BALLISTIC ASSAULT BARRIER SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Application No. 63/500,619 filed on May 8, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to the field of armored window systems. In particular, some embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to ballistic assault barrier systems.

BACKGROUND

A typical armored window system may utilize a heavier polycarbonate layer for increased protection. However, such an armored window system may require modifying a window frame to support the heavier polycarbonate layer.

There is a need for an armored window system that does not require modifying an existing window frame for installation.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In general, the disclosed armored window system can include a window frame; a glass pane positioned in the window frame; a first fragment retention film attached to a first side of the glass pane; a second fragment retention film attached to a second side opposite the first side of the glass pane; open cell foam tape adhered to the second fragment retention film; and a layer of polycarbonate adhered to the open cell foam tape. A silicone based sealant can be applied to fill any gaps between the frame and each of the second fragment retention film, the at least one layer of foam tape, and the layer of polycarbonate.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an armored window system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates an armored window system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate a method of making an armored window system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described product or methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood from there.

It is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the products. Accordingly, the product and components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to an armored window system. In some embodiments, the armored window system can be bullet-resistant. For example, the armored window system can be constructed to withstand impact from ballistic projectiles such as, for example, bullets fired from firearms.

In some embodiments, the armored window system can include a window frame and at least one glass pane positioned in the window frame. In some embodiments, fragment retention films can be attached to opposite sides of the glass pane. In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can include any suitable films that are constructed to retain any fragments of broken glass formed when the glass pane is broken, thereby preventing the fragments of broken glass from falling. After bullets or other projectiles pass through the fragment retention films and the glass pane, fragments of broke glass are substantially held in place by the fragment retention films. In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can be constructed to reduce the fragmentation of the glass pane glass and the velocity of the fragments when the glass pane is broken. In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can be constructed to retain substantially all the fragments of a broken glass pane in the window frame.

In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can be made primarily of polyester. In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can include any suitable coating(s) such as, for example scratch-resistant coating(s), abrasion-resistant coating(s), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fragment retention films can be constructed to substantially block ultraviolet sunlight. In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can have a visible light transmittance of at least approximately 70%. In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can have a tensile strength of at least approximately 25,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can have a break strength in the range from approximately 200 lbs./in. to approximately 350 lbs/in. In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can have a peel strength of at least 2 lbs./in. to at least 5lbs./in. In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can be single ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, etc. In some embodiments, each of the fragment retention films can have a thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils.

In some embodiments, foam tape can be adhered to at least one fragment retention film. In some embodiments, the foam tape can be open cell foam tape. In some embodiments, the foam tape can have a 90° peel adhesion in the range from approximately 226 oz./in. to approximately 300 oz./in. In some embodiments, the foam tape can have a tensile strength of approximately 66 PSI. In some embodiments, the foam tape can have a dynamic shear of approximately 66 PSI. In some embodiments, the foam tape can include foam made primarily of any suitable plastic(s) such as, for example, acrylic, urethane, polyethylene, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the foam tape can have a thickness in the range between approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils.

In some embodiments, the foam tape can include adhesive layers on opposite sides of at least one strip of foam. In some embodiments, the foam tape can be constructed to adhere a layer of polycarbonate to at least one of the fragment retention films.

In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can be made primarily of polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can be coated with any suitable coating(s) such as, for example scratch-resistant coating(s), abrasion-resistant coating(s), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have a tensile strength in the range from approximately 9,000 PSI to approximately 9,500 PSI. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have a shear strength in the range from approximately 6,000 PSI to approximately 10,000 PSI. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have a notched Izod impact strength of approximately 18 ft-lbs./in at 0.125 in. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have an unnotched Izod impact strength of approximately 60 ft-lbs./in at 0.125 in. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have an instrumented impact of approximately 47 ft-lbs. at 0.125 in. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can be resistant to ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate can have a thickness of at least approximately a quarter of an inch.

A silicone based sealant can be applied to fill any gaps between the window frame and each of the glass pane, the at least one fragment retention film, the foam tape, and the layer of polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant can be an explosive-rated silicone based structural sealant. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant can overlap a first surface of the layer of polycarbonate by approximately a quarter of an inch to approximately half an inch. In some embodiments, the first surface of the layer of polycarbonate can be opposite a second surface of the layer of polycarbonate that faces toward the glass pane. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant can overlap the window frame by approximately a quarter of an inch to approximately half an inch.

Referring to FIG. 1, an armored window system 10 can include a window frame 12. In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include a glass pane 14 positioned in the window frame 12. In some embodiments, the glass pane 14 can have a thickness 36 of approximately a quarter of an inch.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include a first fragment retention film 16 attached to a first side 15 of the glass pane 14. In some embodiments, the first fragment retention film 16 can be at least partially transparent. In some embodiments, the first fragment retention film 16 can have a transparency of at least 70%. In some embodiments, the first fragment retention film 16 can have a first thickness 31 in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils. In some embodiments, the first fragment retention film 16 can be separated from the frame by a distance 35. In some embodiments, the distance 35 can be approximately a sixteenth of an inch (i.e., approximately 1/16 in.).

