CONFIGURABLE STRUCTURES FOR FIREARM AND TACTICAL TRAINING

Abstract

Systems for building customizable structures, without tools and without separate mechanical fasteners, as well as methods of use are described. Such structures may comprise at least two separate panels removably attached to a common panel-joiner. Such panels may be substantially planar and structural members. Such panel joiners may be substantially elongate members and structural members. Edges of the panels and complimentary-edges of the panel-joiners may be removably attached to each other by virtue of a plurality of clips running along a given edge and a complimentary plurality of clip-receivers running along the given complimentary-edge of the given panel-joiner. Such erected customizable structures, may then be used in firearm and tactical training. Such erected customizable structures may simulate various building structures, such as, but not limited to, rooms and/or hallways.

Description

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/468,837 filed on Mar. 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to systems for creating, forming, building, and using customizable structures, such as, but not limited to, hallways and rooms; and more specifically to such customizable structures for use in firearm and tactical training.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently (e.g., circa 2017) firearm, tactical training, and/or urban warfare training for law enforcement, military, security, and the like employs various custom built buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like. Often such buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like may be used in non-lethal training, sometimes known as “simunition.” Such buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like may need to stand up to repeated lethal and/or non-lethal ammunition, such as but not limited to, ballistic projectiles like bullets. Different configurations, shapes, and/or patterns of buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like may require different tactics depending upon those configurations, shapes, and/or patterns, as well as on what obstacles, hostiles, and/or hostages may be present in such buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like; and as well as based on mission objectives and team compliments. Presently, building such built buildings, structures, rooms, hallways, and the like is time consuming, labor intensive, expensive, requiring much pre-planning, requiring a diverse variety of building materials, often including separate mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails, screws, bolts, and the like); and also often requires various tools for the assembly or disassembly process.

It would be desirable to minimize the diverse variety of building materials used, to minimize a need to use separate mechanical fasteners, and/or to minimize a need to use tools in the assembly or disassembly process. Such benefits may further be more efficient, reduce time inefficiencies, allow faster planning, and may be less expensive to implement.

There is a need in the art for a system of building customizable structures using just prefabricated panels of a predetermined size along with panel-joiners, and without separate mechanical fasteners and without tools. There is a need in the art for a method of building customizable structures using just prefabricated panels of a predetermined size along with panel-joiners, and without separate mechanical fasteners and without tools.

Additionally, it would be desirable to manufacture a truly customizable, configurable, and modular building system by means of portability by incorporating moving and transportation option such as wheels (casters) or rollers into the system's building elements, such as panels.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes systems for building customizable structures, without tools and without separate mechanical fasteners, as well as methods of use. In some embodiments, such structures may comprise at least two separate panels removably attached to a common panel-joiner. In some embodiments, such panels may be substantially planar and structural members. In some embodiments, such panel joiners may be substantially elongate members and structural members. In some embodiments, edges of the panels and complimentary-edges of the panel joiners may be removably attached to each other by virtue of a plurality of clips running along a given edge and a complimentary plurality of clip-receivers running along the given complimentary-edge of the given panel-joiner. In some embodiments, such erected customizable structures, may then be used in firearm, tactical training, urban warfare training, and the like.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures; wherein such custom structures may simulate common building structures such as, not limited to, rooms and/or hallways.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures for use in lethal and/or non-lethal firearm training and/or in tactical training.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures wherein such structures may be at least partially resistant to ballistic impacts. That is, such custom built structures may substantially retain their integrity and/or desired shapes upon repeated ballistic impacts, without allowing the given projectile to pierce all the way through a given panel and/or panel joiner of the given custom built structure.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures that does not require use of separate (external) mechanical fasteners to set up the given custom structure (e.g., does not require use of screws and/or bolts).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that does not require use of tools in the assembly or disassembly process (e.g., does not require use of external or separate tools such as drills, screwdrivers, hammers and the like).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that only requires use of two basic building components, panels and panel-joiners.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that only requires use of two basic building components, panels and panel-joiners; wherein such panels and such panel-joiners may be removably attached to each other.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that only requires use of two basic building components, panels and panel-joiners; wherein the panels may have one or more wheels; wherein such wheels may facilitate movement of the panels and/or wherein such wheels may facilitate assembly of the given custom structure.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that is less labor intensive to build as compared against the current state of the art.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that is faster to build as compared against the current state of the art.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that is less expensive to build, in both time and in materials, as compared against the current state of the art.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a system for building customizable structures, that requires less pre-planning to plan out the layout, as compared against the current state of the art.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 may depict an embodiment of a panel, shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 2 may depict an embodiment of a panel-joiner, shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 3 may depict a close-up view of a portion of the panel from FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 may depict a close-up view of a portion of the panel-joiner from FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 may depict a structure built from at least two panels and at least one panel-joiner.

