U.S. patent application number 10/119130 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-02 for floating barrier wall.
Invention is credited to Yodock, Guy C., Yodock, Leo J. III, Yodock, Leo J. JR..
Application Number | 20030185629 10/119130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28453979 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030185629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yodock, Leo J. JR. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2003 |
Floating barrier wall
Abstract
A floating barrier wall includes a number of individual barrier
units each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a
highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end
walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow
interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a
foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit,
either along or beneath the bottom wall, to maintain them in an
upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other
connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end
to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise
isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.
Inventors: |
Yodock, Leo J. JR.; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) ; Yodock, Leo J. III; (Hollywood,
FL) ; Yodock, Guy C.; (Fort Lauderdale, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas L. Kautz
Holland & Knight LLP
Suite 1300
One East Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
28453979 |
Appl. No.: |
10/119130 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/63 ;
405/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/062 20130101;
B63G 9/00 20130101; E02B 15/08 20130101; E02B 15/0807 20130101;
E02B 3/20 20130101; E02B 15/0885 20130101; B63G 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/63 ;
405/70 |
International
Class: |
E02B 015/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A floating barrier unit, comprising: a housing having a hollow
interior; said hollow interior of said housing being at least
partially filled with a foam material; a ballast weight connected
to said housing which is effective to assist in maintaining said
housing in a predetermined orientation when placed in the
water.
2. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing
includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed
end walls interconnected to form said hollow interior.
3. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which said ballast
weight is connected to said housing such that said housing is
maintained in an upright orientation in the water wherein said top
wall is out of the water and said bottom wall is in the water.
4. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which a recess is formed
in said bottom wall which extends into said hollow interior, said
ballast weight being mounted within said recess.
5. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which said ballast
weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in
position spaced from said bottom wall.
6. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said ballast
weight is located within said hollow interior of said housing.
7. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said hollow
interior of said housing is completely filled with foam
material.
8. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing has
an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner
surface mounting a layer of foam material.
9. The floating barrier unit of claim 8 in which said layer of foam
material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
10. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said foam
material is located within said hollow interior in position to
substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow
interior.
11. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing is
formed in the shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a
bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said
side walls including a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall,
an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal
and an upper section connected between said intermediate section
and said top wall.
12. A floating barrier wall, comprising: a number of individual
floating barrier units each including: (i) a housing having a
hollow interior; (ii) said hollow interior of said housing being at
least partially filled with a foam material; (iii) a ballast weight
connected to said housing and located externally of said hollow
interior thereof, said ballast weight being effective to assist in
maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation when placed
in the water; a connecting device extending between adjacent
floating barrier units which is effective to connect said floating
barrier units end-to-end.
13. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 in which said housing of
each of said floating barrier units includes a top wall, a bottom
wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to
form said hollow interior.
14. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which each of said end
walls is formed with a recess, said connecting device including a
coupler having one end insertable within said recess in said end
wall of one floating barrier unit and an opposite end insertable
within said recess in said end wall of an adjacent floating barrier
unit.
15. The floating barrier wall of claim 14 further including a strap
which extends over said coupler to retain it in place within said
recesses.
16. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which each of said
floating barrier units is formed with at least one opening
extending through said hollow interior from one of said side walls
to the other side wall, said connecting device including a
connector element extending from said at least one opening of one
floating barrier unit to said at least one opening of an adjacent
floating barrier unit.
17. The floating barrier wall of claim 16 in which said connector
element is a strap which extends through said opening of each of
two adjacent barrier units.
18. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which said connector
device includes at least one mounting element connected to said
housing of each barrier unit, and a connector element extending
between and carried by said mounting elements of adjacent
barriers.
19. The floating barrier wall of claim 18 in which said mounting
element is an eyebolt having one end secured to each side wall of
said housing of each barrier unit, and an opposite end formed with
an eyelet.
20. The floating barrier wall of claim 19 in which said connector
element is a cable extending through said eyelets of said eyebolts
mounted to adjacent barrier units.
21. The floating barrier wall of claim 18 in which said mounting
element is an eyebolt having one end connected within an opening
formed in said housing of each barrier unit which extends from said
top wall toward said bottom wall thereof, the other end of said
eyebolt having an eyelet spaced from said top wall of said
housing.
22. The floating barrier wall of claim 21 in which said connector
element is a cable extending through said eyelets of said eyebolts
mounted to adjacent barrier units.
23. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which said connecting
device includes at least one tube extending through said hollow
interior of said housing of each barrier unit between said opposed,
end walls, and a shackle for connecting one end of said tube of one
barrier unit to one end of said tube of an adjacent barrier
unit.
24. The floating barrier wall of claim 23 in which said ballast
weight of each of said floating barrier units is connected to said
at least one tube and spaced from said bottom wall thereof.
25. The floating barrier wall of claim 24 further including at
least one mounting arm connected to said ballast weight and at
least one sleeve mounted to said at least one tube within said
hollow interior of each of said floating barrier units, said at
least one mounting arm being telescopically received within said at
least one sleeve.
26. The floating barrier wall of claim 25 in which at least one of
said at least one mounting arm and said at least one sleeve is
formed with a number of vertically spaced holes to permit
adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one mounting
arm within said at least one sleeve.
27. The floating barrier wall of claim 23 in which said ballast
weight of each of said floating barrier wall is a hollow member
filled with a ballast material.
28. The floating barrier unit of claim 13 in which said ballast
weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in
position spaced from said bottom wall.
29. The floating barrier unit of claim 12 in which said hollow
interior of said housing is completely filled with foam
material.
30. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 in which said housing of
each of each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface
located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a
layer of foam material.
31. The floating barrier wall of claim 30 in which said layer of
foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6
inches.
32. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 further including a
platform which mounts at least two of said floating barrier units
side-by-side, said platform being positioned in between two
floating barrier units within said floating barrier wall.
33. The floating barrier unit of claim 12 in which said housing is
formed in the shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a
bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said
side walls including a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall,
an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal
and an upper section connected between said intermediate section
and said top wall.
34. A floating barrier wall, comprising: a number of individual
floating barrier units each including: (i) a housing having a
hollow interior; (ii) said hollow interior of said housing being at
least partially filled with a foam material; (iii) a ballast weight
located within said hollow interior of said housing, said ballast
weight assisting in maintaining said housing in a predetermined
orientation when placed in the water; a connecting device extending
between adjacent barrier units which is effective to connect said
floating barrier units end-to-end.
35. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said ballast
weight is located along said bottom wall of said housing within
said hollow interior thereof.
36. The floating barrier wall of claim 35 in which said ballast
weight is a layer of concrete.
37. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said housing of
each floating barrier unit includes a top wall, a bottom wall,
opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form
said hollow interior.
38. The floating barrier wall of claim 37 in which said bottom wall
of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of
a vessel.
39. The floating barrier wall of claim 37 in which said bottom wall
of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons
extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced
pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first
and second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth
pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
40. The floating barrier wall of claim 39 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally
vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
41. The floating barrier wall of claim 39 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior
within which ballast weight is located.
42. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said hollow
interior overlying said ballast weight is filled with foam
material.
43. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said housing of
each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface located
within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of
foam material in position overlying said ballast weight.
44. The floating barrier wall of claim 43 in which said layer of
foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6
inches.
45. A floating barrier wall, comprising: a number of individual
floating barrier units each including: (i) a housing having a top
wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls
interconnected to form a hollow interior; (ii) said hollow interior
of said housing being at least partially filled with a foam
material; (iii) a ballast weight located within said hollow
interior of said housing, said ballast weight being effective to
assist in maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation
when placed in the water; a connecting device including at least
one tube extending through said hollow interior of said housing of
each floating barrier unit between said opposed end thereof, and a
coupling element which mounts said at least one tube of one
floating barrier unit to said at least one tube of an adjacent
floating barrier unit.
46. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said ballast
weight is a layer of concrete.
47. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said bottom wall
of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of
a vessel.
48. The floating barrier wall of claim 44 in which said bottom wall
of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons
extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced
pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first
and second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth
pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
49. The floating barrier wall of claim 47 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally
vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
50. The floating barrier wall of claim 48 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior
within which ballast weight is located.
51. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said hollow
interior overlying said ballast weight is filled with foam
material.
52. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said housing of
each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface located
within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of
foam material in position overlying said ballast weight.
53. The floating barrier wall of claim 52 in which said layer of
foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6
inches.
54. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said coupling
element of each of said floating barrier units is a shackle.
55. A floating barrier unit, comprising: a housing having a hollow
interior, said housing being formed in the shape of a highway
barrier including a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and
opposed end walls, each of said side walls having a curb reveal
connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section extending at
an angle from said curb reveal, and an upper section connected
between said intermediate section and said top wall; a ballast
weight connected to said housing, which, when said housing is
placed in the water, is effective to assist in maintaining said
bottom wall in the water and said top wall out of the water.
56. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which a recess is
formed in said bottom wall which extends into said hollow interior,
said ballast weight being mounted within said recess.
57. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said ballast
weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in
position spaced from said bottom wall.
58. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said ballast
weight is located within said hollow interior of said housing.
59. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said hollow
interior is at least partially filled with foam material.
60. The floating barrier unit of claim 59 in which said foam
material is located within said hollow interior in position to
substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow
interior.
61. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said hollow
interior of said housing is completely filled with foam
material.
62. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said housing has
an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner
surface mounting a layer of foam material.
63. A floating barrier wall, comprising: a number of individual
floating barrier units each including: (i) a housing having a
hollow interior, said housing being formed in the shape of a
highway barrier including a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side
walls and opposed end walls, each of said side walls having a curb
reveal connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section
extending at an angle from said curb reveal, and an upper section
connected between said intermediate section and said top wall; (ii)
a ballast weight connected to said housing, which, when said
housing is placed in the water, is effective to assist in
maintaining said bottom wall in the water and said top wall out of
the water; a connecting device extending between adjacent barrier
units which is effective to connect said floating barrier units
end-to-end.
64. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said connecting
device includes at least one tube extending through said hollow
interior of said housing of each barrier unit between said opposed
end walls, and a shackle for connecting one end of said tube of one
barrier unit to one end of said tube of an adjacent barrier
unit.
65. The floating barrier wall of claim 64 in which said ballast
weight of each of said floating barrier units is connected to said
at least one tube and spaced from said bottom wall thereof.
66. The floating barrier wall of claim 65 further including at
least one mounting arm connected to said ballast weight and at
least one sleeve mounted to said at least one tube within said
hollow interior of each of said floating barrier units, said at
least one mounting arm being telescopically received within said at
least one sleeve.
67. The floating barrier wall of claim 66 in which at least one of
said at least one mounting arm and said at least one sleeve is
formed with a number of vertically spaced holes to permit
adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one mounting
arm within said at least one sleeve.
68. The floating barrier wall of claim 64 in which said ballast
weight of each of said floating barrier wall is a hollow member
filled with a ballast material.
69. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said hollow
interior of said housing of each said barrier units is at least
partially filled with foam material.
70. The floating barrier unit of claim 69 in which said foam
material is located within said hollow interior in position to
substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow
interior.
71. The floating barrier unit of claim 63 in which said hollow
interior of said housing is completely filled with foam
material.
72. The floating barrier unit of claim 63 in which said housing has
an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner
surface mounting a layer of foam material.
73. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said bottom wall
of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of
a vessel.
74. The floating barrier unit of claim 73 in which said ballast
weight is located within said hollow interior of each of said
barrier units along said bottom wall thereof.
75. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said bottom wall
of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons
extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced
pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first
and second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth
pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
76. The floating barrier wall of claim 75 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally
vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
77. The floating barrier wall of claim 75 in which each of said
first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior
within which ballast weight is located.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a barrier system for the
protection of vessels and other assets located in or around bodies
of water, and, more particularly, to a floating barrier wall
constructed of a number of individual barrier units each formed of
a light weight plastic having a hollow interior at least partially
filled with a foam material, a ballast weight mounted at, near or
within the base of the unit to maintain it in an upright
orientation in the water, and, cables or other structure to connect
adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form the barrier wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The security of vessels, both military and commercial, as
well as other assets located in and around seaports, has been of
increasing concern in the wake of activities by terrorists and
others. Most security efforts have focused on potential land-based
attacks, and little attention has been devoted to the provision of
an effective deterrent to assaults from floating objects, vessels
or other water-based threats.
[0003] A vessel anchored at port to take on fuel or supplies is
particularly vulnerable to attack. Although radar, sonar and other
sensors can remain active and manned during these periods, no
evasive action could be taken in a short period of time to avoid a
water-born attack. One option for military vessels is to remain on
alert while anchored, with guns manned, but in busy seaports it may
be difficult to discern between harmless commercial traffic and a
potential attacker. At present, there is no system which is visible
in the water for effectively defining an area of restricted access
and to warn other vessels to stay away from a military or
commercial ship at anchor. Buoys, channel markers and the like
which are commonly found in the water at seaports are not suitable
for use as a warning device because they have not historically been
used for such purpose and would not be perceived in that way by
vessel operators. As a consequence, it is conceivable that an
innocent commercial vessel could be fired upon by an anchored
military ship for entering restricted space defined by buoys or
other markers because the vessel operator did not realize the buoys
or markers were being used for that purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore among the objectives of this invention to
provide a system for water-based security of vessels and other
assets located at seaports which effectively warns other vessels of
the presence of a restricted area, which impedes or stops the
progress of at least smaller vessels attempting to enter a
restricted area, which is portable and easily deployed around a
ship or other assets and which can withstand conditions at sea.
[0005] These objectives are accomplished in a floating barrier wall
including a number of individual barrier units each comprising a
top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls
interconnected to form a hollow interior which is partially or
completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured
to each barrier unit, to maintain them in an upright position in
the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to
mount adjacent barriers end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can
encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to
provide security.
[0006] This invention is predicated upon the concept of creating a
floating wall of interconnected barrier units which can be readily
recognized by operators of vessels and others as a warning
structure delineating a restricted area. In the presently preferred
embodiment, the individual barrier units are a modified version of
plastic structures which have been conventionally used as highway
barriers of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
5,882,140. Each barrier is formed in the general shape of a "New
Jersey" style concrete highway barrier, with side walls having a
curb reveal extending vertically upwardly from the relatively wide
bottom wall, an angled section extending inwardly from the curb
reveal and a vertical section located between the angled section
and top wall. Although not previously used in water-based
applications, barriers of this shape are readily recognized as
defining areas of restricted or no access. Additionally, an opening
is formed in each barrier which is capable of mounting a sign,
flashing light or other indicia to provide further warning and
notice of an area which is off limits to traffic. Individual
barrier units are connected end-to-end forming a continuous wall
which can encircle or otherwise isolate vessels and other
assets.
[0007] A number of features are included in the barrier units of
this invention to adapt them for use in water security
applications. In one embodiment, a rotational molding process is
employed to combine crosslinkable high density polyethylene
material with polyethylene foaming pellets to form the barrier unit
with walls having an interior surface covered with a layer of foam.
The plastic, polyethylene walls have a thickness on the order of
about 0.25 inches, and the foam layer is in the range of about 0.5
to 6 inches in thickness depending upon the amount of foaming
pellets used. In an alternative embodiment, substantially the
entire hollow interior of the barrier is filled with foam material.
Preferably, a liquid material is introduced into the hollow
interior through one or more fill holes formed in the top wall of
the barrier, and it then cures to form a foam which expands to fill
all or a part of the entire volume of the barrier interior.
[0008] In order to maintain the barrier units in an upright
position in the water, a ballast weight is provided which is
mounted along or beneath the bottom wall, or within the interior or
the barrier units. As described below, the bottom wall can be
formed with a recess to receive the ballast weight so that it is
substantially flush with the bottom wall. Alternatively, the
ballast weight extends a short distance below the bottom wall of
the barrier unit and is configured to create limited resistance to
current, tides, wake and other water movement. Further embodiments
of this invention employ ballast material located along the base of
the barrier units within their hollow interior. In one preferred
embodiment of this type, the bottom wall of each barrier unit is
formed in the V-shaped configuration of a boat hull, and concrete
or other heavy material is introduced into the interior of the
barrier unit along the bottom wall to provide the ballast weight.
Alternatively, the bottom wall of the barrier device is formed with
spaced, hollow pontoons, each of which is filled with ballast
material.
[0009] A number of designs are provided for attaching adjacent
barrier units to one another to form a barrier wall. Each barrier
unit is preferably formed with a pair of channels which extend
through the hollow interior thereof from one side wall to the
other. In addition, each end wall of the barrier units is formed
with a recess configured to receive one end of a coupler element.
In one embodiment, the barrier units are placed end-to-end, and
then a coupler element is inserted within the abutting recesses of
adjacent barriers to connect them together. An endless first strap,
cable, chain or the like is looped around the channel of one
barrier and the channel of an adjacent barrier to provide
additional support for securing the barriers together end-to-end.
Additionally, a second strap or cable may be extended from the
first strap around the top wall of the barrier unit in position to
overlie the coupler element and retain it in place within the
recesses.
[0010] In addition to the connections described above to maintain
adjacent barriers together, structure is employed to provide
resistance to the passage of vessels or other objects travelling
along the surface of the water from passing through the barrier
wall into the restricted area it protects. In various embodiments,
a continuous cable, chain or other elongated element is mounted to
the side walls or top wall of the interconnected barrier units, and
the opposite ends of the cable are connected to a permanent
structure such as the pilings of a pier, dock or the like. The
barrier wall carries the cable above the surface of the water in
position to engage the hull of a vessel or other object moving
along the surface of the water to stop, or at least impede, the
progress thereof.
[0011] In one embodiment, a number of eyebolts are mounted to each
barrier device in the area of the curb reveal which are spaced
along the barrier side walls between the end walls thereof. The eye
of each eyebolt receives and supports the cable in position
approximately midway along the vertical height of the side walls.
Alternatively, at least one sleeve is formed in each barrier unit,
extending from the top wall toward the bottom wall thereof. Each
sleeve, in turn, mounts an eyebolt which supports a cable in a
position overlying the top wall of the barrier units. In either
case, the cable(s) are maintained above the surface of the water
and can be securely connected at their opposite ends to a fixed,
land-based structure for maximum resistance to impact with a vessel
or other object moving along the water.
[0012] In a still further embodiment, one or more conduits in the
form of a pipe or tube are positioned within the interior of each
barrier unit and extend longitudinally between the opposed end
walls thereof. When the barrier units are placed end-to-end, the
conduit of one barrier aligns with that of an adjacent barrier and
a coupling device interconnects the two conduit ends. Preferably,
the conduits also provide a support for adjustably mounting a
ballast weight beneath the bottom wall of the barrier units.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The structure, operation and advantages of the presently
preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent
upon consideration of the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a representative
installation for the barrier wall of this invention in which
individual barrier units carry a cable whose ends are each anchored
to a pier defining an enclosed body of water where vessels are
moored;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
individual barrier unit of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the barrier unit depicted in FIG.
1, with a portion of a second barrier shown in phantom at one
end;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the barrier unit of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line
5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 5 except of
an alternative embodiment in which the barrier unit is completely
filled with a foam material;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a barrier unit similar to
that depicted in FIGS. 2-4, except with a hull-shaped bottom
wall;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 9 except of
an alternative embodiment in which the barrier unit is completely
filled with a foam material;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a barrier device according to this invention in which the bottom
wall is formed with spaced pontoons;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line
11-11 of FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 11 except
of an alternative embodiment in which the barrier device is
completely filled with a foam material;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the barrier unit shown in FIG.
2;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line
14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a schematic, end view of a barrier unit having a
ballast weight extending below the bottom wall;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a view of two barrier units connected end-to-end
carrying a cable with eyebolts mounted at the curb reveal of the
barrier devices;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 except with the cable
carried by eyebolts mounted at the top wall of the barrier
devices;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional, elevational view of an
alternative embodiment of a barrier unit incorporating an
adjustable height ballast weight;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a view of the mounting structure for connecting
two barriers of the type illustrated in FIG. 18 end-to-end; and
[0033] FIG. 20 is a disassembled, perspective view of a platform
designed to receive and support three barrier units of the type
shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] A number of alternative embodiments of barrier units
according to this invention are depicted in the drawings, and there
are different means of interconnecting adjacent barrier units to
form a barrier wall depending on their construction.
Notwithstanding certain structural variations in the several
embodiments of the barrier units herein, as discussed below, common
elements are present in each of the preferred embodiments. The
description which follows discusses each embodiment of the barrier
units of this invention separately, with common structure
identified with the same reference numbers in the Figs. The means
for connecting adjacent barriers is also described separately
below.
Barrier Unit of FIGS. 2-6
[0035] Referring initially to FIGS. 2-4, each individual barrier
unit 10 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a top wall
12, a bottom wall 14, opposed end walls 16, 18, and, opposed side
walls 20, 22 which are interconnected to collectively define a
hollow interior 24. In the presently preferred embodiment, each of
the walls 12-22 are formed of a semi-rigid plastic material chosen
from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, high density
polyethylene, acrylonitrile or butadiene styrene, high impact
styrene, polycarbonates and the like. These plastic materials are
all inherently tough, exhibit good energy absorption
characteristics are generally unaffected by weather and have
excellent basic resistance to weathering, leaching and
biodegradation. Materials such as ultraviolet inhibitors can be
added thereto, making such materials further resistant to the
effects of weather. They also retain their mechanical and chemical
properties at low ambient temperatures.
[0036] In this embodiment, the walls 12-22 of barrier unit 10 have
a thickness in the range of about one-eighth inch to one inch so as
to perform satisfactorily in service, as described in more detail
below. The barrier units 10 are preferably in the range of about
six to eight feet in length, and, at the wall thickness noted
above, have a weight when empty of about 75 to 130 lbs.
[0037] Considering initially the construction of the side walls 20,
22 of a barrier unit 10, since both are identical in configuration
only side wall 20 is described in detail herein, it being
understood that the side wall 22 is formed with the identical
structure and functions in the same manner. The side wall 20
includes a substantially vertically oriented curb reveal 26 which
extends from the bottom wall 14 to a horizontally extending ledge
or step 28 best shown in FIG. 2. The horizontal extent of the step
28 is preferably on the order of about 11/2 inches measured in the
direction from the outer edge of curb reveal 26 toward the hollow
interior 24 of barrier unit 10.
