U.S. patent application number 11/335781 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for temporary fence.
Invention is credited to Yehezkel Ribak.
Application Number | 20070170411 11/335781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284642 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ribak; Yehezkel |
July 26, 2007 |
Temporary fence
Abstract
A temporary fence system comprises wire mesh segments, poles and
base means in a modular structure. Each base element has a
generally flat structure so devised as to be placed on the ground.
Each pole may be inserted into a base means to hold it in a
generally vertical orientation. Each pole may be inserted into one
or two wire mesh segments to support them in a generally vertical
orientation. Each wire mesh segment may include one or more
stiffening areas thereon. A weather compensation unit helps reduce
the false alarm rate in adverse weather.
Inventors: |
Ribak; Yehezkel;
(Ramat-Hasharon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YEHEZKEL RIBAK
2 HAAVODA STREET
RAMAT-HASHARON
47445
IL
|
Family ID: |
38284642 |
Appl. No.: |
11/335781 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/18 20130101;
E01F 13/022 20130101; E04H 17/161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/032 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/02 20060101
E04H017/02 |
Claims
1. A temporary fence system comprising wire mesh segments, poles
and base means in a modular structure, wherein each base element
has a generally flat structure so devised as to be placed on the
ground, each pole may be inserted into a base means to hold it in a
generally vertical orientation and each pole may be inserted into
one or two wire mesh segments to support them in a generally
vertical orientation.
2. The temporary fence system according to claim 1, wherein each
wire mesh segment includes one or more stiffening areas
thereon.
3. The temporary fence system according to claim 2, wherein each
stiffening area comprises a folded area in the wire mesh.
4. The temporary fence system according to claim 2, wherein each
wire mesh segment includes three stiffening areas, and each
stiffening area has a generally horizontal orientation.
5. The temporary fence system according to claim 1, wherein each
base means has a generally elliptical shape and includes means for
attaching up to three poles thereto.
6. The temporary fence system according to claim 1, wherein each
wire mesh segment has a vibration sensor attached thereto.
7. The temporary fence system according to claim 1, wherein each
vibration sensor includes two fixed electrical contacts with a
movable contact therebetween, and wherein the movable contact may
break the electrical contact when the vibration sensor is
moved.
8. The temporary fence system according to claim 7, wherein the
movable contact further includes damper means attached thereto for
cleaning the electrical contact between the fixed and movable
contacts.
9. The temporary fence system according to claim 7, wherein the
vibration sensor includes at least two sets of electrical contacts,
each set including at least two fixed contacts and a movable
contact, and wherein the two sets are mounted at a different
orientation therebetween.
10. A temporary fence system comprising wire mesh segments, poles,
base means and vibration sensors in a modular structure, wherein
each base element has a generally flat structure so devised as to
be placed on the ground, each pole may be inserted into a base
means to hold it in a generally vertical orientation, each pole may
be inserted into one or two wire mesh segments to support them in a
generally vertical orientation, and a vibration sensor means is
attached to each wire mesh segment.
11. The temporary fence system according to claim 10, wherein a
plurality of adjacent vibration sensors are mounted together in a
sensors group, and wherein the sensors are connected together by a
multi-wire cable with multi-pin connectors attached to the cable at
the two ends of the sensor group.
12. The temporary fence system according to claim 10, further
including signal processing means connected to the sensors for
processing signals from the sensors.
13. The temporary fence system according to claim 10, further
including weather compensation means for reducing the false alarm
rate in adverse weather.
14. The temporary fence system according to claim 13, wherein the
weather compensation means includes wind strength sensor means.
15. The temporary fence system according to claim 13, wherein the
weather compensation means includes rain or hail sensor means.
16. The temporary fence system according to claim 13, wherein the
weather compensation means includes means for raising an alarm
threshold level if there are strong winds, rain or hail.
17. The temporary fence system according to claim 10, further
including communication means for reporting alarm-related
information to a remote location.
18. A method for laying a temporary fence comprising: a. Placing
elliptical bases on the ground, according to the desired layout of
the fence; b. placing poles within their elliptical bases; c.
attaching fence segments to the poles; d. placing vibration sensors
on the fence segments and establishing connections as required.
19. The method for laying a temporary fence according to claim 18,
wherein each elliptical base includes one, two or three base
elements.
20. The method for laying a temporary fence according to claim 18,
wherein the vibration sensors are connected using cables or
wireless connections.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a novel fence system with
means for manufacturing a modular and easy to install temporary
fence.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is often required to set up a temporary fence, for
various purpose such as protecting merchandise or restricting
access to a certain area.
[0003] Such fences may require a considerable amount of work and
materials, at a high cost to the user. Moreover, it may take a long
time to perform the task.
