U.S. patent application number 17/037480 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for ready armor protection for instant deployment and loading.
The applicant listed for this patent is United States of America as Represented by The Secretary of The Army. Invention is credited to Erik M. Chappell, Andrew B. Edwards, Omar Esquilin-Mangual, Omar G. Flores, Catherine S. Stephens.
Application Number | 20220099412 17/037480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006208018 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20220099412/US20220099412A1-20220331-D00009.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20220099412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Esquilin-Mangual; Omar ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
READY ARMOR PROTECTION FOR INSTANT DEPLOYMENT AND LOADING
Abstract
Ready armor modular protective systems that can be rapidly
deployed in an urban environment. Exemplary armor systems include a
container, and a wall assembly that fits inside of the container
when in a collapsed configuration. The wall assembly includes a
first end section, a second end section, a constraint mechanism,
and first and second locking mechanisms. The first end section has
a first space frame unit, and the second end section has second and
third space frame units. A locking mechanism prevent relative
vertical displacement from occurring between adjacent second and
third space frame units. The constraint mechanism keeps the first
and third space frame units at a fixed distance from one another.
The constraint mechanism, when coupled with the first and third
space frame units, keeps the locking mechanism from being removed
from the second end section.
Inventors: |
Esquilin-Mangual; Omar;
(Vicksburg, MS) ; Stephens; Catherine S.;
(Clinton, MS) ; Flores; Omar G.; (Vicksburg,
MS) ; Edwards; Andrew B.; (Toney, AL) ;
Chappell; Erik M.; (Vicksburg, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United States of America as Represented by The Secretary of The
Army |
Alexandria |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006208018 |
Appl. No.: |
17/037480 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/3445 20130101;
F41H 5/013 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/013 20060101
F41H005/013; E04B 1/344 20060101 E04B001/344 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
[0001] Under paragraph 1(a) of Executive Order 10096, the
conditions under which this invention was made entitle the
Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of
the Army, to an undivided interest therein on any patent granted
thereon by the United States. This and related patents are
available for licensing to qualified licensees.
Claims
1. A ready armor modular protective system for rapid deployment,
the system comprising: a container; and a wall assembly having a
first end section, a second end section, a hydraulic pump control
mechanism, a constraint mechanism, a first locking mechanism, and a
second locking mechanism, wherein the first end section includes a
first space frame unit, and wherein the second end section includes
a second space frame unit, a third space frame unit, and a fourth
space frame unit; wherein the first locking mechanism is configured
to prevent relative vertical displacement from occurring between
the third space frame unit and the fourth space frame unit, wherein
the second locking mechanism is configured to prevent relative
vertical displacement from occurring between the second space frame
unit and the third space frame unit, and wherein the constraint
mechanism is configured to prevent the first space frame unit and
the fourth space frame unit from moving away from one another, and
wherein the hydraulic pump control mechanism is configured to raise
and lower armor panels of the first space frame unit, the second
space frame unit, the third space frame unit, and the fourth space
frame unit relative to a surface upon which the wall assembly is
positioned.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the constraint
mechanism, when engaged with the first space frame unit and the
fourth space frame unit, is configured to prevent the first locking
mechanism and the second locking mechanism from being removed from
the second end section.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first locking
mechanism comprises a locking pin.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first locking
mechanism comprises a first locking pin and a second locking
pin.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the constraint
mechanism comprises a first side tube and a second side tube.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the constraint
mechanism comprises a strap.
7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a ramp that
is releasably attached with the first space frame unit.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a winch that
is attached with the container, and a winch connector that is
coupleable between the winch and the fourth space frame unit.
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth
space frame unit positioned between the first space frame unit and
the second space frame unit.
