Ballistic panel apparatus

Abstract

A ballistic panel composed of multiple layers. An outer layer is preferably metal. An inner layer is provided that can serve as decorative, if desired. Adhered to the outer layer is a layer of ballistic material, preferably KEVLAR or other synthetic ballistic fiber. Foamed in place is a layer of foam, preferably urethane. Also, featured is a plurality of cam locks with each cam lock having a male and a corresponding female part such that the adjacent panels can be easily and quickly locked together to form a safe enclosure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-layer ballistic panel comprising:
 an outer layer; wherein said outer layer is a sheathing ranging from 0.015 to 0.125 inches thick and, wherein said outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, laminates, plastics, plywood, or gypsum board; and   an inner layer, wherein said inner layer is made from a material selected from the same group of materials as recited for the outer layer but not necessarily the same material selected for said outer layer; and   a ballistic layer adhered to said outer layer, wherein said ballistic is made from a material selected from the group consisting of a para-aramid synthetic fiber, ceramics, high strength polyethylene fiber, PBO fiber, fiberglass phenolic as well as other well known synthetic and natural ballistic materials, wherein said ballistic layer is adhered to said outer layer; and   a foam core that is injected in place between said inner layer and said outer layer with said ballistic layer adhered thereto to provide said multi-layer ballistic panel.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein said foam layer is made of a polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein said foam layer is made of a polystyrene foam. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  further comprising at least one two-part cam lock. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 4  further comprising at least one part of a two-part cam lock that is foamed in place along at least one edge of said panel. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 5  wherein each said cam lock has a male part and a corresponding female part in a corresponding adjacent panel so that the two adjacent panels can be locked together. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 6  wherein said male part of said cam lock comprises a cam and a locking arm and where said female part comprises a locking pin, such that when said male part of said cam lock is adjacent to the female part of an adjacent cam lock, when two panels are placed adjacent to one another, the male lock cam is turned and the locking arm reaches out and engages the pin in the female half such that as the cam is turned, the locking arm is drawn toward the female half such that the two panels are down snugly together forming a tight seam. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein said foam core ranges from approximately 1 inch thick to 6 inches thick. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein the thickness of said ballistic layer is determined in accordance with the expected threat that said panel must withstand. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of said panels may be locked together to form an enclosed structure. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 10  wherein said enclosed structure is a refrigerated storage unit. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 10  wherein said enclosed structure is a used in an environment wherein high ambient temperatures can be expected. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 10  wherein said enclosed structure is a safe room that provides protection from external threats to the occupants of said enclosed structure. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 10  wherein said enclosed structure is a located in a combat situation. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-layer ballistic panel of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of panels can be locked together to form a structure that is useful in a combat situation where projectiles can be expected to strike said structure.