Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
Title
BUILDING SIMULATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRAINING
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL
Scope of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for training
emergency personnel
such as fire, police and military personnel to perform search and rescue
within closed structures
under conditions as may be experienced in emergencies involving fire, smoke,
power outages
and the like.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Emergency personnel, such as firemen, have the difficult task of moving
into, through
and out of structures, such as buildings, under conditions in which they have
no visibility or
limited visibility as, for example, when navigating through a building with
very heavy smoke
conditions where there may be little or no ambient light and emergency
lighting such as
headlamps and flashlights may penetrate only limited distances such as not
more than a few feet.
Similar conditions arise as in rooms which have no ambient light and in which
the firefighter
may not have access to any emergency light. In such situations, the
firefighters adopt techniques
by which they carefully move through a building using largely by touch and
feel the location of
various structures such as walls, doorways, windows, banisters, steps and the
like to move
through the building as, for example, in and out of different rooms towards
identifying the rooms
and attempting to locate persons within the building and/or to exit safely
from the building.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for simulating a
building
environment through which emergency personnel may be trained by practicing
search and
rescue.
[0004] The present invention provides an apparatus including a plurality of
wall panels
which can be joined together and simulate a floor plan of a building. The wall
panels preferably
are modular prefabricated wall panels adapted to be assembled and disassembled
permitting the
same wall panels to be adapted for use to provide different floor plans. Thus,
a modular kit
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!
incorporating a plurality of different wall panels may be arranged and
subsequently rearranged
into as many different floor plans as desired thus providing a variety of
different floor plans
which will provide challenging training in search and rescue.
[0005] The preferred wall panels or partitions include wall panels which
incorporate
doorways, and wall panels which incorporate windows. Preferably, the windows
simulate actual
windows to assist emergency personnel in entering or exiting via the windows.
[0006] Certain of the wall panels preferably have a construction which
simulates actual walls
as found in buildings to assist in training personnel in breaking through any
type of wall as, for
example, to break through a drywall covered wall and in moving through a wall
in spaces
between studs, wiring, plumbing, duct work and the like.
[0007] In accordance with the preferred apparatus, coupling mechanisms are
provided so as
to fixedly couple the modular wall panels together where they abut and
optionally secure the
panels to a floor or other structure.
[0008] In accordance with a preferred method of use of the apparatus,
pictorial
representations are provided to the emergency personnel before they enter the
building simulator
which representations show an exterior of a building which the simulator is
intended to simulate.
The pictorial representation can provide clues and input to the emergency
personnel as to the
possible layout of the building. The pictorial representations would
approximate the information
to be received by an emergency worker on visually surveying a building to be
entered.
Similarly, in respect of high rise apartments, any particular floor plan for
the simulator may have
accompanying information and representations such as information which
emergency workers
could gain from adjoining apartment units which would assist the emergency
worker in
determining the nature of the floor plan to be encountered.
[0009] Preferably, a floor plan is constructed using the modular wall panels
in accordance
with the present invention as, for example, on a flat planar, preferably,
concrete floor.
Subsequently, furniture and other props may be placed within the floor plan.
Subsequently, the
structure may be either filled with smoke or the emergency worker may be
required to perform a
search and rescue operation as with a face piece or mask of a self-contained
breathing apparatus
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completely covered which would simulate heavy smoke conditions. The apparatus
may merely
be used in the dark with a minimum of light.
[0010] Insofar as buildings in any particular geographic area may have
consistent floor plans,
such floor plan arrangements can be selected to be a floor plan to be
simulated.
[0011] The building simulator permits for various floor plans to be
constructed and removed
in a minimal of time. This facilitates construction of a training floor plan
anywhere as, for
example, on an existing floor within an existing building such as on the main
floor of a fire hall
or garage or on an existing cement pad outside of a building, to be used and,
subsequently, to be
dismantled and stored in a comparatively small space. For use over various
surfaces such as
over dirt, gravel or grassed surfaces surface modular flooring panels may also
be provided.
Similarly, as a roofing structure such as demountable flexible roof such as
from canvas or Nylon
fabric may be provided as to keep smoke in the structure, to minimize light
egress and/or to
protect the other components of the simulator from the elements such as rain.
The simulator
could be mounted inside a collapsible tent-like enclosure. The entire
simulator may be stored
and moved inside a trailer for ease of transport as well as storage. The wall
panels may also be
used in conjunction with pre-existing walls, doorways and windows in an
existing fire hall or
training centre.
[0012] The modular wall panels preferably are individual wall panels which are
adapted to
be manipulated for assembly and disassembly by one or two individuals. In this
regard, they
preferably are made of standard wall construction materials such as formed of
a framework of
metal or wood studs and carry plywood sheeting or panelling-type material,
alternately, drywall
sheeting with or without baseboard or the like. Towards rendering the
individual wall panels
more lightweight, they may alternatively comprise, for example, a core of
lightweight foamed
material with thin metal or fibreglass protective sheeting. The modular wall
panels may also
comprise a plastic-type material formed by injection molding and/or extrusion.
[0013] The individual wall panels may be coupled together by various methods,
preferably,
in a manner which provides for quick connection and disconnection.
[0014] One preferred configuration is to provide male and female latching
mechanisms at
corners of each panel to permit each panel to be connected to all other
similar panels. Preferably,
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T r
the male and female latching mechanism will permit rectangular panels when
orientated
vertically with a designated top as the upper end to have its ends joined in-
line, that is, end to
end, with other similar panels without regard to which end of one panel may
engage the end of
another panel. Such latching mechanisms not only render the panels
ambidextrous for coupling
end-to-end in a straight line but also preferably permit the end of any panel
to be coupled to
another panel proximate its end to extend perpendicular thereto. Preferably, a
single
configuration of the latching mechanism is provided at each of the top and
bottom corners at
each end of each panel permitting in-line and/or perpendicular coupling at the
end of each panel
to other similar panels.
[0015] The latching mechanisms are preferably accessible from the front and
rear faces of
each panel and when not activated for coupling are retained within the
confines of the panel, that
is, within the end faces, front and back faces and top and bottom faces so as
to not extend
therefrom or increase the overall dimensions of the panel during storage or
movement.
[0016] The latching mechanisms are preferably modular elements which can be
manufactured separately and installed within the corners of each panel.
[0017] Preferably, the panels when coupled together provide a sufficiently
strong self-
supporting structure with in-line panels and panels extending perpendicular to
other panels that
there is no need for coupling of the structure to the floor or another
building structure.
