Patent attributes
This invention resides in explosion-resistant walls, panels and partitions, particularly for use around buildings, works of art, public places, and so forth, and wherein, in certain embodiments, may include textures and/or graphics to disguise and/or beautify the structure. In terms of a typical construction, the system includes a plurality of vertical metal pipes, with a portion of each pipe being preferably buried several feet below the ground surface, and a portion of the pipe remains exposed above ground. Two or more horizontal metal pipes are interconnected to the vertical metal pipes, creating apertures that are filled with explosion-absorbing panels. In contrast to “explosion-proof” panels, which require sufficient strength to remain in tact in the presence of a blast, the infill panels according to the invention some form of attachment mechanism which “gives way” in the presence of an explosion, thereby effectively absorbing the shock. In alternative embodiments, the infill panels may be constructed of a fabric such Kevlar, or other material or mesh, which either deforms or breaks upon the impact of a blast. Alternatively, a solid panel of metal or even thick acrylic or other polymeric may be used, which becomes detached from the frame structure upon impact, but does not get thrown in an uncontrolled manner. Rather, hinges or tethers keep the dislodged panels connected to the frame structure. In the preferred embodiment, the pipes are made of steel, and one or more of the pipes may be filled with a fortifying material, such as cement. A cover may be provided to visually obscure the pipes. Such a cover may give the appearance of brick, cinder block, stone or wood. In addition, the system may include a floral decorative element. For example, the infill panels may be die-cut or painted to look like foliage or the building or other environment the barrier is intended to protect.
