U.S. patent application number 12/175863 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for ballistic abatement barrier method and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BLASHIELD, INC.. Invention is credited to THOMAS D. DAVIDSON.
Application Number | 20120180629 12/175863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36793511 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAVIDSON; THOMAS D. |
July 19, 2012 |
BALLISTIC ABATEMENT BARRIER METHOD AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular ballistic abatement barrier system (10) includes a
first corrugated panel (12) having at least one aperture (13), a
second corrugated panel (16) having at least one aperture (17), and
a ballistic cloth (14) placed between the first corrugated panel
and the second corrugated panel. The ballistic cloth can also
include at least one aperture (15). The first corrugated panel and
the second corrugated panel are coupled using at least one among a
mechanical bond and a chemical bond. For example, the ballistic
cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel to form a multi-layered panel.
Alternatively, the first corrugated panel, the ballistic cloth, and
the second corrugated panel can be coupled together using a
fastener that compresses the ballistic cloth between the first
corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.
Inventors: |
DAVIDSON; THOMAS D.; (Coral
Springs, FL) |
Assignee: |
BLASHIELD, INC.
CORAL SPRINGS
FL
|
Family ID: |
36793511 |
Appl. No.: |
12/175863 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10886975 |
Jul 8, 2004 |
7415806 |
|
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12175863 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 ;
89/914 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 9/10 20130101; E06B
9/02 20130101; F41H 5/0457 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 ;
89/914 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/04 20060101
F41H005/04 |
Claims
1. A modular ballistic abatement barrier system, comprising: a
first corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein; a
second corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein; a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel; and wherein the ballistic cloth is
laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second
corrugated panel using at least chemical bond and the first and
second corrugated panels are nested.
2. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system of claim 1,
wherein the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel
are made from metal selected from the group comprising of aluminum
or steel.
3. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system of claim 1,
wherein the ballistic cloth is made from aramid fibers.
4. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system of claim 1,
wherein the ballistic cloth is laminated between the first
corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel to form a
multi-layered panel.
5. (canceled)
6. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system of claim 1,
wherein the modular ballistic abatement barrier system further
comprises a shooter's window.
7. A modular ballistic abatement barrier system, comprising: a
first corrugated metal panel having at least one aperture therein;
a second corrugated metal panel having at least one aperture
therein, wherein the first corrugated metal panel and the second
corrugated metal panel have a corrugation between one and four
inches and the first and second corrugated panels are nested; a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated metal panel and
the second corrugated metal panel; and wherein the ballistic cloth,
first corrugated metal panel and the second corrugated metal panel
are laminated together using at least a chemical bond.
8. A modular ballistic abatement barrier system, comprising: a
first corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein; a
second corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein; a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel; and wherein the ballistic cloth is
laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second
corrugated panel and wherein corrugations of the respective first
and second corrugated panels are nested.
9. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system of claim 8,
wherein a plurality of modular abatement systems are coupled
together in an interlocking fashion to a form a larger modular
ballistic abatement barrier system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/886,975, filed Jul. 8, 2004, the entirety
of which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to shielding devices, and
more particularly to a method and arrangement for providing
ballistic abatement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Numerous shielding and ballistic abatement barriers exist
that fail to provide a low-cost, modular and transportable system
that can be easily assembled or deployed, disassembled, and
reassembled or redeployed once again. If such a barrier exists, it
likely provides poor ballistic abatement. More likely than not, any
existing abatement system is overly complicated to assemble or
disassemble and costly. Many existing ballistic abatement systems
are fixed or a part of permanent construction or structure that is
not meant to be disassembled. Many others are costly using
expensive and heavy materials such as bulletproof glass or glass
along with other laminates that provide some level of ballistic
abatement.
[0004] Hurricane shutters typically made of aluminum are
lightweight, but by themselves fail to provide sufficient ballistic
abatement during periods of high risk when superior protection from
bullets, shrapnel and other debris associated with explosions might
be required. In a military scenario, although transportable,
hurricane shutters would not provide adequate protection from
ballistic projections. In the field, soldiers need to deploy and
maneuver and redeploy rapidly in the field of combat. In some
instances, soldiers spend hours and even days creating barriers
from local fill only to leave the fruit of their efforts in place
to move to another hostile area requiring the same type of barrier
to be built in a similar time consuming manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize
a ballistic cloth between corrugated panels to form several
ballistic abatement barrier methods and systems. Some methods and
systems are designed to reinforce an existing structure and other
methods and systems can form a structure from ballistic abatement
barrier panels formed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In a first embodiment of the present invention,
a modular ballistic abatement barrier system including a first
corrugated panel having at least one aperture, a second corrugated
panel having at least one aperture, and a ballistic cloth placed
between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.
The first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel are
coupled using at least one among a mechanical bond and a chemical
bond. For example, the ballistic cloth can be laminated between the
first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel to form a
multi-layered panel. Alternatively, the first corrugated panel, the
ballistic cloth, and the second corrugated panel can be coupled
together using a fastener that compresses the ballistic cloth
between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.