[0038] Extending upwardly at an acute angle from the step 28 is an
intermediate section 30 which terminates at a vertically extending
upper section 32. The upper section 32, in turn, extends from the
intermediate section 30 to the top wall 12 of barrier 10 which is
formed with a pair of fill holes 33 preferably having a diameter in
the range of about 3-4 inches. In the presently preferred
embodiment, a number of stabilizers 34 are integrally formed in the
intermediate section 30, at regularly spaced intervals between the
end walls 16, 18. Each stabilizer 34 includes a base 36 and opposed
sides 38 and 40. The base 36 of each stabilizer 34 is coplanar with
the step 28 and is supported by an internally located support 42
shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4. The sides 38, 40 of each
stabilizer 34 taper inwardly, toward one another, from the base 36
to a point substantially coincident with the uppermost edge of
intermediate section 30 where the upper section 32 of side wall 20
begins. In the presently preferred embodiment, a through bore 44
extends from the base 36 of one or more of the stabilizers 34,
through the internal support 42 and out the bottom wall 14 of
barrier 10. Each of these through bores 44 mount an eyebolt 156, as
described in more detail below in connection with a discussion of
FIG. 16.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, a post boot 50 is formed at the bottom
wall 14 of barrier 10, in alignment with each fill hole 33, to
receive and support the bottom portion of a second eyebolt 160
which is inserted through the fill hole 33 as described in more
detail below in connection with a discussion of FIG. 17. The top
wall 12 is also formed with an internally extending seat 74 adapted
to mount a warning light 230 which preferably flashes on and off to
alert vessels of the presence of the barrier units 10. See FIGS. 16
and 17.
[0040] Each end wall 16 of barriers 10 is formed with an internally
extending recess 48 near the bottom wall 14, which receives an
outwardly protruding extension 52 formed on the end wall 18 of an
adjacent barrier 10. The upper portion of end wall 16 is formed
with a slot 56, and the upper portion of end wall 18 is formed with
a slot 58. Each slot 56, 58 has an inner, generally
cylindrical-shaped portion 59 and a narrower, substantially
rectangular-shaped portion 61 at their respective end walls 16, 18.
The slots 56, 58 extend from the top wall 12 downwardly to a point
near the juncture of the upper section 32 and intermediate section
30.
[0041] When two barrier units 10 and 10' are oriented end-to-end,
with the end wall 16 of one barrier 10 abutting the end wall 18' of
an adjacent barrier 10', the slots 56, 58 collectively form a
barbell-shaped locking channel 60 depicted in phantom in FIG. 3.
This locking channel 60 receives a coupler 62 having cylindrical
ends 64, 66 and a rectangular center section 67, which is removably
insertable therein and extends substantially along the entire
length of the locking channel 60. The cylindrical ends 64, 66 of
coupler 62 pivot within the correspondingly shaped cylindrical
portions 59, 59' of slots 56, 58', so that one barrier unit 10 can
be pivoted with respect to an adjacent barrier 10'. Additional
details and discussion on the structure for connecting adjacent
barriers 10 to one another is provided below with reference to a
description of FIGS. 16 and 17.
[0042] Each of the barrier units 10 further include a pair of
hollow channels 68 and 70 are located within the hollow interior 24
of barrier unit 10 and extend between the side walls 20, 22. A
portion of both channels 68, 70 is located in the intermediate
section 30 of each side wall 20, 22, and extends partially into the
upper sections 32 thereof. The two channels 68, 70 are positioned
in the spaces between the three stabilizers 34 formed in the side
walls 20, 22, and provide added internal support to the barrier 10
so that it retains its shape when filled with a ballast material.
Each of the channels 68 and 70 define a pass-through hole or
opening 72 adapted to receive the tines of a forklift truck to
permit handling of the barriers 10.
Flotation of Barrier Units
[0043] As noted above, the barrier units of this invention are
intended for use in marine applications to provide enhanced
security for vessels and other assets when docked at port. It has
been found that into the molding process which forms the barrier
units 10, as well as during installation and use of same, cracks or
other surface irregularities in the plastic forming the barrier
units 10 can result in leakage of water in the hollow interior 24.
With reference to FIG. 5, in one preferred embodiment of this
invention structure is provided to allow the barrier units 10 to
float by resisting leakage of water into the hollow interior 24 and
by providing enhanced buoyancy of the barrier units 10. Each of the
walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 of a barrier unit 10 is formed with
an inner surface 76 located within the hollow interior 24 and an
exterior, outer surface 78. These inner surfaces 60 receive a foam
layer 84 having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
The remainder of the hollow interior 24 is empty. The foam layer 84
is effective to seal the inner surface 60 of each wall and
substantially prevent leakage of water into the hollow interior 24.
Additionally, the foam layer 84 is puncture resistant, particularly
as its thickness is increased, and therefore resists leakage even
if the plastic walls of the barrier are damaged during installation
or use.
[0044] The method of forming the barrier unit 10 with the foam
layer 84 forms no part of this invention, and is therefore not
discussed in detail herein. Generally, a rotational molding process
is employed in which a polyethylene resin and polyethylene foaming
pellets are combined in a mold to form the completed barrier. Each
of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is therefore formed of a
high density polyethylene using this molding technique, preferably
having a thickness on the order of about 0.25 inches. One type of
polyethylene resin suitable for forming the plastic walls of the
barrier 10 are commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical
under the trademark "PAXON," Type Numbers 7004 and 7204 rotational
molding resins.
