U.S. patent application number 13/357455 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for ballistic baffle having energy dissipating backing.
Invention is credited to David Bassett, Sherman Clark Bronson, Ernest John, Thomas Wright.
Application Number | 20120247314 13/357455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46581365 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120247314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bassett; David ; et
al. |
October 4, 2012 |
BALLISTIC BAFFLE HAVING ENERGY DISSIPATING BACKING
Abstract
A ballistic baffle includes an abrasion and impact layer for
deflecting bullets and one or more layers of energy dissipating
material. The abrasion and impact layer takes the impact of a
projectile while the energy dissipation material disperses the
energy thereof to reduce or eliminate the risk of the bullet
penetrating the abrasion and impact material. The composite baffle
enables the use of baffles that are lighter weight, less expensive
and/or have improved performance characteristics over conventional
single layer baffles.
Inventors: |
Bassett; David; (Provo,
UT) ; John; Ernest; (American Fork, UT) ;
Wright; Thomas; (Highland, UT) ; Bronson; Sherman
Clark; (Payson, UT) |
Family ID: |
46581365 |
Appl. No.: |
13/357455 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61435971 |
Jan 25, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/02 20060101
F41H005/02 |
Claims
1. A baffle system for deflecting bullets, the baffle system
comprising: a support member for holding at least one baffle in an
elevated position; a suspension member for connecting at least one
baffle to the support member so as to hold the baffle at angle
between horizontal and vertical; and at least one baffle having an
impact layer and an energy dissipating layer attached to the impact
layer to absorb energy from the impact layer.
2. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 1, wherein the
impact layer comprises steel plate which is less than about
3/8.sup.th inch thick.
3. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 1, wherein the
impact layer comprises hardened steel which is less than about
1/4.sup.th inch thick.
4. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 1, wherein the
impact layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of
hardened steel, soft steel, aramid fiber and ceramic.
5. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 1, wherein the
energy dissipation layer is a compressive resistant layer having at
least one of the group consisting of concrete, concrete board,
steel, rubber, fiber glass, wood, carbon fiber, aramid fiber and
ceramics.
6. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 5, further
comprising a damping layer disposed between the impact layer and
the compressive resistant layer.
7. The baffle system for deflecting bullets of claim 1, further
comprising a fragment containment layer.
8. A ballistic baffle, the ballistic baffle comprising: an impact
layer; and a compressive resistant layer attached to the impact
layer.
9. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, wherein the impact layer
comprises a hardened steel panel less than about 3/8th of an inch
thick.
10. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, wherein the impact layer is
formed by plate steel less than about 1/4.sup.th inch thick.
11. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, wherein the impact layer is
steel plate between about 1/16.sup.th and 1/8.sup.th of an inch
thick.
12. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, wherein the impact layer
comprises at least one of the group consisting of hardened steel,
soft steel, aramid fiber and ceramic.
13. The ballistic baffle of claim 12, wherein the compressive
resistant layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of
concrete, concrete board, steel, rubber, fiber glass, wood, carbon
fiber, aramid fiber, and ceramics.
14. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, wherein the compressive
resistant layer includes concrete.
15. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, further comprising a damping
layer having at least one of the group consisting of vulcanized
rubber, chopped rubber, pure rubber, self-healing rubber,
self-sealing rubber, EPDM rubber, and wood products.
16. The ballistic baffle of claim 8, further comprising a fragment
containment layer having at least one of the group consisting of
steel, rubber, wood, structural fibers, Kevlar and fiberglass.
17. The ballistic baffle of claim 16, wherein the baffle comprises
an energy dissipation layer disposed between the compressive
resistant layer and the impact layer and wherein the fragment
containment layer is disposed as a side of the compressive
resistant layer opposite the energy dissipation layer.
18. A ballistic baffle, the ballistic baffle comprising: a steel
panel for deflecting projectiles, the steel panel being between
about 1/8.sup.th and 1/4.sup.th inch thick; and a plurality of
layers of energy dissipating material attached to one side of the
steel panel, the plurality of layers of energy dissipating material
being formed from the same material.
19. The ballistic baffle of claim 18, wherein the steel panel is
about 1/8.sup.th inch in thickness and wherein the energy
dissipating material comprises concrete.
20. The ballistic baffle of claim 18, wherein the energy
dissipating material is aramid fiber.
21. The ballistic baffle of claim 18, wherein the energy
dissipating material includes concrete.
22. The ballistic baffle of claim 18, wherein the energy
dissipating material is composite fiber.
23. The ballistic baffle of claim 18, wherein the plurality of
layers of energy dissipating material include two layers of
compressive resistant material.
24. A ballistic baffle, the ballistic baffle comprising: a steel
panel for deflecting projectiles; and a plurality of layers of
energy dissipating material adhered to the side of the steel panel,
wherein at least two of the layers of energy dissipating material
are made of different energy dissipating materials.
25. The ballistic baffle of claim 24, wherein the steel panel is
about 1/8 inch in thickness.
26. The ballistic baffle of claim 24, wherein the at least two
different energy dissipating materials are aramid fiber and
concrete.
27. The ballistic baffle of claim 24, wherein the at least two
different energy dissipating materials are aramid fiber and
composite fiber.
28. The ballistic baffle of claim 24, wherein the at least two
different energy dissipating materials are concrete and composite
fiber.
29. The ballistic baffle of claim 24, wherein the number of the
plurality of layers of the at least two different energy
dissipating materials is two.
30. A method for forming a baffle, the method comprising: selecting
a plate of hardened steel which is between about 1/16.sup.th and
1/4.sup.th inch thick; and attaching at least one layer of an
energy dissipating material to one side of the plate.
31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the method includes
adhesively attaching the energy dissipating material to the plate
of hardened steel.
32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the method includes
selecting concrete board and attaching the concrete board to the
hardened steel plate.
33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the energy
dissipating material is a compressive resistant material having at
least one of the group consisting of concrete, concrete board,
rubber, fiber glass, wood, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, and
ceramics.
34. The method according to claim 30, wherein the energy
dissipating material is a damping material having at least one of
the group consisting of vulcanized rubber, chopped rubber, pure
rubber, self-healing rubber, self-sealing rubber, EPDM rubber, and
wood products.
35. The method according to claim 30, wherein attaching at least
one layer of an energy dissipating material to one side of the
plate includes attaching at least one layer of a non-metallic
energy dissipating material to one side of the plate.
36. The method according to claim 30, wherein the method comprises
attaching a damping layer to the plate and attaching a compressive
resistant layer to the damping layer.
37. The method according to claim 36 further comprising attaching a
fragment containment layer to the compressive resistant layer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/435,971, filed Jan. 25, 2011,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to improved ballistic baffles
for deflecting bullets, such as at a shooting range. More
particularly, the present invention relates to baffles having an
impact layer (also referred to as an abrasion and impact layer) and
one or more layers of energy dissipating material adhered on a
backside of the impact layer to improve energy dissipation, reduce
cost and/or to reduce baffle weight.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are a variety of reasons for which individuals engage
in shooting at a shooting range or similar facility. Many
individuals will shoot to improve their proficiency in hunting. Law
enforcement officials shoot on a regular basis to maintain their
proficiency in the use of firearms so as to ensure their skills and
promote safety. Shooting proficiency can be done using a number of
different types of training facilities. One type of training
facility used to improve shooting proficiency is the indoor
shooting range.
[0004] Safety concerns at an indoor shooting range are particularly
important because shooting range structures and ballistic
projectiles are all enclosed at relatively close distances from the
shooter. Thus, bullets deflecting from targets or other shooting
range structures could threaten the safety of a shooter or others
at the range if not properly controlled. Shooting ranges typically
use a number of safety precautions to control the direction and
deflection of bullets. In most indoor shooting ranges and some
outdoor ranges, one such precaution is the hanging of ballistic
baffles from the ceiling or other support structures along the
shooting range at such an angle as to deflect stray bullets towards
the bullet containment area at the back of the shooting range. This
directs the bullets away from the shooter and away from the ceiling
where penetration could cause a risk to others outside the building
and where deflection could cause injury to others inside the
building.
[0005] Ballistic baffles used for deflecting bullets in shooting
ranges are commonly made of or include steel panels which are
approximately three-eighths (3/8) inch (or 9.5 mm) thick. Hardened
steel (or in some situations regular steel) may be used so that
bullets do not penetrate the baffles and reach the ceiling or high
walls where there may be a higher risk of a bullet exiting the
building or deflecting towards the shooter or others nearby.
Unfortunately, the use of the 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) hardened
steel plate raises several concerns. For example, steel panels can
be very costly and changes in steel prices can cause substantial
variations in the cost to build a shooting range. (As used herein,
about or approximately 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) (or other size)
refers to plates of steel or other materials which are considered
to be 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) (or other stated size) in industry
even though exact thicknesses vary slightly.)
[0006] Additionally, the steel panels can be cumbersome because of
the weight, requiring heavy reinforcement of the structure which
supports the baffles. A panel 4 feet by 8 feet (1.22 m by 2.44 m)
of 3/8ths inch (9.5 mm) steel weighs nearly 490 lbs. (222 kg). If
five such panels are disposed in a linear array to form a 40 foot
(12.2 m) wide baffle, the baffle weighs 2450 lbs. (1110 kg). If
five rows of baffles are used on a shooting range, 12450 lbs. (5550
kg.) must be supported above the range.
[0007] Finally, steel panels may not provide optimal performance
for a particular type of projectile deflection. While steel has
very good abrasion and penetration resistance, it is not as good at
avoiding deflection and/or compression. Additionally, in some
situations it may be desirable to use softer grades of steel to
keep costs down if they can be adequately enhanced to provide
similar deflection characteristics to a hardened steel panel.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for ballistic baffles which are
lighter, less expensive, and/or have improved performance
characteristics over three-eighths (3/8) inch (approximately 9.5
mm) steel baffles while preventing bullet penetration and
deflecting bullets away from the shooter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to create a baffle
for containing projectiles. In accordance with one aspect of the
present invention, a ballistic baffle may be made by adhering or
otherwise attaching a layer of an energy dissipating material to
the impact layer formed by an impact and abrasion resistant
material.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a
compressive resistant material may be attached to one side of an
abrasion and impact resistant material forming an impact layer. The
impact layer is intended to receive and deflect bullets or other
projectiles and the compressive resistant layer is intended to
strengthen the impact layer against bullet penetration and
deformation of the impact layer by dissipating energy from the
impact of a bullet. It will be understood that, unless stated to
the contrary, that reference to a layer will include a single layer
of a material with a given characteristic and to multiple layers
with that characteristic.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, an impact
absorption or damping material may be placed between the
compressive resistant layer and the impact layer. The impact layer
may be designed to receive and deflect bullet projectiles and the
damping material and the compressive resistant layer may strengthen
the impact layer against bullet penetration and at the same time
dissipate energy from the impact of a bullet.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a fragment containment material may be attached to a back side of
the compressive resistant layer or damping layer. The fragment
containment material may be configured to contain fragments of any
projectiles which may penetrate the abrasion and impact resistant
layer, the compressive resistant layer and any other layers which
may be present.
[0013] The layers of material provide a baffle which can be lighter
weight and/or have greater resistance to penetration than
conventional baffles in some configurations. In other
configurations, the composite baffle simply may be less expensive
than a steel only baffle having similar bullet stopping/deflecting
capabilities. In still other configurations, the composite baffle
may provide improved performance for specific applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and
described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a series of ballistic baffles hanging from a
ceiling in an indoor shooting range in accordance with the prior
art;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a 3/8.sup.th
inch (9.5 mm) steel ballistic baffle in accordance with the
teachings of the prior art;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a ballistic
baffle made in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of another
ballistic baffle made in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of yet another
ballistic baffle made in accordance with principles of the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a shooting range using a
ballistic baffle system of the present invention.
[0021] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by
the appended claims. The baffles shown may accomplish various
aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is
often not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the
invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures may be
presented to separately illustrate the various details of the
invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need
accomplish all objects or advantages of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The invention and accompanying drawings will now be
discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to
enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention.
The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of
the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the
appended claims.
[0023] The present invention typically includes a material for
receiving the abrasion and impact of a projectile, referred to
herein as the impact layer. The impact layer may be backed by
various energy dissipating layers of material. The energy
dissipating layers may include a compressive resistant layer and/or
a damping layer.
[0024] The impact layer may be formed of different materials which
are suitable for receiving the abrasion and impact of a high
velocity projectile, such as a bullet, with minimal wear or damage.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the abrasion and
impact layer is preferably steel plate which is thinner than
traditional baffles. In other words, the layer of steel is less
than 3/8.sup.th of an inch (9.5 mm). Thus, the steel may be, for
example, between 1/16.sup.th and 5/16.sup.th of an inch (1.59 mm to
7.94 mm). This thinner piece of steel reduces weight by about 16-84
percent and renders the steel cost in the baffle substantially less
than a conventional 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) steel plate. Depending
on the desired use, a mild grade steel or hardened steel may be
used. Other materials may also be used as discussed below.
[0025] The addition of a compressive resistant layer provides
resistance to compression and bending, and stiffens the impact
layer, thereby preventing excessive deformation and piercing of the
impact layer by projectiles. The use of a good compressive
resistant layer allows for use of an impact layer which is thinner
than the traditional steel baffle.
[0026] Where a damping layer is used, the damping layer helps to
dissipate energy caused by the impact of the projectile. The
damping layer may be located between the impact layer and the
compressive resistant layer. The damping layer may allow for some
bending of the impact layer without transferring the bending to the
compression layer. This can help prevent damage of the compressive
resistant layer by damping and distributing the point loads which
may occur from a bullet strike while still allowing the compressive
layer to stiffen the impact layer and prevent a bullet from
piercing or overly deforming the abrasion and impact layer.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 3, therein is shown a cross-sectional
view of a ballistic baffle, generally indicated at 5, made in
accordance with the present invention. The ballistic baffle 5
includes an abrasion and impact resistant material forming the
impact layer 7. A layer of compression resistant material forming a
compressive resistant layer 9, is adhesively attached to or
otherwise affixed to the impact layer 7. The impact layer 7 may be
thinner than a conventional hardened steel baffle depending on the
material being used. For example, if the impact layer 7 is hardened
steel, it will typically be less than 3/8.sup.th inch thick. While
not required, the impact layer may preferably be between
1/16.sup.th and 5/16.sup.th inch thick (about 1.6 mm to 7.9 mm) and
more preferably between about 1/8.sup.th inch (about 3.2 mm) and
1/4.sup.th inch (about 6.4 mm) thick, with about 1/8.sup.th inch
(3.2 mm) being the presently most preferred. Unless otherwise
noted, references contained herein to size refer to the thickness
of a layer of material. Thus, for example, 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm)
means a sheet or pieces of the material of any length or width
which are 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm) thick.
[0028] The abrasion and impact resistant material forming the
impact layer 7 may be selected from materials such as AR500 Steel
(or other hardened steel), soft steel (for certain applications),
aramid fiber (KEVLAR), or ceramics. By replacing a single panel of
3/8.sup.th inch (approximately 9.5 mm) steel with 1/8.sup.th inch
(3.2 mm) steel, a weight reduction of approximately 320 lbs. (145
kg) is achieved in steel weight. Additionally, the cost of steel in
the baffle may be reduced nearly 66 percent.
[0029] The compression resistant material forming the compressive
resistant layer 9 may be selected from a variety of materials
including: concrete, including, but not limited to high PSI and
reinforced concrete, concrete board formed by nesting mesh in
concrete (commonly referred to as backerboard and sold under the
trademarks DUROCK (USG), HARDIEBACKER (James Hardie Industries) and
WONDERBOARD (Custom Building Products), for example. The
compression resistant material may also be steel including either
hardened steel or regular steel, rubber, fiber glass materials,
wood, such as wood pieces, particle board, OSB and the like, carbon
fiber, KEVLAR, or ceramics.
[0030] As an example of weight savings, a sheet of HARDIEBACKER
backerboard (about 0.4 inches (about 10.2 mm) thick) weighs
approximately 83 lbs. (37.6 kg). Thus, a compressive resistant
layer 9 formed by three sheets of backerboard could be used behind
an impact layer 7 of 1/8.sup.th (3.2 mm) steel while still reducing
weight over a conventional baffle and having a thickness three
times that of a conventional baffle. While 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm)
of steel is lost, it is replaced by about 1.2 inches (about 30.6
mm) of mesh impregnated concrete board and a lower overall weight.
This enables the baffle to remain generally rigid when impacted by
a bullet while saving both cost and weight.
[0031] The compressive resistant layer 9 may be adhered or attached
to the impact layer 7 using customary methods of adhesion, such as
epoxy, glue, riveting, etc., as applicable to the particular energy
dissipating material used as the compressive resistant layer, i.e.,
backing material. Additionally, as noted above, the compressive
resistant layer 9 may include multiple pieces of compressive
resistant material 9 which may use various methods for attaching
them to each other including epoxy, glue, riveting, screws,
etc.
[0032] In stopping a bullet, two factors must be considered. First,
it is important to contain the bullet without penetrating the
stopping material and second, the energy from the bullet must be
dissipated. With a conventional baffle, this is done relatively
easily because the hardened steel is difficult for the bullet to
penetrate and the mass of the 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) (or greater)
hardened steel will dissipate the energy. In accordance with the
present invention, it has been found that a thinner piece of
hardened steel or other material can stop a bullet without the
bullet penetrating the material if a compressive resistant material
or other energy dissipating material is attached to the impact
layer 7 to help reduce deformation and dissipate the bullet's
energy. Thus, a baffle can be made which is lighter weight than
conventional baffles, reducing the steel (or other abrasion and
impact material) cost and reducing the amount of support structure
needed to hold the baffles above the range. In addition to or in
the alternative, the use of less steel may simply reduce the cost
of the baffles, as less expensive materials can be used as a
backing to the impact layer 7.
[0033] While shown in FIG. 3 as being of a similar thickness to the
impact layer 7, the compressive resistant layer 9 may be thicker.
Depending on desired weight and performance characteristics, the
compressive resistant layer 9 may be 10 times or more as thick as
the impact layer.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view
of another ballistic baffle, generally indicated at 11, made in
accordance with the present invention. The ballistic baffle 11
includes an impact layer 7 on which is adhered or attached a
plurality of layers of energy dissipating material indicated at 13
and 15 to form impact absorption or damping layers. The impact
layer 7 may be made from the same materials as the impact layer
discussed regarding FIG. 3. The impact absorption or damping
materials 13 and 15 may include the material of the compressive
resistant layer, of a damping layer of one or more rubber panels
formed from one or more of vulcanized rubber, chopped rubber, pure
rubber and self-healing or self-sealing rubber, EPDM rubber, and/or
wood products, such as wood pieces, particle board, and/or OSB.
[0035] Similar to the discussion above, if hardened steel is used
for the impact layer 7, the impact layer may be less than
3/8.sup.th inch thick and, while not required, may typically be
between about 1/16.sup.th and 5/16.sup.th inch thick (about 1.6-7.9
mm), and more preferably between about 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm) and
1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) thick, with about 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm)
currently being most preferred and shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] Each of the plurality of layers of energy dissipating
material, e.g., the impact absorption material 13 and 15, may be
made of the same energy dissipating material as the other layers,
or a combination of materials may be used. It will be appreciated
that there is overlap between the materials which may be used in a
compressive resistant layer and a damping layer. Which forms the
compressive resistant layer may depend on the materials selected.
For example, oriented strand board (OSB) may serve as a compressive
resistant layer when placed against a rubber, but may serve as a
damping layer when placed against concrete backerboard.
[0037] The energy dissipating material may be adhered to the impact
layer 7 and/or to the other layer(s) of energy dissipating
materials using customary methods of adhesion, such as epoxy, glue,
riveting, etc., as applicable to the particular energy dissipating
material used as the backing material. Additionally, the other
materials may be formed directly on the impact layer 7 so that they
adhere with or without additional adhesives, etc.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view
of another ballistic baffle, generally indicated at 17, made in
accordance with the present invention. The ballistic baffle 17 may
include an impact layer 7 on which may be attached damping layer 13
of energy dissipating material, and a compressive resistant layer
9. Each of these layers may be formed as above. In use, the
compressive resistant layer 9 provides a more rigid support
structure for the impact layer 7 and keeps the impact and abrasion
layer from being overly deformed or punctured by a bullet. In many
cases, a desired compressive resistant layer 9, such as concrete,
may break down if the impact layer is attached directly thereto. In
these cases, the use of an absorption or damping layer 13 between
the impact layer 7 and the compressive resistant layer 9 will
dampen and distribute the impact of the bullet against the impact
layer and prevent the transfer of high point loads to the
compressive resistant layer. This prolongs the life of the
compressive resistant layer. The absorption or damping layer 13 may
be sufficiently rigid to adequately support the impact layer and
prevent the puncturing or deformation of the impact layer.
