Modular vault for residential home

Abstract

A modular vault is comprised of a plurality of side walls. One of the side walls has an access opening for a door (reinforced or vault doors). Each of the plurality of side walls is designed from prefabricated frames of known widths (e.g., 16 inches, 32 inches, 48 inches). Each frame is configured with first narrow openings for receiving vertically oriented studs and with second larger openings for receiving a protective metal plate. Integrated wiring access passages are located within the prefabricated frames. By use of this arrangement, the exterior and interior of the modular vault may include various types of sheeting (e.g., shiplap, drywall, wood paneling, plywood) to provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the modular vault.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 762,191 filed on February 24, 2025 and entitled “MODULAR VAULT FOR RESIDENTIAL HOME,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to vaults that can be used for a storm or tornado shelter, a safe or panic room, a walk-in room, or a gun room.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is an increasing demand for home safety and home defense. The do-it-yourself segment of the $47 billion home security market is greater than $1.5 billion. There are solutions in the market for vaults, but most of them are designed only for new construction or require labor intensive brick laying without a ceiling solution or are prefabricated in small sizes only. These existing solutions are not aesthetically pleasing and do not allow for ease of exterior or interior finishing (wood, drywall, etc.) or of integrating into existing spaces and design plans (wiring, lighting, basement locations, etc.).SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The modular vault is comprised of a plurality of side walls. One of the side walls has an access opening for a door (reinforced or vault doors). Each of the plurality of side walls is designed from prefabricated frames of known widths (e.g., 16 inches, 32 inches, 48 inches). Each prefabricated frame is configured with first narrow openings for receiving vertically oriented wooden or metal or composite studs and with second openings for receiving a protective metal plate that is located between the wooden or metal or composite studs. Integrated wiring access passages are located within the frames. By use of the studs, the exterior and interior of the modular vault may include various types of sheeting (e.g., shiplap, drywall, wood paneling, plywood) to provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the modular vault.

[0005] In another embodiment, a modular vault has multiple side walls that define an enclosure. The modular vault comprising a plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, a plurality of metal wall plates, and a plurality of studs. The plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures are the same size. Each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures includes a plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces. The plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces in each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures define at least two large openings and at least one narrow opening. The plurality of metal wall plates are the same size. The plurality of metal wall plates are sized to fit within the large openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and are fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces. The plurality of studs are the same size. Each of the plurality of studs is sized to fit within the narrow openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces. A first group of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are used to form a first one of the multiple side walls. A second group of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are used to form a second one of the multiple side walls.

[0006] In another embodiment, a kit of components is for forming side walls of a modular vault. The kit comprises a plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures having the same size. Each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures includes a plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces. The plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces in each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures define at least two large openings and at least one narrow opening. The at least one narrow opening is configured to receiving a stud whereby the stub has two of the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces directly adjacent to the stud. The kit also comprises a plurality of metal wall plates having the same size. Each of the plurality of metal wall plates is sized to fit within the large openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces.

[0007] In another embodiment, the invention is a prefabricated metal frame for a modular vault, comprising a plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces to create first narrower openings and second larger openings. The first openings are sized to receive studs. The second openings are sized to receive metal plates.

[0008] The modular design of the vault is configurable to fabricate fortified interior rooms in varying heights with an integrated ceiling that provides for traditional finishing by incorporating traditional wall studs on common centerlines with built-in wiring passages. The system meets most current building and storm shelter codes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods pertaining to vehicle imaging systems with an enhanced lighting feature. This description includes drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular vault according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular vault of FIG. 1 to reveal the inner components of the modular vault.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one portion of the modular vault of FIG. 2 to reveal the inner components of the modular wall panel.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a front view of the frame of the modular wall panel of the vault of FIG. 1

[0014] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the frame of the modular wall panel of the vault of FIG. 1

[0015] FIG. 4C is a top view of the frame of the modular wall panel of the vault of FIG. 1

[0016] FIG. 4D is a side view of the frame of the modular wall panel of the vault of FIG. 1

[0017] FIG. 4E is an end view of an angle iron piece of the frame of the modular wall panel of the vault of FIG. 1

[0018] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the modular wall panel with one metal plate attached to the frame.

[0019] FIG. 4G is an enlarged view of FIG. 4F of the upper portion of the modular wall panel with one metal plate attached to the frame.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one metal plate that is attached to the frame of the modular wall panel.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of front wall of the vault after several modular walls are installed.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view of two modular wall panels that are being assembled and a portion of the exterior decorative wall.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention is described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular vault 10 according to the present invention. The modular vault 10 of FIG. 1 includes four walls 12 and a ceiling 14. A front wall 12a includes an opening 16 for a door (not shown) for access to the modular vault 10. The opening 16 is designed to work with known doors from third-party vault and safe-room manufacturers. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the modular vault 10 in FIG. 1 is approximately 12 feet x 12 feet by 8 feet tall so that it can fit within an existing home, such as a basement of an existing home. Other sizes and heights to the modular vault 10 are possible due to the fact that the side walls 12 are comprised of module wall panels of known dimensions as described below.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular vault 10 of FIG. 1 to reveal the inner components of the modular vault 10. The exterior walls may be shiplap (shown in FIG. 2), drywall, paneling, plywood, or other materials. The ceiling 14 is made of integrated wood or composite beams that are coupled to structural angle iron 17 that support ceiling metal plates 19 as described below. The ceiling metal plates 19 includes circular openings 18 for disc lights and / or air vents. Light switches 22 and electrical outlets 24 are located on the inner walls. Insulation can be placed between the ceiling beams and / or sidewall beams.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an expanded perspective view of one portion (labeled “3”) of the modular vault 10 of FIG. 2 with the exterior shiplap removed to reveal some of the inner components of the modular vault 10. The side walls 12 of the modular vault 10 are made from modular wall panels 30 of predetermined sizes, as described in more detail below in FIGS. 4-5. The modular panels 30 include prefabricated frames 32 with preconfigured wiring passages 34 so as to accommodate wiring, such as Romex style wiring. The prefabricated frames 32 typically include vertically arranged angle iron. Metal wall plates 36 are fastened in the larger openings between the angle iron pieces 44 of the prefabricated frames 32 that provide the primary surfaces of metal protection for the modular vault 10. The metal plates 36 are preferably made of steel, such as low carbon ASTM A36 and can range in varying thicknesses ranging from 7 gauge (3 / 16”) to 3 gauge (1 / 4”).

[0027] Adjacent pieces of vertical angle iron of the prefabricated frames 32 define narrow openings to receive each of the wood (or composite or metal) studs 38, which can be at the typical 16-inch spacing (or other spacings such as 12 inches). The studs 38 allow for ease of installation of the exterior and interior finishes because they can easily receive fasteners (screws or nails) while the rest of the modular panels 30 are made of metal as described below. The vertical angle iron pieces of the prefabricated frames 32 are spaced and connected to each other via the lower base plate 40 and upper sill plate 42 (shown in FIG. 4).

[0028] The studs 38 are not required for structural integrity and can be substituted with other readily available commercial or residential framing components that do not dimensionally exceed standard wood 2” x 4” framing lumber (such as steel, polymeric, and / or composite studs). Alternatively, the angle iron pieces of the prefabricated frames 32 can be spaced differently and accommodate specially designed metal or composite pieces to receive fasteners (e.g., nails, bolts, screws, clips, etc.) to hold the interior wall structures (e.g., drywall, paneling) and exterior structures (e.g. shiplap, wood paneling, drywall) of the modular vault 10.

[0029] FIGS. 4A-4D are front, bottom, top, and side views, respectively, of an exemplary prefabricated modular frame 32 to build the wall panels 30 used for the modular vault 10 of FIGS. 1-2. The modular frame 32 of FIGS. 4A-4D is 48 inches wide and includes six vertical angle iron pieces 44, two of which are on the outside of the frame 32 and four of which are on the inside of the frame 32 to define two narrower openings for receiving two studs 38. As such, two studs 38 could be received internally between the four inner angle iron pieces 44, one wooden stud 38 would be attached to the left angle iron piece 44 on the frame 32, and one wooden stud 38 would be attached to the right angle iron piece 44 of the frame 32. The six pieces of vertical angle iron are attached (e.g., via welding) to the lower base plate 40 and the upper sill plate 42. The lower base plate 42 and the upper sill plate 42 include holes for anchoring to the floor and the modular ceiling structure (described below) or other existing structures outside the vault 10 in some embodiments.

[0030] Square or round tubing 46 (e.g., preferably heavy steel) is located between the adjacent angle iron pieces 44 and serves two purposes. One purpose is to provide for ease of routing the wires. The other purpose is to serve as a spacer during manufacturing of the prefabricated modular frame 32. This will help keep the spacing uniform in the vertical angle iron pieces 44 during welding of the frame 32 and prevent twisting. The far right and far left angle iron pieces 44 in FIG. 4 have holes drilled in them for wire passages. The four middle angles iron pieces 44 include holes that are aligned with the tubing 46. The studs 38 that fit between the angle iron pieces 44 can have a slot for fitting around the tubing 46. Alternatively, because the studs 38 are not for providing structural support, there can be an upper smaller stud above the tubing 46 and a separate lower smaller stud below the tubing 46,

[0031] FIG. 4E illustrates an end view of one of the angle iron pieces 44 of the prefabricated modular frame 32. The angle iron pieces 44 include a series of spaced threaded studs 48 that extend inwardly toward the interior side of the vault 10. The threaded studs 48 can be, for example, 3 / 8” diameter, 16 threads per inch for attachment of the metal plate 36.

[0032] FIG. 4F illustrates the frame 32 with only one metal plate 36 installed on the angle iron pieces 44 of the frame 32 via the threaded studs 48. FIG. 4G illustrates the metal plate 36 secured to the frame 32 via nuts (nylon-insert flange nuts) that mates with the threaded studs 48. The openings in the upper sill plate 42 of the frame 32 that are used for attachment of the frame 32 to the modular ceiling structures (or other external structures) are also shown.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates one of the metal plates 36 that is to be attached to the prefabricated modular frame 32 via the threaded studs 48 (FIG. 4E) of the angle iron pieces 44. The design of the metal plates 36 allows them to be attached to the prefabricated modular frame 32 and eliminate exposure or access to fasteners (bolts / nuts, etc…) from the exterior of the vault 10, adding to the security of the vault 10. The metal plates 36 are, for example, ASTM A36 steel in varying thicknesses ranging from 7 gauge (3 / 16”) to 3 gauge (1 / 4”). The metal plates 36 include mounting slots or holes 49 that are positioned to receive the threaded studs 48 of the angle iron pieces 44. The threaded studs 48 receive nuts that mate therewith to hold the metal plate 36 to the angle iron pieces 44. Alternatively, the angle iron pieces 44 can include threaded holes to receive threaded screws that hold the metal plates 36 . As shown in FIG. 3, the metal plates 36 are placed from the inside of the vault 10 between the spaces (approximately 16 inches) defined by two angle iron pieces 44 of the frame 32 such that the steel angle iron pieces 44 are on the outside of and overlap with the metal wall plates 36.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the exterior of the front wall 12a of the vault 10 (before any decorative shiplap, drywall, wood panels is attached) is predominately metal, including the outer portions of the angle iron pieces 44 and the metal plates 36 of the modular panel 30. Only narrow portions of the studs 38 are exposed for receiving the fasteners to attach the exterior decorative shiplap, drywall, and / or wood panels and the interior walls (e.g. drywall). FIG. 6 also illustrates a reinforced steel security door 50 at the opening 16 (FIG. 1) of the front wall 12a to provide access to the vault 10.

[0035] In one preferred embodiment, the prefabricated modular wall panels 30 include integrated standard wood wall studs 38 on 16-inch center lines to meet most building codes and allow for ease of finishing the interior and / or exterior with sheeting (e.g., drywall, plywood, paneling) that can be traditional or reinforced for fire and / or bullet resistance.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of one portion of the modular vault 10 of FIGS. 1-2 during assembly of two prefabricated frames 32a, 32b of FIG. 4. Specifically, the frames 32a, 32b are anchored to the floor (e.g. , basement cement) via the openings in the lower base plate 40. While two are shown, multiple frames 32a, 32b are usually attached to the floor in this manner. When the frames 32a, 32b are attached to the floor (and preferably when at least two adjacent walls of the four-wall vault are anchored to the floor), the metal plates 36 (~16 inch in width) are then attached to the angle iron pieces 44 on the floor-mounted frame 32a via the fasteners and nuts described above from the inside region of the vault 10 so that no exposed fasteners are on the outside of the vault 10. Additionally, the two studs 38 are inserted in the narrower openings in middle four angle iron pieces 44 of the frame 32a. Studs 38 can be attached each of the left and right angle iron pieces 44 of the frame 32a for anchoring to the adjacent prefabricated frames 32, such as frame 32b. The angle iron pieces 44 include prefabricated openings for receiving screws or nails from the sides to hold the studs 38 in place. The studs 38 may include cut-outs to receive the square or round metal tubing 46 in the frame 32, as shown in FIG. 3, or separate upper and lower studs 38 can be used above and below the metal tubing 46. It should be noted that, for illustration purposes, FIG. 7 includes exterior wooden sheeting 56 that would be installed by nails or screws that fasten to the outside surface of studs 38. However, any exterior sheeting would typically be installed after the side walls 14 are erected and, usually, after the ceiling is mounting. It should be noted that the different prefabricated frames can include door-type metal frames that are fabricated to have features designed to mate with and mount to known reinforced doors 50 (FIG. 6) from third-party vault and safe-room manufacturers. The door-type metal frames are designed to be attached to the adjacent prefabricated frame(s) 32. If the door does not extend to the ceiling, a metal door plate (similar to the other wall plates but sized to fit above the door 50) is placed above the door for security.

[0037] After (i) the prefabricated frames 32 for the four walls 12 are floor mounted, (ii) the studs 38 are inserted into the narrow frame openings between adjacent angle iron pieces 44, and (iii) the metal plates 36 (e.g., 16 inch panels) are fastened to the angle iron pieces 44 in the large openings of each frame 32, the ceiling / roof can be installed. Further, any wiring or electrical cables (e.g., power, lighting, internet, etc.) are installed internal to the modulars wall panels 30 via the preconfigured tubing 46 of the frame 32, which accommodates Romex style wiring for traditional residential branch wiring and lighting circuits. After the wiring is completed, the internal sheeting (e.g., drywall, wood, shiplap) is fastened to the inside surface of the wooden studs.

[0038] Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, once the four walls 14 of the modular vault 10 are erected, the ceiling angle iron pieces 17 are laid across the top of the modular wall panels 30 and can be screwed down with fasteners that mate with openings in the upper sill plates 42 (FIG. 4) of the frames 32 on two opposing walls (e.g., the left and right walls shown in FIG. 1). Two of the ceiling angle iron pieces 17 are screwed down along the other two opposing walls (e.g., the left and right walls shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Metal ceiling plates 19 (similar to the wall metal plates 36 of FIG. 5) with the circular openings 18 (for lights and / or ventilation) are then placed from the interior of the vault 10 and fastened upwardly into threaded studs in the ceiling angle iron pieces 17 (like is performed on the side walls). Alternatively, since the preferred lack of access to or exposure of fasteners on the ceiling may not be as crucial as on the four side walls, the metal ceiling panels can be added from the top and screwed down on top of the ceiling angle iron pieces 17. Like the studs 38 of the walls, wooden or composite beams are placed within the ceiling angle iron pieces 17 and fastened thereto. After venting, lights, and wiring are added, as needed, exterior sheeting (e.g., wood panels, drywall) can be fastened to the wooden beams on the exterior of the ceiling. If desired, a secondary ceiling below the ceiling metal plates can be added (e.g., drop ceiling, or wood) to the inside by fastening to the exposed inside surfaces of the wooden beams in the ceiling. Each of the individual metal components in the ceiling is less than 200 lbs., preferably less than 150 lbs., and most preferably less than 100 lbs. The intended interior finished ceiling height is 96 inches in the modular vault 10 of FIGS. 1-2.

[0039] The prefabricated frames 32 used for the modular wall panels 30 are configurable in multiple widths, such as 16 inches, 32 inches, and 48 inches, and at varying finished ceiling heights, such as 7 feet and 8 feet. Each prefabricated frame 32 in FIG. 4 with the 48-inch width preferably weighs less than about 200 lbs. (for example, 180-200 lbs.) and is preferably less than 150 lbs. Each modular metal plate 36 that fits within the larger spaces within the frame 32 weighs between 60-100 lbs., depending on the height and thickness. As such, each of the individual components can be carried by a single person (especially with a dolly) or two people. Thus, modular vault 10 is designed for modularity with various subcomponents for the side walls 12 and ceiling 14 to ensure that no single structural piece exceeds 200 lbs. (and preferably less than 150 lbs.) to allow for ease of installation and, more importantly, transportation to the installation site, such as an existing downstairs basement that is accessible only by a staircase. The different sized wall panels 30 (16 inches, 32 inches, and 48 inches) allow for the design of side walls of different widths for installation of a modular vault 10 into existing spaces of various sizes and shapes. The unitized lower base plate 40 on the frames 32 includes through-holes for the purpose of fastening to the floor (concrete anchors of varying types and sizes are permitted). The through-holes provided in the upper sill plate 42 of the frames are provided for attachment of the ceiling steel angle iron struts of pieces or other external structures.

[0040] Each modular wall panel 30 can be configured with or without insulation that can be comprised of fiberglass, cellulous, spray foam, mineral wool, reflective and ballistic materials to enhance aesthetics and / or safety ratings and / or resistance to projectiles.

[0041] By use of the metal-reinforced walls 12 and ceilings 14 that still have exposed wooden beams and wood studs 38, the modular vault 10 provides the opportunity to use traditional exterior and interior sheeting (e.g., shiplap, drywall, wood paneling, plywood) for aesthetics. Thus, while the vault 10 may aesthetically appear to be a normal internal room within a basement, it is, in fact, a metal-reinforced vault 10 that can serve many functions, such as a storm or tornado shelter, a safe or panic room, a walk-in room, or a gun room. While described for use in a residential home, the modular vault has equal applicability for use in a work setting within an existing commercial building where the work setting requires additional security relative to the adjacent surroundings in the existing commercial building.

[0042] While various examples of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed examples can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described examples. Rather, the scope of the disclosure should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0043] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature(s) may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,”“includes,”“having,”“has,”“with,” or variants thereof, are used in either the detailed description and / or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims

1. A modular vault having multiple side walls that defined an enclosure, comprising:a plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures having the same size, each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures including a plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces, the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces in each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures defining at least two large openings and at least one narrow opening;a plurality of metal wall plates having the same size, each of the plurality of metal wall plates is sized to fit within the large openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces;a plurality of studs having the same size, each of the plurality of studs is sized to fit within the narrow openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces; andwherein a first group of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are used to form a first one of the multiple side walls,wherein a second group of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are used to form a second one of the multiple side walls.

2. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein a plurality of first fasteners are used to fasten the plurality of metal wall plates to the vertically arranged metal pieces and a plurality of second fasteners are used to fasten the plurality of studs to the vertically arranged metal pieces, the plurality of first fasteners and the plurality of second fasteners not being accessible from external sides of the side walls facing away from the enclosure.

3. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures includes a preconfigured wiring passage between adjacent ones of the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces.

4. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures includes an upper sill plate that is attached to the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces.

5. The modular vault of claim 4, further including a ceiling attached to the multiple side walls, the ceiling including metal ceiling pieces attached to the upper sill plates, the ceiling including a plurality of ceiling metal plates each of which is located between adjacent ones of the metal ceiling pieces, the ceiling metal plates being fastened to the metal ceiling pieces.

6. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein the studs permit the fastening of exterior sheeting to the modular side walls of the modular vault such that the underlying plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are not visible.

7. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein the studs permit the fastening of interior decorative sheeting to the modular side walls of the modular vault such that the underlying plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the corresponding fastened metal wall plates, and the corresponding fastened studs are not visible.

8. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the plurality of metal wall plates, and the plurality of studs weighs less than 200 lbs.

9. The modular vault of claim 1, further including a second prefabricated metal frame structures, the second prefabricated metal frame structure including a plurality of second vertically arranged metal pieces, the plurality of second vertically arranged metal pieces defining at least one large opening and at least one narrow opening, the second prefabricated metal frame structure being different in size than the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, the at least one large opening and at least one narrow opening of the second prefabricated metal frame structure being the same size, respectively, as the at least two large openings and the at least one narrow opening of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures.

10. The modular vault of claim 9, wherein the second prefabricated metal frame structure is 24 inches in width, and the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures are 48 inches in width.

11. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein, within the first group, adjacent ones of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures form a narrow, multi-frame opening therebetween, the narrow, multi-frame opening being approximately the same size as the narrow openings in each of the adjacent ones of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures, one of the plurality of studs is sized to fit within the narrow, multi-frame opening.

12. The modular vault of claim 11, wherein the one of the plurality of studs within the narrow, multi-frame opening and the studs within the narrow openings of the adjacent ones of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures are equally spaced apart.

13. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein each of the studs within the narrow openings are fastened into the vertically arranged metal pieces through side openings in the vertically arranged metal pieces such that the fasteners extend generally parallel to a direction of the corresponding side wall.

14. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein the vertically arranged metal pieces include threaded studs that are received by openings in the plurality of metal wall plates for fastening the plurality of metal wall plates to the vertically arranged metal pieces.

15. The modular vault of claim 1, wherein one of the side walls includes a door metal frame structure that is fastened to an adjacent one of the prefabricated metal frame structures, the door metal frame structures for mounting a door for the modular vault.

16. A kit of components for forming side walls of a modular vault, comprising:a plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures having the same size, each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures including a plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces, the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces in each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures defining at least two large openings and at least one narrow opening, the at least one narrow opening is configured for receiving a stud such that the stud is positioned directly adjacent to two of the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces; anda plurality of metal wall plates having the same size, each of the plurality of metal wall plates is sized to fit within the large openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces.

17. The kit of components of claim 16, further including a plurality of studs, each of the plurality of studs is sized to fit within the narrow openings of the prefabricated metal frame structures and is fastened to at least one of the vertically arranged metal pieces.

18. The kit of components of claim 17, wherein the plurality of vertically arranged metal pieces includes side openings for receiving fasteners to secure the studs.

19. The kit of components of claim 16, wherein the vertically arranged metal pieces include threaded studs that are received by openings in the plurality of metal wall plates for fastening the plurality of metal wall plates to the vertically arranged metal pieces.

20. The kit of components of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of prefabricated metal frame structures and the plurality of metal wall plates weighs less than 200 lbs.

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