[0018] Another preferred configuration is to provide flat brackets which are
to lie on a floor
surface bridging two or more wall panels and provide vertically extending pins
to extend
vertically into holes in the wall panels. Similar such brackets may be
provided at the top of the
wall panels to bridge between two or more wall panels. The floor brackets need
not be secured
to the floor, however, could be secured to the floor by various means such as
pins which extend
from the bracket vertically downward into the floor or, possibly, Velcro brand
touch fasteners
which are removably secured to the floor at desired locations as by adhesive
and the like. Such
floor brackets preferably engage the floor having regard to the relative
weight of the wall panels
so as to resist movement under normal forces to be experienced under search
and rescue
conditions such as having emergency personnel forcefully urge themselves into
portions of the
wall panels. Cross braces may be provided at the top of adjacent wall panels
extending between
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adjacent wall panels at a height which will not interfere with emergency
personnel during
training.
[0019] The modular wall panels preferably provide relatively full height walls
as, for
example, six to eight feet high to mimic the walls of a normal building,
however, this is not
necessary. Preferably, the wall panels are sufficiently high so as to
accommodate normal full
sized windows as can be used in an exercise to enter or exit via the windows.
This is also not
necessary and the wall panels, for example, which are three feet to five feet
high can be useful to
simulate conditions to be experienced by emergency personnel as they typically
crawl on the
floor about the periphery of the floor plan.
[0020] Preferably, the modular wall panels are assembled such that they are
open upwardly
and supervisory personnel can view the progress of any personnel in the
simulator possibly
recording the progress which can be used towards assisting and/or developing
improved
techniques for teaching or simulation. Thus, in accordance with one preferred
embodiment, an
observatory station is provided above the floor plan to observe and/or record
personnel's activity
as with time.
[0021] The modular wall panels preferably are adapted to be stored stacked
horizontally or
vertically on their ends or sides.
[0022] Preferably, where a doorway is to be provided, the door is provided
within a single
modular wall panel providing both sides and the top of framing for the door
with a relatively thin
bracket or plate to extend across the bottom of the door simulating a low
height sill and assisting
to keep the sides of the door in fixed locations.
[0023] Preferably, where windows are to be provided, a unitary wall panel is
provided
carrying the entirety of a window including the sill, two sides and a top.
Windows may be
provided with depths to simulate an actual window in a home and, therefore, to
simulate the
exercise of emergency personnel passing outwardly or inwardly via the window.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a
kit providing
a plurality of identical modular wall panels together with suitable quick
attach connection means
for connecting the wall panels together into different floor plans and with
the kit including a
plurality of suggested floor plans which can be adopted. Preferably, the kit
would also include
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
visual representations showing exterior details or other details which would
indicate to the
emergency personnel in advance of entering any simulated floor plan some clues
as to the nature
of the floor plan. In addition, specific information could be given in
different exercises such as
the exiting of smoke from a particular window or areas, information as to the
date, time, nature
of the persons which may be expected inside the simulated building and/or
information about
location of persons within the simulated building.
[0025] The training apparatus may comprise but a simple maze of the wall
panels, however,
preferably furniture, floor coverings, appliances and the like placed in
suitable locations.
Various other props and enhancements may be provided as, for example, loud
speakers, lights,
heaters, devices to provide smoke and/or flame or the like to simulate actual
conditions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0026] Further aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following
description
taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] Figure 1 is a pictorial front view of a simulated building training
apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
[0029] Figures 3A and 3B are pictorial front and rear views of the building
shown in Figure
1;
[0030] Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel used in
Figure 1;
100311 Figure 4A is an exploded view of an assembled basic wall panel whose
frame is
shown in Figure 4;
[0032] Figure 5 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall panel used in
Figure 1;
[0033] Figure 6 is pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel used in
Figure 1;
[0034] Figures 7 through 11 are pictorial views of brackets, namely straight,
corner,
extended T, simple T, and extendable brackets, respectively, used to join the
tops and bottoms of
panels of Figures 4 to 6 together.
[0035] Figure 12 is a schematic pictorial top view illustrating the use of the
brackets shown
in Figures 7, 10 and 11 to join basic wall panels of the type shown in Figure
4;
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[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic top view illustrating the use of brackets
shown in Figures 7,
8, 9 and 11 to join basic wall panels of the type shown in Figure 4;
[00371 Figure 14 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel as
illustrated in Figure 4
but modified for use in breeching;
[0038] Figure 15 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel as
illustrated in Figure 4
but modified to provide restricted through openings;
[0039] Figure 16 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel similar
to that shown in
Figure 14, however, modified to provide smoke simulation and lighting;
[0040] Figure 17 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall panel
similar to that in
Figure 5 but modified to provide an exterior window covering;
[0041] Figure 18 is a pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel similar
to that in Figure
6, however, modified to provide a spring-loaded door for tactical breeching
and forcible entry;
[0042] Figure 19 is a pictorial view of a second simulated building training
apparatus in
accordance with the invention;
[0043] Figures 20 and 21 are pictorial views of brackets, namely a straight
and a corner
bracket, used to join the bottom of wall panels to a floor or to a wall panel
below the wall panel;
[0044] Figure 22 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating the manner of
securing floor joist
members for the floor of a second story room shown in Figure 19;
100451 Figure 23 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating one manner for
connection of an
enclosed stairway in accordance with the invention;
[0046] Figure 24 is a plan view similar to that of Figure 2 of a third
simulated building
training apparatus formed by use of the panels of Figures 4 to 6;
[0047] Figure 25 is a further plan view of a fourth simulated building
training apparatus
formed using the wall panels of Figures 4, 5 and 6;
[0048] Figure 26 is a floor plan of another simulated building training
apparatus, however,
utilizing the wall panels illustrated in Figures 27 to 31;
[0049] Figure 27 is a pictorial view of a four foot wide basic wall panel used
in Figure 26;
[0050] Figure 28 is a pictorial view of a six foot wide wall panel used in
Figure 26;