FIG. 6A may depict a cross-section of a panel-joiner, wherein this cross-section may be substantially triangular in shape.

FIG. 6B may depict a cross-section of a panel-joiner, wherein this cross-section may be substantially shaped as a pentagon.

FIG. 6C may depict a cross-section of a panel-joiner, wherein this cross-section may be substantially shaped as a hexagon.

FIG. 6D may depict a cross-section of a panel-joiner, wherein this cross-section may be substantially square in shape.

FIG. 6E may depict a cross-section of a curved-panel-joiner.

FIG. 7A may depict an embodiment of a panel, shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 7B, may depict the panel of FIG. 7A, but shown from a front view (or a back view, as the front view and the back view may be symmetrical).

FIG. 7C may depict the panel of FIG. 7A and may depict a panel-joiner for joining two or more such panels together, all shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 7D may show a structure built from four panels and using three panel-joiners, shown from a perspective view.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

100 panel 100
200 panel-joiner 200
301 panel-outer-surface 301
303 panel-fill 303
305 joining-edge 305
307 clip 307
309 handle 309
405 complimentary-joining-edge 405
407 clip-receiver 407
500 building structure 500
601 triangle-panel-joiner 601
603 pentagon-panel-joiner 603
605 hexagon-panel-joiner 605
607 square-panel-joiner 607
609 curved-panel-joiner 609
700 panel 700
702 wheel 702
710 panel-joiner 710
712 wheel-receiving-cutout 712
750 building structure 750

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 may depict an embodiment of a panel 100, shown from a perspective view. In some embodiments, panel 100 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel 100 may be substantially a planar member. In some embodiments, panel 100 may be substantially shaped as a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, panel 100 may be longer than wide; and wider than thick. In some embodiments, panel 100 may have a predetermined length, width, and thickness for a given panel 100. In some embodiments, panel 100 may be substantially rigid.

FIG. 2 may depict an embodiment of a panel joiner 200, shown form a perspective view. In some embodiments, a given panel joiner 200 may be used to join two or more panels 100 together (see e.g., FIG. 5). Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, panel-joiner 200 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel-joiner 200 may be an elongate member. In some embodiments, panel-joiner 200 may be substantially rigid. In some embodiments, panel-joiner 200 may be substantially constructed from one or more metals.

FIG. 3 may depict a close-up view of a portion of the panel 100 from FIG. 1. In some embodiments, panel 100 may comprise two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301. In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 may form a majority of surface area of panel 100. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be coated and/or at least partially constructed from ballistic impact materials, such as, but not limited to ballistic steel, Kevlar, polycarbonate, and/or the like ballistic impact materials, for use in live-fire environments. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be paintable. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be marked with one or more of: graphics, decals, paint, writings, stickers, stenciling, signs, and/or the like.

Continuing discussing FIG. 3, in some embodiments, disposed between the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be panel-fill 303. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may have a predetermined density. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be semi-rigid to rigid. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be at least partially constructed from ballistic impact materials, such as, but not limited to Kevlar, ballistic steel, polycarbonate, and/or the like ballistic impact materials, for use in live-fire environments. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be comprised of one or more of: a foam, a gel, sand, gravel, particulate matter, fibers, steel plates, ferrous containing materials, ballistic steel, Kevlar, polycarbonate, and/or the like. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be at least partially comprised of a foam. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be substantially comprised of a foam. In some embodiments, such use of a foam may help to reduce the weight of panel 100 (or panel 700).

