ANTI-BALLISTIC PODIUM AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

An Anti-Ballistic structure for use in a movable or stationary defense structure and an Anti-Ballistic Podium including the Anti-Ballistic structure. The Anti-Ballistic structure may include a first structural layer, a second structural layer, a first Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the first structural layer and the second structural layer; and a second Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the second structural layer and the first Anti-Ballistic layer.

Claims

1. An Anti-Ballistic Podium comprising: a front wall, a first side wall extending at first angle to the front wall, and a second side wall extending a second angle to the front wall, wherein the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an interior volume, and wherein at least one of the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall include an Anti-Ballistic structure comprising: a first structural layer; a second structural layer; a first Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the first structural layer and the second structural layer; and a second Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the second structural layer and the first Anti-Ballistic layer.

2. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, where in the Anti-Ballistic structure further comprises: a first elastomeric layer disposed between the first Anti-Ballistic layer disposed and the first structural layer.

3. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, where in the Anti-Ballistic structure further comprises a second elastomeric layer disposed between the second Anti-Ballistic layer disposed and the second structural layer.

4. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first structural layer and the second structural layer are formed from an engineered wood material.

5. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, wherein the first Anti-Ballistic layer is formed using Aramid fibers.

6. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, wherein the second Anti-Ballistic layer is formed using an Anti-Ballistic ceramic material.

7. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, wherein the first elastomeric layer is closed-cell foam material.

8. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, wherein the second elastomeric layer is closed-cell foam material.

9. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, further comprising a slideable platform attached to a lower end of at least one of front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, wherein the slideable platform is configured to support a speaker standing thereon and comprises a pair of sliding members and a floor lock, both configured to support the slideable platform.

10. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, further comprising an L-shaped support bracket disposed between the first structural layer and the first elastomeric layer.

11. The Anti-Ballistic Podium of claim 1, further comprising an L-shaped support bracket disposed between the second structural layer and the second elastomeric layer.

12. An Anti-Ballistic structure comprising: a first structural layer; a second structural layer; a first Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the first structural layer and the second structural layer; and a second Anti-Ballistic layer disposed between the second structural layer and the first Anti-Ballistic layer.

13. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, further comprising: a first elastomeric layer disposed between the first Anti-Ballistic layer disposed and the first structural layer.

14. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, further comprising: a second elastomeric layer disposed between the second Anti-Ballistic layer disposed and the second structural layer.

15. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first structural layer and the second structural layer are formed from an engineered wood material.

16. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, wherein the first Anti-Ballistic layer is formed using Aramid fibers.

17. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, wherein the second Anti-Ballistic layer is formed using an anti-ballistic ceramic material.

18. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, wherein the first elastomeric layer is closed-cell foam material.

19. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, wherein the second elastomeric layer is closed-cell foam material.

20. The Anti-Ballistic structure of claim 12, further comprising at least one of: an L-shaped support bracket disposed between the first structural layer and the first elastomeric layer; an L-shaped support bracket disposed between the second structural layer and the second elastomeric layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the Anti-Ballistic podiums and together with the description, serve to explain the aspects of this application.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of an Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a back view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0019] FIG. 3 is another top view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0021] FIG. 5 is another top view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium according to an example implementation of the present application.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium of FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7.

[0025] FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the Anti-Ballistic Podium of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate various views of an Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 according to example implementations of the present application. Specifically, FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 are top views of an Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 from various angles. Further, FIG. 2 is a back view, FIG. 4 is a side view, and FIG. 6 is a front view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. As illustrated, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 includes a top wall 105 forming a support surface for supporting a variety of items placed on the podium, such papers, books, speaker notes, computing devices, beverages, or any other item that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In some example implementations, the top wall 105 may be angled toward a speaker to improve a viewing angle. Additionally, in some example implementations, the top wall 105 may include a ridge 110 at one end to prevent documents or other items from sliding off.

[0027] The Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 may also include vertical sidewalls to support the top wall 105. In the example implementation illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the top wall 105 may be supported by a left wall 115, a right wall 120 and a front wall 125. As used in this document, directions right and left are oriented based on the perspective of a speaker standing behind the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 (e.g., right refers to the right side of a speaker and left refers to the left side of a speaker). However, example implementations are not limited to this configuration and other configurations or orientations may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] Each of the top wall 105, left wall 115, right wall 120, and front wall 125 may be hallow. The exterior construction of each of the top wall 105, left wall 115, right wall 120, and front wall 125 is not particularly limited and may be any material including but not limited to wood, resin, ceramic, metal or any other construction that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the top wall 105, left wall 115, right wall 120 and front wall 125 may be formed as an Anti-Ballistic structure 200 (illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 below) having a cross-section that may provide anti-ballistic protection may be provided. The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 is described in greater detail below.