The first and second corrugated panels can be made from metal such
as aluminum or steel, but can also be made of other materials. The
ballistic cloth can be made from aramid fibers, but can also be
made of other materials exhibiting ballistic abatement
characteristics. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system can
further include a shooter's window.
[0006] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a modular
ballistic abatement barrier system can include, comprising a first
corrugated metal panel having at least one aperture, a second
corrugated metal panel having at least one aperture, and a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated metal panel and
the second corrugated metal panel. The first and second corrugated
metal panels can be coupled using at least one among a mechanical
bond and a chemical bond.
[0007] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a modular
ballistic abatement barrier system includes an exterior wall, an
interior wall, and a faster. The exterior wall can be formed from a
first corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein, a
second corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein; and a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel. The interior wall can be formed from a
third corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein, a
fourth corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein, and a
ballistic cloth placed between the third corrugated panel and the
fourth corrugated panel. The first corrugated panel and the second
corrugated panel are coupled together and the third corrugated
panel and the fourth corrugated panel are coupled together
respectively using at least one among a mechanical bond and a
chemical bond. A fastener is used through respective apertures of
the first, second, third and fourth corrugated panels. The modular
ballistic abatement barrier system can further include filler such
as rocks, pebbles, dirt, concrete, sand, or gravel between the
exterior wall and the interior wall. The ballistic abatement
barrier system can be substantially triangular in shape and
arranged and constructed to enable selective unfastening of
fasteners while generally allowing filler to release from a lower
area of the system first if desired. Again, the corrugated panels
can be made from metal such as aluminum or steel, but other
materials can be used. The ballistic cloth can also be made from
aramid fibers, but other materials can also be used. The ballistic
cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel and further laminated between the third
corrugated panel and the fourth corrugated panel. The fastener can
be any number of fasteners such as a bolt and nut or alternatively
a slotted dumbbell having slots that mate with the at least one
aperture in the exterior wall and the at least one aperture in the
interior wall. The modular ballistic abatement barrier system can
further include at least one endcap coupled between the exterior
wall and the interior wall which can also include a slot for
accommodating a portion of the slotted dumbbell.
[0008] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method of
forming a modular ballistic abatement barrier includes the steps of
providing a first corrugated metal panel having at least one
aperture therein, providing a second corrugated metal panel having
at least one aperture therein; placing a ballistic cloth between
the first corrugated metal panel and the second corrugated metal
panel, and selectively interlocking the first corrugated metal
panel and the second corrugated metal panel using a fastener
through respective apertures of the first and second corrugated
metal panels.
[0009] In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method of
reinforcing a vulnerable area in a structure using a ballistic
abatement barrier include the steps of providing a first corrugated
metal panel having at least one aperture therein, providing a
second corrugated metal panel having at least one aperture therein,
placing a ballistic cloth between the first corrugated metal panel
and the second corrugated metal panel forming the ballistic
abatement barrier, and fastening the ballistic abatement barrier to
the structure to cover at least a portion of the vulnerable area
using a fastener through respective apertures of the first and
second corrugated metal panels..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 1 as
applied to a window, opening or vulnerable area of a wall or
building in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a fastener that can be used with the
barrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of several barriers coupled
together as applied to a window or several window of a building in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a barrier wall constructed
using the barrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a barrier wall constructed
using the barrier of FIG. 1 as well as fill in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a closer perspective of a portion of the barrier
wall of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are perspective views of the fasteners
used in the barrier wall of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative barrier wall using a
different fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 is top view of a barrier wall assembly using a
plurality of barriers as shown in FIG. 1 coupled together in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of a barrier wall assembly having
shooting window in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of embodiments of the invention that are regarded as
novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood
from a consideration of the following description in conjunction
with the figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, In one embodiment in the form of a
modular ballistic abatement barrier system 10 can include a first
corrugated panel 12 having at least one aperture 13, a second
corrugated panel 16 having at least one aperture 17, and a
ballistic cloth 14 placed between the first corrugated panel 12 and
the second corrugated panel 16. The ballistic cloth can also
include at least one aperture 15. The first corrugated panel and
the second corrugated panel are coupled using at least one among a
mechanical bond and a chemical bond. For example, the ballistic
cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel to form a multi-layered panel. The
lamination process can involve coating opposing sides of the
ballistic cloth 14 with epoxy resin. Alternatively, the first
corrugated panel 12, the ballistic cloth 14, and the second
corrugated panel 16 can be coupled together using a fastener that
compresses the ballistic cloth between the first corrugated panel
and the second corrugated panel. Such fasteners can also include
rivets, nuts and bolts and the like. Unfortunately, such fasteners
can become projectiles themselves when the fasteners themselves get
hit by ballistic debris or projectiles. The first and second
corrugated panels can be made from metal such as aluminum or steel,
but can also be made of other materials. The ballistic cloth can be
made from aramid fibers, but can also be made of other materials
exhibiting ballistic abatement characteristics. The grade,
dimensions and thickness of the materials used to form the system
10 can vary depending on the ballistic abatement needs. A typical
width for a panel can be between 12 to 24 inches, although other
widths are certainly contemplated. The depth of corrugation can
typically be between 1 and 4 inches. The aluminum can typically
have a thickness between 0.030 and 0.080 inches whereas if steel
were used, the steel gauge can typically range from 18 through
30.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the modular
ballistic abatement barrier system 10 is shown as applied to a
structure 29 having vulnerable areas such as a window area 28. Once
the corrugated panels 12 and 16 come in a laminated form as shown
to form the modular ballistic abatement barrier system 10, they can
simply be fastened to the structure 29 using any number of
fasteners. In this instance, a Studcon fastener can be used. The
Studcon can include a stud 26 that is usually embedded in the
structure or wall 29, an embedded portion 27 as shown in FIG. 3 as
well as a washered wingnut 24 having a washer portion 25 and an
protective cap 22. The protective cap 22 is typically used for
protection of the thread on the stud head. A typical size Studcon
for use with the system 10 can be a 1/4 inch diameter Studcon with
a 14-20 threaded stud head.
