U.S. patent application number 10/340242 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-24 for barrier unit structures.
Invention is credited to Garrison, David L., Lindstrom, Albert, Wooley, James W..
Application Number | 20030136325 10/340242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26992028 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030136325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wooley, James W. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2003 |
Barrier unit structures
Abstract
Barrier units for use in constructing barriers and a method for
constructing the barrier units are disclosed. The barrier units are
suitable for a variety of purposes including the construction of
security barriers for sensitive facilities or temporarily halted
ships. The barrier units of this invention can also be used as
buffers between marine vessels or between marine vessels and harbor
facilities to prevent damage to vessels. The barrier units of this
invention can include vertical uprights, vertical protective mesh,
submarine protective mesh, impalement spikes, walkways, and
internal compartments for storage or occupation by security
personnel. The security barrier can include lights or other
electronic devices for providing security. The barrier units can be
used to provide security for land-based facilities and for barriers
between lanes of traffic.
Inventors: |
Wooley, James W.;
(Bremerton, WA) ; Lindstrom, Albert; (Sequim,
WA) ; Garrison, David L.; (Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William L. Haynes
Garrison & Associates PS
Suite 3300
2001 Sixth Avenue
Seattle
WA
98121
US
|
Family ID: |
26992028 |
Appl. No.: |
10/340242 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60347768 |
Jan 11, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/240R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63G 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/240.00R |
International
Class: |
B63G 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising a
plurality of tubular members; said tubular members comprising an
outer shell, and a longitudinal channel therethrough; said tubular
members being stacked in an array with each of said tubular members
engaging and supported by adjacent tubular members; thereby forming
a unified structure with a top, a base, a front side, and a rear
side.
2. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein each of said tubular members
is bonded along its length to adjacent of said tubular members.
3. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein said unified structure is in
the shape of an equilateral triangle and said top of said unified
structure is the apex of said triangle.
4. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein said unified structure is in
the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and said top of said unified
structure is the top base of said trapezoid.
5. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein said unified structure is in
the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and said top of said unified
structure is the top base of said trapezoid.
6. The barrier unit of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
impalement spikes attached to said barrier unit.
7. The barrier unit of claim 6 further comprising attachment
saddles for attaching said impalement spikes.
8. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein the ends of at least one of
said tubular members are sealed.
9. The barrier unit of claim 8 wherein said at least one tubular
member is filled with a buoyant material so that said at least one
tubular member will remain buoyant if said outer shell is
penetrated.
10. The barrier unit of claim 8 wherein at least one of said
tubular members further comprises a watertight hatch that allows
access to said longitudinal channel of said at least one tubular
member.
11. The barrier unit of claim 10 wherein said at least one tubular
member further comprises electronic instruments installed in said
longitudinal channel.
12. The barrier unit of claim 8 further comprising a valve at each
end of said tubular member.
13. The barrier unit of claim 8 wherein said tubular member is
filled with water.
14. The barrier unit of claim 1 wherein said tubular members that
form said top, said base and said front side of said unified
structure are all the same length and the remainder of said tubular
members are substantially shorter than the length of said tubular
members that form said top, said base and said front side of said
unified structure; whereby when said tubular members are stacked to
form said unified structure, said barrier unit has at least one
compartment therein, and said at least one compartment is open on
said rear side of said unified structure of said barrier unit for
access by operating personnel and equipment.
15. The barrier unit of claim 1 further comprising a connection
device at each end for connection said barrier unit to other
barrier units and for connecting said barrier unit to anchors.
16. The barrier unit of claim 3 further comprising at least two
pontoons, at least two saddles, and a plurality of rope insertion
members; said rope insertion members being an elongated member with
a longitudinal channel therethrough; said rope insertion members
being connected to said barrier unit such that they are part of
said unified structure of said barrier unit; whereby said saddles
are attached to said pontoons; and the base of said barrier unit is
attached to said saddles.
