BALLISTIC BARRIERS AND ENCLOSURES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING BALLISTIC BARRIERS AND ENCLOSURES

Abstract

Ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, and methods of fabricating ballistic barriers and ballistic enclosures are provided. The ballistic barrier comprises a panel having a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix, for example, a resin matrix, adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and a protective elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel, but typically both sides. The barriers may be provided with camouflage to assist in concealing the barrier or the enclosure. The ballistic enclosures include support structures adapted to retain the ballistic barriers, for example, about a potential target, such, as personnel, equipment, or a structure. Aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted to protect domestic infrastructure, such as, components of the electric power grid; however, aspects of the invention may be used to protect any potential target of vandalism or aggression.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/983,302, filed on Apr. 23, 2014, the disclosure of which is included by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to ballistic barriers, for example, bullet-resistant barriers and the like. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide modular ballistic barriers, modular ballistic enclosures, and methods of providing ballistic barriers and enclosures having barriers comprising fiber-reinforced panels coated with an elastomeric film.

2. Description of Related Art

Ballistic protection of personnel, equipment, and structures is an ever-present concern in the global environment of the early 21st century. The protection of personal and physical assets, either from incidental mischievous activity or from sophisticated internal and external antagonists, extends beyond the scope of military and “homeland” security to commercial, municipal, and even residential protection. For example, recent headlines highlight the vulnerability of US infrastructure, in particular, equipment and facilities associated with the electrical power grid.

Aspects of the present invention provide ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, and methods for providing ballistic barriers and ballistic enclosures that provide further options for protection to military, municipal, commercial, and residential users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments and aspects of the present invention provide ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, and methods for providing ballistic barriers and ballistic enclosures that overcome the disadvantages of existing barriers and enclosures. Aspects of the present invention are advantageously lightweight, portable, and modular in design. Aspects of the invention minimize or avoid interfering with electromagnetic transmissions, for example, radio signals or microwave transmissions. In addition, aspects of the invention can be concealed or “camouflaged” to minimize or prevent detection.

One embodiment of the invention is a ballistic barrier comprising or including: a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix, for example, a resin matrix, adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel. According to one aspect, the plurality of woven sheets may be fiberglass woven sheets. In another aspect, the resin matrix may be a polyester resin or a polyurethane resin. According to another aspect, the elastomeric layer may be a polymer, for example, a natural polymer or a synthetic polymer.

According to one aspect of the invention, the elastomeric layer of the ballistic barrier may include fibers, for example, plastic fibers or glass fibers.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ballistic barrier may include at least one sensor adapted to detect contact with the ballistic barrier.

In another aspect, the ballistic barrier may further include a cosmetic layer, for example, providing camouflage, and comprise a layer of paint or a layer of sheet material.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of fabricating a ballistic barrier. The method may comprise or include: providing a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and at least partially covering at least one side of the panel with an elastomeric film. Typically, both sides of the panel are covered with an elastomeric material. In one aspect of the invention, the method may further comprise introducing fibers to the elastomeric layer, for example, by exposing at least one side of the panel to a vacuum.

In one aspect of the invention, providing the panel may be practiced by positioning the plurality of woven sheets, introducing a fluid matrix to the positioned plurality of woven sheets, and allowing the fluid matrix to cure to form the panel. In one aspect, each of the plurality of woven sheets comprises a direction of orientation, and positioning the plurality of woven sheets comprises varying the direction of orientation of the plurality of woven sheets.

A further aspect of the invention is a ballistic enclosure comprising or including a support structure; a plurality of ballistic barriers, each of the plurality of ballistic barriers comprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel; and means for mounting the plurality of ballistic barriers to the support structure. In one aspect of this invention, the support structure comprises a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality of vertical members adapted to receive at least one of the plurality of ballistic barriers. For example, the plurality of horizontal members and the plurality of vertical members may each have elongated cavities adapted to receive, for example, slidably receive, the at least one of the plurality of ballistic barriers. In one aspect, the ballistic enclosure is a modular enclosure.

A still further aspect of the invention is a ballistic barrier kit comprising or including: at least one ballistic barrier comprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel; and a support structure adapted to receive the at least one ballistic barrier. In one aspect, the kit may further include a plurality of fasteners adapted to retain the at least one ballistic barrier on the support structure. In another aspect, the kit may further include installation instructions, for example, an instruction manual.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of providing a ballistic enclosure comprising or including: providing a ballistic barrier support structure; and mounting a plurality of ballistic barriers to the support structure, each of the plurality of ballistic barriers comprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel. In one aspect, mounting the plurality of ballistic barriers to the support structure comprises positioning the plurality of ballistic barriers on the support structure and retaining the plurality of ballistic barriers on the support structure with fasteners. In another aspect, the support structure comprises a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality of vertical members adapted to receive at least one of the plurality of ballistic barriers, and mounting the plurality of ballistic barriers to the support structure comprises mounting, for example, slidably mounting, the at least one of the plurality of ballistic barriers to the plurality of horizontal members and to the plurality of vertical members.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 1, the right-side elevation view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 1, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 4 as indicated by Detail 5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a woven sheet weave that may be used in a ballistic barrier according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another woven sheet weave that may be used in a ballistic barrier according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arrangement of woven sheets that may be used in a ballistic barrier according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a ballistic barrier mounting arrangement prior to assembly according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 10 after assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly of ballistic barriers according to an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component to be protected.

FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial elevation view of a mounting frame that may be used to mount ballistic barriers according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting frame shown in FIG. 14 as viewed along view lines 15-15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the mounting frame shown in FIG. 15 as indicated by Detail 16 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another assembly of ballistic barriers mounted in a modular frame according to an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component to be protected.

FIG. 18 is a partial exploded view of the assembly shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 a partial perspective view of the assembly of ballistic barriers shown in FIG. 12, including a detailed cross-sectional view of a ballistic barrier shown in FIG. 20, according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention, and their numerous aspects, provide ballistic barriers, systems of barriers, arrangements of barriers, and methods of providing ballistic barriers and enclosures for protecting personnel, equipment, and structures from ballistic impact, for example, impact by projectiles, such as, bullets, rocks, stones, and ordinance, among other projectiles. Aspects of the present invention employ ballistic barriers, for example, bullet-proof panels, that may provide improved ballistic resistance while enhancing resistance to environmental conditions, such as, wind, rain, snow, ultraviolet light, among other environmental conditions. Though aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted to protect electrical equipment, such as, power substations, other aspects of the invention may be used to protect a broad range of equipment, structures, and vehicles, among other potential targets of attack or vandalism.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic barrier 10 according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, the right-side elevation view being a mirror image thereof; and FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 as indicated by Detail 5 in FIG. 4. As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, ballistic barrier 10 comprises a panel 12 having a plurality of woven sheets 14 and a matrix 16 adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets 14; and an elastomeric film or layer 18 mounted to at least one side of the panel 12, but typically mounted to both sides of panel 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the elastomeric film 18 may typically be provided to opposing sides 20, 22 of panel 12. In addition, elastic film 18 may be applied to the ends 24, for example, top, bottom, and side ends, of panel 12. Though a substantially rectangular barrier 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-5, according to aspects of the invention, barrier 10 may be provided in a broad range of shapes and sizes depending upon, among other things, the geometry of the application or installation. These shapes include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, polygonal (including triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like), round, and oval, among other conventional shapes.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ballistic barrier 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of woven sheets 14 may comprise 2 or more sheets, but typically includes at least 5 sheets, and may include 20 to 60 sheets of woven material. Woven sheets 14 may comprise many conventional types and forms of woven material, for example, woven fiberglass, woven plastic, woven carbon fiber (CF), or a combination thereof. For example, in one aspect, woven sheets 14 may be fiberglass sheets, for example, “ballistic grade” fiberglass; “E-glass” fiberglass (that is, an alumino-borosilicate glass); “A-glass” fiberglass (that is, alkali-lime glass with little or no boron oxide); “E-CR-glass” fiberglass (that is, electrical and/or chemical resistant glass comprising alumino-lime silicate); “C-glass” fiberglass (that is, alkali-lime glass with high boron oxide content); “D-glass” fiberglass (that is, borosilicate glass, having low dielectric constant); “R-glass” fiberglass (that is, alumino silicate glass); “S-glass” fiberglass (that is, an alumino silicate glass) or a combination of 2 or more thereof.