In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may comprise ferrous containing materials, such as iron and/or steel. In such embodiments, magnetic gripping handles 309 may be removably attached to panels 100 to assist with assembly or disassembly. In some embodiments, such handles 309 may be suction gripping handles. In some embodiments, handles 309 may also be characterized as handholds.

In some embodiments, when panels 100 may be constructed substantially from non-ferrous materials, a layer, a portion, or a region of ferrous material be located and at predetermined and fixed location on and/or within the given panel 100, for use with removable magnetic handles 309.

In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may be layered together in a laminate fashion. In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may be configured to withstand repeated ballistic impacts from various projectiles, such as, but not limited to, bullets, shot, slugs, beanbags, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, panels 100 may comprise portions representing doorways and/or windows. In some embodiments, these portions may be cutouts. In some embodiments, panels 100 may comprise a hinged window and/or door.

Continuing discussing FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a given panel 100 may comprise opposing joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, longitudinal edges of panel 100 may be joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be an elongate member, substantially shaped as a strip. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be substantially constructed from at least one metal. In some embodiments, a given panel 200 may comprise two opposing joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, two opposing joining-edges 305 that may be disposed opposite of each other by a width of the two opposing panel-out-surfaces 301. In some embodiments, each of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may comprise a plurality of clips 307.

In some embodiments, panels 100 may comprise (instead of clips 307) a latching mechanism to automatically lock into clip-receivers 407 upon pushing a given latching mechanism against a given clip-receiver 407.

Continuing discussing FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a given joining-edge 305 may comprise a plurality of clips 307. In some embodiments, each clip 307 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, clips 307 on a same joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction. In some embodiments, clips 307 on opposing joining-edges 305 of a given panel 100 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction. In some embodiments, on a given panel 100, clips 307 on one joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction; while clips 307 on the opposing joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same different direction. In some embodiments, the plurality of clips 307 for one of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may point in a same first direction; and wherein the plurality of clips 307 for the remaining of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may point in a same second direction; wherein the same first direction and the same second direction may substantially point in opposite directions from each other. In some embodiments, spacing between the clips 307 of a given set of plurality of clips 307 may be substantially equal spacing. In such embodiments, spacing of complimentary receiving-clips 407 may substantially match this clip 307 spacing. In some embodiments, spacing between the clips 307 of a given set of plurality of clips 307 may not be equal spacing, but still fixed and predetermined spacing. In such embodiments, spacing of complimentary receiving-clips 407 may substantially match this clip 307 spacing.

In some embodiments, a given panel 100, may comprise one or more hand-holds located on or in the panel-outer-surfaces 301. Such hand-holds may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of structures made from panels 100 and panel joiners 200.

In some embodiments, panel 100 may comprise one or more windows. In some embodiments, panel 100 may comprise one or more doorways. In some embodiments, panel 100 may comprise one or more doorways with movable doors.