17. A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising a
plurality of tubular members; at least two pontoons; at least two
saddles; said tubular members comprising an outer shell, and a
longitudinal channel therethrough; said tubular members being
stacked in an array with each of said tubular members engaging and
supported by adjacent tubular members; thereby forming a unified
structure with a top, a base, a front side, and a rear side; said
pontoons comprising a tubular member having conical ends; whereby
said saddles are attached to said pontoons; and the base of said
unified structure is attached to said saddles.
18. A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising: a
plurality of tubular members, and a support member: said tubular
members comprising an outer shell, and a longitudinal channel
therethrough; said tubular members being stacked in an array with
each of said tubular members engaging and supported by adjacent
tubular members; thereby forming a unified structure with a top, a
base, and two sides; and the base of said unified structure being
connected to said support member.
19. The barrier unit of claim 18 wherein the ends of at least one
of said tubular members are sealed.
20. The barrier unit of claim 19 wherein said tubular member is
filled with water.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/347,768, entitled "Barrier Unit Structures and
Method for Making Same," filed Jan. 11, 2002.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to barriers suitable for use in
marine environments. In particular, this invention describes
structurally integrated barrier units, which can be used for a
multitude of purposes, both on land and in the water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Warships are quite capable of defending themselves from
attack by recognized foes on the open ocean. They are equally
capable of identifying and defending themselves from attacks by
terrorists on the open ocean. However, once a warship is in a
harbor, for refueling or repairs, it becomes more vulnerable to
surprise attack by terrorists or commando units.
[0004] The level of activity in most harbors makes detection and
recognition of attack much more difficult. Additionally the close
confines of some harbors and the proximity of noncombatants make
the defensive use of many weapons systems organic to the warships
impractical, if not impossible, during a terrorist attack or
commando raid. Commercial vessels that may be carrying material of
national importance are also vulnerable to such attacks while they
are in a harbor.
[0005] Some marine facilities are also vulnerable to attacks by
small groups of terrorists or commandos. A terrorist attack or
commando raid on locks or dams could potentially have catastrophic
results. Similarly, such raids on temporary or permanent repair
facilities, refueling facilities, or load/unload facilities have
the potential to adversely affect national security.
[0006] One way to protect temporarily halted vessels or sensitive
marine facilities would be to erect some kind of security barrier
so that reaching the vessel or facility would be more difficult.
While the erection of a barrier on land may be relatively simple,
the erection of such a barrier in a marine environment is more
difficult. In addition to being costly, a permanent barrier in a
marine environment has the potential to become an inconvenience or
even a safety hazard once it is no longer needed. Therefore,
security barriers that could be used in a marine environment when
needed and stored at an out of the way location when not needed are
desired. Such security barriers that are lightweight and easily
portable would be very advantageous.
[0007] Several methods exist in the prior art for protecting
vessels from attack on the open sea. One such method is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,393, issued to Murray. The Murray patent
describes the use of an articulated train of floating projectile
barriers that are made of metal and towed behind a ship. To defense
on attack, the ship circles away from the attacker to a position
behind a trailing portion of the floating barrier train. To provide
defense against torpedo attacks, the barriers of the Murray patent
have metal keels that extend at least as deep as the keel of the
ship to be protected. In addition to being heavy, and therefore not
very portable, the metal barriers used in the Murray patent are not
very practical for static defense in a harbor type marine
environment where water depth at the desired location for a barrier
placement might not be as deep as the keel of the ship to be
protected.
[0008] Other, barrier type, devices also exist in the prior art,
but they are used primarily for breakwaters. One such device is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,521, issued to Potter. The Potter
patent discloses a floating breakwater supported by pontoons or
floats. A similar device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,744,
issued to Richey, which discloses a floating breakwater constructed
from steel. Yet another device is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,215,027, issued to Baxter, which discloses a concrete flotation
module that is adapted for use as a floating dock or breakwater.
