Patent Application
20130019742
The present invention generally relates to a blast and ballistic protection of contents of an enclosed space, especially people and equipment against injury and damage caused by fragments of the window and the wall or blast overpressure, and more specifically, to a building construction which may be used for protection of said people and/or equipment.
Physical security for residents, soldiers, equipment, etc. is a growing concert. One such security concern is damage caused by explosions, such as bomb detonation, which may occur exterior to a structure. Another concern is a ballistic attack on the structure which may also occur.
Occupants of buildings subjected to explosive blasts risk the possibility of death or injury not only by the blast itself and primary projectiles set in motion by the blast, but also by projectiles which are originally part of the structure walls. These projectiles might be detached from the walls and accelerated inwards by the external shock wave. Thus, for example, in the case of prefabricated wall units of layers of sheetrock, masonry board or the like, conventionally fabricated with studs, sole plates, and top plates, a blast easily fragments the exterior and interior boards as the walls bend inward from the blast. The fragments become large projectiles, in many cases exceeding the destructive capacity of projectiles from the blast itself.
US patent application No. 2005/0144900 discloses blast resistant prefabricated wall panels contain at least one panel consisting of two structural boards having a thermoset resin-impregnated fiber reinforcing layer therebetween and extending from sides of the panel, the extension wrapped at least partially around metal sole and top plates of a metal sole plate, top plate, and stud construction. The panels are capable of resisting explosive blasts without forming secondary projectiles, and are preferably attached to a building structure by energy absorbing deformable brackets. The invention disclosed in this patent application is not portable, and therefore is not able to provide protection at a preselected location. Moreover, the structure of this invention is clumsy and requires thick walls.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,356 discloses a system for protecting exterior building walls against damage from pressure waves generated by explosions on the building exterior. Exterior walls are constructed of multiple wall panels mounted in a circumferential framework of building elements formed by columns, a top surface of the floor below the wall and bottom surface of the floor above the wall. A series of guide tracks mounted in the circumferential surfaces extend perpendicular to the wall panel towards the interior of the building. Guide blocks on the perimeter of the wall panel engage the guide tracks so that the wall panel can slidably move along the tracks when a predetermined threshold force is applied to the exterior of the panel. An adjustable brake, on cooperating with the guide blocks and tracks, permits an accurate setting of the threshold force under which inward movement of the panel commences as well as the relatively constant force that acts during sliding. This invention is also limited by its clumsy construction and it luck of portability which might be very important in specific situations.
US patent application 2006/0032160 discloses a blast resistant window blind system which includes a blind system. The blind system comprises: a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane. The invention disclosed in this patent application is directed to blast protection of windows (and not walls), so that in cases of massive blast event, this system will not be stable to protect the interior of a structure. For example, the protective layer of the system (the vertical blind slats) and the energy absorption units (the tensioning springs) cannot provide blast and ballistic protection from massive blasts characterized by an impulse of a magnitude of hundreds of si.msec. Moreover, this system is non-adjustable, and therefore is not able to provide protection to any existing area of a wall and/or a window.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,840 discloses a retrofit method for protecting the contents of a structure having walls and window frames in the walls in the event of a blast outside the structure. The method is effected by (a) providing a flexible and stretchable woven sheet including strands of ballistic thread; (b) attaching a first portion of the flexible and stretchable woven sheet via a flexible adhesive to an inward-facing surface of at least one wall of the structure; and (c) attaching a second portion of the flexible and stretchable woven sheet to at least one window frame in the at least one wall; the flexible and stretchable woven sheet and the flexible adhesive being capable of stretching under impact of the blast, thereby reducing disintegration of the at least one wall and securing the window frame in the wall upon the blast, preventing fragments from the wall and the window frame from being thrown into an interior of the structure by the blast.
The system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,840 is limited to protection of windows only, and is not able to provide protection in case of massive blast events (e.g., 1000 psi.msec.). This system does not comprise energy absorbing units which are able to absorb massive energy impulses delivered through elongated members. As seen in
It would be desirable to provide a lightweight building construction with blast and ballistic protected walls and with energy absorption units which may absorb the energy of the blast and/or the ballistic attack. This building construction should also be easy for construction in any preselected location by a person not skilled in constructing building construction (e.g., with foldable parts, portable, etc.), and preferably will have a look of a standard and simple building construction. Moreover, this building construction should also be relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, easy for construction by a layman, and of course blast and/or ballistic protected. Moreover, it would be desirable to provide a lightweight and easy for installation blast protecting system which will be stable to massive blast impulses. This system should be easy for installation in any preselected location by unskilled personnel. Moreover, this system should be adjustable to a variety of dimensions in order to provide protection to any existing wall of any size (e.g., characterized by height of between about 100 cm to about 10 meter). Furthermore, this system should also be reliable, relocateable, replaceable, upgradable, transportable, lightweight, modular, and of course blast and/or ballistic protected.
