Abstract:
A modular sentry station uses stackable interlocking panels that when assembled provide a ballistic shield. The sentry station can optionally include interlocking ceiling and floor panels that provide a partially enclosed, bunker-type ballistic shield.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/376,846, filed May 2, 2002, entitled “Portable and Scalable Sentry Station,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     Field of the Invention  
       [0002]     This invention relates to ballistic protection devices. In particular, this invention relates to a portable, modular sentry station, such as a bunker.  
         [0003]     Sentry stations come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and materials. For example, one of the most economical and most versatile types of sentry station is based on the traditional approach of assembling walls of sand bags around the perimeter of an area to be protected. An alternative, or in conjunction with the sand bag barrier, is to excavate a portion of land to create a bunker that provides both protection from incoming ballistics via the sand bags as well as by virtue of the bunker being partially subterranean.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     While existing systems tend to provide adequate protection, they are not always portable, scalability can be difficult to achieve based on the availability of resources in the surrounding environment, e.g. the amount of sand, and their effectiveness is not always uniform.  
         [0005]     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a modular sentry station. This modular sentry station is expandable through the use of stackable interlocking panels. Furthermore, the sentry station can optionally include interlocking ceiling and floor panels that provide a partially enclosed, bunker-type ballistic shield.  
         [0006]     In particular, the modular sentry station includes a plurality of panels that optionally include one or more gun ports and can optionally have an attaching mechanism for attaching a façade, such as camouflage, wood, or the like, to for example, facilitate the modular sentry station&#39;s blending into a local environment. The modular sentry station could also be painted. Additionally, the interlocking panels are stackable to facilitate portability and further include an interlocking mechanism such that, when attached, create a V-shaped wall. Furthermore, due to this V-shaped structural arrangement, the modular sentry station can be self supporting with out the necessity of having supplemental footings or support members.  
         [0007]     Aspects of the present invention relate to a ballistic barrier. In particular, aspects of the present invention relate to a sentry station.  
         [0008]     Aspects of the present invention further relate to a modular sentry station that is disassemblable.  
         [0009]     Aspects of the present invention further relate to a modular sentry station whose components are scalable.  
         [0010]     Furthermore, aspects of the present invention relate to a modular V-shaped wall device capable of blocking incoming ballistics.  
         [0011]     Additional aspects of the invention relate to a modular bunker having one or more gun ports.  
         [0012]     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front-side perspective view of an exemplary modular sentry station according to this invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a back-side perspective view of an exemplary modular sentry station according to this invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a detailed view of an exemplary ported panel according to this invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of an exemplary ported panel according to this invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary first ported panel according to this invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary second ported panel according to this invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary third panel according to this invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary fourth panel according to this invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary fifth panel according to this invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary sixth panel according to this invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates partial back-side perspective view of an exemplary modular sentry station according to this invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary modular sentry station taken along lines  12 - 12 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary modular sentry station  10  according to this invention. In particular, the modular sentry station  10  comprises a number of panels  1  that are capable of being assembled in an interlocking manner such that a wall or perimeter can be formed. This wall or perimeter can be used, for example, as a ballistic shield. The modular sentry station  10  further comprises one or more ports  2  that can be closed via a door mechanism  3 . Through various types of interlocking mechanisms, the modular sentry station  10  can take on a variety of shapes from substantially planar to a V-shaped structure. Furthermore, an optional roof member  4  can be adapted to interlock with the upper panels  1 . Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the modular sentry station  10  optionally includes a floor element  5  that optionally interlocks with one or more of the panels.  
         [0027]     The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will be described in relation to a modular sentry station. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the following description omits well-known structures and devices that may be shown in a summarized form. For the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It should be however appreciated that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.  
         [0028]     For example, while the present will be described in relation to a singular modular sentry station having, in general, a V-shaped structure, it is to be appreciated that the modular sentry station can be combined with one or more other modular sentry stations using the same basic interlocking mechanisms discussed herein to further expand the protection afforded by the unit. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as having substantially flat panels with interlocking mechanisms attached thereto, other sizes and shapes of panels could also be used with out affecting the operability of the system. Additionally, while the panels are preferably constructed of steel such as AR500 steel, it should be appreciated that other types of steels, compositions and combinations of materials can be used. For example, the panels could be a multilayered material that could include carbon fiber or Kevlar®.  
         [0029]     Furthermore, the modular sentry station  10  can comprise one or more closable openings, such as gun ports, that provide, for example, a portal from which to discharge a firearm. Additionally, as previously discussed, the modular sentry station  10  can comprise a roof member  4  that covers a portion of the station. Likewise, the modular sentry station  10  can comprise a floor element  5  that generally extends between and covers a portion between the panels that form the walls.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates in greater detail the interlocking mechanisms used for the modular sentry station  10 . In particular, the modular sentry station  10  comprises a first ported panel  100 , a second ported panel  200 , a third panel  300 , a fourth panel  400 , panels  500  and  600 , and panels  700  and  800 . While the exemplary embodiment illustrates the various panels assembled in a particular order, it is to be appreciated that various configuration and locations of the panels can be adjusted and varied based on, for example, a particular environmental or other need. The first ported panel  100  comprises a port  110  and at least one receiver, such as receiver  120  and receiver  130 . Ported panel  200  comprises a port  210  and at least one receiver, such as receiver  220  and receiver  230 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the receivers align with one another to allow receipt of pins  30  and  40  thereby interlocking the ported panel  100  and the ported panel  200 . However, it should be appreciated, that the receiver  230  could be replaced by pin, or other interlocking mechanism. For example, ported panel  200  could alternatively have a fixed pin (not shown) that is adapted to be placed in the receiver  130 . Likewise, panel  300  comprises one or more receivers, such as receiver  310  and receiver  320 . Panel  400  comprises also comprises one or more receivers, such as receiver  410  and receiver  420 . However, it should be appreciated, that the receiver  410  could be replaced by pin, or other interlocking mechanism, that cooperates with receiver  310 .  
         [0031]     In operation, panel  300  is placed in the vicinity of panel  400  such that, for example, pin  20  is placed in receiver  410  and receiver  310 . Alternatively as previously discussed, receiver  410  can be replaced with, for example, a pin (not shown) that is affixed to panel  400  and that is placed in receiver  310 . Next, ported panel  100  and ported panel  200  are respectively interlocked with panel  300  and panel  400  in such a manner that a V-shaped wall is formed. Next, pin  40  is placed in receiver  230  and receiver  130  and pin  30  is placed in receiver  120 , receiver  220 , receiver  420  and receiver  320 . Thus, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, a pivotal hinge is created through the use of the pins  20 ,  30 , and  40  and their corresponding receivers.  
         [0032]     Next, panels  700  and  800  are interlocked with panels  300  and  400 . Then panels  500  and  600  are interlocked with panels  700  and  800 , and panels  100  and  200 , respectively.  
         [0033]     As previously discussed, the number of panels comprising the modular sentry station  10  can be varied depending on any number of circumstances. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the panels can be rotated into different orientations thereby allowing different configurations and shapes of the modular sentry station.  
         [0034]     Furthermore, the plurality of panels when interlockably connected create two substantially planar larger panels  12  and  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The angle between the these panels can be varied due to the nature of the pivotal hinge formed by the receivers and pins previously described thereby allowing the modular sentry station to be self supporting.  
         [0035]     Additionally, the various panels can be further secured together though the use of supplemental pins and receivers or comparable securing mechanisms to prevent, for example, the panels from separating under heavy fire. For example, the securing mechanisms could include eyelets, fasteners, holes and corresponding fasteners, an interlocking slot mechanism, parallel elongated sleeves, a spring loaded locking mechanism, or other suitable engagement device.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a detailed view of the ported panel  200 . In particular, the ported panel  200  comprises an openable port  115  which is closable via door  110 . The door  110  further comprises hinged portions  112  that cooperate with receivers  114  thereby allowing hinged opening and closing of the port  115 . Furthermore, the door  110  can include a locking mechanism such as a pin  116  and receivers  118 . However, it should be appreciated that other various locking and/or closure mechanisms can be used with equal success. For example, levers, knobs, clips, or the like, may be used.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed view of ported panel  200  with the door  110  illustrated in the open position. In this exemplary embodiment, door  110  is illustrated as a 2-part layered construction such that when the door  110  is in the closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the front-side of the door  110  is substantially planar in relation to the front-side of the ported plate  200 .  
         [0038]     Alternatively, the door  110  can be fixed by various means to the ported panel  200 . For example, the door  110  can be held in place by a plurality of pin and receiver means such that when all pins are removed, the door  110  is capable of being detached from the panel  200 . Furthermore, the location and orientation of the hinges and receivers can be varied to allow, for example, the door  110  to open in an upwards manner, or a sideways manner. Alternatively still, the door  110  can comprise a securing mechanism such that the door  110  can be opened and secured in a partially opened position.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the ported panel  100 . The ported panel  100  comprises receivers  120  and  130 , L-shaped flanges  900  and L-shaped flanges  910 . In this exemplary embodiment, the L-shaped flanges  900  and  910  cooperates with the ported panel  100  to create a slot that accommodates the one or more adjoining panels. For example, in relation to ported panel  100 , the L-shaped flanges  900  interlock with panel  500 . In a similar fashion, the L-shaped flanges  910  interlock with panel  300 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the ported panel  200 . In particular, the ported panel  200  comprises receivers  220  and  230 , port  210 , L-shaped flange  920  and L-shaped flange  930 . In a similar fashion to ported panel  100 , the L-shaped flanges  920  interlock with the adjoining panel  600  and the L-shaped flanges  930  interlock with adjoining panel  400 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary configuration of panel  300 . In particular, panel  300  comprises receivers  310  and  320  and L-shaped flanges  940 . The L-shaped flanges  940  interlock with adjoining panel  700 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of panel  400 . Panel  400  comprises receivers  410  and  420  and L-shaped flanges  950 . The L-shaped flanges  950  interlock with the adjoining panel  800  when the mobile sentry station  10  is assembled.  
         [0043]      FIG. 9  illustrates and exemplary embodiment of panel  500  which is substantially similar to panel  600 . Panel  500  comprises one or more L-shaped flanges  960  that interlock with panels  700  and  800 , respectively.  
         [0044]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary panel  700  which is substantially similar to panel  800 . When the modular sentry station  10  is assembled, panel  700  and  800  are held in position by the L-shaped flanges of panels  500  and  600 , respectively. Furthermore, panels  700  and  800  are held in position by the L-shaped flanges of panels  300  and  400 , respectively.  
         [0045]      FIG. 11  illustrates a partially assembled view of the modular sentry station  10 . Alternatives to the previously disclosed embodiments for the interlocking mechanism  2  include a pivotal hinge assembly, a lock pin and receiver assembly, a retaining pin and receiver assembly, a tongue and groove assembly, or the like. It should be appreciated that any interlocking mechanism can be used for interlocking mechanisms  2  to provides a connection between ported panels  100  and  200 , and panels  300  and  400 . Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the interlocking mechanism  2  need not be a pivotal interlocking mechanism, but can be a fixed interlocking mechanism that, for example, holds the opposing panels at a predetermined angle. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the angle can exceed 180 degrees thereby allowing the modular sentry station  10  to be assembled in an inverted V configuration.  
         [0046]      FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12 . In particular,  FIG. 12  illustrates the interaction of the L-shaped flanges and the accompanying panels to provide an interlocking slot  1000  into which adjoining panels are fitted. In particular, L-shaped flange  910  is attached to panel  100  thereby creating U-shaped slot  1000 . The U-shape slot  1000  is thus a receiver that receives joining panel  300 . Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the various L-shaped flanges can be varied in length and number and can also be combined into one elongated L-shaped flange. Additionally, as previously discussed, door  110  and panel  111  are configured such that when the door  110  is held in the closed position by pin  116  cooperating with receiver  118  and hinge  112  and receiver  114 , the front panel  111  provides an essentially flat surface  1010  to the front-side of the modular sentry station  10 .  
         [0047]     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a portable sentry. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.