Reinforced portal and a method for assembling the same

Abstract

A reinforced portal provides enhanced protection against ballistic impacts and explosions for safe rooms, bomb shelters, and security applications. The portal includes an external structure formed from two plates and four panels that enclose an internal space. At least one container filled with liquid is positioned within the internal space to absorb impact energy. The modular external structure comprises a first plate functioning as a front side, a second plate as a back side, and four panels serving as side jambs, threshold, and head jamb. Multiple containers can be arranged in layers to minimize liquid loss when punctured. The liquid pressure inside containers exceeds ambient pressure to enhance structural integrity. An assembly method involves providing liquid-filled containers and separate structural components, positioning the containers within the framework, and attaching the components together. This modular approach enables easier transportation and installation compared to conventional reinforced portals while maintaining superior protective performance.

Description

[0001] REINFORCED PORTAL AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003]

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 694,346, filed September 13, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005]

[0002] The present subject matter relates to portals, e.g., doors, windows and the like. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to reinforced portals.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0003] Reinforced portals, for example doors and windows, are usually installed in safe rooms, bomb shelters, or other locations requiring enhanced protection. The reinforced portals are normally resistant to high impacts from bullets, shells, bombs, shrapnel, blast shock waves and the like. The reinforced portals are usually made of strong materials, such as steel, that have been strengthened with additional materials and structures.

[0008]

[0004] A maj or drawback of the currently available reinforced portals relates to the installation of the reinforced portals at a construction site, during construction of buildings where reinforced portals are to be installed. This drawback relates to the high weight of the reinforced portals, rendering their installation complicated and cumbersome.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010]

[0005] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a reinforced portal comprising: an external structure enclosing an internal space, the external structure comprising: two plates and four panels; and at least one container filled with liquid positioned within the internal space.

[0011]

[0007] AAccording to one embodiment, the external structure comprises: a first plate functioning as a front side; a second plate functioning as a back side; a first panel functioning as a first side jamb; a second panel functioning as a second side jamb; a third panel functioning as a threshold; and a fourth panel functioning as a head jamb.

[0012]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the container is sized and shaped to fit exactly the size and shape of the internal space.

[0013]

[0009] According to one embodiment, the external structure is made from materials selected from the group consisting of steel, metal alloys, and reinforced plastics.

[0014]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first plate is wider than the second plate.

[0015]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the reinforced portal comprising a plurality of containers filled with liquid positioned within the internal space without gaps between the containers and between the containers and the external structure.

[0016]

[0012] According to one embodiment, the plurality of containers are arranged in at least one layer of containers.

[0017]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the plurality of containers are arranged in two layers, comprising a first layer and a second layer positioned adjacent to each other.

[0018]

[0014] According to one embodiment, one of the layers comprises longitudinal containers arranged horizontally, and another layer comprises longitudinal containers arranged vertically.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a pressure of the liquid in the container is higher than ambient pressure.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a method for assembling a reinforced portal, the method comprising: providing at least one container filled with a liquid and components of an external structure, wherein the external structure comprises a first plate, a second plate, a first panel, a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel; surrounding the at least one container with the components of the external structure according to an appropriate position of the components of the external structure in relation to the at least one container; and attaching the components of the external structure to one another to form the reinforced portal.

[0020]

[0016] According to one embodiment, the external structure encloses the internal space without gaps, and wherein the at least one container occupies the internal space without air pockets.

[0021]

[0017] According to one embodiment, the surrounding step comprises positioning the third panel as a threshold under the at least one container and positioning the second plate as a back side facing an interior of a room.

[0022]

[0018] According to one embodiment, the liquid fills the container without leaving any pockets or gaps of air in the container.

[0023]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the providing step comprises providing a plurality of containers arranged in at least one layer, and wherein the surrounding step comprises positioning the plurality of containers within an internal space of the external structure without gaps between the containers.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]

[0020] Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice.

[0026]

[0021] In the drawings :

[0027]

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of components of an external structure of a reinforced portal, separated one from the other.

[0028]

[0023] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of components of an external structure of a reinforced portal, when some of the components are attached.

[0029]

[0024] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of an assembled external structure of a reinforced portal.

[0030]

[0025] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a cross-section of an external structure.

[0031]

[0026] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side crosssection view of a reinforced portal.

[0032]

[0027] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a container filled with a liquid.

[0033]

[0028] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a layer of containers filled with liquid.

[0034]

[0029] Figs. 8-9 schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of two layers of containers filled with liquid.