It is one object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit for blast protection. The blast protected unit comprises:
It is within the scope of the present invention that the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to a building structure, such that a protection from blasts is provided to the internal portion of the building structure, the internal portion is located at the second side of the protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the building structure is a framework having a plurality of shafts mechanically connected to each other such that at least one opening is formed, the blast protected unit is adapted to be fitted, placed and connected to the at least one opening.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to replace a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of the building structure or the framework.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the framework is configurable into two configurations: (i) a folded configuration in which the framework is transportable; and (ii) an unfolded configuration in which the framework is arranged in an operative position.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit with the energy absorption units in a deformed state after a blast is replaceable so as to provide protection to the internal portion of the building structure from additional blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to provide protection from blasts at any preselected location in which the building structure is located.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are adapted to be positioned between the panel and the sub-frame in a hidden manner so as to provide an appearance of a regular non-protected blast protected unit.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the hidden manner is adapted to hide from external observers the capabilities of the blast protected unit to provide protection from blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is configurable into at least two configurations: (i) a disassembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is transportable; and, (ii) an assembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is connected to the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the building structure is adapted to be protected with a plurality of the blast protected units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit has characteristics selected from the group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, ease of construction, kit-like, expandable, rapidly deployable, lightweight, replaceable, upgradable, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is further adapted to protect the building structure from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the panel is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: phenolic foam, polyurea foam, glass fibers, polyetheline fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight building material, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the panel is characterized by a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the panel comprises an anti spall layer adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into the building structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the panel comprises a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is adapted to hold the anti spall layer or the ballistic layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is connectable to the building structure via a screw means or any fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the building structure is selected from the group consisting of: a container, a caravan, manner a permanent structure with walls, a framework, an office, an industrial facility, a hotel, a residence, an embassy, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is connectable to the wall, the ceiling, or the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is connectable to at least one another blast protected unit so as to provide a frameless structure, the connection between the blast protected units is provided by mechanical connection of the sub-frames of the blast protected units to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be used as a pre-detonating unit adapted to at least partially mitigate impact of a ballistic attack on the building structure, the blast protected unit is connectable to the building structure via at least one connecting shaft at a predetermined distance from the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the panel is adapted to be disconnected from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent damage or collapse of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the building construction further comprises at least blast protecting system connected to the same.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protected unit as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to an external portion or an opening of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction for blast protection. The building construction comprises:
It is within the scope of the present invention that the at least one blast protected unit is adapted to be seated and connected to at least one of opening, such that a protection from blasts is provided to the internal portion of the building structure, the internal portion is located at the second side of the protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the building structure is a framework having a plurality of shafts mechanically connected to each other such that the openings are formed.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to replace a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of the building structure or the framework
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the framework is configurable into two configurations: (i) a folded configuration in which the framework is transportable; and (ii) an unfolded configuration in which the framework is arranged in an operative position.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit with the energy absorption units in a deformed state after a blast is replaceable so as to provide protection to the internal portion of the building structure from additional blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is adapted to provide protection from blasts at any preselected location in which the building structure is located.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are adapted to be positioned between the panel and the sub-frame in a hidden manner so as to provide an appearance of a regular non-protected blast protected unit.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the hidden manner is adapted to hide from external observers the capabilities of the blast protected unit to provide protection from blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is configurable into at least two configurations: (i) a disassembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is transportable; and, (ii) an assembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is connected to the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the building structure is adapted to be protected with a plurality of the blast protected units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit has characteristics selected from the group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, ease of construction, kit-like, expandable, rapidly deployable, lightweight, replaceable, upgradable, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is further adapted to protect the building structure from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the panel is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of:
phenolic foam, polyurea foam, glass fibers, polyetheline fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight building material, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the panel is characterized by a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the panel comprises an anti spall layer adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into the building structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the panel comprises a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is adapted to hold the anti spall layer or the ballistic layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is connectable to the building structure via a screw means or any fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the building structure is selected from the group consisting of: a container, a caravan, manner a permanent structure with walls, a framework, an office, an industrial facility, a hotel, a residence, an embassy, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is connectable to the walls, the ceiling, or the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is connectable to another at least one blast protected unit so as to provide a frameless structure, the connection between the blast protected units is provided by mechanical connection of the sub-frames of the blast protected units to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is adapted to be used as a pre-detonating unit adapted to at least partially mitigate impact of a ballistic attack on the building structure, the blast protected unit is connectable to the building structure via at least one connecting shaft at a predetermined distance from the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the panel is adapted to be disconnected from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent collapse or damage of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the building construction further comprises at least blast protecting system connected to the same.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a building construction as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to an external portion or an opening of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure for blast protection. The frameless structure comprises a plurality of blast protected units each of which comprises:
