BALLISTIC WALL PANEL DEVICE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

A ballistic wall panel device and system is disclosed. The ballistic wall panel device is adapted to contain ballistic media, which may include hardened metal particles. The ballistic wall panel device is capable of absorbing impact from various types of ammunition, destroying such ammunition upon impact, and withstanding multiple ammunition firings in a single location on the device. The ballistic wall panel device and system may be useful in a variety of settings, particularly where there may be a need or desire to protect individuals or valuables from weapons fire exposure, including but not limited to safe rooms, safe houses, embassies, shoot houses (such as those used by police and military personnel for live fire training), banks, post offices, gas stations, convenience stores, pay counters, various government agency buildings and facilities, and the like.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/068,015, filed on Mar. 3, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices and systems for preventing the penetration of ammunition and, more particularly, to a ballistic wall panel device having the capability to absorb impact from various types of ammunition, destroy such ammunition upon impact, and withstand multiple ammunition firings in a single location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices and systems designed for preventing the penetration of ammunition are not new. Ammunition penetration prevention devices and systems are often put to use in areas where there is a need or desire to protect individuals or valuables, and particularly in areas where individuals might find themselves at risk for potential weapons fire exposure, such as in safe rooms, safe houses, embassies, shoot houses, banks, post offices, gas stations, convenience stores, pay counters, various government agency buildings and facilities, etc. Common ammunition penetration prevention devices and systems used today include, for example, armored vehicles and bulletproof and/or bullet-resistant body armor, glass, and wall systems and the like. Such devices and systems may be composed of various materials including, for example, armor plate, composite armor, polymers such as polycarbonates and acrylic, ceramics, various metals, etc.

Typically, known ammunition penetration prevention devices and systems are capable of stopping projectiles upon impact, but do not necessarily destroy the projectiles. This can result in a safety hazard. Further, armor plate and other types of armor are usually incapable of withstanding multiple projectile shots in one location. This could result in serious injuries or even fatalities to individuals purportedly protected by such armor in the event that a second projectile follows the same path as a first projectile that has already weakened the armor.

A need therefore exists for an ammunition penetration prevention device and system having the capability to absorb impact from various types of ammunition, destroy such ammunition upon impact, and withstand multiple ammunition firings in a single location on the device.

