Anti-Ballistic Room Protection Devices & Methods

Abstract

A barrier system utilizing one or more barrier devices that are made using layers of lightweight anti-ballistic materials formed into a flexible laminate that can flex and move upon deployment to stop ballistic projectiles such as bullets from entering a protected space. The barrier device is installed to protect the protected region and has a flexible barrier that may be retractable and deployable or may be fixed in place. The barrier system can be configured to protect entire rooms from projectile penetration through walls, windows, doors, and other structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 111,114 filed on Feb. 17, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 11,561,070 filed on Aug. 28, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 10,801,815 filed on Dec. 10, 2018, all incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 588,955 filed on Feb. 27, 2024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 11,920,905 filed on Aug. 15, 2022, which is a continuation of PCT application serial number PCT / US22 / 22860 filed on Mar. 31, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 169,783 filed on Apr. 1, 2021, all incorporated herein by reference. This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 546,432 filed on Oct. 30, 2023, which is incorporated by reference. This application incorporates by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 979,680 filed on Nov. 2, 2022, directed at Anti-Ballistic Barriers and Doors.BACKGROUND

[0002] Anti-ballistic barriers, configured as window blinds, such as venetian blinds, and vertical blinds, screens, shields, etc. may be used in residential and commercial applications as window coverings, screens, barriers, etc. to act as a physical barrier, and because of their ability to selectively vary the amount of light passing through a window, glass door, skylight, or the like, by the varying deployment, or adjustment of a plurality of vanes, louvers or slats.

[0003] Current anti-ballastic protection systems in residential and commercial applications such as armored doors, shutters, and windows are usually made of metal or a cermaic material containing at least one metal or ceramic plate, and thus having a realtively high weight. Some plastic systems exist that have lower weight, but that are very flimsy and weak, and thus would provide no protection from projectiles or other forced entry into the dwelling. Such devices tend to be rigid, heavy, cumbersome and not retractable.

[0004] Desired are bullet resistant solutions that are designed to protect entire walls of doors and windows from entry by ballistic projectiles into a protected space.SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description.

[0006] Provided are example barrier systems for protecting against ballistic projectiles like bullets fired from guns and explosive shrapnel, with the systems comprising laminated sheets of material having anti-ballistic properties to prevent penetration by the ballistic projectile, such as are disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,872, granted on Jan. 31, 2023 directed at Bullet Proof Barriers, U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 979,680 filed on Nov. 2, 2022, directed at Anti-Ballistic Barriers and Doors, and U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 888,246 filed on Aug. 15, 2022 directed at Anti-Ballistic Barriers And Methods Of Manufacture, all incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Utilizing the laminated sheet designs described in the above applications, and / or as described hereinbelow, can provide an improved approach to protecting entire rooms from ballistic projectile entry through walls, including any doors and windows or other penetration points, is provided. The barrier device can be installed on an interior wall, exterior wall, or both. Similarly, such a device can be used in hallways of buildings as well.

[0008] Provided is method of providing an interior space of a building with a level of bullet protection, comprising the steps of: providing a barrier system including a barrier device comprising: a barrier including a laminate of a plurality of flexible layers of anti-ballistic material bonded together to form said laminate, and a mounting structure configured to allow said barrier to hang from said mounting structure; and installing said barrier device on said building by mounting said mounting structure on a structure of said building such that said barrier is configured to cover a substantial portion of a wall of said building. The barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating that portion of said wall into the interior space.

[0009] Also provided is a method of providing an interior space of a building with a level of bullet protection, comprising the steps of: providing a barrier system including a barrier device comprising: a barrier including a laminate of a plurality of flexible layers of anti-ballistic material stitched together to form said laminate, said laminate including an outer layer configured to be decorative, and a mounting structure configured to allow said barrier to hang from said mounting structure; and installing said barrier device on said building by mounting said mounting structure on a structure of said building such that said barrier is configured to cover a substantial portion of a wall of said building. The barrier is also configured to cover at least one window and / or one door in said wall when deployed, and the barrier device is configured such that after installation of said barrier device, said barrier is retractable and deployable, and further the barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating that portion of said wall into the interior space, and the barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating said at least one window and / or one door into the interior space, and further the level of bullet protection is at least level IIIA of the NIJ standard and / or level 3 of the UL standard.

[0010] Still further provided is a barrier system using the barrier device of the above methods.

[0011] This summary is not an extensive overview of the features and systems discussed herein. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope of such features and systems. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some of the example embodiments of the disclosed devices.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example laminated structure for a barrier laminate that provides both decorative and anti-ballistic features;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates another example barrier laminate showing a side cut view of a laminated structure having a plurality of layers stitched together;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example barrier system configuration that is vertically retractable / deployable.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates another example barrier system configuration that is horizontally retractable / deployable.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of a blind system adapted for automatic and manual deployment with remote control.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example barrier protection system with a barrier device configured to protect entire or partial portions of a wall.

[0019] FIG. 6A illustrates an example barrier protection system configured to protect wider walls using multiple barrier devices.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates the example barrier system of FIG. 6 in a partially deployed position.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an illustration showing the example barrier device of FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an illustration showing another example barrier device.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an illustration showing still another example barrier device.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an illustration showing yet another example barrier device.

[0025] FIG. 12 is an illustration showing an example dispersal device.

[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment of a deployable barrier device with another separately deployable device;

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates an example control method for any of the barrier (or blinds) systems described herein.

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of a networked system for integrating an automated deployable barrier system (such as described herein) with smart speakers and other protective systems.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates an example expanded network of connectivity to neighborhoods for any of the example barrier systems.

[0030] FIGS. 17-21 are illustrations of side cut views of various example embodiments of laminates that can be manufactured according to one or more of the disclosed methods.

[0031] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a top view of a laminate that has layers bonded using stitching.

[0032] FIG. 23 is an illustration of a side cut view of a laminate that is bonded using an adhesive.

[0033] FIGS. 24-27 are illustrations of various example manufacturing processes for producing laminates for use in anti-ballistic barriers such as those described herein, among others.

[0034] FIG. 28 illustrates a side cut view of any of the laminates disclosed herein with added edge caps.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] This application includes improvements, modifications, new uses, and additional alternatives to the bullet proof barriers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,872, granted on Jan. 31, 2023 directed at Bullet Proof Barriers, U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 979,680 filed on Nov. 2, 2022, directed at Anti-Ballistic Barriers and Doors, and U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 888,246 filed on Aug. 15, 2022 directed at Anti-Ballistic Barriers And Methods Of Manufacture, all incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] There are various proposals for improving ballistic protection of individuals and interior spaces in buildings and vehicles as discussed in the related patent applications listed at the top of this application. The inventor has discovered that a problem with many current solutions to these problems is that the protection devices don't absorb some of the energy that is contained in the ballistic projectiles, such as shrapnel or bullets that have been fired, leading to failure in stopping ballistic projectiles, or solutions that are heavy, rigid, and unwieldy. The inventor has determined that one solution to this problem is to allow the protective device, such as a screen, panel, shroud, blind, or other barrier to hang freely, perhaps in a weighted manner or with loosely fitted support structures, which allows the barrier to flex, vibrate, flow, sway, twist, and otherwise move in response to receiving the projectile, thereby dissipating some of the energy from the projectile that otherwise would remain as kinetic energy potentially leading to barrier failure to stop the projectile. This approach of allowing the barrier to move in some fashion reduces the amount of damage and potential penetration of the projective with respect to a given amount of projection.

[0037] As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,872 and its related parents and continuations, all incorporated herein by reference, various deployable barriers using non-metallic anti-ballistic materials such as aramid materials can be formed for use as anti-ballistic barriers in window blinds and door shields, and similar barriers that might be provided at various locations in buildings. Use in windows, doorways, hallways, walls, and other interior locations as a deployable barrier that can, where desired, be stowed when not needed provides a way to protect various interior spaces within buildings. Furthermore, barriers can be provided within vehicles in either deployable or fixed manners (or both). Deployable / retractable barriers might be used to protect vehicle windows, doorways, hatches, and other access points, whereas permanently deployed barriers could be provided within vehicle voids such as in doors, body panels, and other locations.

[0038] Of particular interest for at least some embodiments are barriers that are not tightly fixed on their sides and bottoms, that tend to hang freely and / or loosely, but that may include weights to increase their overall mass, or may be loosely connected to structures to increase their stability while allowing for motion to occur. Such barriers are free to flex and move in response to receiving a ballistic projectile, thereby converting at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile into kinetic and heat energy in the barrier distributed across the entire or a substantial portion of the surface area of the barrier. Allowing this free motion actually increases the effectiveness of the barrier by reducing the penetration energy of the projectile, thereby effectively improving the ability of the barrier to protect the desired person and / or interior region.

[0039] Furthermore, adding additional structure can improve the performance of the barrier, such as by putting a film on a window or door to flatten the projectile prior to its interacting with the barrier, or using multiple barriers or combining different types of barriers together.

[0040] Of additional interest for at least some other embodiments are barriers that are still designed to flex and move in interior portions, but that are loosely connected on their sides and / or bottoms (i.e., loosely connected around a perimeter or portion thereof) in order to add additional stability and strength, such as to prevent a person or large object from entering a protected region. This might be done by slightly overdeploying the barrier, using connectors that can flex or move, such as using materials such as rubber or other stretchable materials (e.g. like bungee cords or springs or stretchable guides), Such barriers are still free to flex and move in response to receiving a ballistic projectile in at least portion of their surface area, thereby converting at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile into kinetic and heat energy in the barrier distributed across the entire surface area of the barrier. However, along with a fixed top connected to a structure is a permanent manner, the loosely fixed sides and / or bottom prevent individuals or objects from bypassing or pushing aside the barrier to get into the protected region. Hence, only the perimeter, or a portion of the perimeter, is loosely fixed and secured, whereas an interior portion of the barrier is sufficiently pliable to flex, vibrate, and otherwise kinetically absorb the energy of a ballistic projectile impinging on the barrier.

[0041] An aspect of the first surface that the bullet hits can be designed to act like a strike face, to slowdown and deform / mushroom the bullet before it hits the inside layers which then stop the projectile. For example, an outer layer can be anodized, coated, plated or treated / coated to provide the first task of slowing and deforming the bullet before it hits the layers that do the primary energy absorption.

[0042] The outside strike face can have ridges or protrusions to roll the bullet. There could also be a ceramic veneer or layer to act as the strike face. The strike face layer can also be a combination of different technologies such as coating a ceramic veneer, such as to keep the weight down.

[0043] The whole barrier assembly can be spring loaded or made to exhibit partial break away to dissipate energy, or to move in an X, Y or Z direction. The strike faces could slide in pockets of the barrier. The hinges can be metal or composite based, utilize springs or rubber, or other means of allowing motion.

[0044] A security film can be applied to the strike face on the barrier (or another surface, such as a window pane or door) to slow down and mushroom the projectile such as a bullet prior to interacting with the barrier. The material would not be flammable like laminated glass and other methods currently used, would be safer for schools etc. On lightweight metal barriers or blinds (having metal slats) a coating or layer / foam, or lightweight material slides in to the extrusion or stamping.

[0045] The barrier shape or surface design can be used to change the roll of the bullet, various angles to get bullet on its side, for example. The point of the first, outer layer (other than surface decorative layer(s)) is to act as a strike face and slow down and mushroom flatten out the bullet / projectile. When glass is in front of the barrier, a security film can be applied to a surface of the glass that acts as a strike face to slow down the bullet.

[0046] On light weight metal barriers (e.g., shutters or blinds) a coating or layer of lightweight material such as Tensylon that fastens or slides into the extrusion or stamping. The barriers could also be a clear Lexan that darkens with sunlight. The barriers or shutters could also be a laminated / sage glass that darkens automatically or when electricity is applied.