None of these breakwater devices is readily adaptable for use as a
security barrier in that a swimmer could easily go under each of
them. It is possible that a small boat could build up enough speed
to jump over the devices disclosed in the Potter and Baxter
patents. Additionally, the device described in the Richey patent
would be heavy and difficult to move.
[0009] In addition to marine areas, there is often a need to
provide a security perimeter around structures or areas on land,
such as airports. While earthen berms are suitable for providing
security for these areas, it is often impractical or impossible to
construct such berms. Other types of security barriers such as the
fence described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,080, issued to Vise, are not
easily movable once installed.
[0010] Therefore, a need exists for a relatively lightweight and
portable device that can be used to provide a security barrier for
sensitive facilities and temporarily halted warships. Such a device
should provide security from attacks by terrorists or commandos.
Such a device that would be inexpensive to produce, and be readily
adaptable for a variety of other uses would be particularly
advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of this invention to provide a structurally
integrated relatively lightweight and portable barrier suitable for
a variety of uses.
[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide such a
barrier that is relatively inexpensive to produce.
[0013] A further object of this invention is to provide a method
for making such barriers in a variety of shapes and sizes.
[0014] These and other objects of the invention will become more
readily apparent from the disclosure herein when taken in
conjunction with the appended claims.
[0015] The present invention is directed to providing barrier units
that are adaptable for a variety of uses, and a method for making
such barrier units. Embodiments of this invention could be used to
protect sensitive facilities and temporarily halted ships or they
could be used as a buffer between marine vessels. Other embodiments
can be used on land as a fence or security barrier. The barrier
units of this invention can also be uses to provide a barrier
between lanes of traffic on highways and roadways.
[0016] The present invention provides barrier units constructed
from a plurality of tubular members arrayed such that each member
is engaged and supported by at least two adjacent tubular members.
The barrier units of the invention can be constructed in a variety
of shapes. In some embodiments the tubular members are placed on
pontoons that are oriented at a right angle to the tubular
members.
[0017] Barrier units of this invention can be constructed such that
the ends of the tubular members are capped, thereby providing
buoyancy. The tubular members of some embodiments can be filled
with buoyant material to ensure that they will float if the outer
shell of the tubular member is punctured, while in other
embodiments the tubular members may be filled with water or other
material to provide stability or weight. Additionally, in at least
one preferred embodiment of the invention, tubular members are
fitted with a valve for inserting or removing air from one end of
the capped tubular members and a valve for inserting or removing
liquid on the end opposite the air valve.
[0018] The barrier units of this invention are preferably
constructed from a plurality of tubular members laid side by side
and structurally adhered together with adhesives, straps, bands, or
any other suitable manner.
[0019] Impalement spikes are provided on some embodiments of the
invention to prevent personnel or small water craft from running up
the front of the barrier. In some embodiments, vertical uprights
and vertical protection mesh are also provided to prevent small
water craft from running up the front of and over the barrier.
[0020] Various embodiments of this invention further may provide a
submarine protective mesh to prevent swimmers, scuba divers, and
small submarine vessels from going under the barrier. At least one
embodiment of this invention also provides access to the interior
portion of the barrier unit so that personnel may have concealed
access and electronic equipment such as radar, sonar, or lights can
be installed on the barrier.
[0021] The barrier units of this invention are capable of being
transported by aircraft, ship, truck, or train. Some of the various
shapes of barrier units can be constructed to provide open
compartments for equipment storage or for occupation by security
personnel. The barrier units of this invention can also be
constructed with angled ends to more easily facilitate building
corners into a security barrier.
[0022] To construct a security barrier using the barrier units of
the current invention one must first determine the shape and length
of the area to be secured, and the types of barrier units needed.
An appropriate number of barrier units are then moved into place,
the barrier units are then connected to each other and secured so
that they will remain in position. If desired, the vertical
protective mesh and submarine protective mesh (for marine
environments) can then be installed, or deployed if already
installed on the barrier units. Depending on the embodiment of
barrier units used, the barrier can be occupied by security
personnel or left unoccupied.
[0023] One example of how the current invention could be used in a
marine environment is for the security of deployed warships that
must undergo emergency repairs. If a warship suffered mechanical
difficulties or other types of damage, it could proceed to the
nearest convenient port. The size of the barrier needs to provide
security while the ship underwent repairs could then be determined,
and an appropriate number of barrier units could then be
transported to the location of the warship. The security barrier
could then be assembled and left in place while repairs were
underway. Once repairs were completed, the security barrier could
be disassembled and the barrier units could be transported back to
the storage location. To support this type of use, the barrier
units of this invention could be pre-deployed to staging areas
around the globe.
[0024] In another example, the barrier of this invention could be
used to provide security for a sensitive land-based facility. In
this example, the size and shape of the security barrier would be
calculated in the same way as if the barrier were being placed in a
marine area. The barrier units would be placed around the facility
to be secured, and they could be anchored to the ground with stakes
if required. When deployed in this manner, the barrier units not
only assist in keeping unauthorized people away from the secured
area, but they also prevent casual observers form seeing any
activity conducted behind the barrier. Vertically disposed fencing
or netting may be used to extend the effective vertical height of
the barrier.
[0025] The current invention provides a relatively lightweight and
portable security barrier suitable for a variety of uses. The
barrier of this invention can be used to provide security for
sensitive facilities and temporarily halted ships against attacks
by terrorists or commandos. When used in this manner, the barrier
units of this invention can be pre-deployed to staging areas and
transported to an area to be secured as needed. Additionally, the
barrier units of this invention can be used as buffers between
marine vessels to prevent the vessels from contacting each other
and causing damage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The several objectives and features of the present invention
will become more readily apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a security barrier,
constructed from the barrier units of this invention, used to
secure a warship.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of one
embodiment of a security barrier of this invention that is in the
form of an equilateral triangle with impalement spikes and vertical
protective mesh attached to the top of the barrier unit.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear side of the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 2, showing the tubular members of the barrier unit filled with
buoyant material.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a cutaway end view of one of the tubular members
in FIG. 4 showing the impalement spike in more detail.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
barrier unit of the invention with compartments open to the rear
side for storage of equipment or for occupation by security
personnel.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6 showing the tubular members on the base, the front side and
the top of the barrier unit in FIG. 6 filled with buoyant
material.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of a barrier unit of
the invention in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, with a
walkway on the top of the barrier unit.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment
of the invention in the form of an equilateral triangle with three
extra tubular members attached to the rear side of the barrier unit
to support a cantilevered walkway. The embodiment in FIG. 9 also
shows a flat sheet of low friction material attached to the front
of the barrier unit to impede someone from scaling the barrier, and
a submarine protective mesh attached to the base of the barrier
unit.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an overhead view of two barrier units of this
invention connected to each other, and anchored in place.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment
of this invention in the shape of a square.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
barrier unit of the invention that utilizes pontoons.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of the barrier unit
shown in FIG. 9.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional end view of the barrier unit
shown in FIG. 9.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment
of a barrier unit of the invention.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0042] Turning now to the drawings, the invention will be described
in preferred embodiments by reference to the numerals of the
drawing wherein like numbers indicate like parts. FIG. 1 depicts a
security barrier 1, constructed from a plurality of barrier units
of the current invention deployed around a warship 5. The preferred
embodiment of barrier units for this use are designed and
constructed such that they will float on the surface of the water.
The barrier units of this invention are connected to each other to
form the security barrier. The space between the barrier units is
small enough to prevent small water craft and swimmers from going
between the barriers. Bumpers (not shown) may be employed to keep
the barrier units from bumping each other due to wave action.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows the front side of one preferred embodiment of a
barrier unit 10 of the current invention, and FIG. 3 shows the rear
side of the same barrier unit 10. The barrier unit 10 is comprised
of tubular members 12 that are arranged so that barrier unit 10 is
in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
[0044] The ends of the tubular members 12 can be sealed to provide
buoyancy. Tubular members 12 can further be filled with buoyant
material so that the barrier unit 10 will continue to float should
the outer skin of a tubular member 12 be punctured. To conveniently
form barrier arrays which surround an object to be protected, the
ends of some of the barrier limits may be angled.
[0045] Also seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 are vertical uprights 15, and
vertical protective mesh or fencing 17. The vertical uprights 15
are attached to the top of the barrier unit 10 and can be fitted
with lights or other electronic devices (not shown) to assist in
security. When such electronic security measures are used, or for
other reasons, at least one of the tubular members 12 may be
equipped with a watertight hatch (not shown) that allows access to
the interior of the tubular member. The interior of the tubular
member is configured so electronic instruments and other devices
and supplies can be installed or stored securely inside the tubular
member.
[0046] Vertical protective mesh 17 is attached to vertical uprights
15. The mesh 17 can be barbed fencing, cargo netting, radar and
sonar deflector or some other material. The purpose of the mesh 17
is to prevent small water craft from riding up and over the front
of the barrier unit 10 and to capture or deflect missiles or other
objects.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the end of the barrier
unit 10 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. Impalement spikes 19 are
included on this embodiment. The impalement spikes 19 help to
prevent small water craft from riding up and over the front of
barrier unit 10. The impalement spikes 19 also assist in deterring
people from attempting to scale barrier unit 10. The impalement
spikes 19 are preferably made from a hard resin material, but they
can be made from any hard material. The impalement spikes 19 are
preferably about four inches long but can be shorter or longer as
desired.
[0048] The impalement spikes 19 can be attached directly into
apertures in the front of the barrier unit 10. Another method for
attaching the impalement spikes 19 is to adhesively attach a saddle
(not shown), which conforms to the shape of the barrier unit 10 and
is placed on the front of the barrier unit 10. The impalement
spikes 19 can be attached so that they face straight out, or so
that they angle downward.
[0049] FIG. 5 is an isolated end view of one of the tubular members
12 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows that tubular member 12 is filled
with buoyant material 21 so that the barrier unit 10 will continue
to float if the outer shell of the tubular member 12 is punctured.
The buoyant material 21 is preferably a closed cell rigid foam that
has been injected into the tubular member, but any material that
will retain a high degree of buoyancy while wet is suitable.
[0050] FIG. 5 also shows impalement spike 19 in more detail. The
spikes are sharpened, and can be attached to the barrier unit 10 by
using saddles as described above, or they can be attached directly
to the barrier unit 10 using adhesives or other suitable fastening
means.
[0051] FIG. 6 shows the rear side of another preferred embodiment
of a barrier unit for this invention. The barrier unit 25 is
constructed using long tubular members 12 for the front side, the
top, and the base of the barrier unit 25. The rest of the barrier
unit is constructed using tubular members 27 that are substantially
shorter than those used on the front side, top, and base. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the short tubular members 27 are
stacked at the ends and in the middle of the barrier unit 25 so
that two compartments are formed in the barrier unit 25. These
compartments are open on the rear side of the barrier unit 25, and
they can be used for equipment storage or they can be occupied by
security personnel. In some embodiments, firing or observation
ports (not shown) can be created by the addition of a hole that
communicates through at least one of the tubular members 12 on the
front side of the barrier unit 25. For barrier units used in marine
environments, the holes for the firing ports would need to be
watertight. In another embodiment (not shown) the shorter tubular
members 27 are stacked only on the ends so as to create only one
compartment in the barrier unit.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6. In the embodiment depicted, the tubular members 12 that are
used for the front, top and base of barrier unit 25 are filled with
buoyant material 21. Short tubular members 27 are not filled with
buoyant material 21 in this FIG., but the ends of the tubular
members 27 are sealed so that they are buoyant. In other
embodiments, short tubular members 27 can also be filled with
buoyant material. The barrier unit 25 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 7
also has vertical uprights 15 and vertical protective mesh 17.
These elements fulfill the same function as they do on other
embodiments.
[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of another preferred
embodiment of a barrier unit of the invention. Barrier unit 30 is
in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and walkway 32 is added.
Walkway 32 runs the length of the barrier unit 30 along the top of
the barrier unit 30.
[0054] FIG. 9 is an end view of yet another preferred embodiment of
a barrier unit of the invention. Barrier unit 40 is essentially a
triangular shaped barrier unit with three extra tubular members 41
on the rear side of the triangle. Walkway 42 is supported by
tubular members 41 and by brace 43. In other embodiments, walkway
42 can be attached directly to the barrier unit and solely
supported by brace 43.
[0055] A sheet of low friction material 44 is attached to the front
side of the barrier unit 40 to make it extremely difficult for
swimmers to scale the front of the barrier unit 40. While not
depicted in this FIG., impalement spikes can be attached to the
front of the low friction material 44. Additionally, material
designed to stop or impede bullet penetration can be attached to
all of the various embodiments of barrier units of this invention
in a manner similar to the attachment of the low friction material
44. Additionally, the barrier unit can be constructed in a
pressurized autoclave where a film or layer of bullet impeding
material, or other desired material, can be pressure formed to the
shape of the barrier unit and bonded to the surface of the barrier
unit during the heating process.
[0056] Also shown in FIG. 9 is submarine protective mesh 46, which
is used to prevent or deter swimmers, scuba divers, and small
submarine vessels from going under the barrier. During
transportation, mesh 46 can be detached from the barrier unit 40
and reattached once the barrier unit is deployed. Mesh 46 can also
be rolled up and secured to the barrier unit 40 during
transportation and then lowered into position using rope 47 once
the barrier unit is in position. The mesh 46 can be attached to
anchor 50 once the barrier unit 40 is in position or smaller
anchors can be permanently attached to the mesh 46.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows two triangular shaped barrier units 10
anchored in position using anchor lines 52 connected to the barrier
units 10 and anchor 50. Coupler 57 is used to attach the barrier
units 10 to each other, but other suitable fastening means could be
used. Instead of using anchors 50, barrier units 10 could be
fastened to pilings (not shown) using means that would allow the
barrier units to rise and fall with waves and tidal changes.
[0058] FIG. 11 is an end view of another embodiment of a barrier
unit of the invention in the shape of a square. This barrier unit
60 is assembled in the same manner as the other embodiments of
barrier units of this invention.
[0059] FIG. 12 depicts another preferred embodiment of a barrier
unit of the invention. Barrier unit 70 is essentially a triangular
shaped barrier unit. In the preferred embodiment depicted, a single
cap is used to cover the ends of all tubular members. The barrier
unit 70 rests on pontoons 74. A saddle 76 is connected to the
pontoons 74 and the bottom row of tubular members are connected to
the saddle.
[0060] FIG. 13 is an end view of the barrier unit depicted in FIG.
12 further showing additional tubular members 78. Ropes or cables
can be routed through the additional tubular members and attached
to the anchor points at the end of the barrier unit.
[0061] FIG. 14 is an end view of another barrier unit of the type
depicted in FIG. 12. Tubular members are arrayed to form an
equilateral triangle. Additional tubular members 88 are attached to
the barrier unit and ropes or cables can be routed through the
additional tubular members. The bottom row of tubular members are
connected to saddles 86 that are secured to pontoons 84. Another
example of the use of the current invention would be for securing a
sensitive marine facility such as a refueling point for warships or
a cargo offloading point in a potentially hostile area. A security
barrier of the current invention could be built to provide security
for the facility. A number of barrier units could be releasably
anchored or left unanchored so that a barrier unit could be
disconnected from the security barrier to permit ingress and egress
to and from the secure area.