[0004] To achieve mechanical strength, it may be necessary to dig
holes in the ground for the pylons. On a hard ground, this may
require a substantial effort. On sand or soft ground, it may be an
unreliable support.
[0005] Sometimes it is required to change the layout of the fence.
In prior art, this may prove difficult and expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a novel temporary fence
system. The new fence has a modular structure, with wire mesh
segments, poles and base means so devised as to allow easy
installation and adaptation to the topography of the location to be
protected.
[0007] Two or more stiffening areas in the wire mesh segment may
achieve a fence having improved mechanical strength.
[0008] Stackable base elements allow for easy handling thereof,
together with a stable, heavy base as per system requirements.
[0009] Electronic sensor means integrated within the fence may
improve the level of protection provided by the new fence
system.
[0010] The fence system may be adapted to various requirements, to
include "Y" splits, gates, etc.
[0011] The vibration means integrated within the fence provide a
reliable threat detection with tri-dimensional sensitivity.
[0012] The electronics includes sensors, signal processing means
and interconnections means in a modular, easy to install and very
reliable alarm system.
[0013] The electronics may be easily adapted to various fence
layouts as the need be.
[0014] Weather compensation means help reduce the false alarm
rate.
[0015] Further objects, advantages and other features of the
present invention will become obyious to those skilled in the art
upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a temporary fence with vibration sensor
and cable
[0017] FIG. 2 details a fence with enhanced back support and
extended height
[0018] FIG. 3 details the mechanical support for a fence
segment
[0019] FIG. 4 details a fence post and base
[0020] FIG. 5 details the fence post base element
[0021] FIG. 6 details a fence corner
[0022] FIG. 7 details a split ("Y") in the fence
[0023] FIG. 8 details a fence with an inclined top
[0024] FIG. 9 details a gate in the fence
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a vibration
sensor
[0026] FIG. 11 details a top view of the vibration sensor
[0027] FIG. 12 details a front view of the vibration sensor
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates the electronic system with vibration
sensors interconnections
[0029] FIG. 14 details a multi-zone electronic system
[0030] FIG. 15 details an enhanced electronic system
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention will now be described by way of
example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a temporary fence which has a relatively
simple structure, is easy to install and yet provides good
protection. In one embodiment, the fence includes a plurality of
fence segments 1, preferably made of welded mesh wire, of a size of
about 2 meter high by 3 meter wide. The poles 2 support the two
sides of each fence segment 1 and connect the fence segments into
one contiguous fence.
[0033] Each pole 2 is preferably mounted on one or more elliptical
bases 3. The elliptical base may help secure the fence, so that it
will be more difficult to move it. The bases 3 may be laid on the
ground.
[0034] The novel shape of the base 3 (elliptical rather than
circular) allows to achieve improved stability in the direction
that counts (along the long axis of the ellipse).
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, vibration sensors 4 are placed,
such as one sensor on each segment 1 of the fence. This allows to
detect if someone tries to break through the fence, climb over it
or tries to sabotage the fence. The sensors may be connected,
serially for instance, through a cable laid on the fence as
illustrated.
[0036] The fence is made of modular components, thus it is easy to
adjust it to the intended use, topography and the required
dimensions.
[0037] In another embodiment, the fence can be built by placing one
or more elliptical bases 3 for each pole 2, into which the poles 2
are inserted. The fence segments 1 are strung on the poles 2,
forming a strong fence by connecting the poles 2 and the
segments.
[0038] Where required, the fence may include enhanced back support
using support beams normal to the plane of the fence and supported
by another base 3, as illustrated.
Method of Laying a Fence
[0039] 1. Placing the elliptical bases 3 on the ground, according
to the desired layout of the fence. One, two, three or more base
elements 3 may be placed on top another, as required. [0040] 2.
placing the poles 2 within their elliptical bases 3. [0041] 3. The
fence segments 1 are attached to the poles 2. In one embodiment,
each segment 1 is strung from above onto two poles 2. A gate (or
several gates) may be installed where required. [0042] 4. Placing
electronic sensors 4 on the fence segments 1. Laying a cable
between the sensors (except for sensors connected by wireless). The
sensors may be connected to a control center or through a Signal
Processing Unit SPU. The sensors may include inertia sensors,
vibration sensors, etc.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, each base element 3 weighs about
20 kg, thus it may be carried manually by one worker. When two or
more such elements are placed on top of one another, however, they
achieve a substantial mass to convey a massive structure where
required. Preferably, each base element 3 is made of reinforced
concrete, with B-400 steel rods as used in the construction
industry.
[0044] The fence segments 1 may include holes in the mesh, through
which they are strung on the poles 2.
The elliptical base 3 may include one or more holes, for one or
more poles respectively, and as illustrated elsewhere in the
present disclosure.