10. A method of deploying a ready armor modular protective system,
the method comprising: placing the ready armor modular protective
system at a deployment location, the ready armor modular protective
system comprising a container and a wall assembly in a collapsed
configuration contained within the container, the wall assembly
having a first end section, a second end section, a hydraulic pump
control mechanism, a constraint mechanism, a first locking
mechanism, and a second locking mechanism, wherein the first end
section includes a first space frame unit, wherein the second end
section includes a second space frame unit, a third space frame
unit, and a fourth space frame unit, wherein the first locking
mechanism is configured to prevent relative vertical displacement
from occurring between the third space frame unit and the fourth
space frame unit, wherein the second locking mechanism is
configured to prevent relative vertical displacement from occurring
between the second space frame unit and the third space frame unit,
and wherein the constraint mechanism is configured to prevent the
first space frame unit and the fourth space frame unit from moving
away from one another; removing the wall assembly from the
container while the wall assembly is in the collapsed
configuration; removing the constraint mechanism from the first
space frame unit and the fourth space frame unit; removing the
first locking mechanism from the second end section; unfolding the
fourth space frame unit; removing the second locking mechanism from
the second end section; unfolding the third space frame unit;
unfolding the second space frame unit; unfolding the first space
frame unit; and actuating the hydraulic pump control mechanism to
lower armor panels of the first space frame unit, the second space
frame unit, the third space frame unit, and the fourth space frame
unit relative to a surface upon which the wall assembly is
positioned.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the constraint
mechanism, when engaged with the first space frame unit and the
fourth space frame unit, is configured to prevent the first locking
mechanism and the second locking mechanism from being removed from
the second end section.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first locking
mechanism comprises a locking pin.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first locking
mechanism comprises a first locking pin and a second locking
pin.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the constraint
mechanism comprises a first side tube and a second side tube.
15. A ready armor modular protective system for rapid deployment,
the system comprising: a container; a winch configured to couple
with the container; a winch connector; and a wall assembly
configured to fit inside the container when the wall assembly is in
a collapsed configuration, the wall assembly having a first end
section, a second end section, a hydraulic pump control mechanism,
a constraint mechanism, a first locking mechanism, and a second
locking mechanism, wherein the first end section includes a first
space frame unit, and wherein the second end section includes a
second space frame unit, a third space frame unit, and a fourth
space frame unit; wherein the first locking mechanism is configured
to prevent relative vertical displacement from occurring between
the third space frame unit and the fourth space frame unit, wherein
the second locking mechanism is configured to prevent relative
vertical displacement from occurring between the second space frame
unit and the third space frame unit, and wherein the constraint
mechanism is releasably coupled with the first space frame unit and
the fourth space frame unit and is configured to maintain the first
space frame unit and the fourth space frame unit at a fixed
distance from one another, wherein the hydraulic pump control
mechanism is configured to raise and lower armor panels of the
first space frame unit, the second space frame unit, the third
space frame unit, and the fourth space frame unit relative to a
surface upon which the wall assembly is positioned, wherein the
constraint mechanism, when coupled with the first space frame unit
and the fourth space frame unit, is configured to prevent the first
locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism from being
removed from the second end section, and wherein the winch
connector is coupleable between the winch and the third space frame
unit.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the first locking
mechanism comprises a first locking pin and a second locking
pin.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the constraint
mechanism comprises a first side tube and a second side tube.
18. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a ramp
that is releasably attached with the first space frame unit.
19. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a fifth
space frame unit positioned between the first space frame unit and
the second space frame unit.
20. The system according to claim 19, further comprising a sixth
space frame unit positioned between the first space frame unit and
the fifth space frame unit.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to protective structures and,
more particularly but not exclusively, to rapid deployment
protective walls that can be used in an urban setting.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a
better understanding of the invention. Accordingly, the statements
of this section are to be read in this light and are not to be
understood as admissions about what is prior art or what is not
prior art.
[0004] To protect personnel and assets, organizations such as the
military use a variety of protective materials ranging from soil
cover to expensive, high-performance, lightweight ballistic
ceramics. For the military, a need exists for armor protection
systems that can be rapidly deployed in an urban environment.
Currently known barriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,493
issued Jun. 18, 2013 "Transportable Modular Configuration For
Holding Panels", in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/920,497
filed Mar. 2, 2009 "Transportable Modular System Permitting
Isolation of Assets", and in U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,138 which issued
15 Sep. 2020 "Ready Armor Protection For Instant Deployment". The
content of each of the above filings is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0005] Although currently available protection systems provide
valuable protection in many instances, still further improvements
are desirable. Embodiments of the present invention provide
solutions to at least some of these outstanding needs.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention was developed to address the
challenges described in the Background section. Additional research
and further development has led to a novel approach to provide
improved protective barriers for use in an urban environment.