FIG. 4 may depict a close-up view of a portion of the panel-joiner 200 from FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a cross-section through panel-joiner 200 may yield a polygon, such as but not limited to, a shape substantially resembling a square; wherein each side may be a complimentary-joining-edge 405. That is, in some embodiments, a given panel-joiner 200 may comprise sides, wherein such sides may be complimentary-joining-edges 405. In some embodiments, at least one panel-joiner 200 may an elongate member that may be substantially rigid. In some embodiments, the at least one panel joiner 200 may comprise a side. In some embodiments, this side may run along of a length of the at least one panel joiner 200. In some embodiments, this side may be a complimentary-joining-edge 405 that may comprise a plurality of clip-receivers 407. In some embodiments, a given complimentary-joining-edge 405 may comprise a plurality of clip-receivers 407. In some embodiments, a given clip-receiver 407 may be a hole through a given complimentary-joining-edge 405. In some embodiments, this given hole may comprise a predetermined and complimentary shape for removably receiving a given clip 307. That is, together, a pair of given clip 307 with a given clip-receiver 407, may form a removable mechanical fastener; wherein portions of that given clip 307 may pass through the given clip-receiver 407, and then portions of that given clip 307 may removably engage portions of the given complimentary-joining-edge 405; such that the given complimentary-joining-edge 405 is brought into predetermined proximity with the given joining-edge 305. In such a manner a given panel 100 may be removably attached to a given complimentary-joining-edge 405 of a given panel-joiner 200. In some embodiments, such removable attachment between a given panel 100 and a given panel joiner 200 may be accomplished without use of any tools or separate mechanical fasteners.

In some embodiments, panel-joiner 200 may be configured to withstand repeated ballistic impacts from various projectiles, such as, but not limited to, bullets, shot, slugs, bean-bags, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, panels 100, as depicted may require a slight lifting of the given panel 100 with respect to a given panel joiner 200 to engage (attach to) a given clip-receiver 407.

FIG. 5 may depict a system for building structure(s) 500 from at least two panels 100 and at least one panel-joiner 200. FIG. 5 may depict a building structure 500 built from at least two panels 100 and at least one panel joiner 200. FIG. 5 may illustrate how various custom building structures 500 may be formed from panels 100 and panel joiner 200. Such building structures 500 may include, but may not be limited, to forming and building a variety of hallways, rooms, and the like by removably attaching panels 100 to panel joiners 200. Such custom building structures 500, may then be used in firearm and tactical training. In some embodiments, such building structures 500 may be built without the use of any tools (e.g., no drills, screwdrivers, hammers, nor the like) or other mechanical fasteners.

Continuing discussing FIG. 5, the complimentary-joining-edges 405 of the panel-joiners 200 may substantially flushly abut joining-edge 305 of panels 100 in building structures 500 shown in FIG. 5, where the given panel 100 may be joined to a given panel-joiner 200.

In some embodiments, a given panel 100, may comprise one or more hand-holds located on or in the panel-outer-surfaces 301. Such hand-holds may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of structures made from panels 100 and panel joiners 200.

In some embodiments, a pattern of hallways, rooms, structures, and the like may be laid out by marking the pattern on a floor (or ground); e.g., via use of tape or paint. And then using that laid out pattern, panels 100 and panel joiner 200 may be assembled over that pattern to form the intended structure(s).

FIG. 6A may depict a cross-section of a triangle-panel-joiner 601, wherein this cross-section may be substantially triangular in shape. In some embodiments, triangle-panel-joiner 601 may be a type of panel-joiner 200, that may be substantially shaped as a triangle in cross-section. In some embodiments, each side of triangle-panel-joiner 601 may comprise a complimentary-joining-edge 405, with the plurality of clip-receivers 407.

FIG. 6B may depict a cross-section of a pentagon-panel-joiner 603, wherein this cross-section may be substantially shaped as a pentagon. In some embodiments, pentagon-panel-joiner 603 may be a type of panel-joiner 200, that may be substantially shaped as a pentagon in cross-section. In some embodiments, each side of pentagon-panel-joiner 603 may comprise a complimentary-joining-edge 405, with the plurality of clip-receivers 407.

FIG. 6C may depict a cross-section of a hexagon-panel-joiner 605, wherein this cross-section may be substantially shaped as a hexagon. In some embodiments, hexagon-panel-joiner 605 may be a type of panel-joiner 200, that may be substantially shaped as a hexagon in cross-section. In some embodiments, each side of hexagon-panel-joiner 605 may comprise a complimentary-joining-edge 405, with the plurality of clip-receivers 407.

FIG. 6D may depict a cross-section of a square-panel-joiner 607, wherein this cross-section may be substantially square in shape. In some embodiments, square-panel-joiner 607 may be a type of panel joiner 200, that may be substantially shaped as a square in cross-section. In some embodiments, each side of square-panel-joiner 607 may comprise a complimentary-joining-edge 405, with the plurality of clip-receivers 407.

In some embodiments, a cross-section of a given panel joiner 200 may be substantially shaped as a polygon. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such a substantially shaped polygon may be a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelo-gram, a trapezoid, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, and/or the like.

FIG. 6E may depict a cross-section of a curved-panel-joiner 609, wherein this cross-section may be substantially circular, oval, elliptical, curved, and/or the like in shape. In some embodiments, curved-panel-joiner 609 may be a type of panel-joiner 200, that may be substantially shaped as circular, oval, elliptical, curved, and/or the like in cross-section. In some embodiments, each side of curved-panel-joiner 609 may comprise a complimentary-joining-edge 405, with the plurality of clip-receivers 407; wherein such complimentary-joining-edge 405 may be concave to compliment the curve of curved-panel-joiner 609.

Note, in some embodiments, the cross-sections shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E may be applicable to panel-joiner 200 and/or to panel joiner 710. That is, the cross-sections shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E may be cross-sections of panel-joiner 200 and/or of panel-joiner 710.

FIG. 7A may depict an embodiment of a panel 700, shown from a perspective view. In some embodiments, panel 700 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel 700 may be substantially a planar member. In some embodiments, panel 700 may be substantially shaped as a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, panel 700 may be longer than wide; and wider than thick. In some embodiments, panel 700 may have a predetermined length, width, and thickness for a given panel 700. In some embodiments, panel 700 may be substantially rigid.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, panel 700 may comprise two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301. In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 may form a majority of surface area of panel 700. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be coated and/or at least partially constructed from ballistic impact materials, such as, but not limited to ballistic steel, Kevlar, polycarbonate, and/or the like ballistic impact materials, for use in live-fire environments. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be paintable. In some embodiments, panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be marked with one or more of: graphics, decals, paint, writings, stickers, stenciling, signs, and/or the like.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, disposed between the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 may be panel-fill 303. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may have a predetermined density. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be semi-rigid to rigid. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be at least partially constructed from ballistic impact materials, such as, but not limited to Kevlar, ballistic steel, polycarbonate, and/or the like ballistic impact materials, for use in live-fire environments. In some embodiments, panel-fill 303 may be comprised of one or more of: a foam, a gel, sand, gravel, particulate matter, fibers, steel plates, ferrous containing materials, ballistic steel, Kevlar, polycarbonate, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may comprise ferrous containing materials, such as iron and/or steel. In such embodiments, magnetic gripping handles 309 may be removably attached to panels 700 to assist with assembly or disassembly. In some embodiments, such handles 309 may be suction gripping handles. In some embodiments, handles 309 may also be characterized as handholds.

In some embodiments, when panels 100 may be constructed substantially from non-ferrous materials, a layer, a portion, or a region of ferrous material be located and at predetermined and fixed location on and/or within the given panel 100, for use with removable magnetic handles 309.

In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may be layered together in a laminate fashion. In some embodiments, the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 and/or panel-fill 303 may be configured to withstand repeated ballistic impacts from various projectiles, such as, but not limited to, bullets, shot, slugs, beanbags, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, panels 700 may comprise portions representing doorways and/or windows. In some embodiments, these portions may be cutouts. In some embodiments, panels 700 may comprise a hinged window and/or door.

Discussing FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B. FIG. 7B may show panel 700 from a front (or back) view. In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise opposing joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, longitudinal edges of panel 700 may be joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be an elongate member, substantially shaped as a strip. In some embodiments, joining-edges 305 may be substantially constructed from at least one metal. In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise two opposing joining-edges 305. In some embodiments, two opposing joining-edges 305 that may be disposed opposite of each other by a width of the two opposing panel-out-surfaces 301. In some embodiments, each of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may comprise a plurality of clips 307.

In some embodiments, panels 700 may comprise (instead of clips 307) a latching mechanism to automatically lock into clip-receivers 407 upon pushing a given latching mechanism against a given clip-receiver 407.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, a given joining-edge 305 may comprise a plurality of clips 307. In some embodiments, each clip 307 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, clips 307 on a same joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction. In some embodiments, clips 307 on opposing joining-edges 305 of a given panel 700 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction. In some embodiments, on a given panel 700, clips 307 on one joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same direction; while clips 307 on the opposing joining-edge 305 may all orient (e.g., point) in a same different direction. In some embodiments, the plurality of clips 307 for one of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may point in a same first direction; and wherein the plurality of clips 307 for the remaining of the two opposing joining-edges 305 may point in a same second direction; wherein the same first direction and the same second direction may substantially point in opposite directions from each other. See e.g., FIG. 7B.

In some embodiments, a given panel 700, may comprise one or more hand-holds located on or in the panel-outer-surfaces 301. Such hand-holds may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of structures made from panels 700 and panel joiners 710.

In some embodiments, panel 700 may comprise one or more windows. In some embodiments, panel 700 may comprise one or more doorways. In some embodiments, panel 700 may comprise one or more doorways with movable doors.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, a given panel may comprise at least one wheel 702 (or caster 702). In some embodiments, such wheel(s) 702 may be useful for moving panel(s) 700. In some embodiments, such wheel(s) 702 may be useful for attaching panel(s) 700 to panel joiners 710. In some embodiments, wheel(s) 702 may be attached at sides of the given panel 700. In some embodiments, wheel(s) 702 may partially extend from joining-edge(s) 305. In some embodiments, wheel(s) 702 may be partially embedded within panel-fill 303, partially disposed between opposing panel-outer-surfaces 301 of a given panel 700 (see e.g., FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, wheel(s) 702 may be retractable to be stored within panel-fill 303 when not in use. In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise four such wheels 702, with two wheels 702 per each opposing side. In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise four such wheels 702, with two wheels 702 per each opposing joining-edge 305. In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise four such wheels 702, with two wheels 702 per each opposing side; with two opposing wheels 702 located proximate to a top of the given panel 700; and with the remaining two opposing wheels 702 located proximate to a bottom of the given panel 700 (see e.g., FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, a given panel 700 may comprise four such wheels 702, with two wheels 702 per each opposing joining-edge 305; with two opposing wheels 702 located proximate to the top of the given panel 700; and with the remaining two opposing wheels 702 located proximate to the bottom of the given panel 700 (see e.g., FIG. 7B). Such proximate distances from the top and/or from the bottom may be fixed and/or predetermined. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels 700 selected from the at least two panels 700 may comprises at least four wheels 702 for facilitating movement of the at least one panel 700. In some embodiments, each of the wheels 702 that may be selected from the at least four wheels 702 may be located proximate to a corner of the at least of the panels 700 (see e.g., FIG. 7B). Such proximate distances from the corners may be fixed and/or predetermined. In some embodiments, such proximate distances may be two inches or less.

FIG. 7C may depict an embodiment of a panel joiner 710, shown form a perspective view, shown side by side next to a panel 700. In some embodiments, a given panel-joiner 710 may be used to join two or more panels 700 together (see e.g., FIG. 7D). Continuing discussing FIG. 7C, in some embodiments, panel joiner 710 may be a structural member. In some embodiments, panel-joiner 710 may be an elongate member. In some embodiments, panel-joiner 710 may be substantially rigid. In some embodiments, panel joiner 710 may be substantially constructed from one or more metals.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7C, in some embodiments, a cross-section through panel-joiner 710 may yield a polygon, such as but not limited to, a shape substantially resembling a square; wherein each side may be a complimentary-joining-edge 405. That is, in some embodiments, a given panel-joiner 710 may comprise sides, wherein such sides may be complimentary-joining-edges 405. In some embodiments, at least one panel joiner 710 may an elongate member that may be substantially rigid. In some embodiments, the at least one panel joiner 710 may comprise a side. In some embodiments, this side may run along of a length of the at least one panel-joiner 710. In some embodiments, this side may be a complimentary-joining-edge 405 that may comprise a plurality of clip-receivers 407. In some embodiments, a given complimentary-joining-edge 405 may comprise a plurality of clip-receivers 407. In some embodiments, a given clip-receiver 407 may be a hole (or slot) through a given complimentary-joining-edge 405. In some embodiments, this given hole (or slot) may comprise a predetermined and complimentary shape for removably receiving a given clip 307. That is, together, a pair of given clip 307 with a given clip-receiver 407, may form a removable mechanical fastener; wherein portions of that given clip 307 may pass through the given clip-receiver 407, and then portions of that given clip 307 may removably engage portions of the given complimentary-joining-edge 405; such that the given complimentary-joining-edge 405 is brought into predetermined proximity with the given joining-edge 305. In such a manner a given panel 700 may be removably attached to a given complimentary-joining-edge 405 of a given panel joiner 710. In some embodiments, such removable attachment between a given panel 700 and a given panel-joiner 710 may be accomplished without use of any tools or separate mechanical fasteners.

In some embodiments, panel-joiner 710 may be configured to withstand repeated ballistic impacts from various projectiles, such as, but not limited to, bullets, shot, slugs, bean-bags, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, panels 700, as depicted may require a slight lifting of the given panel 700 with respect to a given panel-joiner 710 to engage (attach to) a given clip-receiver 407.

In some embodiments, spacing between the clips 307 of a given set of plurality of clips 307 may be substantially equal spacing. In such embodiments, spacing of complimentary receiving-clips 407 may substantially match this clip 307 spacing. See e.g., FIG. 7C. In some embodiments, spacing between the clips 307 of a given set of plurality of clips 307 may not be equal spacing, but still fixed and predetermined spacing. In such embodiments, spacing of complimentary receiving-clips 407 may substantially match this clip 307 spacing.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7C, in some embodiments, a given panel-joiner 710 may comprise a wheel-receiving-cutout 712 for each wheel 702 on a given side (given joining-edge 305) of a given panel 700. A wheel-receiving-cutout 712 may be a cutout in panel joiner 710 for receiving a portion of a given wheel 702, when clips 307 may be fitted to clip-receivers 407, such that the given joining-edge 305 may be substantially flush and substantially parallel against the given complimentary-joining-edge 405.

FIG. 7D may depict an example of a building structure 750 built from four panels 700 and three panel-joiners 710. In some embodiments, FIG. 7D may depict a building structure 750 built from at least two panels 700 and at least one panel-joiner 710. FIG. 7D may illustrate how various custom building structures 750 may be formed from panels 700 and panel-joiners 710. Such building structures 750 may include, but may not be limited, to forming and building a variety of hallways, rooms, and the like by removably attaching panels 700 to panel-joiners 710. Such custom building structures 750, may then be used in firearm and tactical training, including, but not limited to live fire environments. In some embodiments, such building structures 750 built may be built without the use of any tools.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7D, the complimentary-joining-edges 405 of the panel-joiners 710 may substantially flushly abut joining-edge 305 of panels 700 in building structures 750 shown in FIG. 7D, where the given panel 700 may be joined to a given panel-joiner 710.

In some embodiments, a given panel 700, may comprise one or more hand-holds located on or in the panel-outer-surfaces 301. Such hand-holds may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of structures made from panels 700 and panel joiners 710.

In some embodiments, a pattern of hallways, rooms, structures, and the like may be laid out by marking the pattern on a floor (or ground); e.g., via use of tape or paint. And then using that laid out pattern, panels 700 and panel joiner 710 may be assembled over that pattern to form the intended building structures 750.

Note, in some embodiments, panel 100 and panel-joiner 200 may be removably attached with each other. Note, in some embodiments, panel 700 and panel joiner 710 may be removably attached with each other.

Note, panel 700 may differ from panel 100, in that in some embodiments, panel 100 may not have any wheels; whereas, panel 700 may have at least one wheel. However, note, some embodiments of panel 700 may have no wheels.

Note, panel-joiner 710 may differ from panel joiner 200, in that, in some embodiments, panel-joiner 710 may comprise wheel-receiving-cutout 712; whereas, panel-joiner 200 may not comprise wheel-receiving-cutout 712.

Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such disclosure.

A system for building customizable structures, without tools and without separate mechanical fasteners, as well as methods of use has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for building a custom structure for lethal or non-lethal firearm and tactical training, without use of external tools and without use of external mechanical fasteners, wherein the system comprises:

at least two panels; and

at least one panel-joiner that removably joins to each of the at least two panels to form the custom structure.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two panels is a structural member that is substantially a planar member, and wherein each of the at least two panels comprises:

two opposing panel-outer-surfaces that form the majority of outer surfaces of the panel;

a panel-fill disposed between the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces;

two opposing joining-edges that are disposed opposite of each other by a width of the two opposing panel-out-surfaces; wherein each of the two opposing joining-edges comprises a plurality of clips; wherein the plurality of clips is attachable to a plurality of clip-receivers located on the at least one panel-joiner.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein each of the two opposing panel-outer-surfaces is substantially constructed from ballistic impact resistant materials.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the panel-fill is substantially constructed from impact resistant materials.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the panel-fill is at least partially constructed from a foam material.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of clips for one of the two opposing joining-edges points in a same first direction; and wherein the plurality of clips for the remaining of the two opposing joining-edges points in a same second direction; wherein the same first direction and the same second direction point in substantially opposite directions from each other.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels comprises a handle or a handhold, configured to be removably gripped by a user.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the handle or the handhold is removably attachable to a panel-outer-surface of the at least one of the panels.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the handle or the handhold comprises at least one magnet for removable attachment to the panel-outer-surface; wherein the panel-outer-surface is at least partially comprised of ferrous material.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel-joiner is an elongate member that is substantially rigid; wherein a cross-section of the at least one-joiner is selected from one of the following shapes: a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon; or a substantially circular, oval, elliptical, or curved shape.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel-joiner is an elongate member that is substantially rigid; wherein the at least one panel joiner comprises a side; wherein the side runs along of a length of the at least one panel-joiner; wherein the side is a complimentary-joining-edge that comprises a plurality of clip-receivers; wherein when the at least one panel-joiner is joined to at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels, the plurality of clip-receivers receives a plurality of clips from the at least one of the panels and the complimentary-joining-edges substantially flushly abuts a joining-edge of the at least one of the panels; wherein the joining-edge comprises the plurality of clips.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels comprises at least one wheel for facilitating movement of the at least one panel.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one wheel partially extends from a joining-edge of the at least one of the panels.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one wheel is partially housed within a panel-fill of the at least one of the panels.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels comprises at least four wheels for facilitating movement of the at least one of the panels; wherein each of the wheels selected from the at least four wheels is located proximate to a corner of the at least of the panels.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein each of the wheels selected from the at least four wheels partially extends from a joining-edge of the at least one of the panels.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein each of the wheels selected from the at least four wheels is partially housed within a panel-fill of the at least one of the panels.

18. The system according to claim 12, wherein a complimentary-joining-edge of the at least one panel-joiner comprises a wheel-receiving-cutout for partially receiving at least a portion of each of the least one wheel when the at least one panel-joiner is joined to at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein portions of the at least two panels and the at least one panel-joiner are substantially constructed from ballistic impact resistant materials.

20. A system for building a custom structure for lethal or non-lethal firearm and tactical training, wherein the system comprises:

at least two panels; wherein each of the at least two panels comprises at least one wheel or at least one roller; wherein the at least one wheel or the at least one roller is partially embedded within each of the at least two panels; and

at least one panel-joiner that removably joins to each of the at least two panels to form the custom structure.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the at least one panel-joiner comprises a wheel-receiving-cutout for partially receiving at least a portion of each of the at least one wheel when the at least one panel-joiner is joined to at least one of the panels selected from the at least two panels.