It is within the scope of the present invention that the blast protected units are adapted to be connected to each other so as to provide the frameless structure, such that the internal portion of the frameless structure is protected from blasts, the internal portion is located at the second side of the protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to replace a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of the building structure or the framework.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein at least of the blast protected units with the energy absorption units in a deformed state after a blast is replaceable so as to provide protection to the internal portion of the building structure from additional blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected units is adapted to provide protection from blasts at any preselected location in which the frameless structure is located.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are adapted to be positioned between the panel and the sub-frame in a hidden manner so as to provide an appearance of a regular non-protected blast protected units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the hidden manner is adapted to hide from external observers the capabilities of the blast protected units to provide protection from blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected units are configurable into at least two configurations: (i) a disassembled configuration in which the blast protected units are transportable; and, (ii) an assembled configuration in which the blast protected units are connected to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected units have characteristics selected from the group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, ease of construction, kit-like, expandable, rapidly deployable, lightweight, replaceable, upgradable, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected units are further adapted to protect the building structure from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the panel is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: phenolic foam, polyurea foam, glass fibers, polyetheline fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight building material, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the panel is characterized by a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the panel comprises an anti spall layer adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into the frameless structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the panel comprises a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within the frameless structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is adapted to hold the anti spall layer or the ballistic layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the sub-frame is connectable to the building structure via a screw means or any fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the building structure is selected from the group consisting of: a container, a caravan, manner a permanent structure with walls, a framework, an office, an industrial facility, a hotel, a residence, an embassy, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected units are stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein at least one blast protected unit is adapted to be used as a pre-detonating unit adapted to at least partially mitigate impact of a ballistic attack on the frameless structure, the additional blast protected unit is connectable to the building structure via at least one connecting shaft at a predetermined distance from the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the panel is adapted to be disconnected from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent collapse or damage of the frameless structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a frameless structure as defined above, wherein the frameless structure further comprises at least blast protecting system connected to the same.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system for protection of an interior of a building structure. The blast protecting system comprises:
It is within the scope of the present invention that the energy absorption units are configured to be deformed under a force applied against the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer, such that the energy created by a blast is at least partially absorbed by the energy absorption units via the elongated elements.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer are dimensionally adjustable to fit to the dimensions of a portion of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the dimensions of the system are the distance between the first and the second energy absorption units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the distance is between about 100 cm and about 10 meter.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the dimensions of the at least one protecting layer are adjustable by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: elongatability, stretchability, elasticity, extendibility, enlargability, ability to spread out when provided in a rolled condition, cutting, slicing, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the system is adapted to be installed in front of and substantially adjacent to a portion of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system is adapted to cover the entire area of a wall by adjusting the distance between the first and the second energy absorption units to the height of the wall, and installing at least one protecting layer of the blast protecting system to cover the entire width of the wall.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the portion of the building structure is selected from the group consisting of: a wall, a floor, a ceiling, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the building structure is selected from a group consisting of: a room, a building construction, a lodge, a house, a cabin, a caravan, a vehicle, a framework, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the first energy absorption unit is adapted to be connected to the ceiling of the building structure, and the second energy absorption unit is adapted to be connected to the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises an anti-spall layer to prevent spalls from being projected into the structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises a ballistic layer to provide ballistic protection to the content within the structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises two protecting layers: the anti-spall layer and the anti ballistic layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises a protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer is made of materials selected from a group consisting of: phenolic foam, polyurea foam fabric, glass fibers, carbon fibers, polyethylene fibers aramid fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight material that can be used for construction of prefabricated structures, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer is made of materials characterized by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, translucent, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are characterized by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: elongateble, stretchable, extendable, enlargeable, telescopic, inelastic, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are selected from a group consisting of: rods, pipes, bars, mesh, shafts, sticks, cables, cords, ropes, string, wires, threads, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the first and the second energy absorption units comprise an array of energy absorption sub-units located between a first and a second connecting profile, the first connecting profile is adapted to interconnect the energy absorption sub-units with the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer, the second connecting profile is adapted to interconnect the energy absorption sub-units with the structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system has characteristics selected from a group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, fixed to the construction, modular, ease of installation, kit-like, provided in a rolled kit, replaceable, upgradable, expandable, rapidly deployable, easy for installation by a layman, lightweight, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the first and the second energy absorption units are connectable to the building structure via screw means or any convenient fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are substantially parallel to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a blast protecting system as defined above, wherein the force applied against the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer is at least partially selected from a group consisting of: a force of a wind, a tornado generated force, a hurricane generated force, a force generated by an earthquake, a weather related force, any other pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for constructing a blast protected building construction. The method comprises steps of:
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of providing the building structure as a framework having a plurality of shafts mechanically connected to each other such that the at least one opening is formed.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to replace a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of the building structure or the framework
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of reconfiguring the building structure into two configurations: (i) a folded configuration in which the building structure is transportable; and (ii) an unfolded configuration in which the building structure is arranged in an operative position.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of replacing the at least one blast protected unit after a blast, thereby providing protection to the internal portion of the building structure from additional blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of placing the building structure at any preselected location, thereby providing protection from blasts at the preselected location.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of positioning the energy absorption units between the panel and the sub-frame in a hidden manner thereby providing an appearance of a regular non-protected blast protected unit.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the hidden manner is adapted to hide from external observers the capabilities of the blast protected unit to provide protection from blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of configuring the blast protected unit into at least two configurations: (i) a disassembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is transportable; and, (ii) an assembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is connected to the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of protecting the building structure with a plurality of the blast protected units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit has characteristics selected from the group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, ease of construction, kit-like, expandable, rapidly deployable, lightweight, replaceable, upgradable, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is further adapted to protect the building structure from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of making the panel from a material selected from the group consisting of: phenolic foam, polyurea foam glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight building material, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the panel is characterized by a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of providing the panel with an anti spall layer adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into the building structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of providing the panel with a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of holding the anti spall layer or the ballistic layer via the sub-frame.