Abstract:
A forcible entry training simulator. The simulator has a clamping structure that allows for hinges to be affixed and cut by a trainee in the same manner as would have to be accomplished for forcible entry into a building. The simulator has plunge-cutting and lock-pulling simulators as well. In addition, the simulator has a stabilizing wheel structure utilized to allow easy transport and handling of the simulator. 
     The structure of the simulator allows low cost alternatives to materials to be used to provide the same level of training as though actual hinges, doors, and locks were being utilized, but without the significant expense of utilizing actual real-world materials in training where the materials will, of necessity, be destroyed.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/861,747, filed on Aug. 2, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described herein relates to forcible entry training equipment. More particularly, the invention disclosed is a new design for a reusable forcible entry training device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fire, rescue, police, and military personnel are required to make forcible entry in many circumstances. It is necessary to practice the skills required for entry into buildings, including the use of tools that are utilized for and/or are specifically designed for forcible entry. However, the nature of forcible entry is such that it requires the destruction of part or all of the structure through which entry is sought. Various methods require the destruction of locks, door panels, windows, hinges, frames, and other associated structural members. 
     Traditionally, forcible entry training simulations have been accomplished using abandoned and other structures when and if they become available. In the alternative or in addition to utilized abandoned structures for training, doorway and window mock-ups have been built so that the skills could be practiced and the destroyed portion of the structure replaced. 
     However, abandoned structures are not a reliable source of training for the simple fact that the ability to train is restricted by the available of such structures. Further, abandoned structures often will not provide a trainee with a full set of possible forcible entry scenarios. For example, and abandoned house may provide an opportunity to practice using lock-pulling techniques, but will not provide the opportunity to train with tools and techniques for opening metal doors in commercial buildings. 
     In addition, existing training devices and mock-ups universally have the same flaws: they utilize expensive hardware that must be replaced after each training exercise. Locks must be bought and re-installed, hinges must be replaced with new, uncut hinges, metal door panels must be changed, door frames must be repaired and or replaced, etc. 
     What is needed is a device that allows for real-world training exercises in forcible entry that provide a trainee with exactly the look, feel, and performance of specific tasks and utilizing specific tools, the in real scenarios will result in the destruction of some or all of a building&#39;s entranceway, window, or door, but that will be reusable at low cost and without destroying expensive hardware structures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to forcible entry training devices for fire, rescue, police, para-military and military training. In particular, the present invention provides a novel device for simulating the structure of door hinges that allows a trainee to practice the exact skills, including tool usage, that the trainee will utilize in a real world scenario to cut and remove hinge structures in doorways and windows to allow access to a structure. The invention provides a cost-effective device for repeated training evolutions without costly and time-consuming replacement of expensive hardware and/or door structures. 
     The present invention provides for a realistic and reusable training device that gives fire, rescue, police, and other emergency responders training on:
         Hinge cutting;   Lock pulling/breaking; and   Window and solid door entry techniques.       

     The invention further provides for a device that, although solid, stable, and useful for innumerable training cycles, is also portable and may be maneuvered on flat surfaces by a single individual by use of a unique third-wheel dolly system in which the third-wheel is retractable and allows the device to be used with the third-wheel conveniently located out of harm&#39;s way. 
     When cutting hinges for entry through a locked door, the exposed portion of the hinges provides a unique challenge in that the only portion of the hinge that is visible and accessible is the portion closest to the hinge portion. Hinges are generally composed of three separate pieces; two halves and a pin. The halves are joined through end pieces that are formed into two or more tubular portions, the tubular portions being staggered with gaps in between them such that when the two halves of the hinge are brought together, the gaps between the tubular portions of one half are filled with the tubular portions of the second half. With the two sides brought together, a continuous tubular portion is created through which a pin is inserted. The pin joins the two halves and serves as a pivot so that the hinge may open and close. One half of the hinge will be fastened to the door or other structure that provides an opening into a structure, and the other half fastened to the frame of the door or similar structural member so the that door may be swung open and shut. The hinge halves are secured to the door and frame using screws, bolts, or the like. 
     When a door is closed, the only portion of the door hinges that are visible are the tubular portions with the pins in place. In some cases the pins of the door hinges may be removed. In other cases, however, the pins are locked in place by some means and the hinge itself must be cut. To accomplish this task, a cutting device must be utilized with a rotating blade operated flush to the surface of the door in order to sever the hinge halves from the tubular structures, thereby separating the hinge halves and allowing the removal of the door. 
     In addition, doorway entry sometimes requires the pulling/breaking of locks. Tools and techniques are known for the removal of locks to allow entry through a locked door by rescue personnel. However, the current state of the art requires the destruction of or significant damage to doorways. The present invention provides for a lock-pulling/lock-cutting practice structure that simulates the pulling of locks with easily- and cheaply-replaced parts that nonetheless accurately simulate the real-world task of removing a lock from a door. 
     Forcible entry techniques also require having to cut through steel doors in order to gain access to residential and commercial buildings. In particular, steel commercial doors may require plunge-cutting in order to gain entry. Plunge-cutting is done with circular saws utilizing appropriate blades. A slit is cut in the door structure so that other tools may then be utilized to release lock mechanisms located on the other side (the interior) of the door. When practicing plunge cutting techniques, however, it is desirable to do so under conditions that are as close to real-world conditions as possible. It will be obvious that to practice this skill with actual doors would require the destruction of doors, creating significant waste in both physical resources and money. 
     The above tasks are skills that must be practiced. And the problems identified above in the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION create a need to have a structure that allows for repeated and cost-effective simulation of the above tasks. Further, the use existing doors and door structures for training in forcible entry techniques requires the use of cumbersome and awkward to transport doors and associated structures. What is needed is a combined forcible entry training device that not only provides real-world forcible entry experience for a trainee, but is also reusable and portable. 
     The invention herein provides that solution. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge-cutting simulator for training rescuers and others the skill of cutting door or other hinges to provide access to a structure. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lock-pulling simulator for training rescuers and others the skill of pulling locks from doors and other structures. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plunge-cutting simulator for training rescuers and others the skill of plunge-cutting doors and other structures for emergency entry to buildings. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a forcible entry training device that provides real-world conditions for training yet is reusable and cost-effective. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a forcible entry training device that is portable and may be easily moved and positioned by a single person. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other embodiments are described by the following figures and detailed description. 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the present invention showing a front view of a forcible entry training device. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a detail of the present invention showing the lock-pulling simulator structure. 
         FIG. 3  is a back view of a detail of the present invention showing the lock-pulling simulator structure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a detail of the present invention showing the lock-pulling simulator structure. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a detail of the present invention showing the plunge-cutting simulator. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a detail of the present invention showing the plunge-cutting simulator. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the present invention showing a view of a forcible entry training device in position for transport with a stabilizing wheel extended. 
         FIG. 8  is a detail view of a stabilizing wheel assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a detail view of a bracket connector for a stabilizing wheel assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the present invention showing a top-down view of a hinge mounted in the device. 
         FIG. 11  is a three-quarters view of the present invention showing a hinge mounted in the device. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a forcible entry training device  101  is shown. A door  102  is mounted within a frame  110  by hinges  103 . Within the structure of the door  102  is a lock-pulling simulator  104 , which includes a plate  105  which is mounted to the door  102 . Simulated locks ( FIGS. 2, 201 and 202 ) are position within the plate  105 . A plunge cutting simulator  106  is positioned within the door  102 . The frame  110  is mounted to a bottom plate  109 . One end of the bottom plate  109  is affixed to an axle and wheel assembly  107 . At the top end of the frame  110 , distal to the axle and wheel assembly  107 , is mounted a handle  111 . A stabilizing wheel assembly  108  is affixed to the frame  110  above the axle and wheel assembly  107 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a detail of the front of the lock-pulling simulator ( FIG. 1, 104 ). The plate  105  is mounted to the door  102 . Positioned in the plate  105  is a first simulated lock  201  and a second simulated lock  202 . The first and second simulated locks are preferentially of different sizes, with the sizes corresponding to commonly used lock sizes that are likely to be encountered by emergency personnel. It will be understood that the first and second simulated locks may be of various sizes without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. It will also be understood that although two simulated locks are shown herein, less than or more than two simulated locks may be utilized without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. Each of the simulated locks is generally circular in cross-section, and simulates the physical shape of commonly used locks. The simulated locks are held in place by bolts  203  (shown in further detail in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
       FIG. 3  shows the rear of door  102 , with the rear of the plate  105 . The bolts  203  holding the first and second simulated locks ( FIG. 2, 201 and 202 ) are shown with wooden plates  301 . As shown, the bolts  203  go through the center of the wooden plates  301 , the wooden plates  301  restraining the bolts  203  from going through holes ( FIG. 4, 401 ) in the plates  105 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the plate  105 , with the bolts  203  passing through the wooden plates  301 , the bolts  203  then passing through holes  401  in the plates  105  and the door  102 , and threaded into corresponding threaded holes  402  in the simulated locks  201  and  202 . The holes  401  in the plate  105  are larger than the heads  403  of the bolts  203 . When assembled, the simulated locks  201  and  202  are held against the plate  105 , the wooden plates  301  held against the side of the plate  105  opposite the simulated locks  201  and  202  by the heads  403  of the bolts  203 . When lock-pulling devices are used on the simulated locks  201  and  202 , the wooden plates  301  break, allowing the bolts  203  and the simulated locks  201  and  202  to pull through the plate  105 , simulating the force necessary and the effect of pulling an actual lock under real world conditions. After each use, the wooden plates  301  are replaced with new wooden plates  301 , while the bolts  203  and the simulated locks  201  and  202  may be reused numerous times. The simulated locks  201  and  202  have collars  404  which are the same diameter as the holes  401 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a detail of the door  102  with the plunge cutting simulator  106 . A frame  501  is mounted to the door  102 , with a bottom and two side edges that frame an opening  504  in the door  102 . A metal plate  502  slides into position between the frame  501  and the door  102 ; the metal plate  502  is held in place by thumb screws  503 . It will be understood that, although the metal plate  502  is only shown partially inserted into the frame  501 , while in use the metal plate  502  will be inserted fully into the frame  501  so as to fully cover the opening  504  (as shown in  FIG. 1, 106 ).  FIG. 6  shows the metal plate  502  fully removed from the frame  501 . While the device as described herein utilizes a metal plate  502 , it will be understood that other materials may be utilized without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. The metal plate  502  may be utilized for numerous training cycles before requiring replacement. 
       FIG. 7  shows the present invention with the stabilizing wheel assembly  108  extended outward in the transport position, with the stabilizing wheel assembly  108  hingedly attached with a bracket  701  to the frame  110 . The stabilizing wheel assembly  108  has a wheel  702  attached at the end of the assembly  108  so that when the device  101  is rotated over the axle and wheel assembly  107 , the wheel  702  may be placed upon the ground for easy transport and maneuvering utilizing the axle and wheel assembly  107 , the wheel  702  on the stabilizing wheel assembly  108 , and the handle  111 .  FIG. 8  shows a detail of the wheel  702 , and  FIG. 9  shows a detail of a bracket  701  wherein the stabilizing wheel assembly  108  is hingedly attached via means of a pin  901  through the bracket  701  and the stabilizing wheel assembly  108 . 
     A hinge cutting simulator is shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a hinge  1008  shown mounted to the frame  110  in the clamping space  1007  with set screws  1009 , the set screws  1009  extending behind the first portion  1003 , the set screws  1009  threaded through the top of the clamping portion ( FIG. 12, 1201 ), causing the hinge  1008  to be firmly held within the clamping space  1007 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown in three-quarter view with the cutting face comprised of the first portion  1003  and the second portion  1004  shown. The hinge  1008  is shown clamped within the clamping space  1007  such that a portion of the flat sides  1109  of the hinge  1008  is extended beyond the cutting face, allowing for a training exercise in cutting the hinge  1008  in the same manner as would be required for forcible entry into a building. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the back or rear portion (facing away from cutting surface) is shown. Extending from the base of the back of the first portion  1003  is the clamping portion  1201 . The top part  1204  of the clamping portion  1201  is generally flat, and parallel to the mounting portion  1006 . The form of the top part  1204  of the clamping portion  1201  with the mounting portion  1006  creates the mounting space  1007 . It will be understood that the configuration may be of varying sizes to provide various lengths, widths, and depths to the mounting space  1007  so as to accommodate various ranges of hinge or cutting material sizes. Shown in  FIG. 12  is a plate  1205  of stock metal, chosen to be similar in size and properties to hinge material. The plate  1205 , when the simulator is used for training, will be chosen of a size that is similar in width and depth to the hinge size being simulated, and of a length such that multiple cuts may be made on the plate  1205 , which is advanced through the clamping space  1007  prior to each training exercise. By utilizing plate metal and allowing a length of plate to be fed through the simulator as desired, the simulator eliminates the need to continually buy and destroy hinges that are significantly more expensive, per cut, than using this simulator with plate metal in the manner described herein. 
     The set screws  1009  are threaded, and extend through threaded portions  1203  in the top part  1204  of the clamping portion  1201 . As the set screws  1009  are screwed into the clamping portion  1201 , they press against the plate  1205  (or, in the case of a hinge as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , against the flat portion of the hinge), locking it in place against the opposite side of the mounting space  1007 , thereby locking the plate in place and allowing the training exercise to take place. 
     These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that changes may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention described herein.