[0029] In FIGS. 1-6, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 is open on the backside (e.g., a speaker side). As illustrated the backside may include an open space 135 that may be partially or full enclosed behind doors 130A, 130B. Additionally, a pull-out step 150 (discussed in greater detail below) may also be provided in some example implementations. Further, in some example implementations, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 may also include rollers or castors 140,145 mounted on a bottom platform 185 of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. Some of the castors 140 may be rigid castors having a fixed orientation, while other castors 145 may be swivel rotating castors that are capable of rotating relative to the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100.

[0030] Though the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 is open on the backside (e.g., a speaker side) as illustrated in FIG. 1-6, example implementations are not limited to this configuration and in some example implementations, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 may be fully closed on the backside.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 of FIG. 3 taken along line VII-VII. Again, the backside may include an open space 135 within which one or more shelves 180 may be provided. In some example implementations, the shelves 180 may be fixed shelves mounted in the open space 135 using fasteners, such as screws, nails, bolts, or any other fastener that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In other example implementations, the shelves 180 may be adjustable allowing variable placement within the open space 135.

[0032] Additionally, the open space 135 may be partially or fully enclosed behind doors 130A, 130B. The door 130A may be attached to the left wall 115 by a pair of hinges 175. In some example implementations, the hinges 175 may be self-closing hinges. Additionally, a lock or latch 170 may be provided to hold the door 130A closed and secured shut. In some example implementations, the lock or latch 170 may be magnetic catch. Similarly, the door 130B may be attached to the right wall 115 by another pair of hinges similar to the hinges 175 illustrated in FIG. 7 attached to door 130A. Additionally, another lock or latch, similar to the lock or latch 170, may be provided to hold the door 130B closed and secured shut.

[0033] Below the open space 135, a pull-out step 150 may also be provided in some example implementations. The pull-out step 150 may include a platform 155 mounted on sliders 160 to allow the platform 155 to move linearly relative to the bottom 185 of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. In some example implementations, the sliders 160 may be locking sliders that allow the platform 155 to be locked in an extended (broken-line in FIG. 7) or retracted (solid-line in FIG. 7) positions. The pull-out step 150 may also have a floor lock 165 configured to support the platform 155, along with any person or item resting upon the platform 155, when the pull-out step 150 is in the extended (broken-line in FIG. 7) position.

[0034] Further, in some example implementations, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 may also include rollers or castors 140,145 mounted on a bottom platform 185 of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. Some of the castors 140 may have a fixed orientation, while other castors 145 may be rotating castors that are capable of rotating to allowing the castor 145 to rotate relative to the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. As discussed below with respect to FIG. 10, in some example implementations, bottom platform 185 may have a cut-out (not shown in FIG. 7) configured to receive the floor lock 165 between the fixed castors 140 at a backside of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100.

[0035] In FIG. 7, the interior of the front wall 125 is illustrated. As illustrated, the front wall 125 may be formed as an anti-ballistic structure 200 (illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 below) having a cross-section that may provide Anti-Ballistic protection. The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 is discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 8-10. [0035]FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion (VIII) of FIG. 7. In FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the front wall 125 illustrating the Anti-Ballistic structure 200. As illustrated, one side 10 of the Anti-Ballistic Panel 200 may be considered an exterior side or active side that may be oriented outward or toward an anticipated ballistic source. For example, the exterior side 10 may be oriented to face out away from a speaker and toward an audience incorporating the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 between an audience and a speaker. Conversely, the other side 20 of the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may be considered an interior side or passive side that may be oriented inward and away from an anticipated ballistic source. For example, the interior side 20 may be oriented to face toward a speaker and away from an audience incorporating the Anti-Ballistic Panel 100.