[0035]

[0030] Figs. 10-12 schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of a reinforced portal in various steps of a method for assembling a reinforced portal. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036]

[0031] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

[0037]

[0032] For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

[0038]

[0033] The present subject matter provides a reinforced portal containing at least one liquid- filled container and a method for assembling the reinforced portal. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the reinforced portal comprises an external structure enclosing an internal space and at least one container filled with liquid placed within the internal space.

[0039]

[0034] Any type of portal falls within the scope of the present subject matter, for example a door, a window and the like.

[0040]

[0035] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the external structure comprises two plates - a first plate and a second plate; and four panels - a first panel, a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel. The plates and the panels are configured to be assembled to form the external structure. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the two plates and four panels are manufactured separately one from the other. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, some of the components of the external structure are manufactured as one piece.

[0041]

[0036] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of components of an external structure of a reinforced portal, separated one from the other. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the external structure 12 comprises: a first plate 132 functioning as a front side, a second plate 134 functioning as a back side, a first panel 142 functioning as a first side jamb, a second panel 144 functioning as a second side jamb, a third panel 146 functioning as a threshold and a fourth panel 148 functioning as a head jamb.

[0042]

[0037] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each plate and panel is separated from the other components of the external structure 12. In other words, each component of the external structure 12 is manufactured separately. This embodiment is beneficial compared to prior art reinforced portals, because the components of the external structure 12 can be transported separately to a construction site, where they can be assembled to the external structure 12 and eventually the reinforced portal. In contrast, prior art reinforced portals are manufactured as a whole and transported as a whole to the construction site, where they are installed in the building. These prior art reinforced portals are sometimes large and very heavy, while the components of the external structure 12 shown in Fig. 1 are lighter than an entire prior art reinforced portal, and can be transported and assembled and installed much more easily and comfortably.

[0043]

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of components of an external structure of a reinforced portal, when some of the components are attached. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the first panel 142, the second panel 144 and the third panel 146 are attached one to the other. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, Fig. 2 shows a step in a method for assembling the external structure 12, in which the first panel 142 is vertically attached to one side of the third panel 146 and the second panel 144 is vertically attached to an opposite side of the third panel 146, as can be seen in Fig. 2. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, Fig. 2 shows the embodiment described above, of some of the panels that are manufactured as one piece. In this embodiment, the first panel 142, the second panel 144 and the third panel 146 are manufactured as one piece and transported to the construction site as such. It should be noted that any combination of attachment of components of the external structure, during manufacture, is within the scope of the present subject matter, and that the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in this regard should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter.

[0039] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of an assembled external structure of a reinforced portal. Fig. 3 shows an assembled external structure 12, after all its components have been assembled. All the components of the external structure 12, including the components shown in Fig. 3, the first plate 132, the second panel 144 and the fourth panel 148, are closely attached one to the other to form an arrangement of the external structure 12. As can be understood from Fig. 1-3, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the assembled external structure 12 encloses an internal space, which of course cannot be seen in Fig 3, but can be predicted from Fig. 2, for example.

[0044]

[0040] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a cross-section of an external structure. The cross-section view in Fig. 4 clearly shows the internal space 122 that is enclosed by the plates and panels of the external structure 12. In the reinforced portal, this internal space 122 is occupied by containers filled with a liquid.

[0045]

[0041] According to one embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first plate 132 functioning as a front side of the reinforced portal 1 is wider than the second plate 134 functioning as a back side of the reinforced portal 1. This embodiment relates to the different functions of the first plate 132 and the second plate 134. Since the first plate 132 faces an outer side of a room or a safe in which the reinforced portal 1 is installed, it is desired that the first plate 132 be robust and strong in order to withstand impacts from the outer side of the reinforced portal 1. In contrast, since the second plate 134 faces an inner side of the room, it is less important that the second plate 134 be very robust and strong. Therefore, the second plate 134 can be thinner than the first plate 132. It should be noted that such considerations can be taken into account in cases when the weight of the components of the external structure is an issue to be considered, for example, when there is a desire to lift the components of the external structure to high altitudes, such as to high floors of a high building. Nevertheless, this embodiment is optional and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. In some embodiments, the first plate 132 and the second plate 134 have similar widths.

[0046]

[0042] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side crosssection view of a reinforced portal. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the reinforced portal 1 comprises at least one container 152 filled with a liquid 500 and positioned inside the internal space 122. Thus, what is seen in Fig. 5, is the liquid 500 contained in a container 152 that is positioned inside the internal space 122 of the assembled external structure 12.

[0047]

[0043] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a container filled with a liquid. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the reinforced portal 1 comprises a container 152 configured to be filled with a liquid 500 and accommodate the internal space 122 of the external structure 12. Such a container 152 is shown in Fig. 6.