[0047] Barriers can also be provided as a shutter-like device made of tensylon or a similar material that has a metal, ceramic or wood veneer surface, to make that barriers more presentable but also act as a strike face. The slats or edges can also have a metal edge to improve the appearance. Lightweight materials light Dyneema can act as a ladder or to keep the barriers aligned. A metal shutter can be an extrusion or stamping that the cavity is filled with a combination of materials foam, coating, Kevlar polyurethane, or anti-ballistic gel, depending on the function of providing strength, sound dampening, strike face, decorative, etc. The fabric anti-ballistic laminate may also be coated with various substances to help provide decorative features, or to stiffen outer layers to deform bullets, or to provide sound deadening, or otherwise provide other desirable features.

[0048] Decorative features for the outer layers can include colored or patterned fabrics, plastic sheets, paint, stain, powdered coatings, or other types of aesthetically pleasing treatments, such as are used in traditional window blinds. The outer layer might also be made functional, such as providing an eraseable writing surface similar to a white board or chalkboard to allow the barrier to be used for presentations or educational purposes. Or the outer layer could be comprised of a flexible display, such as a flexible LCD or LED screen that can be used to show pictures, video, or any other displayable feature. Or the outer layer might be decorated with photographs or paintings or other decorations. Alternatively, the outer layer might be made of a matte white surface that can be used as a screen for a projector or movie camera.

[0049] The barriers can be provided in modular sections that can deploy / retract horizontally or vertically to cover entire walls with doors and / or windows. The device can deploy from the top, bottom or side. Sections can be provided in fabric or hinged, daisy chained, or wired together. Speakers and / or lights can be provided in various sizes. When the weight of a barrier of large width is excessive (such as by reducing the desired flexing and moving action to absorb kinetic energy), using modular barriers could be preferable. Additional barriers might be utilized underneath the larger barrier, such as by putting another retractable barrier in a window frame or covering a door with a handing barrier installed thereon.

[0050] The sections can be electrostatic or the equivalent of a thin speaker to block light sound bullet etc. (as described in more detail below). The barriers can provide light or emitted sound. Barriers, such as blinds or shutters can use speakers for security, and can block light and provide sound. Speakers can be provided to vibrate the barriers do active noise cancellation.

[0051] Barriers can be designed in a way to dissipate the energy from the shot through motion, flexing, destruction, heat dissipation, deformation, or other processes. They may materially sacrifice themselves much like a formula one car sacrifices itself by a destructible structure to save the driver.

[0052] A cavity or pockets of the barriers (e.g., blinds or shutters or other barriers) can be provided to house different modules according to the needs desired or a combination of elements. Slats could rotate on their axis to displace energy or change side according to purpose.

[0053] The barriers can be comprised of various layers of woven or unwoven fabric material sheets utilizing anti-ballistic materials (such as aramid fibers, for example). These sheet layers may be secured (laminated) to each other by bonding the layers to each other such as by using stitching, quilting, gluing, welding, riveting, or another method of bonding layers together to form a flexible laminate for use in the barrier. Alternatively, using an unlaminated design merely having the edges being bound and perhaps tacked in a few spots leaving inner layers unsecured to each other is an option, allowing motion or pockets for other uses, such as inserting materials or gels. However, bonding the layers together into a flat laminate to form the barrier is preferred for functional and decorative reasons.

[0054] A newer version of an aramid fiber: Kevlar® EXO™ is available that can prove beneficial for this application, providing even more ballistic protection for a given weight, with improved thermal performance over traditional aramid fibers. A woven cloth made of such material using fibers or threads or yarns formed of the material can be an ideal basis for the layers of the laminates described herein.

[0055] A logo can be provided, such as using 1 inch or ¾ inch binding, or by sewing in a logo. As many as 18 plies or more of woven Kevlar fabric or other material can be used in the laminated material. Depending on the weave and year size, the result can meet at least a level Illa protection, or more. Fabric style can be 600d Kevlar KM2 Plus, 24×24 square yarns per inch, plain weave construction, Polyester stitching yarn, 75 denier textured yarn. Stitch pattern can be: linear chain stitch (machine direction), 3.5 gage spacing. Quilting can be used to secure the layers to each other. Unlaminated layers secured only at the ends can also be utilized. It is noted that the very looseness, flexibility, and motion of the material aids in energy absorption, providing better ballistic protection and penetration avoidance.

[0056] The barrier systems are preferably certified to provide anti-ballistic protection, such as to a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certification level, or other testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), for example. Certifications can be to any of the following levels (or alternatives):

[0057] NIJ certifications: Level IIA: which protects from typical handgun rounds, such as from 9 mm and 0.40 caliber bullets; Level II: which offers greater protection than level IIA. It's designed to protect from 9 mm and 0.357 magnum ammunition from short-barrel handguns, for example; Level IIIA: Level IIIA offers protection against 0.357 and 0.44 Magnum ammunition from longer-barrel handguns, for example; Level III: This standard protects against some rifle rounds, such as 7.62 mm FMJ lead core rifle ammunition; Level IV: Level IV is typically utilized for military applications and can withstand 0.30 cal steel core armor-piercing rifle ammunition Barriers could be identified as “NIJ certified,”“NIJ compliant,” and / or “NIJ tested” depending on the tests and levels of review. Additional levels of certification can be provided based on other standards or testing procedures. For example, UL 752 can be used to determine the ammunition resistance of building components, including walls, windows and barriers. UL 752 ratings run from level 1 to level 8, each covering particular levels of weapons and their ammunition. Generally, Levels 1 through 3 are designed to cover stopping, for example, three shots from common handguns, whereas levels 4 through 8 are designed to cover stopping, for example, shots from various rifles and submachine guns. The barriers can be tested to any of these levels as appropriate to receive the desired certification levels of any given standard.

[0058] Other certification standards can include: ASTM F-1233: which is typically used to evaluate security glazing materials and systems against ballistic and forced entry attacks; European Standard DIN EN 1063: which provides testing procedures for bullet-resistant glass in nine different ballistic classes; British Standards Institution BS 5051: which regulates and tests bullet-resistant glazing for interior use; Councils of Standards Australia / New Zealand AS / NZ 2343: which provides manufacturers and suppliers with requirements and testing methods for items that protect against the effects of ballistic attacks; and German Deutsche Institut fur Normung (DIN) 52-290: which covers a wide range of ballistic protection.

[0059] Generally, any of the barrier systems provided herein can be provided with devices where the barriers can be placed in an open state at the request of a user to enable viewing through the barriers (blinds), and / or to allow for airflow and / or light flow and / or other flow through the barriers while the barriers remain installed. Such barriers can also be closed at the request of a user, in which case the barriers may also be in a protective state. The barriers can also be provided in an intermediate state, able to both provide some limited ballistic protection and to let in a substantial amount of light. Upon detection of a threatening condition, such as detection of a gunshot or a flying projectile, or by activation of a panic button or security system, barriers that are in an open state will be transitioned into a closed, protective state to protect against ballistic projectiles or other threatening materials. Barriers that are permanently deployed upon installation can also be utilized, such as for protecting doors or walls. Such permanently deployed barriers can have sections cut out to exposer windows (e.g., in a door) where desired or where the windows are comprised of bullet proof glass, for example. Alternatively, movable flaps comprised of the barrier material (or other anti-ballistic material) can be used to cover such windows but allow for opening to view outside of the windows.

[0060] In addition to the embodiments disclosed in the various patents and applications and described herein, various forms of horizontally deployed barriers based on concepts provided in that application are also provided, such as curtains for example. Additional materials are also disclosed for constructing the barriers in this and that application.

[0061] The use of a Kevlar fabric having expanding baffles between the layers is one alternative in such barrier materials. By providing baffles in the material, the material is enabled to expand in an outward direction, which will help to absorb some of the energy provided by a ballistic impact.

[0062] The laminated fabric barriers (e.g., blinds) could utilize horizontal or vertical pleats or slats. Separate vanes or material can be provided to add bullet proof functionality, such that existing window blind designs, that may have ornamental aspects, can be supported by a set of bullet proof blinds placed underneath the current blind design. The barriers would act in conjunction to open and close in a traditional manner as window blinds, with the added functionality of providing ballistic projectile protection. Solenoids or motors, or electromagnets, or other electrical or mechanical devices can be used to mechanically open and close the barriers.

[0063] In some options, a bullet proof barrier (that may be provided behind or in front of a traditional blind or a as a full replacement) may remain normally in a retracted or otherwise open mode. The bullet proof portion of the barrier may be hidden in a valence of the barrier device, for example, or be rotated or retracted in an open position. The bullet proof material can be automatically deployed, such that upon a triggering event (such as the detection of a gunshot, or the triggering of a proximity alarm or other type of burglar alarm, for example) the bullet proof (ballistic) barrier would then deploy, such as by dropping into place from a valance or roof or ceiling, or closing horizontally from a side or both sides, like curtains, for example.

[0064] Such a dropping or expanding ballistic barrier might be comprised of panels or slats or laminated sheets of ballistic material that are folded, overlapped, or otherwise collapsed in the retracted position, or it may comprise a roll of ballistic fabric that rolls to retract, and unrolls to deploy to form a ballistic layer of protection. A weight may be provided at the bottom of the roll to aid deployment (e.g., unrolling) and to help keep the material in place for stopping or slowing the projectiles. Alternatively, some structure to increase the strength of the deployed blind could be used, such as electromagnets or electrical or mechanical latches at the base or sides to loosely secure the deployed blind to the floor or window sill or wall or other structure.

[0065] Barriers might be rolled or folded for transport and storage, but deployed upon installation in a permanent or retractable manner.

[0066] The barriers can be placed between layers of glass, for example, which can be used in original installations or to retrofit existing windows. The barriers may be used in conjunction with bullet proof or bullet resistant glass. For example, barriers such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,826,338 & 6,070,638, incorporated herein by reference, could be modified using the materials disclosed herein to add ballistic protection to such barriers. Automatic deployment functions, as also described herein, could also be provided.

[0067] For example, FIG. 1 shows a side cut view of a laminated material 400 having ballistic layer 420 sandwiched between decorative layers 410 and 430. As an example, layers 410, 430 could be a single layer of fabric surrounding a ballistic laminate as layer 420. Or ballistic layer 420 might comprise a ballistic fabric or ballistic fabric laminate, making a slat of layers of fabric and / or sheets of material. Hence, part of the barrier, such as louvers / slats, can be made in this laminated manner to provide both decorative and anti-ballistic features. The layers could be glued together, or bonded in some other manner, such as by heating them to weld them together or stitching them together using a strong thread, as described for some of the example embodiment for barrier laminate designs discussed below. A lamination machine that binds the layers using heat can be used.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows an example blind cut portion comprised of an anti-ballistic laminate 450 having a plurality of layers of flexible, anti-ballistic material 455 and a decorative top layer 452 that are stitched together using stitching 458. An embodiment may use any number of layers of anti-ballistic material, which may be a woven cloth material or a thin sheet. For example, such a blind might use two, or more than two such layers. In a preferred embodiment, 18 layers anti-ballistic material to provide, for example, a level 3A bullet proof capability. Typically, more than two layers are needed, and can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or more layers. The number of layers may depend on the level of bullet resistance desired. These layers, such as an antiballistic cloth material or thin sheets of material as discussed above (and below) can be stacked into a laminate that can be glued, heat welded, or stitched using a thread, such as nylon, polyester, Kevlar or Dyneema® threads, to secure the layers together. The top (and in some cases bottom as well) decorative layer 452 can be comprised of a decorative cloth or sheet. A binding material or strip can be put around the outer edge of the sheets or slats for decorative purposes or for physical support and further binding. For large sheets of materials, stitching will be provided at periodic intervals (e.g.,0.5 inch spacing, 0.75 inch spacing, 1 inch spacing, 1.5 inch spacing, 2 inch spacing, 2.5 inch spacing, or any desired spacing.).

[0069] For example, 18 plies of woven Kevlar fabric such as a 600d Kevlar KM2 Plus, 24×24 square yarns per inch, plain weave construction, polyester stitching yarn, 75 denier textured yarn with a stitch pattern from a linear chain stitch (machine direction), 3.5 gage spacing or 0.75 inch spacing has been shown by testing to provide level 3A protection or better.