[0045] Using the above detailed structure, it is possible to
achieve good mechanical strength without the need to dig holes in
the ground for the pylons. On a hard ground, this may save a
substantial effort. On sand or soft ground, it may help achieve a
reliable support.
[0046] Sometimes it is required to change the layout of the fence.
In prior art, this may prove difficult and expensive, whereas in
the novel fence structure it is easy and simple to move the base
elements 3 to relocate the fence when so desired.
[0047] FIG. 2 details a fence with enhanced back support and
extended height. A fence segment 1 has a fence segment extension
120, also supported by a pole 2 with a pole extension 22 mounted
thereon.
[0048] A horizontal support beam 24 with a slant support beam 25
are connected to another base 3 element, laterally mounted for
enhanced lateral support.
[0049] FIG. 3 details the mechanical support for a fence segment
fence segment 1, including two poles 2 located on each side of the
fence segment 1. Each pole is mounted on a base 3, which includes
two stacked elements in this embodiment.
[0050] The fence segment 1 has three stiffening areas 11--three
horizontal stripes of folded mesh as illustrated.
[0051] Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment the fence segment
1 has a pair of pole-holding holes 12 made in each stiffening area
11, providing a convenient passage for a pole 2. Thus, the pole 2
is easily inserted through the three pairs of holes 12 to reliably
hold the fence segment 1.
[0052] FIG. 4 details a fence post and base, including a pole 2
mounted in the central hole 32 of the base 3.
[0053] The base 3 may further include a left-side hole 31 and a
right-side hole 33.
[0054] FIG. 5 details the fence post base element, including a base
3 center with a hole 32, a left-side hole 31 and a right-side hole
33. The base 3 may further include a pair of handles 35.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, each base element 3 weighs about
20 kg. Thus, it may be carried manually by one worker. When two or
more such elements are placed on top of one another, they achieve a
substantial mass to convey a massive structure where required.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, each base element 3 is made of
reinforced concrete, with B-400 steel rods as used in the
construction industry.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the base 3 has an elliptical
protuberance 36 on its upper surface, with a corresponding
depression on its lower surface. This may achieve a stable base
structure, wherein the parts will not tend to rotate with respect
to each other.
[0058] FIG. 6 details a fence corner, with fence segment 1 mounted
on poles 2, with a pole 2 installed on an elliptical base 3. A
second pole 23 may be inserted into a second hole in the base 3 at
the corner. This configuration allows to achieve almost any angle
between the two fence planes meeting at the corner, without the
need to bend any fence segment 1.
[0059] FIG. 7 details a split ("Y") in the fence, including a fence
segment 1 with its left side mounted on the pole 2 supported on the
elliptical base 3. A second pole 23, inserted into a second hole in
the base 3, serves as the right side support for a second fence
segment 1.
[0060] A third pole 23, inserted into the third hole in base 3 at
the intersection at the corner, serves as the left side support for
a third fence segment 1 mounted there.
[0061] From each fence segment, additional segments may be
installed to continue the fence in that direction.
[0062] FIG. 8 details a fence with an inclined top. It includes a
vertical fence segment 1 mounted on a pole 2, which is installed on
the elliptical base 3. An inclined top fence segment 15 is mounted
on top of the fence segment 1, with the fence segment 15 leaning
toward the outer part of the fence, to prevent people from climbing
the fence.
[0063] FIG. 9 details a gate in the fence. A fence segment 1 is
supported on a pole 2 mounted on the base 3. A second pole 25,
mounted on the same base 3, supports the gate 5. The gate may
include two parts 5 as illustrated, or just one gate element.
[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a vibration sensor
6, detailing its structure and operation.
[0065] The vibration sensor 6 includes a first fixed contact 61 and
a second fixed contact 62, with a movable conducting element 63 or
a pair of elements 63 between the contacts 61 and 62.
[0066] Normally, the element 63 rests on the contacts 61 and 62 to
close the electrical circuit there. When moved, the element may
break momentarily the electrical circuit, a situation easily
detected by the electronic system.
[0067] Two or more contact elements may be used to achieve
sensitivity and reliability of operation.
[0068] In operation, the contacts between the parts 61, 62 and 63
may become dirty and contaminated, thus causing an unreliable
contact.
[0069] A damper 631, which is an inertia ring, may be mounted on
the element 63 to shake it when the sensor 6 is moved, to clean the
above contacts. This achieves a self-cleaning device, with the
contacts achieving a longer operating life.
[0070] The first slant contact 613 and the second slant contact 623
help achieve sensitivity to movement in other dimensions, as
detailed below.
[0071] Thus, the sensor 6 has a tri-dimensional sensitivity to
vibrations. This is basically an inertia sensor.
[0072] FIG. 11 details a top view of the vibration sensor 6. A
first fixed contact 61 ends in a first slant contact 613, and a
second fixed contact 62 ends in a second slant contact 623. The
sensor may include additional slant contacts 614, 624 as
illustrated.