The present invention satisfies this need and provides other, related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ballistic wall panel device is disclosed. The ballistic wall panel device comprises, in combination: a housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and ballistic media positioned within the housing, wherein the ballistic media comprises a plurality of hardened metal particles.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a ballistic wall panel system is disclosed. The ballistic wall panel system comprises, in combination: a first housing adapted to contain ballistic media; ballistic media positioned within the first housing; a second housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and ballistic media positioned within the second housing; wherein the first and second housings are adjacent to one another.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for preventing the penetration of ammunition is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and loosely spacing ballistic media within the housing, wherein the ballistic media comprises a plurality of hardened metal particles, so that the ballistic media will rapidly reposition itself after a penetration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic wall panel device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a ballistic wall panel device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the ballistic wall panel device of FIG. 1, showing ballistic media contained therein, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a ballistic wall panel device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, showing ballistic media contained therein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a single piece of ballistic media, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ballistic wall panel device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the ballistic wall panel device of FIG. 6, showing ballistic media contained therein, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a plurality of interlocking ballistic wall panel devices, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, showing ballistic media contained in a panel thereof.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a ballistic wall panel device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a plurality of coupled ballistic wall panel devices, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, showing ballistic media contained in panels thereof.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a standard wall, showing ballistic media contained in a portion thereof, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 3, an embodiment of a ballistic wall panel device 10 is shown, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 10 is generally comprised of four main sections, including a front section 12, a back section 14, and two side sections 16. The front section 12, back section 14, and side sections 16 are coupled together, such that they comprise a housing defining a chamber therein. In this way, the ballistic wall panel device 10 is adapted to contain particles (hereinafter ballistic media 20) (as shown in FIG. 3), as further described herein. In one embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 10 has overall dimensions of approximately 24″ in length and 24″ in height. The side sections 16 of the ballistic wall panel device 10, in this embodiment, are approximately 4″ to 5″ wide. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic wall panel device 10 in which different dimensions are employed, including those that deviate from the preferred dimensions, even substantially, in either direction. Depending upon the materials employed for the ballistic wall panel device 10, it may have a weight of approximately 400 pounds, although it would be possible for the ballistic wall panel device 10 to deviate, even substantially, from this weight. Preferably, the ballistic wall panel device 10 is capable of interlocking with other ballistic wall panel devices 10, such that walls of various lengths and/or heights may be created from two or more ballistic wall panel devices 10.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the back section 14 and side sections 16 of the ballistic wall panel device 10 are substantially flat. A first edge of each side section 16 is coupled to the back section 14. A second edge of each side section 16 is coupled to the front section 12. In this embodiment, the front section 12 of the ballistic wall panel device 10 is comprised of a plurality of projectile deflectors 18. The projectile deflectors 18 are preferably substantially V-shaped, with an apex of each projectile deflector 18 protruding outwardly from the ballistic wall panel device 10. While in this embodiment approximately five substantially V-shaped projectile deflectors 18 are employed, it may be desired for the front section 12 of the ballistic wall panel device 10 to comprise less than five or more than five such projectile deflectors 18. When ammunition of a relatively small caliber is projected toward the ballistic wall panel device 10, the projectile deflectors 18 deflect such ammunition, preventing it from penetrating the ballistic wall panel device 10. When ammunition of a relatively large caliber is projected toward the ballistic wall panel device 10, it may be deflected by the projectile deflectors 18 or it may penetrate the ballistic wall panel device 10 at an angle, which causes deformation and slowing of the ammunition before it comes into contact with the ballistic media 20 contained in the ballistic wall panel device 10.

The ballistic wall panel device 10 may be comprised of virtually any material capable of forming a housing for containing the ballistic media 20. Such materials include, for example, steel, aluminum, plywood, drywall, hard rubber, and the like. In one embodiment, the front section 12, back section 14 and side sections 16 of the ballistic wall panel device 10 are constructed from steel having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.125″ to 0.250″. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic wall panel device 10 in which different thicknesses are employed for the front section 12, back section 14, and side sections 16, including those that deviate from the preferred thicknesses, even substantially, in either direction. The steel employed for the ballistic wall panel device 10 in this embodiment may be hardened steel, mild steel, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ballistic wall panel device 10 is shown containing ballistic media 20. The ballistic media 20 is preferably comprised of hardened steel particles that are substantially elongated, but could be comprised of various other metals or some other suitable material. Preferably, the hardened steel particles have sharpened edges, to help facilitate the destruction of incoming ammunition as it makes contact with the ballistic media 20. A close-up view of a single piece of the ballistic media 20 is shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, each piece of ballistic media 20 is substantially rectangular, having dimensions of approximately 1.00″ in length, 0.125″ in width, and 0.125″ in height. In another embodiment, each piece of ballistic media 20 has dimensions of approximately 30 millimeters in length, 3 millimeters in width, and 3 millimeters in height. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic media 20 in which different dimensions are employed, including those that deviate from the preferred dimensions, even substantially, in either direction. The ballistic media 20 may be placed into or between the ballistic wall panel device 10, as can be seen in FIG. 3, for example. Each piece of ballistic media 20 is preferably loose within the ballistic wall panel device 10. In this way, the ballistic media 20 may rapidly reposition itself after receiving each incoming projectile, thereby being capable of absorbing multiple projectiles, such as those from automatic weapons and the like, in a single location on the ballistic wall panel device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the ballistic wall panel device 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 10 includes a plurality of optional fillers 19, which are staggered between the apexes of the projectile deflectors 18. The fillers 19 may be coupled to the projectile deflectors 18 on the front section 12 of the ballistic wall panel device 10. As shown in this embodiment, each filler 19 is substantially V-shaped, with an apex of each filler 19 protruding outwardly from the ballistic wall panel device 10. While in this embodiment approximately five substantially V-shaped fillers 19 are employed, it may be desired to incorporate less than five or more than five such fillers 19. The fillers 19 are similar to the projectile deflectors 18 in that the fillers 19 are each adapted to contain ballistic media 20. In addition, the fillers 19 assist in deflecting projectiles (not shown). As with the projectile deflectors 18, when ammunition of a relatively small caliber is projected toward the ballistic wall panel device 10 that includes fillers 19, the fillers 19 may deflect such ammunition, thereby preventing it from penetrating the ballistic wall panel device 10. When ammunition of a relatively large caliber is projected toward the ballistic wall panel device 10 that includes fillers 19, the fillers 19 may either deflect such ammunition or cause it to penetrate the ballistic wall panel device 10 at an angle, which causes deformation and slowing of the ammunition before it comes into contact with the ballistic media 20 contained in the ballistic wall panel device 10. In this way, the fillers 19 enhance the protection already provided by the projectile deflectors 18. Preferably, each filler 19 is positioned between adjacent projectile deflectors 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment of a ballistic wall panel device 30 is shown, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as shown in this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 30 is generally T-shaped and comprised of front sections 32 and 34, a back section 36, and side sections 38 and 40. The front sections 32 and 34, back section 36, and side sections 38 and 40 are coupled together, such that they comprise a housing defining a chamber therein. As with the ballistic wall panel device 10, in this way, the ballistic wall panel device 30 is adapted to contain ballistic media 20 (as shown in FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 30 has overall dimensions of approximately 10″ in length, approximately 4″ in width, and ranging from approximately 96″ to 120″ in height. These overall dimensions can be further broken down into preferred dimensions, wherein the side sections 38 and 40 are approximately 2″ wide, the front sections 32 are approximately 2″ wide, and the front section 34 is approximately 6″ wide. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic wall panel device 30 in which different dimensions are employed, including those that deviate from the preferred dimensions, even substantially, in either direction.

The ballistic wall panel device 30 is preferably comprised of extruded aluminum, steel, or composite material. However, the ballistic wall panel device 30 may be comprised of virtually any other material capable of forming a housing for containing the ballistic media 20, such as plywood, drywall, hard rubber, and the like. As with the ballistic wall panel device 10, the ballistic media 20 employed with the ballistic wall panel device 30 is preferably comprised of hardened steel particles that are substantially elongated, but could be comprised of various other metals or some other suitable material. Preferably, the hardened steel particles have sharpened edges, to help facilitate the destruction of incoming ammunition as it makes contact with the ballistic media 20. Again, a close-up view of a single piece of the ballistic media 20 may be seen in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, each piece of ballistic media 20 is substantially rectangular, having dimensions of approximately 1.00″ in length, 0.125″ in width, and 0.125″ in height. In another embodiment, each piece of ballistic media 20 has dimensions of approximately 30 millimeters in length, 3 millimeters in width, and 3 millimeters in height. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic media 20 in which different dimensions are employed, including those that deviate from the preferred dimensions, even substantially, in either direction. The ballistic media 20 may be placed into or between the ballistic wall panel device 30, as can be seen in FIG. 7, for example. Each piece of ballistic media 20 is preferably loose within the ballistic wall panel device 30. In this way, the ballistic media 20 may rapidly reposition itself after receiving each incoming projectile, thereby being capable of absorbing multiple projectiles, such as those from automatic weapons and the like, in a single location on the ballistic wall panel device 30.

Being preferably generally T-shaped, the ballistic wall panel device 30 is capable of interlocking with other ballistic wall panel devices 30, such that walls of various lengths may be created from two or more ballistic wall panel devices 30. Further, by interlocking a plurality of ballistic wall panel devices 30, confined areas and/or rooms may be created therefrom, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, FIG. 8 depicts a ballistic wall panel system 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ballistic wall panel system 50 is comprised of a plurality of interlocking ballistic wall panel devices 30. In this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel system 50 is generally rectangular-shaped, but could be formed into various other shapes, as desired. The ballistic wall panel system 50 may assist in a variety of applications, but may be particularly useful for safe rooms, embassies, and the like, to protect occupants and valuables contained therein from incoming projectiles.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a ballistic wall panel device 60 is shown, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as shown in this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 60 is substantially rectangular-shaped and comprised of a front section 62, a back section 64, and two side sections 66. The front section 62, back section 64, and side sections 66 are coupled together, such that they comprise a housing defining a chamber therein. As with the ballistic wall panel devices 10 and 30, in this way, the ballistic wall panel device 60 is adapted to contain ballistic media 20. Preferably, the front section 62, back section 64, and side sections 66 of the ballistic wall panel device 60 are each 2″ thick. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the ballistic wall panel device 60 in which different thicknesses are employed, including those that deviate from the preferred thicknesses, even substantially, in either direction. In a preferred embodiment, the front section 62, back section 64, and side sections 66 are comprised of a Dura-Panel™ 2″ hard rubber frame, but may be comprised of some other suitable material.

The ballistic media 20 used with the ballistic wall panel device 60 is the same as that employed with the ballistic wall panel devices 10 and 30. The description of the ballistic media 20 appears above and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The ballistic media 20 may be placed into or between the ballistic wall panel device 60, as can be seen in FIG. 9. Each piece of ballistic media 20 is preferably loose within the ballistic wall panel device 60. In this way, the ballistic media 20 may rapidly reposition itself after receiving each incoming projectile, thereby being capable of absorbing multiple projectiles, such as those from automatic weapons and the like, in a single location on the ballistic wall panel device 60.

The ballistic wall panel device 60 may be coupled to other ballistic wall panel devices 60, such that walls of various lengths and/or heights may be created from two or more ballistic wall panel devices 60. Thus, FIG. 10 depicts a ballistic wall panel system 70, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ballistic wall panel system 70 is comprised of a plurality of ballistic wall panel devices 60 that have been coupled together. In this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel system 70 comprises a substantially elongated wall. However, the ballistic wall panel system 70 could be formed into various shapes, as desired. In this regard, it may be desired to couple a plurality of ballistic wall panel devices 60 in such a way as to create confined areas and/or rooms therefrom, in similar fashion to the ballistic wall panel system 50, as shown in FIG. 8. The ballistic wall panel system 70 may be useful in a variety of applications, but may be particularly useful in shoot houses (such as those used by police and military personnel for live fire training) and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a ballistic wall panel device 80 is shown, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as shown in this embodiment, the ballistic wall panel device 80 is generally comprised of a standard building wall having a front section 82, a back section 84, and studs 86 interposed between the front section 82 and back section 84. The front section 82 and back section 84 may be comprised of plywood, drywall, hard rubber or the like, as well as any other material suitable for standard building walls. The studs 86 are preferably comprised of steel, but may be comprised of some other material suitable for wall studs. Preferably, the studs 86 allow for the front section 82 and back section 84 to be spaced apart from one another, thereby forming a chamber therebetween. As with the ballistic wall panel devices 10, 30, and 60, in this way, the ballistic wall panel device 80 is adapted to contain ballistic media 20.

The ballistic media 20 used with the ballistic wall panel device 80 is the same as that employed with the ballistic wall panel devices 10, 30, and 60. The description of the ballistic media 20 appears above and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The ballistic media 20 may be placed between the front section 82 and back section 84, and further between adjacent studs 86 of the ballistic wall panel device 80, as can be seen in FIG. 11. Each piece of ballistic media 20 is preferably loose within the ballistic wall panel device 80. In this way, the ballistic media 20 may rapidly reposition itself after receiving each incoming projectile, thereby being capable of absorbing multiple shots, such as those from automatic weapons and the like, in a single location on the ballistic wall panel device 80.

The present invention is useful in preventing the penetration of various kinds of projectiles, including but not limited to bullets, shrapnel, grenade fragments, and the like. The ballistic wall panel devices 10, 30, 60, and 80 may be used to prevent the penetration of all types of rifle, handgun, and shotgun ammunition, up to and including .50 Caliber BMG Armor Piercing Ammunition. The ballistic wall panel devices 10, 30, 60, and 80 are ideal for use in a variety of settings, particularly where there may be a need or desire to protect individuals or valuables from weapons fire exposure, including but not limited to safe rooms, safe houses, embassies, shoot houses (such as those used by police and military personnel for live fire training), banks, post offices, gas stations, convenience stores, pay counters, various government agency buildings and facilities, and the like. In other embodiments, it may be desired to configure one or more of the ballistic wall panel devices 10, 30 and/or 60 as trauma plates (not shown), for use within armor vests and other forms of body armor.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ballistic wall panel device comprising, in combination:

a housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and

ballistic media positioned within the housing, wherein the ballistic media comprises a plurality of hardened metal particles.

2. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least one front section, at least one back section, and at least two side sections, and wherein the at least one front section of the housing comprises a plurality of projectile deflectors, wherein the projectile deflectors are substantially V-shaped.

3. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of substantially V-shaped fillers coupled to and staggered with the projectile deflectors, wherein each filler of the plurality of fillers is adapted to contain ballistic media.

4. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 1, wherein the housing is one of substantially T-shaped and substantially rectangular-shaped.

5. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least two side sections comprising steel studs interposed between at least one front section and at least one back section.

6. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 1, wherein each particle of the plurality of metal particles has dimensions of approximately 30 mm×3 mm×3 mm.

7. The ballistic wall panel device of claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of one of steel, aluminum, plywood, drywall, and hard rubber.

8. A ballistic wall panel system comprising, in combination:

a first housing adapted to contain ballistic media;

ballistic media positioned within the first housing;

a second housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and

ballistic media positioned within the second housing;

wherein the first and second housings are adjacent to one another.

9. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 8, wherein the first and second housings comprise at least one front section, at least one back section, and at least two side sections, and wherein the at least one front section comprises a plurality of projectile deflectors, wherein the projectile deflectors are substantially V-shaped.

10. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 9, wherein the first and second housings further comprise a plurality of substantially V-shaped fillers coupled to and staggered with the projectile deflectors, wherein each filler of the plurality of fillers is adapted to contain ballistic media.

11. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 8, wherein the first and second housings are one of substantially T-shaped and substantially rectangular-shaped.

12. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 8, wherein the first and second housings comprise at least two side sections comprising steel studs interposed between at least one front section and at least one back section.

13. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 8, wherein each particle of the plurality of metal particles has dimensions of approximately 30 mm×3 mm×3 mm.

14. The ballistic wall panel system of claim 8, wherein the first and second housings are comprised of one of steel, aluminum, plywood, drywall, and hard rubber.

15. A method for preventing the penetration of ammunition, comprising the steps of:

providing a housing adapted to contain ballistic media; and

loosely spacing ballistic media within the housing, wherein the ballistic media comprises a plurality of hardened metal particles, so that the ballistic media will rapidly reposition itself after a penetration.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises at least one front section, at least one back section, and at least two side sections, and wherein the at least one front section of the housing comprises a plurality of projectile deflectors, wherein the projectile deflectors are substantially V-shaped.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of substantially V-shaped fillers coupled to and staggered with the projectile deflectors, wherein each filler of the plurality of fillers is adapted to contain ballistic media.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing is one of substantially T-shaped and substantially rectangular-shaped.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises at least two side sections comprising steel studs interposed between at least one front section and at least one back section.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein each particle of the plurality of metal particles has dimensions of approximately 30 mm×3 mm×3 mm.