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include a second fragment retention film 18 attached to a second side 17 opposite the first side 15 of the glass pane 14. In some embodiments, the second fragment retention film 18 can have a second thickness 32 in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils. In some embodiments, the second fragment retention film 18 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35. In some embodiments, the second fragment retention film 18 can be at least partially transparent. In some embodiments, the second fragment retention film 18 can have a transparency of at least 70%.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include at least one layer of foam tape 20 adhered to the second fragment retention film 18. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can have a thickness 33 in the range from approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35. In some embodiments, the second fragment retention film 18 can be positioned between the glass pane 14 and the at least one layer of foam tape 20. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can be at least partially transparent.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include a layer of polycarbonate 22 adhered to the at least one layer of foam tape 20. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can be positioned between the second fragment retention film 18 and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate 22 can have a thickness 34 of at least a quarter of an inch. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate 22 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate 22 can be at least partially transparent. In some embodiments, the layer of polycarbonate 22 can have a transparency of at least 70%.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include any suitable sealant such as, for example, a silicone based sealant 24 applied between the frame 12 and each of the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant 24 can be applied between the first fragment retention film 16, the frame 12, and the glass pane 14. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant 24 can be applied on the frame 12 and each of the glass pane 14, the first fragment retention film 16, the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant 24 can overlap a surface 45 of the layer of polycarbonate 22 by approximately a quarter of an inch to approximately half an inch, wherein the surface 45 faces away from the glass pane 14. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant 24 can overlap a surface 46 of the frame 12, wherein the surface faces toward the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the silicone based sealant 24 can overlap the surface 46 of the frame 12 by at least approximately a quarter of an inch to approximately half an inch. In some embodiments, the sealant can be made primarily of silicone, rubber, vinyl, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can include an air gap 26 positioned between the second fragment retention film 18 and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the air gap 26 can be formed within an airtight chamber 27 defined by the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can be positioned around the air gap 26. In some embodiments, the air gap 26 can have the thickness 33 in the range from approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can stop a fired projectile 41 travelling in a first direction 42 toward the first fragment retention film 16 so that the fired projectile 41 impacts the first fragment retention film 16 before impacting the glass pane 14. As the fired projectile 41 impacts the glass pane 14, the glass pane 14 begins absorbing kinetic energy from the fired projectile 41. If the fired projectile 41 passes through the second fragment retention film 18 and the air gap 26, the fired projectile 41 can be stopped by the layer of polycarbonate 22. Remaining kinetic energy from the fired projectile 41 can be absorbed by at least the layer of polycarbonate 22 and the silicone based sealant 24 which can be constructed to partially flex in the first direction 42 to absorb at least a portion of the kinetic energy from the fired projectile 41. Upon the layer of polycarbonate 22 rebounding, kinetic energy from the fired projectile 41 can be redirected by the layer of polycarbonate 22 back into the air gap 26 and to the glass pane 14. In some embodiments, the fired projectile 41 can include a bullet with a caliber of approximately 0.357 in or less. For larger caliber bullets, the thickness of each of the glass pane 14, the first fragment retention film 16, the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22 can be increased.

In some embodiments, the armored window system 10 can allow a second fired projectile 43 travelling in a second direction 44 opposite the first direction 42 to pass through the layer of polycarbonate 22, the air gap 26, the second fragment retention film 18, the glass pane 14, and the first fragment retention film 16 at least because the armored window system 10 is constructed to absorb less kinetic energy from the fired projectile 43 travelling in the second direction 44 than from the fired projectile 41 travelling in the first direction 42. Less kinetic energy is absorbed by the silicone based sealant 24, allowing the fired projectile 43 to pass through.

Referring to FIG. 2, the fired projectile 41 is stopped by the layer of polycarbonate 22 after passing through the first fragment retention film 16, the glass pane 14, the second fragment retention film 18, and the air gap 26. The second fired projectile 53 has passed through the layer of polycarbonate 22, the air gap 26, the second fragment retention film 18, the glass pane 14, and the first fragment retention film 16.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a process of making an armored window system such as the armored window system 10. Referring FIG. 3A, a glass pane 14 is positioned in a window frame 12, the glass pane 14 having the first side 15 opposite the second side 17.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a first fragment detention film 16 is adhered to the first side 15 of the glass pane 14 so as to extend over at least a majority of the first side 15 of the glass pane 14. All edges 51, 52, 53, 54 of the first fragment detention film 16 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a second fragment detention film 18 is adhered to the second side 17 opposite the first side 15 of the glass pane 14 so as to extend over at least a majority of the second side 17 of the glass pane 14. All edges 61, 62, 63, 64 of the second fragment detention film 18 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the at least one layer of foam tape 20 is adhered to the second fragment detention film 18 so as to extend substantially along all edges 61, 62, 63, 64 of the second fragment detention film 18 shown in FIG. 3C. All edges 71, 72, 73, 74 of the at least one layer of foam tape 20 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the layer of polycarbonate 22 is adhered to the at least one layer of foam tape 20 so as to extend substantially over the at least one layer of foam tape 20 and the second fragment detention film 18 shown in FIG. 3D. All edges 81, 82, 83, 84 of the layer of polycarbonate 22 can be separated from the frame 12 by the distance 35. Gaps 91, 92, 93, 94 are formed between the frame 12 and each of the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22.

Referring to FIG. 3F, the silicone based sealant 24 is applied to fill all gaps 91, 92, 93, 94 formed between the frame 12 and each of the second fragment retention film 18, the at least one layer of foam tape 20, and the layer of polycarbonate 22, and to overlap the layer of polycarbonate 22.

Alternatively or additionally, referring to FIG. 3G, a gasket 124 can cover gaps 91, 92, 93, 94 formed between the frame 12 and the layer of polycarbonate 22, wherein the gasket 124 overlaps the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the gasket 124 can be installed instead of the silicone based sealant 124 shown at least in FIG. 3F. In some embodiments, the gasket 124 can be attached to the frame 12 and to the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the gasket 124 can be attached to the frame 12 and to the layer of polycarbonate 22 by adhering the gasket 124 to the frame 12 and to the layer of polycarbonate 22. In some embodiments, the gasket 124 can be made primarily of silicone, rubber, vinyl, or any combination thereof.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.

According to variation 1, an armored window system can include a window frame; a glass pane positioned in the window frame; a first fragment retention film attached to a first side of the glass pane; a second fragment retention film attached to a second side opposite the first side of the glass pane; at least one layer of foam tape adhered to the second fragment retention film; and a layer of polycarbonate adhered to the at least one layer of foam tape.

Variation 2 may include the armored window system of variation 1, further comprising: a silicone based sealant applied between the frame and each of the second fragment retention film, the at least one layer of foam tape, and the layer of polycarbonate.

Variation 3 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the second fragment retention film is positioned between the glass pane and the at least one layer of foam tape.

Variation 4 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the at least one layer of foam tape is positioned between the second fragment retention film and the layer of polycarbonate.

Variation 5 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the first fragment retention film has a first thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils; and the second fragment retention film has a second thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils.

Variation 6 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the at least one layer of foam tape has a thickness in the range from approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils.

Variation 7 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the layer of polycarbonate has a thickness of at least a quarter of an inch.

Variation 8 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the second fragment retention film is separated from the frame by approximately a sixteenth of an inch.

Variation 9 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the first fragment retention film is separated from the frame by approximately a sixteenth of an inch; and the second fragment retention film is separated from the frame by approximately a sixteenth of an inch.

Variation 10 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the at least one layer of foam tape is separated from the frame by approximately a sixteenth of an inch.

Variation 11 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the layer of polycarbonate is separated from the frame by approximately a sixteenth of an inch.

Variation 12 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the first fragment retention film is at least partially transparent; the second fragment retention film is at least partially transparent; the at least one layer of foam tape is at least partially transparent; and the layer of polycarbonate is at least partially transparent.

Variation 13 may include the armored window system of variation 1, wherein: the glass pane has a thickness of approximately a quarter of an inch.

According to variation 14, an armored window system can include a window frame; a glass pane positioned in the window frame; a first fragment retention film attached to a first side of the glass pane; a second fragment retention film attached to a second side opposite the first side of the glass pane; at least one layer of foam tape adhered to the second fragment retention film; and a layer of polycarbonate adhered to the at least one layer of foam tape, wherein an air gap is positioned between the second fragment retention film and the layer of polycarbonate.

Variation 15 may include the armored window system of variation 14, wherein: the first fragment retention film has a first thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils; and the second fragment retention film has a second thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils.

Variation 16 may include the armored window system of variation 14, wherein: the at least one layer of foam tape has a thickness in the range from approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils.

Variation 17 may include the armored window system of variation 14, wherein: the layer of polycarbonate has a thickness of at least a quarter of an inch.

According to variation 18, an armored window system can include a glass pane; a first fragment retention film attached to a first side of the glass pane; a second fragment retention film attached to a second side opposite the first side of the glass pane; at least one layer of open cell foam tape adhered to the second fragment retention film; and a layer of polycarbonate adhered to the at least one layer of foam tape, wherein an air gap is positioned between the second fragment retention film and the layer of polycarbonate.

Variation 19 may include the armored window system of variation 18, wherein: the first fragment retention film has a first thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils; and the second fragment retention film has a second thickness in the range from approximately 8 mils to approximately 23 mils.

Variation 20 may include the armored window system of variation 18, wherein: the at least one layer of foam tape has a thickness in the range from approximately 30 mils to approximately 120 mils.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.