[0036] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may include a first structural layer 205 providing structure and rigidity to the front wall 125. In some embodiments, the first structural layer 205 may be formed from wood, polyethylene or any other material that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to use for structural support. Further, in some embodiments, the first structural layer 205 may be formed from compressed wood, MDF or medium density fiberboard, plywood or other engineered wood materials that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such materials may provide an increased resistance to warping and/or fracturing or splintering when hit directly with bullets. In some example implementations, the thickness of the first structural layer 205 may be, for example, 0.75 inches. However, the thickness is not particularly limited and may be any thickness that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also include a first elastomeric layer 210 oriented on an exterior side of the first structural layer 205. In some example implementations, an airgap 207 may be located between the first elastomeric layer 210 and the first structural layer 205. In some example embodiments, the first elastomeric layer 210 may be a polyethylene foam material (such as a cross-linked polyethylene) or other closed-cell foam material that may be apparent to a person ordinary skill in the art. Further in some embodiments, the first elastomeric layer 210 may have a thickness of 0.75 inches or thicker. However, embodiments of the present application are not limited to this configuration.

[0038] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also include a first Anti-Ballistic Portion or Anti-Ballistic layer 215 oriented on an exterior side of the elastomeric layer 110. In some embodiments, the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 may be formed from aramid fibers. For example the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 may be formed from plurality layers, each layer being formed from aramid fibers laid parallel to each other. Further, adjacent layers of the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 may be oriented such that the fibers of the adjacent layers are angled with respect to each other. For example, fibers of adjacent layers may form a 90 with respect to each other. In other embodiments, the angle may be an angle other than 90 (e.g. 45, 60, 75, or any other angle that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] It must be fully understood at this time that different Anti-Ballistic materials can be used for the purpose of constructing the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 including a variety of soft materials along with hard surfaced resin impregnated laminated Anti-Ballistic materials some of which are sold by Du Pont under the registered trademark KEVLAR and will still remain within the scope of this application. Additionally, the first Anti-Ballistic Portions of the Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 may be fabricated using not only aramid fibers and KEVLAR from DuPont, but also polyethylene fibers and GOLD SHIELD, which is a KEVLAR based material, and SPECTRA SHIELD, which is polyethylene based material, both available commercially from Honeywell. GOLD SHIELD and SPECTRA SHIELD are high strength synthetic fibers impregnated in partially cured resin for use in ballistic material. Moreover, both of the Honeywell materials can be used as layered soft armor as well as hard armor when they are autoclaved or compression molded into Anti-Ballistic components for construction of the Anti-Ballistic Portion 215, as shown and described. Other similar materials of like purpose and function are also anticipated by this disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 may have a thickness of 0.7 inches. However, embodiments of the present application are not limited to this configuration and may have other configurations that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also include a second Anti-Ballistic Portion or Anti-Ballistic layer 220 oriented on an exterior side of the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215. In some example implementations, an adhesive layer 217 may be disposed between the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 and the second Anti-Ballistic Portion 220. For example, a glue, single part epoxy, or multi-part epoxy may be provided between the first Anti-Ballistic Portion 215 and the second Anti-Ballistic Portion 220.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second Anti-Ballistic Portion 220 may be an Anti-Ballistic ceramic material such as silicon carbide materials sold by Saint-Gobain under the trade name Forceram. Alternatively, other Anti-Ballistic ceramic materials may be used that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the second Anti-Ballistic Portion 220 may have a thickness of 0.3 inches. However, embodiments of the present application are not limited to this configuration and may have other configurations that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also include a second elastomeric layer 225 oriented on an exterior side of the second Anti-Ballistic Portion 220. In some example embodiments, the second elastomeric layer 225 may be a polyethylene foam material (such as a cross-linked polyethylene) or other closed-cell foam material that may be apparent to a person ordinary skill in the art. Further in some embodiments, the second elastomeric layer 225 may have a thickness of 0.75 inches or thicker. However, embodiments of the present application are not limited to this configuration.

[0044] The Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may include a second structural layer 230 providing structure and rigidity to the front wall 125. In some example implementations, an airgap 227 may be located between the second elastomeric layer 225 and the second structural layer 230. In some embodiments, the second structural layer 230 may be formed from wood, polyethylene or any other material that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to use for structural support. Further, in some embodiments, the second structural layer 230 may be formed from compressed wood, MDF or medium density fiberboard, plywood or other engineered wood materials that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such materials may provide an increased resistance to warping and/or fracturing or splintering when hit directly with bullets. In some example implementations, the thickness of the second structural layer 230 may be, for example, 0.75 inches. However, the thickness is not particularly limited and may be any thickness that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] In some example implementations, a first end piece 235 and a second end piece 240 may be provided at each end of first and second structural layers 205,230. In some implementations, the first and second structural layers 205,230 may each be attached to a pair of U-shaped brackets 245 at each end using an by an adhesive layer 247, such as a glue, adhesive, or epoxy such as a two-part epoxy. In other example implementations, the first and second structural layers 205,230 may be attached U-shaped brackets 245 using screws, binding posts, or any other attachment mechanism that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Additionally, each of the first and second end pieces 235,240 may also be attached to the one of the pair of U-shaped brackets 245 by the adhesive layer 247. In other example implementations, the first and second end pieces 235,240 may be attached to the U-shaped brackets 245 using screws, binding posts, or any other attachment mechanism that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] Further, in some example implementations, a binding post 250 may be inserted through a binding hole 255 provide through each of the U-shaped brackets 245, first and second elastomeric layers 210,225, and the first and second anti-ballistic portions 215, 220.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 of FIG. 6 taken along line IX-IX. Though FIG. 8 above illustrates the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 being provided in the front wall 125, the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also be provided in the left wall 115, right wall 120 and the top wall 105 as illustrated in FIG. 9. As illustrated within each of the left wall 115, right wall 120, and front wall 125, the layered Anti-Ballistic structure 200 is provided. Again, the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may include, in sequence, a first structural layer 205, an air gap 207, a first elastomeric layer 210, a first Anti-Ballistic portion 215, an adhesive layer 217, a second Anti-Ballistic portion 220, second elastomeric layer 225, an airgap 227, and a second structural layer 230 from the interior side 20 to the exterior side 10.

[0049] Additionally, as illustrated, one or more inner L-shaped brackets 260 located in the air gap 207 between the first structural layer 205 and the first elastomeric layer 210. Further, one or more outer L-shaped brackets 265 located in the air gap 227 between the second structural layer 230 and the second elastomeric layer 225. Further, in some example implementations, one or more additional L-shaped brackets 270 may be provided on the exterior surface of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. In some example implementations, each of the L-shaped brackets 260,265,270 may be formed from metal such as steel, titanium, chromium, or any other durable metal that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 of FIG. 6 taken along line X-X. Again as discussed above, FIG. 8 may illustrates the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 being provided in the front wall 125, but example implementations are not limited to this configuration and the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may also be provided in the left wall 115, right wall 120 and the top wall 105 as illustrated in FIG. 10. As illustrated within each of the left wall 115, right wall 120, and front wall 125, the layered Anti-Ballistic structure 200 is provided. Again, the Anti-Ballistic structure 200 may include, in sequence, a first structural layer 205, an air gap 207, a first elastomeric layer 210, a first Anti-Ballistic portion 215, an adhesive layer 217, a second Anti-Ballistic portion 220, second elastomeric layer 225, an airgap 227, and a second structural layer 230 from the interior side 20 to the exterior side 10. Additionally, as illustrated a binding post 250 may be pass through each of the U-shaped brackets 245, first and second elastomeric layers 210,225, and the first and second Anti-Ballistic portions 215, 220.

[0051] Additionally, as illustrated, one or more inner L-shaped brackets 260 located in the air gap 207 between the first structural layer 205 and the first elastomeric layer 210. Further, one or more outer L-shaped brackets 265 located in the air gap 227 between the second structural layer 230 and the second elastomeric layer 225. Further, in some example implementations, one or more additional L-shaped brackets 270 may be provided on the exterior surface of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. In some example implementations, each of the L-shaped brackets 260,265,270 may be formed from metal such as steel, titanium, chromium, or any other durable metal that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Further, another binding post 275 may be inserted through an inner L-shaped bracket 260, the first and second elastomeric layers 210,225, and the first and second Anti-Ballistic portions 215, 220, and the outer L-shaped bracket 265.

[0052] As discussed above, the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100 may also include rollers or casters 140,145 mounted on a bottom platform 185 of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. Some of the castors 140 may have a fixed orientation, while other castors 145 may be rotating castors that are capable of rotating to allowing the castor 145 to rotate relative to the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100. In some example implementations, bottom platform 185 may have a cut-out 190 configured to receive the floor lock 165 of the pull-out step 150 (in FIGS. 1-7) between the fixed casters 140 at a backside of the Anti-Ballistic Podium 100.

[0053] The Anti-Ballistic layers, panels, portions or structures shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present application. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements in accordance with the spirit of this thereof other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing disclosure, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this design as broadly defined in the appended claims.

[0054] The abstract and any summaries provided herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, which is measured by the claims.