[0007] It is important to protect both material and personnel from
catastrophe, especially in cases where the probability of
occurrence is greater than the norm. Conventionally, both temporary
and permanent means may be used for this purpose, depending on the
scenario. For example, a permanent military facility may best be
protected by a permanent configuration, whereas a mobile field unit
would best be served by a temporary, but not necessarily less
effective, configuration. Conventionally, protection against
manmade catastrophe, such as occurs in war zones, has been provided
with large bulky concrete structures or earthen embankments that
require heavy equipment to produce, whether temporary or permanent.
Common needs for protective structure may include barriers to
prevent personnel access, vehicular intrusion, or even line-of-site
access, as well as protective enclosures for emergency response
personnel or revetments for high value assets. Select embodiments
of the present invention provide good protection for both personnel
and valued assets and are of value for the protection of military,
industrial, community and personal assets. Embodiments of the
present invention also can be implemented quickly and efficiently
in an urban environment.
[0008] The structures and methods for Ready Armor Protection For
Instant Deployment (RAPID) disclosed herein provide improved levels
of protection over that which is provided by many known protective
structures from small arms, fragmenting rounds, improvised
explosives, and blast threats.
[0009] A RAPID system provides an early entry system for instant
protection, and can support personnel operating in dense urban
environments in site exploitation and hasty defense. RAPID systems
can be deployed and tailored to create road blocks/checkpoints,
support cordon and counter-mobility operations, creating buffer
zones, providing blast and ballistic protection (e.g. for urban
blocks), managing pedestrian traffic, and establishing concealment
and perimeter security. In some cases, RAPID systems can include
space frame units having wheels, so as to facilitate ease of setup
and takedown. In some cases, RAPID systems can be deployed in a
matter of minutes. Exemplary RAPID systems are scalable and/or
recoverable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent
from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and
the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify
similar or identical elements.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a wall
assembly in a closed configuration, a container, and a ramp,
according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a wall
assembly and a winch, according to certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including locking
mechanisms and a constraint mechanism, according to certain
embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a wall
assembly in an open configuration, according to certain embodiments
of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a wall
assembly in an open configuration, according to certain embodiments
of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 6A depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a frame
unit in an open configuration, according to certain embodiments of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6B depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a
locking mechanism, according to certain embodiments of the
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts aspects of an exemplary Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) system, including a frame
unit in an open configuration, according to certain embodiments of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional
details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of
describing example embodiments of the present invention. The
present invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and
should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set
forth herein. Further, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the
invention.
[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise. It further will be understood that the
terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including,"
specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components, but
do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, or components. It also should be noted that in
some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may
occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two
figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially
concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention encompass Ready Armor
Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID) systems, and methods for
their use and manufacture. RAPID is a quickly deployable wall
system designed to provide blast and ballistic protection, to
prevent intrusion, and to serve as Line-of-Sight Denial in an urban
setting. RAPID systems are scalable and recoverable and can be
tailored to meet specified threats. RAPID systems can be delivered
in Quadcons and on palletized loading system (PLS) trucks. In some
cases, up to 130 linear feet of early protection wall are provided
per PLS truck. RAPID systems can be used as Entry Control Point
(ECP) boundaries and/or perimeters. RAPID systems are well suited
for use in urban environments, and can be deployed on paved roads.
In some cases, RAPID systems can be deployed on a typical 20' ISO,
Quadcons or Tricons over PLS Truck (containers removed). In some
cases, RAPID systems can be deployed on a road having a maximum
road slope of 10% longitudinal and 5% transversal. In some cases,
RAPID systems can be deployed on a road having a maximum slope
change of 10%. Embodiments of the present invention include a
variety of features which facilitate deployment of a wall assembly
to a location having a positive or negative slope.
[0022] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts aspects of an
exemplary armor system 100 according to embodiments of the present
invention. As shown here, armor system 100 includes a wall assembly
110, a container 120, and a ramp 130. During transport, the ramp
130 can be stowed approximate to or coupled with the wall assembly
110, and both the wall assembly 110 and the ramp 130 can be stored
within the container 120.
