising: a flexible
structure with a fabric border including one of a hook and loop
type fastener thereon; a frame for the flexible structure including
frame members with the other of hook and loop fastener thereon for
releasably securing the flexible structure to the frame; and hard
points attached to the flexible structure.
2. The system of claim 1 in which the frame members include the
other of the hook and loop fastener material thereon in a spiral
wrap configuration thereabout.
3. The system of claim 1 in which the flexible structure includes a
net with nodes and hard points are attached to the nets at the
nodes in an array.
4. The system of claim 1 in which the frame further includes
rearwardly extending members.
5. The system of claim 4 in which the frame includes frame members
forming a polygon with spaced sides and an upper and a lower
portion.
6. The system of claim 5 in which there are two spaced rearwardly
extending members attached to the upper portion.
7. The system of claim 6 in which there are rearwardly extending
members on each side extending from the lower portion to the upper
portion with a hinged joint therebetween.
8. The system of claim 1 in which the hard points each include a
post portion and a base portion with a cavity receiving the post
portion therein.
9. The system of claim 1 in which each hard point includes: a front
face; sidewalls extending rearward from the front face including
slots therethrough for cords of a net; a cavity surrounded by the
sidewalls; and a plug sized to be frictionally received in the
cavity locking the cords of the net in the cavity.
10. The system of claim 9 in which the plug includes an outer wall
with a knurled surface.
11. The system of claim 9 in which the front face has six sides
there are six sidewalls.
12. The system of claim 11 in which two opposing sidewalls have
slots therethrough in the middle of the opposing sidewalls.
13. The system of claim 12 in which there is a slot between
adjacent sidewalls on each side of said two opposing sidewalls.
14. The system of claim 1 in which the hard points include
steel.
15. The system of claim 1 in which the hard points weigh between 10
and 80 grams.
16. The system of claim 9 in which the front face has an area of
between 0.1 and 0.8 in..sup.2.
17. The system of claim 9 in which the sidewalls each have an area
of between 0.1 and 0.8 in..sup.2.
18. The system of claim 9 in which the cavity is round and the plug
is cylindrical in shape.
19. The system of claim 9 in which each hard point weighs between
10 and 40 grams.
20. The system of claim 9 in which the slots each terminate in a
rounded portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/386,114 filed Apr. 14, 2009, and claims the
benefit of and priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119,
120, 363, 365, and 37 CFR .sctn.1.55 and .sctn.1.78, which claims
the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 61/124,428, filed on Apr. 16, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject invention relates to ordinance shielding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and other ordinance are
used by terrorist groups to target military vehicles and
structures. See WO 2006/134407 incorporated herein by this
reference.
[0004] Others skilled in the art have designed intercept vehicles
which deploy a net or a structure in the path of an RPG in an
attempt to change its trajectory. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,190,304;
6,957,602; 5,578,784; and 7,328,644 all incorporated herein by this
reference. Related prior art discloses the idea of deploying an
airbag (U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,558) or a barrier (U.S. Pat. No.
6,279,499) in the trajectory path of a munition to deflect it.
These references are also included herein by this reference.
[0005] Many such systems require detection of the RPG and
deployment of the intercept vehicle quickly and correctly into the
trajectory path of the RPG.
[0006] Static armor such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,170,690;
5,191,166; 5,333,532; 4,928,575; and WO 2006/134,407 is often heavy
and time consuming to install. When a significant amount of weight
is added to a HMMWV, for example, it can become difficult to
maneuver and top heavy. Such an armor equipped vehicle also burns
an excessive amount of fuel.
[0007] Moreover, known static systems do not prevent detonation of
the RPG. One exception is the steel grille armor of WO 2006/134,407
which is said to destroy and interrupt the electrical energy
produced by the piezoelectric crystal in the firing head of the
RPG. Bar/slat armor is also designed to dud an RPG. But, bar/slat
armor is also very heavy. Often, a vehicle designed to be carried
by a specific class of aircraft cannot be carried when outfitted
with bar/slat armor. Also, if the bar/slat armor is hit with a
strike, the RPG still detonates. Bar/slat armor, if damaged, can
block doors, windows, and access hatches of a vehicle.