[0073] A cylinder 64 made of an electrically conducting material is
mounted between the contacts 613, 62, 614 and 624 so that it always
makes contact between two contacts when at rest--in its stable
state. The actual connections being made--it depends on the
orientation of the sensor.
[0074] When the sensor is moved (that is, in case of vibrations)
the cylinder 64 momentarily breaks contact. Such disruptions of the
electrical circuit may be detected by electronic means to signal an
alarm when certain conditions are met.
[0075] The above contacts may be mounted on an electrically
insulator substrate, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) 65,
with external contacts (outlets) 651, 652 to connect to external
electronics.
[0076] FIG. 12 details a front view of the vibration sensor 6. The
second fixed contact 62 (like the first contact 61) are mounted on
the printed circuit board (PCB) 65 as illustrated. Also shown is
the cylinder 64 and the outlet 652.
[0077] FIG. 13 illustrates the electronic system with vibration
sensors 4 interconnections.
[0078] Preferably, one sensor 4 is mounted on each fence segment 1.
Each segment is about 4 meter wide, and a zone 73 may include 33
detectors 4 for example, thus spanning a fence length of about 100
meter.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, an alarm being activated allows
to pinpoint its source to one of the zones in the system. Thus, in
each zone the sensors are connected together.
[0080] Each group of sensors 4 are preferably connected on a common
cable at the required intervals therebetween, with connectors 72 at
both ends of the cable to connect to others such groups.
[0081] A sensors group thus includes a cable with sensors and
connectors, preferably assembled at the factory into a reliable,
hermetically sealed unit. When installing the fence, each sensor 4
is attached to a fence segment and the integral cable already
connects the sensors; groups of sensors are connected by
cables.
[0082] Programming may be required (i.e. by setting wires or
jumpers) so that each zone corresponds to a different, predefined
line. These may be implemented in the SLT units 71 and/or in the
cable/sensor units themselyes.
[0083] Thus, using multi-wire cables and multi-pin connectors with
each group wired so as to be connected to a different pin in the
connector and with unique marking thereon, the system is easily
assembled in a short time, whilst transferring the separate signals
for each zone among different zones.
[0084] FIG. 13 illustrates vibration sensors 4 for two zones 73,
Z-1 and Z-2 in this embodiment, with Sensor Line Terminator (SLT)
71 units at both ends of each zone, and a multi-pin connector pair
72 for connecting groups of sensors.
[0085] FIG. 14 details a multi-zone electronic system, with a
Signal Processing Unit (SPU) 75 being connected to a plurality of
zones 73--eight zones in this embodiment, Z-1 to Z-8. The SPU may
include filter and protection means as required for the electrical
signals from the vibration sensors there.
[0086] The Signal Processing Unit (SPU) 75 may be connected to a
Personal Computer (PC) 76 for signal processing and alarm detection
when certain predefined conditions are met.
[0087] A plurality of SPU units 75 may be connected to each other
in a chain, to further expand the system in a modular structure, as
deemed necessary. A large number of units 75 may be thus linked
together (practically to an unlimited number), to support fences
for large area facilities.
[0088] Programming may be required (i.e. by setting wires or
jumpers) so that each zone corresponds to a different, predefined
line. These may be implemented in the SPU units 74.
[0089] The units 74 may be pre-programmed at the factory with
corresponding external markings to aid in their assembly, so
practically no programming is required in the field. This
embodiment is preferable, to prevent human errors and strive to
achieve a fool-proof system, easy to install in a short time.
[0090] FIG. 15 details an enhanced electronic system, including a
plurality of zones with Sensor Line Terminator (SLT) 71 between
them. SLT units 71 may be connected to a Signal Processing Unit
(SPU) 75 for signal processing of the sensors signals.
[0091] Preferably, the system may include a weather compensation
unit, to adapt to various weather states and to reduce the false
alarm rate, even in adverse weather. The weather compensation unit
may include a wind strength sensor using for example a windmill
sensor 753 with F/V converter. An adverse weather sensor 753--rain,
hail, etc. may also be included.
[0092] The system's operation is such as to raise the threshold for
activating an alarm, or to even disable sensors in one or more
sectors, where adverse weather is detected. The algorithms for
setting an adaptive alarm threshold may take into account the
actual measure of sensors activation as a function of the weather
state, based on past experience.
[0093] The system may further include a power source 764 for
supplying electrical energy to the system, an alarm panel 762 for
activating the system and displaying the state of each zone and the
location of alarms being activated, together with optional
additional information.
[0094] The dialer means 763 may be used to dial to a remote
location, such as an alarm center, and to communicate alarm-related
information to that center.
[0095] It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example
of a system and method within the scope of the present invention
and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the
art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.
* * * * *