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the step of connecting the at least one blast protected unit to the at least one opening is performed via a screw means or any fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of selecting the building structure from the group consisting of: a container, a caravan, manner a permanent structure with walls, a framework, an office, an industrial facility, a hotel, a residence, an embassy, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is connectable to the walls, the ceiling, or the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of connecting the at least one blast protected unit is to another at least one blast protected unit, thereby providing a frameless structure, the connection between the blast protected units is provided by mechanical connection of the sub-frames of the blast protected units to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the at least one blast protected unit is adapted to be used as a pre-detonating unit adapted to at least partially mitigate impact of a ballistic attack on the building structure, the blast protected unit is connectable to the building structure via at least one connecting shaft at a predetermined distance from the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the panel is adapted to be disconnected from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent collapse or damage of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the building construction further comprises at least blast protecting system connected to the same.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to an external portion or an opening of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of deploying the building structure in a theatre of operation, thereby providing protection from blasts to predetermined objects.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the objects are selected from a group consisting of: military forces, police forces, soldiers, first-aid crew, press crew, military equipment, electronic equipment, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the theatre of operations is selected from a group consisting of: a hostile environment, a battlefield, a city, a village, in a mountainous area, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the building structure is adapted to be deployed in the theatre of operations for providing protection to the objects in a time of between about 10 minutes and about two hours.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, wherein the step of providing the building construction is performed to from high altitude via transporting means selected from a group consisting of: an airplane, a jet plane, a helicopter, a crane, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method as defined above, further comprises a step of connecting the building construction to another building construction, thereby constructing an enlarged building construction
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure, comprises steps of:
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to deform under a blast force applied against the first side of the protecting panel, allowing the protecting panel to move away from and remain in proximity to the sub-frame;
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to a building structure, such that a protection from blasts is provided to the internal portion of the building structure, the internal portion is located at the second side of the protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to provide protection from blasts at any preselected location in which the building structure is located.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are adapted to be positioned between the panel and the sub-frame in a hidden manner so as to provide an appearance of a regular non-protected blast protected unit.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the hidden manner is adapted to hide from external observers the capabilities of the blast protected unit to provide protection from blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is configurable into at least two configurations: (i) a disassembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is transportable; and, (ii) an assembled configuration in which the blast protected unit is connected to the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is further adapted to protect the building structure from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the panel is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: phenolic foam, Polyurea foam glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight building material, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the panel is characterized by a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the panel comprises an anti spall layer adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into the building structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the panel comprises a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is connectable to the wall, the ceiling, or the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be used as a pre-detonating unit adapted to at least partially mitigate impact of a ballistic attack on the building structure, the blast protected unit is connectable to the building structure via at least one connecting shaft at a predetermined distance from the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the panel is adapted to be disconnected from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent damage or collapse of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the building construction further comprises at least blast protecting system connected to the same.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protected unit is adapted to be connected to an external portion or an opening of the building structure.
A method for protecting an interior of a building structure, comprises steps of:
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, further comprises a step of pulling the second energy absorption unit to a predetermined distance from the first energy absorbing unit, and thereby adjusting the dimensions of the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer are dimensionally adjustable to fit to the dimensions of a portion of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the dimensions of the system are the distance between the first and the second energy absorption units.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the distance is between about 100 cm and about 10 meter.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the dimensions of the at least one protecting layer are adjustable by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: elongatability, stretchability, elasticity, extendibility, enlargability, ability to spread out when provided in a rolled condition, cutting, slicing, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system is adapted to be installed in front of and substantially adjacent to a portion of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system is adapted to cover the entire area of a wall by adjusting the distance between the first and the second energy absorption units to the height of the wall, and installing at least one protecting layer of the blast protecting system to cover the entire width of the wall.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the portion of the building structure is selected from the group consisting of: a wall, a floor, a ceiling, and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the first energy absorption unit is adapted to be connected to the ceiling of the building structure, and the second energy absorption unit is adapted to be connected to the floor of the building structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises an anti-spall layer to prevent spalls from being projected into the structure in case of a blast.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises a ballistic layer to provide ballistic protection to the content within the structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises two protecting layers: the anti-spall layer and the anti ballistic layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer comprises a protecting panel.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer is made of materials selected from a group consisting of: phenolic foam, Polyurea foam, fabric, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight material that can be used for construction of prefabricated structures, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the at least one protecting layer is made of materials characterized by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, translucent, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are characterized by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: elongateble, stretchable, extendable, enlargeable, telescopic, inelastic, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are selected from a group consisting of: rods, pipes, bars, mesh, shafts, sticks, cables, cords, ropes, string, wires, threads, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the first and the second energy absorption units comprise an array of energy absorption sub-units located between a first and a second connecting profile, the first connecting profile is adapted to interconnect the energy absorption sub-units with the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer, the second connecting profile is adapted to interconnect the energy absorption sub-units with the structure.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the blast protecting system has characteristics selected from a group consisting of: relocateable, transportable, portable, fixed to the construction, modular, ease of installation, kit-like, provided in a rolled kit, replaceable, upgradable, expandable, rapidly deployable, easy for installation by a layman, lightweight, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, or any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the first and the second energy absorption units are connectable to the building structure via screw means or any convenient fastening means.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the energy absorption units are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the elongated elements are substantially parallel to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of manufacturing a blast protected unit connectable to a building structure as defined above, wherein the force applied against the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer is at least partially selected from a group consisting of: a force of a wind, a tornado generated force, a hurricane generated force, a force generated by an earthquake, a weather related force, any other pushing force, or any combination thereof.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:
a-b are a section view and an plan view of the blast protecting unit the present invention;
a-d illustrate specific embodiments of the building construction of the present invention in its assembled configuration from different points of view.
The drawings together with the description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The term ‘blast’ refers hereinafter to any event which may actuate a predetermined force on a static object (e.g., on a protecting panel). According to some embodiments, the term blast may refer to a strong current of air which is a result of an explosion. According to other embodiments, the term blast may refer to a ballistic attack on a static object. According to other embodiments, the term blast may refer to a combination of an explosion and a ballistic event. According to different embodiments, the term ‘blast’ refers hereinafter to any type of known in the art attack which may be performed on a static or any other object. According to different embodiments, the term blast may refer to one of the following: blast pressure; small-medium calibre projectiles; ballistic fragments; or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the blast pressure may be an explosive against 3250 lbs TNT. According to other embodiments, the small-medium calibre projectiles may be ballistic attacks of about 5.56 to about 7.62 mm Assault Rifle projectiles. According to other embodiments, the ballistic fragments may be fragments of rockets, artillery and mortars casings.
The term ‘energy absorption unit’ refers hereinafter to a deformable unit (e.g. a metal unit) which is adapted to absorb the energy that causes its deformation, and compensates this deformation by changing its physical dimensions.
The term ‘shaft’ refers hereinafter to rod, pole, column, bar, level, pale, roost, balk, beam, girder, flitch, rafter, or any combination thereof.
The term ‘constructed’ refers hereinafter to any method of erecting or assembling a building, temporary or permanent.
The term ‘anti spall’ refers hereinafter to an anti spalling layer which is adapted to prevent spalls from being projected into said building construction in case of a blast
The term ‘hidden manner’ refers hereinafter to any conventional method or means for ensuring that the energy absorption units do not substantially protrude beyond the building structure of the present invention. For example, this term may refer to a manner in which the energy absorbing units are not visible to the eye.
The term ‘pre-detonating’ refers hereinafter to any effect which may to cause a detonation of any attacking object (e.g., indirect fire, a rocket, a mortar shell, a missile, etc.) at a predetermined distance from the building construction of the present invention, such that the results of the attack on said building construction are mitigated.
The term ‘frameless structure’ refers hereinafter to a structure which may be assembled merely from blast protected units without the need the use a framework or any other building structure, so as to provide a space which is protected from blasts.
The term ‘building structure’ refers hereinafter to any known in the art building structure such as a house, a room, a lodge, a house, a cabin, a caravan, a vehicle, or any other known in the art structure in which people and/or object may be located.
The term ‘blast protecting unit’ is a building unit which may be used for increasing the protection of any existing building structure by being connected to the same via any conventional means.
The term ‘building construction’ refers hereinafter to any construction which comprises a building structure and a blast protecting unit or at least one of them.
The term ‘dimensions’ refers hereinafter to a measurement in length, width or height of a specific component of the present invention.
The term ‘module’ refers hereinafter to a quantity of one unit of the system the present invention.
The present invention discloses a blast protected unit which is configured to withstand blasts, and to protect any existing building structure.
Reference is now made to
According to different embodiments of the present invention, blast protected unit 100 is adapted to be connected to building structure 10, such that a protection from blasts is provided to the internal portion 17 of building structure 10. As can be seen in
When building structure 10 is attacked, blast protecting unit 100 is configured to protect the internal portion 17 of the same by absorbing at least part of the energy of the blast by energy absorption units 30. In this case, energy absorption units 30 are configured to deform under a blast force 5 applied against first side 7 of protecting panel 14, allowing the protecting panel to move away from and remain in proximity to sub-frame 16. During the deformation of energy absorption units 30, at least part of the energy of the blast is absorbed by energy absorbing units 30. This deformation might be a plastic deformation. According to another embodiment, this deformation might be elastic.
As illustrated in
According to different embodiments of the present invention, sub-frame 16 is connectable to building structure 10 via a screw means 11 or any fastening means. The connection of sub-frame 16 to building structure 10 is very simple and convenient so as to provide protection in a fast and effective manner.
According to the specific embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
According to different embodiments of the present invention, anti spall layer 40 may be made of any suitable high strength material which is able to prevent fragments of broken panel or of any other material (e.g., concrete, glass, etc.) from entering said building construction. The material might be for example: Kevlar®, Spectra®, Dyneema®, etc.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, ballistic layer 42 may be made of any material which is able to provide ballistic and anti-fragmentation protection. For example, ballistic layer 42 might be a ballistic plate (e.g., E-glass).
According to different embodiments of the present invention, panel 14 might be comprise a materials selected from a group consisting of: phenolic foam, Polyurea foam glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight material that can be used for construction of prefabricated structures, or any combination thereof.
According to some embodiments, panel 14 are characterized by characteristics which are selected from a group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, or any combination thereof.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, blast protected unit 100 may be connected to any building structure in order to protect its internal portion from blast events. The blast protected unit 100 may be connected to the external, to the internal or to an opening of any building structure. Moreover, blast protected unit 100 may be connected to the wall, the ceiling, or the floor of any building structure.
According to different embodiments, the building structure may be one of the following structures: a container, a caravan, manner a permanent structure with walls, a framework, an office, an industrial facility, a hotel, a residence, an embassy, and any combination thereof.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, the building structure to which the blast protected unit of the present invention may be connected is adapted to form a building construction which may provide protection from blasts and/or ballistic protection at any preselected location in which it is located (e.g., in enemy territory during a war). The portability characteristic of the present invention provides the user of the invention with the ability to isolate and protect any selected space, and is achieved by the unique lightweight and convenient design. For example, the building construction of the present invention may be used for protection of soldiers and commanders from blast events and ballistic attacks, when they are in a hostile environment in a preselected location. The construction of the building construction of the present invention can be done easily and in a fast manner as will be described below. The present invention may be, for example, used as a command post, communications post, storage facility, eating facility, operating theatre or clinic, sleeping quarters, dining quarters and in fact any structure that a military, police, paramilitary or civilian organization may require in a threatening environment.
Reference is now made to
According to the embodiment of
According to different embodiments of the present invention, the building structure and the blast protected units may be assembled and disassembled at any preselected location, and transported to different locations. For example, framework 50, may be transported separately to a preselected location, and the blast protected units 100 may be connected to it afterwards. This method may provide a blast protected building construction 200. According to the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
As illustrated in
According to the embodiment of
According to the specific embodiment of
According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least some of shafts 55 are pivotally connected to each other. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the corners of the building structure (of framework 50) are rigid or hardened.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, blast protected unit 100 is stable to a blast impulse of between about 50 psi.msec to about 600 psi.msec. and blast pressures in excess of 1500 psi.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, energy absorption units 30 are configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts. For example, part of the energy absorption units may be are adapted to withstand one blast, and another set of energy absorption units are adapted to withstand another blast which also might be more powerful.
The energy absorbing units of the present invention have been designed to withstand maximum load capacity. Any force in excess of that load will result in the EAU being sheared. The total amount of EAU units connected to each frame defines therefore the maximum load that can be transferred into the sub-frame of the present invention. If an increased force is applied than the energy absorbing units will fail and the panel will disconnect from the sub-frame.
This mechanism allow to design the structural resistance of the structural frame to the maximum design load capacity of the energy absorbing units, thus ensuring that in a blast event of exceeding loads, the sub-frame and the building structure will remain unharmed, and the panel might disconnect from the sub-frame and fly inwards the building structure. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the panel may disconnect from the sub-frame after one or more blast events. According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the panel may disconnect from the sub-frame when a predetermined level of blast occurs, so as to prevent collapse or damage of the building structure itself.
It is within the scope of the present invention that blast protected unit 100 with the energy absorption units in a deformed state after a blast is replaceable so as to provide protection to the internal portion of the building structure from additional blasts. In other words, after a blast event which deforms the blast protecting unit, it can be easily replaced by new blast protecting unit. This replacement may be done just by mechanically connecting the sub-frame of the new blast protecting unit to the building structure (or the framework). According to different embodiments of the present invention, the blast protected unit of the present invention is able to provide rapid and reliable protection from blasts at any preselected location in which the building structure is located.
Reference is now made to
In
In
In
In
The building construction 200 and/or blast protected unit 100 and/or building structure 50 may have characteristics of the present invention is characterized by its ability to be: relocateable, transportable, portable, permanent, fixed to a specific construction, modular, easy for construction by a layman, lightweight, modular, configurable into large building structures, blast protected, foldable, unfoldable, assembleable, disassembleable, or any combination thereof. The combination of these properties gives the present invention its novel and non-obvious advantages over the prior art. Embodiments of the invention are, in their assembled or disassembled configurations adapted for transporation by air, sea or land to and from the most hostile of environments.
For example, the building construction of the present invention might be deployed, constructed and assembled in any preselected location, by any personnel non-expert in the field of building construction (for example a squad of soldiers or paramilitary personnel not specializing in construction or engineering).
Other aspects of the present invention are its lightweight characteristics (opposed to a conventional building construction) and therefore ease of transportation to any needed location. The invention might be constructed on, within or adjacent to an existing building construction, and embodiments are provided such that individual modules of the invention may be used to construct a large building construction, made of number of singular building constructions connected to each other (as illustrated in
The fact that the building construction of the present invention is easy for construction and is prefabricated makes it easy for use by a non-skilled person (a layman). For example, soldiers who are not skilled in construction of buildings, might be able easily and quickly construct a protect construction is any preselected location.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, blast protected unit 100 may protect the building structure and its interior from a factor selected from the group consisting of: wind, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, a weather related conditions, a ballistic attack, any pushing force, or any combination thereof.
According to some embodiments, the building structure 10 may comprise protecting windows, protecting doors, internal division to rooms, etc. These elements may be characterized by similar characteristics (e.g., energy absorption units) as the blast protected units of the present invention.
The building construction of the present invention may be stable to any expected and unexpected weather conditions such as: strong winds, rain, tornado, hurricanes, etc. The system of the present invention is also stable to earthquakes, or any other factors which might apply external forces on it.
According to some embodiments, the force applied against blast protected units 100 might be a force selected from a group consisting of: a force of a wind, a tornado generated force, a hurricane generated force, a force generated by an earthquake, a weather related force, any other pushing force, or any combination thereof. When at least one these force is applied on the system of the present invention, the energy absorption units might absorb the energy produced by these forces, and thereby, in some conditions, prevent damage to the building construction.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention discloses a method for rapidly deploying a building construction and protecting objects via the building construction in a theatre of operations. The method is adapted to provide protection from blasts to the objects located within the building construction in the theatre of operations.
According to some embodiments, the objects are selected from a group consisting of: military forces, police forces, soldiers, first-aid crew, press crew, military equipment, electronic equipment, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the theatre of operations is selected from a group consisting of: a hostile environment, a battlefield, a city, a village, in a mountainous area, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, building construction is adapted to be deployed in the theatre of operations for providing protection to the forces in a time of between about 10 minutes and about two hours.
According to some embodiments, the building construction is provided to the theatre of operations from high altitude via transporting means selected from a group consisting of: an airplane, a jet plane, a helicopter, a crane, or any combination thereof.
Reference is now made to
According to
Reference in now made to
Reference in now made to
As it can be seen in
According to other embodiments, the building construction of the present invention might be interconnected with an existing conventional building construction. For example, the building construction of the present invention might be assembled on the roof of an existing building construction, or next to it.
In
The present invention also discloses a method for constructing a blast protected building construction. The method comprises steps of:
According to other embodiments of the present invention, the blast protected units of the present invention may be connected to each other without the need to use a building structure. According to these embodiments, the sub-frames of the blast protected units may be connected to each other, so as to provide a frameless structure.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, the building construction of the present invention may also comprise at least one blast protecting system connected to the same. The blast protecting system is described below.
The present invention also discloses a blast protecting system for protection of an interior of a building structure. The blast protecting system comprises the following components:
The energy absorption units of the blast protecting system are configured to be deformed under a force applied against the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer, such that the energy created by a blast is at least partially absorbed by the energy absorption units via the elongated elements.
The present invention discloses a blast protecting system 700 which is adapted to provide protection from blasts and ballistic protection to an interior of any existing building structure such as building structure 605. The blast protecting system of the present invention may be used for retrofitting existing walls, or other elements of any building structure. It might also be installed in any opening of any building structure. The present invention is characterized by portability and very easy for use (e.g., for installation). Moreover, the blast protecting system can be exploited for multi-uses by removing it from one place and installing in another one. The fact that the system of the present invention is easy for installation and is prefabricated makes it easy for use by a non-skilled person. For example, soldiers who are not skilled in the field of protecting systems, may easily and quickly protect any existing building structure in any location.
The main novel characteristic of the present invention is not only its ability to withstand very massive blast events (e.g., 600 psi.msec.), but its adaptability to various dimensions of walls and other locations in which the system is installed. For example, the same system can be used to cover a wall of 2 meter height, and also for another wall of 3 meter height. This is achieved by the ability of the system to be adjusted to various dimensions.
The present invention provides the user of the invention with the ability to isolate and protect any selected existing building structure, and is achieved by the unique lightweight, reliable, strong and convenient design. For example, the blast protecting system may be used for protection of soldiers and commanders from blast events and ballistic attacks, when they are located in a closed structure in a hostile environment.
The method for use of the blast protecting system of the present invention can be done easily and in a fast manner, as will be described below.
The present invention may be, for example, used as a command post, communications post, storage facility, eating facility, operating theatre or clinic, sleeping quarters, dining quarters and in fact any structure that a military, police, paramilitary or civilian organization may require in a threatening environment.
Reference is now made to
The system illustrated in
According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the connection of first and second energy absorption units 610 and 611 to structure 605, may be performed via screw means, or any other conventional connecting means.
The first energy absorption unit 610 and the second energy absorption unit 611 are interconnected by a plurality of spaced elongated elements 620. According to the specific embodiment illustrated in
Each elongated elements 620 is having a first end 621 and a second end 622. Each first end 621 of elongated elements 620 is mechanically connected to first energy absorption unit 610, and each second end 622 of elongated elements 620 is mechanically connected to second energy absorption unit 611.
The first energy absorption unit 610 and the second energy absorption unit 611 are also interconnected by at least one protecting layer. According to the specific embodiment of
According to other embodiments of the present invention, protecting layer 630 may additionally comprise a ballistic layer adapted to provide ballistic protection to the content within structure 605. In a specific embodiment, the ballistic layer may be used additionally to the anti-spall layer.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, protecting layer 630 might be a protecting panel or may comprise a protecting panel. This panel may be made of materials selected from a group consisting of: phenolic foam, Polyurea foam fabric, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers, Polystyrene, plastic foam, rockwool, composite materials, a lightweight material that can be used for construction of prefabricated structures, or any combination thereof.
According to some embodiment, protecting layer 630 may be made of materials characterized by a characteristic selected from a group consisting of: fluid isolating, moisture isolating, noise isolating, thermally isolating, fireproof, with ballistic protection properties, flexible, energy absorbing, lightweight, prefabricated, variable stiffness, resilient, translucent, or any combination thereof. When a translucent protecting layer is used, the system of the present invention can provide a transfer of a day light into the structure. This might be important when the system is installed in front of a window. In this case, a day light may enter into the structure.
According to some embodiments, wall 607 may be additionally coated with trowel 632 adapted to strengthen this wall.
The first and the second energy absorption units 610 and 611 illustrated in
The mechanism according to which the system of the present invention protects structure 605 from blasts is the following: in case of a blast event, first and second energy absorption units 610 and 611 are configured to be deformed under the force applied against elongated elements 620 and protecting layer 630, such that the energy created by a blast event is at least partially absorbed by energy absorption units 610 and 611 and at least partially by elongated elements 620. More specifically, elongated elements 620 absorb most of the energy applied on them by the blast, and transmit said energy to energy absorption units 610 and 611. According to a specific embodiment, energy absorption units 610 and 611 are plastically deformable by being bent and/or elongated as a result of the blast event. According to other embodiments, energy absorption units might be configured to withstand multiple numbers of blasts.
The main advantage of the present invention over the prior art, is not only its ability to withstand very energetic blast events, but also its ability to be fitted to any existing wall. This is achieved by the ability of the elongated elements 620 and protecting layer 630 to be dimensionally adjustable. In other words, system 700 can stretched/unfolded/extended to variable dimensions in order to cover a specific area of a wall in order to provide a retrofitted wall. According to some embodiments, the variable dimensions of the system are the distance between first and second energy absorption units 610 and 611. This distance typically might be between about 100 cm to about 10 meter.
As can be seen in
In order to retrofit an entire wide wall, a plurality of blast protecting systems (modules of the system) may be installed, one adjacent to the other, while their height is fitted to the height of said wall. For example, if the width of a wall is 9 meter, and the width of each module 2 meter, in this case four modules will be installed one adjacent to the other, and the width of the fifth module will be shortened to half and placed adjacent to the rest modules.
According to
The dimensions of elongated elements of
The dimensions of protecting layer 630 are adjustable by characteristics selected from a group consisting of: elongatability, stretchability, elasticity, extendibility, enlargability, ability to spread out when provided in a rolled condition, cutting, slicing, or any combination thereof. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of protecting layer 630 is adjustable when protecting layer 630 is provided in a rolled condition at one of its end located in proximity to one of the energy absorption units. Following the adjustment of the length protecting layer 630, the final length which was set by the user is fixed by fixing means (e.g., clip, clamp, fastener, stapler, slot, abutment, etc.).
According to different embodiments of the present invention, system 700 may have at least one of the following characteristics: relocateable, transportable, portable, fixed to said construction, modular, ease of installation, kit-like, provided in a rolled kit, replaceable, upgradable, expandable, rapidly deployable, easy for installation by a layman, lightweight, blast protected, blast and ballistic protected, with decorative finish, or any combination thereof.
According to different embodiments of the present invention, the force applied against the elongated elements and the at least one protecting layer is at least partially selected from a group consisting of: a force of a wind, a tornado generated force, a hurricane generated force, a force generated by an earthquake, a weather related force, any other pushing force, or any combination thereof.
According to some embodiments, the present invention discloses a method for rapidly deploying and protecting objects within a building structure in a theatre of operations via a blast protecting kit. The kit is adapted to provide protection from blasts to the objects located within the structure in the theatre of operations. According to some embodiment, the kit is adapted to be deployed in the theatre of operations for providing protection to the objects in a time of between about 10 minutes and about two hours.
According to some embodiment, the objects are selected from a group consisting of military forces, police forces, soldiers, first-aid crew, press crew, military equipment, electronic equipment, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiment, the theatre of operations is selected from a group consisting of: a hostile environment, a battlefield, a city, a village, in a mountainous area, oil rigs, oil rigs, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiment, the kit is provided to the theatre of operations from high altitude via transporting means selected from a group consisting of: an airplane, a jet plane, a helicopter, a crane, or any combination thereof.
Reference is now made to
In
Reference is now made to
Reference in now made to
According to
The first and the second energy absorption units 710 and 711 illustrated in
The length of elongated elements 720 and the length of protecting layer 730 presented in
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
According to different embodiments of the present invention, any building structure may be protected with at least one blast protecting unit and/or blast protecting system according to the different embodiment described above. For example, a plurality of blast protecting units may be used as the walls of the building structure, and the blast protecting systems may be installed in the interior of the building structure.
The blast protecting unit connected to a building structure (of
1. An explosive of 3250 lbs TNT at a Standoff of 230 feet
Full scale high explosive blast testing against the building structure with a blast protecting unit has provided the following results:
Reflected Pressure: 12.5 psi
Reflected Impulse: 93.79 psi.msec.
Interior Pressure: 1.69 psi
2. An explosive of 3250 lbs TNT (Equivalent) at a Standoff of 183 feet
Full scale high explosive blast testing against the building structure with a blast protecting unit has provided the following results:
Calculated Reflected pressure: 14.83 psi
Calculated Reflected Impulse: 209.1 psi.msec.
Free Field Pressure: 6.61 psi
3. An explosive of 13.23 lbs TNT at a Standoff of 4.6 feet
The test provided a replication of both 120 mm Mortar and 107 mm Rocket threats, against a frameless structure has provided the following results:
Reflected Blast Pressure: 1512 psi
Calculated reflected pressure: 209 psi.msec.
The building construction of the present invention has undergone full scale explosive and ballistic testing for the following baseline performance:
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2011/000177 | 2/10/2011 | WO | 00 | 10/10/2012 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61304579 | Feb 2010 | US | |
| 61304586 | Feb 2010 | US |