[0023] During the deployment process, the doors 131A, 131B of the
container can be opened, the ramp 130 can be removed from the
container 120 and placed on the ground near the container 120 (e.g.
as indicated by arrow A), and the wall assembly 110 can be removed
from the container 120 and rolled or moved down the ramp 130.
[0024] In FIG. 1, the wall assembly 110 is illustrated in a closed
or collapsed configuration. Wall assembly 110 includes a first end
section 110A and a second end section 110B. Container 120 includes
a first end section 120A and a second end section 120B. The armor
system 100 can be operated on leveled or unleveled ground. In some
cases, the wall assembly 110 operates as a portable, reusable
barrier wall, and can be used on paved surfaces. The wall assembly
110 can be integrated into the container 120 for storage,
transport, and use. As discussed elsewhere herein, when the wall
assembly 110 is in an open or expanded configuration, the wall
assembly 110 can form a solid barrier wall that provides ballistic
protection, intrusion prevention, and/or line-of-sight denial.
[0025] The wall assembly 110 may be extremely heavy and difficult
to move by a single person. In some cases, a wall assembly 110 may
include integrated caster wheels to facilitate movement. In some
cases, a wall assembly 110 can be moved using material handling
equipment (MHE). In some cases, users may move the wall assembly
110 along the ground when emplacing, relocating, removing, and
stowing the wall assembly 110. When expanding, stowing or
transporting the wall assembly 110 outside of the container 120, an
individual such as a soldier may push and/or pull the wall assembly
110 into position and/or use a winch. In some cases, a wall
assembly 110 can include one or more designated grasp areas.
[0026] Prior to deployment, the wall system 110 can positioned in
the collapsed configuration and placed or stored in the container
120. The container 120 may be transported on a trailer, forklift,
pickup truck, or some other transportation mechanism to a
deployment site. In some cases, a wheeled trailer may be a
preferred means for moving the container, as a trailer can be moved
quickly, and therefore a protection structure provided by a wall
assembly can be established quickly. In some cases, the container
120 (with the wall assembly 110 contained therein) can be removed,
disengaged, or dropped from the trailer, so that the second end
section 120B of the container 120 is near a wall or other obstacle.
In some cases, the second end section 120B can be placed about 2.5
feet from a wall or obstacle. After the container 120 is in place,
the doors 131A, 131B can be opened, and the ramp 130 may be removed
and placed on the first end section 120A (or wall deployment side)
of the container 120. Lifting jacks can be connected with the
second end section 120B of the container 120 (opposite side of the
ramp), and a ratchet wrench can be used to actuate the lifting
jacks, so as to raise the second end section 120B of the container
120 from the ground (e.g. 3.5 inches from the ground). By raising
the second end section 120B of the container 120 in this way, it is
possible to create a slope, or to increase a slope, upon which the
wall assembly is positioned, and thereby it can be easier to move
the wall assembly out of the container.
[0027] When deploying the wall assembly on a negative slope, the
wall assembly is moved down a hill or grade. In such a situation,
the container is situated uphill, and the wall assembly is rolled
downhill out of the container. It is possible to use the container
weight and friction between the container and the ground, so that
the container serves as anchor point, to hold, contain, or control
the wall assembly while the wall assembly is deployed or rolled
downhill. When deploying the wall assembly on a positive slope, the
wall assembly is moved up a hill or grade. A Humvee or F250 truck,
or other vehicle or transportation mechanism, can be used as an
anchor point to pull the wall assembly out of the container and up
the grade. For example, a jeep having a winch can be coupled with
the wall assembly via a cable, strap, or chain, and the winch can
be operated so as to pull the wall assembly out of or away from the
container and up the hill.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the second end section 110B of the wall
assembly 110 includes a hydraulic pump control mechanism 140 and a
winch attachment mechanism 150. When the ramp 130 is in place and
the second end section 120B of the container 120 has been raised, a
winch 160 can be connected to the winch attachment mechanism 150
via a winch connector 162, which in some cases may be a cable or a
strap. The hydraulic pump control mechanism 140 can be activated,
so as to lower the wheels 170 so that they contact the floor of the
container. As the wall assembly 110 is expanded or moved out of the
container in the direction indicated by arrow A, the winch 160 and
winch connector 162 can be used to provide controlled movement of
the wall assembly 110, for example to keep the wall assembly 110
from exiting the container too quickly or from rolling down an
incline (e.g. down the ramp) too quickly. For example, the winch
160 may include a brake mechanism 164, the brake mechanism 164 can
be operated to provide controlled movement of the wall assembly
110, for example by providing controlled movement of the second end
section 110B of the wall assembly. In some cases, the winch 160 can
be coupled with the container. For example, the winch 160 can be
coupled with the container via one or more winch brackets (not
shown).
