Collapsible Rolling Ballistic Bunker and Methods of Deployment and Use

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable ballistic barriers. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to deployable, mobile bunkers that are collapsible for easy storage and transport and may be rapidly deployed when needed.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

An earlier iteration of a mobile ballistic bunker is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,979, issued Oct. 8, 2013 to the same inventor and entitled Collapsible Mobile Special Operations Bunker (hereinafter referred to as “Spransy '979 patent.” In order to streamline the description in this application, the contents of the Spransy '979 patent is expressly incorporated into this application by this reference as if fully recited herein.

2. The Relevant Technology

Law enforcement agencies, particularly SWAT teams, are often called upon to confront armed and dangerous individuals. It is not uncommon for these agencies to be facing 44 magnum or 9 mm handgun rounds, shotgun blasts or even high-powered rifles. Additionally, criminals have been known to purchase .223 green-tip penetrator rounds which are available for purchase to civilians.

Although it is standard practice for law enforcement to wear body armor, the body armor presently available is heavy and typically only rated for handguns. For example, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level IIIA vest's maximum rating is for a limited number of shots from a 44 magnum handgun. Personal body armor material is bulky and heavy, vests weigh approximately 10 pounds. The shape and size of the armor must not interfere with the officer's agility therefore vests are designed to be as small as practical. Consequently, they only cover the vital areas of the body. In general terms, a “bulletproof” vest or other armor will protect personnel from the vast majority of handgun threats. But, there is always a tradeoff between protection, wear-ability and budget constraints. It should be understood that body armor can be defeated by rifle rounds, unusually high velocity pistol ammunition, pistol ammunition fired from a rifle barrel, armor piercing ammunition, sharp-edged or pointed instruments (e.g., knives, ice-picks, arrows, etc.), and/or other unusual ammunition and/or situations.

Also, at some angles, projectiles can slide, or deflect off the edges of armor, or ricochet. Furthermore, projectiles that are successfully stopped by armor will always produce some level of injury, resulting in severe bruising, broken bones, and possibly serious internal injury, even death. Soft body armor defeats most pistol and shotgun projectiles, but no vest makes personnel invulnerable to all threats.

Further, the head is much more susceptible to blunt trauma than the body. Any impact of a bullet on a helmet will cause injury and can cause death. The odds of serious injury are reduced with head protection, but, just as with any armor, no guarantee of invulnerability can be made.

For additional protection (in addition to wearing personal body armor), personal shields may be employed. Personal shields are heavy, so they are designed to only cover the vital areas of the body. Shields provide an additional layer of protection, however, most shields are also only rated for handguns and they hinder the ability of the officer to travel long distances due to their weight (approximately 30 pounds). The ability to manipulate a weapon is also severely limited since at least one of the officer's hands is occupied carrying the shield.

The level of protection required for each confrontation can vary widely. It is not uncommon for an agency to consider the 30-06 and the .223 green-tip penetrator rounds as their most severe threat. Furthermore, to permit adequate observation without unnecessarily exposing personnel, such personnel typically needs to be positioned within a distance of about 30 yards. These requirements have established a baseline of performance that is required if adequate protection for personnel is to be provided.

Currently, there are two rating systems for ballistic protection: 1) Underwriters' laboratory (UL), and 2) The National Institute of Justice, (NIT). The rating systems are not consistent between the two entities and they do not precisely identify the rating for a 30-06 and/or a .223 green-tip penetrator round. To properly rate a ballistic panel for these particular rounds, it is necessary to have a ballistic panel tested at an approved independent test laboratory for: 1) each specific ammunition type, and 2) the specific target distance.

It would be an advance in the art to provide meaningful protection against 30-06 and/or .223 green-tip penetrator rounds that does not need to be carried by personnel. Law enforcement agencies would find such protection to be quite attractive. Although the following description focuses primarily on the requirements of law enforcement agencies, it should be evident and it has been considered that this invention could be used by various agencies such as, but not limited to: military, secret service, homeland security, etc.

It would also be an advance in the art to provide a collapsible, mobile bunker low-footprint that can easily be stored in the trunk of a car, the rear of an SUV, or in an armored personnel carrier (APC) and that can be readily deployed when needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present exemplary embodiments constitute an advanced collapsible, mobile ballistic bunker. The mobile ballistic bunker of this disclosure is supported on wheels to provide mobility. In exemplary embodiments, a base frame permits the generally vertical stacking of ballistic panels (usually three such panels) that act as a full-body shield or wall. The base frame is made of a lightweight aluminum without the side channels for receiving ballistic panels in nesting engagement as described in the Spransy '979 patent. Each of the ballistic panels removably overlaps with the adjacent panel so that ballistic integrity is maintained at the joints. By eliminating side channels, the width of the full-body shield or wall may be reduced several inches and the overall weight of the ballistic bunker is minimized. Because the ballistic panels are removable, the panels may be interchanged if damaged or if a higher or lower ballistic-rated panel is desired. Also, the ballistic panels may be disposed in layers to maintain a desired ballistic level while minimizing weight.

