Protective wall panel assembly

Abstract

An assembly of wall panels particularly suitable for protection against wind blown debris or an explosion includes a bent strap connecting an air gap between adjacent wall panels with the bent strap capable of flexing due to a sudden external force.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An assembly of wall panels comprising; 
 (a) at least two wall panels positioned in a non-planer orientation to one another wherein an air gap is present between two adjacent wall panels;    (b) at least one bent strap spanning the air gap between two adjacent wall panels wherein the bent strap is rigidly connected to adjacent wall panels and 
 wherein the strap is capable of flexing due to a force on a wall panel.  
   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  with individual straps connecting inner and outer surfaces of adjustment wall panels.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  with one wall panel connecting to two wall panels with individual straps.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  where the strap comprises a band.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the straps comprises a plate.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the strap comprises metal.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the strap comprises steel.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the strap comprises aluminum.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the strap comprises a composite.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein wall panels are positioned at an angle between 30 and 120 degrees on to another.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein with a gap of at least 0.125 inches (3 mm) between adjoining wall panels.  
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein a single metal strap is used.  
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein a double metal strap is used.  
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the straps are between 0.075 inches (0.19 mm) and 0.150 inches (3.8 mm).  
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein one wall panel comprises in order: 
 (a) a layer of material having a density not greater than 0.10 grams per cubic centimeter,  
 (b) a layer of a fabric containing fibers bonded with a resin,  
 (c) a layer of structural sheathing.  
 wherein the fabric layer will deflect in a range from 5.0 to 17.5 centimeters when impacted by a 33 kilogram (15 pound) projectile at a speed of 161 kilometers (100 miles) per hour in accordance with ASTM test procedure E1886-97 with said composite mounted on a rigid frame.  
 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the strap is capable of flexing due to an external force from wind blown debris or an explosive blast.  
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16  wherein the stap is capable of flexing due to debris at a wind speed of 100 miles per hour.