[0070] The laminated material of can be formed into slats to form venetian style blinds, or alternatively into sheets to form solid barriers that can be used in homes or vehicles as discussed herein. Slats might be provided that can flex and move to improve protection without destruction, but that are too rigid to be rolled, for example.

[0071] Alternatively, tensylon slats can be used for the venetian style blinds. As an alternative, a thin layer of steel as a strike face can be provided on the slats to improve the anti-ballistic properties. Tensylon slats, with or without the steel surface layer, can slide in pockets on the Kevlar fabric barriers to add further protection, such as in solid sheets that are rolled up when retracted and unrolled when deployed, as described hereinabove. Such barriers are flexible and lightweight, and could be designed to level 4 protection to stop rifle rounds.

[0072] It is desirable that the barriers meet NIJ level IIIA standards or above. Large sheets of material can be formed which are then water jet cut to 2.5″×36″ strips of material out of the larger sheets for slats, for example.

[0073] The inner layer 420 (FIG. 1) or inner layers 455 (FIG. 2) can be comprised of a plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material that might include layers including one or more of: plastic, composites, wood, metal, fabric, fiberglass or any other suitable anti-ballistic material including, but not limited to, Kevlar® (which is a synthetic fiber of high tensile strength comprised of poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide) or Lexan® (which is a transparent polycarbonate of high impact strength) or Lucite® (which is a solid transparent plastic comprised of polymethyl methacrylate) or DuPont™ Tensylon® (which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene anti-ballistic material), or a boron treated cloth, or a plexiglass with anti-ballistic properties, for example, or any combination thereof. Anti-ballistic gel materials such as shear thickening fluids that may be transparent can be used to saturate a material or fill voids (some of these materials harden upon impact and might be comprised of non-Newtonian fluids that that thicken in response to force). Other materials or combinations described elsewhere in this document can also be used as an alternative or supplement these materials. These fluids as liquid or gels can be absorbed into absorbent mats or fill gaps between materials in the barrier or slats.

[0074] An alternative blind design could utilize thin layers of glass with graphene centers or Lexan between two layers of glass that may be transparent or translucent sheets or slats. A transparent or translucent anti-ballistic gel might also be used, such as shear thickening fluids that are transparent to fill the gaps between window panes or layers of glass. Some of these materials harden upon impact and might be comprised of non-Newtonian fluids that that thicken in response to force (such as mixtures of cornstarch and water do). Examples of such materials have been disclosed recently but their composition are trade secrets. See www. sciencealert.com / liquid-armour-is-now-a-thing-and-it-stops-bullets-better-than-kevlar and www.telegraph.co.uk / news / uknews / defence / 4862103 / Military-to-use-new-gel-that-stops-bullets.html for examples.

[0075] Note that barriers that are constructed of ceramic or composite ballistic material can be much lighter and cheaper to build than barriers that use metallic materials, such as steel, for example, or that use ceramic materials, and they could prove flexible and more deployable and retractable.

[0076] Barriers using fabric and / or panels held together by fabric can be utilized. Also having barriers in a horizontal or vertical deploying positions. Closing and opening from all possible sides can be provided, e.g., from the top or bottom or left or right. Also a combination of these approaches can be used. Barriers could close from both sides. Or close from the top and bottom where each blind half covers half of a particular window.

[0077] Roll down fabric barriers (e.g., window or door blinds or wall blinds) using ballistic materials that come down from the top, such as that can be quickly deployed can prove useful. Also panels that fold down from the top or out from the sides can be utilized.

[0078] Ballistic resistant panels can be provided with the ballistic material provided on back of an ornamental design (e.g., wooden slats), or between ornamental designs, so that the barriers provide traditional ornamental aesthetics. The ballistic materials may be woven into a layered cloth that can be attached, glued, or otherwise combined with the ornamental panels to achieve the desired effect. A string or rope made of the ballistic material can be used to replace the string / rope that may be utilized in existing blind applications.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a basic general barrier design 100 that can be used for many of these various barriers. The primary protective part is a barrier layer 110 which in many of the example embodiments will be comprised of a laminate of a plurality of layers of flexible antiballistic material. FIGS. 1 and 2 (along with other examples hereinbelow) show examples of such a laminate 400 that can be used, with an inner layer 420 that is also likely to be a laminate of anti-ballistic material, and with optional outer layers 410 and 430 providing protection, functional, and / or decorative layers.

[0080] All of the layers provided in the laminate (that may be used as the barrier layer 100 of FIG. 1 or the layers 455 of FIG. 2, among others disclosed herein) can be secured together using any combination of a number of securing approaches, including the use of glue, heat bonding (welding), stitching, quilting, riveting, fastening, hook-and-loop, or other means, or any combination thereof, to secure the various layers of the laminate together. Hence, the laminate can be manufactured using stitch bonder or quilting machines, gluing machines, welding machines, etc., leading to a multi-layered laminate having a plurality of flexible layers and leading to a flexible laminate. Note that each layer might be comprised of thin, solid sheets of any of anti-ballistic material or the material could be woven from fibers, yarns, or threads into a durable and tough and flexible fabric using threads and / or fibers of the anti-ballistic (or other) material.

[0081] Continuing reference to FIG. 3, the barrier layer 110 can be fixed at one or more ends using either or both top mounting structure 120 and side mounting structures 140 to securely (but maybe loosely) connect to the structure 150 of the building or vehicle. These structures will securely fix one end of the barrier layer 110 to a secure structure, such as a window or door frame, a ceiling, or vehicle panel or frame. Note that where the barrier is of a deployable embodiment, the top mounting structure 120 may include features that retract and / or store the barrier layer 110, such as disclosed in a number of the parent applications in embodiments such as deployable window blinds.

[0082] In this generic approach, as discussed above, the barrier layer 110 will be a flexible layer (such as a laminate) that can move, vibrate, swing, and otherwise convert the kinetic energy of the ballistic projectile into kinetic and / or heat energy in the barrier 100 by nature of having barrier sides 112 and a barrier bottom 114 that are not rigidly secured to any structure in this free hanging embodiment. A weighted end 130 can be provided on the barrier layer 110 to add mass to the barrier so that the kinetic energy of the projective is also transferred to this mass as kinetic energy by moving the mass of the end 130, which can include lifting the end, swinging the end, and other types of motion. The end 130 also helps keep the barrier 100 in place by providing stability and in a deployable embodiment, may also help deploy the barrier 100 in emergency situations, as is also discussed in the parent applications.

[0083] As an alternative, the side mounting structures 140 may be extended further, even along the entire length of the barrier sides 112 or placed at or near the bottom of the barrier 110, to secure the sides (fixedly or loosely as desired). Furthermore, an optional floor structure 152 can be provided at a bottom of the barrier 100, such as on or beneath a floor, to secure (fixedly or loosely) the barrier bottom 114 when deployed. For example, bottom 114 may include a magnet along it's length as part of the weight 130, and the floor structure 152 could include a magnet of an opposite pole (which may be an electromagnet), to secure the bottom 114 to the floor. Alternatively, floor structure 152 might include a latch or gripping device that secures the bottom 114 to the floor. Hence, in conjunction, extended side mounting structures 140 and / or the floor structure 152 secures the barrier 100, when deployed, to prevent individuals or objects from passing beyond the barrier 100 into a protected region. Overdeploying the blind can be utilized to allow the blind to better move and flex to dissipate kinetic energy.

[0084] Note that automatic deployment, based on the detection of a dangerous situation such as an explosion or gunshot (e.g., triggered by sound waves, breaking glass, light flash, or even detection of intruders, for example) can be provided as discussed in more detail below. Manual deployment through activation of a motor or drop function through use of a switch, lever, or other manual activator can also be provided as an alternative or supplemental means of deployment. The weight 130, when provided, can aid in quick deployment. Such barriers can be provided in windows, doorways, hallways, or even across rooms (walls), for example.

[0085] Alternative approaches where the barrier is installed in a rising manner could also be provided. For example, posts may rise out of the ground or floor for deploying the barrier from the ground up, with the top portions free to move, or with sufficient flex in the barrier to allow freedom of motion. Such devices can protect hallways, stages, rooms, doorways, garage doors, or other locations in and out of buildings.

[0086] For horizontally deployed barriers, such as shown in FIG. 4, the blind panels from a support structure, and they can be pulled to a side horizontally to deploy and retract the barriers. If slats are used, they may also be rotated to open the blind to light, or to block the light or provide privacy, such as at night. Such a system may be automatically deployed (i.e., closed) by both extending the blind, and / or rotating the slats closed, depending on the current state of deployment, to provide ballistic protection when a threatening event is detected, as discussed above.

[0087] Ballistic protective barriers might also be arranged in a manner similar to drapes, where ballistic fabric is used to form the bullet proof drapes. In this case, the drapes can be deployed in a manner similar to fabric drapes. Vertical slats can be used in such approaches as well, where the slats fold together when the “drapes” are withdrawn (opened), and unfold when the “drapes” are deployed (closed).

[0088] FIG. 4, shows an arrangement of vertical barrier that horizontally opens and closes having a valance 52 and vertical slats or pleats 54, shown with the barrier blinds partially retracted. For such barriers, a rail 56 can be provided at the base of the blinds to provide further structural strength and stability to the barrier via connector 58, which comprise a tab or other structure that is inserted into a slot in the rail 56 to avoid deformation of the slats 54 during a protective function. Electromagnets could also be used. Note that as discussed elsewhere, allowing the barrier to have sufficient slack or the structures sufficient give to allow the barrier to flex and move to absorb kinetic energy from the projectiles can be beneficial.

[0089] Note that barriers could also be installed in the interior of rooms or against walls with the structures being installed at the ceiling or above a drop ceiling, so that the barriers can be dropped when needed for protecting a wall or room. Automatic deployment can occur as discussed above for window blinds. It has been found that free-hanging barriers or those loosely secured to a structure or those over deployed can actually perform better than barriers that are tightly secured at the bottom or sides, likely due to better energy dissipation properties when the blind is permitted to move upon impact with a bullet or shrapnel. Hence, barriers deployed without being tightly secured at the bottom and sides are of particular interest and make up some preferred embodiments, although a weight may be used on the bottom edge of the barriers to aid in deployment and reduce too much motion in the barrier.

[0090] The barriers are preferably installed in a permanent fashion on a protected structure, such as by fixedly mounting the barrier on a wall, window frame, ceiling, floor, or other structure using “permanent” fastening techniques, such as using screws, nails, rivets, glue, or other permanent fasteners that fixedly mount part of the barrier in place (allowing for deployment / retraction of the barrier, where desired). Of course, a “permanent” installation can still typically be removed with effort by basically reversing the installation process, but tends to leave structural residues and damage that require repair, such as filling screw / nail holes, for example, and would not be done on a regular basis or as a matter of course.

[0091] The Barrier system is designed to protect the typical users of a protected structure from ballistic threats. For example, residents in a home, office workers, factory workers, teachers and students, and other regular users of the protected regions. The systems will also help protect emergency workers and police or military personnel as well, but are not primarily designed for protecting such persons. The barriers are primarily designed to protect the normal users of the protected region, although particular uses for emergency and safety personnel can also be supported, and the barriers can be used by those personnel to enhance their protection. The barriers can also be used by the military for various purposes.

[0092] The barrier system could also be fire rated to prevent fire from spreading to the next room or structure through the use of fire retardant or preventive materials, where the barriers can be automatically closed when a fire is detected through monitoring of temperature, light, or infrared, for example.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows an example anti-ballistic window blind 600 that is automatically deployable, such as by a burglar system, fire system, or another networked monitoring or controlling system. The blind has a valance 620 for housing any necessary gearing or other transmission mechanisms to allow the motor 630 to deploy and retract the blind 610. The valance 620 may be decorative in nature to be pleasing aesthetically, or covered in a decorative cloth or covering. Controller 640 may be wirelessly capable to communicate with an external control unit 690, or a home defense system (such as an anti-burglar system) by wire or wirelessly. A panic button 642 might also be provided to quickly deploy the blind. The individual slats 611 are comprised of material to provide anti-ballistic protection, as described in more detail above, and may have decorative layers as well. Vibrator 650 may be provided to apply vibration to the barriers to hamper audio detection systems.