The ballistic panels themselves form the structure of the bunker, eliminating the side channels described in the Spransy '979 patent. The elimination of the side channels may be achieved by precision laser cutting of the ballistic steel to exacting sizes and shapes.

Some exemplary embodiments have wing panels that may be attachable to/detachable from the full-body shield or wall via a lift-off hinge assembly that permits the wing panels to pivotally retract inward into a retracted mode (having a minimal frontal ballistic area) and pivotally extend outward into an extended mode (having a maximized frontal ballistic area). In some embodiments, the wing panels may be biased using a spring, a gas cylinder or any other suitable mechanism known to those skilled in the art. Such biasing permits the wing panels to remain attached, but retract when the ballistic bunker passes through a narrow opening such as a doorway or narrow alley, and then extends automatically to the extended mode after clearing the narrow opening. This eliminates the need to detach the wing panels to enable the ballistic bunker to pass through narrow openings, saving precious time and eliminating dangerous exposure of personnel while detaching wing panels.

In some embodiments, the topmost panel may be a vision panel having at least a portion thereof made of ballistic glass and/or handles made out of the armor of the vision panel. The vision panel may also have a window and a locking mechanism for securing the window if the bunker is tipped over. Also, a ballistic panel may have a gun port and gun rest. In some embodiments, at least one ballistic panel and/or wing panel may have integrated handholds for removal of the ballistic panel and/or wing panel from an assembled mobile ballistic bunker to be used as a personal ballistic shield.

In some embodiments, the mobile ballistic bunker includes a movement assembly for supporting the base frame. The movement assembly may comprise any of a number of types of wheels, runners, or rubber track systems, however, caster-type wheels with large run-flat tires that permit the movement of the bunker over rough terrain are particularly suitable. In some embodiments, the wheels rotate 360 degrees and can be locked into an orientation for front to rear or lateral motion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the movement assembly has retractable caster-type wheels that are capable of pivoting into a retracted, nesting position for low-footprint storage. The term “low-footprint” as used herein means that the height profile and the girth profile of the overall bunker is minimized to a compact assembly to save storage space and to facilitate transport of the bunker.

Additionally, an apron of ballistic material may be connected to the lowermost panel to extend to the ground. This ballistic apron will reduce the threat of “skip-rounds.” In some embodiments, the ballistic apron is hinged using carabiners.

After being deployed, the mobile ballistic bunker may be collapsed into a storage mode for storage and easy transport. The vision panel may be lifted and removed from its nested, overlapping attaching engagement with the adjacent ballistic panel disposed beneath the vision panel. The lower-disposed ballistic panels hinge where they overlap so that the wall formed by the panels may be folded in half. Spring-lock pins are released from each side of the base frame permitting the vertical panels to be rotated to a horizontal disposition. The vision panel may then be nested on top of the folded panels and secured for storage. In some embodiments, a Velcro® strap may be used to secure the vision panel in its nested disposition.

In some embodiments, the base frame comprises a pair of side tubes, a stretcher tube, and a forward brace. The stretcher tube serves as a stop for the ballistic panels when configured in an upright disposition (generally being vertical or slightly inclined from vertical) and together with the forward brace holds the side tubes in spaced parallel alignment. Also, the configuration of the layered ballistic panels is such that vertically adjacent ballistic panels overlap at the joint so that ballistic integrity is maintained at the joint.

The embodiments of the present mobile, ballistic bunker invention provide ballistic protection by using interchangeable ballistic panels rated for rifle or handgun depending upon the threat presented. Also, due to the ballistic bunker's rolling mobility, it does not need to be carried into position. Rather, the ballistic bunker can be fully deployed at a safe location remote from the desired position and then rolled into position providing ballistic protection during that movement. Once in position, it is free-standing thereby freeing up both hands of the personnel. Further, the single-wide embodiments (either without wing panels or with wing panels fully retracted) may pass easily through a 3-foot doorway without exposing personnel or compromising its ballistic integrity.

The embodiments of this invention have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available body armor and shields.

The level of protection required for each confrontation can vary widely. However, the vast majority of active shooter situations, for example, are perpetrated using handguns, high powered rifles, and/or shotguns because these weapons can be easily concealed and carried into schools, colleges, public areas, etc. Presently, the exemplary collapsible, mobile ballistic bunker may be rated for N.I.J. Level IIIA, III, III+ or IV, but it should be understood that as technologies evolve and materials become lighter in weight, the ballistic rating of this collapsible, mobile ballistic bunker could increase.

In some embodiments, AR550 steel may be used as the ballistic material for the ballistic panels and/or wing panels. AR550 steel is commercially available and is much less expensive than many other ballistic materials. AR550 steel, at a thickness of 7/16 inch, provides NIT Level IV protection, while a thickness of ⅜ inch provides Level III+ protection, and ¼ inch thickness provides Level III protection.