[0029] Any of a variety of material handling equipment (MHE),
forklifts, pickup trucks, or some other transportation mechanisms
can be used to help move the wall assembly 110 out of the container
and/or expand the wall assembly 110.
[0030] In some cases, the wall assembly 110 is removed from the
container 120 while the wall assembly is in the closed or collapsed
configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, a wall assembly 110 can include
a constraint mechanism 111 that can operate to keep the wall
assembly 110 in the collapsed or closed configuration. For example,
the constraint mechanism 111 may operate to keep the first end
section 110A and the second end section 110B from moving away from
each other when the wall assembly 110 is in the collapsed or closed
configuration. In some cases, the constraint mechanism 111 may
include one or more side tubes. In some cases, the constraint
mechanism may include one or more straps. In the embodiment
depicted shown in FIG. 1, the constraint mechanism 111 includes a
side tube having a first end and a second end, where the first end
of the tube is coupled with a frame unit at the first end section
110A and the second end of the tube is coupled with a frame unit at
the second end section 110B. The constraint mechanism 111 can also
include another side tube (not shown) on the opposing side of the
wall assembly 110, where the other side tube has a first end that
is coupled with a frame unit at the first end section 110A and a
second end that is coupled with a frame unit at the second end
section 110B.
[0031] The winch brake 164 (depicted in FIG. 2) can be operated to
allow the constrained wall assembly 110 to roll out of the
container and down the ramp. In some cases, gravity alone can
operate to allow the wall assembly to roll out of the container.
When the wall assembly 110 is out of the container and on the
ground, rubber wheel chocks can be placed on the rolling side of
the wall assembly (e.g. the first end section 110A of the wall
assembly 110). The constraint mechanism 111 can be removed and the
wall assembly can be expanded or opened.
[0032] As shown in the partial perspective view of FIG. 3A, a wall
assembly 110 can include one or more locking pins 180. In use, a
locking pin can operate to keep an individual collapsible space
frame unit of the wall assembly 110 from moving up or down relative
to an adjacent individual collapsible space frame unit of the wall
assembly 110 in a partially open, closed, folded, or collapsed
configuration. When the constraint mechanism is removed from the
wall assembly, the locking pins can still prevent individual frame
units from unfolding. Hence, the locking pins 180 can be removed,
for example by pulling the pins in a direction indicated by the A
arrows (after the constraint mechanism 111 has been removed) so
that the individual frame units can unfold. Typically, a pair of
locking pins (or in some cases, a single locking pin) operates to
keep a single individual frame unit from unfolding. In some cases,
a deployment process can begin by removing one or more locking pins
180 toward the first end section of the wall assembly 110, so that
those frame units toward the first end section are able to unfold,
while units toward the second end section are not unable to unfold
(because locking pins are still holding those units in the folded
configuration). Advantageously, the constraint mechanism 111, when
coupled or engaged with the frame units at each end of the wall
assembly, operates to keep the locking pins 180 from being removed
from the locked frame units. Further advantageously, this
sequential unlocking of the locking pins, from one end section of
the wall assembly to the other end section of the wall assembly,
can help to prevent racking or tilting of the space frame units
during deployment of the wall assembly 110. When the units are
unfolded, the wall assembly 110 can be straightened by grabbing the
armor panels from their brackets. When the wall assembly 110 is in
the open configuration and in place as desired, the hydraulic pump
control mechanism can be actuated, so that the wheels are raised
and/or the panels of the wall are dropped to the ground. In some
cases, such actuation of the pump control mechanism can involve
releasing a relief valve of the pump control mechanism. In addition
to or in place of the locking pins, any of a variety of locking
mechanisms can be used to prevent individual frame units from
unfolding. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism such as a
locking pin 180 can operate to prevent a frame unit from
unfolding.