[0051] Figure 29 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel used in
Figure 26;
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[0052] Figure 30 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel with a
door used in
Figure 26;
[0053] Figure 31 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel with a
window used in
Figure 26;
[0054] Figure 32 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel formed
from two sub-
panels;
[0055] Figure 33 is a pictorial view of a fully assembled wall panel in
accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] Figure 34 is a pictorial view of the wall panel of Figure 33 with its
cladding layers
removed so as to show its internal framework and corner coupling mechanisms;
[0057] Figure 35 is an enlarged pictorial view of one of the corner coupling
mechanisms
shown in Figure 34;
[0058] Figure 36 is a pictorial view showing two wall panels of the type shown
in Figure 33
arranged end to end in line;
[0059] Figure 37 is a partial cross-sectional plan view along section line P-
P' in Figure 36;
[0060] Figure 38 is a schematic pictorial view showing merely the two coupling
mechanisms
illustrated in Figure 37 in abutment in an uncoupled condition;
[0061] Figure 39 is the same view as in Figure 38 but showing the coupling
mechanisms
coupled together;
[0062] Figure 40 is a plan view identical to that in Figure 37 but also
showing two additional
wall panels extending perpendicular to one of the wall panels and coupled
thereto;
[0063] Figure 41 is a schematic pictorial view of a second embodiment of a
corner coupling
mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
[0064] Figure 42 is a schematic exploded view of an uppermost corner of a wall
panel for
use with the corner coupling mechanism of Figure 41;
[0065] Figure 43 is a pictorial assembled view of the uppermost corner of a
wall panel
shown in Figure 42;
[0066] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional plan view along section line Q-Q' in
Figure 43;
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[0067] Figure 45 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the coupling
mechanism shown
in Figure 44 but showing four wall panels coupled together, two end-to-end and
two side-to-side;
[0068] Figure 46 is a schematic front view of a wall panel with a
configuration having
similarities to that shown in Figure 43;
[0069] Figure 47 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to that
shown in Figure 46
but with a friction fit removable window;
[0070] Figure 48 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to that
shown in Figure 46
but with a doorway therethrough;
[0071] Figure 49 is a schematic front view of two wall panels similar to that
shown in Figure
46 ready for end-to-end coupling;
[0072] Figure 50 is a schematic front view showing three panels, one as seen
in Figure 47, a
second as seen in Figure 46 and a third as seen in Figure 48 ready for
coupling end-to-end;
100731 Figure 51 is a schematic front view showing a panel similar to that
shown in Figure
46 but with a mechanism for simultaneously latching and unlatching both
coupling mechanism
on one end of the panel;
[0074] Figures 52, 53 and 54 are pictorial views of a plan view of a layout
for simulated
buildings with the same floor plan as constructed with the wall panels of
Figures 46, 47 and 48;
[0075] Figures 55, 56 and 57 are plan views of the floor plans shown in
Figures 52, 53 and
54, respectively;
[0076] Figures 58 to 64 are plan views of different floor plans for simulated
buildings
constructed with the wall panels of Figures 46, 47 and 48;
[0077] Figure 65 is a schematic pictorial view of a corner post for use in
accordance with the
present invention;
[0078] Figure 66 is a cross-sectional view of the corner post of the Figure 65
along section
lines Z-Z';
[0079] Figure 67 is a schematic pictorial view of the internal bracket member
provided
within the corner post shown in Figure 65;
[0080] Figure 68 is a plan view of a floor plan utilizing four corner posts as
shown in Figure
65;
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[0081] Figure 69 is a schematic pictorial view of another embodiment of a
coupling
mechanism 800 which has similarities to the coupling mechanism 100 shown in
Figure 35 as
adapted to be a replacement.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0082] Reference is made first to Figure 1 which illustrates a training
apparatus 10 in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The training
apparatus illustrated
is formed in its entirety from a plurality of modular wall panels generally
indicated 12. The wall
panels 12 preferably are selected from the basic wall panel 14 of Figure 4, a
window wall panel
16 of Figure 5 and a door wall panel 18 of Figure 6. The modular wall panels
preferably have
identical height, width and thickness and are adapted to be coupled together
on a supporting floor
so as to provide interrelated walls which define a particular floor plan of a
building to be
simulated. Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of a training apparatus 10 of
Figure 1 and includes
written designations of the various areas contained within the floor plan as
being different rooms
within a three bedroom house and particularly indicating areas designated as a
kitchen, living
room, bedroom 1, bedroom 2, bedroom 3 and a washroom.
[0083] Referring to Figures 4, 4A, 5 and 6, each of the wall panels 12
preferably comprise an
internal framework 20, preferably covered on both sides by cladding layers 22
and 23. The
framework 20 preferably comprises a plurality of vertically spaced studs 24
and horizontal top
and bottom rails 25 and 26. The framework 20 may preferably comprise wood as,
for example,
two by four inch lumber as is commonly used in construction, however, the
framework 20 may
also comprise standard metal stud framing. The cladding layers 22 and 23 may
comprise a wide
variety of materials including gypsum board, plywood, plastic sheeting,
fibreglass, laminate,
panelling, sheet metal and particle board which is secured to overlie the
framework 20 on each
side of the framework. The basic wall panel 14 of Figure 4A has the entirety
of its surfaces
covered by the cladding layers 22 and 23 so that each of the basic wall panels
14 would appear as
illustrated in Figure 1.
[0084] The window wall panel 16 illustrated in Figure 5 has a framework 20
similar to that
in Figure 4, however, with a window 28 opening therethrough and the cladding
layers 22 and 23
would cover the sides of the frame of the window wall panel other than over
the window. The
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door wall panel member 18, shown in Figure 6, also has a similar interior
framework 20,
however, has a door opening 30 provided therethrough with the door opening
opened through the
lower rai126. Preferably, a low height metal plate 33 may extend across the
bottom of the door
opening 30 to simulate a door threshold and to assist in maintaining integrity
of the door wall
panel. As with the other wall panels 12, the door wall panel 18 has its
surfaces covered by
cladding layers 22 and 23 other than over the door opening.
[0085] The door wall panel 18 preferably has a door 32, as shown in Figures 1
and 2,
received in the door opening and pivotally coupled at one side thereof to the
framework 20 such
that the door 32 is adapted for opening and closing in a standard manner of a
conventional door
in a household. As well, a door wall panel 18 could be used without the door
provided so as to
provide a mere passageway therethrough.
[0086] As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the wall panels 12 are arranged
vertically end-to-end
and in abutment to each other at right angles so as to define by suitable
location and selection of
the various wall panels 12, a desired floor plan for the training apparatus.
[0087] Reference is made to Figures 7 to 13 which illustrate a number of
brackets which may
be used to secure the wall panels 12 together. As illustrated in each of
Figures 4, 5 and 6, the
wall panels 14, 16 and 18 are provided with a plurality of vertically
extending holes 34 which
extend through the top rail 25 and the bottom rai126 forming their framework
20. The various
brackets indicated in Figures 7 to 13 each comprise a flat metal plate 36 from
which a plurality
of pins 38 extend perpendicular thereto. The pins 38 are sized to be received
within the holes 34
of the wall panels and the pins 38 are spaced so as when located within the
holes 34 of the wall
panels to suitably space the wall panels from each other.
[0088] Figure 7 illustrates a straight wall bracket 40 adapted to secure two
wall panels 12
together when extending end-to-end in a straight line as, for example,
illustrated in each of
Figures 12 and 13.
[0089] Figure 8 illustrates a corner bracket 42 adapted to secure two wall
panels together at a
corner as illustrated, for example, in Figure 13. Figure 9 illustrates a T
bracket 44 to couple a
wall panel 12 to extend perpendicularly from wall panels at a junction between
two inline wall
panels as illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 10 illustrates a T bracket 46 for
coupling a wall panel
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12 to extend perpendicularly from one or more other wall panels as illustrated
in Figure 12. The
bracket members are, for example, to be located underneath each panel. In
assembly, a selected
bracket is placed on the floor and then desired wall panels are manually
manipulated and lifted
so as to have a side wall panel 12 sit upon the bracket with the pins 38 from
the bracket received
in the holes 34 of the wall panel. After the wall panels 12 have been engaged
on the bracket on
the floor, a complementary bracket is placed and lowered down into the holes
34 at the top of the
wall panels such that the wall panels are securely held together both at their
lower rail 26 on the
floor and at their upper rail 25. Preferably, assembly is commenced at a
location where two wall
panels 12 extend at right angles to each other. From that starting point, new
panels may
successively be added to the existing structure coupled together by the
various brackets. It is to
be understood that, for example, when placing any wall panel 12, preferably,
the brackets to be
received underneath the wall panel at any location under that wall panel will
be located in place
prior to the wall panel being positioned.
[0090] Figure 11 shows an adjustable length bracket 48 carrying a pin 38 on
each of two
telescoping members 50 and 52. The inner member 50 is telescopically slidable
within the outer
member 52. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the two members 50 and 52
against
relative longitudinal sliding and for unlocking. As illustrated in Figures 12
and 13, the
adjustable length bracket 48 may be extended to desired lengths so as to
secure the tops of
different wall panels 12 together. In Figure 12, the bracket 48 is shown as
extending diagonally
between wall panels disposed at angles to each other. In Figure 13, the
bracket 48 is shown as
extending between two parallel lengths of wall panels 14.
[0091] The brackets which are provided on a floor may advantageously be
secured to a floor
for increased security, if this may be desired. As shown in each of Figures 7
to 10, each bracket
is provided with an additional opening 54 as, for example, may accommodate a
fastener to
extend through the bracket into a floor structure. For example, a screw (not
shown) may be
driven into a concrete or wooden floor.
[0092] Alternatively, other mechanisms may be provided for securing each of
the brackets to
a floor. For example, a Velcro brand touch fastener may be adhesively secured
to the floor to be
coupled with a complementary Velcro brand touch fastener which is adhesively
provided
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underneath each bracket. As another method, each bracket may be secured to the
floor as with
an adhesive which will prevent laterally sliding on the floor, however, which
adhesive forces can
fairly readily be overcome by upward lifting of the bracket. Additionally, the
floor may be
provided with a plurality of holes which extend downwardly into the floor in a
grid-like pattern
and permit the use of brackets similar to brackets 56 and 58 shown in Figures
20 and 21 in which
the pins 38, which extend upwardly, have corresponding pins 39 which extend
downwardly.
100931 By reason of use of the modular wall panels, the training apparatus
illustrated in
Figure 1 may readily be assembled manually on a floor surface.
[0094] In addition to providing the training apparatus, persons to use the
training apparatus
may be provided in advance of entering the training apparatus with drawings,
pictures or the like
which show a representation of the building which the floor plan of Figure 1
is intended to
simulate. In this regard, drawings such as the front and rear perspective
views illustrated in
Figures 3A and 3B, may be provided to persons who enter the training apparatus
10 prior to their
entry. From the external pictorial view of the building, the persons to be
subjected to the training
can surmise various things such as expected floor plan and layout giving the
locations of doors
32 and windows 28 and the possible location of the fire given, for example,
the appearance of a
plume of smoke 60.
100951 Each of the wall panels 12 preferably is constructed to be of a size,
shape and weight
to permit handling by one or more individuals and to permit stacking as by
standing vertically or
horizontally. The modular wall panels 12 may readily be assembled into a
training assembly 10
as illustrated in Figure 1 and may be disassembled and assembled into
different training
assemblies. In this regard, Figures 24 and 25 illustrate two additional floor
plans for single
storey training assemblies. Each of the floor plans illustrated in Figures 2,
24 and 25 are formed
using identical width building panels. Such building panels may preferably
have a width of
approximately four feet and a height in the range of about eight feet such
that a basic wall panel
as illustrated, for example, in Figure 4 may be clad by a standard 4 feet by 8
feet sheet of gypsum
board or plywood. Preferred dimensions of a basic wall panel 12 include a
width of 4 feet and a
height of 7.5 feet providing a height approximate that of walls in many
building constructions.
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100961 The wall panels illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate preferred
forms of the wall
panels. Figures 14 to 18 illustrate additional modular wall panels 12 for
substitution of those
wall panels shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 and which such additional wall panels
have additional
features.
[0097] Reference is made to Figure 14 which illustrates a basic wall panel 14
which has
vertical studs 24 at 16 inch centers as is standard with some forms of
construction. In addition, a
metal pipe 62 is provided to extend horizontally through the interior of the
framework 20
simulating water, gas and other piping typically found in walls. Further, a
length of electrical
wire 64 is also provided to extend through the framework 20 to simulate
electrical wiring. At
least the lower portion of the framework is clad with gypsum board. The wall
panel of Figure 14
is intended to be a breeching wall panel, that is, one which in a training
operation, a person is to
pass through as by cutting away the covering gypsum board and attempting to
pass through the
wall between the studs avoiding the wiring 64 and/or pipe 62.
100981 Reference is made to Figure 15 which illustrates another wall panel 14
which is pre-
provided with restrictive openings 65 and 66 and which is intended to have the
surfaces of the
framework 20 entirely covered but for the restricted openings 65 and 66
indicated as being a
circular opening 65 and a square opening 66. The restricted openings 65 and 66
provide
openings through which trainees can practice passing and which can involve
some difficulty
especially when trainees are carrying self-contained breathing apparatus.
[0099] Reference is made to Figure 16 which illustrates a wall panel 14 which
is provided
with firstly, lights 67 which can be connected to an electrical source as, for
example, to
illuminate portions of the training apparatus and may, for example, be
provided as infrared lights
or lights which emit red or yellow colours as may simulate heat and/or
lighting conditions in a
fire. The light 67 may be provided with male and/or female plugs 68, 69 at
each side of the wall
panel 14 for easy electrical connection with similar modular plug connections
from other panels
which may be connected to an electrical source. The wall panel is also
illustrated as being
provided with a pipe 70 which extends longitudinally therethrough and is
adapted to be
connected in sealed arrangement with similar pipes which extend through
adjacent wall panels.
The pipe 70 has a vent 71 which extends through one or both sides of the wall
panel and is
14
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adapted to vent real or simulated smoke or other gases. For example, smoke may
be discharged
from a smoke machine, fog generator, dry ice or liquid carbon dioxide to
impair vision.
Alternatively, real smoke may be introduced into the structure.
[0100] Reference is made to Figure 17 which illustrates a window panel 16
similar to that
shown in Figure 5, however, with a covering 72 provided on a simulated
exterior side of the
window. The window covering 72 may be transparent or non-transparent material
such as Plexi-
glass which may be secured in place by various flexible fasteners 73 to permit
forcible removal
by prying or striking action with use of forcible entry type tools such as
axe, sledge hammer, pry
bar, pike pole or halogen bar and to better simulate "Forcible Entry"
practices for smoke
removal, victim rescue and/or personnel moving into or out of a structure
through a window.
Another means of securing and attaching a removable window covering 72 may be
by use of
magnetic fasteners affixed to the window covering and both front and rear
faces of the wall panel
permitting attachment and removal of the wall covering 72 to or from either
face. As illustrated
in Figure 47, another modification to the wall panel for placement of a window
pane is by means
of friction fitting a window material such as LEXAN-type sized and framed to a
dimension that
would permit placement and removal thereof within the window opening to both
front or rear
faces of the wall panel.
[0101] Reference is made to Figure 18 which shows a door wall panel 18 similar
to the door
wall panel of Figure 6, however, including a door 32 having a number of
features to assist the
practice of techniques involving forcible breeching of the door and/or
penetration with explosive
charges. This door is preferably reinforced by plywood on the door and may
have an opening
provided through the door which more readily will become destroyed upon
tactical breeching
with explosive charges. The door may be secured by self-closing hinges which,
while under the
application of forces, be able to be biased open in forcible entry conditions
without undue
damage to the door. As further illustrated in Figure 48, to better simulate
forcible entry or
breeching of a door structure, the wall panel could comprise a functioning
door mounted and
secured to one side of the door jamb by use of self-closing hinges (not shown)
and in the closed
position, secured and locked to the other side of the door jamb by means of a
locking door knob
assembly with latching mechanism and catch plate affixed to the doorjamb. The
door jamb side
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
affixed with the catch plate to receive the latching mechanism to the door
knob, could be
constructed, secured and supported as such with spring-type devices positioned
between the door
jamb and wall panel stud member in a hollow cavity or void. Such design would
permit the
flexible characteristic or "bending" of a door jamb comprising of a flexible
material such as
wood, plastic, thin-gauge steel or other material with flexible properties.
The doorjamb could
then be pried outwardly or away from the door without damage by use of
forcible entry-type
tools such as axe, halogen bar or pry par and thus separating the catch plate
and latching
mechanism permitting the locked door to be swung in the open position allowing
personnel to
move into, out of or within the structure through locked doors. The flexible
doorjamb would
then instantly return to original vertical positioning without flex or bend by
the opposing forces
of the supporting spring devices without damage permitting the door assembly
to be secured and
locked again in the closed position for further simulations of forcible entry
practices.
[0102] Reference is made to Figure 19 which shows a training apparatus
constructed from
same width modular wall panels of Figures 4, 5 and 6 in a manner similar to
that in Figure 1,
however, including in addition to a first floor arranged on a primary floor
level, a second floor
disposed supported upon the wall panels forming the floor plan for the first
floor.
[0103] As illustrated in Figure 22, joist members 74 for a second floor
flooring may extend
between wall panels 12 for the first floor and carry support pins at their end
which hook over the
wall panels forming the floor plan for the first wall. Plywood sheathing 75
may be provided on
top of such joist members 74. Wall panels 12 for the second floor may be
secured above wall
panels 12 for the first floor as by the use of connecting brackets as best
illustrated in Figures 20
and 21 having pins which extend both upwardly and downwardly. While not shown
in Figure
19, in a manner similar to that discussed with Figure 1, connecting brackets
are also to be used to
connect the tops of each of the wall panels 12 forming the second story walls.
Figure 19 shows a
stairway 76 providing access from the first floor to the second floor. Figure
23 shows
advantageous construction for such a similar stairway adopting a lower
stairway forming portion
76 and having stepped wall panels 78 adapted for enclosing each side and upon
which other
standard modular wall panels 12 may be attached.
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CA 02638123 2008-07-23
[0104] The training apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 25 use wall panels
12 of
substantially identical shape and size. This is preferred, however, it is not
necessary. Reference
is made to Figure 26 which shows a plan view of a training apparatus formed
using modular
panels which are provided to have different widths, preferably, widths of four
feet, six feet and
eight feet.
[0105] Figures 27, 28 and 29, respectively, illustrate basic wall panels 81,
82 and 83 used in
Figure 26 of four foot, six foot and eight foot widths, respectively. Figures
30 and 31 illustrate a
door wall panel 88 and a window wall pane186 of eight foot widths. As seen in
Figure 26, the
use of different modular sizes of wall panels provide for different
arrangements and
configurations of the floor plans as illustrated.
[0106] Figure 32 illustrates an arrangement of two stacked wall panels 90 and
91, each
having a width of eight feet and a desired height. The two wall panels are
stackable by the
provision of vertically extending pins 38 and 39 to extend into holes 34 in
the upper and lower
plates of the frames of the wall panels.
[0107] Reference is made to Figures 33 to 40 which illustrate a second
embodiment of a wall
panel 12 in accordance with the present invention. The wall panel 12 comprises
an internal
framework 20 formed as best seen in Figure 34 with vertical studs 24 extending
between
horizontal top and bottom rails 25 and 26. The studs 24 adjacent each end of
the wall panel 12
are recessed inwardly from the ends of the horizontal top and bottom rails 25
and 26 so as to
provide an end space to accommodate at each of the four corners adjacent an
end and the top or
bottom a connecting mechanism 100. The framework 20 is covered on both sides
by cladding
layers 22 and 23 with the cladding layers 22 and 23 having slots 102 formed
therein approximate
each of the corners to provide for access to and operation of the corner
mechanisms 100.
[0108] Referring to Figure 36, two identical wall panels 12 are provided
arranged end to end
in line in which position, the coupling mechanisms 100 at opposed ends of the
panels 12 align
with each other for coupling to secure the ends of the wall panels 12 together
securely.
[0109] References made to the Figure 35 which illustrates a preferred
embodiment of the
coupling mechanism 100. The coupling mechanism 100 has a housing 104
preferably of metal
with two L-shaped side walls 105 and 106 supported and held securely parallel
to each other by
17
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an inner bridging end wall 107 and an outer bridging end wall 108. The inner
end wall 107 has
four holes 110 therethrough to permit securing to the outer most stud 24 as by
screws, bolts,
rivets or like fasteners not shown. A U-shaped catch rod 112 has the inner
ends of its two side
arms 115 and 116 secured to the side walls 105 and 106 such that the U-shaped
catch rod 112 is
disposed in a horizontal plane. The catch rod 112 has an end portion 117
extending horizontally
and disposed such that its outer surface is in the same plane as the outer
surface as to the outer
end wall 108. Each side arm 115 and 116 is shown to have a Z-shaped with an
inner portion 118
secured inside each of the side walls 105 or 106, an intermediate portion 119
extending laterally
outwardly and a side portion 120 which extends horizontally parallel to the
side walls 105 and
106 and is best seen in Figure 37 as having its outer surface in the same
plane in the outermost
surface 121 of the cladding 22 or 23. The catch rod 112 may preferably
comprise a metal rod
and may preferably be secured to the metal side walls as by welding.
[0110] A latch member 122 is pivotally mounted to the housing 104 or pivoting
about an
axis 123. A cylindrical axle 124 is journalled to the side walls 105 and 106
by extending through
correspondingly shaped circular opening in each of the side walls. The axle
124 has fixedly
secured to each of its ends an octagonal engagement nut 126 each disposed
outside the walls 105
and 106. The latch member 122 includes an elongate hook element 128 secured at
an inner end
129 to the axle 124 for rotation with the axle 124. The hook element 128
extends to a distal end
130 which provides a bight 132 on an inner surface. A coil spring 136 only
shown in Figure 35
for ease of illustration has a first end 137 secured to the inner end wall 107
and an outer end 138
secured to the hook element 128 spaced from the axis 123. The spring 136 draws
the hook
element 128 to rotate about the axis 123 counter clockwise as shown into a
retracted position
shown in Figure 35 in which the hook element 128 engages a stop rod 134 which
is secured to
extend horizontally between the side walls 105 and 106. When two wall panels
12 are placed
end to end as shown in Figure 36, two coupling mechanisms 100 come to be in
opposed
abutment as schematically illustrated in isolation in Figure 38 with each of
the latch members
122 in a retracted position under the bias of the spring 136 not shown however
in Figure 38.
From the retracted position shown in Figure 38, by engagement with the nuts
126 which are
accessible from of the front and rear faces of each panel 12 through the slots
102 in the cladding
18
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layers 22 or 23, each of the latch members 122 may be rotated from the
retracted position of
Figure 38 to the engaged position of Figure 39. In the engaged position of
Figure 39, each latch
member 122 engages on the end portion 117 of the catch rod 112 of the coupling
mechanism 100
of the adjacent wall panel 12. Preferably on rotating the latch member 122 to
the engaged
position shown in Figure 39 the hook member 128 will come to engage the inner
side of the
catch rod 112 with the distal end of the hook element 128 being required to be
forced
downwardly over the catch rod 112 such that the catch rod 112 becomes disposed
within the
bight 132 and will retain in the engaged position against the bias of the
spring 136.
[0111] As seen in Figure 37 each of the latch members 122 is preferably
disposed marginally
to one side of a centreline such that the distal end 130 of the hook member
128 lay side-by-side
and do not interfere with each other. Preferably each of the coupling
mechanisms 100 are
identical such that in any end to end orientation each hook element 128 will
have its distal ends
disposed on appropriate, opposite side to the hook element 128 of the opposing
mirror image
coupling mechanism 100.
[0112] Reference is made to Figure 40 which illustrate a top plan view
identical to that in
Figure 37 however, in additional to showing two left and right wall panels 12
coupled together
inline end to end, shows two additional wall panels 12 extending laterally
perpendicularly from
the left inline wall panel 12. Figure 40 shows the two laterally extending
wall panels as having
their latch members 122 engaging the side portion 120 of the side arms 115 or
116 of the catch
rods 112. The laterally extending wall panels 12 are shown in a preferred
configuration with one
outer surface 120 of the cladding 22 or 23 in the same plane as the outer
surface of the outer end
wall 108.
[0113] As seen in Figure 40, the side portion 120 of each catch rod 112 is
disposed relative
to the outer surface 120 of the cladding layers 22 and 23, that is, in the
front and rear faces
surfaces of the wall panel 12 at a corresponding position that then end
portion 117 of the catch
rod 112 bears to the outer surface of the end wall 108 that is in the end face
of the wall panel 12.
[0114] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanisms
100 are fully
retracted within the exterior surfaces of the wall panel 12 when in the
retracted position and
when in the engaged position the latch member 122 extends from the end of the
wall panel 12 to
19
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
engage the catch rod 112 of an identical coupling mechanism of an adjacent
wall panel either
inline or perpendicular.
[0115] The preferred embodiment of Figures 33 to 40 illustrates a simple
mechanism for
rotating the latch member 122 between the retracted and engaged position as
for example by
access on each face of the panel 12 through the slot 102 to the nut 126
forming part of the latch
member 122. Various other mechanisms could be provided for activation of the
latch members.
[0116] In the preferred embodiment spring 136 is provided to bias the latch
member 122 to
the retracted position. Additional arrangements could be provided such as
pairs of springs one of
which biases the latch member 122 to the retracted position and another spring
not shown which
biases the latch member 122 to the engaged position. Each spring may take
dominance over the
other on different sides of an intermediate position of the latch member
between the retracted
position and the extended position such that the latch member from the
intermediate position is
either bias to assume the retracted position or biased to assume the engaged
position.
[0117] As seen in Figure 33 the slots 102 in the cladding panels may be
relatively large.
Much smaller slots may be provided as for example merely to provide access
through an opening
in the cladding layers to each of the nuts 126 and to provide a horizontal
slot way for the side
portion 120 of the catch rod 112 and a vertical slot way for passage of the
latch member 122 of a
perpendicularly abutting wall panel such as shown in Figure 40. While the
framework 20 is
illustrated in Figure 34 however many modifications will occur to those
skilled in the art. For
example, additional vertical studs could be provided outwardly of the vertical
studs 24 shown in
Figure 34 between each of the coupling mechanisms 100.
[0118] As further examples in Figures 46 to 50, one such modification for wall
panels
fabricated substantially entirely from wood could use studs constructed of
plywood such as that
used for sheathing but of a greater thickness. Such plywood studs would result
in a much lighter
wall panel and less likely to twist and warp than solid wood used as standard
building
construction 2" x 2", 2" x 4", 2" x 6" members. Additionally, the top and sole
plates could
comprise of multiple thicknesses of plywood for increased strength and
structural support.
[0119] Reference is made to Figure 41 schematically showing a second
embodiment of a
coupling mechanism 100 substantially the same as that shown in Figure 35,
however, with the U-
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
shaped catch rod 112 having its side arms 115 and 116 spaced inwardly from the
side walls 105
and 106 of the housing 104.
[0120] The coupling mechanism 100 of Figure 41 is adapted for use in a wall
panel 12 in
which at the end of the panel 12 and end plate 620, preferably of plywood, is
mounted to extend
vertically covering the top rai125 as shown and to also cover the end of the
bottom rail, not
shown. As seen in the exploded view of Figure 42, the pictorial view of Figure
43 and the plan
view of Figure 44, the end plate 620 has a thickness the same as the thickness
of the cladding
layers 22 and 23. A slot 622 is provided through the end plate 620 to provide
access to the end
portion 117 of the catch rod 112.
[0121] The slot 622 through the end plate 620 is similar to the slots 102
through the cladding
layers 22 and23 to provide access to the side arms 115 and 116 of the catch
rod 117. Figure 43
shows a circular opening 624 for access to the engagement nut 126 of the
coupling mechanism
100.
[0122] Figure 45 shows in a cross-sectional plan end portions of four wall
panels similar to
the arrangement in Figure 40. As seen in Figure 40 in the end-to-end abutment,
the two opposed
end portion 117 are each spaced an equal distance from the end of their
respective wall panel, the
distance being the thickness of the end plate 620. Similarly, in the end-to-
side abutment, the
opposed end portion 117 is spaced a distance from the end of its wall panel
the same as the
distance that either the side arm 115 or 116 is spaced from the outside of its
wall panel, that
distance being the thickness of the respective cladding panels, which is equal
to the thickness of
the end plate 620.
[0123] In the embodiments of Figures 41 to 45, the latch members are of the
same identical
length.
[0124] Figure 46 schematically illustrates a four foot wide by seven foot high
wall panel 12
with corner coupling mechanisms 100 similar to that in Figures 41 to 45 and
illustrating one
arrangement for location of framing members and the provision of relatively
small sized slots
102 throughout the cladding panel.
21
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
[0125] Figure 47 schematically illustrates a wall panel 12 of a size and
construction the same
as in Figure 46 but modified to include a window which receives a pane of
LEXANTM Plexi
glass in a friction fit relation for forcible removal and replacement.
[0126] Figure 48 schematically illustrates wall panel 12 of a size and
construction the same
as in Figure 46 but modified to include a door.
[0127] Figure 49 shows two wall panels 12 as shown in Figure 46 located end-to-
end with
their corner coupling mechanisms 100 in position to be coupled.
[0128] Figure 50 shows three panels, one as in each of Figures 46, 47 and
481ocated end-to-
end ready to be coupled.
[0129] Each coupling mechanisms 100 preferably is prefabricated unit which can
readily be
securely in a desired location at each corner of the wall panels 12 as for and
simplicity and ease
of installation, however this is not necessary.
[0130] The preferred coupling mechanisms 100 utilize the inter engagement of a
catch rod
112 and a pivotal latch member 122. Various other forms of ambidextrous
coupling mechanisms
may be utilized which provide for coupling at each of the ends proximate the
corners not only for
end-to-end in-line coupling but also for perpendicular coupling as shown in
Figure 40.
[0131] With the coupling mechanisms 100 being, in a retracted position
entirely within the
exterior surfaces of the panel, the panel may be readily moved to position and
then once in
position coupled to adjacent panel members.
[0132] The wall panels 12 as illustrated in Figures 33 to 50 are adapted to be
manipulated by
one or more persons into a desired position and easily connected together
manually as with a
simple tool to engage the nut 126. Alternatively, manual engagement means such
as a lever
could be provided on the nuts 126 to permit for example rotation of the latch
members 122
without the need for any tools whatsoever.
[0133] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, wall
panels such as
illustrated in Figures 33 to 50, could be placed on a floor surface so as to
form the training
apparatus as illustrated in Figure 1 without the need for any other connection
to the floor or any
other structure.
22
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
[0134] The wall panel 12 in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in
Figures 33 to 34
and 46 could also adopt any of the other features illustrated, for example, in
the various other
embodiments of wall panels 12 described in this application as in combination
therewith.
[0135] In accordance with one preferred aspect the present invention provides
a plurality of
wall panels which carry at their ends coupling mechanisms which are adapted
for engagement
which identical coupling mechanisms in adjacent wall panels either for end to
end inline
coupling of the wall panels or for perpendicular coupling of the wall panels
approximate their
ends.
[0136] The wall panel as illustrated in Figures 33 to 50 illustrate
arrangements in which each
coupling mechanism 100 must separately be activated. It is to be appreciated
that the two
coupling mechanisms 100 on each side of any panel 12 may be linked such that
activation
manually as by a single manually operated activation lever could cause both
latch members 122
to move between the retracted and engagement position. One such example of an
integral linkage
system assembly is schematically illustrated in Figure 51.
[0137] Referring to Figure 51, an elongate linkage bar 600 extends vertically
between the
upper and lower latch members 122 on each side of the panel 12. The linkage
bar 600 carries at
each end a horizontally forwardly extending pin 602 which is received in a
short cam slotway
(not clearly shown) extending longitudinally of each latch member 122 spaced
axially from the
ale 124 of the latch member 122. The linkage bar 600 has a central toothed
rack portion 604
which engages with a toothed pinion or sprocket gear 606 having a square
forwardly extending
engagement head 608 which is accessible for rotation as with a suitable tool
such as a socket
wrench. Manual rotation of head 608 rotates the pinion gear 606, moving the
linkage bar 600
pivoting the latch members 122 simultaneously towards or away from a latched
position.
[0138] Reference is made to Figures 52 to 54 which illustrate schematic
pictorial views of
training apparatus 10 which is constructed entirely from the wall panels of
Figures 46, 47 and 48
and define different floor plans as seen schematically in plan view
respectively in Figures 55, 56
and 57, respectively. Figures 58 to 64 illustrate alternate floor plans which
can be made entirely
from the wall panels of Figures 46, 47 and 48 and all shown on the same
overall square
footprints to show versatility, although this is not necessary.
23
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
[0139] Reference is made to Figures 65 to 68 illustrating a corner post 702 in
accordance
with the present invention. The corner post as best illustrated in Figure 65
comprises a hollow
rectangular member of square cross-sectional with each side of the square
having a dimension
equal to the thickness of the panels 12 with which it is to be used. The
corner post 702 is
adapted for use with panels 12 such as shown in Figures 33 and 43. As seen in
Figure 68 a
corner post 702 is located at each of the four corners of the floor plan as
adapted to have a
respective panel 12 abut against each of two of its faces. The corner post 702
is to be coupled to
each of the panels 12 by use of the coupling mechanism 100 found within each
panel 12 as for
example as shown in Figure 33. In this regard, two adjacent faces 704 and 706
of the corner post
702 are provided with slots 705 and 707 providing access to a catch rod 708
which has side arms
709 and 710 extend transversely across the slots 705 and 707. The side arms
709 and 710 are
for engagement by a latch members 122 carried by adjacent panels 12 in the
same manner that
latch members 122 are adapted to engage the catch rods 112 of adjacent panels
12. The corner
post 702 is easily formed by having four planar members as for example of
plywood secured
together forming a hollow rectangular structure and with a bend metal plate
member 712
carrying the rod 708 secured internally at appropriate height and proximate to
the slots 705 and
707. As seen in Figure 68, four corner posts 702 are provided one at each
respect of corner of
the plan.
[0140] The use of such corner posts 702 facilitates for example the providing
of an interior
wall indicated as 714 to be used in substitution for example of an exterior
wall 716 or an exterior
wa11718. In essence the corner posts 702 facilitates the use of merely
identical width panels 12
in most exterior and interior positions.
[0141] While the corner post 702 is shown as being adapted for coupling merely
on two
sides, a similar corner post could be provided adapted for coupling at two,
three or four sides.
As well the corner posts 702 could be adapted for use with other coupling
mechanisms as for
example shown in the embodiment of Figure 4 to 9.
[0142] Figure 69 shows a coupling mechanism 800 adapted to replace the
coupling
mechanism 100 shown in Figure 35. The coupling mechanism 800 has a housing 804
preferably
of metal with opposed side walls 805 and 806 secured by an end wall 807 and a
bottom wall 809.
24
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
Each of the side walls have similar longitudinal horizontally extending slots
811 and 812
therethrough as well as lock holes 813 and 814. A U-shaped catch rod 112 is
secured to and
bridges between the side walls 805 and 806 extending forwardly thereof. A
latch member 122
has a cylindrical axle 124 fixably secured thereto. The axle 124 extends
horizontally through the
slots 811 and 812 in the side walls 805 and 806 such that the axle 124 is
slidable horizontally
together with the latch member 122 away from the rear wa11807 against the bias
of a first spring
816 which connects to rear end of the latch 122 with the rear wall 807.
[0143] A second spring 818 is coupled between a lower portion of the latch
member 122 and
the base wall 809 and biases the latch member 122 to pivot about the axle 124
down onto the top
of the catch rod 112.
[0144] Each end of the axle 124 is accessible from the side of a panel. A user
will insert a
tool into the end of the axle and using the tool manually pivot the hook end
132 of the latch
member 122 upwardly, that is in a direction of the arrow 820 while at the same
time sliding the
axle 124 and latch member 122 towards the right as seen in Figure 69
sufficiently to clear a catch
rod 112 (not shown) on an adjacent panel at which time the user will rotate
the latch member 122
downwardly and slide the hook member 122 back to the left as seen in Figure 69
such that the
catch rod 112 (not shown) of an adjacent panel 12 may become received within
the bight of the
hook end 132 of the latch member 122. After the latch member 122 has been
raised above and
moved to left beyond the catch rod 112 of the adjacent panel 12, the springs
816 and 818 will
assist in drawing the latch member 122 downwardly and to the left.
[0145] The latch member 122 has a lock hole 822 therethrough which when the
latch
member 122 is engaged on a catch rod 112 of an adjacent panel 12 will co-
axially align with the
lock holes 813 and 814 in the side walls 805 and 806. A lock pin 824 shown
schematically of
reduced length in Figure 69 is adapted to then be slid through the holes 814,
822 and 813 to lock
the latch member 122 in engagement on the catch rod 112 of the adjacent panel
against release.
Rather than use the lock pin 824 merely the resiliencies of the springs 816
and 818 could be used
to maintain the latch member 122 in a lock position. Other locking mechanisms
could be
provided.
CA 02638123 2008-07-23
[0146] The embodiment of Figure 69 illustrates but a further arrangement of a
coupling
mechanism to join ends of panels 12. The arrangement of Figure 69 has the
advantage over the
arrangement of Figure 35 of reducing the extent to which the latch 122 needs
to rotate. Various
other coupling and latching mechanism may be used in accordance with the
present invention.
Preferred characteristics of these latching mechanisms are that they do not
extend beyond the end
or sides of a panel when a panel 12 is in storage or being manipulated for
use.
[0147] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments,
many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the
art. For a definition
of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying claims.
26