Although AR550 steel having a thickness of 7/16 inch is not commercially available, a ½ inch thickness is available and has been used for ballistic protection. However, the added thickness adds weight that hampers assembly time and mobility. These drawbacks may be minimized without sacrificing ballistic protection or ballistic integrity by combining smaller, commercially available thicknesses of AR550 steel, precision laser cutting of the steel to exacting dimensions and shapes, and securing the steel plates together to form ballistic panels and/or wing panels using ballistic bolt/nut heads (as will be described in more detail herein below). For example, a 12.5% weight savings is achieved for a ballistic panel having a thickness of 7/16 inch and Level IV protection, may be achieved by combining plates of ¼ inch and 3/16 inch thickness (¼+ 3/16= 7/16). A ballistic panel of ⅜ inch thickness and Level III+ protection may be achieved by combining two plates of 3/16 inch each ( 3/16+ 3/16=⅜). Not only is there significant weight savings over the ½ inch shields by using 7/16 inch ballistic panels, but inventory needs are simplified because only 3/16 inch and ¼ inch steel need be stocked to achieve Level IV protection (¼+ 3/16). Level III+ protection ( 3/16+ 3/16), and Level III protection (¼ alone). Furthermore, such smaller thickness steel is easier to move, transport and store.

These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described and shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the exemplary embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Additionally, the terms “operator”, “user”, “officer”, “soldier”, and “individual” may be used interchangeably herein unless otherwise made clear from the context of the description.

Understanding that these drawings depict only typical exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled mobile, ballistic bunker ready for deployment;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the fully-assembled mobile, ballistic bunker of FIG. 1 ready for deployment;

FIG. 3A is a partial frontal view enlarging the portion of ballistic bunker of FIG. 1, showing an exemplary middle latch system with shield plate providing ballistic protection of the middle latch and the overlapping hinge area and joint between the lowermost panel and the middle panel;

FIG. 3B is another partial frontal view enlarging the portion of ballistic bunker of FIG. 1, showing an exemplary middle latch system with shield plate shown in phantom lines to provide visual access to the slide bolts and catch hooks;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the fully-assembled mobile, ballistic bunker of FIG. 1 ready for deployment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the fully-assembled mobile, ballistic bunker of FIG. 1 ready for deployment;

FIG. 6 is a partial rear perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing the middle and lower portions of the full-body shield and the hinges connecting the middle panel to the lowermost panel;

FIG. 7 is another partial rear perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing the middle and lower portions of the full-body shield and the hinges connecting the middle panel to the lowermost panel;

FIG. 8 is a partial side perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing aspects of the base frame and the movement assembly;

FIG. 9 is a partial inside perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing aspects of one of the caster-type wheels;

FIG. 10 is another partial perspective side view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing aspects of one of the caster-type wheels;

FIG. 11 is a partial rear perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing other aspects of one of the caster-type wheels;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary mobile, ballistic bunker showing the releasing latch;

FIG. 13 is an exploded rear view of an upper portion of the mobile, ballistic bunker depicting the vision panel either just before attachment to an adjacent middle panel or just after detachment from the adjacent middle panel;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective rear view of another exemplary embodiment of an upper portion of the mobile, ballistic bunker depicting a non-vision upper panel either just before attachment to an adjacent middle panel or just after detachment from the adjacent middle panel;

FIG. 15 is a perspective rear view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14 wherein the upper portion of the mobile, ballistic bunker depicts the non-vision upper panel attached and secured to an adjacent middle panel;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fully-collapsed mobile, ballistic bunker in an upright disposition while in the storage mode;

FIG. 17 is a perspective top view of the fully-collapsed mobile, ballistic bunker in a flat disposition while in the storage mode;

FIG. 18 is a perspective underside view of the fully-collapsed mobile, ballistic bunker in the storage mode;

FIG. 19 is a partial end elevation view of a fully-collapsed mobile, ballistic bunker in a flat disposition while in the storage mode;

FIGS. 20A-C is a set of drawings in rear (FIG. 20A), side (FIG. 20B), and front (FIG. 21C) views of an exemplary ballistic bolt/nut head;

FIG. 21 is a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile, winged ballistic bunker in a contracted configuration;

FIG. 22 is a frontal view of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 23 is a frontal perspective view of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the contracted configuration;

FIG. 24 is a frontal perspective view of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the contracted configuration;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 27 is a partial rear perspective view of the upper portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration showing @@;

FIG. 28 is a partial rear perspective view of the middle portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration showing @@;

FIG. 29 is a partial rear perspective view of the upper portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration showing the right-side wing with the pivoting handle in a stored mode;

FIG. 30 is a partial rear perspective view of the upper portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration showing the right-side wing with the pivoting handle in a lift-ready mode;

FIG. 31 is a partial frontal perspective view of the lower portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the contracted configuration;

FIG. 32 is a partial frontal perspective view of the lower portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 33 is a partial rear perspective view of the lower portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the contracted configuration;

FIG. 34 is a partial rear perspective view of the lower portion of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker of FIG. 21 in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 35 is a frontal perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a mobile, winged ballistic bunker with a gun port in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 36 is a frontal perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the mobile, winged ballistic bunker with a gun port of FIG. 35 in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary upper panel with a gun port opening/closing assembly in its open configuration; and

FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary upper panel of FIG. 37 with the gun port opening/closing assembly in its closed configuration.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

ballistic bunker 10
threat side 12

non-threat side 14
base frame 16

caster-type wheels 18
ballistic panels 20

vision panel 22
window 24

full-body shield or wall 26
side tubes 28

stretcher tube 30
forward brace 32

movement assembly 34
run-flat tires 36

apron 38
carabiners 40

lowermost panel 42
telescoping diagonal braces 44

upper rotating clevis 46
middle panel 48

lower clevis 50
removable pin 51

middle latch system 52
slide bolt 53

hinges 54
catch hook 55

maneuvering handle 56
ballistic shield plate 57

connection latch 58
wheel lock/release pin 60

spring-loaded release lock 62
uppermost panel 64

projecting ears 66
handles 68

hook 70
cantilevered legs 72

panel release latch 74
locking holes 75

pivot plates 76
lifting handles 77

ballistic bolt/nut head assembly 78
bolt 80

ballistic head nut 82
hex collar 84

conical head 86
point 87

wing panels 88
lift-off connection system 90

locking assembly 92
wing lock system 94

shield handle 96
wing panel lock 98

male post 100
post retainer 102

female receiving block 104
bore 106

threaded block 108
retractable spring plunger 110

spring plunger 112
strike plate 114

stop plate 116
gun port 118

opening 120
sliding door assembly 112

sliding door 124

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

It should be noted that in order to make the drawings as clear as possible, some reference numbers will be omitted so not to obscure other reference numbers or features of the exemplary embodiments. Where reference numbers are omitted, representative reference numbers will be provided on one or more other figures so that the drawings may be understood readily by those skilled in the art. For example, bolts are referred to in the detailed description as reference number 80, however, not every bolt 80 will be referenced in the drawings, but representative references to bolt 80 are provided so that the drawings and detailed description will be understood.

In this application, the phrases “connected to”, “coupled to”, and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, capillary, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic, fluidic, and thermal interactions.

The phrases “attached to”, “secured to”, and “mounted to” refer to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached, secured, or mounted objects, respectively. The phrase “slidably attached to” refer to a form of mechanical coupling that permits relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motions. The phrase “attached directly to” refers to a form of securement in which the secured items are in direct contact and retained in that state of securement.

The term “abut” and its formatives including “abutting” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may not be attached together. The term “grip” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with one of the items firmly holding the other. The term “integrally formed” refers to a body that is manufactured as a single piece, without requiring the assembly of constituent elements. Multiple elements may be integrally formed with each other, when attached directly to each other from a single work piece. Thus, elements that are “coupled to” each other may be formed together as a single piece.

FIGS. 1-19 depict various exemplary single-wide embodiments of a ballistic bunker 10. The ballistic bunker 10 has a threat side 12 (sometimes called the strike side in the industry) and a non-threat side 14 and comprises a base frame 16 supported by caster-type wheels 18 and ballistic panels 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the ballistic panels 20 comprise a ballistic material (e.g., hardened steel, a ballistic composite such as Dyneema® or Kevlar®, etc.).

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled mobile, ballistic bunker 10 ready for deployment. As shown, the topmost ballistic panel 20 is a vision panel 22 having a window 24 made of a ballistic glass. However, it should be understood that the ballistic bunker 10 may have no vision panel 22 or the vision panel 22 may optionally be a ballistic panel 20 with a small window 24 of ballistic glass and/or a gun port (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIGS. 35-38). The ballistic panels 20 alone or together with the vision panel 22 are positioned vertically or canted slightly toward the rear or non-threat side 14 (see FIG. 5) to form a full-body shield or wall 26. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “upright disposition” shall mean generally vertical or canted slightly toward the rear or non-threat side 14.

The shape of window 24 shown throughout FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 13, 16-17, 21-27, and 29-30 is that of a regular trapezoid with its larger base upwardly disposed and its smaller base downwardly disposed. Operators of the ballistic bunker 10 with a window 24 have determined that, during use, their optimal range of view needed is more directed forward and upward than downward immediately in front of the ballistic bunker 10. Hence, without sacrificing needed range of view, the use of the trapezoidal shape of window 24 is both a cost and a weight savings over rectangular windows because the area occupied by window 24 is significantly smaller (as depicted, probably about 20% smaller) than that of a rectangular window having the same length of its long side as the larger base. Since ballistic glass frequently weighs more and costs significantly more than ballistic steel of the same protective level, both weigh and cost savings are realized without compromising effectiveness of the bunker 10.

Exemplary embodiments of the base frame 16 is made of a lightweight aluminum having sufficient structural integrity to secure the full-body shield 26 in an upright disposition while having rolling mobility via the caster-type wheels 18. Further structural and functional aspects of the base frame 16 will be discussed below.

