Blast mitigation structures

Abstract

This invention relates to a blast mitigation structure ( 1 ) comprising one or more rigid free-standing frames ( 2 ) of one or more channel section, the or each frame being adapted to receive in the or each channel, in use, one or more rupturable containers ( 3 ) adapted to contain liquid to thereby form a protective tunnel around e.g. a vehicle for mitigating against the effects of an explosion.

1 . A blast mitigation structure comprising one or more rigid free-standing frames of one or more channel section, the or each frame being adapted to receive in the or each channel, in use, one or more rupturable containers adapted to contain liquid to thereby form a protective tunnel around a vehicle for mitigating against the effects of an explosion.  
   
   
       2 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each rigid free-standing frame is in the form of an arch.  
   
   
       3 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each rigid free-standing frame is made of a rigid, lightweight material.  
   
   
       4 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 3  wherein the material is aluminum, reinforced plastic or the like.  
   
   
       5 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each rigid free-standing frame has apertures therein such that the exposed parts of the or each rupturable container are in the direct path of an explosion.  
   
   
       6 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 5  in which the or each free-standing frame has apertures therein in the form of a grill.  
   
   
       7 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein opposing sidewalls of the or each said channel section of the or each rigid free-standing frame extend only partially around opposing side walls of the or each rupturable container, such that where two or more of such frames and corresponding containers are placed side-by-side, when inflated the side-by-side containers touch beyond the opposing sidewalls of the side-by-side frames.  
   
   
       8 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said structure is transportable.  
   
   
       9 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 8 , wherein said structure is in the form of a wheeled vehicle.  
   
   
       10 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said rigid free-standing frames are placed adjacent each other to form an arched tunnel.  
   
   
       11 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 10 , wherein free-standing water-filled rupturable containers are positioned at each open end of said tunnel, so as to provided a closed structure.  
   
   
       12 . A blast mitigation structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more rupturable containers containing liquid, the blast mitigation structure forming a protective tunnel around a vehicle for mitigating against the effects of an explosion.  
   
   
       13 . A kit of parts capable of providing a blast mitigation structure according to  claim 12 , the kit of parts comprising one or more rupturable containers adapted to contain liquid and one of more rigid free-standing frames of one or more channel section, the or each frame being adapted to receive in the or each channel, in use, said one or more rupturable containers.  
   
   
       14 . A kit of parts according to  claim 13  further comprising a plurality of trolleys on which at least the one or more rigid free-standing frames are disposed.