[0039] The baffle 17 may also include a fragment containment
material forming a containment layer 19 to decelerate or stop any
projectile fragments which may have penetrated the other layers.
The fragment containment material 19 may include steel, rubber,
wood, and/or composites or structural fibers such as carbon fiber,
aramid fibers (KEVLAR), or fiberglass. In some cases, a bullet may
penetrate the impact layer 7 if, for example, a higher velocity
round is used than for which the shooting range was designed. Even
in such a case, however, the bullet will typically have dissipated
significant energy before penetrating the impact layer 7,
absorption or damping layer 13 and compressive resistant layer 9,
and can be reliably contained by the fragment containment layer
19.
[0040] As before, if a hardened steel panel is used for the
abrasion and impact resistant layer 7, the steel panel would be
less than 3/8.sup.th inch (9.5 mm) thick and, while not required,
may desirably be between 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm) thick and
1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) thick. The material of the absorption or
damping layer 13 may be made of the different energy dissipating
materials as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. As with
FIG. 4, the energy dissipating materials may be adhered to the
steel panel and/or to the other layer(s) of energy dissipating
materials using customary methods of adhesion, such as epoxy, glue,
riveting, direct formation, etc., as applicable to the particular
energy dissipating material used as the backing material. It will
also be appreciated in accordance with the present invention that
thickness of the steel and the thickness of the other layers will
depend on the ability of the material forming those layers to
dissipate energy from a projectile. Thus, for example, a material,
such as concrete or cement may be able to dissipate the energy of a
bullet or other projectile relatively easily, thereby requiring a
thinner layer than other materials. However, another material may
require a thicker layer, but be able to better dissipate the energy
with less overall weight.
[0041] While shown in FIG. 5 as having the impact layer 7, the
damping layer 9, the compressive resistant layer 9 and the fragment
containment layer 19, it will be appreciated that the order could
be changed or repeated, such as alternating layers, etc.
[0042] It will be appreciated, that the present invention provides
a wide variety of combinations which may be used to make a baffle
for containing stray bullets and other projectiles. The following
are examples of baffles which could be used. They are for
demonstration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of
the invention;
Example 1
[0043] An abrasion and impact material formed from 1/8.sup.th inch
(3.2 mm) of AR-500 steel is backed with 2 inches (50.8 mm) of OSB
adhesively attached to the AR-500 steel.
Example 2
[0044] An abrasion and impact material formed from 1/16.sup.th inch
(1.6 mm) AR-500 steel is backed with an impact absorption material
of 3/4.sup.th inch (19.2 mm) plywood and a compressive resistant
material of 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) rubber which is backed by
containment material of 1/16.sup.th inch (1.6 mm) of AR-500
steel.
Example 3
[0045] A 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) panel of hardened steel is bonded
to a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) layer of 10,000 psi concrete.
Example 4
[0046] A 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm) panel of hardened steel is bonded
to 2 inches (50.08 mm) of fiberglass composite, which is boned to a
1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) of aramid (KEVLAR) composite.
Example 5
[0047] A 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) panel of hardened steel is
attached by epoxy to a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) layer of carbon
fiber.
Example 6
[0048] The same panel of Example 5 with a 1 inch layer of rubber
adhesively attached to the carbon fiber.
Example 7
[0049] A 1/16.sup.th inch (1.6 mm) panel of hardened steel attached
to a 1/4.sup.th (12.7 mm) inch layer of fiberglass, which is
attached to 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) of plywood;
Example 8
[0050] A 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm) panel of hardened steel is backed
by two sheets of mesh/concrete backer board (HARDIEBACKER) having a
combined thickness of approximately 0.8 inches (21 mm).
[0051] While numerous examples can be given based on the variety of
material which are discussed above, combinations of the following
are presently believed to be preferred for various applications.
Other applications (high velocity rounds versus pistol round) may
have different preferred combinations.
[0052] 2 mm (between about 1/16.sup.th and 1/12.sup.th inch) or 4
mm (between about approx. 1/8.sup.th and 1/6.sup.th inch) sheets of
AR-500 for the impact and abrasion layer, backed with: [0053]
3/4.sup.th inch (19.1 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) of wood (1 to 4
layers of plywood or OSB); [0054] 3/4.sup.th inch (19.1 mm) to 2
inches (50.8 mm) of concrete (preferably 10,000 PSI high strength);
[0055] 1 to 3 sheets of 0.4 inch (10.1 mm) mesh/concrete board
(backerboard); [0056] 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) to 4 (101.6 mm) inches of
rubber; [0057] 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) of a
fiberglass composite; [0058] 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm) to 1 inch
(25.4 mm) of Kevlar composite; or [0059] 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm)
to 3/4.sup.th inch (19.2 mm) carbon fiber for subsequent
compressive resistant and/or absorption layers (or combinations
thereof).
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a shooting range
baffle system, generally indicated at 30, formed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. The baffle system 30
includes a support member 34 and a plurality of suspension members
38 which are attached to the support member. The support member 34
may be trusses of a building, a beam or other similar structures
which are designed to support a considerable amount of weight. The
suspension members 38 may be attached to the support member in a
variety of ways and are also attached to a plurality of baffles 42.
Typically this is done by connectors 40, such as flanges or angle
iron which is attached to the baffles. The baffles are often
modular with panels (e.g. 4 feet.times.8 feet (1.22 m.times.2.44 m)
connected together by a face plate and a backing plate with the
connector being formed as part of or attached to the backing
plate.
[0061] The suspension members 38 typically engage the connectors 40
so that the baffles 42 are disposed in an orientation between
vertical and horizontal in order to deflect bullets which may be
fired at too high of an angle back toward a collection system 46,
such as a berm trap, a bullet containment chamber or other bullet
containment system.
[0062] The baffles 42 may be formed in the manner of baffle 5 of
FIG. 3, baffle 11 of FIG. 4, baffle 17 of FIG. 5 or combinations or
modifications thereof. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the first baffle
42 and last baffle 42 are formed as baffle 5, with an impact layer
7 and a compressive resistant layer 9. The impact layer 7 may be
formed from hardened steel or other appropriate materials. Most
commonly the impact abrasion layer may be formed from hardened
steel sheets (such as AR-500) which are 2 mm (between about
1/16.sup.th and 1/12.sup.th inch), 1/8.sup.th inch (3.2 mm), 4 mm
(between about 1/8.sup.th and 1/6.sup.th inch) or 1/4.sup.th inch
(6.2 mm) thick.
[0063] The compressive resistant layer 9 may be made from the
variety of materials discussed above, although two or three sheets
of 0.4 inch (10.1 mm) backerboard (mesh/concrete) is presently
preferred. This results in a lighter weight, less expensive
baffle.
[0064] The second and fourth baffles 42 are formed like baffle 11
with an impact and abrasion layer 7, and energy dissipating layers
13 and 15, which may be formed from foam, rubber, wood or a variety
of other materials as discussed above either as damping layers,
compressive resistant layers or a combination thereof.
[0065] The third baffle 42 is formed like baffle 17 with an impact
7, a damping layer 13, and a compressive resistant layer 9. It may
also include a fragment containment material 19 to contain any
projectile which is able to penetrate through the impact and
abrasion layer 7. The various materials used in each of the baffles
may be those discussed above or other materials which perform
similar functions.
[0066] It will be appreciated that the baffles can be tailored to
the needs of the range. For example, the rearward most baffle may
take the most rounds because it is close to the bullet trap 46 and
is at the closest angle to the target 50. Thus, the rearward most
baffle may be made the strongest with a 1/4.sup.th inch (6.4 mm)
AR-500 plate impact layer 7 with an energy dissipating damping
layer 13 and multiple sheets of backer board forming a compressive
resistant layer 9.
[0067] In contrast, the first baffle is least likely to be hit and
may use only a 1/16.sup.th inch (1.6 mm) sheet of hardened steel
(or a thicker piece of soft steel) with a couple of pieces of
concrete board, OSB or the like. Thus, a customized baffle system
may be provided which has less weight, less cost and/or better
performance characteristics.
[0068] There is thus disclosed an improved ballistic baffle for use
on indoor and other shooting ranges and shooting training systems.
It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the
present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.
The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications.
* * * * *