[0062] The disconnected barrier unit could then be towed away from
the security barrier allowing the unanchored barrier units to swing
away from the security barrier like a gate. Ships could then go
into or exit the protected area, and the disconnected barrier unit
would then be reconnected to the security barrier unit effectively
closing the gate. Other embodiments of barrier units could be used
as buffers to prevent the ships from contacting the refueling
facility or docks. The invention also functions as a floating
breakwater to protect objects inside the barrier array. Pollution
control methods and devices can be readily used in conjunction with
the barrier array of this invention.
[0063] FIG. 15 depicts a cross sectional view of another preferred
embodiment of the current invention that can be used as a barrier
on land. One potential use for this embodiment is use as a barrier
between lanes of traffic. However, there are many other potential
uses. The barrier unit 90 is constructed from a plurality of
tubular members having different diameters.
[0064] The tubular members are connected to each other in same
manner as described above. The support member 96 can be secured to
the surface upon which the barrier unit rests by using adhesive,
stakes, or other mechanical fastening devices. The support member
can be secured to the barrier unit by adhesive or any suitable
mechanical fastening device, or the barrier unit can simply rest on
the support unit without being secured to it. The tubular members
of this embodiment can have capped ends, and they can be filled
with water or other material to provide stability.
[0065] One example of use for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15
would be as a replacement for jersey barriers commonly found on
major highways. For this use, the support member would be secured
to the surface of the roadway, and some or all of the barrier units
could be filled with water or other desired material either before
the barrier units are positioned or after they are in their desired
location. The barrier units could be connected to each other in a
manner similar to that seen in FIG. 10.
[0066] The tubular members of this invention are constructed from
fiber reenforced elastomers and fiber re-enforced polymers. In at
least one preferred embodiment of this invention, the tubular
members are constructed from filament wound fiberglass using epoxy
resins. However, the tubular members of this invention can be
constructed from any type of suitable material.
[0067] The lengths of the barrier units of this invention are based
on the use for the particular units, and lengths between 15 and 80
feet are envisioned. In at least one preferred embodiment, the
barrier unit is 40 feet long.
[0068] The diameter of the tubular members of this invention vary
from 6 inches up to 48 inches. In at least one preferred embodiment
of the invention, the tubular members have a 24 inch diameter.
[0069] The current invention provides easily transportable barrier
units suitable for a variety of uses. Barrier units of this
invention can be pre-deployed to staging areas around the world and
transported by ship, truck, train, or aircraft to another area when
needed. Barriers can be constructed from these barrier units to
provide security for sensitive facilities and temporarily halted
ships. The barrier units of this invention can also be used as
buffers between marine vessels or between vessels and port
facilities.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0070] The invention has applicability to the field of security, in
particular, this invention describes barrier units that can be used
to create a barrier to provide security for temporarily halted
ships, and sensitive facilities. The invention also has
applicability in the field of shipping, in particular, this
invention describes barrier units that can be placed between marine
vessels or between a vessel and a harbor facility to prevent damage
caused by contact. Additionally, the invention has applicability in
the fields of construction, transportation and other fields not
specifically referenced herein in that it provides barrier units
that are suitable for performing a plurality of tasks. The barrier
units of this invention are easily transportable and can be
pre-deployed to staging areas so that they will be readily
available when needed.
[0071] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural
features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is
not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the
means and construction shown or described comprise preferred forms
of putting the invention into effect. Additionally, while this
invention is described in terms of being used to provide a security
barrier for temporarily halted ships and sensitive facilities or as
a buffer to prevent damage to marine vessels, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be
adapted to other uses as well. The invention should not be
construed as being limited to barrier units for security or damage
prevention and is therefore, claimed in any of its forms or
modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended
claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine
of equivalents.
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