Blast control blanket
AssigneeBlast Control Systems, L.L.C.
InventorsRichard Rossow, Cheri McConnell, Vikas Verma
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A relatively lightweight, modular, blast control system utilizes a plurality of fabric panels that may be joined to form a matrix or blanket to protect or control the blast. The panels are preferably made from layers of auxetic woven fabric, with each successive fabric layer oriented between 0-90 degrees from the previous layer. The panels may be connected together via a locking mechanism or assembly comprising a cable which runs the length of the perimeter of each fabric panel, and a torque pin rotated about two adjoining cables to form an interlocking connection. The panels connected in this manner form the fully assembled blast control blanket.
Claims19
A connector assembly for a blast control blanket comprising:
- a first fabric panel comprising a high-strength energy absorbing fabric;
- a second fabric panel comprising a high-strength energy absorbing fabric, the second fabric panel located adjacent the first fabric panel;
- and
- an interlocking connector assembly for securely fastening the first and second fabric panels together, the interlocking connector comprising:
- a first tensible wire rope interconnected to the first fabric panel, the first tensible wire rope circumscribing a perimeter of the first fabric panel;
- a second tensible wire rope interconnected to the second fabric panel, the second tensible wire rope circumscribing a perimeter of the second fabric panel;
- a twist formed between the first and second wire ropes;
- a loop formed in the twist between the first and second wire ropes;
- and,
- a torque pin located in the loop and secured in place.
A method for connecting two high-strength, energy absorbing fabric panel, the steps comprising:
- locating a first side of a first fabric panel adjacent to a first side of a second fabric panel, the first and second fabric panels each having a tensible wire rope circumscribing the length of the perimeter of the fabric panels;
- inserting a torque pin into a space between the first side of the first fabric panel and the first side of the second fabric panel;
- rotating the torque pin perpendicularly about the tensible wire ropes of the first and second fabric panels by at least 160 degrees of rotation;
- and,
- securing the torque pin against the first and second fabric panels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.