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.

1 . An assembly of wall panels comprising; 
 (a) at least two adjacent wall panels positioned in a non-planar orientation to one another wherein an air gap is present between the two adjacent wall panels;    (b) at least one bent strap spanning the air gap between the two adjacent wall panels 
 wherein the bent strap is rigidly connected to the two adjacent wall panels;  
 wherein the strap is capable of flexing due to a force on a wall panel; and  
   (c) a blind threaded fastener,    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 structural sheathing,    wherein the fabric layer will deflect in a range from 5.0 to 17.5 centimeters when impacted by a 15 pound projectile at a speed of 100 miles per hour per ASTM test procedure E 1886-97 with said composite mounted on a rigid frame.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  with individual straps connecting inner and outer surfaces of adjacent 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 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the blind threaded fastener is selected from the group consisting of blind threaded rivet nuts, weld nuts, floating nut fasteners, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       19 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the blind threaded fastener is selected from the group consisting of floating plate self-locking nuts, cage nut fasteners, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       20 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the blind threaded fastener is a floating plate self-locking nut.