[0033] As shown in the partial top plan view of FIG. 3B, a wall
assembly 110 can include one or more locking mechanisms or pins
(e.g. 180A, 180B, 180C, and 180D). In use, a locking pin can
operate to keep an individual collapsible space frame unit of the
wall assembly from moving up or down relative to an adjacent
individual collapsible space frame unit of the wall assembly in a
partially open, closed, folded, or collapsed configuration. In some
cases, such relative vertical displacement between adjacent
individual collapsible space frame units of the wall assembly can
be due to the presence of slotted connections between adjacent
space frame units, which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,138
which issued 15 Sep. 2020 "Ready Armor Protection For Instant
Deployment". In some cases, the slotted connections allow ground
differentials (bumps) adaptability, but can also introduce or make
the wall assembly susceptible to racking or tilting of the space
frame units during deployment of the wall assembly 110.
Advantageously, locking pins solve such racking issues. In
exemplary embodiments, locking pins for one half of the wall
assembly 110 can be removed first, and the first three units can be
unfolded. Thereafter, the remainder of the locking pins can be
removed, and the rest of the units can be unfolded. The opened
units can provide sufficient stability to prevent racking, similar
to having the locking pins in place on one half of the wall
assembly. In some cases, locking pins can operate in tandem. Hence,
for example, locking pins 180A and 180B can operate to keep frame
unit 115A from sliding up or down relative to an adjacent
individual collapsible space frame unit 115B of the wall assembly,
and locking pints 180C and 180D can operate to keep frame unit 115B
from sliding up or down relative to an adjacent individual
collapsible space frame unit of the wall assembly. When the
constraint mechanism, which may include side tube 111A and 111B, is
removed from the wall assembly, the locking pins can still prevent
individual frame units from unfolding completely. In exemplary
embodiments, the locking pins hit the armor panels preventing them
from fully open as shown in FIG. 4. Hence, the locking pins can be
removed so that the individual frame units can unfold. In some
cases, a pair of locking pins (e.g. locking pins 180A and 180B) can
be referred to as a locking mechanism, for example a locking
mechanism for frame unit 115A.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a wall assembly 110 in
the expanded or open configuration. The wheels have been retracted
upward, and the wall panels are resting on the ground. As depicted
here, wall assembly 110 includes multiple collapsible space frame
units (e.g. 112, 114, 116, and so on). Adjacent space frame units
can be coupled via slot and pin connecting mechanisms, as described
in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,138 which issued 15
Sep. 2020 "Ready Armor Protection For Instant Deployment". One or
more slot and pin connecting mechanism pairs can be referred to as
vertically adjustable coupling mechanisms. As such, the coupling
mechanisms (e.g. slot and pin connecting mechanisms) can provide
for relative displacement between adjacent space frame units when
the frame units are connected.
[0035] The frame units are in an open, unfolded, or uncollapsed
configuration in FIG. 4, and are in a closed, folded, or collapsed
configuration in FIGS. 1-3B. To facilitate ease of setup and/or
takedown, RAPID systems can include or be used with a winch
mechanism, whereby space units are extended and/or retracted by
operation of the winch, optionally in combination with a cable
(e.g. IA inch cable) that is in operative association with the
space units. As seen in these figures, the wall assembly has an
internal frame system that operates in a manner similar to an
accordion, and the wall assembly includes armor panels or plates
engaged with the internal frame system. When the wall assembly 110
is in place as desired, the winch connector may be removed from the
wall assembly.