[0024] A plurality of modular abatement barrier systems 10 can be
coupled together in an interlocking fashion to form a larger system
40 as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the system 40 can accommodate a wide
variety of vulnerable area sizes on a structure 29. A building with
many windows 28 adjacent to each other can be protected using the
system 40 in this manner.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, a modular ballistic abatement barrier
system 50 includes an exterior wall 51, an interior wall 53, and a
fastener (52 and/or 54). The exterior wall 51 can be formed from a
first corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein, a
second corrugated panel having at least one aperture therein, and a
ballistic cloth placed between the first corrugated panel and the
second corrugated panel such as the system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The
interior wall 53 can likewise be formed from a third corrugated
panel having at least one aperture therein, a fourth corrugated
panel having at least one aperture therein, and a ballistic cloth
placed between the third corrugated panel and the fourth corrugated
panel such as the system 10. A fastener (52 and/or 54) is used
through respective apertures of the first, second, third and fourth
corrugated panels. In other words, a fastener is used through holes
in the exterior wall 51 and the interior wall 53. Now referring to
FIG. 6, a system 60 similar to system 50 can further include filler
62 such as rocks, pebbles, dirt, concrete, sand, or gravel between
the exterior wall and the interior wall. The ballistic abatement
barrier system 60 (or 50) can be substantially triangular in shape
and arranged and constructed to enable selective unfastening of
fasteners on either an upper area or lower area of the system while
generally allowing filler to release from a lower area of the
system first. During a rapid disassembly of the system 60, the
fastener 52 in a lower area can be released first to allow all the
filler 62 or a substantial portion of the filler to exit the lower
area. In this manner, the remaining fasteners 54 in an upper area
of the system 60 can then subsequently be easily removed.
[0026] Note again, the corrugated panels can be made from metal
such as aluminum or steel, but other materials can be used
including plastics and composite materials that are currently too
costly to practically manufacture. The ballistic cloth can also be
made from aramid fibers such as Kevlar, but other materials can
also be used. As previously explained, the ballistic cloth can be
laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second
corrugated panel and further laminated between the third corrugated
panel and the fourth corrugated panel. The fastener can be any
number of fasteners such as a bolt and nut or alternatively a
slotted dumbbell having slots that mate with the at least one
aperture in the exterior wall and the at least one aperture in the
interior wall as better illustrated in the closer view of FIG. 7.
The slotted dumbbell can be made in a unitary fashion with
materials such as Delrin or other plastic material. Advantageously,
if the Delrin is exposed to projectiles, the slotted dumbbell
itself or any portion thereof will not likely become a projectile
that can potentially hurt the inhabitants of the barrier system.
When subjected to a projectile, the Delrin will likely decompose
rather than cause a chain reaction of projectiles as a rivet might
in similar circumstances. The dumbbells can come in various lengths
as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The upper dumbbell 54 as
illustrated in FIG. 8 can include a stem 80 and dumbbell portion 82
including a slot 84. The lower dumbbell 52 as illustrated in FIG. 9
can include a stem 90 and a dumbbell portion 92 having a slot 94.
The modular ballistic abatement barrier system 60 can further
include at least one endcap 56 coupled between the exterior wall
and the interior wall which can also include at least one slot 57
for accommodating a portion (the stem) of the slotted dumbbell.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 10, another modular ballistic abatement
barrier system 100 is shown including an exterior wall 101
comprised of the system 10 having the corrugated panel 12, the
ballistic cloth 14, and the corrugated panel 16 and interior wall
103 also comprises of the system 10. The exterior wall 101 and the
interior wall 103 can be coupled as shown using a nut 104 and bolt
102. Furthermore, the area between the exterior wall 101 and the
interior wall 103 can be filled with any type of local fill as
discussed in other embodiments.
[0028] Note, the panels of system 10 can be quite modular and
flexible in the number of configurations that can be made. In a
military scenario, barriers of different shapes can be tailored for
the uses needed. As shown in FIG. 11, a barrier 110 can be formed
in to a corral or other shape as need to protect an encampment of
soldiers or for other uses as needed. In another arrangement as
shown in FIG. 12, barrier 120 can have a plurality of panels 122
that can include a shooter's window 124.
[0029] In light of the foregoing description, it should be
recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present
invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated
to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the
description above is intended by way of example only and is not
intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *