ERECTING FRAME AND PROTECTIVE SKIN SHELTER SYSTEM

Abstract

A shelter system having an erecting frame system and a protective skin system. The erecting frame system has at least two A-frame legs and at least one tensioning element, each of the A-frame legs coalescing with at least one other A-frame leg with at least one hinge-type connection. The tensioning element is at least temporarily affixed to each free end of the A-frame legs and is capable of generating a tension force to draw the free ends of the A-frame legs towards one another, thereby lifting the hinge-type connection to a predetermined height above the free end of each A-frame leg. The protective skin system has at least one planar element that occupies at least one side plane, one roof plane, and one end plane of the erecting frame system. The planar element of the protective skin system provides at least a partial barrier from a ballistic threat to a volume behind said planar element. The loading of the protective skin system transfers at least in part first to the erecting frame system and ultimately to the ground surface.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of copending patent application Ser. No. 14/749,974, for VESSEL AND INSERT ARMOR SYSTEM, filed Jun. 25, 2015, and hereby incorporates the teaching therein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed at an erecting frame and protective skin system that provides for rapid establishment of a shelter, the protective skin system including a vessel-based armor embodiment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In combat and related scenarios, there is a basic demand for protective shelter systems capable of mitigating ballistic threats. The time and equipment required to establish the shelter system, the production and transportation cost of providing and deploying the shelter, and the level of protection provided during deployment of the shelter are three primary metrics that determine the efficacy of a shelter system.

The time and equipment required to establish the shelter system influences what type of role a protective shelter system can provide. In general, contemporary protective shelter practices are often restricted to long term static roles because of inefficiencies presented in their transport and in their assembly. A general over-reliance on heavy equipment during the assembly and transport stages often results in either subpar levels of protection or the employment of tedious practices in the assembly of the protective shelter. There is often a general disconnect between the most efficient position of the shelter protective element(s) during the assembly stage and in the most effective position of the shelter protective element(s) when serving their protective role. This is especially the case when the protective element(s) are numerous, heavy, or require a process for assembly themselves.

Additionally, contemporary shelter practices are often adhoc assemblies of conglomerate systems and materials. These practices may be modular at the component level but are not often modular at the system level. A shelter system that is standardized, modular, has minimal reliance on heavy equipment, and relatively quick to establish would provide advantages over contemporary shelter practices.

The cost of production and delivery of a shelter system will determine how widespread its use will be. Similarly, a shelter system's level of protection from ballistic threats has obvious ramifications in determining the value of a shelter. Contemporary ballistic protection practices often favor collateral damage control over small group or individual protection as a consequence of the high cost of delivering effective protection at the small group or individual level. A shelter system that reduces the relative cost of protection will have obvious advantages over contemporary shelter practices.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,119 issued to Karst, et al. for CASE-HARDENED PLATE ARMOR AND METHOD OF MAKING, issued on Aug. 15, 1989, describes a case-hardened plate armor that includes a steel plate that is heat treated to provide carbonitride surfaces and a tough, ductile core, with the carbonitride surfaces having a toughness of at least 66, and preferably at least 67, on the Rockwell C scale to prevent surface penetration, and with the tough, ductile core being softer than the carbonitride surfaces to prevent brittle fracture. The steel plate may be made from either rolled homogenous armor which has a final core hardness in the range of 45 to 50 on the Rockwell C scale, or from high-hard armor which has a final core hardness in the range of 52 to 54 on the Rockwell C scale. The steel plate may be made with holes or may be imperforate depending upon weight requirements. The case-hardening of the steel plate is performed by heating in an atmosphere of nitrogen and carbon, quenching of the heated steel plate, thereafter tempering the quenched steel plate, deep freezing of the tempered steel plate, and subsequently again tempering the steel plate after the deep freezing to provide the hard carbonitride surfaces and the softer but tougher and more ductile core.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,106 issued to Bowlware for PORTABLE BALLISTICS BARRIER, issued on Jan. 1, 2011, describes a barrier comprising a body member having a first side, a second side, a front side, a rear side, and one or more cavities within the body member. The body member further has a first overlap portion and a second overlap portion. The first overlap portion extends from the first side adjacent to the front side and spaced apart from the rear side. The second overlap portion extends from the second side adjacent to the rear side and spaced apart from the second side. The second overlap portion is shaped to mate in an overlapping manner with the first overlap portion of an adjacent body member. A barrier wall comprising two or more barriers is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,306 issued to Palicka, et al. for CERAMIC ARMOR AND METHOD OF MAKING BY ENCAPSULATION IN A HOT PRESSED THREE LAYER METAL ASSEMBLY, issued on Jul. 16, 2006, describes a ceramic armor in several embodiments. In a first embodiment, a metal base plate has a metal frame assembled on it having a central opening into which the ceramic material is placed. A cover plate is placed over the frame to enclose the ceramic material on all sides. In a second embodiment, the frame has an open central area that has two crossing walls that define four sub-chambers. Four pieces of ceramic material are placed in the respective sub-chambers and a covering plate is placed over it. In a further embodiment, the frame has a plurality of cavities mechanically formed in it. A ceramic tile or plate is placed in each cavity and a cover plate is placed over the frame. The metal used to encapsulate the ceramic material may, if desired, comprise a Titanium alloy such as Ti-6A1-4V, and the ceramic material may comprise silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, titanium diboride or aluminum nitride. A hot pressing procedure is carried out on the armor to cause the metal to plastically deform about the encapsulated ceramic material.

U.S. Pat. No. 712,605 issued to Shaaber for ARMOR PLATE, issued on Nov. 4, 1902, describes an armor plate of the composite type, preferably cast-steel and formed with chamber-recesses in its outer face, each adapted to receive a series of springs and a piston-plate loosely fitting the recess and serving as a follower plate to distribute the force of a striking projectile. The armor plate is arranged to provide a yielding resistance to the projectile and at the same time deflect it from its course and so impair its penetrating power. The main or base plate therefore includes springs located in one of the chamber recesses formed in it, and small portions only of the piston-plate on the springs and of the cover plate.

German Patent No. DE393195 issued to Grunewald, et al., issued on Dec. 15, 1994, describes panel members adopted to support armor elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelter system having an erecting frame system and a protective skin system. The erecting frame system serves as a mount for the protective skin system and at least partially bears the loading of the protective skin system itself and any forces acting on the protective skin system. The protective skin system provides defensive protection from ballistic threats and protection from the natural elements.

The erecting frame system has at least two A-frame legs and at least one tensioning element, each of the A-frame legs coalescing with at least one other A-frame leg with at least one hinge-type connection. The tensioning element is at least temporarily affixed to each free end of the A-frame legs and is capable of generating a tension force to draw the free ends of the A-frame legs towards one another, thereby lifting the hinge-type connection to a predetermined height above the free end of each A-frame leg. The protective skin system has at least one planar element that occupies at least one side plane, one roof plane, and one end plane of the erecting frame system. The planar element of the protective skin system provides at least a partial barrier from a ballistic threat to a volume behind said planar element. The loading of the protective skin system transfers at least in part first to the erecting frame system and ultimately to the ground surface.

There is often a general disconnect between the most efficient position of the shelter protective element(s) during the assembly stage and in the most effective position of the shelter protective element(s) when serving their protective role. This is especially the case when the protective element(s) are numerous, heavy, or require a process for assembly themselves. The dynamic nature of this invention's erecting frame system facilitates the assembly of this invention's protective skin system to occur when the erecting frame system is in a relatively flat arrangement near the ground surface.

Following the securing and assembly of the protective skin system to the erecting frame system, this frame system is erected into more or less an A-frame arrangement by drawing at least two leg components of the frame system together with a tension force, thereby lifting a central hinge or axle element that links at least two leg components together. This second arrangement is generally more effective in providing protection from ballistic threats as well as protection from the natural elements as an occupiable protected space is established behind and/or below the protective skin system.

This transition from a relatively flat arrangement during assembly to that of a relative A-frame arrangement increases the efficiency in the establishment of fill-based systems as well as more conventional armor panel or plate systems to be used in a protective skin role. In the case of fill based systems, the relatively flat arrangement during the assembly process also provides the opportunity to incorporate more advanced methods for fill-based embodiments of the protective skin system compared to the fill-based practices that have been historically utilized.

One such advanced fill method for the protective skin system involves active compaction of fill within vessel elements; the filled vessel elements then compose the protective skin system. The compaction of the fill occurs when the frame system is in the relatively flat arrangement. Furthermore, the compacted fill procedure may be expanded upon to establish layered strata of compacted fill and internal plate(s). In a preferred embodiment, these plates serve a dual function of providing ballistic protection while also serving as a device to aid in the compaction of the fill during the assembly stage.

However, the protective skin system embodiments that are based on the use of vessel elements are not restricted to fill-based methods in the provision of ballistic protection. Armored inserts options, including, but not restricted to spaced armor inserts, may be inserted into the vessel and utilized where access to fill or assembly time is particularly restricted. The vessel based option for the protective skin also allows for lighter travel, customization of protection, simple upgrades to the protection level, and the use of more conventional armor within the vessel elements should the fill-based options be deemed unsuitable for the mission parameters.

Moreover, the vessel element may be of rigid, semi-rigid, non-rigid, or some combination thereof.

The advantages of the erecting frame system may also be exploited by embodiments of the protective skin system that fall under the category of conventional non-vessel based armor systems. These systems do not use the vessel and protective element pairing; rather, the ballistic protection is provided by more or less conventional plate or panel surface. This surface may comprise multiple constituent plates or panels or it may be a single monolithic plate or panel. It should be noted that conventional non-vessel armor systems may make use of spaced armor arrangements. The utility of the relatively flat arrangement of the erecting frame system during the assembly process also facilitates a more efficient means of establishing more conventional plate or panel based embodiments of the protective skin system.

While one interpretation of protective skin might be that of at least one wall structure that attaches to the erecting frame and serves the role of at least partially shielding a volume therewithin (or behind), the erecting frame may also find use in establishing a protective roof structure to protect from high-trajectory threats. The ability to assemble a protective skin system in a position relatively close to the ground surface and then lift the protective roof structure at the final stages of assembly is also a main role of this invention. In both cases, the utility of this transition of arrangement during the erecting phase of the assembly process is all the more obvious should the armored system be heavy in weight or comprise constituent elements that together are heavy in weight.

The erecting nature of the shelter system may serve other roles that increase the quality of life for those individuals utilizing the shelter. One such example is its utility in raising a container that has been filled with liquid while near the ground surface to a position that provides a pressure head due to its displacement above the ground surface after assembly; this provides useful access to pressurized water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system is substantially flat on the ground surface;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled partially towards one another by the tensioning element;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled towards one another by the tensioning element to create an effective protected volume;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system includes two pairs of A-frame legs connected by hinge elements;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system includes two pairs of A-frame legs connected by hinge elements; each pair is orthogonal to one another;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system includes two pairs of A-frame legs connected by hinge elements;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system includes two pairs of A-frame legs; each pair is orthogonal to one another;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the erecting frame system demonstrating two embodiments of lateral bracing;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of one embodiment of the erecting frame system demonstrating embodiments of lateral bracing; rigid lateral members, a rigid diagonal member, and lateral bracing gussets;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the erecting frame system demonstrating gussets used for lateral bracing;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the erecting frame system demonstrating lateral bracing;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system demonstrating the inclusion of a lateral leg;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system demonstrating the inclusion of two lateral legs, lateral bracing in the form of cross bracing with cable and winch, and a central member;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of two embodiments of the shelter system demonstrating the inclusion of one lateral leg extending from each pair of primary A-frame legs;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein a rigid protective skin system satisfies the role of an A-frame leg;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled partially towards one another by the tensioning element;

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled towards one another by the tensioning element to create an effective protected volume;

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein additional A-frame legs are attached to the primary erecting frame to raise the protected volume above the ground surface;

FIG. 19 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein additional A-frame legs are attached to the primary erecting frame to raise the protected volume above the ground surface;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein additional A-frame legs are attached to the primary erecting frame to raise the protected volume above the ground surface;

FIG. 21 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included;

FIG. 22 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included;

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the central axle is capable of receiving liquid fill;

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the central axle is capable of containing and distributing liquid fill;

FIG. 25 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system primarily comprises a conglomerate of armor plates attached to the erecting frame system;

FIG. 26 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein two potential embodiments of the protective skin system are shown;

FIG. 27 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein end protection planar elements are included;

FIG. 28 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein end protection planar elements are included;

FIG. 29 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the planar element of the protective skin system comprises a composition of adjacent masses;

FIG. 30 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the planar element of the protective skin system comprises a composition of adjacent masses;

FIG. 31 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the planar elements of the protective skin system comprise a composition of adjacent masses;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the planar elements of the protective skin system comprise a composition of adjacent masses;

FIG. 33 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is rigid and adjustable;

FIG. 34 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is a cable;

FIG. 35 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is rigid and adjustable;

FIG. 36 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is a cable;

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system. In this embodiment, the internal ballistic protection element comprises particle fill only;

FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic section view of an assembly process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic section view of an assembly process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic section view of an assembly process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 51 is an axonometric view of a vessel element embodiment on the left and the same vessel element embodiment at least partially sealed by its respective embodiment of the containment system on the right;

FIG. 52 is an axonometric view of a multiple vessel element embodiment of the planar element on the left and an embodiment wherein the multiple vessel elements are at least partially sealed by their own respective containment systems on the right;

FIG. 53 is an axonometric view of a multiple vessel element embodiment of the planar element on the left and an embodiment wherein the multiple vessel elements are at least partially sealed by a single containment system on the right;

FIG. 54 is an axonometric view of two vessel element embodiments on the left and an embodiment wherein the each vessel elements is at least partially sealed by its own respective containment systems on the right;

FIG. 55 is an axonometric view of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 56 is an axonometric view of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 57 is an axonometric view of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system;

FIG. 58 is an elevation view of an erecting frame with saddle embodiment in its more or less flat arrangement;

FIG. 59 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 60 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 61 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 62 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 63 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 64 is a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process;

FIG. 65 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included; and

FIG. 66 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the following detailed description contains specific details for the purposes of illustration, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

The following reference numerals refer to the corresponding elements in the figures.

Reference numeral Element
101               erecting frame system
102               protective skin system
102a              planar element
102b              composition of adjacent masses
102c              end protection planar element
102d              roof protection planar element
103               hinge or pin type connection
103a              axle
103b              hinge element
103c              central member
103d              tethering element
103e              saddle
104               A-frame leg
104a              foot of A-frame leg
104b, 104c        pairs of A-frame legs
104d              bearing
104e              point of coalescence
104f              footing member bearing
104g              skid
104h              wheel
104i              additional A-frame leg
104j              feet of additional a-frame leg
105               tensioning element
105a              cable
105b              winch
105c              rigid tension member
106               lateral bracing
106a              rigid lateral member
106b              rigid diagonal member
106c              cross bracing element
106d              gussets
106e              cables (for lateral bracing)
106f              winch (for lateral bracing)
106g              lateral leg
106h              footing member
107               protected volume
107a              hose
107b              nozzle
108               protective roof structure
108a              rafter element
108b              purlin
108c              shaped roof bearing element
109               vessel element
109a              sidewall
109b              compartment
110               containment system
110a              enclosure element
110b              flange
110c              drawstring
111               internal protection element
111a              particle fill
111b              compartment plate
111c              strata
111d              non-rigid/semi-rigid ballistic armor insert
111e              rigid form
111f              rigid sidewalls
111g              armor insert
111h              armored plate or panel
111i              spaced armor insert
111j              volume displacing object
111k              spacing element
112a              armor plate (no vessel)
112b              spaced armor assembly (no vessel)
112c              spacing element
112d              volume displacing object

The shelter comprises an erecting frame system 101 and a protective skin system 102. The erecting frame system has at least two A-frame legs and at least one tensioning element, each of the A-frame legs coalescing with at least one other A-frame leg with at least one hinge-type connection. The tensioning element is at least temporarily affixed to each free end of the A-frame legs and is capable of generating a tension force to draw the free ends of the A-frame legs towards one another, thereby lifting the hinge-type connection to a predetermined height above the free end of each A-frame leg. The protective skin system has at least one planar element that occupies at least one side plane, one roof plane, and one end plane of the erecting frame system. The planar element of the protective skin system provides at least a partial barrier from a ballistic threat to a volume behind said planar element. The loading of the protective skin system transfers at least in part first to the erecting frame system and ultimately to the ground surface.

The Erecting Frame System

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the erecting frame system is substantially flat on the ground surface. A skid is included at the foot of each A-frame leg. The erecting frame 101 comprises at least one axle 103a or hinge element 103b, at least two A-frame legs 104, and at least one tensioning element 105. At least one A-frame leg coalesces with at least one other A-frame leg with a hinge or pin type connection 103. The tensioning element 105 affixes to each A-frame leg 104 proximate the free end of each A-frame leg 104a and provides a means of drawing the free ends of the paired A-frame legs 104a together via a tension force. The free end of the A-frame leg 104a may also be referred to as the ‘foot’ of the A-frame leg 104a. The intention of this arrangement is to facilitate the lifting of the axle or hinged element 103a, 103b to a greater height above the feet 104a of the A-frame leg pair(s), as said feet within each pair of A-frame legs 104a are drawn together. In consequence, there is a transformation of a relatively flat framed structure 101 as shown in FIG. 1 to that of an A-frame or other related volumetric structure 101 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In one embodiment, the hinge or pin type connection 103 comprises an axle 103a and at least one bearing 104d; in an alternate embodiment, the hinge or pin type connection 103 comprises a hinge element 103b.

In a preferred embodiment, the erecting frame further comprises at least two pairs of A-frame legs 104b, 104c and a central axle 103a that is at least in part more or less cylindrical in form; the upper extent of each of the A-frame legs has a circular opening 104d that serves as a bearing for said axle component 103a.

In one embodiment, the erecting frame system further comprises a saddle 103e; the saddle is any mass placed below the central axle component in order to position the central axle above the ground surface and initially facilitates the correct direction for displacement of the axle above the ground during the erecting process.

In an alternate embodiment, the erecting frame further comprises a central member 103c in place of said central axle 103a, wherein the ability of the legs 104 to be drawn together is facilitated by the provision of a hinge element 103b in place of an axle 103a and bearing arrangement 104d.

The preferred embodiment of the tensioning element 105 comprises a cable 105a and winch 105b combination between each pair of A-frame legs 105; each end of said cable 105a is at least temporarily secured to the foot 104a of each leg in a pair of legs 104b, 104c. In an alternate embodiment of the tensioning element 105, a rigid tension member 105c is either used in place of said cable 105a during the tensioning process or is at least fastened in place of the cable 105a following the legs 104 being drawn together; said rigid tension member 105a may be adjustable in length.

In a preferred embodiment, lateral bracing 106 is provided between the pairs of A-frame legs 104b, 104c when there is a multiplicity of A-frame leg pairs 104b, 104c.

In one embodiment of the lateral bracing 106, at least one rigid lateral member 106a runs orthogonally from one pair of A-frame legs 104b to that of another offset pair of A-frame legs 104c. Said rigid lateral member 106a may be housed in the A-frame legs 104 at the points of connection with said A-frame legs 104 or the rigid later member 106a may be fixed or fastened to the A-frame legs at the point of connection with said A-frame legs 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, there are shown plan views and elevation views of one embodiment of the erecting frame system demonstrating embodiments of lateral bracing; rigid lateral members, a rigid diagonal member, and lateral bracing gussets. This embodiment also includes two pairs of A-frame legs; each pair is more or less parallel and offset to the other and the two pairs of A-frame legs are connected by a central axle. Gussets are used for lateral bracing. This embodiment also includes two pairs of A-frame legs. Each pair is substantially parallel and offset to the other and the two pairs of A-frame legs are connected by a central axle.

FIG. 11 illustrates the erecting frame system demonstrating lateral bracing. Rigid lateral members and a rigid diagonal member are shown in this figure. This embodiment also includes two pairs of A-frame legs, each pair being substantially parallel and offset to the other. The two pairs of A-frame legs are connected by a central axle.

FIG. 12 demonstrates the inclusion of a lateral leg. A partial range of motion of the hinge element is demonstrated by two A-frame legs shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 13 illustrates the inclusion of two lateral legs, lateral bracing in the form of cross bracing with cable and winch, and a central member. The elevation has cut-lines. The remainder of the erecting frame system would be substantially symmetrical to what is shown in the figure. The lateral legs are shown to be linked together with a tensioning element at their respective feet. The lateral legs form their own A-frame.

Methods to provide further rigidity to the lateral bracing 106 include but are not limited to the following further embodiments of the lateral bracing: at least one rigid diagonal member 106b extending from the point of contact of one A-frame leg 104b and one rigid lateral member 106a to the point of contact of an offset and parallel A-frame leg 104c and one other lateral member 106a parallel to the first lateral member as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, lateral cross bracing, wherein each cross bracing element 106c more or less aligned in a manner described in the arrangement of said rigid diagonal member 106b embodiment except that at least two lateral cross bracing elements 106c more or less form an ‘x’ pattern as shown in FIG. 13, and/or gussets 106d located at the intersection of the rigid lateral member 106a with the A-frame legs 104b, 104c as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In one further embodiment of the lateral cross-bracing, the lateral cross bracing 106c comprises two cables 106e with at least one winch 106f to provide a tension force.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral bracing 106 may serve an additional role as a support and/or attachment point for the protective skin system 102.

In an alternate embodiment, the A-frame pairs 104b, 104c are laterally braced by at least one lateral leg 106g extending from more or less the point of coalescence of the two primary A-frame legs 104e to the ground surface; this at least one lateral leg 106g is oriented more or less perpendicular to the primary paired A-frame legs 104 if viewed in plan. The foot of each lateral leg may be connected to the foot of at least one other foot of a leg, be it a lateral leg 106g or a primary A-frame leg 104, to provide stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-36, there are shown elevation views of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is rigid and adjustable. The vessel element compartments and the lateral bracing of the erecting frame system are in part represented by phantom lines, indicating their positions behind the containment system of the protective skin system.

FIG. 34 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is a cable. Strapping is present indicating that a tethering element is at least partially suspending the protective skin system on the erecting frame structure.

FIG. 35 illustrates the protective skin system comprising at least one non-rigid vessel element. The tensioning element is rigid and adjustable.

FIG. 36 shows the tensioning element being a cable. One side plane of the protective skin system includes a double layer of planar elements that do not completely occupy the side plane of the erecting frame system. The compartments within each layer are of different dimensions. At least one tethering element is at least partially suspending the protective skin system on the erecting frame structure. This figure also demonstrates an embodiment with a ‘fox hole’ being utilized in conjunction with the shelter system.

In one embodiment, at least one rigid lateral member runs orthogonally from the foot of each A-frame leg 104a and connects to the foot of at least one other A-frame leg 104a as shown in FIGS. 33, 34, 35, and 36. In this embodiment, said rigid lateral member 106a may serve as a footer support for a protective skin system 102 as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35 and may be referred to as a footing member 106h. In a preferred embodiment of the footing member 106h, the foot of each A-frame leg 104a has a circular opening 104f that serves as a bearing for at least one footing member 106h as shown in FIG. 33. This footing member 106h may take the form of a lower axle.

In an alternate embodiment, the protective skin system 102 is at least in part secured in place by at least one tethering element 102a that straddles a central member 103c or a central axle 103a as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two pairs of A-frame legs 104b, 104c, are substantially parallel to, and offset from, one another as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11.

In a preferred embodiment, the foot of at least one A-frame leg 104a and/or lateral leg 106g has a skid element 104g. The skid element reduces friction between the ground surface and the erecting frame system 101 during the tensioning process. In one embodiment of the skid element 104g, the skid element 104g is attached to the lower axle 106h in a pin type connection, thereby permitting the skid element to remain oriented more or less normal to the plane of the ground surface even as the A-frame legs 104 are drawn together via the tensioning element during the erecting process; this characteristic is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, there are shown elevation views of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled partially towards one another by the tensioning element. A wheel is present at the foot of each A-frame leg.

FIG. 17 illustrates feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system pulled towards one another by the tensioning element to create an effective protected volume. At least one wheel 104h is at least temporarily attached to at least one foot of an A-frame 104a leg in the erecting frame system 101 and assists in reducing the friction between the ground surface and the erecting frame system 101 during movement and more specifically during the tensioning process. In one embodiment, each wheel 104h is positioned such that it breaks contact with the ground surface as the feet of the A-frame legs 104a are drawn together and reach a desired angle with the ground surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, there are shown elevation views of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the central axle is capable of receiving liquid fill. FIG. 23 demonstrates the initial stage of the erecting process. The central axle is being filled while the erecting frame system is substantially flat.

FIG. 24 shows that the central axle is capable of containing and distributing liquid fill. This figure demonstrates the final stage of the erecting process. A pressure head has been established relative to the protected volume below. The central axle 103a is at least partially hollow and capable of containing liquid fill. The central axle 103a is also capable of receiving and distributing liquid fill via a hose 107a and/or nozzle 107b apparatus as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The central axle 103a may be filled with said liquid while the central axle 103a is in relative close proximity with the ground surface. As the feet of the A-frame legs 104a are drawn together and the central axle 103a is in turn raised off of the ground surface, a relative pressure head is established to facilitate a source of pressurized liquid for use at least in the protected volume 107 below or behind the protective skin system 102.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two additional A-frame legs 104i of similar arrangement to the primary A-frame legs 104 may be at least temporarily affixed to the foot of each A-frame leg 104a within the primary A-frame leg pairs 104. The additional pairs of A-frame legs 104i serve to raise the protected volume 107 off the ground surface by drawing the feet of each pair of additional A-frame legs 104j together with a tensioning element more or less in the same manner used to erect the primary A-frame legs 104 as shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20. These additional A-frame legs 104i may remain in place for the extent of a shelter system's deployment or they may be used to temporarily raise a shelter system above of the ground surface while another unspecified supporting structure is constructed below. This technique of attaching additional pairs of A-frame legs 104i to the foot of each A-frame leg 104a, 104j that is in contact with the ground surface may be repeated to raise the protected space 107 to greater and greater heights.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, there are shown elevation views of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included. The protective skin system is provided on the roof plane. FIG. 21 demonstrates the initial stage of the erecting process. The protective skin system has been assembled while the entire erecting frame system is substantially flat.

FIG. 22 includes a protective roof structure. The protective skin system is provided on the roof plane. This figure demonstrates the final stage of the erecting process. The protective skin system has established a protected volume below. A protective roof structure 108 may be affixed to the member 103c or the central axle 103a as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. In one embodiment of the protective roof structure 108, the protective roof structure 108 comprises: a multiplicity of rafter elements 108a extending laterally from and affixed to the central axle 103a, purlins 108b extending laterally from and affixed to at least two rafter elements 108a that are offset one from the other, and a protective skin system 102 at least partially occupying the plane between the rafter elements 108 and resting on and/or affixed to said purlin elements 108b.

Referring now to FIGS. 65 and 66, there are shown elevation views of the shelter system wherein a protective roof structure is included. The protective skin system is provided on the roof plane. FIG. 65 demonstrates an embodiment of the erecting frame system wherein the rafter elements and purlins of the protective roof structure and the A-frame legs and the rigid lateral members of the primary A-frame leg assembly utilize similar, if not identical, components respectively. An embodiment of the shaped roof bearing element is shown. A floor surface above the tensioning element is also illustrated.

FIG. 66 also includes the protective roof structure. The protective skin system is provided on the roof plane. This figure demonstrates an embodiment of the erecting frame system wherein the rafter elements and purlins of the protective roof structure and the A-frame legs and the rigid lateral members of the primary A-frame leg assembly utilize similar, if not identical, components respectively. The rigid lateral members are revealed due to the absence of a planar element occupying the side plane of the erecting frame system.

In a preferred embodiment of the protective roof structure 108, the rafter element 108a further comprises a shaped roof bearing element 108c affixed to the central axle 103a and at least two rafter members 108a affixed to and extending from opposite extents of the shaped roof bearing element 108c and coalescing at their other extreme ends. The shaped roof bearing element 108c may be of a pin type connection or a moment resistant connection; in either case, the protective roof structure 108 may be able to rotate given the pin-type connection of the central axle 103a and the primary A-frame legs 104. In a further preferred embodiment of the rafter members 108a, the rafter members 108a are more or less identical in construction as the A-frame legs components 104 and the purlins 108b are more or less identical to the ridged lateral members 106a.

In an alternate embodiment, rigid protective skin system 102 serves the same role as and is substantially the same component as the A-frame leg component 104 as shown in FIG. 15.

The Protective Skin System

The protective skin system 102 comprises at least one planar element 102a or a composition of adjacent masses 102b arranged in such a manner so as to compose a planar element 102b; said at least one planar element 102a is more or less concordant with and occupying at least one side plane, roof plane, and/or end plane of the erecting frame system 101.

A side plane of the erecting frame system 101 may be defined as a plane more or less concordant with and/or occupying the plane between at least two A-frame legs 104 of at least two distinct pairs of A-frame legs 104 of the erecting A-frame structure 101.

An end plane of the erecting frame system 101 may be defined as a plane more or less concordant with and/or occupying the plane between two legs of a constituent pair of A-frame legs 104a and the ground surface;

A roof plane of the erecting frame system 101 may be defined as a plane more or less concordant with the ground surface and more or less of a similar elevation above the ground surface as is the hinge-type connection point 104e of at least two primary A-frame legs 104;

The role of the protective skin system 102 is to shield the protected volume 107 of the shelter by providing a barrier that at least partially fills said side plane, roof plane, and/or end plane. The protected volume 107 may be defined as a volume behind and/or below the planar element 102a, 102b. As a consequence, the planar element 102a, 102b must be capable of at least partially mitigating a common ballistic threat and/or providing general protection from the natural elements for protected volume 107. For the sake of delineation (for the purpose of this invention), a common ballistic threat may be defined at minimum as shrapnel from indirect fire and rifle rounds from direct fire. Therefore, the protective skin system 102 at least in part comprises materials of dimension and form capable of providing an at least partial barrier from a ballistic threat and/or the natural elements. The protective skin system 102 at least in part rests upon or is supported by the erecting frame system 101. The loading of and on the protective skin system 102 is transferred at least in part first to the erecting frame system 101 and ultimately to the ground surface.

In one embodiment, the protective skin system 102 may be fastened at least temporarily to the erecting frame system 101. In one embodiment, the protective skin system 102 may be at least in part formed with or molded to the erecting frame system 101. In one embodiment, the protective skin system 102 may be at least in part an independent component or an independent set of components from the erecting frame system 101.

Vessel and Internal Ballistic Protective Element Embodiments

In a preferred embodiment, the planar element 102a, 102b of the protective skin system comprises at least one vessel element 109, a containment system 110, and at least one internal ballistic protection element 111. The vessel element 109, containment system 110 and/or the internal ballistic protection element 111 may be constructed of a wide range of materials, including those that are non-rigid, semi-rigid, rigid, or any combination thereof.

The vessel 109 and internal ballistic protection element 111 based embodiments of the protective skin system allow for non-fill based internal ballistic protection element 111 embodiments as shown in FIGS. 48-50 and/or fill based internal ballistic protection element 111 embodiments as shown in FIGS. 37-46 and 59-64 to utilize the same vessel element system for containment. The choice of, and the swapping of, internal ballistic protection element 111 embodiments can be tailored to deployment environment(s) and mission parameters. The vessel 109 and internal ballistic protection element 111 based system also allows for efficient upgrading of the internal ballistic protection element 111.

In one embodiment, a multiplicity of contiguous vessel elements 109 with their respective internal ballistic protection element(s) 111 and respective containment system(s) 110 compose at least one planar element 109b of the protective skin system 109 as shown in FIG. 52.

Referring now to FIG. 36, there is shown an elevation view of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system comprises at least one non-rigid vessel element and the tensioning element is more or less a cable. One side plane of the protective skin system includes a double layer of planar elements that do not completely occupy the side plane of the erecting frame system. The compartments within each layer are of different dimensions. At least one tethering element is at least partially suspending the protective skin system on the erecting frame structure. This figure also demonstrates an embodiment with a ‘fox hole’ being utilized in conjunction with the shelter system.

A single vessel 109 element with its respective internal ballistic protection element(s) 111 and respective containment system 110 compose at least one planar element 102a of the protective skin system 102. In an alternate embodiment, the protective skin system 102 comprises multiple layers of vessel elements 109.

The Vessel Element

The vessel element 109 comprises a multiplicity of sidewalls 109a. The length and thickness of each sidewall 109a may be different or similar to each of the other sidewalls 109a; the depth of each sidewall 109a should be approximately equal to each of the other sidewalls 109a. Each sidewall 109a attaches to at least two other sidewalls 109a; the outer perimeter of the attached sidewalls 109a forms at least one closed shape when view in plan and establishes an internal volume. This internal volume may be referred to as a compartment 109b.

Referring now to FIGS. 51-57, there are shown axonometric views of a vessel element embodiment on the left and the same vessel element embodiment at least partially sealed by its respective embodiment of the containment system on the right. A vessel element has elongated compartments and an enclosure element with side skirting and fastening.

FIGS. 55, 56, and 57 show a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system. The containment system includes a drawstring activated enclosure element that at least partially seals the compartment opening. Two enclosure elements are shown open with a slack drawstring at least partially revealing the internal ballistic protection element within the compartments. Additional compartments of a single planar surface of the protective skin system are shown in phantom lines.

In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall 109a arrangement of the vessel element 109 comprises at least two sets of parallel side walls 109a. In a preferred embodiment, a multiplicity of parallel sidewalls 109a runs perpendicular to and intersects with a multiplicity of parallel sidewalls 109a to form a grid pattern as shown in FIG. 53. The number, geometric size, and shape of the compartments 109b are determined by the number of sidewalls 109a in each parallel set. FIGS. 51-57, demonstrate several potential embodiments of the vessel element 109; the number, proportions and arrangements of compartments 109b within each vessel is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 51-57.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the rigid protective skin system has at least one vessel sidewall 109a of a vessel element 109 serving the same role as and is more or less the same component as the A-frame leg component 104.

The vessel element 109 is complemented by a containment system 110 comprising at least one enclosure element 110a. An enclosure element 110a is at least one more or less planar enclosure more or less oriented on the plane of an opening established by a vessel element's sidewalls 109a; the enclosure element 110a is of an appropriate dimensional area to at least partially and at least temporarily seal at least one opening of at least one compartment 109b within at least one vessel element 109. In a preferred embodiment, the seal between the vessel sidewalls 109a and each enclosure element 110a is of an appropriate tolerance to prevent the leaking or removal of the respective internal ballistic protection element 111.

Referring now to FIGS. 48-51, there are shown diagrammatic section views of an assembly process. In this embodiment, the internal ballistic protection element comprises at least one armor insert. A spaced armor insert is being placed within a compartment. The internal ballistic protection element comprises at least one armor insert. In FIG. 49, spaced armor inserts have been placed within each compartment and an enclosure surface is being placed to seal the vessel element. FIG. 50 illustrates a planar element of the protective skin system in the initial stages of being repositioned by the erecting frame system.

The containment system 110 further comprises two enclosure elements 110a. One element 110a seals the top opening(s) and one element 110a seals the bottom opening(s) of at least one vessel element 109. In one embodiment, the enclosure elements 110a are temporarily fastened one 110a to another 110a, to sandwich the vessel element 109 in-between as shown in FIG. 51.

The enclosure elements 110a are at least temporarily attached to, or formed with, at least one sidewall 109a. Methods for securing each enclosure element 110a include but are not limited to cable, draw cord, cinch, strap, hinge and/or clasping hardware, sewing, zippering, Velcro-type bond, and tape fastenings. In a preferred embodiment, at least one enclosure element 110a may be at least temporarily removed or opened to allow access to the compartment(s) 109b.

Referring now to FIGS. 51-53, there are shown axonometric views of a vessel element embodiment on the left and the same vessel element embodiment at least partially sealed by its respective embodiment of the containment system on the right. A vessel element with elongated compartments and an enclosure element with side skirting and fastening is illustrated.

Two enclosure elements 110a are fastened to enclose at least one vessel element 109 as shown in FIG. 51. In an alternate embodiment, a multiplicity of vessel elements 109 are enclosed by at least two enclosure elements 110a as shown in FIG. 53. In an alternate embodiment, there is at least one distinct enclosure element 110a per compartment 109b.

Enclosure element 110a may serve the additional role of protecting the vessel element 109 from the natural elements.

In one embodiment, the enclosure element 110a additionally comprises and is held in place by at least one flange 110b running orthogonally off of at least one of the enclosure element's 110a perimeter edges as shown in FIG. 51. Depending on the number and location of the flanges 110b, the flange(s) 110b may fasten to, be wedged, contiguous with, formed with, or fastened into the inside surface of at least one sidewall 109a, or the outside surface of at least one sidewall 109a of the vessel element 109. In a further embodiment, there are an equal number of flanges 110b attached to each enclosure element 110a as there are perimeter sides in a single vessel element 109 as shown in FIG. 51 or contiguous multiplicity of vessel elements 109 as shown in FIG. 53. Flange(s) 110b may be referred to as side-skirts 110b or containment side skirting 110b.

Referring now to FIG. 59, there is shown a diagrammatical section view of a compartment of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system and its associated filling process. In this figure, an empty vessel element and containment system is shown in a partially slackened state. At least one enclosure element 110a may be permanently fastened to, formed with, or molded to the vessel element 109 to form a homogenous element.

Referring now to FIG. 49, there is shown a diagrammatic section view of an assembly process used in one embodiment of the protective skin system. In this embodiment, the internal ballistic protection element comprises at least one armor insert. Spaced armor inserts have been placed within each compartment and an enclosure surface is being placed to seal the vessel element. At least one enclosure element 110a may be its own distinct component partially attached to or temporarily independent of the vessel element's sidewalls 109a.

Referring now to FIGS. 56 and 59-64, there are shown an axonometric view and diagrammatical section views of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system. The containment system includes a drawstring activated enclosure element that at least partially seals the compartment opening. Two enclosure elements are shown open with a slack drawstring, one at least partially revealing the vacant compartment and one at least partially revealing the internal ballistic protection element within the compartment. Additional compartments of a single planar surface of the protective skin system are shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 59 shows an empty vessel element and containment system in a partially slackened state.

FIG. 60 illustrates an empty vessel element and containment system spread out ready to receive a rigid form. The drawstring of the enclosure element has been almost completely loosened and a compartment plate is resting within the compartment and upon the bottom enclosure element.

FIG. 61 shows the rigid mold within the compartment has been partially filled with particle fill and an additional compartment plate is positioned to be placed on top of said particle fill.

FIG. 62 shows the rigid mold within the compartment has been partially filled with particle fill and an additional compartment plate has been placed on top of said particle fill. a compactive force is being applied to the compartment plate in an effort to compact the particle fill below.

FIG. 63 shows the rigid mold within the compartment being removed following the establishment of compacted particle fill and plate strata within the compartment.

FIG. 64 shows the rigid mold within the compartment has been removed and the drawstring of the enclosure element has been cinched tight in order to at least partially seal the compartment opening with the top compartment plate.

The bottom enclosure element is sewn to the sidewalls 109a and/or is of the same seamless piece of material as at least one of the sidewalls 109a; the top enclosure element 110a comprises a surface with an drawstring-type or elastic-type opening 110c that may be quickly opened for the insertion of the internal ballistic protection element 111; the top enclosure surface 110a opening may then be constricted in order to more or less contain and at least partially envelope said internal ballistic protection element 111.

Referring now to FIG. 57, there is shown an axonometric view of a non-rigid vessel element based embodiment of the protective skin system. The containment system includes a drawstring activated enclosure element that at least partially seals the compartment opening; a second enclosure element covers all compartments of the planar element. Multiple enclosure elements 110a may be disposed per compartment 109b opening.

The Internal Ballistic Protection Element

The internal ballistic protective element 111 is at least one object, of any material, that partially or fully fills the compartment 109b of the vessel element 109, and is capable of mitigating a relevant ballistic threat.

In one embodiment, the internal ballistic protective element 111 comprises synthetic elements, such as composite or homogenous plates, blocking or spacer elements, fabrics, fiber plastics, fiber composites, ceramics, particle fill or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the internal ballistic protective element 111 comprises naturally occurring organic and/or mineral elements, in the form of blocking elements, and/or particle fill.

In one embodiment, the internal ballistic protective element 111 comprises some combination of synthetic and naturally occurring elements.

Particle Fill Based Embodiments

In a preferred embodiment, the internal ballistic protective element 111 is a combination of particle fill 111a and at least one compartment plate 111b. The face area of said compartment plate 111b should be similar in shape to the compartment 109b opening when viewed in plan; the compartment 109b opening should be of a slightly larger area than that of the face area of the compartment plate 111b, thereby allowing the compartment 109b to receive at least one compartment plate 111b.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-43, there are shown diagrammatic section views of sequential steps in the filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system. Particle fill is being added to the compartments, compartment plates are being added to the compartments and placed above the layer of particle fill, a compactive force is being applied to the compartment plates to compact the layer of particle fill below, particle fill is being added to the compartments above the previous compacted later of particle fill and compartment plate, and a non-rigid or semi-rigid armor insert has also been added to one compartment. A compactive force is again applied to the compartment plates to compact the layer(s) of particle fill below. Once strata have been established within the compartments, an enclosure surface is placed to seal the vessel element. Then a planar element of the protective skin system is in the initial stages of being repositioned by the erecting frame system. At least one compartment plate 111b is used for the compaction of the particle fill 111a during the internal ballistic protection element 111 assembly process as shown in FIGS. 37-43. Compaction increases density and consequently improves the ballistic protection performance per volume of the compartment 109b. A more or less measured compaction process may be utilized to establish a more uniform density of compacted particle fill 111a among multiple vessel element compartments. A multiplicity of vessel element compartments 109b combined with the compaction process may assist with preventing settlement and uneven levels of protection within the protective skin system 102.

Referring now to FIG. 41, there is shown a diagrammatic section view of a filling process used to establish strata within a vessel element compartment in one embodiment of the protective skin system. In this figure, a compactive force is being applied to the compartment plates to compact the layer(s) of particle fill below. In a preferred embodiment, at least one individual or piece of equipment applies at least one force to the compartment plate 111b that is positioned above the particle fill 111a within at least one vessel element compartment 109b. This force may be referred to as a compactive force. In this embodiment, the compartment plate 111b is rigid, thereby facilitating the distribution of the compactive force(s) to approximately the entire area of a compartment 109b when viewed in plan. This compactive force is more or less maximized if the vessel element 109 is laying more or less flat on the ground surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 41, multiple applications of compactive force are applied periodically through the filling process. The increase in density of the internal ballistic protection element 111 as a result of this method of compaction inherently makes the protective skin system 102 heavier per its unit volume.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an elevation view of an embodiment of the shelter system wherein the feet of the A-frame legs of the erecting frame system have been pulled towards one another by the tensioning element to create an effective protected volume. A skid is included at the foot of each A-frame leg. As a consequence, the forces required to arrange the protective skin system 102 into a position to provide effective protection, that is generally a position not lying flat on the ground surface become greater. These forces may be referred to as arrangement forces. The arrangement forces may become an imposition, especially if the means to establish the proper positioning of the protective skin system 102 is restricted to the establishment forces generated by an individual. Given this relationship, the mechanical assistance by the erecting frame system 101 provides significant utility in overcoming the common weight-to-ballistic protection performance conundrum.

In one embodiment, the compartment plate 111b may be removed following the fill and compaction process. In a preferred embodiment, the compartment plate 111b may remain in the compartment to serve the additional role of increasing ballistic protection performance of the protective skin system 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-43 and 59-64, alternating compacted particle fill 111a layers and compartment plates 111b are established. These alternating layers may be referred to as strata 111c. In a preferred embodiment of this strata 111c construction, strata 111c are established by leaving at least one compartment plate 111b between layers of compacted particle fill 111a as each successive layer of particle fill is added to the compartment. This strata 111c arrangement is advantageous for ballistic protection performance in that it induces the deformation of ballistic threats and it absorbs at least part of the kinetic energy of the ballistic threat as the ballistic threat proceeds through successive layers of compartment plate 111b and particle fill 111a.

In an alternate embodiment of the strata 111c arrangement, at least one non-rigid and/or semi-rigid layer of ballistic material 111d of similar shape and area of the compartment 109b when viewed in plan are deposited with or in place of the compartment plate 111b used for compaction. The non-rigid and/or semi-rigid layer of ballistic material 111d may be referred to as a non-rigid or semi-rigid ballistic armor insert 111d.

In embodiments with non-rigid, and/or semi-rigid vessel sidewalls 109b, a rigid form 111e may be at least temporarily inserted into a compartment 109b to improve the efficiency of the compaction process and to form the compacted particle fill 111a into the prescribed shape of the compartment 109b as shown in FIGS. 59-64. The rigid form 111e comprises a multiplicity of rigid sidewalls 111f with a top and bottom opening. In its preferred embodiment, when viewed in plan, the rigid form 111e may be more or less similar in shape dimension to the vessel element compartment 109b; the area established by the interior perimeter of the rigid form's rigid sidewalls 111f is slightly larger than the area created by the outer perimeter of the compartment plate 111b used for compaction, thereby allowing the rigid form 111e to receive at least one compartment plate 111b. In one embodiment, the rigid form 111e is removed from the compartment 109b following the filling process; in this embodiment, the height of the rigid form sidewalls 111f may be greater than that of the vessel element sidewalls 109a to allow for easier removal of the rigid form 111e from the compartment 109b. In an alternate embodiment, the rigid form 111f remains within a compartment 109b following the filling process; in this embodiment, the height of the rigid form's sidewalls 111f may be more or less equal to that of the vessel element sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the force of at least one individual repetitively jumping upon compartment plate 111b that is located above the particle fill 111a within the compartment 109b provides the compaction effort to establish at least one layer within the strata 111c. In one embodiment, moisture and/or a cementitious additive is added to the particle fill 111a during the compaction process.

In an alternate embodiment, strata 111c of particle fill and at least one compartment plate is established without any distinct compaction effort made on the particle fill 111a. The particle fill 111a may be natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-46, particle fill 111c alone is added to at least one compartment 109b without a compartment plate 111b component and without a prescribed compaction process. The particle fill 111a may be natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof.

Non-Particle Fill Based Embodiments

An alternate embodiment of the internal ballistic protection element 111 comprises at least one armor insert 111g. The armor insert 111g comprises at least one armored plate or panel 111h. The outer perimeter of said plate or panel 111h is roughly similar in shape and dimension to that of the interior perimeter of a compartment 109b. At least one plate or panel 111h is placed into a compartment 109b and occupies at least a fraction of the internal volume thereof. The at least one plate or panel 111h is primarily responsible for providing ballistic threat mitigation.

In one embodiment, the armor insert 111g comprises a spaced armor insert 111i; that is to say, multiple armored plates or panels 111h are offset from one another either by a void space and/or by a volume displacing object or group of objects 111j. A ballistic threat and its path will deform and at least partially lose its kinetic energy as it passes through said offset plates or panels 111h in series.

In one embodiment of the spaced armor 111i arrangement, at least one spacing element 111k is used to provide the offset gap between each layer. The form and composition of the spacing element 111k in this embodiment of the internal protective element may include but is not limited to: orthogonally-aligned-rods and/or interstitial-framing of any form, shape and arrangement, that making contact with at least two armored plates 111h, provides the offset between said armored plates 111h.

Use of Conventional Non-Vessel-Based Armor Systems

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, there are shown elevation views of the shelter system wherein the protective skin system primarily comprises a conglomerate of armor plates attached to the erecting frame system. Two potential embodiments of the protective skin system are shown. On the side plane to the left, the protective skin system primarily comprises a conglomerate of armor plates attached to the erecting frame system. On the side plane to the right, the protective skin system primarily comprises a conglomerate of spaced armor assemblies attached to the erecting frame system.

Planar element 102a, 102b of the protective skin system 102 comprises an armor plate 112a based system not necessarily requiring a vessel element 109 for containment. This armored plate 112a based system comprises at least one armored plate 112a. In one embodiment, the protective skin system 102 comprises a multiplicity of armored plates 112a more or less arranged concordantly to one another as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. The composition of the armor plates 112a may include, but is not limited to, hardened steel, composite ceramic armor, fiber plastics, fiber composites, metal alloy, rigid or semi-rigid synthetic fibers, and/or other manufactured armor system, or some combination thereof. An alternate embodiment of the armored plate 112a based system comprises at least one spaced armor assembly 112b. The spaced armor assembly 112b comprises at least two layers of armored plates 112a being offset one from another by a spacing element 112c. The spacing element 112c comprises at least one volume displacing object or feature 112d that more or less establishes a void space between at least two armored plates 112a. In one embodiment, the volume displacing object 112d comprises interstitial framing between at least two armored plates or panels 112a. In this layered embodiment, a ballistic threat must penetrate successive layers of armor plate 112a and space; this spaced armor assembly 112b is at least in part supported by and/or affixed to the erecting A-frame structure.

One advantage of employing the erecting frame system 101 with armor plate 112a, 112b based embodiments of the protective skin system 101 is that the individual armor plates 112a, being lighter pieces of a heavier conglomerate, may be efficiently stored, transported and then assembled on the more or less flat erecting frame system 101. The erecting frame system 101 facilities the lifting of the heavier conglomerate of armor plates 112a, 112b in to a functional barrier through the mechanical advantage of the tension force used to draw the feet of the A-frame legs 104a towards one another.

End Protection Elements

In one embodiment, the protective skin system 102 comprises at least one end protection planar element 102c. The end protection planar element 102c occupies the plane more or less concordant with and/or at least partially occupying an end plane. The end protection planar elements 102c may more or less take the form of a triangular, rhomboid, or other appropriate shape as a single element or as a composition of elements, which in all other characteristics outside of shape and dimension is/are similar in nature and in construction to the protective skin system 102 embodiments hereinabove described. In embodiments of the erecting frame system 101 comprising at least one lateral leg 106g, the end plane of the erecting frame system 101 may be further defined as a plane more or less concordant with and/or occupying the plane between at least one primary A-frame leg 104, at least one lateral leg 106g, and the ground surface.

Modularity

Multiple sets of erecting frame systems 101 and their respective protective skin systems 102 may be arranged in a modular fashion in order to create a larger contiguous protected space 107. In one modular arrangement embodiment, the erecting frame systems 101 are arranged more or less end plane to end plane.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claim.

Claims

1. A shelter system comprising:

a) an erecting frame system comprising at least two A-frame legs and at least one tensioning element, said A-frame legs each comprising at least one elongated structural member, each of said A-frame legs coalescing with at least one other A-frame leg with at least one hinge-type connection, said tensioning element being at least temporarily affixed to each free end of said at least two A-frame legs, said tensioning element comprising at least one substantially elongated structural element capable of generating a tension force to draw said free ends of said at least two A-frame legs towards one another, thereby at least temporarily lifting said hinge type connection to a predetermined height above said free end of each A-frame leg; and

b) a protective skin system comprising at least one planar element, said at least one planar element occupying at least one side plane, one roof plane, and one end plane of the erecting frame system, said side plane of the erecting frame system being defined as a plane occupying the plane between at least two A-frame legs of at least two distinct pairs of A-frame legs of the erecting A-frame structure, said end plane of the erecting frame system being defined as a plane occupying the plane between two legs of a constituent pair of A-frame legs and the ground surface, said roof plane being defined as a plane concordant with the ground surface and of a similar elevation above the ground surface as said hinge-type connection point of at least two A-frame legs, said planar element of the protective skin system providing at least a partial barrier from a ballistic threat to a volume behind said planar element, the loading of said protective skin system being transferred at least in part first to the erecting frame system and ultimately to the ground surface.

2. The shelter system of claim 1, wherein the erecting frame system further comprises at least two offset and parallel pairs of A-frame legs and at least one cylindrical central axle and wherein the upper extent of each A-frame leg has at least one circular opening that functions as a bearing for said at least one axle component, said at least one axle component and said at least one circular opening forming the hinge-type connection, said at least one axle component extending between said at least two pairs of A-frame legs.

3. The shelter system of claim 2, wherein the central axle is at least partially hollow and capable of containing liquid fill, and said axle being capable of receiving and distributing liquid fill, the central axle being filled with said liquid while the central axle is proximate the ground surface so that, as the A-frame legs are drawn together via the tensioning element and the central axle is raised off of the ground surface, a relative pressure head is established to facilitate a source of pressurized liquid for use in at least the protected volume thereinbelow.

4. The shelter system of claim 1, wherein the erecting frame further comprises at least two offset pairs of A-frame legs and at least one central member, said central member extending from the point of coalescence of two A-frame legs in a pair to the point of coalescence of two A-frame legs in at least one other pair of A-frame legs.

5. The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising at least one skid element at least temporarily fastened to the free end of at least one A-frame leg in order to reduce friction between the ground surface and the erecting frame during the tensioning process.

6. The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising at least one wheel element at least temporarily fastened to the free end of each A-frame leg in order to reduce friction between the ground surface and the erecting frame during the tensioning process.

7. The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising lateral bracing comprising at least one lateral member running substantially orthogonally from one A-frame leg within a pair of A-frame legs to at least one other A-frame leg of another pair of A-frame legs.

8. The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising lateral bracing comprising at least one lateral leg extending from the point of coalescence of the two primary A-frame legs to the ground surface, said at least one lateral leg being oriented substantially perpendicular to the primary paired A-frame legs when viewed in plan; the end plane of the protective skin system being further defined as a plane concordant with the plane between at least one A-frame leg of said primary A-frame legs, said at least one lateral leg, and the ground surface.

9. The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising at least two additional A-frame legs with respective tensioning elements, and with a hinge type connection similar in nature to a primary A-frame leg pair, at least temporarily affixed to the free end of each A-frame leg within the primary A-frame leg pairs; said additional pairs of A-frame legs serve to raise the primary shelter system off the ground surface by drawing the free ends of each pair of additional A-frame legs together with a tensioning element more or less in the same manner used to erect the primary A-frame legs.

10. The shelter system of claim 2, further comprising a protective roof structure; said protective roof structure comprising a multiplicity of rafter elements and a multiplicity of purlin elements; said rafter elements extending more or less laterally from and supported by the central axle; said purlins extending laterally from and supported by at least two offset rafter elements; the protective skin system at least partially occupies the roof plane; said roof plane being further defined as the plane established by more or less the extents of said rafter and purlin elements when viewed in plan.

11. The shelter system of claim 1, wherein the planar element comprises:

a) at least one vessel element comprising a plurality of sidewalls, each sidewall being attached to at least two other sidewalls, an outer perimeter of said attached sidewalls forming at least one closed shape when viewed in plan and establishing an internal volume referred to as a compartment;

b) a containment system comprising at least two more or less planar enclosure elements, each enclosure element being oriented on the plane of at least one opening established by the sidewalls of the vessel, each enclosure element at least partially sealing at least one opening of at least one compartment within at least one vessel element, each opening of each compartment being at least partially and at least temporarily sealed by at least one enclosure element; and

c) at least one internal ballistic protection element comprising at least one object that occupies and at least partially fills a compartment of a vessel element for at least partially mitigating a ballistic threat.

12. The shelter system of claim 11, wherein the ballistic protection element comprises particle fill.

13. The shelter system of claim 12, wherein the ballistic protection element further comprises at least one compartment plate in addition to at least one layer of the particle fill, the face area of said compartment plate being of a similar shape to that of a compartment opening when viewed in plan, the compartment opening being larger than the face area of the compartment plate, said compartment plate being oriented on a plane concordant to that of a compartment opening, said particle fill being positioned within the compartment between at least one compartment plate and the protected volume behind the protective skin system.

14. The shelter system of claim 13, wherein the ballistic protection element comprises multiple layers of particle fill and compartment plates within at least one compartment.

15. The shelter system of claim 13, wherein the particle fill is compacted by an applied force on at least one compartment plate, said compartment plate remaining in the compartment for at least the duration of said force application.

16. The shelter system of claim 15, wherein the ballistic protection element further comprises multiple compartment plates along with associated compacted layers of particle fill, said layers of compartment plates and associated compacted layers of particle fill forming layered strata.

17. The shelter system of claim 12, wherein a ballistic protection element that at least in part comprises particle fill may be swapped with a ballistic protection element not comprising particle fill.

18. The shelter system of claim 13, wherein the vessel element and containment system are constructed of non-rigid materials and the ballistic protection element further comprises at least one rigid form that is at least temporally inserted into at least one compartment to aid in the compaction of the particle fill, said rigid form comprising a plurality of rigid sidewalls having top and bottom openings, both of said openings established by said rigid sidewalls; when viewed in plan, said rigid form is similar in shape to the opening of the compartment.

19. The shelter system of claim 11, wherein the vessel element and containment system comprise non-rigid materials.

20. The shelter system of claim 11, wherein the vessel element is at least in part constructed of rigid materials.

21. The shelter system of claim 20, wherein at least one sidewall of a vessel element performs the structural role of, and replaces, an A-frame leg, the hinge type connections and tensioning elements of the erecting frame system being attached directly to the vessel element and its respective containment system.