Each ballistic panel 20 is attached to at least one other ballistic panel 20 in an overlapping abutment and in an upright disposition to form the full-body shield 26. In some exemplary embodiments, each of the ballistic panels 20 that comprise the full-body shield 26 is either detachably attached to an adjacent ballistic panel 20 or hinged to pivot with respect to an adjacent ballistic panel 20. Each ballistic panel 20 overlaps with the vertically adjacent panel 20 so that ballistic integrity is maintained at the joints. A portion of the frontal ballistic panels 20 extends above the abutting horizontal joint between vision panel 22 and its adjacent ballistic panel 20 so that it overlaps with the vision panel 22. FIGS. 1-7 and 13-15 show how adjacent panels 20 may overlap to maintain ballistic integrity at the joints. Because the ballistic panels 20 are removable, the panels 20 may be interchanged if damaged or if a higher or lower ballistic-rated panel 20 is desired.

The base frame 16 comprises a pair of side tubes 28, a stretcher tube 30, and a forward brace 32. The stretcher tube 30 serves as a stop for the ballistic panels 20 when configured in an upright disposition and together with the forward brace 32 holds the side tubes 28 in spaced parallel alignment. In some embodiments, the mobile ballistic bunker 10 includes a movement assembly 34 for supporting the base frame 16. The movement assembly 34 may comprise caster-type wheels 18 with large run-flat tires 36 that permit the movement of the bunker 10 over rough terrain. In some embodiments, the wheels 18 rotate 360 degrees and can be locked into an orientation for front to rear or lateral motion.

Additionally, an apron 38 of ballistic material may be connected to the stretcher tube 30 using carabiners 40 (or any other suitable connector) subtending the lowermost panel 42 to extend to the ground. This ballistic apron 38 will reduce the threat of “skip-rounds.”

Each of a pair of telescoping diagonal braces 44 shown in FIG. 2 is pivotally attached between and upper rotating clevis 46 connected to the non-threat side 14 of a middle panel 48 and a lower clevis 50 connected toward the rear of a side tube 28. A removable pin 51 secures a free end of the telescoping diagonal brace 44 during deployment to brace and stabilize the full-body shield 26. The telescoping diagonal braces 44 may be readied for storage by removing the removable pin 51 for each telescoping diagonal brace 44, reducing the length of the telescoping diagonal brace 44, and rotating the upper rotating clevis 46 so that the telescoping diagonal braces 44 may be folded flat against and across the mid-section of the middle panel 48 (much like folding one's arms across one's chest).

As best seen in FIG. 1, the ballistic bunker 10 has a narrow upright profile creating the full-body shield 26 and each ballistic panel 20 overlaps with one or more ballistic panels 20 to shield the joints between panels 20. As depicted, the ballistic bunker 10 is in its fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode (sometimes shortened to the “ready mode” for brevity). This view of the ballistic bunker 10 would be the profile that an assailant would see when approached by officers advancing towards the assailant and exposing only the ballistic-protected threat side 12 to the assailant.

To shield the joint between the lowermost panel 42 and the middle panel 48, a middle latch system 52 may be provided in some exemplary embodiments. The middle latch system 52 may comprise one or more slide bolts 53, one or more corresponding catch hooks 55, and a ballistic shield plate 57. As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the slide bolts 53 are secured to the upper portion of the lowermost panel 42 and the corresponding catch hooks 55 may be precision laser cut into the lower portion of the middle panel 48. When the middle panel 48 is pivoted into vertically parallel and overlapping alignment with the lowermost panel 42 the catch hook(s) 55 engage the slide bolt(s) 53 along the angled edges of each and locks into place when each catch hook 55 is captured by the corresponding slide bolt 53. The ballistic shield plate 57 (shown in FIG. 3A and shown in shadow in FIG. 3B) may be configured to permit actuation access to the slide bolt(s) 53 and to overlap the joint between the lowermost panel 42 and the middle panel 48, thereby providing ballistic protection at the joint as well as protecting the slide bolt 53/catch latch 55 locking engagement.

FIGS. 2 and 4 depict the non-threat side 14 of the ballistic bunker 10, showing the rear view of the overlapping joints, the hinges 54 providing the hinged connection of the middle panel 48 to the lowermost panel 42, the telescoping diagonal braces 44, a maneuvering handle 56 and the attachment of the apron 38 using carabiners 40. FIGS. 2 and 4 also show that the ballistic bunker 10 may be equipped to receive wing panels, as will be discussed in detail below.

FIG. 5 shows the ballistic bunker 10 with the caster-type wheels 18 configuration to have the widest wheel base possible for stability when traversing rough terrain. FIG. 5 also illustrates that maximum ballistic protection is achieved using minimal structure, making the overall ballistic bunker weigh and cost less.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the telescoping diagonal braces 44 in their bracing disposition and the hinges 54 that provide the hinged connection of the middle panel 48 to the lowermost panel 42. The telescoping diagonal braces 44 are in their bracing disposition when the telescoping diagonal braces 44 are extended to the length where one end may be attached pivotally to the lower clevis 50 via the removable pin 51 (see FIGS. 33 and 34) and the other end may be attached pivotally to the upper rotating clevis 46. When in place, the telescoping diagonal braces 44 provide added stability for the ballistic bunker 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 8-11, the movement assembly 34 comprises the base frame 16 and the caster-type wheels 18. Each caster-type wheel 18 is connected to one of the side tubes 18 and is secured by a connection latch 58 in a manner that permits 360 degree rotation. Each caster-type wheel 18 comprises a run-flat tire 36 and a wheel lock/release pin 60 that controls the locking of the caster-type wheel 18 in a desired orientation to facilitate movement forward, lateral, or angled and controls the release of the caster-type wheel 18 to permit retraction for storage (see FIG. 19 in particular).

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 12, a spring-loaded release lock 62 is shown that secures the full-body shield 26 in its upright disposition and when activated releases the full-body shield 26 to permit the manipulation of the ballistic bunker 10 from the fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode to the storage mode.

FIGS. 13-19 show various aspects pertinent to the manipulation of the ballistic bunker 10 between the fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode and the storage mode. The vision panel 22 (or a windowless uppermost panel 64 (as shown in FIG. 15)) may be detachably attachable to the middle panel 48. The vision panel 22 (and the windowless uppermost panel 64) has a pair of projecting ears 66, integrally formed handles 68, a hook 70 and cantilevered legs 72.

In manipulating the ballistic bunker 10 from the fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode (shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5) to the storage mode (shown in FIGS. 16-19) the vision panel 22 (or a windowless uppermost panel 64 (as shown in FIG. 15)) should be detached from the middle panel 48. To detach the vision panel 22 or the uppermost panel 64 a panel release latch 74 is retracted to free the hook 70 so that the vision panel 22 or the uppermost panel 64 may be lifted clear of the middle panel 48 by grasping and lifting the panel 22, 64 by the handles 68. The detached panel 22, 64 is set aside while the middle panel 48 is rotated about the hinges 54 for disposition flat adjacent the lowermost panel 42. To rotate the middle panel 48, the telescoping diagonal braces 44 are disengaged and the middle latch system 52 must be disengaged. The telescoping diagonal braces 44 are released by pulling the removable pin 51, shortening the braces 44, and folding them against the middle panel 48 (like folded arms) so that the middle panel may rotate freely on the hinges 54. The middle latch system 52 is disengaged by retracting the slide bolts 53 from the capture engagement by the catch hooks 55 by an operator's simple one-handed pinching motion. Once so released, hinges 54 permit the middle panel 48 to rotate at hinges 54 and the lowermost panel 42 is released to pivot about the transverse axle (not shown) by disengaging the spring-loaded release lock 62 from one of the locking holes 75 in pivot plates 76 to a horizontal disposition. As the lowermost panel 42 is pivoted towards horizontal, the end of the spring-loaded release locks 62 travels depressed along the pivot plates 76 until engaging and protruding through the locking holes 75 provided to secure the lowermost panel 42 in the horizontal disposition. After the frame 12 is fully collapsed, the vision panel 18 may be nested on the folded-down panels 42, 48 for storage (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The lowermost panel 42 is pivoted about a transverse axle (not shown) anchored between the side tubes 28 until its threat side 14 rests against the stretcher tube 30 and forward brace 32 so that the combination of the middle panel 42 and the lowermost panel 42 folds at the hinges 54 and the middle panel 48 rests upon the flatly disposed lowermost panel 42 in an intermediate folded disposition. In this intermediate folded disposition, the wheel lock/release pin 60 for each of the caster-type wheels 18 may be actuated so that the caster-type wheels 18 may be folded inward to nest between the side tubes 28 as best shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The detached panel 22, 64 may be positioned above the folded panels 42, 48, as shown in FIG. 17, and lowered onto the folded stack so that the projecting ears 66 project under lifting handles 77 (secured to the side tubes 28 and provided to enable transport of the ballistic bunker 10 in its storage mode to an assembly site or storage location). The detached panel 22, 64 may be secured in its resting position using a Velcro® strap, a bungee cord, or any other suitable securement known by those skilled in the art. The ballistic bunker 10 configured in its low-profile storage mode may be stored flat, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, (larger footprint) or upright, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 (smaller footprint). When stored upright (such as being hung on a wall) the projecting ears 66 engage lifting handles 77 to inhibit the detached panel 22, 64 from dislodging during storage or transport.

In manipulating the ballistic bunker 10 from the storage mode (shown in FIGS. 16-19) to the fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode (shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5), and back to the storage mode (shown in FIGS. 16-19), the wheel lock/release pin 60 for each of the inward folded caster-type wheels 18 may be actuated so that the caster-type wheels 18 may be unfolded to support base frame 16 for rolling mobility. The detached panel 22, 64 may be released by disengaging the Velcro® strap, a bungee cord, or whatever other suitable securement has been used. The detached panel 22, 64 may be set aside while the middle panel 48 and lowermost panel 42 are rotated about the transverse axle and unfolded about the hinges 54 so that the lowermost panel 42 rests against the stretcher tube 30, serving as a stop, the spring-loaded release lock 62 engages and locks the lowermost panel 42 upright, and the now-upright lowermost panel 42 and middle panel 48 are braced by unfolding and extending the telescoping diagonal braces 44 to be reconnected to the lower clevis 50. Once securely braced, the middle panel 48 is ready to receive the attachment of the detached panels 22, 64. The detached panel 22, 64 is lifted into alignment so that the space between the cantilevered legs 72 and the body of the detached panel 22 is positioned to capture the upper portion of the middle panel 48 in overlapping engagement and best shown in FIGS. 13-15. Lowering the detached panel 22, 64 onto the middle panel 48 cause the hook 70 to engage the panel release latch 74 and lock the now-attached panel 22, 64 into place so that the ballistic bunker 10 is configured in the fully-deployed, ready-for-use mode.

Each of the various accessories attached directly to the full-body shield 26 mentioned above, including the window 24, the upper rotating clevis 46, the cantilevered legs 72 and the panel release latch 74 and those to be mentioned below are secured to the full-body shield 26 using a specialty ballistic bolt/nut head assembly 78 comprising a bolt 80 and a ballistic head nut 82. An exemplary embodiment of the ballistic head nut 82 is shown in FIGS. 20A-20C.

The ballistic bolt/nut head assembly 78 is used for each instance where a bolt 80 must pass through the full-body shield 26. The bolt 80 passes through a bore in the full-body shield 26 from the non-threat side 14 towards the threat side 12 and then optionally through a heavy-duty washer (not shown) if the washer is needed for ballistic integrity. Where the full-body shield 26 is made of ballistic steel, a washer is not likely needed, but where the ballistic panel 20 is made of other ballistic material such as Dyneema® or Kevlar®, using a heavy-duty washer may be advisable. The bolt 80 is secured into position by threadably tightening the ballistic head nut 82 over the bolt 80. As secured, the ballistic head nut 82 inhibits the possibility that the ballistic bolt/nut head assembly 78 (as well as the full-body shield 26) will be compromised by a projectile striking the ballistic head nut 82.

The ballistic head nut 82 has a configuration that facilitates tightening and inhibits bolt 80 failure when a projectile strikes the ballistic head nut 82 by deflecting the projectile. The ballistic head nut 82 comprises a hex collar 84 and a conical head 86. By applying a wrench to the hex collar 84, the ballistic head nut 82 may be tightened onto the bolt 80. The conical head 86 has an angled pitch for deflecting projectiles if the projectile strike hitting the ballistic head nut 82 is anything other than a direct, flush hit on the point 87 of the conical head 86. A direct, flush hit is where the path of the projectile before the strike is along the longitudinal axis of the bolt 80. The thickness and steel hardness (e.g., 4140 steel heat treated to full hard finish or having the same thickness and hardness as the steel ballistic panel 20) of the ballistic head nut 82 has been developed to defeat even direct, flush hit on the point 87 of the conical head 86. The relative size, shape, and dimensions shown in FIGS. 20A-20C are exemplary of a ballistic head nut 82 embodiment that can withstand a direct, flush hit on the point 87 of the conical head 86. However, if the general configuration is the same, other sizes, dimensions, and angles may work to withstand a direct, flush hit on the point 87 of the conical head 86, depending on the type of projectile threat.

Turning now to FIGS. 21-34, exemplary embodiments of the ballistic bunker 10 with wing panels 88 (sometimes referred to herein as a “mobile, winged ballistic bunker” or a “winged ballistic bunker”) are shown. Such winged ballistic bunkers 10 are enhancements on the basic ballistic bunker 10 described above. The modularity of various attachments for the mobile, winged ballistic bunker 10 provides great versatility, weight and cost saving alternatives, ballistic protection that may be tailored to need. Also, because the basic ballistic bunker 10 described above forms the most basic configuration and like reference numbers refer to like parts in the enhanced ballistic bunker 10, the description of the basic ballistic bunker 10 will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

FIGS. 21-34 depict various exemplary winged embodiments of a ballistic bunker 10. FIGS. 21-24 show frontal and frontal perspective views of the winged ballistic bunker 10 having the wing panels 88 either retracted or extended. FIGS. 25 and 26 show rear perspective views of the winged ballistic bunker 10 having the wing panels 88 retracted and extended, respectively.

As depicted in FIGS. 21-26, the winged ballistic bunker 10 further comprises wing panels 88, a lift-off connection system 90, locking assembly 92, a wing lock system 94, shield handles 96, and wing panel locks 98. The lift-off connection system 90, as best shown in FIGS. 25-30, 33, and 34, comprises male posts 100 mounted in post retainers 102, and female receiving blocks 104 (best seen in FIGS. 27 and 28). Assemblies of the male posts 100 and post retainers 102 (shown best at FIGS. 6 and 13-15) are secured to the non-threat side 14 along each lateral side of the full-body shield 26 with assemblies on each ballistic panel 20. The female receiving blocks 104 are secured to the non-threat side 14 of each wing panel 88. To connect wing panel(s) 88 to the full-body shield 26, the female receiving blocks 104 of each wing panel 88 are positioned above and a bore 106 (see FIGS. 27 and 28) in each female receiving block 104 is aligned with the male posts 100 of the full-body shield 26. Lowering the female receiving blocks 104 causes the bores 106 to seat on the male posts 100, thereby connecting the wing panels 88 to the full-body shield 26. The relative location of the male post 100 and female receiving bock 104 position the wing panels 88 to create an overlap at the joint between the wing panels 88 and the full-body shield 26, protecting against a bullet penetration at any of the joints.

The locking assembly 92 may be used to prevent the wing panels 88 from dislodging from the full-body shield 26 when moving over rough terrain by using any type of fastener that secures the wing panels 88 from dislodging their connection. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly 92 comprises a threaded block 108 and a retractable spring plunger 110 that enables an operator to rapidly deploy the plunger portion to lock the panels together. However, it should be understood that any suitable locking mechanism may be used, such as a latch, clasp, pin and bracket, and the like.

The wing lock system 94 comprises a spring plunger 112 (similar to or even identical to the retractable spring plunger 110), a strike plate 114 and a stop plate 116. The strike plate 114 is mounted to the top surface of the side tube 26 so that the spring plunger 112, when extended may strike whichever side of the strike plate 114 the spring plunger 112 is on. The stop plate 116 inhibits the over extension of the wing panel 88. For example, as shown best in FIGS. 31-34, the spring plunger 112 engages the outside of the strike plate 114 when the wing panel 88 is extended to abut against the stop plate 116, maintaining the extended disposition to maximize the ballistic protected area on the threat side 12, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 34. The spring plunger 112 engages the inside of the strike plate 114 when the wing panel 88 is retracted, maintaining the retracted disposition to minimize the width of the ballistic bunker 10 while providing ballistic protection to threats from the side, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33.

Each wing panel lock 98 comprises a spring plunger 112 that inhibits the relative movement of adjacent wing panels 88 locked together by the wing panel lock 98 so that the adjacent wing panels may move as one.

Each wing panel also has a shield handle 96. In some embodiments, the shield handle 96 normally rests against the non-threat side 14 and pivots into graspable position when used to lift the wing panel 88 as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. This shield handle 96 facilitates the rapid removal of the wing panels 88 to be used as a personal shield for an officer.

Also, in some embodiments, the wing panels 88 may be biased using a spring, a gas cylinder or any other suitable mechanism (not shown) known to those skilled in the art. Such biasing permits the wing panels 88 to remain attached, but retract when the ballistic bunker 10 passes through a narrow opening such as a doorway or narrow alley, and then extends automatically to the extended mode after clearing the narrow opening. This eliminates the need to detach the wing panels 88 to enable the ballistic bunker 10 to pass through narrow openings, saving precious time and eliminating dangerous exposure of personnel while detaching wing panels 88.

The mix and match capability of the wing panels 88 and the uppermost panel 22, 64 provides great versatility and may create great savings of both weight and cost. For example, one exemplary embodiment may use Level IV protection for the full-body shield or wall 26 (thicker and heavier steel) and either Level III+ or Level III protection for the wing panels 88. This configuration may be advantageous to agencies that are not likely to face ballistic threats requiring full Level IV protection on all panels. Also, because when positioned to approach an assailant head-on the wing panels 88 will be disposed at a slight angle to the assailant, making it less likely that a projectile strike will be flush and more likely will be deflected, hence requiring a lesser ballistic level of protection.

FIGS. 35-38 depict an exemplary embodiment with an uppermost panel 22, 64 either with a gun port 118. Uppermost panels 64 without window 24 are likely considerably lighter in weight and less costly than vision panels 22 either with or without gun ports 118.

FIG. 35 depicts a frontal view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a winged ballistic bunker 10 showing an opening 120 in the vision panel 22, the opening serving as a gun port 118. FIGS. 36-38 depict a rear view of the vision panel 22 of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the winged ballistic bunker 10, showing a sliding door assembly 122 wherein the sliding door 124 ballistically opens and closes the opening 120. The opening 120 may serve as a gun port 118 when the opening 120 passes through the full-body shield 26. The opening 120 may serve as a ballistic window when the opening 120 is covered by ballistic glass when the opening 120 is in an uppermost panel 64 that does not otherwise have a window 24. It should be understood that any ballistic panel 20 may have a gun port 118, a ballistic window, both, or neither.

In other examples where weight is more important than costs, the wing panels 88 and/or the ballistic panels 20 may be made of a non-steel material such as Dyneema®, Kevlar®, or the like or some combination of such materials and steel. Also, the uppermost panels 64 and/or the uppermost wing panels 88 may be made of the lighter materials while the lower panels 20, 88 may be made of the heavier steel so to act as ballast to make the ballistic bunker 10 more stable against tipping over when traveling rough terrain.

It should be understood that the modular mix and match capability of the ballistic bunker 10 makes any number of configuration combinations possible and may be desirable for any number of reasons depending upon the nature of the likely threat, weight considerations, cost considerations, and the level of protection needed. The versatility provided by numerous configuration and modular combinations being possible is a capability not previously available to this extent in the ballistic shielding industry.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present embodiments are only exemplary. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Collapsible Rolling Ballistic Bunker and Methods of Deployment and Use

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CPC

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