[0094] A weight bar 615 or other connecting device can be used to weigh the blind 610 to aid in deployment and / or stability, if desired. If desired, this weight 615 can be made of a magnetic material to be held in place by a magnet or electromagnet 617 provided on a window sill or floor or wall, such that the electromagnet is activated when a security situation is detected or otherwise triggered to better secure the blind 610 in place and improve its anti-ballistic performance. For power outages, the electromagnet may be battery powered, and only activated during as security event. Alternatively, a mechanical or electrical latch or guide could be used for this purpose.

[0095] Alternatively, rather than a motor, the drive system 630 may utilize electromagnets or solenoids or pneumatic or hydraulic devices to retract and / or release the blind. For example, electromagnets may be used to hold the blind in a retracted position, for deployment during a security event by powering down the electromagnet when deactivated either by automated or manual means (as described herein), or by power outage, in which case the barriers, which can be weighted, can automatically deploy.

[0096] Note that as an alternative to a flat sheet, the barrier system described herein could include includes a plurality of individual members such as slats, (also called louvers or vanes), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,872, incorporated herein by reference. The slats could be formed having matching grooves or a tongue and groove system to allow the slats to interlock or overlap with each other in a more secure way to ensure better resistance to ballistic intrusion, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the slats might overlap by ½ inch.

[0097] The slats can be of conventional construction but with updated materials, and can be constructed of a number of different materials having desirable properties, including, but not limited to, the following materials: plastic, composites, wood, metal, fabric, fiberglass or any other suitable anti-ballistic material including, but not limited to, Kevlar® (which is a synthetic fiber of high tensile strength comprised of poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide) or Lexan® (which is a transparent polycarbonate of high impact strength) or Lucite® (which is a solid transparent plastic comprised of polymethyl methacrylate) or DuPont™ Tensylon® (which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene anti-ballistic material), or a plexiglass with anti-ballistic properties, for example, or any combination thereof. Other materials or combinations described elsewhere in this document can also be used as an alternative or supplement these materials.

[0098] For example, the slats could be provided as a laminate, such as steel or aluminum with a carbon fiber or tensylon or fiber glass backing. Decorative layers or paints can be provided for room esthetics. Also, fabric can be treated with boron to form a ballistic resistant material. For example, a fabric can be dipped into a boron solution, then heated in an oven at more than 1000° C., which changes cotton fibers in the fabric into carbon fibers, such that the carbon fibers react with the boron solution to produce boron carbide.

[0099] The slats could vary in shape, width, thickness, and / or orientation to form barriers (e.g., blinds) of various styles and construction, as desired. The slats can be made flat or curved across their transverse dimension, they can be of any desired width or length or thickness, and they could be provided of different dimensions, such as, for example one, two, three, or four inches wide or any other suitable width for the desired application. Rather than horizontal slats, the slats may be arranged vertically, as shown elsewhere in this document. The lengths of the slats for the various blind designs can be varied according to the window or door size that they are being utilized to protect, and they could be of a length of a foot or more, up to 4 to 8 feet or more, as desired.

[0100] As an alternative to rotation, in some embodiments the slats may be opened and closed by sliding the slats or collapsing the slats together, for example. And the entire blind may be retracted toward the top (valence) structure or deployed as desired. Alternatively, the barrier could be comprised similar to drapery, with the barrier opening and closing by overlapping or folding pleats of the barrier material.

[0101] The barriers could be provided with fasteners, guides, or other devices that secure sides or bottoms of the barriers to building structure for additional strength, while allowing the barrier to flex and move to absorb kinetic energy. The fasteners could engage with the window or door sill using mechanical means, such as a rod in the blind engaging a receiving structure on the wall, if desired. Alternatively, a guide such as a cable or rail may be placed on the side(s) of the barrier system to engage side edges of the barrier as it deploys. Or magnets or electromagnets might be used to engage the bottom of the barrier to a floor or window sill, for example. Springs, rubber, or other flexible materials can be utilized to allow the barrier to flex and move.

[0102] For horizontally deployed barriers, the barrier panels or sheets or laminates can form a support structure, and they can be pulled to a side horizontally to open the barriers. The slats may also be rotated to open the blind to light, or to block the light or provide privacy, such as at night. Such a system may be automatically deployed (i.e., closed) by both extending the blind, and / or rotating the slats closed, depending on the current state of deployment, to provide ballistic protection when a threatening event is detected, as discussed above.

[0103] Hence, Anti-ballistic blinds might also be arranged in a manner similar to drapes (curtains), where ballistic fabric is used to form the bullet proof drapes. In this case, the drapes can be deployed in a manner similar to fabric drapes. Vertical slats can be used in such approaches as well, where the slats fold together when the “drapes” are withdrawn (opened), and unfold when the “drapes” are deployed (closed).

[0104] Note that barriers could also be installed in the interior of rooms or against walls with the structures being installed at the ceiling or above a drop ceiling, or the upper portions of the walls so that the barriers can be dropped when needed for protecting a wall or room. Automatic deployment can occur as discussed above for window blinds and drapes. It has been found that free-hanging barriers or that otherwise can flex andmove can actually perform better than barriers that are tightly secured at the bottom or sides, likely due to better energy dissipation properties when the blind is permitted to move upon impact with a bullet or shrapnel. Hence, barriers without being secured at the bottom and sides or that are loosely secured are of particular interest and make up some preferred embodiments, although a weight may be used on the bottom edge of the barriers to aid in deployment.

[0105] An alternative blind design could utilize thin layers of glass with graphene centers or Lexan between two layers of glass that may be transparent or translucent sheets or slats. A transparent or translucent anti-ballistic gel might also be used, such as shear thickening fluids that are transparent to fill the gaps between window panes or layers of glass. Some of these materials harden upon impact and might be comprised of non-Newtonian fluids that that thicken in response to force (such as mixtures of cornstarch and water do). Examples of such materials have been disclosed recently but their composition are trade secrets. See www.sciencealert.com / liquid-armour-is-now-a-thing-and-it-stops-bullets-better-than-kevlar and www.telegraph.co.uk / news / uknews / defence / 4862103 / Military-to-use-new-gel-that-stops-bullets.html for examples.

[0106] FIG. 6 shows an improved system configured to protect an entire wall 751 of a room from penetration by ballistic objects into the room, rather than protecting individual doors and windows. The system 750 utilizes a retractable barrier device 500 that can retract and deploy a barrier to protect the room. FIG. 7 shows this same system in a partially deployed manner 750′. This wall protection system can be configured to protect an entire wall 751, including windows 752 and doors 753, with a single deployable barrier. This system can utilize the barrier designs discussed above, but configured for wider protection to also protect penetration through any wall or access port in the wall in addition to protecting doors and windows.

[0107] This system 750 can also utilize additional protective features such as the deployment of protective foams or gels by using dispersal units 250. These dispersal units can disperse a fire proof, anti-ballistic, or other fluid to fill the gap between the barrier of the barrier device 500 and the wall, door(s), and window(s) to provide additional protection (described in more detail hereinbelow).

[0108] A control panel 757 can be provided to control the retractable barrier device 500 and the dispersal devices 250, providing automated or manual deployment as otherwise discussed herein, and may include a more complex control system as discussed herein.

[0109] FIG. 6A shows an approach for protecting wider walls, or for supporting a more mass-produced system, where a system 755 uses multiple barrier devices 530 that are provided side-by-side and designed such that the barriers 531, 532 in those devices meet or overlap 531 to ensure total coverage of the wall with anti-ballistic protection. Any number of such barrier devices can be used to protect walls of any desired widths.

[0110] FIG. 8 shows an example barrier device 500 that includes a housing 502 for storing the flexible barrier 501 in a fully or partially retracted position. An actuator 505, such as a motor drive, is provided to deploy and retract the barrier 501 into the housing 502 on command. A weighted bar 503 can be provided to ensure that the barrier 501, when deployed, dangles in a stable manner and is not easily twisted too far when engaging ballistic projectiles. Note that the actuator 505 could be provided on a top or interior of the housing 502, if desired (e.g., see FIG. 6A).

[0111] Note that the bar 503 could be extended beyond the width of the barrier 501 as shown by example barrier device 509 in FIG. 9 by using extensions 504 to bar 503 to engage in mechanical structures 506 mounted on the structure of the building to further stabilize the barrier 501, but allowing the barrier 501 to flex and move in a manner designed to absorb kinetic energy of the ballistic projectile to stop its penetration through the barrier 501. For example, structure 506 might be a “U” shaped bracket that the bar extensions 504 can loosely drop into, preventing the barrier 501 from twisting too far, but still allowing them to flex and move to absorb kinetic energy.

[0112] Another alternative approach to securing the barrier 501 is shown in FIG. 10 for barrier device 510, where securing bars 511 are provided at a bottom edge of the barrier 501 that can engage the engagement devices 515 provided on a floor or wall near the base of the wall in the room. Note that securing bars 511 could be of a magnetic metal with engagement devices 515 being electromagnets that engage the bars and hold the barrier somewhat taught. Alternatively, devices 511 and 515 can be substituted with mechanical respective male / female latches that connect to hold the blind securely deployed. Rather than on the bottom of the barrier, the latches might be placed on one or both bottom corners, or one or both edges.

[0113] Using springs, rubber, or other stretchable components in the securing devices can be utilized to improve the flexing and moving capability of the blinds. The deployment structure in the housing 502 might also utilize such components. Overextending the barrier can also be utilized to improve the motion capabilities of the barriers.

[0114] By using stretchable components, loosely connecting, and / or otherwise keeping the barrier sufficiently loose in any of the embodiments (such as by deploying the barrier just a bit more than required to engage the devices 511 / 515 or their alternatives, or after setting on the floor), the barrier can still be permitted to substantially move and flex when engaging a ballistic projective to absorb kinetic energy, without providing gaps for projectiles to bypass the barrier. This extra deployment can be particularly useful if the barrier weight or other structures would otherwise tend to reduce the flexing and movement of the barrier, as the extra deployment will tend to reduce the effective weight of the barrier as compared to a fully free-hanging barrier.

[0115] Still another approach is shown in FIG. 11, where the barrier device 520 is provided with a plurality of side connectors 527 that are regularly spaced along the side lengths of the barrier 521 to engage engaging devices 527 with respective securing devices 529. For example, engaging devices 527 might be a bar that travels in the trough of a rail acting as the securing devices 529. Alternatively, securing devices 529 might be cables that engage hook or loop devices acting as the engaging devices 527. The engaging devices 527 can be provided regularly along the barrier 521 to ensure proper securing, but the securing of devices 527 / 529 together should be loose enough that the barrier 521 is able to flex and move sufficiently to absorb kinetic energy of the ballistic projectiles that engage the barrier 521. A weighted bar 523 can optionally be provided to foster the deployment of the barrier devices 520. Alternatively, devices 527 / 529 can be substituted with mechanical devices that engage each other only when the barrier is fully deployed. Again, the barrier 521 can be loosely deployed, such as by deploying somewhat more of the barrier than required to fully cover the protected region, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. In this case as well, using springs, rubber or other stretchable or otherwise flexible components as part of the securing device(s) can improve the ability of the barrier to flex and move.

