TRANSPORTABLE MODULAR CONFIGURATION FOR HOLDING PANELS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Under 35 U.S. C. §119(e)(l), this application claims the benefit of prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/033,059, Transportable Modular Frame for

Holding Panels for Physical Protection, by Durst et al., filed March 3, 2008, incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/033,240, Method of Manufacturing Cement Based Armor Panels; U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 61/033,212, A Self-Leveling Cementitious Composition with Controlled Rate of Strength Development and Ultra-High Compressive Strength upon

Hardening and Articles Made from Same; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/033,264, Cement Based Laminated Armor Panels; U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 61,033,258, Cement Based Armor Panel System and U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 61/033,061, Transportable Modular System of Components for Physical Protection, by Durst et al., each of the above filed on 03/03/2008 and incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

Under paragraph l(a) of Executive Order 10096, the conditions under which this invention was made entitle the Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, to an undivided interest therein on any patent granted thereon by the United States. Research supporting at least part of the work described herein was accomplished with the United States Gypsum Company under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, CRADA-05-GSL-04, dated 20 May 2005. This and related patents are available for licensing to qualified licensees. Please contact Phillip Stewart at 601 634- 4113.

BACKGROUND

It is important to protect both material and personnel from catastrophe, especially in cases where the probability of occurrence is greater than the norm. Conventionally, both temporary and permanent means may be used for this purpose, depending on the scenario.

For example, a permanent military facility may best be protected by a permanent configuration, whereas a mobile field unit would best be served by a temporary, but not

necessarily less effective, configuration. Conventionally, protection against manmade catastrophe, such as occurs in war zones, has been provided with large bulky concrete structures or earthen embankments that require heavy equipment to produce, whether temporary or permanent. Common needs for protective structure may include barriers to prevent personnel access, vehicular intrusion, or even line-of-site access, as well as protective enclosures for emergency response personnel or revetments for high value assets. Because of constraints such as geography, response time, availability of both material and heavy equipment, and the like, select embodiments of the present invention that provide good protection for both personnel and valued assets are of value for protection of both military, industrial, community and personal assets.

To protect personnel and assets, organizations such as the military use a variety of protective materials ranging from soil cover to expensive, high-performance, lightweight ballistic ceramics. For the military, a need exists for an inexpensive blast and fragmentation barrier for large-area applications, such as forward facilities, installation and structure perimeters, and both interior and exterior protective upgrades. Certain applications call for panels that may be emplaced on robust platforms, both the modular platform sections and panels being of sufficiently light weight to be man portable. Needs for physical protection exist in the commercial, first responder and consumer communities also, but on a different scale. For example, there is a need for a structure to hold inexpensive protective cladding with superior resistance to wind damage, including penetration of debris generated by natural forces, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a single box-shaped platform and single installed panel thereon that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the single box-shaped platform of FIG. 1 that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mount of a second type, as well as elevation views of the two vertical outer sides of the connector that may be employed in embodiments of the present

invention, one of four such mounts of a second type on each of the box-shaped platform modules of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mount of a first type, as well as elevation views of the two vertical outer sides of the connector that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention, one of four such mounts of a first type on each of the box-shaped platform modules of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates how a corner is formed using box-shaped platforms of embodiments of the present invention and panels.

FIG. 6 shows detail of an adjustment unit that may be used with embodiments of the present invention to adjust height of individual box-shaped platform modules to match modules connected therewith.

FIG. 7 shows plan and edge views of a z-bar employed to hold panels onto individual platform modules that may be used in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the basic structure of a box-shaped platform module expanded for installation of panels, to include z-bars, members in compression and members in tension and mounts that may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective of the basic structure of a platform module collapsed for transportation or storage without z-bars and members in tension that may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of one side of a box-shaped wall comprising three long by two high interconnected box-shaped platform modules that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention, and a single installed panel thereon for illustration purposes only.

FIG. 11 shows plan and elevation views of a strap that may be employed to constrain the z- bars in the box-shaped platform modules of an embodiment of the present invention after installation of the panels in the z-bars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Select embodiments of the present invention comprise transportable components for fortifying an area. Select embodiments of the present invention include box-shaped platform modules for holding panels in order to provide a secure perimeter. The panels may be resistant to sudden impulses such as may occur with explosions or impact with projectiles and also may shield what they are protecting from view of possible adversaries.

In select embodiments of the present invention, a transportable configuration provides modular support to be combined with panels of pre-specified content for isolation, including physical protection, of assets. A component of select embodiments of the present invention comprises an open stackable frame of a length greater than or equal to its width which in turn is less than or equal to its height. The frame comprises four sides, eight corners and an open top and bottom. In select embodiments of the present invention the frame comprises: mounts at each of its eight corners, four of the mounts being of a first type ("top" mounts) located at the top of the frame and four of the mounts being of a second type ("bottom" mounts) and located at the bottom of the frame such that the top and bottom mounts are able to be interlocked via suitable means to permit vertical stacking as well as horizontal connection of the frames one to another; a pair of cross members in compression on each of the four sides of the frame, such that each cross member of a pair is pivotally joined at its center to the other cross member of the pair thereby allowing pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane, and such that each cross member is also pivotally joined to one top mount and one bottom mount thereby allowing pivoting of the connected pair of cross members in one plane; and two or more members in tension on each side of the frame, a first member in tension attached to the top mounts and a second member in tension attached to the bottom mounts; pairs of z- bars to be affixed, in one an embodiment, along a first longitudinal side of the frame, ends of the z-bars affixed to respective top and bottom mounts; tensioning means for securing the ends of the z-bars to the top and bottom mounts; and four height adjustable bases (leveling pads), on which rest the bottom mounts. The frame is suitable for mounting panels, preferably quadrilateral panels.

In select embodiments of the present invention, third and fourth z-bars are mounted on the longitudinal side of the frame opposite the longitudinal side on which the first two z-bars are mounted. These z-bars accommodate mounting optional panels on the back side (the side away from the origin of external hazards) of the frame.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the cross members are of tubular construction and further comprise means for pivotally connecting each cross member of a pair of cross members at the respective approximate center of each cross member. For example, the means for pivotally connecting may be a bushed rivet or clevis pin. In select embodiments of the present invention the cross members are metal tubes having a quadrilateral cross section, e.g., a square or rectangular cross section.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the members in tension are braided wires affixed to the top and bottom mounts, respectively, horizontally, e.g., via rivets through holes in the top and bottom mounts and end loops on the braided wire from one top mount to another top mount and from one bottom mount to another bottom mount, all on the same frame.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the z-bars are formed from sheet metal and incorporate means for positioning them on the frame and tensioning means for securing the ends of the z-bars to the respective top and bottom mounts. In select embodiments of the present invention, the top and bottom mounts are formed from sheet metal and further comprise: means for positioning the z-bars on the frame, for example a slot external to the z of the z-bar itself, and means for attaching the tensioning means for connecting the z-bars to the top and bottom mounts, e.g., a strap with hook on one end and a tightening ratchet on the other end; means for connecting to the first and second members in tension, e.g., slots or holes in the top and bottom mounts to which a wire may be affixed via a rivet, clevis pin or the like; channels in the top and bottom mounts for positioning the cross members on the top and bottom mounts, e.g., vertical tabs, with attachment holes, formed in the base of the top and bottom mounts; and means for connecting each end of the cross members in the channels, e.g., bushed pins such as clevis pins or the like.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable bases comprise: a first plate ("top" plate) for indexing to the bottom mounts, the top plate incorporating a first threaded collar approximately centered in the top plate; a threaded rod incorporating means for moving the threaded rod in the first threaded collar to raise and lower the mount; and a reinforced plate ("bottom" plate) incorporating a second collar for receiving the threaded rod, so that the threaded rod may be turned via the means for moving, such as a hex nut affixed at

the top of the threaded rod, to adjust the height of the adjustable base to facilitate interconnecting a frame to adjoining frames.

In select embodiments of the present invention, frames themselves employ four or more vertically oriented connection pins in the top mounts to affix each bottom mount to each top mount to permit vertically stacking of the frames.

In select embodiments of the present invention, a method of installing a modular support for a transportable configuration that provides protection for assets, comprises: providing an open stackable frame having a length greater than or equal to a width that is less than or equal to a height, four sides, and eight corners, the frame comprising: mounts at each of the eight corners of the frame, such that a first four mounts are of a first type (top mounts) located at the top of the frame and a second four mounts are of a second type (bottom mounts) located at the bottom of the frame, a pair of cross members in compression on each of the four sides of the frame, such that each cross member of a pair is pivotally joined at its center to the other cross member of the pair to allow pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane, and such that each cross member is pivotally joined to one top mount and one bottom mount so as to allow pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane; and two or more members in tension, such as a braided wire, on each of the four sides of the frame, a first member in tension attached to the top mounts and a second member in tension attached to the bottom mounts. The method further provides z-bars, the z-bars affixed along a longitudinal side of the frame, ends of a first z-bar affixed to tabs on two top mounts and ends of a second z-bar affixed to tabs on two bottom mounts. The method further provides tensioning means, such as wires adjustable for amount of tension, connectable to each end of the z-bars and provides adjustable bases such that each base supports a bottom mount for at least one frame corner depending on the position of frames in a final protective wall. The method further provides eight or more vertically oriented pins, two each pins in the top plates of the adjustable bases for indexing each frame bottom mount to the bases. The method further provides for transporting the support to a location having assets requiring physical protection and unloading the support from its transporting means, such as a truck. The method further comprises completing the following steps to result in support for an isolating wall: a) arranging the adjustable bases on the desired substrate, e.g., the ground, to permit placement of the frames thereon and adjusting the bases to be about six turns from bottoming out; b) leveling the adjustable bases with respect to the substrate; c) placing a first frame,

indexing the bottom mounts to the pins in the top plates of the four adjustable bases; d) further arranging two adjustable bases for holding one side of an initially adjoining frame to the originally placed frame and leveling the latter placed two adjustable bases, e) indexing the adjoining frame to the pins of the two adjustable bases common to the initially placed frame and the two further arranged adjustable bases; f) leveling the initially placed frame by adjusting the adjustable bases to facilitate joining the initially placed frame and the adjoining frame at respective top mounts; g) connecting the initially placed frame and the adjoining frames at adjoining top mounts; h) along the length of the frame, attaching a z-bar at the top of each installed frame and a second z-bar at the bottom of each installed frame; i) after inserting a pre-specified number of panels in the z-bars, employing the tensioning means at the ends of each z-bar, thus securing the z-bars to the frame; and j) repeating steps a) through i) treating each added frame as an initially added frame until a pre-specified length of said protective wall is attained.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the method of installation further comprises installing third and fourth z-bars on the side of the frame opposite that on which the first and second z-bars are installed, installing the third and fourth z-bars in a manner identical to that of installing the first and second z-bars; inserting panels between the third and fourth z-bars along the length of each installed frame, and tensioning the z-bars as in step i) above. In select embodiments of the present invention, the method of installation further comprises: a) stacking one or more frames above each frame of an initially installed protective wall, b) indexing each bottom mount of the added frame to a corresponding top mount of the initially installed frame using the pin on each top mount; c) as necessary, further leveling the adjustable bases with respect to the substrate to facilitate joining each stacked frame to an adjoining stacked frame at the respective top mounts of the stacked frame; d) connecting the stacked frames at adjoining top mounts, e.g., via a rivet and slot arrangement; e) along one side of the length of the stacked frame, attaching a z-bar at the top of each installed stacked frame; f) inserting a pre-specified number of panels between the z-bars and, employing the tensioning means at the ends of each added z-bar, securing the added z-bars to each stacked frame; g) repeating steps a) - f) until the pre-specified height of the protective wall is attained.

In select embodiments of the present invention, the method of installation further comprises: installing additional top z-bars on the side of the stacked frame opposite that on which the initially added z-bars are installed, installing the additional top z-bars in a manner identical to that of installing the initially added z-bars; and inserting the pre-specifϊed number of panels between the additionally added top z-bars and the top z-bars of the base frame along the length of the back of each installed stacked frame.

In select embodiments of the present invention, a transportable configuration for holding panels providing protection for assets comprises: an open stackable frame having a length greater than or equal to a width that is less than or equal to a height, four sides, and eight corners. In select embodiments of the present invention, the frame comprises: mounts at each of the eight corners of the frame, such that a first four mounts are of a first type (hereafter top mounts) located at the top of the frame and a second four mounts are of a second type (hereafter bottom mounts) located at the bottom of the frame, and the top mounts are connectable to the bottom mounts via suitable means to permit vertical stacking of the frames as well as horizontal connection of the frames one to another; a pair of cross members in compression on each of the four sides of the frame, wherein each cross member of a pair is pivotally joined at its center to the other cross member of the pair so as to allow pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane, and such that each cross member is pivotally joined to one top mount and one bottom mount thereby allowing pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane; and two members in tension on each of the four sides of the frame, a first member in tension, such as a braided wire, attached to each top mount and a second member in tension attached to each bottom mount; z-bars affixed along a first longitudinal side of the frame, ends of a first z-bar affixed to two top mounts and ends of a second z-bar affixed to two bottom mounts, the z-bars suitable for holding panels between top and bottom z-bars; tensioning means, such as a wire attached to a ratcheting adjustment belt, affixed at an end of each z-bar; and height adjustable bases (leveling pads) for supporting the bottom mounts.

In select embodiments of the present invention the configuration is constructed of man portable components and comprises: an open stackable frame having a length greater than or equal to a width that is less than or equal to a height, four sides, and eight corners. The frame of the configuration further comprises: mounts at each of the eight corners of the frame, such that a first four mounts are of a first type ("top" mounts) located at the top of the

frame and a second four mounts are of a second type ("bottom" mounts) located at the bottom of the frame, and such that a top mount is connectable to a bottom mount via suitable means to permit vertical stacking of the frames as well as horizontal connection of the frames one to another; a pair of cross members in compression on each side of the frame, such that each cross member of a pair is pivotally joined at its center to the other cross member of the pair thereby allowing pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane, and such that each cross member is pivotally joined to one top mount and one bottom mount thereby allowing pivoting of the pair of cross members in one plane; and two members in tension on each of the four sides of the frame, a first member in tension, e.g., a braided wire, attached between top mounts and a second member in tension attached between bottom mounts; z-bars affixed along a first longitudinal side of the frame, ends of a first z-bar affixed to two top mounts and ends of a second z-bar affixed to two bottom mounts; tensioning means, such as braided wire incorporating adjustment means such as a ratchet strap, connected to each end of a z-bar; height adjustable bases, each base supporting a bottom mount; and quadrilateral panels having a length and width, each of the length and width much greater than the depth of the panels, such that the panels are constrained in the z-bars to provide physical protection of assets on the side of the configuration away from the source of any physical forces.

In select embodiments of the present invention, all components are man transportable and some components comprise steel having a corrosion resistant finish. In select embodiments of the present invention the length, width and height of the support are equal.

In select embodiments of the present invention the z-bars comprise integral first and second open rectangular channels, the open portion of a first channel facing to the top and the open portion of a second channel facing to the bottom of the configuration, the channels incorporating open ends, the z-bars much longer in length than either width or depth. In select embodiments of the present invention members in tension comprise wires, such that for each module, four wires are employed with the mounts of a first type and four wires are employed with the mounts of a second type.

In select embodiments of the present invention the cross members have a quadrilateral cross section. In select embodiments of the present invention, the frame modules are foldable to facilitate storage and transport.

Select embodiments of the box-shaped platform modules of the present invention are man portable. Systems, such as walls, employing select embodiments of the present

invention are designed to replace existing systems that are heavier, e.g., those that employ thicker panels comprising materials conventionally used for protection from ballistic sources. Because some existing systems are made from costly materials, such as ceramics, they are also more expensive than embodiments of the present invention. EXAMPLE

Refer to FIG. 1 depicting, for clarity only, an elevation view of a single box-shaped platform unit 100 and a single panel 10 installed thereon for illustration purposes only, the unit 100 as may be employed in select embodiments of the present invention. In select embodiments of the present invention, the platform 100 for holding the panels 10 comprises a number of tubular cross members 103, pairs of which are extendable to form an X pattern on each of the platform's four sides to comprise a basic backbone in compression and pairs of wires 102, located at the top and bottom of each side of the platform unit 100 and in tension between each of the parallel sides of the platform unit 100 to hold the platform unit 100 in position for accepting the panels 10. The cross members 103 are loosely pinned to permit limited pivoting on the pins (not shown separately) affixing the cross members 103 to the bottom 106 and top 107 mounts and are joined in the center by a pin 104 allowing each cross member to move in a plane to pivot in the plane of its respective side of the platform unit 100. The pinning is by suitable means, such as clevis pins or rivets, the cross members 103 fitting in two slots 308 (FIG. 3) perpendicular one to the other, at the bottom 106 and top 107 mounts that comprise diagonally opposed corners of the platform unit 100. Likewise, the pairs of wires 102 are connected perpendicular to and between each of the parallel sides by end connectors fitted to holes 305 in mounts 106, 107 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Note that in select embodiments of the present invention the securing tabs 309 in the bottom mount 106 may be used for z-bars 101 that hold panels in stacked platform units 100 as well as for providing the support for the bottom on a "base" platform unit 100. Likewise, the securing tabs 407 may be used to index the top z-bars 101 in any configuration.

Together with the adjustable bases (leveling pads) 105 on which the frame 800 (FIG. 8) rests at each of the four corners of the platform unit 100, panels 10 when mounted in z-bars 101 indexed to tabs 309 at the top 107 and tabs 407 at the bottom 106 mounts of the longitudinal sides of length, L, provide a degree of physical protection as specified by a user. The adjustable bases (leveling pads) 105 comprise a top (or bearing) plate 105 A, a bottom (or support) plate 105B, an adjusting through bolt 105C and necessary internal assemblies to

support and permit one-handed adjustment of the height, h (FIG. 6), of the adjustable base 105. The top and bottom z-bars 101 for each platform unit 100 are further secured by straps 1100 (FIG. 11) that are tensioned at each end by means of tensioning means, such as ratchets 1101, affixed to holes 304 (FIGS. 3, 4) in bottom 106 and top 107 mounts, respectively, at the time of installation as further explained below. In select embodiments of the present invention, the platform unit 100 is configured such that it may be disassembled and collapsed for transport as shown in FIG. 9, as discussed further below. The dimensions of length, L, width, W (FIG. 2), and height, H, are chosen to permit platform units 100 of select embodiments of the present invention to be carried and assembled without the use of lifting machinery.

Refer to FIG. 2, a top view of the platform unit 100 of FIG. 1 without the adjustable bases 105, shown for clarity only, as may be employed in embodiments of the present invention. The top and bottom z-bars 101 are evident along the length, L, of the platform unit 100 as fitted onto tabs 407, 309 respectively parallel to the length, L, and along the outside edge of the top 107 and bottom 106 mounts. Note that, although not evident in this view, a second set of z-bars 101 may run along the back side, L, of the platform unit 100. Also evident in FIG. 2, are the top tensioning wires 102 as readily seen running parallel to the width, W, of the platform unit 100. Note that, although not evident in this view, a set of tensioning wires 102 runs along the bottom of each of the four sides, L and W, and the top of sides, L. Note also that, in select embodiments of the present invention, the z-bars 101 do not extend to the end of the sides, L, although emplaced panels 10 may since the z-bars 101 have open-ends. In select embodiments of the present invention, multiple panels 10 may be emplaced one upon the other in the slots of the z-bars 101 to create a greater thickness, preferably in such a manner as to cover the intersection between panels 10 in the layer below. In select embodiments of the present invention, a different thickness (either single panels of different thickness or a total overlaid number of panels 10 each of which may be the same thickness) may be used on each side, L, depending on a user's requirements.

Refer to FIG. 3, showing a top view 301 of a bottom mount 106, as well as elevation views 302, 303 of the two outer sides of the bottom mount 106 that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention, one of four such bottom mounts 106 on the platform unit (module) 100 of FIG. 1. In the top view 301, the opening 307 is for a pin or rod (not shown separately) to both align and join the bottom mount 106 to either an adjustable base

105 or a top mount 107 of a stacked platform unit 100 when extending the height of an installation of platform units 100. Also shown are openings 304 in the base 310 of the bottom mount 106 that may be used for affixing one end 1102 (FIG. 11) of an adjustment strap 1100 from a z-bar 101 to a mount 106, 107 in the same side to which the z-bar (attached to the other end of the adjustment strap 1100) is not indexed. The base 310 of the bottom mount 106 is shown with a channel 308 for securing at right angles two of the cross members 103 therein by means of pins (not shown separately) through holes 306 in the sides of the channel 308 as seen in the elevation views 302, 303. The pins are loosely fitted, permitting the pivoting of the cross members 103 in the plane paralleling the securing tabs 311, i.e., along the edge of the platform unit 100 in which the cross member 103 lies. For the bottom mounts 106, the securing tabs 309 are folded (bent) in the same direction as the securing tabs 311 for affixing the cross members 103 and tension wires 102. One of the securing tabs 309 also serves as an indexing tab 309 for the z-bars 101, fitting the slots 701 (FIG. 7) thereof. In select embodiments of the present invention, the tabs 309 are perpendicular one to the other and present on the outer sides of the base 310 of the bottom mount 106 to further permit installation of platform units 100 at right angles to one another as necessary.

Refer to FIG. 4, a top view 401 of a top mount 107, as well as elevation views 402, 403 of the two outer sides of the top mount 107 that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention, one of four such top mounts 107 on the platform unit 100 of FIG. 1. In select embodiments of the present invention, although similar to the bottom mounts 106 with respect to all aspects including the two securing tabs 407 arising from the base 410, the top mounts 107 have connection tabs 411 on the opposite side of the base 410 from the two securing tabs 407. This arrangement facilitates mating the bottom 106 and top 107 mounts to permit vertical stacking of the platform units 100. The top mounts 107 also incorporate a rivet 405 and slot 406 arrangement in the two securing tabs 407, a rivet on one tab 407 and a slot on the other tab 407 in each mount 107. The rivet 405 and slot 406 arrangement is provided for securing individual platform units 100 one to another at their respective tops, i.e., the two securing tabs 407 are perpendicular to each other on opposing corners of each of the top mounts 107. Further, the orientation of the rivet 405 and slot 406 arrangement of the top mounts 107 is reversed at opposite ends of the platform unit 100 to permit connection of adjacent platform units 100. That is, in select embodiments of the present invention, the top mounts 107 are specifically configured to fit to the bottom mounts 106 so as to permit

stacking of the platform units 100 to make a high protective barrier, an example of which is shown in FIG. 10 stacked two high.

Refer to FIG. 5, shown for clarity only, a cross section taken through the bottom of abutting corners of three platform units 100. FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the three bottom mounts 106. FIG. 5 illustrates how in select embodiments of the present invention a corner is formed using three platform units 100, only two of which are shown with a panel 10 installed in the z-bars 101. Note the threaded adjustment rod 105 C shown to indicate the position of the adjustable base 105 in relation to the three bottom mounts 106.

Refer to FIG. 6, an elevation view of an adjustable base unit 105 that may be used with embodiments of the present invention to adjust the height of frames 800 of individual platform units 100 to match platform units 100 connected therewith. In select embodiments of the present invention, a threaded rod 105C with an appropriate end nut (not shown separately) for applying a socket wrench or the like, is threaded through a threaded collar 601 in a rest (top) plate 105 A on which a corner of a frame 800 of a platform unit 100 rests. The support base (bottom plate) 105B for the adjustable base unit 105 is of the same general dimensions as the rest plate 105 A, further including a collar 603 reinforced via a ramped configuration 602, the collar 603 for receiving and supporting the threaded rod 105C.

Refer to FIG. 7 showing top 101 and end 10 IA views of a z-bar 101 employed to hold panels 10 onto individual platform units 100 as may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Note the slot configurations 701 added to the z-bars 101 for indexing the z-bars 101 to the tabs 309, 407 at the bottom and top of platform units 100, respectively.

Refer to FIG. 8, a perspective of the basic frame 800 of a platform unit 100 expanded for installation of z-bars 101 and panels 10 (not shown separately in FIG. 8), to include z-bars 101, members in compression 103 and tension 102 and top 107 and bottom 106 mounts that may be used with embodiments of the present invention. Note that, in select embodiments of the present invention, z-bars 101 and consequently panels 10 may be installed only on one longitudinal side, L, in some applications, while in other applications, the panels are installed on both longitudinal sides of a platform unit 100. Further, double thicknesses of panels 10, i.e., panels placed one on top of the other, may be installed in the z-bars 101 on one side, L, while a single panel is installed in the z-bars 101 on the opposing side, L, in some applications. Normally, no z-bars 101 and thus, no panels 10, are installed along the width,

W, of the platform units 100. Rather, the configuration of FIG. 5 is used to change direction of the resultant barrier.

Refer to FIG. 9, as depicted for clarity only, a perspective of the basic structure 900 of a platform unit 100 collapsed for transportation or storage, without z-bars 101 and members in tension (wires) 102, as may be used in select embodiments of the present invention. The necessity for loose fittings of the pins in the top 107 and bottom 106 mounts as well as at the tie pin 104 (FIG. 1) at the mid-connection of cross members 103 in each side of the frame 800 of the platform units 100 is evident from FIG. 9, a frame 800 without members in tension 102 that is collapsed for storage or transport. Refer to FIG. 10, an elevation view of one side of a protective wall 1000 comprised of box-shaped platform units 100 of select embodiments of the present invention. The section of wall 1000 comprises three long by two high interconnected platform units 100 and a single installed panel 10 thereon, the latter depicted for illustration purposes only. Note that the bottom of each platform unit 100 is "secured" to its neighbor by a common adjustable base unit 105 while the rivet 405 and slot 406 arrangement available at the top mount 107 of each platform unit 100 secures the individual platform units 100 to each other at their respective tops.

Refer to FIG. 11, showing top A and elevation B views of a strap 1100 that may be employed to tighten a wire (not shown separately) used to secure the z-bars 101 as installed with inserted panels 10 in the platform units 100 of an embodiment of the present invention. The strap 1100 comprises a hook 1102 at one end for inserting in holes 304 in the top 107 or bottom 106 mounts as appropriate and a ratchet 1101 at the other end for tensioning the wire (not shown separately) attached to the strap 1100 and one of the holes 304 in the top 107 or bottom 106 mount as appropriate. In select embodiments of the present invention, the wire attached to the strap 1100 is pre-attached one to each end of a z-bar 101 to facilitate shipping and installation of the z-bars 101 on the platform units 100.

In select embodiments of the present invention all modules (components) used in constructing a protective wall or enclosure are man portable, i.e., no specialized mechanical equipment is required for handling, packaging for transport, or installing the components into a finished protective configuration.

The abstract of the disclosure is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical

disclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. 37 CFR § 1.72(b). Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention.

While the invention has been described in terms of some of its embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, although the system is described in specific examples for use in protecting assets, it may be used for any type of portable structure where physical or visual restriction or even noise suppression is desired. Thus select embodiments of the present invention may be useful in such diverse applications as mining, logging, construction, outdoor concerts, parades, and the like. In the claims, means- plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Thus, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting, and the invention should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.