BALLISTIC RESISTANT OFFICE CUBICLE PANEL

Abstract

Provided are free-standing and interlocking partitions that appear to resemble commercially-available cloth-covered cubicle partitions, but the core of each partition is a panel fabricated to render the partition bullet resistant. The panels and partitions are optimized for use as ballistic-resistant office partitions and cubicles for offices, schools and other business environments.

Claims

1. A ballistic-resistant partition for installation in an offices, schools and other business environments, wherein the partition comprises a) at least one flat and rigid ballistic-resistant panel comprising multiple layers of ballistic-resistant cloth impregnated with thermoset polymer resin, wherein the impregnated cloth has been compressed to render the impregnated cloth rigid and to prevent penetration of a ballistic projectile; b) sheets of sheathing for each ballistic resistant panel, each sheet having about the same length and width as its corresponding ballistic-resistant panel, wherein each ballistic-resistant panel is positioned between at least two sheets of sheathing and wherein each sheet of sheathing optionally may be of a different material; c) an optional external covering which occludes external visibility of the panel and sheathing d) an angular or U-shaped metal or plastic trim surrounding the periphery of the panel, sheathing and optional covering, wherein the trim protects the covering that the trip occludes from abrasion and supplies a rigid point of attachment to the partition for an accessory such as a foot assembly, corner stabilization accessory or hardware for joining two or more partitions; and e) wherein the partition is installed so that a ballistic projectile cannot pass between the partition and a floor lying underneath the installed partition.

2. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1, wherein the bullet-resistant cloth is woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass cloth and the thermoset polymer resin is thermoset polyester resin.

3. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 2, wherein the sheathing is polyisocyanurate foam.

4. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 3, wherein the panel is about 1 7/16 inches thick.

5. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 4, wherein the penetration of a ballistic projectile is resisted at UL752 Level 8;

6. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1, wherein the trim comprises extruded aluminum.

7. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1, wherein the external covering is a polyester textile.

8. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1, wherein at least one sheet of sheathing is selected from the group consisting of cardboard, corkboard, chalkboard, whiteboard, plating, rigid plastic sheets, polystyrene foam and polyisocyanurate foam.

9. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 covered on one side of its panel, wherein the opposite side is uncovered, optionally unsheathed, and the partition is attached to an existing building wall.

10. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of partitions, wherein the number, size and arrangement of each partition relative to the other partitions of the plurality is configured to the room into which the partitions are installed.

11. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 further comprising four partitions joined at right angles to form a cubicle, wherein an entry opening into the cubicle is allowed by providing a shorter lateral length for one of the partitions than are the nominally identical later lengths of the other three partitions.

12. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 further comprising a foot assembly selected from the group consisting of an angled pedestal style, a triangular style, a semicircular style, and an ovoid style.

13. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 further comprising a leg-style support selected from the group consisting of a monopod support, a bipod support and an A-frame support.

14. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 1 further comprising a mobile base assembly.

15. The ballistic-resistant partition of claim 14, wherein a component of the mobile base assembly passes underneath the partition.

16. A system of ballistic-resistant partitions comprising one or more pairs of partitions, wherein each pair consists of a first and a second partition joined at a right angle, wherein the right angle joint is formed by overlapping an end of the first partition with the side of the second partition adjacent an end of the second partition, thereby forming both internal and external right angles at the overlap, then securing the partitions together so that no space or void is present between the first and second partitions that would permit penetration of a ballistic projectile.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein trim placed over the joint creates an appearance that the joint is mitered.

18. The system of claim 16 further comprising one or more wheels which allow the partition to be rolled across a floor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an edge view of a partition.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a foot assembly.

[0017] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate, respectively, an oblique view and a side view of a single panel supported in upright orientation by a foot assembly extending from both ballistic-resistant surfaces.

[0018] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate, respectively, a side view and a top view of two panels joined at an angle sufficient to partially or fully support both panels in upright orientation.

[0019] FIG. 5a illustrates a panel framing corner of a partition.

[0020] FIG. 5b shows corner stabilization and overlap of two partitions joined at about a right angle.

[0021] FIGS. 6a and 6b, respectively, illustrate a top view and a side view of a triangular foot assembly installed on a partition.

[0022] FIGS. 7a and 7b respectively illustrate a top view and a side view of a semicircular foot assembly installed on a partition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Free-standing and interlocking bullet-resistant partitions of the invention especially are suitable for use in offices as cubicles and for defining spaces. A partition 1 of FIG. 1 may be constructed from one or more individual bullet-resistant panels 2, which when combined with sheathing 3 and optional covering 4 forms the partition. While suitable for use as a room divider, often three or four partitions may be angularly joined, preferably at right angles as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b and as discussed below, to form a cubicle or other defined space. Partitions typically are finished on both surfaces, often with a decorative covering 4 and trim 8 in FIG. 5b, so that panels and partitions visible from adjoining cubicles have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0024] The bullet-resistant panel 2 shown in edge-view in FIG. 1 is fabricated from multiple layers of fiberglass cloth or KEVLAR aramid fiber (DuPont, Inc.), preferably woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass cloth. The cloth is impregnated with a thermoset resin, preferably a thermoset polyester resin, and compressed and heated into flat rigid sheets. KEVLAR aramid fiber often is less preferred than a polyester fiber cloth as a component of panels for more durable goods, such as fabric-covered furniture and office partitions, because it is known in the art to deteriorate after 5 years, rendering it unsuitable thereafter for anti-ballistic applications and leading to more frequent replacement of the costly durable goods than might be the case with fiberglass cloth.

[0025] Panels may be shaped, reduced in size, machined or perforated using a water jet. Abrasive diamond tools also are suitable for machining panels. Surprisingly, it was discovered that ordinary hand and power tools without specially hardened or abrasive cutting surfaces also may be used to saw, shape or drill panels.

[0026] Each ballistic-resistant panel may be about 1/16 to 3 inches thick, preferably about to 2 inches thick, more preferably about 1 to 1 inches thick, even more preferably about 1 to 1 inches thick, and most preferably about 1 7/16 inches thick. Each panel weighs about 0.5 to 31 pounds per square foot, preferably about 3 to 25 pounds per square foot, more preferably about 12 to 19 pounds per square foot, more preferably about 14 to 16 pounds per square foot, and most preferably about 14.9 to 15.1 pounds per square foot. It may be important to note that panels less than 1 7/16 inches thick would exhibit reduced, if not insufficient, anti-ballistic properties, sufficiency contingent on the level of ballistic protection required. Panels may be constructed to conform to common commercial cubicle panel sizes, including traditional panel heights of about 42 inches or 66 inches and widths of about 36 inches, 48 inches or 60 inches (ProPanel Office Panel Series) or other useful sizes, including, for example, panel heights of about 40 inches or 48 inches, and panel widths of about 24 inches, 30 inches, 72 inches, 84 inches, 96 inches or 100 inches. Panels can be overlapped and partitions can be joined together to comply with any practical dimension specification and configuration suitable for the prescribed purpose. Partitions may be supplied predrilled or drilled on-site to accept bolts for joining partitions or attaching the partitions, for example, to foot assemblies and to other accessories.

[0027] The bullet-resistant fiberglass panels of the invention defeat a projectile through two physical phenomena when the panel is impacted by the projectile. The first is the blunting and dispersion of the energy of the projectile. This occurs when the bullet strikes the hard surface of the bullet-resistant fiberglass panel. The hard face of the panel blunts the leading edge of the projectile causing the impact area to spread exponentially, while also dispersing the force or energy of the projectile.

[0028] Delamination is the second phenomenon of projectile impact on the ballistic-resistant fiberglass panel. Once the blunted bullet begins to enter the panel, the force of entry causes the layers of the panel to delaminate. The process of delamination both absorbs and disperses the energy of the entering bullet across the area of delamination. This dispersal creates a virtual trap that decelerates the projectile to a stop by absorption of projectile energy by the panel.

[0029] The bullet-resistant panels of the invention are of a non-ricochet type. The panel material tends to capture and retain an entering projectile and decrease the potential for a random or lateral-penetration ricochet injury. Further, because the bullet-resistant material entraps and entrains the bullet, fragmentation does not occur. Fragmentation takes place when a projectile penetrates a material, such as steel, and can produce shrapnel. The shrapnel consists largely of airborne pieces of the fragmenting projectile or the material impacted by the projectile. The bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are non-spalling, because the multi-laminar construct combination of woven roving fiberglass and binding resin inhibits lateral fracturing during ballistic impact. The UL752 Level 8 bullet resistance rating requires no spalling of material on the protected side of the test sample. The panels of the invention comply with this standard.

[0030] According to UL752 Level 8 bullet resistance requirements, the panels and partitions are constructed to withstand five shots from a 7.62 mm NATO rifle within a 4 inch square placed within a one square foot panel. The panels are designed and assembled to protect from ballistic penetration in additional ways, as well. The panels preferably are assembled from panels joined with an overlap, preferably of about 2 inches, to eliminate open voids and seams and provide complete ballistic coverage. Connections or joints between partitions meeting at an angle, preferably a right angle, are overlapped to provide coverage without voids.

[0031] One or more sheets of sheathing 3 of FIG. 1 are placed adjacent each flat surface of the bullet-resistant panel. Each sheet of sheathing is nominally the same size as the panel against which it lies. Insulation board or other material such as HEXACOMB brand cardboard may be used as a sheathing material. Polystyrene foam insulation sheets may be used as sheathing, although polyisocyanurate foam sheeting is preferred, and Johns Manville CI MAX Silver polyisocyanurate foam is the more preferred sheathing material. Any suitable sheathing may be recommended for interior use and may be moisture-resistant and water-resistant, temperature-resistant, rot-resistant, and air-resistant (refer to ASTM C1289) and is Energy-Star Qualified. The sheathing preferably is nominally inch thick, but may be any suitable thickness and has a UL Class A Rating utilizing Test Method American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-84. The sheathing may be attached to the panel, if desired, with fasteners such as bolts or with an adhesive or with hook and loop fastener.

[0032] The sheathing, alternatively, may comprise chalkboard or whiteboard, the use of either of which to provide a writing surface would obviate the need to cover over of this alternative sheathing.

[0033] Tack-retention can be desirable in an office or school environment for posting memos, hanging pictures and the like. Polyisocyanurate foam, as well as corkboard, have the ability to retain tacks after repeated insertions into the same tack hole. Tack-retaining sheathing may or may not be covered with the covering at the user's discretion. While the preferred sheathing might not be self-healing, CI MAX Silver polyisocyanurate foam sheathing provided the best grip for retaining push-pins and related fasteners. This material is high efficiency rigid foam sheathing that has passed ASTM E84, Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. This polyisocyanurate foam sheathing has been tested to ASTM E96 for Water Absorption standards, therefore is a water, mold, and mildew resistant material. This material meets CFC and HCFC-free specification requirements, so does not vent, posing no known health risk or hazard. The term tack-retaining refers herein to a material that readily and reversibly retains a short, sharp, broad-headed nail or the like while vertically oriented. A tack may include, but is not limited to, a thumbtack, a pushpin, a pin, and a staple.

[0034] Generally, both sides of each partition include the covering 4 of FIG. 1. While the covering can comprise virtually any material or design, the covering preferably is a textile comprising polyester, and more preferably is a 100% polyester textile that has stain-repellant characteristics, conforms to ASTM E84 Flammability standards and complies with the 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rub abrasion test. The covering also preferably complies with the LEED Building product disclosure and optimization credit for material ingredients, either through material ingredient reporting (product has a Health Product Declaration available) or material optimization (product has C2C certification) and ships Carbon Neutral. The covering also preferably has a lightfastness of 40 hours. A preferred covering is DESIGNTEX panel textile.

[0035] In constructing a partition, the covering 4 may be pulled taught around the sheathing 3 and attached, preferably with adhesive-backed hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO brand hook and loop fastener, onto the sheathing. Adhesive-backed hook and loop fastener also may be applied to the bullet-resistant panels. The hook and loop fastener holds the materials in place and is covered by trim.

[0036] Partitions may be supported in an upright position using a foot assembly shown as 5 in FIG. 2 and in FIGS. 3a-b, or using another panel joined at an angle sufficient for support, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4a-b. Either the foot assembly or the adjoining panel provides stability to the partition system. The foot assembly may be removed where the partition is to be mounted directly to a building wall. Wall mounting also imparts ballistic resistance to an otherwise ballistic-penetrable wall. As used herein, wall refers to a permanent, vertical, floor-to-ceiling structure that divides and defines spaces within a building, distinguished from a panel or partition of the invention.

[0037] The foot assembly 5 of FIG. 2 may be an angled trim, preferably manufactured of steel, aluminum or a structural alloy, more preferably manufactured from aluminum, and most preferably from 6061-T6 aluminum. The foot assembly is positioned along the bottom of the lower edge or trim of a partition and may be attached using bolts or other suitable fasteners through holes 6 drilled or punched through the foot assembly. Corresponding holes for accepting the bolts may be drilled through the panel, partition and any bottom trim during manufacture or during partition installation. The foot assembly preferably has four gussets 7 that may be about 3 inches long1 inch high with a radius of 0.5 inches at the end of the gusset closest to the front of the assembly. The foot assembly may be formed as a casting or as a welded assembly, and then may be powder coated for protection and aesthetics. The foot assembly may be used either on both sides of a partition or on only one side, especially when the opposite side is angularly joined to another partition, such as in assembly of a cubicle.

[0038] The foot assembly design of FIG. 2 complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and preferably consists of a base plate assembly having dimensions of about 42 inches wide12 inches long1 inch high, although other dimensions may be suitable. Component parts may be welded or otherwise fastened together, as applicable. The foot assembly is designed so that panels and partitions lie substantially flush with the floor. Gaps between the panels and the floor are minimized to ensure ballistic protection at floor level. Absence of floor gaps ensures complete coverage from the floor to the top of the partition. Assembly of foot assemblies usually is conducted on site by trained personnel.

[0039] The foot assembly style shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b is the angled pedestal style, which allows for stability and the ability for the foot to slide under a desk or chair. A triangular foot assembly 9 of FIGS. 6a-b provides an aesthetically pleasing variation on the angled pedestal foot assembly, while not sacrificing stability. A semicircular or oviform foot assembly 10 of FIGS. 7a-b provides a stylish and modern appearance, again while not sacrificing stability. The attachment of such foot or stability feature may be affixed to the partition by a variety of means, including bolts, screws, adhesive, and compression clamping. The stability mechanism may be affixed to the partition at any location, but it is preferable that a foot assembly is affixed within the lower 4 inch margin of the bottom of the partition, but at least one inch above the bottom edge of the partition. A monopod, a bipod, or an A-frame leg-style support alternatively may be employed for stability of the partition, which is understood by one of ordinary skill in the ballistic and firearms arts. The partitions also can provide a more permanent piece of furniture if bolted to the floor or a wall either through the trim or through added brackets placed at corners of a partition system.

[0040] Foot assemblies can be installed on each partition, although various foot assembly configurations are possible with various partition sizes and configurations. When integrated into an existing cubicle, foot assemblies provide additional support so that the partitions do not rely entirely upon joined partitions of the cubicle for stability. When a straight wall partition is assembled, if located against a wall, the foot assembly that would be closest to the wall can be removed to allow for the partition to be placed flush against the wall. Alternatively or in addition, the partition may be attached directly to the wall with screws or the like passing through holes drilled through the panel and into the wall, which allows removal of all foot assemblies. Each assembly comprises components so that no gap is present between the panels and the floor that otherwise may allow ballistic passage beneath an assembled partition.

[0041] Alternatively, a partition can be attached to a mobile base assembly allowing the partition to be moved. One such mobile base may consist of a bent structural strip brace that transversely attaches at its center to the lower edge of the panel. The brace is bent upward sufficiently away from its panel attachment points to allow placement of casters or other wheels near and beneath both ends of the strip brace, thereby allowing the partition to be rolled along the floor and stabilized in an upright position. It is important that the partition attached to the mobile base assembly remain close to the floor to prevent ballistic passage between the partition and the floor.

[0042] A variation of the mobile base assembly incorporates a lifting mechanism having a cam surface that is adapted to pivot between first and second positions, similar to the assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,625 to Hewitt. The first position corresponds to a pivot plate that pivots downwardly in relation to the mounting bracket to raise the partition so that partition can roll along a floor. The second position corresponds to the pivot plate that pivots upward in relation to the mounting bracket to lower the partition so that the partition rests on the floor preventing ballistic penetration between the partition and floor. Other mechanisms that impart optional partition mobility and stability may have been conceived or may be conceived in the future and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0043] Panel framing and corner stabilization are shown, respectively, in FIGS. 5a and 5b. As illustrated in these figures, the framing comprises a inch thick by 1 inch long by 3 inch wide 45 partition corner, noting the partition 1, trim 8, spacers 7 and trim cap 6 covering partition overlap. FIG. 5a shows one side of a panel framing 5 inch corner. FIG. 5b illustrates preservation of ballistic resistance at joinder of two partition ends. The partitions overlap beneath the trim cap 6 and trim 8, but appear to be mitered. When properly assembled, none of the necessary trim and framing and connectors interferes with the bullet-resisting abilities of the panel. The trim and framing, when manufactured of 1 inch aluminum, absorbs fired bullets that then pass through to the bullet-resisting panels, thereby ensuring that UL752 Level 8 ballistic coverage is provided through the entire system.

[0044] The hardware used throughout the system consists of Grade 8 connecting screws and binding posts that rest flush against the trim. The overlapping panel and trim design provides seamless appearance to the cubicle system. The covered panels conceal the hardware leaving a decorative, non-industrial appearance.

[0045] The proposed trim 8 of FIG. 5a may be manufactured of plastic or metal, but preferably is manufactured of aluminum. The caps, trim and framing have about 1 inch flanges, although other sizes are within the scope of the invention. Each bullet-resisting partition may include an overlap of its panel of about 1 inch to about 4 inches, more preferably about 2 inches, if the plane of the partition is to be extended linearly to an adjacent partition, thereby preventing projectiles from passing between adjacent panels. Abutted edges of adjacent panels are disfavored since they are more easily penetrated by a projectile than overlapped edges. Further, overlapped edges require no back-up strips (battens), thereby reducing the labor and amount of material and supplies required to install adjacent panels.

[0046] Panel and partition trim may be constructed of 6063-T5 aluminum extrusion, stainless steel extrusion, steel extrusion, nickel silver extrusions, or any suitable metal alloy that can be formed into a squared or sharp-cornered U-shape channel. The height of the extrusion preferably can vary from 1 inch to 5 inches, the width can be 2 inches to 4 inches, and the thickness can range between 0.4 inches to 0.3 inches. For a U-shaped channel, such as that shown as 8 in FIG. 5b, the channel width should be sufficient to snugly span the thickness of the panel, sheathing and covering. The extrusions may have a straight or beveled edge on either edge. The lengths of the extrusions preferably may be 36 inches to 103 inches, but may be shorter or longer. The extrusions may display any color, or may be provided with a powder coating of any color to provide a durable coating system. The trim may be machined or molded to allow for connecting screw hardware through the trim, through the ballistic panel, back through the trim and secured using connecting posts or bolts and nuts. The machined holes vary in placement depending on the design of the trim piece being constructed. The trim may have either a hook or a loop portion, preferably the hook portion, of hook and loop fastener tape applied to its edge to attach cloth panels or tiles to the panel or partition. Preferred hardware is Grade 8 steel, black oxide finish with a circular head. Fasteners required for joining panels or the foot assembly required for free-standing panels or additional panel stabilization preferably may comprise inch Grade 8 steel bolts, nuts and flat washers.

[0047] Specified trim and connectors are designed not to interfere with the bullet-resisting capabilities of the panel. The tested trim and framing consisting of 1 inch aluminum absorbs and passes the fired rounds into to the attached bullet-resisting panels, thereby ensuring complete UL752 Level 8 ballistic protection throughout the system.

[0048] The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive of, or to limit, the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modification and variations are possible in light of the teachings herein or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments shown and described to explain the principles of the inventions and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular application contemplated. Accordingly, such modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.