[0045] One foam material which can be employed in the rotational
molding process noted above to form the foam layer 64 is
commercially available from Equistar Chemicals, Inc. of Houston,
Tex. under the trademark "PETROTHENE." A structural foam,
semi-rigid foam or flexible PETROTHENE foam may be employed in the
barrier 10 of this embodiment of the present invention, whose
properties and type numbers are as follows:
1 Property Nominal Value Units MSTR005 - Structural Foam Density 7
lb/ft.sup.3 Compressive Modulus 800 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4
skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.435 BTU in/hr
ft.sup.2 .degree. F. MSTR008 - Semi-Rigid Foam Density 4
lb/ft.sup.3 Compressive Modulus 180 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4
skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.384 BTU in/hr
ft.sup.2 .degree. F. MSTR007 - Flexible Foam Density 2 lb/ft.sup.3
Compressive Modulus 35 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4 skin)
0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.357 BTU in/hr ft.sup.2
.degree. F.
[0046] In most instances it is contemplated that a semi-rigid foam
would be employed to form the foam layer 84, such as PETROTHENE
Type No. MSTR008. If additional structural rigidity is required, a
denser foam with increased compressive modulus may be used such as
PETROTHENE Type No. MSTR005. Further, the overall thickness of the
foam layer 84 can be controlled in the molding process to increase
or decrease the rigidity of the barrier 10, i.e., the thicker the
foam layer 84 the more rigid the walls 12-22.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, a further embodiment of this
invention is shown in which the hollow interior 24 of the barrier
10 is completely filled with a foam material to form a solid foam
body 86. One presently preferred foaming material is a
two-component polyether-based, low density pour-in-place urethane
foam commercially available from North Carolina Foam Industries of
Mount Airy, North Carolina under the name "NCFI Low Density Pour
System 31-120." The resin properties and reaction properties of
this material are as follows:
2 TYPICAL RESIN PROPERTIES: 31-120R 31-120A Viscosity @ 72.degree.
F. 500 cps 200 cps Weight Per Gallon 9.5 lbs. 10.2 lbs. Appearance
amber liquid brown liquid Shelf Life 6 months 6 months MIX RATIO:
31-120R 31-120A Ratio By Weight 100 parts 107 parts Ratio By Volume
100 parts 100 parts TYPICAL REACTION PROPERTIES: Hand Mix @
72.degree. F. Cream Time, seconds 32 Gel Time, seconds 140 Rise
Time, seconds 210 Density (FRC) 1.9 pcf
[0048] Preferably, such foam material is be introduced in liquid
form into the hollow interior 24 of a barrier unit 10 through one
of the fill holes 33, and then allowed to cure in situ thus filling
up the entire volume of the hollow interior 24. Not only is the
buoyancy of the barrier units 10 enhanced by a continuous body of
foam material 86, but the structural integrity thereof is improved
since cracks, punctures or other damage to the outer, plastic skin
of the barrier units 10 would not affect the ability of same to
remain afloat in the water.
[0049] As noted above, the empty weight of a barrier unit 10 is
about 75 to 135 pounds, and the addition of a foam layer 84 or
continuous foam body 86 adds little to the overall weight.
Additionally, although the barrier units 10 readily float in the
water, it is important that they be maintained in an upright
position for maximum visibility, i.e. with the bottom wall 14 and a
portion of the side walls 20, 22 submerged, and the top wall 12 out
of the water.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, alternative embodiments are
illustrated of a ballast weight to maintain the barrier units 10 in
the upright position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, a
recess 90 is formed in each barrier unit 10 which extends inwardly
from the bottom wall 14 into the hollow interior 24. The recess 90
is located at the center of the barrier unit 10, immediately
beneath the base 36 of the center stabilizer 34 formed in the side
walls 20 and 22. A ballast weight 92 is mounted within the recess
90 by a pair of bolts or pins 94, each extending from a seat 96
formed in the ballast weight 92 and though the through bore 44
formed in the base 36 of the center stabilizer 34. In this
embodiment, the ballast weight 92 is substantially entirely
received within the recess 90 and protrudes only slightly beyond
the bottom wall 14 of the barrier unit 10. Preferably, the ballast
weight 92 is formed of concrete encased with rubber or other
non-abrasive material.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, a ballast
weight 98 is suspended below the bottom wall 14 of the barrier unit
10 by a pair of chains or cables 100 and 102. One end of each cable
100, 102 is embedded in the ballast weight 98, preferably of the
same type as ballast weight 92, and the opposite end of each cable
100, 102 is mounted to the side walls 20, 22, respectively of the
barrier unit 10 by any suitable fasteners 104 which connect to an
internal plate 106.
Barrier Units of FIGS. 7-12
[0052] Referring initially to FIGS. 7-9, an alternative embodiment
of a barrier unit 110 according to this invention is shown. The
barrier unit 110 is similar to the barrier unit 10, and the same
reference numbers are used to indicate like structure in the
devices 10 and 110. To enhance stability in the water, and further
assure that the barrier unit remains in the upright position, the
barrier unit 110 of this embodiment is formed with a bottom wall
112 having a shape similar to the hull of a vessel. The other walls
of the barrier unit 110 have the same construction, and are formed
of the same material, as the walls 12-22 of barrier unit 10
described above.
[0053] One other modification of the barrier unit 110 compared to
barrier unit 10 involves the ballast weight. Instead of attaching a
ballast weight on the exterior of the barrier unit 110, as in the
embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, concrete, crushed stone or other heavy
material is introduced into the hollow interior 24 through the fill
holes 33 to form a ballast layer or weight 114 along the bottom
wall 112. The ballast layer 114 may extend part way upwardly along
the side walls 20, 22, if desired, to provide additional
weight.
[0054] For the same reasons discussed above in connection with the
barrier unit 10, it is preferred to incorporate a foam layer or
core within the interior of barrier unit 110. As best seen in FIG.
9, in one embodiment a body of foam material 116 is provided which
is identical to the foam body 66 discussed above in connection with
FIG. 6, except that the body of foam material 116 begins at the top
surface of the ballast layer 114 and fills the remainder of the
volume of the hollow interior 24. Alternatively, a foam layer 118
is formed along the walls 12, 16, 18, 20, 22 and bottom wall 112,
in the same manner as described above in connection with a
discussion of FIG. 5, but with the ballast layer 114 filling the
area along the bottom of the barrier unit 110. See FIG. 8.