[0048]

[0044] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the container 152 is in a size and shape that corresponds exactly to the size and shape of the internal space 122. This embodiment is important because it is not desired to have gaps in the internal space 122 that are filled with air, because this reduces the ability of the reinforced portal to withstand impacts of bullets and explosions. When there are gaps within the internal space 122, the external structure can collapse and not fulfill its role.

[0049]

[0045] For the same reason regarding the prevention of air gaps, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the liquid 500 occupies the entire volume of the container 152, without leaving any air space.

[0050]

[0046] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a layer of containers filled with liquid. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the reinforced portal comprises a plurality of containers 152 arranged one next to the other within the internal space 122, again, without any gaps between the containers 152 and between the containers 152 and the external structure, for the reasons described above.

[0051]

[0047] An advantage of the embodiment of the reinforced portal 1 comprising a plurality of containers 152 is that when a container 152 is hit by a bullet or shrapnel, it can be punctured and the liquid 500 contained in the container 152 can leak out from the container 152. When the reinforced portal comprises one container 152, as shown in Fig. 6, then when this single container 152 is punctured, all the liquid 500 from the top of the container 152 down to the site of puncture can leak out, and a large gap filled with air is formed in the container 152, rendering the container 152, and the entire reinforced portal 1 useless. However, when the reinforced portal 1 comprises a plurality of containers 152 and for example only one of them is punctured because it is hit by a bullet or shrapnel, then only a small volume of liquid 500 can leak out, only from the punctured container 152. This situation is better than leakage of a large volume of liquid 500 from a single container 152 positioned inside the internal space 122.

[0052]

[0048] Still referring to Fig. 7, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the plurality of containers 152 are arranged inside the internal space 122 in at least one layer 152-L of containers 152. The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is of containers 152 arranged in one layer 152-L. For the reasons described above, the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is superior over the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0053]

[0049] Figs. 8-9 schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of two layers of containers filled with liquid. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the plurality of containers 152 are arranged in two layers 152-L, for example a first layer 152-L 1 and a second layer 152-L2 positioned one next to the other. Fig. 8 shows the two layers 152-L positioned apart from each other, only for illustrating the presence of two layers 152-L. Fig. 9 shows the two layers 152 closely adjacent one to the other, as they should be arranged in the internal space 122. This embodiment is superior over the embodiment of the containers 152 arranged only in one layer 152-L. The reason for this advantage is that it increases the number of so- called compartments of liquid 500. For example, when the first plate 132 of the reinforced portal 1 is hit by a bullet or shrapnel which penetrates through the first plate 132 and punctures a container 152, the liquid 500 leaks only from this container 152 that is part of the layer 152- L that is adjacent to the first plate 132, while containers 152 that are part of the layer 152-L that is adjacent to the second plate 134 are not damaged.

[0054]

[0050] Figs. 7-9 show an embodiment in which the containers 152 are longitudinal. It should be noted that the embodiment of longitudinal containers 152 should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. Any shape and size of the containers 152 is within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0055]

[0051] Still referring to Figs. 8 and 9, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, one of the layers 152-L comprises longitudinal containers 152 arranged horizontally, and another layer 152-L comprises longitudinal containers 152 arranged vertically. This embodiment is important when a bullet or shrapnel penetrates through one of the plates, for example through the first plate 132 and punctures longitudinal containers 152 of the first layer 152-L 1 and the second layer 152-L2. If the longitudinal containers 152 in both layers 152-L were parallel, for example both were arranged horizontally, or both were arranged vertically, a larger amount of liquid would have been leaked from both longitudinal containers 152, compared to the embodiment of the longitudinal containers 152 arranged in opposite orientations, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0056]

[0052] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the plates and panels of the external structure 12 are made from any material that can withstand high impacts of explosions and hitting objects, like bullets, shrapnel and the like. Any material that is suitable for this requirement is within the scope of the present subject matter, for example, but not limited to: steel, any type of metal alloy, highly strong plastic and the like.

[0057]

[0053] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the container 152 is made of any material that can withstand high impacts and minimize passage of liquids 500 therethrough, for example by evaporation. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the container 152 is rigid and stiff. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the container 152 is flexible. Any material that is suitable for these requirements is within the scope of the present subject matter. Some exemplary materials from which the container 152 can be made include, but are not limited to: polycarbonate plates, polycarbonate sheets, aluminum foils and the like.

[0058]

[0054] Any type of liquid 500 for filling the container 152 is within the scope of the present subject matter, for example water and the like. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the liquid 500 fills the container 152 in a manner that does not leave any pockets, or gaps, of air in the container 152. The importance of this embodiment was discussed above. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, a pressure of the liquid 500 in the container 152 is higher than ambient pressure. This embodiment contributes to the strength of the container 152 filled with a liquid 500, especially when the container 152 is flexible.

[0055] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the liquid 500 comprises an additive that prevents change of the state of the liquid 500, for example an additive that prevents freezing of the liquid 500, for example an antifreeze agent and the like. It should be noted that in some embodiments it is preferred that the liquid 500 that is in the container 152 is maintained in the liquid state under any condition, for example because a liquid can absorb impacts better than solids. In addition, the liquid 500 can be a viscous liquid 500, or contain an agent that increases the viscosity of the liquid 500. High viscosity of the liquid 500 can increase the resistance of the liquid to impacts.

[0059]

[0056] Figs. 10-12 schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of a reinforced portal in various steps of a method for assembling a reinforced portal. The present subject matter provides a method for assembling a reinforced portal 1, the method comprising: providing at least one container 152 filled with a liquid 500 and components of an external structure 12, wherein the external structure 12 comprising: a first plate 132, a second plate 134, a first panel 142, the second panel 144, a third panel 146 and a fourth panel 148; surrounding the at least one container 152 with the components of the external structure 12 according to an appropriate position of the components of the external structure 12 in relation to the at least one container 152, and attaching the components of the external structure 12 one to the other.

[0060]

[0057] All the embodiments of the reinforced portal 1 described herein relate also to the method for assembling the reinforced portal 1.

[0061]

[0058] Still referring to Figs. 10-12, Fig 10 shows the step of providing the at least one container 152 filled with a liquid and the components of the external structure 12: a first plate 132, a second plate 134, a first panel 142, the second panel 144, a third panel 146 and a fourth panel 148.

[0062]

[0059] Fig. 11 shows the step of surrounding the at least one container 152 with the components of the external structure 12 according to the appropriate position of the components of the external structure to the at least one container 152. Specifically, Fig. 11 shows the third panel 146 that functions as a threshold of the reinforced portal 1 is positioned in place under the at least one container 152, and the second plate 134 that functions as a back side of the reinforced portal 1 is positioned in the side of the reinforced portal 1 that faces an interior of a room, for example.

[0063]

[0060] Fig. 12 shows the final product of the method of attaching the components of the external structure one to the other. This step includes tightly connecting the parts of the external structure 12 one to the other to form a tightly assembled reinforced portal 1 that is ready for its duty - withstanding explosions and direct hits.

[0064]

[0061] It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

[0065]

[0062] Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A reinforced portal comprising: an external structure enclosing an internal space, the external structure comprising: two plates and four panels; and at least one container filled with liquid positioned within the internal space.

2. The reinforced portal according to claim 1, wherein the external structure comprises: a first plate functioning as a front side; a second plate functioning as a back side; a first panel functioning as a first side jamb; a second panel functioning as a second side jamb; a third panel functioning as a threshold; and a fourth panel functioning as a head jamb.

3. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the container is sized and shaped to fit exactly the size and shape of the internal space.

4. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the external structure is made from materials selected from the group consisting of steel, metal alloys, and reinforced plastics.

5. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first plate is wider than the second plate.

6. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising a plurality of containers filled with liquid positioned within the internal space without gaps between the containers and between the containers and the external structure.

7. The reinforced portal according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of containers are arranged in at least one layer of containers.

8. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the plurality of containers are arranged in two layers, comprising a first layer and a second layer positioned adjacent to each other.

9. The reinforced portal according to claim 8, wherein one of the layers comprises longitudinal containers arranged horizontally, and another layer comprises longitudinal containers arranged vertically.

10. The reinforced portal according to any one of claims 1-9, a pressure of the liquid in the container is higher than ambient pressure.

11. A method for assembling a reinforced portal, the method comprising: providing at least one container filled with a liquid and components of an external structure, wherein the external structure comprises a first plate, a second plate, a first panel, a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel; surrounding the at least one container with the components of the external structure according to an appropriate position of the components of the external structure in relation to the at least one container; and attaching the components of the external structure to one another to form the reinforced portal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the external structure encloses the internal space without gaps, and wherein the at least one container occupies the internal space without air pockets.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein the surrounding step comprises positioning the third panel as a threshold under the at least one container and positioning the second plate as a back side facing an interior of a room.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the liquid fills the container without leaving any pockets or gaps of air in the container.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the providing step comprises providing a plurality of containers arranged in at least one layer, and wherein the surroundingstep comprises positioning the plurality of containers within an internal space of the external structure without gaps between the containers.

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