In one aspect, the woven sheets 12 may comprise woven plastic fibers, for example, polyamide (PA) fibers, such as, nylon; polyethylene (PE) fibers, both high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for instance, an ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fiber, such as, a UHMW polyethylene provided by Honeywell or a liquid crystal aromatic polyester, such as, Vectran® fibers provided by Warwick Mills, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) fibers; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers; polypropylene (PP) fibers; polyester (PE) fibers; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers; polystyrene (PS) fibers; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) fibers; polycarbonate (PC) fibers, such as, Lexan® polycarbonate fibers; or polyvinylchloride (PVC) fibers; para-aramid fibers, such as Dupont's Kevlar® fibers; aramid fibers, such as Teijin's Technora®, Tawron®, or Conex® fibers or Dupont's Nomex® fibers, among other plastic fibers.

Woven sheets 14 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.020 inches to about 0.25 inches, but are typically between about 0.025 inches and about 0.050 inches in thickness, for example, about 0.031 inches ( 1/32 of an inch).

The matrix 16 which is adapted to retain the woven sheets 14 may typically comprise a “resin,” for example, a plastic resin, whereby panel 12 may comprise a fiber-reinforced plastic panel. In one aspect, the resin of matrix 16 may comprise any material that can be applied to woven sheets 14 as a fluid and then be hardened (for example, cured) under appropriate conditions to, for example, retain and/or impregnate the woven sheets 14. In one aspect, matrix 16 may be a plastic resin, for example, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, a vinyl ester resin, or a polyurethane resin.

In one aspect, matrix 16 may comprise a natural or a synthetic resin. For instance, matrix 16 may comprise an epoxy resin or a plastic resin, for example, a thermosetting plastic resin.

Panel 12 comprising woven sheets 14 and matrix 16 may be of varying density and dimension. For example, in one aspect, panel 12 may have a “density” of between 1 pound per square foot [#/sf] to 10 #/sf, but typically has a density between about 3 #/sf to about 7 #/sf.

In one aspect, panel 12 may comprise a projectile-resistant fiberglass panel, for example, bullet-resistant fiberglass panel a provided by Waco Composites, Ltd. of Waco, Texas [www.armorcore.com], for example, a panel marketed under the trademark “ARMORCORE” by Waco Composites.

According to aspects of the invention, elastomeric film or layer 18 is used to provide at least some protection to panel 12, for example, environmental protection—for instance, to withstand outdoor conditions. Specifically, in one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 may be provided to provide at least some protection from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (for example, from the UV light in sun light), for example, when panel 12 may be deteriorated by exposure to UV light. Accordingly, in one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 minimizes or prevents the passage of UV light through layer 18 and onto panel 12. In another aspect, film or layer 18 may provide at least some protection of panel 12 from weathering, for example, exposure to wind, rain, snow, or other precipitation. In one aspect, film or layer 18 may also provide protection of panel 12 chemical attack or corrosion, for example, from moisture, an acid, or an alkali. Film or layer 18 may also minimize or prevent cracking or other deterioration of film or layer 18. In one aspect, film or layer 18 may provide a non-slip surface, for example, having particles (such as sand) or fibers that provide at least some resistance to slippage.

In one aspect, elastomeric film or layer 18 may comprise any elastomeric material, for example, any “rubber” material,” that can be applied to panel 12. For example, in one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may be a natural polymer, such as, polyisoprene rubber, or a synthetic polymer, such as, a neoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic rubber, and a polyvinyl chloride, or an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and the like.

In one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprise a urethane or polyurethane, for example, a urethane or a polyurethane having at least some resistance to UV light. For example, in one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprise a urethane coating provided by Industrial Polymers Corporation and marketed under the trademark SPEEDLINER® or SPEEDLINER 1000, or like materials. In another aspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprises a hexamethylene diisocyanate polymer. For example, in one aspect, elastomeric film 18 may comprise a hexamethylene diisocyanate polymer coating provided by Magnet Paint & Shellac Co. and marketed under the trademark MONSTALINER™, or like materials.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 6, the properties of elastomeric film 18 may be enhanced by the introduction of additives to film 18. For example, in one aspect, fibers 19 may be introduced to film 18, for instance, fibers of any one or more of the plastic or polymer fibers mentioned above, for example, Kevlar® para-aramid fibers, or the like.

The layer or film 18 may be applied to panel 12 by any contemporary method of applying a fluid to a surface. In one aspect, panel 12 may be dipped into a vat of fluid elastomer 18 to apply elastomer film 18 to panel 12. In one aspect, fluid elastomer 18 may be applied by paintbrush, for example, manually applied by paintbrush. In another aspect, fluid elastomer 18 may be sprayed onto panel 12, for example, using a conventional paint sprayer. In another aspect, fluid elastomer 18 may be applied to panel 12 with the assistance of an under pressure (for example, a vacuum). For example, in one aspect, one side of panel 12 may be exposed, for example, sprayed, with fluid elastomer 18 while the opposite side of panel 12 is exposed to vacuum (for example, at least 2 inches of Hg absolute, for instance, about 2 inches to about 4 inches of Hg absolute) whereby at least some of the fluid elastomer 18 is drawn into, impregnated into, or infiltrated into panel 12. In a related aspect, when fluid elastomer 18 contains at least some additives, such as, fibers 19, when fluid elastomer 18 is applied under the influence of vacuum, at least some of the additives, for example, the fibers 19, may be at least partially drawn into, impregnated into, or infiltrated into panel 12. The impregnation or infiltration of panel 12 with additives, such as, fibers 19, can provide a barrier 10 having enhanced properties, such as, enhanced strength, enhanced UV resistance, and/or enhanced resistance to weathering.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 through 4, according to aspects of the invention, barrier 10 may assume a broad range of shapes and dimensions. For example, in one aspect, barrier 10 may have a width 26 ranging from about 1 foot to about 32 feet, but typically has a width 26 of from about 4 feet to about 8 feet. Barrier 10 may have a height 28 ranging from about 1 foot to about 32 feet, but typically has a height 28 from about 4 feet to about 8 feet. Barrier 10 may have a thickness 30 ranging from 0.125 inches to 36 inches, but typically has a thickness 30 from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches. As shown most clearly in FIG. 6, panel 12 and woven sheets 14 may typically be co-extensive with the dimensions of barrier 10, that is, having substantially the same width 26 and height 28 as barrier 10—while, for example, accounting for the thickness of elastomeric film 18. However, in one aspect of the invention, the dimensions, that is, the width and height, of woven sheets 14 may be less than the width 26 and height 28 of barrier 10.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan views of a fabric weaves that may be used for woven sheets 14 according to aspects of the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a typical “plain weave” 32 in which the warp and weft fiber yarns interchange at a generally 90 degree difference in direction, though the direction of the yarns may vary from 90 degrees, as indicated by the axes 33 in FIG. 7. In another aspect, a “twill” or a “satin” weave may be used, as known in the art. FIG. 8 illustrates a typical plain weave 34 of “rovings” of fibers, that is, bundles of individual fibers, that may be used for aspects of the invention. The weave shown in FIG. 8 is typically referred to in the art as “woven roving.” Again, the interchange of the rovings may be at a generally 90-degree difference in direction, as indicated by the axes 35 in FIG. 8, though the direction of the rovings in a woven roving according to aspects of the invention may vary from 90 degrees.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arrangement 36 of woven sheets 38, 40, and 42 that may be used for sheets 14 in ballistic barrier 10 according to an aspect of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the woven sheets 38, 40, and 42 have a direction of orientation indicated by arrows 39, 41, and 43, respectively, of their respective weaves. As indicated in FIG. 9, according to one aspect of the invention, the directions 39, 41, and 43 of the weaves of the woven sheet 38, 40, and 42 may vary. The variation of the direction 39, 41, and 43 of the weave may range from 5 to 90 degrees, for example, the directions 39, 41, and 43 may vary by about 45 degrees.

Ballistic barriers 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be mounted where desired to provide the desired ballistic protection by any conventional means. However, according to aspects of the invention, mounting arrangements and enclosures are provided which may be modular in design, portable, and light in weight whereby aspects of the invention facilitate shipping, handling, installing, servicing, and replacement, among other advantages. Several modular designs for arrangements for mounting ballistic barriers 10 and enclosures having ballistic barriers 10 are provided in FIGS. 10 through 19.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a ballistic barrier mounting arrangement 50 prior to assembly according to an aspect of the invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the ballistic barrier mounting arrangement 50 shown in FIG. 10 after assembly. As shown, mounting arrangement 50 includes one or more ballistic barriers 52 and one or more supports 54. Ballistic barriers 52 may be any one of the ballistic barriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. The one or more supports 54 may any type of structural member adapted to support panel 52, for example, a bar, a beam, an angle, and the like. Though two vertically-oriented supports 54 are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, according to aspects of the invention one or more vertically-oriented supports 54 and one more horizontally-oriented supports (not shown) may be used to support one or more barriers 52. Supports 54 may be fabricated from any type of conventional material, for example, a metal, a plastic, or even a wood. In one aspect, support 54 may be made from a steel, an aluminum, titanium, or any other conventional structural metal.

As shown in FIG. 11, one or more barriers 52 may be mounted to supports 54 by a plurality of fasteners 56, for example, mechanical fasteners. In one aspect, fasteners 56 may be a plurality of sets of bolts and nuts, though other types of fasteners may be used.

In one aspect of the invention, barriers 52 may be mounted to supports 54 to allow for easy removal of barriers 52 from supports 54, for example, for replacement or servicing. For example, fasteners 56 may be adapted for quick or immediate release from supports 54. In one aspect, fasteners 56 may comprise one or more magnetic fasteners, whereby barriers 52 may be mounted to supports 54 by magnetic attraction, for example, ferromagnetic attraction. For example, in on aspect, supports 54 may be at least partially ferromagnetic, for example, comprise carbon steel, and one or more magnets may be mounted to the back of barriers 52 and magnetically adhere to ferromagnetic supports 54. Conversely, barrier 52 may be at least partially ferromagnetic, for example, comprise at least some carbon steel, and one or more magnets may be mounted to supports 54.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the presence of one or more sensors 60 according to another aspect of the invention. According to this aspect, one or more sensors or detectors 60 may be if are adapted to sense or detect contact upon and/or movement of barrier 52, for example, impact by a projectile, and to emit a signal in response to the contact or movement. In one aspect, the signal emitted in response to activation may comprise a wired signal via electrical connection 62 and/or a wireless signal 64. The 1 or more sensors or detectors 60 may be any form of sensor or detector adapted to sense the movement, motion, and/or vibration of barrier 52. In one aspect, sensor 60 may be mounted to barrier 52; in another aspect sensor 60 may be mounted adjacent to or within proximity of barrier 52 and be adapted to remotely sense movement, motion, and/or vibration of barrier 52.

In one aspect of the invention, sensor 60 comprises an accelerometer mounted to barrier 52 and adapted to emit a signal when a predetermined acceleration of barrier 52 is detected. In another aspect, sensor 60 may comprise a piezoelectric sensor adapted to emit a signal when a predetermined load or pressure is experienced by the sensor 60. In another aspect, the sensor 60 may be sonic sensor adapted to detect motion of barrier 52. Other sensors 60 that may be used to detect the movement, motion, and/or vibration of barrier 52 will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

In one aspect of the invention, the signal 62 and/or 64 emitted upon activation of sensor 60 may be an audible alarm, such as, a siren or bell, and/or a visible signal, such as, a light or flare. In another aspect of the invention, signal 62 and/or 64 may be a wired or wireless signal to a receiver, for example, a nearby or a remote receiver adapted to receive signal 62 and/or 64 and then emit an alarm, warning message, or notify personnel, for example, electrical utility workers or security personal, of the detection of motion, movement, and/or vibration of barrier 52. Sensor 60 and signals 62 and/or 64 may be adapted and used for any barrier or barrier enclosure disclosed herein, including in arrangements 70 and shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and in arrangement 90 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an arrangement 70 of ballistic barrier assemblies 72 having barriers 74 according to an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component 76 (for example, a potential target) being protected. FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of arrangement 70 shown in FIG. 12. Arrangement 70 may include a base 78, for example, a concrete slab or wooden deck adapted to support arrangement 70. Barriers 74 in barrier assembly 72 may typically comprise one or more of the ballistic barriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIG. 1 through six. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, one or more barriers 74 may include an access door 73.

The component 76 protected by barrier assemblies 74 may be any device, equipment, enclosure, building, vehicle, and/or personnel that requires protection, for example, from projectiles, such as, bullets, rocks, or shrapnel, and the like. In one aspect, component 76 may be a piece of electrical equipment, for example, a component of an electrical supply system, substation, or power “grid,” such as, a electrical transformer, electrical generator, or electrical power storage device, and the like. Other components 76 that aspects of the invention may be used to protect include, but are not limited to, cooling systems, cellular phone towers and equipment, nuclear power plants and equipment, automobiles, trucks, bushes, military or police vehicles, homes, residences, and office buildings, and the like. Though aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted for protecting components 76 located out of doors, aspects of the invention can also be used to protect components 76 positioned indoors, for example, in a building or in a military facility.

As show in FIGS. 12 and 13, one aspect of the invention is a modular ballistic barrier protection arrangement or system 70 having one or more ballistic barriers 74 mounted in modular barrier assemblies 72. Though according to aspects of the invention, ballistic barriers 74 may be mounted by any conventional means, in the aspect shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, arrangement or system 70 includes at least one—but, typically, a plurality of—barrier assemblies 72 having a support structure 79. Support structure 79 typically includes at least one upright or vertical element 80 and a plurality of horizontal elements, for example, a top beam 82 and a bottom beam 84. Uprights 80, top beam 82, and bottom beam 84 are sized and dimensioned to receive and support ballistic barriers 74. Though arrangement or system 70 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown having a single level of barriers 74, according to aspects of the invention, system 70, assemblies 72, and support structure 79 may include one or more levels of barriers 74. (See, for example, FIGS. 17 and 18 below.) For instance, the modular design of system 70 allows for a variation of the number of levels of barriers 74, which may typically be a function of the size of potential target 76 being protected. Details of one upright 80, one top beam 82, and one bottom beam 84 are shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 below.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, uprights 80 may each include a base 81, for example, a base 81 adapted to be secured to base 78, for example, by conventional means, for instance, depending upon the presence of base 78 of assembly 70. In one aspect, base 78 may be a concrete slab or an existing structure, and upright bases 81 may be mounted by means of conventional anchor bolts, screws, rivets, and/or welding. In another aspect, base 78 may be omitted and upright bases 81 may be mounted directly to the ground, for example, having dirt, sand, or gravel. In one aspect, an appropriate foundation may be provided to support upright bases 81, for example, individual concrete bases or concrete block. In one aspect of the invention, support structure 79 having uprights 80 and horizontal member 82 and 84 may be “free-standing”, that is, not rigidly mounted to a base 78 or to ground, but free to be moved as needed.

As also shown in FIG. 13, barriers 74 may slidably engage and disengage support structure 79. For example, as indicated by double arrow 86, barriers 74 may slidably engage top beam 82 and bottom beam 84 when mounted to support structure 79. In addition, barriers 74 may be secured to support structure 79 by conventional means, for example, by means mechanical fasteners, such as, bolts, screws (for example, self-tapping screws), rivets, and similar fasteners; and/or with an adhesive, for example, an epoxy, a glue, a construction adhesive, or a cement.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a portion of a support structure 79 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of support structure 79 shown in FIG. 14 as viewed along section lines 15-15 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the portion of support structure 79 includes an upright 80 having a base 81, a top beam 82, and a bottom beam 84. FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the support structure 79 shown in FIG. 15 as indicated by Detail 16 in FIG. 15.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 16, in one aspect, upright 80, upper beam 82, lower beam 84 each may comprise elongated channels having an internal recess 87 adapted to receive barrier 74. In one aspect, each of upright 80, upper beam 82, lower beam 84 may be “u-shaped” in cross section, though other cross sectional shapes having a recess 87 adapted to receive barrier 74 are envisioned. Recess 87 may typically include a width 88 and a depth 89 adapted to receive barriers 74. Though FIG. 16 illustrates a recess 87 in top beam 82, this shape and dimension of recess 87 may be shared by bottom beam 84 and by upright 80. For example, upright 80 may have two or more recesses 87 adapted to receive barriers 74. Though not shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, upright 80, upper beam 82, and lower beam 84 may each be adapted to receive appropriate fasteners to retain barriers 74, for example, the sides of recess 87 in FIG. 16 may be provided with through holes positioned to receive appropriate mounting hardware.

Uprights 80, upper beams 82, lower beams 84 may each be fabricated from conventional structural materials, for example, a steel, such as stainless steel; an aluminum; a titanium; or even a wood.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an arrangement or system 90 of ballistic barrier assemblies 92 having ballistic barriers 94 according to an aspect of the invention as mounted about a component 96 being protected. In the aspect shown in FIG. 17, 1 or more structures or walls 98 are provided and arrangement or system is adapted to cooperate with the 1 or more structures or walls 98. FIG. 18 is a partial exploded view of arrangement or system 90 shown in FIG. 17. Arrangement or system 90 may include a base 100, for example, a concrete slab or wooden deck adapted to support arrangement or system 90. Barriers 94 in barrier assemblies 92 may typically comprise one or more of the ballistic barriers 10 disclosed and described with respect to FIG. 1 through six.

The component 96 protected by barrier assemblies 92 may be any one or more of the components, devices, equipment, vehicles, or enclosures disclosed above, for example, an electrical transformer.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, ballistic barrier assemblies 92 according to aspects of the invention may be used with one or more structures or walls 98, for example, existing walls of, for example, of an existing structure. However, in one aspect, one or more walls 98, for example, the two walls 98 shown, or three walls 98, may be specifically provided to enclose one or more components 96.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 18, each barrier assembly 92 may typically comprise a plurality of ballistic barriers 94 and a support structure 102 adapted to receive and retain barriers 94. As shown, in one aspect, barrier assemblies 92 may include a plurality of rows or levels of barriers 94, for example, at least 3 levels as shown. In a manner similar to support structure 72 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, support structure 102 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may typically include a plurality of uprights or vertical elements 104 and a plurality of horizontal elements or beams 106. Uprights 104 and beams 106 are sized and dimensioned to receive and support ballistic barriers 94. For example, uprights 104 and beams 106 may include one or more recesses 87, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16; be adapted to receive ballistic barriers 94; and be fabricated from similar materials as uprights 80, upper beam 82, and lower beam 84 shown in FIGS. 12 through 16.

According to one aspect of the invention, the arrangement or system 90 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 (and arrangement or system 70 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) may be used to provide generally polygonal structures, for example, having linear walls, according to one aspect. However, it is also envisioned, that a plurality of barriers 74, 94 may be provided and positioned in a desired orientation to provide a somewhat curved walls, for example, walls having a plurality of linear barriers 74, 94 arranged along an arc of a curve, for example, an arc of a circle or an arc of an oval, to provide a curvilinear wall or barrier. In another aspect, ballistic barriers 74, 94 may also be fabricated as curvilinear barriers, for example, having a somewhat constant radius of curvature, depending upon the size of the installation.

FIG. 19 a partial perspective view of the arrangement or system 70 of ballistic barriers 74 shown in FIG. 12 as indicated by Detail 19 in FIG. 12. FIG. 19 includes a cross sectional view of a ballistic barrier 74—which may be similar to ballistic barrier 10 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 6. As shown in FIG. 19, according to aspects of the invention, ballistic barrier 74 may typically include a panel or core panel 108, having an elastomeric layer 110 on opposing sides of panel 108, and a cosmetic layer or coating 112 on elastomeric layer 110. As described herein, core panel 108 may typically be similar to panel 12 shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 1 though 6, and comprise a plurality of woven sheets (not shown in FIG. 19) embedded in a matrix (for example, a resin matrix). As also disclosed herein, elastomeric layer no may be similar to elastomeric film or layer 18 shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 6 and comprise a protective rubber layer. In addition, cosmetic layer or coating 112 may comprise a layer of paint or epoxy or a layer of sheet material, for example, paper, plastic, or canvas. In one aspect, layer or coating 112 may be provided to at least partially conceal ballistic barrier 74, for example, layer or coating 112 may comprise camouflage—for example, greens and browns—adapted to at least partially conceal, preferably, substantially completely conceal, assembly 70 from outside personnel.

From the preceding discussion, it will be apparent that embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide ballistic barriers, methods of fabricating ballistic barriers, ballistic enclosures, methods of fabricating ballistic enclosures, and ballistic enclosure kits that address the disadvantages of the prior. Though aspects of the invention are described herein for use in protecting outdoor facilities, such as, electrical grid equipment, it is envisioned that aspects of the present invention may be adapted and used for any situation or environment requiring ballistic protection. These environments include municipal, federal, and military facilities, including naval and marine applications. In one aspect of the invention, the lightweight and portable features of the invention can be effective in facilitating the transportation, construction, and subsequent dismantling of ballistic enclosures, for example, on or near a field of engagement or fire fight, or on or near a hostile incident, such as, providing a SWAT team command station. Other applications and uses of embodiments and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

While several aspects of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ballistic barrier comprising:

a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and

an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel.

2. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of woven sheets comprises a fiberglass woven sheet.

3. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix comprises a resin.

4. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 3, wherein the resin comprises one of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.

5. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric layer comprises a polymer.

6. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 5, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a natural polymer and a synthetic polymer.

7. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 6, wherein synthetic polymer comprises one or more of a urethane, a neoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

8. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric layer comprises fibers.

9. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 5, wherein the fibers of the elastomeric layer comprises one of plastic fibers and glass fibers.

10. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect contact with the ballistic barrier.

11. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of woven sheets have a direction of orientation, and wherein the direction of orientation of at least some of the plurality of sheets varies.

12. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the direction of orientation of at least some of the plurality of sheets varies by at least 15 degrees.

13. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the ballistic barrier further comprises a cosmetic layer.

14. The ballistic barrier as recited in claim 13, wherein the cosmetic layer comprises at least one of a layer of paint and a layer of sheet material.

15-31. (canceled)

32. A ballistic barrier kit comprising:

at least one ballistic barrier comprising a panel comprising a plurality of woven sheets and a matrix adapted to retain the plurality of woven sheets; and an elastomeric layer mounted to at least one side of the panel; and

a support structure adapted to receive the at least one ballistic barrier.

33. The kit as recited in claim 32, wherein the kit further comprises a plurality of fasteners adapted to retain the at least one ballistic barrier on the support structure.

34. The kit as recited in claim 32, wherein the kit further comprises installation instructions.

35. The kit as recited in claim 34, wherein the installation instructions comprise an instruction manual.

36-39. (canceled)