[0116] Note that some rooms have wider walls that may require a plurality of Barrier devices 500, 510, or 520, to be placed side by side in a modular fashion to protect an entire width of a wall of a room, as shown in the example of FIG. 6A using 2 barrier devices 530 with an overlap of the barriers 531. Any number of such barrier devices can be put side-by-side. Since these systems are designed to allow the protection of entire walls of rooms, these should be placed such that there is little or no gap between the barriers of the respective systems. Using such a module design can allow for ease in mass producing the barrier devices. Hence, designs where the actuators 505 are placed internally, or over or below the housings 502, may be preferable (see FIG. 6A). Each barrier system can be used to protect one or more windows, doors, and portions of the wall, until the entire wall of a room is protected along with any penetrations of the wall by windows and doors. Hence, any given barrier system can protect individual windows, doors, and / or portions of walls using multiple barrier devices until the entire room is protected from penetration. Some barrier devices might protect one or more windows and wall portions, and / or one or more doors and wall portions, or any combination. Barrier devices might be “stacked” to provide a plurality of layers of protection (e.g., see FIG. 13). Hence, any given barrier might be arranged to protect a substantial portion of the wall by extending over any part of that wall, such as by one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more feet, or any combination thereof to protect from ballistic projectiles (e.g., bullets) from penetrating that portion of the wall.

[0117] Note further that these barrier systems could be provided on an interior wall or an exterior wall of a building to protect an interior of the building. Alternatively, barrier devices could be provided on both an interior and exterior of a wall to provide better protection against ballistic projectiles. Note that the construction of the barriers could be optimized for whether they are to be put on an interior or an exterior wall. For example, exterior barriers might be provided made weather proof, and / or provided thicker, for example, or may utilize a metallic layer such as using metal slats that can be rolled up or folded-because larger containment structures for thicker barriers might be more acceptable on an exterior wall, for example. Or the exterior barrier might be more tightly secured to the building to act additionally as a barrier to persons (e.g., a shooter or thief), whereas the interior barrier is more loosely held in place to better stop the ballistic projectiles.

[0118] Furthermore, barriers of similar construction as described herein might be placed inside a wall, or between panes of glass. For use inside a wall, the barrier might be permanently installed deployed in a gap between parts of the wall, such as between sheetrock, or it might be installed on framing studs. If installed in a relatively loose fashion, the barrier can still flex and move inside the wall. Between window panes, the a deployable / retractable barrier is preferred.

[0119] By combining the barrier system with other anti-ballistic systems, such as window films or other window treatments, bullet resistant glass, resin filled windows, etc. additional ballistic resistance can be provided. For example, using the barriers in conjunction with the window retrofit system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 12,007,208 granted on Jun. 11, 2024 (incorporated herein by reference) can provide additional ballistic protection.

[0120] The above barrier device designs can utilize any of the laminated layer configurations that are described in this document (and the incorporated references), or combinations thereof, to obtain the desired features of anti-ballistic protection (and in particular protection against certain types of bullets and shrapnel), flexibility, durability, and / or fire resistance. These laminated barriers made up of individual sheets including anti-ballistic materials and decorative layer(s) can be manufactured as described herein, in the incorporated documents, or as otherwise provided in the art or future arts.

[0121] FIG. 12 shows an example dispersal device 250 that has a casing 251, dispersal ports 253, and a dispersal engine and storage system 252. Note that this system can be a self-contained system in that it stores its own protective fluid for dispersal inside the casing 251, or alternatively an externally supplied source of fluid can be connected to the device 250 via a distribution system (not shown). This system can provide additional protective features, such as a fire foam, anti-ballistic foam, anti-personnel materials (e.g., pepper spray), etc. to provide additional protections to the protected spaces.

[0122] Note that the protective fluid dispersed by device 250 can be a fire resistant foam or gel that may, or may not, exhibit anti-ballistic properties. Fluids that exhibit non-Newtonian characteristics can be used to help stop the ballistic projectiles. Other types of anti-ballistic gels, foams, or other materials can also be used. The dispersed material might be designed to put out fires, for example. Preferably, the dispersal material should be relatively easy to wash away after the barriers are retracted, or might quickly (e.g., within hours) decompose into a powder or other form for easy cleaning.

[0123] FIG. 13 shows an alternative arrangement where the anti-ballistic laminated structure 726 is deployed using a separate deployment structure 731 versus a base structure 722 using another deployment structure 732. In this example, each structure 722, 726 can be separately deployed and retracted. A weight or magnet 729 might be provided at the bottom of the laminated structure 726 to aid in deployment.

[0124] The arrangement of FIG. 13 would allow the two structures 722, 726 to be independently deployed for increasing the flexibility of operation, and providing additional protection where desired. For example, base structure 726 might be designed to be more tightly deployed, such as to stop a person by bypassing the structure. For example, a person might just push aside a portion of the anti-ballistic barrier structure 722 to bypass it if it is designed to be loosely deployed for anti-ballistic protection (as described for the example ballistic barriers herein), whereas a more tightly deployed structure 726 can be designed to prevent entrance of the person through the deployed barriers. Alternatively, the structures 722 and 726 can each act to stop ballistic projectiles, providing additional protection, or by providing different types of protection to support protection against different types of projectiles. Or the combination of these two systems can result in a higher certification rating of the combined system.

[0125] The arrangement of FIG. 13 (or any other embodiment) might still provide for the laminated structure 722 being attached to the base structure through the use of magnets, electromagnets, side rails (such as a rail being attached to the base structure for the edges of the laminated structure sliding in the rail), or other structures to restrain the laminated structure from being pushed or pulled away from the base structure. Alternatively, the laminated structure may freely hang, or be fixed at a base once deployed, such as by using a locking structure, magnets, electromagnets, etc.

[0126] The various barriers disclosed herein could be utilized in a configuration similar to that of security shutters, in at least a portion of the shutters could utilized fabric materials to better absorb energy from the projectiles such as bullets. A metallic face of the shutters could be used as a strike face to deform a bullet and then a layer of fabric material in a sheet or slats could be used to fully stop the bullet or shrapnel. Or hollow portions within various slats of the shutter could be filled with the barrier material provided in strips, for example, or filled with an anti-ballistic gel.

[0127] Any of the protective barriers described herein might also be stored in a ceiling or floor or wall, rather than a valance structure, and in some cases bullet proof panels rather than solid flexible barriers might be used, where deployment in emergency situations means that the barriers drop from the ceiling to provide ballistic protection.

[0128] FIG. 14. Illustrates an example of a control system which may be used by any of the embodiments described herein to control the blind system 5. The control system can include a controller 202 with one or more sensors that form a sensor array 204 connected to the controller 202, and a panic switch 206 connected to the controller 202. The sensors may be pre-existing sensors in a home defense system or conventional after-market sensors capable of detecting ballistic signals such as sound (e.g., gun shots or breaking glass), gun powder, gun impact, muzzle flash, temperature, and the like. The sensors could be any of those typically used to detect a break in, for example. The controller 202 is connected to a user interface 210 whereby a user may activate and apply settings to the blind system. The controller 202 is also connected to a motor system 208 for actuating the blind system upon receiving information indicating that a threat is present and that the barriers should be closed (i.e., put into a protective state such as a ballistic protection mode).

[0129] Where a building may already have a central control system (e.g., a security or other alarm system), controller 202 may utilize such a system by adding additional customized code for operating the barriers system 5. In another example, the barriers could also utilize ground sourced radar, infrared (heat), sonar, or some other active or passive detection system. The sensor array 204 can include one or more heat sensors, infrared sensors, video sensors, audio sensors, smoke detectors, or other types of sensors, or may utilize already existing sensors of a fire or burglar system, for example. Any of the sensors in the sensor array 204, the panic switch 206 or the user interface 210, or any combination of these components, may be connected to the controller 202 in a wireless manner, such as by WiFi or Bluetooth, for example, and the panic switch and / or user interface could be implemented on a cell phone or tablet computer, for example.

[0130] The system or any of its components may be controlled by any external or internal system, such as one that may exist prior to the installation of the barriers. For example, the blind system could be tied to an external system such as an alarm system or video cameras with analytics. The blind system could also be controlled remotely via the internet or a WiFi or Bluetooth connection by any connected device such as a tablet, computer, PDA, or a smartphone. Barriers such as disclosed herein would be very useful in a panic situation in a school or federal building. Such barriers could also be used in a lock down situation to prevent people or valuables from leaving the premises, for example. FIG. 9, described below, shows an example embodiment of a remotely controllable system.

[0131] The barriers could be retrofitted to an existing building or other structure, and adapted to tap into existing security or burglar alarm systems, for example, or they could be added during structure construction.

[0132] The barriers could also be adapted to sense the location of the occupants of the building and close by according to predetermined parameters such as direction of threat and the location inside the building that would be the best to return fire from. Barriers could also be controlled by facial recognition, video analytics, or by the occupants'voice or any other suitable biometrics, such as for recognizing an threatening person, such as an ex-spouse, or ex-employee who has made threats or acted in a threatening manner, or otherwise recognizing a wanted criminal or an enemy soldier, for example. When the blind system 5 is activated, the slats 10 may be configured to overlap each other to form the interlocking pattern discussed above so as deflect bullets, shells, or other ballistic weapons to prevent a fatal impact and / or property damage. Such barriers can protect from thrown objects as well, such as rocks, grenades, bricks, Molotov cocktails, etc. Barriers could be controlled individually or together with a timing mechanism.

[0133] The barriers could be configured to protect against remote monitoring of sound and conversation, such as by providing random vibrations to the blind to avoid vibration detection by remote monitoring devices, for example.

[0134] As an example use, the blind system may be provided in an open state where the barriers are provided in an open condition (e.g., with open slats) to allow viewing through the barriers, or the barriers in a retracted position. The blind system sensor array would detect a potential intruder or the sound of gunfire using visual, auditory, or other sensed information. The system would then automatically enter a protective state, such as by closing the barriers (e.g., closing the slats) or deploying the blind (by lowering it to cover the window), or both, to protect the interior of the room from external entry of projectiles (e.g., bullets), for example. Or the system may detect the entry of a ballistic projectile (e.g., a bullet, rock, etc.), or threatening shouts or yells, sirens, explosions, proximity of threatening individuals, etc., in which case the barriers would be activated into a protective mode.

[0135] FIG. 15 provides an example integrated system 800 that can be provided for automating a barrier deployment system. In this case, a router 803 (such as a wireless or wired ethernet system or cable modem system) connects to the Internet 805 to access cloud services and remote servers. The router provides internal network connectivity to the other networked components. In this example, Echo® devices 810, 811 are attached to the network, such as via Wi-Fi connectivity. Ring® doorbell systems 812 can be used to provide external video. Video cameras 813 used with Video systems 820 can also be attached, along with any burglar systems 830, Fire suppression systems 840, and other types of systems that monitor a region using sensors, video, panic switches, etc.

[0136] A Barrier Deployment Control system 850 can be provided to control any Barrier Systems 801 with automatically deployable barriers. In this way, the various systems communicate with each other in a shared, artificial intelligence environment to share sensor information gathered by each of the systems, and to operate the systems in an integrated, coordinated manner. Hence, when a burglar system detects an intrusion, barriers might be deployed to protect entrances. Similarly, if smart speakers detect breaking glass or gunshots, a burglar system might set off an alarm, and notify security personnel.

[0137] For example, an Alexa® activated device 855 can send Smart Alerts®, via phone notifications, if an Echo® device detects the sound of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, commands, or glass breaking. Alexa® could automatically control barrier deployment, compatible smart lights to make it look like someone is home, notify authorities, etc. Alexa® can also arm a Ring® or Blink® or ADT® security system, call authorities, or set off alarms. This can include integration with other smart devices, such as smart locks, security systems, contact / motion sensors, etc.

[0138] Echo® running Alexa® and similar devices 855 can be provided in multiple rooms and buildings and integrate with other safety systems such as security cameras and fire suppression systems. Alexa® could direct children or law enforcement where to go to get away from any threat whether it's an active shooter or a fire. Distributed smart speakers can help guide individuals to safety by directing them to safe areas or exits. In addition to audio it could give visual clues perhaps color codes for deaf people. Visual clues could be seen from a much further distance. When integrated to blue tooth and Wi-Fi it could alert and direct children on their phone to evade / escape. The system can be used to pinpoint locations of people / children and guide them through smoke or darkness, including through heavy smoke or away from an active shooter, for example.

[0139] By using Alexa® devices and applications in numerous classrooms or offices one can pinpoint the location of the shooter. For example if there is a courtyard with surrounding classrooms, a shooter could be monitored and followed. Or in a residential community with multiple residences or in a city with multiple offices and buildings all the Alexa® devices can share information such as gunshot glass breakage smoke heat etc. To help authorities or building systems pinpoint the location of threats to take offensive defensive measures. The system could also change colors and flash so the fire department or police could have visual alerts. These audio or visual alerts could also guide the children or office worker where to go to evade the assailants. By sharing information between multiple integrated systems, problems can be detected and actions can be taken. Lights doors ventilation etc.

[0140] Alexa® can also be used in utility rooms and data centers for predictive maintenance when heat sound or light than corresponds to various problems. For example a heat exchanger fan motor could be replaced based on the change in sound or temperature. Alexa® could also take weather into account to control various systems and predict outages for as simple as replacing lights.

[0141] Security components such as Ring® doorbell systems, video systems, window detection sensors, heat sensors, smoke sensors, etc. can all be integrated together and used to determine the status of an enclosure (e.g., home, business, store, etc.) or another location (yard, street, park, etc.) and the proper protective devices triggered, alarms activated, and proper people and other systems notified.

[0142] Similar devices could be added or substituted for the above described devices, such as Google's® Home ®devices (e.g., Home Mini, Big Home Max, Home Hub), Apple® HomePod®, Harman-Kardon Allure® and Invoke®, Lenovo Smart Display®, Triby Smart Speaker®, Mycroft Mark 1®, JBL Link View Smart Speaker®, Sonos One®, among others, along with the Apple® Siri® app and the Windows® Cortana®. Any of these systems and / or applications could be adapted in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to the Alexa® devices.

[0143] Such systems could also be utilized to deploy burglar defense systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,229,569 filed on Mar. 14, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference, that deploy anti-burglar substances such as pepper spray or tear gas or identification inks. These systems can then be used to deter burglars and other invasion attempts.

[0144] By networking the various smart systems, including microphones to monitor sound and voices (including gunshots, breaking glass, etc.), video cameras to capture faces, movement, and break-ins, heat and smoke detectors to detect fires, cell phone detectors can be used track individuals by using Bluetooth® or other cell phone features (with individuals registering their phones with the protective system), and other types of sensors, a protected space can be monitored for potential intrusion and other threats. The use of voice and face recognition can be used to register residents and guests to detect unauthorized intruders, for example. When threats are detected, various defensive measures can be deployed, such as deploying automated barriers (as discussed herein), triggering alarms, calling the proper authorities (fire or police, for example), starting recordings of video and audio activity, deploying defensive gas or liquid deterrents, etc.

[0145] The barriers could be retrofitted to an existing building or other structure, and adapted to tap into existing security or burglar alarm systems, for example, or they could be added during structure construction.

[0146] The barriers could also be adapted to sense the location of the occupants of the building and close by according to predetermined parameters such as direction of threat and the location inside the building that would be the best to return fire from. barriers could also be controlled by facial recognition, video analytics, or by the occupants'voice or any other suitable biometrics, such as for recognizing an threatening person, such as an ex-spouse, or ex-employee who has made threats or acted in a threatening manner, or otherwise recognizing a wanted criminal or an enemy soldier, for example. When a barrier system is activated, the barrier may deploy as discussed above so as deflect bullets, shells, or other ballistic weapons to prevent a fatal impact and / or property damage. Such barriers can protect from thrown objects as well, such as rocks, grenades, bricks, Molotov cocktails, etc. Barriers could be controlled individually or together with a timing mechanism.

[0147] The barriers could be configured to protect against remote monitoring of sound and conversation, such as by providing random vibrations to the barrier to avoid vibration detection by remote monitoring devices, for example.

[0148] As an example use, the barrier system may be provided in an open state where the barriers are provided in an retracted condition to allow viewing or travel through the barriers, or the barriers in a retracted position. The barrier system sensor array would detect a potential intruder or the sound of gunfire using visual, auditory, or other sensed information. The system would then automatically enter a protective state, such as by deploying the barrier (by lowering it to protect a space), or both, to protect the interior of the room from external entry of projectiles (e.g., bullets), for example. Or the system may detect the entry of a ballistic projectile (e.g., a bullet, rock, etc.), or threatening shouts or yells, sirens, explosions, proximity of threatening individuals, etc., in which case the barrier would be activated into a protective mode.

[0149] FIG. 16 shows an example networked neighborhood 900 where multiple homes, businesses, institutions, and safety forces are networked together to share information gathered by systems that can be installed in any, or all, of these locations. For example, a home 1 or 2 under invasion can detect the invasion, and potentially broadcast a warning to neighbors, notify police, and in case of fire detection, notify the fire department. Hospitals may be notified if there are injured individuals detected, and government agencies may be notified for tracking and statistical analysis, and for long-term response and legislation and policies, for example. Businesses might be notified of the performance and status of their various products.

[0150] Furthermore, individuals (e.g., relatives, stakeholders, officials) located more remotely anywhere in the country or even in the world may be notified where desired. Individuals who are not home during a break-in can have their smart phones notified, and be provided video information, for example. Friends or relatives can be notified of problems, injuries, health emergencies, etc. These systems can be used to monitor medical conditions of individuals in the home or in hospitals or other care facilities. Security personnel can be notified of situations that they must respond to. In this way, all interested parties can be kept apprised of events that impact them.

[0151] When these systems are installed in homes, businesses, or other locations, constant monitoring of background noise and appliances, and other devices or people can be used to detect anomalies, such as impending product or appliance failures, gas and electric system status, weather conditions, etc. Remotely located relatives can monitor their elderly parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. The systems can monitor electrical power, water, natural gas, propane, internet, and other utility usage for detecting anomalies and other unusual circumstances, and to perform assessments and monitoring.LAMINATED BARRIER MANUFACTURING

[0152] Generally, an example manufacturing method is to create laminated material sheets in large quantities of substantial width (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 10 or more feet or fractions thereof) and long lengths (dozens, scores, hundreds, or thousands of feet) comprised of individual sheet layers of flexible, anti-ballistic material that may contain woven or unwoven fibers (such as fibers comprised of lightweight anti-ballistic materials described herein), or otherwise arranged in individual thin sheets comprised of fibers of a light-weight, anti-ballistic material, such as Kevlar (or other aramid fibers that may include poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide), Lexan, Tensylon, Dyneema (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE)), Twaron, other polyethylene, boron treated cloth, boron screens, polycarbonate, fiberglass (e.g., ArmorCore), carbon structures such as graphene, DLC, nanotubes, and other lightweight fibrous anti-ballistic materials. Flexible sheets that can be used might also be comprised of thin sheets of solid (non-woven or even non-fibrous) materials (sufficiently thin to be flexible and rollable), or screens of material. Such sheets can be thin, like foil, paper, or cloth, or thicker, like thin or thick cardboards, or even as thick as various plywoods, for example. Woven sheets can be twill weave or plain weave woven fabrics, and / or can be woven using different fibers, such as an anti-ballistic fiber and a carbon fiber, for example. Unwoven sheets can be mats of fibers resulting in sheets of various thicknesses and / or densities.

[0153] Note that an improved version of an aramid fiber: Kevlar® EXO™ is available that can prove beneficial for this application, providing even more ballistic protection for a given weight, with improved thermal performance over traditional aramid fibers. A woven cloth made of such material can be an ideal basis for the laminates described herein.

[0154] Layers of certain materials may utilize spacers or other items to allow the laminate to properly be configured into a roll. For example, Dyneema layers may need to slide a bit in relation to other layers to allow for proper rolling of the laminate. Certain types of layers, such as of a slippery material, may act as a “spacer” to allow Dyneema or similar layers slip or slide a bit relative to each other to be more easily rolled.

[0155] These sheet materials, which may be manufactured in-house or obtained from the marketplace, are formed from woven or unwoven cloth-like sheets of fabric or other fiber-based sheets of material (such as anti-ballistic materials like aramid fivers, for example)through processes known in the art into long rolls of substantial width (e.g., 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, 5 ft. 6 ft. to over 8 ft wide, or 45″, 53″, 62″ wide, for example) that can be fed into a laminating process (as described herein) to form laminates comprised of multiple layers of the material to form a wide, flexible, multi-layered anti-ballistic laminate that can be rolled or otherwise transported or fed for use in subsequent manufacturing into the desired end products. Silica powders or grains might be added to the sheets, whether woven or non-woven, to provide improved properties.

[0156] These sheets can be comprised from woven yarns, threads, or fibers of anti-ballistic material to form knitted or weaved cloth-like material, or fibers can be arranged in a matted sheet of short or long fibers, like fiber-glass insulation or felt. Longer fibers and / or weaving may form more durable and less shedable sheets, but shorter fibers formed into a matt may be more economical to use.

[0157] The anti-ballistic material should be provided uniformly across the individual sheets (e.g., contiguously) or the laminate to ensure that anti-ballistic performance is uniform across the laminate to form a barrier to ballistic projectiles across the entire barrier area.

[0158] Multi-layer graphene sheets can also be utilized for additional anti-ballistic properties. The graphene acts like a stretchy membrane, distributing the bullets energy over a large area, providing tensile strength, with stiff, strong, and elastic features provided simultaneously. Carbon nanotubes or other types of carbon fibers can be utilized as material to be added alone, or in combination with other materials described above, to add strength or other desirable properties. In some cases, the carbon may comprise half or more of the material in the sheet, or less than half. The carbon nanotubes (or other carbon fibers) are light, flexible, strong, and thermally-stable, and in a bullet proof (anti-ballistic) structure, millions of these nanotubes (or other fibers) come together to form carbon nanofibers which are woven together to create lightweight material sheets. The resulting carbon nanofibers are extremely efficient at absorbing energy, making them beneficial for bullet proof and bomb proof (shrapnel proof) materials and sheets and laminates. Other types of carbon fibers can similarly be used for strength or to provide other or additional beneficial properties. Sheets of metal foils might also be used to add strength or other properties, such as EMF protection or heat or EMF reflections.

[0159] These individual sheets might be comprised of woven yarns of material (threads, fibers, etc.), or individual fibers formed into a matt or other structure where the fibers hold together into a flat, flexible sheet by cross-interconnecting fibers or using adhesives or other bonding agents, or by pressing the fibers into a compressed sheet. Such sheets might be sprayed with, or dipped in or passed through, a liquid or powdered adhesive or plastic which, when set (suing heat or drying or other chemical process), may keep the fibers cohesive and connected together and not be loose and shedding. For example, the sheets might be sprayed using the same material comprising the fibers in liquid form, or dissolved in a carrier that evaporates, or multi-part portions that chemically react like an epoxy, or sprayed with an adhesive such as glue to bind the fibers together. The sheets might be pressed using a roller to compress the fibers, and they might be heated sufficiently such as by using heated rollers, arcs, hot air, to set the material and / or bond the fibers together.

[0160] Note that different layers of material can be chosen for combination to provide different properties. For example, mixing Kevlar and Dyneema together (e.g., in alternating layers or putting fire resistant layers as outer layers with Dyneema as inner layers) provides the advantage of both materials, including Dyneema's flexible bonding properties, and Kevlar's fire resistance. Coatings can be provided (such as by spraying or dipping) to improve fire resistance, such as coating with a fire retardant paint or coating, or using fire retardant adhesives (e.g., FLEXCON® V-59FR Non-Halogenated Flame-Retardant Adhesive), for example, to reduce the combustibility of materials like Dyneema. Layers of fire blocking material can be utilized in the laminate to improve fire resistance.

[0161] Adhesives can include epoxy, cyano-acrylate, polyamide, or modified phenolic adhesive or thermal curing agents. Bonding may be done in an atmospherically controlled environment. For example, Kevlar-to-Kevlar bonding may require only a relative humidity of 55%, whereas Kevlar-to-non-nylon materials may require a RH factor of 8.

[0162] The laminated layers are desired to be formed into a cohesive structure by bonding them together in a manner that does not easily separate back into individual sheets. This can use the processes disclosed in the '007 and '897 references, and might also including: gluing; stitching (including one or more of lockstitch, chain stitch, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, running stitch, back stitch, satin stitch); spot welding; arc welding; RF welding; flame lamination; riveting (or use of other fasteners); hook and loop fastening; quilting; taping; etc.

[0163] For example, a hot thin bar could be pressed into the laminate at regular intervals to weld thin strips of the material together at those regular intervals along its length, or even in a quilting pattern. Bonding based on mechanical, chemical, thermal, or hydrogen bonding can be used. Glues can be sprayed on or the material may be dipped or otherwise passed through a glue bath for subsequent curing by heat or chemical means.

[0164] Bonding could be accomplished using fasteners, such as powder coated staples or snaps or clamps, for example. Individual laminates could be provided with snaps or Velcro or other types of fasteners or bonding such as stitching or spot welding or gluing to allow additional layers of laminates to be stacked together to form further laminates of laminates. Plastic or metal rivets can be punched into the laminate. Combinations of these bonding approaches can be used.

[0165] Bonding approaches might be utilized that allow for the bond to break in situations of stress to allow the laminate to better absorb the energy of an impinging ballistic or other object. For example, threads used for stitching might be made breakable during certain high stress levels, or a Velcro-like connector may be designed to break away during high stress levels. By breaking such bonds may become a sacrifice to absorb kinetic energy, and / or allow for more relative motion between laminate layers to further absorb energy.

[0166] Alternatively, strong threads might be utilized for adding structural strength. Strips of strong materials or screens may be used to add additional structural strength and other desirable qualities.

[0167] Generally, the desired number of layers, from two to half a dozen to a dozen to more, to 16 layers of ballistic sheets, 18 layers, or more, are rolled out and stacked and fixed (bonded) together using the desired method such as those described above or below. Or a few sheets might be formed into a laminate, and then those laminates used to form further laminates downstream to increase the thickness and provide desired properties. For example, two or three-layer laminates can be formed that can then be combined to form 2, 6, 8, 10, or more layer laminates using one or more downstream laminating stations. Any number of laminating stations can be utilized, as desired, for increasing thickness, and by repeating stations, economies of scale are provided by repeating similar stations serially.

[0168] Laminates of various numbers and types of layers can be provided as alternatives for use various types of products. For example, fewer layers may be used in a rollable blind where flexibility and rollability is important whereas more layers might be used in a fence or permanent structure where more protection is desired and repeated rolling is not necessary.

[0169] Furthermore, the initial laminates may use one method of combining the layers together while the downstream lamination methods use a different method or different layers. For example, the initial laminate might be bonded using a glue (or stitching), with the subsequent laminations bonding the glued laminate using stitching (or gluing), for example. Some stations may bond woven layers, while other stations bond unwoven layers. Further, some stations might add metallic screens, structural layers, decorative layers, or adhesive layers, for example (especially such as external decorative layers). By placing these stations serially, any desired composition of laminates can be provided, as desired. Hence, a laminate having 3 or more layers of anti-ballistic sheets of fabric (or other flexible sheets) can be provided with outer layers of decorative or structural or fire resistive layers, for example. Or structural and / or fire resistive layers may be used alternately in the laminate.

[0170] Furthermore, it may be desired that different sheets of different material are used for different locations in the laminate, or at the same locations. For example, the inner layers of the laminate might be comprised of one or more sheets of mats of loose fibers, whereas outer layers are comprised of sheets of woven material. In this manner, the outer sheets, which will naturally be less likely to shed fibers, can contain the more likely to shed fibers of the inner layers. In this manner, cost savings may be obtained by using fewer layers of woven material and more layers of matted material while achieving the benefits both. In such an approach, the method of bonding the laminates may depend on the type of sheets used in the laminates. For example, it may be more effective to glue matted unwoven sheets together, while woven sheets are stitched or spot welded, for example.

[0171] Layers of fire retardant materials can also be interspersed between layers of anti-ballistic materials and / or layers of strengthening materials to achieve the desired properties. It may be beneficial to put combustible layers in a center and cover them with fire resistant layers as outer layers. Or such layers can be alternated. Furthermore, one or more layers, or the entire laminate, might be saturated with or provided with a layer of an anti-ballistic or fireproof gel for further anti-ballistic properties, fire retardant properties, adhesive properties, or any combination of these properties or other properties.

[0172] Such approaches can lead to a number of embodiments for creating different types of structures and manufacturing approaches. For example, a three layer laminate might be comprised of one or more inner, matted sheet(s) formed at one laminating station, and one or more outer, woven sheet(s), all stitched or glued together at a subsequent processing station. Or all three layers may be of the same material processed at one station, or two at one station and the third at another station. In this way, processing stations can be placed serially to achieve many different desired layers using various different bonding methods.

[0173] For example, FIG. 17 shows an example laminate 1100 having three layers 1101 of the same material bonded together using any of the methods disclosed herein. FIG. 22 shows a view of a laminate 1115, such as shown in FIG. 17 or another embodiment, that is bonded using stitching 1116 provided horizontally across the laminate in a regular pattern or groups of patters (e.g., quilting, etc). The stitches can be vertical, horizontal, or both. The distance between stitches can vary according to need, but closer stitching can help prevent fraying and other problems when cutting the laminate. Stitching in a quilt pattern can improve such features as well by adding vertical stitching as well.

[0174] The stitching process itself can be used to provide desired properties. For example, the stitching might provide structural strength, or have energy absorbing properties to aid in the integrity and anti-ballistic properties of the resulting laminate. Various different stitches could be used, such as chain stitching that is easier to implement and allows material to stretch and move easier, or the more secure lock stitch that is more difficult to utilize (requiring a bobbin), but is less likely to unravel and provides additional benefits. Threads for stitching might be chosen for structural strength, such as by using polymer or aramid threads, or they might be chosen to have break-away capability for increasing energy absorption capability. Metallic or cotton or nylon or other types of threads can also be used.

[0175] Woven layers might be bonded using glue, spread on entire sheets or as lines or other partial coverage. The glue might be sprayed or laid on, and then cured using a heat treating or chemical process, or by spraying with water (prior to, or subsequent to, applying the glue), or the glue may be self-drying (such as by exposure to oxygen or evaporation of a substrate). A powdered glue or polymer might be used that melts when heated to flow into the layers and form a permanent bond.

[0176] Alternatively, double or triple layer matted, unwoven sheets might form one laminate all glued, pressed, sewed, or spot welded together, that is later processed to add an outer layer on one or both sides of woven sheets that are stitch bonded or glued to the adjacent laminate, leading to a 2, 3, 4, 5 or more layer laminates, for example. Sixteen layers is a desirable laminate amount for some purposes. And by using more than one method of bonding, the benefits of those different methods can be combined, improving the final result.

[0177] Furthermore, layers might be provided to add additional desired properties. For example, layers, strips, threads, etc. that add strength could be provided. Or fireproof layers. Or insulating layers. Or decorative layers (especially as one or both outer layers). Or bonding layers. Or anti-ballistic layers. Sheets having different properties can be combined to offer unique features. For example, mixing and matching sheets using different types of anti-ballistic materials can be chosen to offer strength, fireproofing, flexibility, and other desired properties.

[0178] Outer layers that are slippery, such as might be coated with polymer coatings like Teflon or other slippery surfaces, may be used to provide desired features, such as ease of deformation or turning of bullets, and slippery motions. Reflective outer layers (such as a polished metallic foil) may be useful for heat protection. Rubber or other resilient materials may be used for outer layers or inner layers to add spring or return properties to the material. Layers may be used that hold their shape once formed into that shape, such as a metallic layer, for example.

[0179] Layers that react chemically or physically to a ballistic impact can be utilized to transform kinetic energy into feeding a chemical reaction, or layers might self-destruct to absorb energy. Materials that momentarily melt or deform can be used to absorb kinetic energy.

[0180] Metal screens might be used to add stiffness and further anti-ballistic properties, where flexibility is less important. Or metal screens that are sufficient thin can still allow for flexibility. Metals such as steel alloys (e.g., stainless steel, carbon steel, etc.), copper, bronze or brass, aluminum, or other types of metal or alloys thereof can be utilized. Metal threads might be used for strength. Metal powders might be used to achieve desired properties.

[0181] For example, FIG. 21 shows a laminate 1110 having anti-ballistic layers 1111, 1112, and 1113 (which may be different types of layers—e.g., woven and unwoven, or the same types of layers but of different thicknesses, or the same layers, any as described herein), with metallic screens 1114 provided between the layers for strength and further anti-ballistic properties. Note that if the screens 1114 are made sufficiently thin, the laminate 1110 will be flexible, but the screen might be made sufficiently thick to help the laminate hold its shape when bent, curved, or folded. Such a laminate can be fashioned into various configurations of different geometric shapes to make complex objects or to fit into complex locations, such as corners, etc. Thin foils or small gauge screens could be used to add EMI protection.

[0182] Or some layers might be comprised of a fibrous or solid sheet of glue or resin material that melts and bonds adjacent layers when heated and melted. Such a material may flow into the adjacent layers, creating a strong bond without the use of any liquid adhesives. Hence, the laminating and bonding process might include placing an inner layer of glue sheet (solid or fibrous) between two outer layers of anti-ballistic sheets, then running the stack through heated rollers or an oven to melt the inner layer to bond the two outer layers together. Or glue might be sprayed or spread on various laminate layers with the layers then stacked on top of each other.

[0183] FIG. 23 shows an example laminate 1117 having anti-ballistic layers 1118 bonded using a glue or resin layer or gel layer 1119 provided between them, which might also provide useful properties, such as fireproofing (using a fireproof adhesive), structural strength, or even additional anti-ballistic properties. Use of a glue can be an air-dry glue, or a two-part glue such as an epoxy, or a heat activated glue, or a resin, for example. A gel, which may remain a gel in the finished product or may be solidified, may provide additional anti-ballistic properties, fire resistance, or other desirable features. These layers 1119 might be laid on (as a sheet of material or strips of material) or sprayed on or spread on during the bonding process and could be heat activated or chemical activated (such as by exposure to air / oxygen).

[0184] Furthermore, the outer layers might be made decorative or paintable, or in some other manner that leads to flexibility in the esthetics of the end product. In some cases, the final, outer layers may be solely for decorative purposes, with no anti-ballistic properties. For example, FIG. 19 shows an example laminate having inner layer(s) 1106 of anti-ballistic material bonded together, with outer layers 1107 bonded to the inner bonded layers which may be decorative for aesthetic reasons.

[0185] Another approach is to use one thick layer of matted, unwoven fibrous sheets placed between two outer layers of thinner sheets of woven fabric or other solid material. Then, if the layers are quilted or stitched or glued together, the mat fibers will mostly be locked into place between the woven or solid layers, allowing flexibility and material volume at lower cost. Note that these laminates can be processed between rollers to compress them and reduce the overall volume (thickness) of the laminate. Alternatively, higher volume might be desired in some applications, in which case the mat sheets are kept thick and airy and not tightly wound on finishing rolls. For example, thick, airy sheets can be used for forming blankets that insulate as well as cover and protect the contents from ballistic attack. Protective products providing insulation can be used to create tents, clothing, rugs, drapery, or other protective products in a wide variety of forms.

[0186] For example, FIG. 18 shows an example laminate 1102 having a thicker, inner layer 1104 comprised of, for example, matted fibers surrounded by two outer layers 1103 of woven material, or a laminated material comprising a plurality of layers of woven or unwoven material. Alternatively, thicker woven layers might be adjacent to inner woven layers between them (of the same, or different, materials). Or FIG. 18 might show an inner laminated material with opposing structural or decorative layers 1103 on one or both outer sides. Similarly, FIG. 20 shows the laminate 1102 of FIG. 18 adding two outer layers 1108 for structural or decorative purposes. Hence, three different types of layers could be utilized, such as an unwoven mat 1104, woven layers 1103, and decorative or structural layers 1108. When desired, only one outer layers 1108 might be used, or one layer might be decorative and the other structural. Or layer 1104 may be comprised of a laminate of a plurality of woven or unwoven layers or a combination thereof.

[0187] The laminate might be made stretchable by using an approach like above, where the inner layers are more fibrous and looser formed, with the outer layers being stretchable, such as a thin rubber material that may be a rubber with embedded anti-ballistic fibers. Chain stitching can aid in stretchability. Alternatively such a laminate might be stitched together using a rubber or other stretchable thread acting like a bungee cord.

[0188] Note that these various laminate features described above can be mixed and matched to provide desired features. Any of the types of starting sheets of material, whether comprised of matted, unwoven fibers, woven yarns, felts, screens, glues or other bonding agents, decorative layers, structural layers, etc. can be mixed and matched to provide the desired features for a given application. Bonding methods can be combined in order to provide additional structural advantages, where desired.

[0189] The laminate examples discussed above, along with other variations, can be efficiently manufactured in volume in order to meet market demands. In particular, the provision of strong, anti-ballistic properties for adding to various products and structures is desirable.

[0190] FIG. 24 shows an example manufacturing process 1200 that can be used with many of the disclosed embodiments. Multiple rolls of material (e.g., continuous sheets or laminates), 1211, 1213, 1215 (three are shown in the example but different numbers of rolls can be utilized) are provided each having material 1221, 1223, 1225, respectively, rolled thereon. These materials 1221, 1223, 1225, may all be comprised of the same material, or of different materials, as desired and described herein. For example, woven or unwoven (or both) fabrics of anti-ballistic material might be used, or one may be a bonding agent such as a glue or resin mat, for example.

[0191] The materials 1221, 1223, 1225 are continuously fed into a Laminate Bonding Process 1230 that bonds the materials 1221, 1223, 1225, into layers of the resulting laminate 240 that are bonded together, preventing separation. The bonding process could include heating, spot welding, gluing, stitching, the processes disclosed in the '007 or '897 references, or any other process described herein or known in the art to bond laminates or other sheets of materials (such as woven and unwove materials, foils, thin films, etc.), or any combination thereof. The bonded laminate 1240 can then be wound onto a roll 1250 for transport to another location, for use in manufacturing products, or for further processing at another location, or the laminate 1240 could be fed directly into another process (without rolling) for further processing and / or making into finished components or finished goods in a continuous process.

[0192] FIG. 25 shows an example further downstream process 1201 that uses the laminate 1240, along with additional layer materials 1256 (e.g., a continuous sheet) that are continuous fed to produce a further laminate 1260. For example, the layer materials 1256 may be decorative material that is to be bonded with the laminate 1240 for decorative purposes, or it might be structural material, or additional sheets of material having desired properties such as anti-ballistic properties. For example, the laminate 1240 might be comprised of a matted, unwoven material comprised of anti-ballistic fibers that are glued together, whereas material 1256 is of a woven material that will encapsulate the matted laminate 1240 using for example, glue or stitching to bond them together. Note that the roll 1250 might be avoided if the laminate 1240 is fed directly into the station 1235.

[0193] Alternatively, the laminate 1240 might be replaced with a single layer of matted, unwoven fibers formed into a sheet that is then encapsulated by woven, low shed material 1256, as described hereinabove. Or material 1256 may be a prior formed laminate.

[0194] These layers 1240, 1256 are then bonded together into laminate 1260 by the Laminate Bonding Process 1235, which might include any of the bonding methods discussed herein, such as using stitching, adhesive, welding, etc. Laminate 1260 can then be wound onto a roll 1265, or provided for further processing such as described in FIG. 11, which shows a finish process 1300 with laminate 1260 being processed by a slitting / cutting process 1320 into individual sheets or panels 1310. Other types of processing can also be provided, as desired, including processing into finished goods such as anti-ballistic doors or window blinds, for example.

[0195] By utilizing the above disclosed processes in series, laminates of any desired number layers having any desired combination of composition can be manufactured. For example, a 16 layer laminate can be made using four stations creating four layer laminates all feeding into an additional station to create the 16 layer laminate. The 4 layer stations may use one type of bonding (e.g., glue) and the 16 layer station a different type of bonding (e.g., stitching), for example. If desired, the 16 layer laminate may then be fed into an additional station for adding one or two decorative outer layer(s), for example. Of course, numbers other than 4 or 16 can be utilized, as desired, to create any numbers of layers at any stage of the manufacturing process.

[0196] FIG. 26 shows an additional method 1202 of manufacturing a desired laminate 1280 by continuously feeding two or more continuous sheets of material 1272 from rolls 1270 past a glue sprayer 1238 that sprays a glue (or some other bonding agent) onto some of the laminate layers 1272 such that each adjacent layer has at least one surface covered in glue. The sheets 1272 are then put through a Heat (or chemical or other) Bonding Process 1239 that cures the adhesive, such as by heating, or blowing drying air, or spraying a chemical, or some other process to cure the adhesive, leading to a bonded laminate 1280 that can be rolled onto roll 1285, if desired.

[0197] As an alternative, the sprayer 1238 may spray a fire resistant substance, or it might be sprayed on outer surfaces of the laminate sheets rather than on inner surfaces to provide structural strength, fire-resistant, decorative, reflective (light or heat), and / or other desirable features. For example, FIG. 27 shows a process 1290 for adding a decorative and / or functional outer layer using a sprayer 1291 to spray a liquid or gel substance 1292, such as a paint, sealant, glitter, fire resistant coating, or other substance onto an outer surface of a laminate 1296 being fed from feed roll 1295 into a drying or curing process 1293 to cure or dry the substance 1292 for outputting a laminate 1297 having the outer surface layer thereon being rolled onto roll 1298. Such a process could be used to provide an outer layer for a decorative outer surface on the laminate, or to seal the laminate surface, or provide a textured surface, etc.

[0198] FIG. 28 shows a laminate 1120 using any of the above laminates disclosed above, but having an additional manufacturing step of providing edge caps 1122 to edges of the laminate 1121. This can be particularly useful when the laminate 121 is comprised of sheets of a woven or unwoven fabric that may display frayed edges (such as due to fiber ends due to cutting or the result of the manufacturing process). These edge caps 1122 may be comprised of a glue layer provided on the edges, solidified plastic provided on the edges, a sprayed on material, or may be created by melting and solidifying an edge of the original laminate.

[0199] Alternatively, the ends of the edge may have one or more outer sheets (such as by providing a wider sheet to have overlap) folded over and bonded to the opposite outer sheet (such as by gluing, stitching, spot welding, etc.) to seal the edge. The frayed edge of the folded sheet, if any, can be glued or otherwise fixed by some bonding process to the surface of the other outer sheet to seal the fray.

[0200] Hence, adding an additional step of providing such edge caps as described above to seal the edges would mitigate the problems that may occur with frayed edges, such as shedding or additional fraying.

[0201] One alternative process is running the laminate layers through a liquid bath to provide desired properties and to further prepare the layers, such as impregnating the individual or laminated layers for desirable properties. For example, boron baths can be used on any absorbent material, adhesive baths, or other liquid treatments to add desirable properties such as additional anti-ballistic properties, for example.

[0202] Note that the feeding process of continuously feeding sheets for processing could be varied to achieve desired properties. For example, feeding from the vertical or at an angle may allow excess adhesive or coatings to drip off. Yarns or threads could be coated or soaked to pre-treat them to obtain desired features.

[0203] In this way, any of the example laminated materials discussed hereinabove can be used to form the disclosed ballistic barriers of the various embodiments. Note that if the width of the laminate is not sufficient to support the desired width of the barrier (e.g., across a large room), a plurality of such barrier systems can be placed side-by-side, or alternatively a wider laminate can be provide by putting a plurality of different barriers side-by-side in the same barrier system housing. As another alternative, separate widths of laminate can be connected together using a seam, by welding, sewing them, using a connecting strip, etc. so that a wider barrier can be formed to support the barrier system.

[0204] Many other example embodiments can be provided through various combinations of the above described features. Although the embodiments described hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional alternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elements and / or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from the intended scope of the application. Modifications may be necessary to adapt the embodiments to a particular situation or to particular needs without departing from the intended scope of the application. It is intended that the application not be limited to the particular example implementations and example embodiments described herein, but that the claims be given their broadest reasonable interpretation to cover all novel and non-obvious embodiments, literal or equivalent, disclosed or not, covered thereby.

Claims

1. A method of providing an interior space of a building with a level of bullet protection, comprising the steps of:providing a barrier system including a barrier device comprising:a barrier including a laminate of a plurality of flexible layers of anti-ballistic material bonded together to form said laminate, anda mounting structure configured to allow said barrier to hang from said mounting structure; andinstalling said barrier device on said building by mounting said mounting structure on a structure of said building such that said barrier is configured to cover a substantial portion of a wall of said building, whereinsaid barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating that portion of said wall into the interior space.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together by sewing said layers together.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together using an adhesive.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together by welding said layers together.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said plurality of layers is comprised of woven sheets of aramid fibers.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein an outer one of said layers is configured to be decorative.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said barrier is also configured to cover a window in said wall.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said barrier is also configured to cover a door in said wall.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said barrier system further includes one or more additional barrier devices installed across said wall to protect additional portions of said wall, one or more windows in said wall, and / or one or more doors in said wall.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said level of bullet protection is at least level IIIA of the NIJ standard and / or level 3 of the UL standard.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said barrier device is installed on an interior portion of said wall.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said barrier device is configured such that said barrier is retractable and deployable after installation.

13. A method of providing an interior space of a building with a level of bullet protection, comprising the steps of:providing a barrier system including a barrier device comprising:a barrier including a laminate of a plurality of flexible layers of woven anti-ballistic material bonded together to form said laminate, anda mounting structure configured to allow said barrier to hang from said mounting structure; andinstalling said barrier device on said building by mounting said mounting structure on a structure of said building such that said barrier is configured to cover a substantial portion of a wall of said building,wherein said barrier is also configured to cover at least one window and / or one door in said wall, and further whereinsaid barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating that portion of said wall into the interior space, and whereinsaid barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating said at least one window and / or one door into the interior space.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together by sewing said layers together.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together using an adhesive.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said plurality of layers of anti-ballistic material are bonded together by welding said layers together.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein a plurality of said plurality of layers is comprised of woven sheets of aramid fibers.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein an outer one of said layers is configured to be decorative.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said barrier system further includes one or more additional barrier devices installed across said wall to protect additional portions of said wall, one or more windows in said wall, and / or one or more doors in said wall.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein said level of bullet protection is at least level IIIA of the NIJ standard and / or level 3 of the UL standard.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein said barrier device is installed on an interior portion of said wall.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein said barrier device is configured such that said barrier is retractable and deployable after installation.

23. A method of providing an interior space of a building with a level of bullet protection using a deployable and retractable barrier device, comprising the steps of:providing the barrier system including the barrier device comprising:a barrier including a laminate of a plurality of flexible layers of anti-ballistic material stitched together to form said laminate,said laminate including an outer layer configured to be decorative, anda mounting structure configured to allow said barrier to hang from said mounting structure when deployed; andinstalling said barrier device on said building by mounting said mounting structure on a structure of said building such that said barrier is configured to cover a substantial portion of a wall of said building when deployed, whereinsaid barrier is also configured to cover at least one window and / or one door in said wall when deployed, and whereinsaid barrier device is configured such that after installation of said barrier device, said barrier is retractable and deployable, and further whereinsaid barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating that portion of said wall into the interior space when deployed, and whereinsaid barrier system is configured to provide said level of bullet protection against a bullet penetrating said at least one window and / or one door into the interior space when deployed, and further whereinsaid level of bullet protection is at least level IIIA of the NIJ standard and / or level 3 of the UL standard.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said barrier system further includes one or more additional barrier devices installed across said wall to protect additional portions of said wall, one or more windows in said wall, and / or one or more doors in said wall.

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