[0008] Chain link fence type shields have also been added to
vehicles. The chain link fencing, however, is not sufficiently
compliant to prevent detonation of an RPG if it strikes the fencing
material. Chain like fencing, although lighter than bar/slat armor,
is still fairly heavy. Neither bar/slat armor nor the chain link
fence type shield is easy to install and remove.
[0009] Despite the technology described in the above prior art,
Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other threats used by enemy
forces and insurgents remain a serious threat to troops on the
battlefield, on city streets, and on country roads. RPG weapons are
relatively inexpensive and widely available throughout the world.
There are varieties of RPG warhead types, but the most prolific are
the PG-7 and PG-7M which employ a focus blast or shaped charge
warhead capable of penetrating considerable armor even if the
warhead is detonated at standoffs up to 10 meters from a vehicle. A
perfect hit with a shaped charge can penetrate a 12 inch thick
steel plate. RPGs pose a persistent deadly threat to moving ground
vehicles and stationary structures such as security check
points.
[0010] Heavily armored, lightly armored, and unarmored vehicles
have been proven vulnerable to the RPG shaped charge. Pick-up
trucks, HMMWV's, 21/2 ton trucks, 5 ton trucks, light armor
vehicles, and M118 armored personnel carriers are frequently
defeated by a single RPG shot. Even heavily armored vehicles such
as the M1 Abrams Tank have been felled by a single RPG shot. The
PG-7 and PG-7M are the most prolific class of warheads, accounting
for a reported 90% of the engagements. RPG-18s, RPG-69s, and
RPG-7Ls have been reported as well, accounting for a significant
remainder of the threat encounters. Close engagements 30 meters
away occur in less than 0.25 seconds and an impact speed ranging
from 120-180 m/s. Engagements at 100 meters will reach a target in
approximately 1.0 second and at impact speeds approaching 300
m/s.
[0011] The RPG-7 is in general use in Africa, Asia, and the Middle
East and weapon caches are found in random locations making them
available to the inexperienced insurgent. Today, the RPG threat in
Iraq is present at every turn and caches have been found under
bridges, in pickup trucks, buried by the road sides, and even in
churches.
[0012] Armor plating on a vehicle does not always protect the
occupants in the case of an RPG impact and no known countermeasure
has proven effective. Systems designed to intercept and destroy an
incoming threat are ineffective and/or expensive, complex, and
unreliable.
[0013] Chain link fencing has been used in an attempt to dud RPGs
by destroying the RPG nose cone. See, for example, DE 691,067. See
also published U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0164379. Others
have proposed using netting to strangulate the RPG nose cone. See
published U.S. Application No. 2009/0217811 and WO 2006/135432.
[0014] WO 2006/134407, insofar as it can be understood, discloses a
protective grid with tooth shaped members. U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,605
discloses disruptive bodies secured to armor. The disruptive bodies
are designed to penetrate into an interior region of a shaped
charge to disrupt the formation of the jet. The shaped charge
disclosed has a fuse/detonator mechanism in its tail end.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] No known prior art, however, discloses a net supporting a
spaced array of hard points at a set off distance from a vehicle or
a structure wherein the hard points are designed to dig into the
nose cone of an RPG and dud it.
[0016] Pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/351,130 filed
Feb. 8, 2006, incorporated herein by this reference, discloses a
novel vehicle protection system. The following reflects an
enhancement to such a system.
[0017] In accordance with one aspect of the subject invention, a
new vehicle and structure shield is provided which, in one specific
version, is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install and remove
(even in the field), easy to adapt to a variety of platforms,
effective, and exhibits a low vehicle signature. Various other
embodiments are within the scope of the subject invention.
[0018] The subject invention results from the realization, in part,
that a new vehicle and structure shield, in one specific example,
features a plurality of spaced rods or hard points held in position
via the nodes of a net and used to dud an RPG or other threat
allowing the frame for the net to be lightweight and inexpensive
and also easily attached to and removed from a vehicle or
structure.
[0019] The subject invention features a vehicle and structure
shield comprising a flexible net subsystem including an array of
rods or hard points supported by the net subsystem and configured
to impact a projectile striking the net. A frame including mounting
brackets attached thereto positions the frame in a spaced
relationship with respect to the vehicle or structure. A first
releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the net subsystem
to the frame. A second releasable fastener subsystem releasably
secures the mounting brackets of the frame to a vehicle or
structure.
[0020] A vehicle and structure shield system in accordance with the
invention features a flexible structure with a fabric border
including one of a hook and loop type fastener thereon, a frame for
the flexible structure including frame members with the other of
hook and loop fastener thereon for releasably securing the flexible
structure to the frame, and hard points attached to the flexible
structure.
[0021] The frame members typically include the other of the hook
and loop fastener material thereon in a spiral wrap configuration
thereabout. One preferred flexible structure includes a net with
nodes and hard points are attached to the nets at the nodes in an
array. The frame may further include rearwardly extending members.
In one design, the frame includes frame members forming a polygon
with spaced sides and an upper and a lower portion. There may be
two spaced rearwardly extending members attached to the upper
portion and rearwardly extending members on each side extending
from the lower portion to the upper portion with a hinged joint
therebetween.
[0022] The preferred hard points each include a post portion and a
base portion with a cavity receiving the post portion therein. In
one specific design, each hard point includes a front face,
sidewalls extending rearward from the front face including slots
therethrough for the cords of a net, a cavity surrounded by the
sidewalls, and a plug sized to be frictionally received in the
cavity locking the cords of the net in the cavity.
[0023] The plug may include an outer wall with a knurled surface.
The front face may have six sides then there are six two opposing
sidewalls which may have slots therethrough in the middle of the
opposing sidewalls and there may be a slot between adjacent
sidewalls on each side of the two opposing sidewalls.
[0024] In one embodiment, the hard points include steel, weigh
between 10 and 80 grams, the front face has an area of between 0.1
and 0.8 in..sup.2, the sidewalls each have an area of between 0.1
and 0.8 in..sup.2, the cavity is round, and the plug is cylindrical
in shape. Typically, the slots each terminate in a rounded
portion.
[0025] The subject invention, however, in other embodiments, need
not achieve all these objectives and the claims hereof should not
be limited to structures or methods capable of achieving these
objectives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred
embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic three-dimensional exploded view
showing an example of one shield protection system in accordance
with the subject invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a HMMWV vehicle equipped
with hook and loop patches for installation of the shield system
shown in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic partial side view showing a shield
subsystem in accordance with an example of the subject invention
now installed on a portion of a vehicle;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional front view showing
one example of a hard point rod attached to adjacent nodes of two
spaced nets in accordance with the subject invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded view
showing another example of a hard point rod in accordance with the
subject invention;
[0032] FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic views of other hard point designs
in accordance with examples of the subject invention;
[0033] FIG. 7A-7B are schematic views of a plug for the hard point
shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic three-dimensional front view showing a
number of net shields removeably attached to a military vehicle in
accordance with the subject invention;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a schematic three-dimensional side view showing a
number of net shields attached to the side of a military
vehicle;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a highly schematic three-dimensional top view
showing a RPG nose duded by the shield subsystem in accordance with
the subject invention;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded front view
showing telescoping frame members in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0038] FIG. 12A is a front view of a frame structure in accordance
with an example of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 12B is a view of one portion of the frame structure
shown in FIG. 12A;
[0040] FIG. 12C is a front view of one frame member of the frame
structure shown in FIG. 12A showing a spiral wrap of Velcro
material thereabout;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a partial schematic view showing a frame
structure attached to the front of a vehicle in accordance with an
example of the subject invention; and
[0042] FIG. 14 is a flow chart depicting the primary steps
associated with a method of protecting a vehicle or structure in
one example of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Aside from the preferred embodiment or embodiments disclosed
below, this invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or being carried out in various ways. Thus, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangements of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
If only one embodiment is described herein, the claims hereof are
not to be limited to that embodiment. Moreover, the claims hereof
are not to be read restrictively unless there is clear and
convincing evidence manifesting a certain exclusion, restriction,
or disclaimer.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows an example of flexible structures, e.g., net
subsystem 10 and including an array of rods 12 configured to impact
a projectile (e.g., the nose of an RPG) striking net 14. Frame 16
includes mounting brackets 18a-18d attached to rearwardly extending
members 19a and 19b. The function of frame 16 and net 14 is to
position rods 12 in a spaced relationship with respect to a vehicle
or structure and to space the rods 12 apart from each other in an
array. When an RPG impacts net 14, rods 12 may angle inwardly
towards the nose of the RPG tearing into it and duding the
electronics and/or electrical or electronic signals associated with
the arming or detonation mechanisms of the RPG. By flexible, we
generally mean a net which does not retain its shape unless
supported in some fashion. When not attached to frame 16, net 14
can be rolled and then folded and/or net 14 can be bunched up.
[0045] Preferably, net subsystem 10 is removeably secured to frame
16 and frame 16 is removeably secured to vehicle 20, FIG. 2 (e.g.,
a HMMWV vehicle). In one particular example, frame members 22a-22d
include hook type fasteners secured to the outside thereof and the
net periphery includes loop type fasteners on the inside thereof.
Loop type fasteners are also secured to the rear of frame 16
mounting brackets 18a-18d and corresponding pads or patches
28a-28d, FIG. 2, adhered to vehicle 20, include outer faces with
hook type fasteners. The hook and loop fastening mechanisms,
however, maybe reversed and other flexible fastener subsystems may
also be used. The hook and loop fastening subsystems of U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,928,575; 5,170,690; 5,191,166; and 5,333,532 are
preferred.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows frame members 22a and 22b including hook type
fastener strips 30a and 30b, respectively, and net periphery fabric
border 24 including loop type fastener strips 32a and 32b. Mounting
bracket 18c' is attached to rearwardly extending frame member 19a'
and includes a rearward face with loop type fasteners. FIG. 3 also
shows optional strap 34 extending from ear 36 on frame member 22a
to attachment 38 on vehicle 20 which may also be secured to vehicle
20 using hook and loop fasteners. Additional straps may also be
included. FIG. 3 also shows first (outer) net 40a and second
(inner) net 40b with their nodes interconnected via rods 12'.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, rod 12' includes base portion 50 and
post portion 52 extending from base portion 50. Post 52 includes
castellations 54a-54d for the chord lines 56a and 56b of net 40a
defining node 58. Similarly, base 50 includes castellations (e.g,
castellations 60a and 60b) for lines 62a and 62b of net 40b also
defining a node (not shown). The lines of the nets may be glued or
otherwise secured in the castellations.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a single net design where net lines 66a and 66b
defining node 68 are secured between post portions 68 frictionally
received in cavity 70 of base portion 72 of rod 12''. The preferred
rod is made of steel, has a one inch post, and weighs between 15
and 30 grams.
[0049] FIGS. 6A-6B shows hard point 12''' with forward facing base
portion 72' with cavity 70' receiving post or plug 68', FIG. 7
therein in a friction fit manner. This hard point is designed for
nets including horizontal cords intersecting vertical cords. See
FIGS. 1 and 5. In this preferred design, the net cords are received
through slots 73a-d in wall 74 of hard point 72'. The slots, as
shown for slot 73a, terminate in rounded portion 77 preventing wear
of the net chords. Wall 74 in this embodiment defines a six-sided
structure with six sharp corners 75a-75f which dig into the skin of
an RPG ogive. Top surface 76 may be flat as shown or concave. Slots
73a and 73c receive vertically extending cord 66b, FIG. 5 while
slots 73d and 73b, FIG. 6A receive horizontally extending cord 66a,
FIG. 5. In one specific design, the hard point and the plug were
made of steel, hard point 72' was 0.625 inches from one edge to an
opposite edge, and 0.72 inches tall. Cavity 70' was 0.499 inches in
diameter and 0.34 inches deep. Five gram cylindrical plug 68',
FIGS. 7A-7B was 0.35 inches tall, 0.500 inches in diameter, and
includes knurling as shown at 78 on the outer wall surface
thereof.
[0050] Side walls 74a-74f extend rearward from front face 76
defining cavity 70' surrounded by the side walls. Opposing
sidewalls 74a and 74d have slots (73a, 73c) in the middle of each
side wall. Slots 73d, and 73b, in turn, are between adjacent
sidewalls 74b and 74c and 74f and 74e, respectively. Sidewall 74b
and 74c are between opposing sidewalls 74a and 74b on one side of
member 72' while sidewall 74f and 74e are between opposing
sidewalls 74a and 74d on the opposite side of member 72'.
[0051] In this specific design, the base portion 72' and plug 68'
(FIG. 7) were made of hardened steel (e.g., ASTM A108 alloy 12L14)
and combined weighed between 10 and 80 grams. A base portion with
more or less sides is also possible. For a six sided design, the
area of face 76, FIG. 6B, is typically about 0.5 in..sup.2, e.g.
between 0.1 and 0.8 in..sup.2. Sidewalls 74a-f typically have an
area of 0.37 in..sup.2, e.g., between 0.1 and 0.8 in..sup.2. Slots
73a-d may be 0.05-0.15 inches wide and between 0.2 and 0.8 inches
long.
[0052] Manufacturing of a net with hard points in accordance with
the subject invention is thus simplified. A net node is placed in
cavity 70', FIG. 6A with the net chords exciting through slots
73a-73d and plug 68', FIG. 7A is then driven in to cavity 70', FIG.
6A to lock the node of the net in the hard point. The hard points
are typically made of conductive material and may include a
protective rust resistant non-reflective, conductive coating (zinc
plating, flat olive in color). In one example shown in FIGS. 6C-6D,
base portion 72'' weighed 30 grams and was machined from 0.625 hex
bar stock. Walls 74a-74f were 0.72'' tall. Slots 73a-73d were 0.080
inches across and 0.350'' in length. These dimensions will vary,
however, depending on the design of the net.
[0053] There are trade offs in the design of the hard points and
also the net. The aspect ratio of the hard points, their size,
center of gravity, mass, and the like all play an important role.
Hard points which are too large, for example, and a net mesh size
which is too small, results in too much surface area to be stricken
by an RPG, possibly detonating the RPG. Hard points which are too
small may not sufficiently damage the RPG ogive and dud the RPG.
Steel is a good material choice for the hard points because steel
is less expensive. Tungsten, on the other hand, may be used because
it is heavier and denser, but tungsten is more expensive. Other
materials are possible. The hard points may be 0.5 inch to 0.75
inches across and between 0.5 inches and 1 inch tall.
[0054] It is preferred that the net node is placed at the center of
gravity at the hard point. The length of the hard point is
preferably chosen so that when an RPG strikes the net, the hard
point tumbles 90 degrees and digs into the RPG ogive. The moment of
inertia of the hard point is designed accordingly. In still other
designs, the hard point may have more or less than six sides. The
hard points may weigh between 10 to 80 grams although in testing 60
grams was found to be optimal, e.g., a 30 gram base portion and a
30 gram plug. Hard points between 10 and 40 grams are typical.
[0055] The net material may be polyester which provides resistance
to stretching, ultraviolet radiation resistance, and durability in
the field. Kevlar or other engineered materials can be used. A
knotted, knotless, braided, or ultracross net may be used. The
chord diameter may be 1.7 to 1.9 mm. Larger net cords or multiple
cords are possible, however, the cord(s) design should be
constrained to beneath threshold force to dynamic break loads
typical of RPG impact and engagements. The typical net mesh size
may be 176 mm (e.g., a square opening 88 mm by 88 mm) for a PG-7V
RPG and 122 mm for a PG-7 VM model RPG. But, depending on the
design, the net mesh size may range from between 110 and 190
mm.
[0056] The preferred spacing or standoff from the net to the
vehicle is between 4 and 24 inches, (e.g., 6-12 inches) but may be
between 4 and 60 centimeters. Larger standoffs may extend the
footprint of the vehicle and thus be undesirable. Too close a
spacing may not insure closing of the electrical circuitry of the
RPG ogive by the hard points. The frame and mounting brackets are
designed to result in the desired spacing.
[0057] It is desirable that the net material and mesh size be
chosen and the net designed such that an RPG ogive, upon striking a
net chord, does not detonate. RPGs are designed to detonate at a
certain impact force. Preferably, the breaking strength of the net
chord material is around 240 lbs so that an RPG, upon striking a
net chord or chords, does not detonate. The net is thus designed to
be compliant enough so that it does not cause detonation of the
RPG. Instead, the hard points dig into the RPG ogive and dud the
RPG before it strikes the vehicle or structure.
[0058] This design is in sharp contrast to a much more rigid chain
link fence style shield which causes detonation of the RPG if the
RPG strikes a wire of the fence. The overall result of the subject
invention is a design with more available surface area where duding
occurs as opposed to detonation.
[0059] FIG. 8 shows shields 80a-80f and the like in accordance with
the subject invention protecting all of the exposed surfaces of
vehicle 20. FIG. 9 shows shields 82a-82d in accordance with the
subject invention protecting the driver's side of vehicle 20. Only
a few hard points 12''' are shown for clarity. Typically, there is
a hard point at each node of the net.
[0060] When an RPG nose or ogive 90, FIG. 10 strikes a shield, the
rods or hard points at the nodes of the net(s) angle inwardly
toward nose 90 and tear into the skin thereof as shown at 92a and
92b. The hard points can bridge the inner and outer ogive serving
as short to dud the RPG. Or, the hard points tear into the ogive
and the torn material acts as a short duding the round. If the net
and/or frame is destroyed, another shield is easily installed. The
net thus serves to position the hard points in an array at a set
off distance from the vehicle or structure to be protected. An
effectiveness of 60-70% is possible. Chain link fencing exhibited
an effectiveness of about 50%. Netting without hard points likely
exhibited an effectiveness of less than 50%. Slat/bar armor
reportedly had and effectiveness of around 50%.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows how frame members 22a' can comprise adjustable
length telescoping sections for ease of assembly and for tailoring
a particular frame to the vehicle or structured portion to be
protected.
[0062] In one embodiment, the frame members are made of light
weight aluminum. One complete shield with the net attached weighed
1.8 lbs. The shield is thus lightweight and easy to assemble,
attach, and remove. If a given shield is damaged, it can be easily
replaced in the field. The rods connected to the net cell nodes are
configured to angle inwardly when an RPG strikes the net. This
action defeats the RPG by duding it since the electronics
associated with the explosives of the RPG are shorted as the rods
impact or tear through the outer skin of the RPG ogive.
[0063] The result, in one preferred embodiment is an inexpensive
and light weight shielding system which is easy to install and
remove. The shields can be adapted to a variety of platforms and
provide an effective way to prevent the occupants of the vehicle or
the structure from injury or death resulting from RPGs or other
ordinances. When used in connection with vehicles, the shield of
the subject invention exhibits a low vehicle signature since it
extends only a few inches from the vehicle.
[0064] The system of the subject invention is expected to meet or
exceed the effectiveness of bar/slat armor and yet the flexible net
style shield of the subject invention is much lighter, lower in
cost, and easier to install and remove. The system of the subject
invention is also expected to meet or exceed the effectiveness of
chain link fence style shields and yet the net/hard point design of
the subject invention is lower in cost, lighter and easier to
install and remove.
[0065] One design of a frame 16, FIGS. 12A-12B includes tubular
upper frame member 100a, lower frame member 100b, and side frame
members 100c and 100d all interconnected via corner members 102a-d.
The result is a polygon with spaced sides and an upper and lower
portion.
[0066] Spaced rearwardly extending members 104a and 104b are
attached to the upper portion of the members 100d and 100c,
respectively, just below the corner members 102a and 102b.
Rearwardly extending members 106a and 106b are on each side of the
frame and each include a hinged joint 108a and 108b, respectively.
Each of these members extends between a side member at the bottom
of the frame and a rearwardly extending member at the top of the
frame where they are hingely attached thereto. All of the hinged
joints may be pin and clevis type joints as shown. As shown in FIG.
12C, each frame member 100a-100d includes a spiral wrap 110 of a
hook type fastener material secured thereto to releasably receive
the loop type fastener material (32a, 32b, FIG. 3) of the net
fabric border. In this way, the net is easily attached and removed
from the frame.
[0067] Typically, the frame is attached to the vehicle or structure
using metal plates with an ear extending outwardly therefrom, such
as plate 120, FIG. 12b with ear 122.
[0068] In other instances, however, features already associated
with the vehicle or structure to be protected can be used to
secured the frame with respect to the vehicle or structure.
[0069] For example, FIG. 13 shows frame 16'' attached to a vehicle.
Frame 16'' includes frame members 130a-130g, rearwardly extending
member 132a and 132b hingely connected to plates 134a and 134b,
respectively, bolted to the vehicle. Features 136a and 136b of
vehicle 20' are connected to the joints between frame members 130b,
130g and 130f. Thus, the frame, the mounting brackets, and the like
may vary in construction depending on the configuration of the
vehicle or structure to be protected, the location on the vehicle
to protected and the like. Typically, the frame members are tubular
aluminum components and in one example they were 1-2 inches outer
diameter, 0.75-1.75 inches inner diameter, and between 3 and 10
feet long.
[0070] Assembly of a vehicle or structure shield, in accordance
with the invention, typically begins with cutting the bulk netting,
step 200, FIG. 14 into square or rectangular shapes. Next a fabric
border is sewed to the net edges, step 202 and includes loop type
fastener material on at least one side thereof.
[0071] The hard points are they secured to the net nodes, step 204.
For example, the net may be laid on a table and hard point female
members 72', FIG. 6A-6B are positioned under each node with the net
cords extending through slot 73a-73d. Plugs 68', FIG. 7, are then
driven partly into each cavity of the female base portions using
finger pressure and/or a hammer. Then, the plugs are seated in
their respective cavities using a pneumatic driver.
[0072] The appropriate frame is then designed and assembled step
206, FIG. 14, and the hook fastener material is taped or glued to
the frame members (see FIG. 12C), step 208. In the field, the frame
is secured to the vehicle or structure, step 210, and the net is
attached to the frame, step 212, using the loop; type fastener
material of the net periphery border and the hook fastener material
on the frame members.
[0073] Assembly of the frame to the vehicle or structure and
releasably attaching the net to the frame is thus simple and can be
accomplished quickly.
[0074] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not in others, however, this is for convenience
only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other
features in accordance with the invention. The words "including",
"comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be
interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any
physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed in
the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible
embodiments.
[0075] In addition, any amendment presented during the prosecution
of the patent application for this patent is not a disclaimer of
any claim element presented in the application as filed: those
skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim
that would literally encompass all possible equivalents, many
equivalents will be unforeseeable at the time of the amendment and
are beyond a fair interpretation of what is to be surrendered (if
anything), the rationale underlying the amendment may bear no more
than a tangential relation to many equivalents, and/or there are
many other reasons the applicant can not be expected to describe
certain insubstantial substitutes for any claim element
amended.
[0076] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and
are within the following claims.
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