IL308688B2 - Reinforced security room - Google Patents

Description

REINFORCED SECURITY ROOM TECHNICAL FIELD id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reinforced security room, and more particularly to retrofitting an already existing space within a dwelling to be a reinforced security room.

BACKGROUND id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"

[002] A reinforced security room is aimed at providing protection for people against incoming projectiles, chemical weapons (or the like). In certain cases, such reinforced security room (often in Hebrew referred to as a ‘mamad’) is intended to provide shelter for people in cases where the warning time is too short for then to reach a more central shelter. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"

[003] New buildings being built in areas/countries where reinforced security rooms are obligatory, are typically built already with one of the rooms within the dwelling being suitably reinforced to fulfill such sheltering purposes. However in more older buildings, which were originally built without such sheltering spaces, the introduction of a ‘mamad’ at a later stage may be challenging, often requiring adding a new room to the dwelling (or the like).

SUMMARY id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"

[004] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"

[005] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for retrofitting an existing room in a dwelling as a reinforced security room, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least two protective panels and at least one clasp arrangement, the clasp arrangement comprises an outer member and an inner member, the inner member comprises through going bores and the outer member comprises through going bores and at least one protruding bulge, attaching the outer member adjacent an existing outer wall of the room, placing a pair of panels alongside the existing wall one aside the other with their lateral side edges generally abutting and overlaying the outer member from its inner side with the bulge protruding inwards in-between the lateral edges above panels, and engaging the inner member of the clasp arrangement with the protruding bulge of the outer member in order to align at least some bores formed in the inner member with at least some corresponding bores formed in the outer member. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"

[006] In another aspect of the present invention, possibly combinable with other aspects, there is also provided a clasp arrangement comprising an outer member and an inner member, the inner member comprising through going bores and the outer member comprising through going bores and at least one protruding bulge, wherein engaging the inner member with the protruding bulge of the outer member is arranged to align at least some bores formed in the inner member with at least some corresponding bores formed in the outer member. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"

[007] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, possibly combinable with other aspects, there is provided a protective window and/or door for a reinforced security room, the protective window and/or door defining (each) an opening and comprising a hollow frame surrounding the opening and at least one inlet for communicating between the interior of the hollow frame and its exterior. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"

[008] And in yet a further aspect of the present invention, possibly combinable with other aspects, there is provided a method for retrofitting an existing room in a dwelling as a reinforced security room, the method comprising the steps of: providing a protective window for defining an opening through a wall of the room, the protective window comprising a hollow frame surrounding the opening and at least one inlet for communicating between the interior of the hollow frame and its exterior: and applying cement into the hollow frame via the at least one inlet. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"

[009] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"

[010] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which: id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"

[011] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically show possible stages in a procedure aimed at retrofitting an already existing room within a dwelling as a reinforced security room (RSR) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"

[012] Figs. 3 and 4 schematically show, respectively, embodiments of a window and a door suitable for retrofitting openings within a space in an existing dwelling to serve as a reinforced security room (RSR); and id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"

[013] Figs. 5A and 5B schematically show embodiments of protective panels and clasp arrangements suitable for reinforcing walls within an embodiments of a reinforced security room (RSR) of the invention. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"

[014] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"

[015] Attention is first drawn to Figs. 1 and 2 schematically showing possible stages in a procedure aimed at retrofitting an already existing room 10 within a dwelling, to be suitably structured as a reinforced security room (RSR) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A reinforced security room in the sense of the present disclosure - may be suitable for residence, homes, offices, factories or any other building/dwelling requiring such protective measures for its occupants. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"

[016] The already existing room 10 as seen in Fig. 1 includes peripheral walls, one of which 101 being already fitted with a door (or suitably located within a dwelling for receiving a door) and a here an opposing other wall 102 (marked in dashed lines) possibly already fitted with a regular window to be retrofitted (or at least suitably placed within the dwelling for receiving a window). Fig. 2 provides a view of wall 102 in a possible more advanced stage of its retrofitting to serve as a protective wall of an RSR. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"

[017] Fig. 1 illustrates a first possible stage of the retrofitting of room 10 that may include installing an embodiment of a supportive structure 12 here adjacent wall 102 for supporting an embodiment of a protective window 14 to be installed in wall 102. The supportive structure may be formed from metal beams, here two such vertical beams 121 (see Fig. 2) that may be fixed to a ceiling and a floor of the room - and horizontal beams 122 that are may be placed extending between the two vertical beams 121 and secured at both sides to the vertical beams . id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"

[018] The protective window 14 fitted here to wall 102 may be placed upon one of the horizontal beams 122, possibly secured and supported to this beam from beneath. Once the protective window is fixed in its intended location, here by being optionally supported by supportive structure 12, a wall such as 102 (or any other peripheral wall of the room) may be retrofitted at its inner side facing into the room to include protective panels 16 that are adapted to serve as a protective barrier between the already existing wall (here 102) and the interior of the room where people (e.g. residence) of the dwelling may be present e.g. in time of need. In a non- binding example, the protective panels may comprise glass reinforced plastic. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"

[019] Upper and lower rails 181, 182, respectively fitted to the ceiling and floor of the room, alongside an already existing peripheral wall of the room (such as wall 102), may assist in the positioning of the protective panels 16 in place. The upper and lower edges of each protective panel may be fitted, respectively, to the upper and lower rails. Each protective panel 16 may additionally be suitably positioned so that its lateral edge 161 meets and/or generally abuts with a lateral edge 161 of a neighboring panel. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"

[020] Attention is drawn to Figs. 3 and 4 schematically illustrating respective embodiments of a protective window 14 (Fig. 3) and a protective door 20 (Fig. 4) of the present invention. Each one of the protective window and door can be seen in this example being fitted to a supportive structure 12 such as that illustrated in the former figures. In addition, each one of the protective window and door in this example can be seen including a hollow frame member 22. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"

[021] The hollow frame members in these illustrated embodiments may be arranged to surround substantially an entire opening defined by the window or door, or only part of such opening. For example, a hollow frame member 22 may be arranged to surround upper and lateral sides of the opening (or the like). A hollow frame member may include one or more inlets 24 leading into its hollow interior. In the shown example, only one such inlet 24 is seen, possibly located at or adjacent an upper side of the frame member. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"

[022] During installation of a protective window or door, inlet 24 is arranged to serve as an entry point into the hollow frame member for substances used for fortifying the surrounding frame of the window or door so that it can suitably serve in a reinforced security room (RSR). Possibly, gaps formed between the protective panels 16 and a surrounding wall of the room being retrofitted remain substantially empty of such substances. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"

[023] Substances used for fortifying the surrounding walls of the retrofitted room may include cement and/or additional additives suitably used for such purposes. In a non-binding example, cement suitable for being placed in a hollow frame member of a protective door or window, may comprise a mean strength of at least 30 Mega Pascal or more after setting. The substances entering into the interior of the hollow frame member via inlet 24 may initially be in liquid form so that they may flow and substantially fill the interior of the frame member, while after substantially filling the frame member – they may be left to set and harden and by that secure the window or door in place while increasing its resistance to incoming projectiles (or the like). id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"

[024] Attention is drawn to Fugs. 5A and 5B schematically illustrating a clasp arrangement that may assist in securing and suitably placing protective panels during retrofitting stages of an already existing room. Such clasp arrangement may typically be used for securing lateral edges 161 of protective panels 16 in place and/or to each other. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"

[025] The clasp arrangement can be seen in the optional example of Fig. 5A including an outer member 26 that can be formed from a generic base member and a strip member 28 that are attached together to form the outer panel. Strip member 28 extends along a longitudinal extension X of the base member 27 (and consequently outer member 26), to thereby divide base member 27 (and consequently outer member 26) into two longitudinal first S1 and second S2 side segments that extend along opposing sides of axis X. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"

[026] The outer member 26 here includes through going bores 29 formed within its base member 27. The through going bores 29 in outer member 26 may be threaded possibly by addition of respective threaded bolts where each bore 29 opens out at an outer side (not visible) of base member 27. The bores 29 in the shown embodiment are arranged in two groups 291, 292 each being formed in a respective one of the first S1 and second S2 side segments. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"

[027] Outer member 26 in addition includes one or more bulge members that project away from the strip member in a direction away from the panel’s base member. Bulge member 30 in this example includes a neck region 301 that extends away from the strip member and a tip region 302 that extends upwards from a distal side of the neck region – to form a hook-like structure. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"

[028] In an embodiment of the present invention, relative fast and accurate assembly of protective panels 16 (as exemplified in Fig. 2) may be assisted by at least certain embodiments of the clasp arrangements. Attention is drawn to Fig. 5B, where in its right-hand side, outer member 26 can be seen in dashed lines being located behind two protective panels 16 – at a region where lateral edges 161 of these panels meet. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"

[029] In this position, the bulge members 30 (here one such member) can be seen projecting out from in between the lateral edges 161 of the panels. Final clasping of adjacent protective panels 16 in place may be performed (as seen in the left-hand side of this Fig. 5B) by attaching an inner member 25 of the clasp arrangement to outer member 26. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"

[030] The inner member 25, for efficiency may be similar or identical to base member 27, and in any case may include generally similar placed through going bores 29 as in the outer member 26. Correct placement of the inner panel 25 so that its bores 29 are generally aligned with the bores of the outer member 26 (that is accordingly hidden behind the panels) - may be assisted by the mating engagement of each bulge member 30 of the outer member with a corresponding slit 33 formed in inner member 25. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"

[031] Once the inner member 25 is correctly fitted in place above the panels by assistance of engagement between the bulge member and slit, holes may be drilled through the panels at the location of each bore 29 of the inner member – and then screws can be placed through such bore 29 and hole in the panel – to be threadingly received within a corresponding bore 29 of the outer member. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"

[032] Cross section I-I in Fig. 5B provides a view of a pair of aligned bores and an alignment axis A that extends between these aligned bores. A drilled hole through a protective panel 16 along axis A will arrive at the hidden bore 29 behind the protective panel, thus ensuring that a screw passing through the inner panel’s bore, and then through the drilled hole, will "hit" and arrive at the location of the outer panel’s bore to be threaded therein. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"

[033] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"

[034] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"

[035] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"

[036] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as "about, ca., substantially, generally, at least" etc. In other words, "about 3" shall also comprise "3" or "substantially perpendicular" shall also comprise "perpendicular". Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"

[037] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims (7)

- 1 - CLAIMS:

1. A method for retrofitting an existing room in a dwelling as a reinforced security room, the method comprising the steps of: providing a protective window for defining an opening through a wall of the room, the protective window comprising a hollow frame surrounding the opening and at least one inlet for communicating between the interior of the hollow frame and its exterior: and applying cement into the hollow frame via the at least one inlet.

2. A method for retrofitting an existing room in a dwelling as a reinforced security room, the method comprising the steps of: providing a protective door for defining an opening through a wall of the room, the protective door comprising a hollow frame surrounding the opening and at least one inlet for communicating between the interior of the hollow frame and its exterior: and applying cement into the hollow frame via the at least one inlet.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 and comprising a step of providing a supportive structure for supporting the window or door at its intended location in the room.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the supportive structure comprises vertical metal beams fixed to a ceiling and floor of the room.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the supportive structure comprises a horizontal beam placed extending between the two vertical beams and secured at both sides to the vertical beams. - 2 -

6. The method of any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5 or 2 and 3 to 5, wherein the inlet is formed adjacent an upper side of the frame.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6 or 2 and 3 to 6, wherein the the cement comprises a mean strength of at least 30 Mega Pascal or more after setting.