[0036] With returning reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments,
container 120 can be an ISO 20' container, having a tare/payload of
4,740/62,460 lbs. In some embodiments, container 120 can be a
QUADCON Type II container, having a tare/payload of 2,120/9,040
lbs. An armor kit may include multiple Quadcon containers. For
example, a basic armor configuration kit may include 4 Quadcon
containers, with 7 space frame units per Quadcon container. A full
armor configuration kit may include 3 Quadcon containers, with 6
space frame units per Quadcon container, plus an additional Quadcon
container that includes 144 armor panels. An armor kit can provide
various protective wall lengths. For example, with a Palletized
Load System (PLS) truck having a Type II Quadcon capacity, a basic
armor configuration kit can provide 130' of protective wall length,
and a full armor configuration can provide 97.5' of protective wall
length. Table 1 provides exemplary space, weight, and PLS truck
limitations according to embodiments of the present invention. In
some cases, a PLS truck lifting capacity can be 16.5 ton.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Limita- Typical 20' ISO tion Typical Quadcon
Container Space 7 Units w/E-Glass = 32.5' including 40 Units
w/E-Glass = armored Quadcon 160' including armored 20' ISO Weight 6
Units w/E-Glass = 29' including 40 Units w/E-Glass = armored
Quadcon 160' including armored 20' ISO PLS 34 Quadcons w/6
Units/Quadcon 20 Units w/E-Glass = Truck w/E-Glass each = 29'
(87'/Truck) 90' including armored 20' ISO PLS 4 Quadcons w/7
Units/Quadcon No 30 Units No E-Glass = Truck E-Glass each = 32.5'
(130'/Truck) 125' including armored 20' ISO
[0037] In some case, a wall assembly composed of multiple frame
units can be pre-manufactured or pre-assembled, placed inside of a
Quadcon, Tricon or ISO container, transported to an installation
site, and then pulled or removed from the Quadcon, Tricon or ISO
container at the desired location. In some cases, the Quadcon,
Tricon or ISO container can be attached to the wall assembly, so
that the Quadcon, Tricon or ISO container provides protection as an
extension of the wall assembly itself. In some cases, the Quadcon,
Tricon or ISO container can include supplemental armor plates or
mechanisms for enhanced fortification (e.g. positioned within the
interior of the Quadcon, Tricon or ISO container). In some cases,
the container's length can be included in the protective length,
and by using the container for protection, it is possible to reduce
logistics issues related to of putting them away after emplacing
the units.
[0038] FIG. 5 depicts another perspective view of a wall assembly
110 in the expanded or open configuration. FIG. 6A depicts aspects
of an exemplary space frame unit 200 according to embodiments of
the present invention. As shown here, frame unit 200 is in the
uncollapsed, unfolded, or open configuration. Frame unit 200
includes a first inner wall panel assembly 205, a second inner wall
panel assembly 210, a first outer wall panel assembly 215, and a
second outer wall panel assembly 220. The panel assemblies are
supported by a frame assembly 230. When a space frame unit is in an
open or uncollapsed position, a locking bar can be locked, so as to
maintain a fixed distance between horizontal frame members or cross
supports of the space frame. When a locking bar is unlocked, the
space frame unit can be closed or collapsed, whereby the horizontal
frame members can be brought closer together, and whereby the cross
supports can be brought closer together. It can also be seen that a
frame unit 200 may have slot mechanisms 271 and pin mechanisms 272.
Engagement between one or more slot mechanism of one frame unit and
one or more pin mechanisms of an adjacent frame unit can operate to
permit relative vertical displacement between the two adjacent
space frame units. Additional details regarding the operation of
such slot and pin connecting mechanisms are described in previously
incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,138 which issued 15 Sep. 2020
"Ready Armor Protection For Instant Deployment". As discussed
elsewhere here, a locking pin mechanism can be used to restrict or
prevent such relative vertical displacement between adjacent space
frame units, when the adjacent space frame units are coupled via
the slot mechanism(s) and pin mechanism(s).
[0039] FIG. 68 illustrates one approach to providing a locking pin
mechanism, according to embodiments of the present invention. As
depicted here, a locking pin (not shown here) can be inserted or
retracted along a pin path P, which travels through one or more
apertures of a first frame unit 114 and one or more apertures of a
slot mechanism 271 of a second frame unit 116. When the locking pin
is positioned in the apertures, the locking pin operates to prevent
relative vertical movement (indicated by arrow V) between the first
frame unit and the slot mechanism 271 of the second frame unit 116.
When the locking pin is removed from the apertures, pin mechanism
272 of the first frame unit 114 and the slot mechanism 271 of the
second frame unit 116 permit relative vertical movement between the
first frame unit 114 and the second frame unit 116.
[0040] Following use of the wall assembly, it may be packed back
into the container. To initiate the packing process, the winch
connector can be attached with the wall assembly. For example, as
depicted in FIG. 2, a winch connector 162 can be connected with a
winch attachment mechanism 150 of a frame unit of the wall
assembly.