[0055] An alternative embodiment of a barrier unit 120 according to
this invention which employs structure for stabilizing the barrier,
and an internal ballast weight, is shown in FIGS. 10-12. In this
embodiment, the bottom wall 122 of the barrier unit 120 is formed
with a pair of spaced pontoons 124 and 125 extending downwardly
from the side wall 20, and a pair of spaced, second pontoons 126
and 127 extending from the side wall 22. As depicted in FIG. 10,
the pontoons 124 and 125 are spaced from one another in a
longitudinal direction, e.g., between the end walls 16, 18, as are
the pontoons 126 and 127. The purpose of this separation is to
reduce drag on the barrier unit 120 imposed by tides, current and
other water movement. Each of the pontoons 124-127 has a generally
vertical wall 128, with the barrier 120 in the position depicted in
the Figs., and an angled wall 130 extending from the vertical wall
128 toward the center of the barrier unit 120. A small space 132 is
formed between the angled walls 130 of the two pontoons 124, 126 at
the barrier center, as shown. Preferably, each pontoon 124 and 126
has a rounded end 134 at the juncture of the vertical and angled
walls 128, 130.
[0056] The purpose of the spaced pontoons 124 and 126 is to
provided added stability to the barrier unit 120 in the water.
Additionally, a ballast weight 136 consisting of material such as
concrete, gravel, sand or the like is added within the hollow
interior of each pontoon 124-127, i.e., the space defined by the
volume between the respective walls 128, 130 of the pontoons
124-127. If desired, additional ballast material can be introduced
into the hollow interior 24 of the barrier unit 120 above the level
of the bottom wall 122.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the barrier unit 120 of this
embodiment is also preferably formed with either a foam layer or
core of foam material as in the barrier unit 110 described above in
connection with a discussion of FIGS. 7-9. As shown in FIG. 11, a
foam layer 138 is formed along the walls 12, 16, 18, 20 and 22 of
the barrier unit 120 at a location above the ballast weight 136. In
FIG. 12, a solid foam body 140 is provided which is essentially
identical to the body of foam material 116 depicted in FIG. 9.
Connection of FIGS. 2-12 Barriers
[0058] Another aspect of this invention involves the connection of
adjacent barrier units 10 together to form a barrier wall 150 as
schematically depicted in FIG. 1. Such connecting structure
includes, in alternative embodiments, means for mounting the
barrier units 10 together at their opposed ends, and means for
supporting a cable, rope, chain or other substantially continuous
elongated connector along each the barrier units 10 when oriented
end-to-end. Two barrier units 10 and 10' are depicted in FIGS. 3,
16 and 17, which are identical in structure and function. The same
reference numbers are therefore used to identify like structure,
with the addition of a "'" to the numbers associated with barrier
10'.
[0059] As noted above, when two barrier units 10 and 10' are
oriented end-to-end, with the end wall 18 of one barrier 10
abutting the end wall 16' of an adjacent barrier 10', the slots 56,
58 collectively form a barbell-shaped locking channel 60. See also
FIG. 4. A coupler 62 is inserted within the locking channel 60 to
pivotally interconnect the adjacent barrier 10, 10'. In each of the
embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17, an endless, horizontally oriented
strap 152 is extended through the opening 72 of barrier 10 and
through the opening 72' of the adjacent barrier 10'. This strap 152
provides additional end-to-end support to resist disengagement of
the barriers 10, 10'. The horizontal strap 152 also connects to a
vertically extending strap 154 which is looped over the coupler 62
inserted within the locking channel 60. One end of the vertical
strap 154 is connected to the horizontal strap 152 along the side
walls 22, 22' of the barrier units 10, 10', and the opposite end of
vertical strap 154 mounts to the horizontal strap 152 on the
opposite side walls 20, 20' of barrier units 10, 10' (not shown).
The purpose of the vertical strap 154 is to maintain the coupler 62
in place within the locking channel 60.
[0060] In the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17, additional structure
is provided to interconnect adjacent barrier units 10, 10', and to
form the barrier wall 150. Referring initially to FIG. 16, at least
one eyebolt 156 is extended though a through bore 44 in the barrier
unit 10, and an eyebolt 156' is carried by a through bore 44' in
barrier device 10'. The eyebolts 156, 156' are mounted in place by
a nut (not shown). A cable, chain, rope or other elongated member
158 is extended through the eye of the eyebolts 156, 156' and,
preferably, is mounted at opposite ends to a permanent structure
such as a pier 157, dock other permanent structure as schematically
depicted in FIG. 1. The eyebolts 156, 156' are effective to
maintain the elongated member 158 out of the water in a position to
engage the hull, or at least the screw, of an oncoming vessel. It
is contemplated that if such construction does not stop a vessel,
the elongated member 158 will impede it's progress sufficiently to
allow time for defensive action by vessels in the port.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 17, an alternative means of mounting
the elongated member 158 is shown. In this embodiment, eyebolts 160
and 160' are mounted within one of the fill holes 33, 33' of
respective barrier devices 10, 10', with the end of the eyebolts
160, 160' being secured in the post boot 50, 50' with any suitable
fastener (not shown). See also FIG. 3. The eye of each eyebolt 160
receives and supports the elongated member 158 in position above
the top wall 12 of the barrier units 10, 10' for the same purposes
as described above in reference to a discussion of FIG. 13. The
barriers 10, 10' are otherwise identical to those illustrated in
FIG. 16.
[0062] It should be understood that while the structure noted above
for interconnecting adjacent barriers has been described with
reference to barrier units 10 and 10', adjacent barrier units 110,
110' and 120, 120' are interconnected in the same fashion.
Barrier Unit of FIGS. 18 and 19
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a still further embodiment
of a barrier unit 170 is illustrated which similar in construction
to the barrier unit 10 except primarily for the ballast weight and
means for connecting adjacent barriers together. Structural
elements of the barrier unit 170 which are common to that of
barrier unit 10 are given the same reference numbers in FIGS. 18
and 19.
[0064] In the presently preferred embodiment, the entire hollow
interior 24 of barrier unit 170 is filled with a foam material body
172 comprised of the same foam as described above in connection
with a discussion of FIGS. 6, 9 and 12. A tube, pipe 174 of other
hollow member extends through the interior 24 of the barrier unit
170, at a location above the extension 52, which has one end 176
protruding from the end wall 16 and the opposite end 178 protruding
from the end wall 18. A retention plate 180 is mounted to each end
176, 178 of the pipe 174 at the point where they extend through end
walls 16, 18, respectively. The retention plate 180 assists in
retaining the pipe 174 in position within the barrier interior
24.
[0065] An elongated ballast weight 182 is suspended beneath the
bottom wall 14 of barrier unit 170 by a pair of mounting arms 184
and 186. Each of the mounting arms 184, 186 is telescopically
received within a sleeve 188, 190, respectively, connected to the
pipe 174. The sleeves 188, 190 extend from the bottom wall 14 of
the barrier unit 170 into the interior 24, and are mounted to the
pipe 174 by a collar 192 or other suitable fastener. As shown in
FIG. 18, spaced holes 194 are formed in each of the sleeves 188,
190 which align with spaced openings 196 formed in the mounting
arms 184, 186. One of the openings 196 in the mounting arms 184,
186 is aligned with a hole 194 in the sleeves 188, 190 to receive a
pin or key (not shown) in order to connect the two together. The
provision of a number of spaced holes 194 permits vertical
adjustment of the position of the ballast weight 182 relative to
the bottom wall 14 of the barrier unit 170, as desired. It is
contemplated that a warning light (not shown) or other equipment
could be mounted to the seat 74 and other locations along the top
wall 12 of the barrier unit 170. The greater the quantity, weight
and height of such equipment, the greater the tendency of the
barrier unit 170 to tip over on its side or upside down. This
tendency is resisted by the ballast weight 182, and its position is
adjusted downwardly with respect to the bottom wall 14 of the
barrier unit 170 to increase its effectiveness as a counterweight.
Furthermore, the overall mass of the ballast weight 182 can be
increased, if necessary, to ensure the barrier unit 170 remains in
an upright position.
[0066] The ballast weight 182 is preferably a tube, pipe or other
hollow member which is filled with concrete, gravel or other heavy
material. In addition to stabilizing the barrier unit 170, the
shape and location of the ballast weight 182 resists the effects of
current, tides and other water movement. This aids in stabilizing
the barrier unit 170 in the water, and reduces stress on the
coupling elements which interconnect adjacent barriers 170, 170'.
It is contemplated that the ballast weight 182, and/or its mounting
arms 184, 186, could be utilized to mount a variety of equipment
such as listening devices, motion sensors, explosive devices,
netting and the like (not shown).
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 19, portions of two barrier units 170
and 170' are shown with the coupling element 200 which
interconnects them. In the presently preferred embodiment, a
U-shaped bracket 202 is welded or otherwise permanently affixed to
the end 178 of barrier unit 170, and a second bracket 204 is
connected in the same manner to the end 176' of the barrier unit
170'. As depicted FIG. 19, a portion of each bracket 202, 204
protrudes from respective ends 178 and 176' of the barrier units
170, 170' in position to receive and mount a shackle 206. One arm
208 of the shackle 204 extends into the bracket 202 and its other
arm 210 is received within the bracket 204. The arms 208, 210 are
connected by a bolt 212 as shown. The coupling arrangement for the
barrier units 170, 170' provides a secure connection, and the
curved portion of the U-shaped brackets 202, 204 to which the
shackle 204 is connected allow for at least limited pivotal motion
of one barrier unit 170, 170' relative to the other.
[0068] In forming the barrier wall 150, whether employing the
barrier units 10, 110, 120 or 170, it is preferred to include a
series of platforms 220 at selected intervals each carrying two or
more barrier units. For purposes of the present discussion, and
with reference to FIG. 20, a platform 220 is shown with three
barrier units 10, 10 and 170 in a side-by-side position to be
received by the platform 220. The platform 220 has four
interconnected sides 222, 224, 226 and 228, and a pair of cross
braces 230 and 232. The cross braces 230 and 232 are mounted to the
bottom of the two opposed sides 222, 226 and are spaced from one
another a distance somewhat less than the length of the barrier
units 10, 10 and 170, as measured between their end walls 16, 18.
Each of the cross braces 230 and 232 mounts upright posts 234 which
are positioned to be inserted within the through bores 44 on
opposite sides of each barrier 170, and then connected thereto by
nuts 236, when the barriers 170 are placed within the platform 220
atop the cross braces 220.
[0069] One purpose of the platform 220 is to add overall stability
to the barrier wall 150. As noted above, a number of platforms 220
are located at spaced intervals along the length of the barrier
wall 150, and with three side-by-side barriers 10, 10 and 170
within each platform 220 increased resistance is provided to
overturning of individual barriers 170. Additionally, as
schematically depicted in FIG. 20, a warning light 230 can be
mounted to one or more of the barrier units 10, 10 or 170 on the
platforms 220 to increase visibility of the entire barrier wall
150. Preferably, the coupling element 200 associated with barrier
unit 170 carried by the platform 220 is used to connect opposite
ends of the platform 220 to adjacent barriers 170 in the barrier
wall 150.
[0070] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *