Modular structure

Abstract

A modular structure is disclosed that includes a variety of separate units having an armored panel secured to a frame portion. The units, which exhibit a variety of shapes and dimensions, may be joined together to form modular structures with different configurations. For example, the units may be joined together to form an enclosed modular structure with a box-like configuration that is loaded onto a bed of a conventional truck for the transportation of troops or equipment. When joined, the various frame portions form a frame that extends around the modular structure and provides support, and the various panels are positioned adjacent to each other to form a shell that encloses the individuals or equipment.

1 . A discrete unit comprising: 
 (a) an armored panel; and    (b) a rigid frame portion secured to the armored panel, the frame portion including a connector for joining the unit to at least one adjacent unit such that the armored panel is positioned adjacent to a panel of the adjacent unit,    the unit being joinable with at least the adjacent unit to form a modular structure with a self-supporting and enclosed configuration for receiving and transporting individuals or equipment, the modular structure being adapted for mounting on a transport, and the unit being separable from the adjacent unit.    
   
   
       2 . The unit recited in  claim 1 , wherein the unit is removable from the modular structure and joinable with another modular structure.  
   
   
       3 . The unit recited in  claim 1 , wherein the armored panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer.  
   
   
       4 . The unit recited in  claim 3 , wherein the fiber of the fiber-reinforced polymer is a para-aramid fiber.  
   
   
       5 . (canceled)  
   
   
       6 . The unit recited in  claim 1 , wherein the unit is hinged to form an entry point of the modular structure.  
   
   
       7 . The unit recited in  claim 1 , wherein the unit is removable from the modular structure to form a port in a side portion of the modular structure.  
   
   
       8 . The unit recited in  claim 1 , wherein the unit includes a copula for mounting at least one of weaponry and a crane.  
   
   
       9 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A modular structure with a self-supporting and enclosed configuration for receiving and transporting individuals or equipment, the modular structure including: 
 (a) a frame formed from a plurality of frame portions joined together by connectors, the frame extending around the modular structure to provide support; and    (b) a shell formed from a plurality of abutting, armored panels, each of the armored panels being secured to one of the frame portions,    each of the frame portions and panels forming discrete and separable units that are joinable to form the modular structure.    
   
   
       14 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein the modular structure is joinable with another modular structure to form a larger modular structure.  
   
   
       15 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , further comprising outward-facing seats secured within the modular structure.  
   
   
       16 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the armored panels are removable from an interior of the modular structure to form ports.  
   
   
       17 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein the units are removable from the modular structure and joinable with another modular structure.  
   
   
       18 . The modular structure cited in  claim 13 , wherein the armored panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer.  
   
   
       19 . The modular structure recited in  claim 18 , wherein the fiber of the fiber-reinforced polymer is a para-aramid fiber.  
   
   
       20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the units is hinged to form an entry point of the modular structure.  
   
   
       22 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the units is removable from the modular structure to form a port in a side portion of the modular structure.  
   
   
       23 . The modular structure recited in  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the units includes a copula for mounting at least one of weaponry and a crane.  
   
   
       24 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . A method of transporting at least one of individuals and equipment, the method comprising steps of: 
 (a) joining a plurality of discrete units to form a modular structure that defines an enclosed space and is separate from a transport, each of the units including a frame portion that supports the modular structure and an armored panel secured to the frame portion;    (b) loading the modular structure onto a sport and relocating the modular structure to a remote location; and    (c) modifying the modular structure to provide shelter or a tactical position at the remote location by (i) joining the modular structure with another modular structure to form a combined enclosed space that is larger than the enclosed space, or (ii) separating the units from the modular structure.    
   
   
       29 . The method recited in  claim 28 , further including a step of unloading the modular structure from the transport.  
   
   
       30 . The method recited in  claim 28 , wherein the step of modifying includes distributing a portion of the units around an area to provide a tactical position.  
   
   
       31 . The method recited in  claim 28 , wherein the step of loading includes locating the individuals within the modular structure.  
   
   
       32 . The method recited in  claim 31 , wherein the step of loading includes providing seating for the individuals within the modular structure.  
   
   
       33 . The method recited in  claim 32 , wherein the step of loading includes providing safety restraints for the individuals.  
   
   
       34 . (canceled)  
   
   
       35 . The method recited in  claim 28 , further including a step of structuring the armored panels to comprise a fiber-reinforced polymer.  
   
   
       36 . The method recited in  claim 28 , further including a step of structuring the armored panels to comprise a polymer reinforced with para-aramid fibers.  
   
   
       37 . (canceled)