[0041] According to some embodiments, the hydraulic pump control
mechanism can then be actuated, so as to raise the panels off the
ground (e.g. by extending the wheels 170 in a downward direction as
shown by arrow A in FIG. 7, due to operation of hydraulic cylinders
190 which are in operative association with the hydraulic pump
control mechanism). According to some embodiments, operation of the
hydraulic cylinders is effective to move the panels of the frame
assembly 230 up and down relative to the ground, while the wheels
themselves remain in contact with the ground. In some embodiments,
the space frame unit can roll along the surface of the ground when
the wheels are extended (e.g. lower horizontal frame members are
extended downward due to operation of the hydraulic cylinders), and
the space frame unit can rest in a secure position upon the surface
of the ground when the wheels are retracted (e.g. lower horizontal
frame members are raised upward due to operation of the hydraulic
cylinders). In some cases, the hydraulic cylinders can be attached
with a hydraulic unit that is disposed within a Quadcon or ISO
container via respective hydraulic lines. In some cases, manual
jacks or other lifting/lowering mechanisms can be used to raise and
lower the wheels (e.g. by raising and lowering the lower horizontal
frame members). In some cases, multiple frame units can be raised
and/or lowered simultaneously.
[0042] As the individual frame units are folded back into their
closed or collapsed configuration, the locking pins can be
replaced, so as to keep the individual frame units in the stable
(un-racked) position. This can be done in a sequential manner, such
that one frame unit is folded and locked with a locking pin, and
then the next adjacent frame unit is folded and locked with a
locking pin, and so on. As the frame units are folded, the rubber
chocks can be used, and a wall cable can be adjusted as needed or
desired, to maintain tension between the wall cable and the winch
connector. When the wall assembly is in the closed or collapsed
configuration, the constraint mechanism can be placed back on or
reattached to the end frame units of the wall assembly. The ramp
can be placed near the container. In some cases, this may require
moving the collapsed wall assembly away from the container (to
provide adequate space for the ramp), which can be facilitated by
releasing tension on the winch connector. For example, the winch
break can be released or relaxed. When the ramp is in place, the
winch can be activated to draw the collapsed wall assembly up the
ramp and into the container. The hydraulic pump control mechanism
can be actuated so that the panels of the frame units drop back
down to the floor or bottom support of the container (e.g. by
raising the wheels of the frame units). The ramp can be removed
from the ground and placed back on the wall assembly (e.g. by
hanging the ramp on the wall assembly, as depicted in FIG. 1). The
winch connector can be removed or detached from the wall assembly.
The winch, wheel chocks, winch bracket, and jacks can be placed
inside the container.
[0043] In some embodiments, a wall assembly in an open
configuration can be attached to or placed adjacent to a container,
so that the wall assembly and the container effectively combine to
form a continuous barrier. In this way, the container can be used
as part of the defense line provided by the wall assembly. In some
cases, the container can be armorized or fortified to provide
additional protection.
[0044] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and
range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word
"about" or "approximately" preceded the value or range.
[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight,
percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the
specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in
all instances by the term "about," whether or not the term "about"
is present. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting
forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the
numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as
precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently
contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0046] It will be further understood that various changes in the
details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been
described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this
invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following
claims.
[0047] In this specification including any claims, the term "each"
may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a
plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with
the open-ended term "comprising," the recitation of the term "each"
does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it
will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited
elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where
the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or
more specified characteristics.
[0048] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary
methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be
performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of
such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise,
additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps
may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various
embodiments of the invention.
[0049] Although the elements in the following method claims, if
any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding
labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular
sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those
elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being
implemented in that particular sequence.
[0050] All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety or alternatively to provide the
disclosure for which they were specifically relied upon.
[0051] Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at
least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the
phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are
separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive
of other embodiments. The same applies to the term
"implementation."
[0052] The embodiments covered by the claims in this application
are limited to embodiments that (1) are enabled by this
specification and (2) correspond to statutory subject matter.
Non-enabled embodiments and embodiments that correspond to
non-statutory subject matter are explicitly disclaimed even if they
fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *