U.S. patent application number 12/157856 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for redeployable barrier fence system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Washington Group International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Martin O. Wilson.
Application Number | 20090001335 12/157856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40159261 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090001335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Martin O. |
January 1, 2009 |
Redeployable barrier fence system
Abstract
A redeployable security barrier system and methods for using the
same are disclosed, the barrier system comprising an assembly of
individual foundation barrier units or structures, which provide a
vehicle-impact resistant foundation portion, and an upper,
generally visually transparent, personnel-scaling resistant fence
portion that spans the assembly of barrier units.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Martin O.;
(Columbia, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David Silverstein;Andover-IP-Law
Suite 300, 44 Park Street
Andover
MA
01810
US
|
Assignee: |
Washington Group International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
40159261 |
Appl. No.: |
12/157856 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60934794 |
Jun 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/13.1 ;
256/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/13.1 ;
256/64 |
International
Class: |
E01F 15/00 20060101
E01F015/00; E04H 17/14 20060101 E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A barrier fence system comprising a ground-level
vehicle-resistant barrier portion made up of a plurality of
adjacent foundation barrier units in combination with an above
ground-level fence portion supported by a structural framework,
held in place by being secured to and/or embedded in the barrier
units.
2. A barrier fence system comprising in combination: (a) an
assembly of foundation barrier units positioned side-by-side
abutting or in close proximity to an adjacent unit; (b) a
post-and-rail framework comprising a plurality of generally
vertically-extending post members and a plurality of generally
non-vertically-extending rail members, wherein each post member
comprises a post foot portion secured to and/or embedded in a
foundation barrier unit and a post support portion extending above
the foundation barrier unit, and also wherein each rail member
spans and is fastened to the post support portions of two or more
post members; and, (c) fencing comprising expanded metal fence
fabric that spans and is fastened to the post support portions of
two or more post members and also to two or more rail members,
forming a continuous fence along the tops of the foundation barrier
units.
3. A barrier fence system according to claim 2 wherein each
foundation barrier unit comprises an open-top box-like structure
having an interior region, the structure being of suitable size and
strength to provide motorized vehicle impact resistance.
4. A barrier fence system according to claim 3 wherein a foundation
barrier unit is made of steel, concrete or a comparably strong
material.
5. A barrier fence system according to claim 3 wherein a foundation
barrier unit is of a generally rectangular shape and comprises at
least four steel side panels assembled and fastened to one another
to form the outer walls of the box-like structure.
6. A barrier fence system according to claim 3 further wherein the
hollow interior region of a foundation barrier unit is filled with
soil, sand or a comparable buffer filler material.
7. A barrier fence system according to claim 3 wherein a foundation
barrier unit ranges from about 20 to 50 feet in length, about 3 to
10 feet in width, and about 3 to 8 feet in height.
8. A barrier fence system according to claim 7 wherein the fencing
extends about 5 to 15 feet above the tops of the foundation barrier
units.
9. A barrier fence system according to claim 5 further comprising
one or more crosstie panels spaced at periodic intervals in the
interior region of a foundation barrier unit.
10. A barrier fence system according to claim 2 wherein at least
some of said post members are secured to side walls or to tie walls
of a foundation barrier unit by a U-shaped fastener system.
11. A barrier fence system according to claim 2 wherein the metal
fence fabric is secured to at least some of the post support
portions and to at least some of the rail members by a U-shaped
fastener system.
12. A barrier fence system according to claim 10 wherein said
U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts with heads that
cannot be grabbed or turned from one side of the barrier fence
system.
13. A barrier fence system according to claim 11 wherein said
U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts with heads that
cannot be grabbed or turned from one side of the barrier fence
system.
14. A barrier fence system according to claim 2 wherein the
expanded metal fence fabric comprises expanded metal sheets with
openings shaped and sized to provide visibility through the fence
but without providing a hand-hold that would assist in scaling the
fence.
15. A barrier fence system according to claim 14 further wherein
the surfaces of metal components of the barrier fence system are
treated for corrosion protection.
16. A method of erecting a redeployable barrier fence system
comprising the steps of: (a) assembling a plurality of foundation
barrier units, each comprising front and back wall panels and
left-side and right-side wall panels, each such wall panel being
fastened to adjacent wall panels to form the outer walls of a
box-like structure having an interior region; (b) positioning the
assembled foundation barrier units side-by-side abutting or in
close proximity to an adjacent unit and generally in alignment to
form a ground-level barrier structure having front and back faces;
(c) securing a plurality of generally vertically disposed post
members to wall panels of the foundation barrier units such that
the post members are generally in alignment along the barrier
structure; (d) filling the interior region of a foundation barrier
unit with soil, sand or a comparable buffer filler material; (e)
either before or after step (d), securing a plurality of rail
members to the post members to form at least upper and lower lines
of rail members that span the barrier structure and, in combination
with the post members, comprise a post-and-rail framework; (f)
securing overlapping panels of expanded metal fence fabric to the
post-and-rail framework to form a continuous fence structure
spanning the region above the barrier structure.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the front and back
wall panels and the left-side and right-side wall panels are
pre-cut steel panels of suitable sizes for forming a generally
rectangular structure when assembled.
18. The method according to claim 16 wherein a post foot portion of
a post member extends to the bottom of a foundation barrier unit
and becomes securely embedded in soil, sand or comparable buffer
filler material when the unit is filled.
19. The method according to claim 16 wherein at least some of the
post members are secured to wall panels of the foundation barrier
units by a U-shaped fastener system.
20. The method according to claim 16 wherein the metal fence fabric
is secured to at least some of the post support portions and to at
least some of the rail members by a U-shaped fastener system.
21. The method according to claim 19 wherein said U-shaped fastener
system comprises fastening bolts with heads that cannot be grabbed
or turned from at least the front or the back face of the wall
structure.
22. The method according to claim 19 wherein said U-shaped fastener
system comprises fastening bolts with heads that cannot be grabbed
or turned from one side of the barrier fence system.
23. The method according to claim 16 further including the step of
positioning crosstie wall panels inside one or more of the
foundation barrier units as part of the assembly of step (a), and
wherein in step (c) post members are secured to at least some of
those crosstie wall panels.
24. The method according to claim 16 further comprising the step of
disassembling the barrier fence system for redeployment to another
location by the added steps of: (g) removing the panels of fence
fabric from engagement with the post-and-rail framework; (h)
removing the rail members from engagement with the post members;
(i) at least partially emptying the filler material from the
foundation barrier units to expose lower portions of the post
members; (j) removing the post members from engagement with the
wall panels of the foundation barrier units; and, (k) disassembling
the wall panels of the foundation barrier units; all of steps (a)
through (k) being performed with little or no damage to the
component parts of the assembly such that those component parts can
be reused.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a combination
vehicle barrier/fencing system useful in border security and
facility security applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years there has been a growing need to secure
national land borders and various sensitive facilities, at least
temporarily, from unauthorized human access and entry, especially
by means of motor vehicles. There has been growing concern about
securing national borders against illegal immigration, such as
along the southern border of the United States, especially with the
increased risk that some individuals attempting to illegally enter
the country could be criminals or terrorists. Such a border
security system would typically be permanent or at least
semi-permanent.
[0003] In addition, because of the threat of domestic terrorism, it
may periodically become necessary to temporarily secure certain
facilities against unauthorized entry by individuals on foot or
driving motor vehicles. Such facilities requiring at least
temporary security against intrusion include government buildings,
military installations, power plants, refineries, chemical plants,
dams, bridges, stadiums and commercial buildings. Even outdoor
areas where a large number of people are expected to congregate for
a special occasion may require security from unauthorized
intrusion.
[0004] Historically in the security barrier field, tradeoffs have
been made based on the anticipated permanence or temporary nature
of a barrier, the cost and time needed for erection of the barrier,
and the desired strength and level of security of the barrier. For
example, the construction of massive, permanent stone walls to
protect borders and cities from old-fashioned military assaults
dates back thousands of years. While highly effective as defenses,
at least for a time, such walls were costly, required decades or
even centuries to construct, and were completely immovable. At the
opposite end of the scale, it is well known today in highway
construction to place a series of relatively inexpensive and
readily moveable (with proper equipment) individual concrete
barrier units end-to-end to direct traffic around a construction
site or to separate two lanes of traffic from one another. Such
barriers can be erected relatively quickly and can be moved to a
new job site when a road project is completed. These barrier units,
however, are typically only three to four feet high, can be
displaced by the direct impact of a motor vehicle, and clearly are
not suitable for modern security barrier applications.
[0005] An effective modern land-based security barrier system must
fulfill a number of specialized requirements. First, of course,
such a system must be effective in preventing most, if not all,
breeches by individuals on foot or in a motorized vehicle, e.g., a
car or truck. Individuals on foot should not be able to scale and
climb over the barrier, and motor vehicles should not be able to
penetrate or displace the barrier. Second, it is highly desirable
that such a system provide for good, unimpeded visibility from one
side of the barrier to the other at ordinary eye levels so that
security officials on one side of the barrier can readily visually
monitor what is taking place on the other side of the barrier.
[0006] Another desirable feature of an effective security barrier
system is that it be relatively quick and easy to erect at a given
site. It is also highly desirable that the system be easily
deconstructed such that it can be cost-effectively relocated to a
different site. Another important feature of a land-based security
barrier system is that it should be difficult if not impossible to
tunnel under the barrier.
[0007] Several different types of fencing systems are currently in
use as security barrier systems. Particularly popular are cable
systems that provide at least some resistance to vehicle
penetration but require relatively closely spaced concrete footings
or "dead men" to anchor the cables. These types of systems are
typically approved for preventing penetration by light motor
vehicles traveling at relatively low speeds. Some of these systems
have been tested for heavier vehicles traveling at speeds up to 50
miles per hour. In general, these systems have passed test
requirements when vehicle impact was at the anchorage points, but
they have experienced failure when the cables were struck directly.
Furthermore, these types of systems may not be fully and easily
portable (if concrete footings have to be moved or rebuilt) and
provide little if any protection against scaling or tunneling.
[0008] Other similar systems may attempt to simplify the anchoring
systems to reduce costs and facilitate construction/deconstruction.
Soil anchors, for example, while less expensive and easier to put
in place than concrete footings, vary widely in strength according
to soil composition. Because soil composition varies greatly, even
along a length of a border or around one perimeter, substantial
soil testing would be required to design and install a reliable
fence using only soil anchors.
[0009] Continuous concrete, stone block, or stone/steel wall
systems can, of course, be constructed to have virtually any
desirable combination of height/width so as to be essentially
impenetrable by any ordinary motor vehicles, and even by most heavy
machinery (e.g., bulldozers) or military vehicles (e.g., tanks).
But, such constructions are prohibitively costly, may take months
or years to construct, and certainly are not portable. Furthermore,
this type of system can typically be scaled if not too high and, if
built high enough to prevent or resist scaling, it obscures
visibility at least at ordinary eye-level from one side to the
other. Maintaining vigilance over activities occurring on the other
side of such a high barrier wall would necessitate posting guards
along the top of the wall (similar to the walled cities of Europe
and the Great Wall of China), or installing video equipment, or
some combination of the two.
[0010] These and other deficiencies in or limitations of the prior
art approaches to security barriers are overcome in whole, or at
least in part, by the redeployable barrier fence system of this
invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to
provide a redeployable land-based barrier fence system suitable for
modern border security and facility security applications.
[0012] Another general object of this invention is to provide a
security barrier system resistant to penetration by individuals on
foot or in moving motor vehicles.
[0013] Still another general object of this invention is to provide
a reasonably portable security barrier system that is relatively
easily assembled, disassembled, and transported to a different
site.
[0014] A specific object of this invention is to provide a fence
barrier system that requires no water for concrete. This is
especially suited for remote areas where water is not easily
available.
[0015] A specific object of this invention is to provide a security
barrier system comprising an assembly of interconnected individual
foundation barrier units or structures, each of a transportable
size and/or design, that can be positioned side-by-side and used to
support a combination post-and-rail framework and fencing system
spanning the assembly of barrier units to form a continuous barrier
or perimeter wall.
[0016] Another specific object of this invention is to provide a
security barrier system comprising a fastening system for securing
post members and fence panels to a side wall or tie wall of a
foundation barrier unit.
[0017] Another specific object of this invention is to provide a
fastening system for fastening expanded metal fence fabric
respectively to the post and rail members of a post-and-rail
framework constructed on an assembly of foundation barrier
units.
[0018] Yet another specific object of this invention is to provide
a security barrier system that affords vehicle impact resistance
along a lower barrier portion thereof while also providing an upper
barrier portion of sufficient steepness, height and absence of
handholds or grip points substantially to prevent scaling of the
upper portion.
[0019] Still another specific object of this invention is to
provide a security barrier system comprising a vehicle-impact
resistant lower barrier portion and a personnel-scaling resistant
upper barrier portion, wherein the upper barrier portion also
provides eye-level visual communication from one side of the
barrier to the other.
[0020] Yet another specific object of this invention is to provide
a security barrier system that is substantially resistant to
tunneling.
[0021] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following description and the
illustrative drawings as discussed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is a redeployable security barrier
system comprising an assembly of individual foundation barrier
units or structures, which provide a vehicle-impact resistant
foundation portion, and an upper, generally visually transparent,
personnel-scaling resistant fence portion that spans the assembly
of barrier units. The foundation barrier units in accordance with
this invention preferably each comprise a vehicle barrier element
that is a hollow, open-top box-like structure made of a suitably
strong material (e.g., steel) which, when assembled and filled with
earth, sand or a similar buffer material, will provide mass and
anti-ram protection from vehicles. A foundation barrier unit can be
prefabricated and transported to a site as an assembled unit or
constructed on site from pre-cut wall panels and fastening
elements.
[0023] A particularly preferred foundation portion for this
invention is the vehicle barrier system commercially available from
Infrastructure Defense Technologies of Belvidere, Ill., under the
tradename Metalith.TM., although alternative structures having
comparable vehicle-impact resistant properties may also be used.
Such foundation portions are commercially available in many
configurations and can be resized to meet specific use
requirements.
[0024] The upper or fence portion of a barrier system in accordance
with this invention preferably comprises a post-and-rail framework
that serves as a fencing support system together with an expanded
metal fence fabric that is secured to the post-and-rail framework
to afford penetration and cutting resistance, an unscalable
vertical surface, and open areas to provide visual transparency.
The upper portion of the barrier system may comprise a standard
post-and-rail system, each element of which is fabricated of high
strength steel or comparable material to minimize weight and
size.
[0025] Expanded metal fence fabric is commercially available in
different grades depending on need. One such product is made from a
solid sheet of HSLA steel that is simultaneously slit and stretched
into a rigid diamond-shaped mesh design that allows for good
visibility and light passage. Such expanded metal fencing can be
formed with screen-like openings that are large enough to afford
visibility but not large enough to provide handholds or toeholds in
order to resist climbing without the use of special equipment.
Expanded metal fabric is also more resistant to cutting than
standard wire and chain link fencing. In a particularly preferred
invention embodiment, an expanded metal fabric is attached to a
combination post-and-rail support system using special fastening
elements, a system commercially available from Alabama Metal
Industries Corp. (AMICO) of Birmingham, Ala., under the tradename
Secura Fence System.TM.. This commercial system can be constructed
as a new fence or to retrofit an existing fence, and it is
available in medium and maximum security models.
[0026] In a completed barrier fence assembly according to this
invention, the individual barrier units are connected to contiguous
units on either side thereof (except for an end unit of a barrier
wall which has a contiguous unit on only one side) at least along
the upper portions by means of the connected rails and the expanded
metal fencing which span adjacent barrier units. In some invention
embodiments, a fastening device or system, such as a bolt system,
may be used to secure adjacent foundation barrier units to one
another.
[0027] The upper fence portion of the barrier system comprises a
plurality of vertically extending post members each anchored to and
extending upward from one of the barrier foundation units to about
the desired height of the upper fence portion of the barrier wall.
At least upper and lower laterally extending rail members extend
between, and are secured to, the post members by any suitable
fastening device or system, such as a bolt system. Overlapping
panels of expanded metal fence, secured to one another along the
juncture lines, and of appropriate height extend between the posts
of the same or of contiguous barrier units and are secured to the
assembled post-and-rail frame to create a continuous upper fence
portion of the security barrier. The upper fence portion of the
barrier wall can be formed with mesh having smaller diamonds and
wider strands that is difficult to cut, climb or crawl under. A
formidable barrier is thereby created offering strength, resistance
and durability that provides delay, detection and deterrence of
intruders, and also affords ample response time for security
personnel.
[0028] The redeployable barrier fence system of this invention is
especially well suited for use in remote areas where using concrete
foundations is impractical. This system provides both effective
vehicle crash resistance along its foundation portion, and a
secure, transparent fence fabric upper portion for providing visual
contact. This system does not require concrete for foundations. The
Metalith.TM. foundation elements, for example, meet government
crash ratings for anti-ram resistance. The barrier system of this
invention is designed to be deployed quickly and installed quickly
using locally-available materials. The upper fencing portion of
this barrier system is designed to withstand wind loads up to 70
mph. The expanded metal fencing fabric provides a good level of
transparency for visual contact and/or for allowing sensors to be
placed within the fabric mesh.
[0029] Although in a preferred invention embodiment adjacent
foundation units abut one another, and may optionally be fastened
to one another along their respective abutting sides to enhance
immobility during a vehicle impact, in an alternative embodiment,
at least some of the foundation units may be spaced a small
distance from adjacent units to allow for small species migration,
water drainage, and so forth.
[0030] The barrier fence system of this invention is relatively
easily redeployable. The system can be erected easily and also
disassembled easily. The open-top, box-like foundation units can be
filled with and emptied of sand, earth or other buffer material
relatively quickly using small earth-moving equipment, such as a
front-end loader, and, once emptied, can be disassembled for
transport without damaging or destroying the component elements.
The fence post and rail members may be standard lengths and are
also easily assembled and disassembled. Similarly, the expanded
metal fence fabric is also easily removed and transported for
reassembly because no special cutting or sizing is required for the
installation.
[0031] Furthermore, the barrier fence system of this invention is
also resistant to tunneling. While a standard above-ground fence
having a thickness less than one inch is relatively easy to tunnel
under, the foundation units of this invention typically have a
thickness (depth) of about five (5) feet, thereby requiring one to
tunnel more than five feet to penetrate such a barrier. The
expanded metal fabric of this invention is more resistant to
cutting than standard wire or chain link, and it is commercially
available in different grades to accommodate a particular type or
level of threat. Firmly securing the edges of the expanded metal
fabric further enhances its resistance to cutting.
[0032] The barrier fence system of this invention is also highly
resistant to scaling without special equipment by minimizing or
eliminating any useable handholds or toeholds. In a preferred
embodiment, the total height of a fully assembled barrier system
according to this invention is at least eleven (11) feet.
[0033] More specifically, this invention comprises the following
embodiments:
[0034] 1. A barrier fence system comprising a ground-level
vehicle-resistant barrier portion made up of a plurality of
adjacent foundation barrier units in combination with an above
ground-level fence portion supported by a structural framework,
held in place by being secured to and/or embedded in the barrier
units.
[0035] 2. A barrier fence system comprising in combination: [0036]
(a) an assembly of foundation barrier units positioned side-by-side
abutting or in close proximity to an adjacent unit; [0037] (b) a
post-and-rail framework comprising a plurality of generally
vertically-extending post members and a plurality of generally
non-vertically-extending rail members, wherein each post member
comprises a post foot portion secured to and/or embedded in a
foundation barrier unit and a post support portion extending above
the foundation barrier unit, and also wherein each rail member
spans and is fastened to the post support portions of two or more
post members; and, [0038] (c) fencing comprising expanded metal
fence fabric that spans and is fastened to the post support
portions of two or more post members and also to two or more rail
members, forming a continuous fence along the tops of the
foundation barrier units.
[0039] 3. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 2 above
wherein each foundation barrier unit comprises a hollow, open-top
box-like structure of suitable size and strength to provide
motorized vehicle impact resistance.
[0040] 4. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 3 above
wherein a foundation barrier unit is made of steel, concrete or a
comparably strong material.
[0041] 5. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 3 above
wherein a foundation barrier unit is of a generally rectangular
shape and comprises at least four steel side panels assembled and
fastened to one another to form the outer walls of the box-like
structure.
[0042] 6. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 3 above
further wherein the hollow interior portion of a foundation barrier
unit is filled with soil, sand or a comparable buffer filler
material.
[0043] 7. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 3 above
wherein a foundation barrier unit ranges from about 20 to 50 feet
in length, about 3 to 10 feet in width, and about 3 to 8 feet in
height.
[0044] 8. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 7 above
wherein the fencing extends about 5 to 15 feet above the tops of
the foundation barrier units.
[0045] 9. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 5 above
further comprising one or more crosstie panels spaced at periodic
intervals in the interior of a foundation barrier unit.
[0046] 10. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 2 above
wherein at least some of said post members are secured to side
walls or to tie walls of a foundation barrier unit by a U-shaped
fastener system.
[0047] 11. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 2 above
wherein the metal fence fabric is secured to at least some of the
post support portions and to at least some of the rail members by a
U-shaped fastener system.
[0048] 12. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 10 above
wherein said U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts
with heads that cannot be grabbed or turned from one side of the
barrier fence system.
[0049] 13. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 11 above
wherein said U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts
with heads that cannot be grabbed or turned from one side of the
barrier fence system.
[0050] 14. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 2 above
wherein the expanded metal fence fabric comprises expanded metal
sheets with openings shaped and sized to provide visibility through
the fence but without providing a hand-hold that would assist in
scaling the fence.
[0051] 15. A barrier fence system according to paragraph 14 above
further wherein the surfaces of metal components of the barrier
fence system are treated for corrosion protection.
[0052] 16. A method of erected a redeployable barrier fence system
comprising the sequential steps of: [0053] (a) assembling a
plurality of foundation barrier units, each comprising front and
back wall panels and left-side and right-side wall panels, each
such wall panel being fastened to adjacent wall panels to form the
outer walls of a box-like structure; [0054] (b) positioning the
assembled foundation barrier units side-by-side abutting or in
close proximity to an adjacent unit and generally in alignment to
form a ground-level wall structure having front and back faces;
[0055] (c) securing a plurality of generally vertically disposed
post members to wall panels of the foundation barrier units such
that the post members are generally in alignment along the wall
structure; [0056] (d) filling each foundation barrier unit with
soil, sand or a comparable buffer filler material; [0057] (e)
either before or after step (d), securing a plurality of rail
members to the post members to form at least upper and lower lines
of rail members that span the wall structure and, in combination
with the post members, comprise a post-and-rail framework; [0058]
(f) securing overlapping panels of expanded metal fence fabric to
the post-and-rail framework to form a continuous fence structure
spanning the region above the wall structure.
[0059] 17. The method according to paragraph 16 above wherein the
front and back wall panels and the left-side and right-side wall
panels are pre-cut steel panels of suitable sizes for forming a
generally rectangular structure when assembled.
[0060] 18. The method according to paragraph 16 above wherein a
post foot portion of a post member extends to the bottom of a
foundation barrier unit and becomes securely embedded in soil, sand
or comparable buffer filler material when the unit is filled.
[0061] 19. The method according to paragraph 16 above wherein at
least some of the post members are secured to wall panels of the
foundation barrier units by a U-shaped fastener system.
[0062] 20. The method according to paragraph 16 above wherein the
metal fence fabric is secured to at least some of the post support
portions and to at least some of the rail members by a U-shaped
fastener system.
[0063] 21. The method according to paragraph 19 above wherein said
U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts with heads that
cannot be grabbed or turned from at least the front or the back
face of the wall structure.
[0064] 22. The method according to paragraph 19 above wherein said
U-shaped fastener system comprises fastening bolts with heads that
cannot be grabbed or turned from one side of the barrier fence
system.
[0065] 23. The method according to paragraph 16 above further
including the step of positioning crosstie wall panels inside one
or more of the foundation barrier units as part of the assembly
step of step (a), and wherein in step (c) post members are secured
to at least some of those crosstie wall panels.
[0066] 24. The method according to paragraph 16 above further
comprising the step of disassembling the barrier fence system for
redeployment to another location by the added steps of: [0067] (g)
removing the panels of fence fabric from engagement with the
post-and-rail framework; [0068] (h) removing the rail members from
engagement with the post members; [0069] (i) at least partially
emptying the filler material from the foundation barrier units to
expose lower portions of the post members; [0070] (j) removing the
post members from engagement with the wall panels of the foundation
barrier units; and, [0071] (k) disassembling the wall panels of the
foundation barrier units;
[0072] all of steps (a) through (k) being performed with little or
no damage to the component parts of the assembly such that those
component parts can be reused.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0073] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an assembled
redeployable barrier fence system in accordance with this invention
having a motorized vehicle-resistant lower barrier portion and a
continuous scaling-resistant upper fence portion.
[0074] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of three contiguous
foundation barrier units according to this invention in combination
with a post-and-rail framework supporting a continuous expanded
metal fencing upper portion.
[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates a first view of metal fencing secured to
a post of a post-and-rail framework using a U-shaped fastener
system in accordance with this invention.
[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates another view of a U-shaped fastener
system according to this invention illustrating its use in securing
an object to a wall of a structure.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic fence elevation design drawing
illustrating fence details for a representative invention
embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a schematic fence and foundation unit section
design drawing illustrating construction details for a
representative invention embodiment and, particularly, illustrating
the multiple applications of a U-shaped fastener system according
to the invention in securely but removably fastening together
different components of the barrier fence system.
[0079] FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic section design drawing of a
portion of FIG. 6 showing a post member secured to a tie wall of a
foundation barrier unit with a U-shaped fastener system according
to this invention for a representative invention embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic design drawing of a portion
of FIG. 6 showing a fence panel secured to a notched tie wall of a
foundation barrier unit with a U-shaped fastener system according
to this invention for a representative invention embodiment.
[0081] FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of a portion
of FIG. 6 illustrating a U-shaped fastener system in accordance
with this invention used to secure expanded metal mesh fencing to a
post member of a post-and-rail fence support system.
[0082] FIG. 10 (which is comparable to FIG. 9) is an enlarged
schematic sectional view of a portion of FIG. 6 illustrating a
U-shaped fastener system in accordance with this invention used to
secure expanded metal mesh fencing to a rail member of a
post-and-rail fence support system.
[0083] FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic sectional view illustrating
a back strap fastening system in accordance with this invention
used to secure two adjacent, overlapping sections of expanded metal
mesh to one another along junctures where one fencing panel ends
and another fencing panel begins.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0084] A redeployable barrier fence system 10 in accordance with
this invention, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises
two integrated and cooperating portions: (1) a vehicle-impact
resistant foundation or lower structure 12; and (2) a
scaling-resistant, substantially visually-transparent upper fencing
portion 14, preferably comprising expanded metal mesh 16 secured to
a post-and-rail support system 18 comprising post members 24 and
rail members 26. The foundation structures of this system serve as
the vehicle crash barrier as well as providing a foundation for and
a means of securing the post members of the post-and-rail system.
The foundation structures also afford tunneling resistance. The
expanded metal mesh upper fence portion of this system provides
personnel penetration resistance as well as affording good
visibility between the protected side of the security barrier and
the attack side.
The Foundation Structures
[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the foundation structures 12 that
comprise the lower or base portion of the security barrier are
constructed or designed to be constructed in about 20 to 50-foot
long sections (preferably about 30 to 40-foot long sections), each
being about 3 to 10 feet wide (preferably about 5 feet wide) and
about 3 to 8 feet high (preferably about 4 feet high) as
schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. The foundation structures 12
are typically open-top, generally rectangular box-like structures,
typically made of four side or wall panels of steel or comparable
material, which may be prefabricated and transported assembled to
the desired site or, alternatively, may comprise pre-cut wall
panels designed to be assembled on site. The foundation elements
typically do not include top or bottom panels, although such
embodiments are considered within the scope of this invention.
[0086] If the foundation structure 12 comprises pre-cut wall
panels, e.g., 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, for assembly on site, in a
preferred embodiment the wall panels may be connected together with
tie rods (not shown) for quick assembly and disassembly. In
addition, crosstie panels (or tie walls) may be located every five
feet or so in the interior of a foundation structure to add
rigidity for the assembled structure and to provide an additional
wall section that can be used to help support an adjacent post
member. For example, FIG. 5 shows a design plan drawing for a
portion of a barrier fence system comprising two foundation
structures 12, each 40 feet in length with three tie walls, one
located at every ten feet of interior space. There is a 6 inch gap
between adjacent sidewalls of the two foundation structures 12. A
continuous length of metal mesh fencing comprising overlapping
sheets of metal mesh spans the entire top portions of the two
foundation structures 12. Fastener systems in accordance with this
invention are used to secure the various component parts to one
another.
[0087] Once the foundation structures are assembled (if not
pre-assembled), they are placed at a desired site more or less in
alignment, typically with the short sides of one foundation
structure abutting or in close proximity to the short sides of
adjacent foundation structures to form a ground-level wall or
barrier (see FIG. 1). In one invention embodiment, the short side
walls of one foundation structure abut, or substantially abut, the
short side walls of the adjacent foundation structure(s). In an
alternative embodiment, at least some of the foundation structures
may be spaced a short distance, for example up to about 6 inches,
from the next foundation structure(s) to create passages for water
and/or small animal migration past the barrier walls, but not large
enough for human penetration. As seen in FIG. 2, an attempt to
breach a barrier wall in accordance with this invention by
tunneling under the wall would require digging a tunnel longer than
the width of the wall structure (five feet in FIG. 2).
[0088] After one or more of the foundation structures have been
properly sited, and the post members have been secured to the walls
of the foundation structures, as described below, the interiors of
the foundation structures are filled with soil, sand or another
barrier filler material, preferably with a material available
immediately adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the structure.
The soil or other barrier material used should preferably need only
minor compaction. In this respect, dry sand is a particularly
preferred barrier filler material.
The High-Strength Post and Rail Members
[0089] The upper fence portion 14 of the security barrier system 10
of this invention comprises a post-and-rail support frame 18 in
combination with the expanded metal mesh fencing 16. In one
illustrative embodiment, the post members 24 and rail members 26
may be made from HS-83K steel, and such members are commercially
available from Wheatland Tube. For example, the post members 24 may
be 21/2 inch HS-83K pipe, and the rail members 26 may be 2 inch
HS-83K pipe.
[0090] The post members 24 are preferably secured to the outer
walls or to the crosstie panels of the foundation structures 12
before those structures are filled with soil or sand. In a
preferred embodiment, the post members 24 are fastened to the side
walls or tie walls of a foundation structure using a U-shaped
fastener system (as illustrated and described hereinafter)
comprising U-shaped bolts, backer straps and associated hardware
such as threaded nuts. This type of fastener system has been found
to securely fasten the post members in place while minimizing any
damage (e.g., crushing) of the crosstie panels, thus facilitating
reuse of these components. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening
bolts of the fastening system used in the structures of this
invention have bolt heads that cannot be grabbed or turned from at
least one side, e.g., the attack side, of the barrier wall.
[0091] At least two lines of rail members 26 are used for the
post-and-rail flame that supports the expanded metal mesh fencing.
A lower line 26a (as seen in FIG. 2) of rail members 26 should
extend generally orthogonally to the post members just above the
tops of the foundation structures. An upper line 26b of rail
members 26 should extend generally orthogonally to the post members
at or near the tops of the post members. For added structural
support, a third line 26c of rail members 26 could be added at an
intermediate level between the lower and upper rail lines. The rail
members 26 may be secured to the post members at points of
intersection using conventional fence line rail clamps or other
pipe fastening devices.
The Expanded Metal Sheets
[0092] The expanded metal mesh 16 that serves as the barrier fence
of the upper fence portion 14 of the security barrier system 10 of
this invention may, in a representative embodiment, comprise
expanded metal sheets that are 13 Gauge and 12 feet long by 7 feet,
6 inches wide with 1/2 inch openings, commercially available from
AMICO. These metal sheets may be attached to the post-and-rail
frame constructed above the tops of the foundation structures, as
described above, without any cutting to form a continuous fence
structure. The metal sheets are typically attached to the
post-and-rail frame such that the 7 feet, 6 inch metal sheet width
dimension runs vertically from the top of the foundation structures
to the tops of the post members, and the 12 feet metal sheet length
dimension runs horizontally. Based on these illustrative
dimensions, the barrier fence system as shown in FIG. 2 would
provide a barrier wall extending about 111/2 feet (4 feet base+71/2
feet fence) above the ground.
[0093] At sheet end junction locations where one panel of metal
sheet ends and another begins, it is preferred to overlap the two
panels by about 6 inches and to fasten the overlapped ends together
using a fence-end fastening system in accordance with this
invention. In one embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIG.
11, the fence-end fastening system may comprise a clamp member with
two straps or arms using two threaded bolts and mating threaded
nuts to securely sandwich the two sheet ends between the straps of
the clamp.
[0094] The expanded metal sheets are securely attached to the post
and rail members at a plurality of locations as needed using a
post/rail-to-fence fastening system in accordance with this
invention. In one embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIGS.
9 and 10, the metal sheets can be effectively fastened to post
members and to rail members utilizing a combination of a U-shaped
clamp member, a strap or backplate member, and two threaded bolts
with mating threaded nuts. Such a U-shaped fastening system is
available commercially as the Secura Fence System.TM., as earlier
discussed. In a representative embodiment, such a fastening system
is used to fasten the metal mesh to the post members at
approximately 12 inch on center spacing, and to the rail members at
approximately 18 inch on center spacing.
Finishes/Corrosion Protection
[0095] The surfaces of the various metal components as used in this
invention may be galvanized or otherwise treated for corrosion
protection for use in climates or under conditions where metal
corrosion would be expected to occur. Typically, no such metal
treatment would be needed for use of this invention in the desert
southwest of the United States. Although the redeployable barrier
fence system of this invention was specifically designed for
application along the southern border of the United States, the
system and methods of this invention can readily by adapted for use
along other borders or for other security applications as necessary
without departing from the scope of this invention teaching.
The U-Shaped Fastening System
[0096] In preferred embodiments of this invention, a U-shaped
fastening system can be used for various fastening needs. Such a
U-shaped fastening system can be used to secure the lower (foot)
portions of the post members to a side wall or a tie wall of a
foundation barrier unit. Such a U-shaped fastening system can also
be advantageously used in securing the expanded metal mesh fence
panels to the post and rail members.
[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates one view of a U-shaped fastening system
according to this invention securing mesh metal fencing 16 to a
post member 24. The fastening system illustrated comprises a
U-shaped member 30 (only a small portion of which is visible in
this Figure), a cross-member 32, and nut caps 34. As illustrated,
the nut caps 34 cannot be accessed from the opposite (attack) side
of the fence.
[0098] FIG. 4 illustrates another view of a U-shaped fastener
system. Here, a U-shaped member 40 is used to fasten an object to a
wall 42 of a structure. Threaded nuts 44 and cross-member 46 are
used to tighten the connection.
[0099] FIG. 6 is a schematic fence and foundation unit section
drawing illustrating multiple assembly uses of the U-shaped
fastener system. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a barrier
foundation unit 12 filled with soil. U-shaped fastening systems are
used to secure the post members 24 to a tie wall 20 and also to
secure the expanded mesh metal fence 16 both to post members 24 and
to rail members 26. The cross-section of FIG. 6 is taken adjacent
to a tie wall 20 located inside unit 12. The metal fence 16 is
comprised of overlapping metal panels which, as illustrated, are
embedded to a depth of about 11/2 inches into the soil at the top
of unit 12.
[0100] FIG. 7 is a schematic section drawing showing an enlarged
side view of one of the U-shaped fastener systems in FIG. 6
securing a post member 24 to a tie wall 10. As seen in FIG. 7, the
U-shaped fastener system comprises a 1/2 inch U-bolt 70, a 3/8 inch
mounting plate 72, 9/16 inch holes pre-drilled in tie wall 20 to
accommodate the two arms of the U-bolt, and threaded nuts 74 at
each of the two ends of U-bolt 70.
[0101] FIG. 8 is a schematic section drawing showing an enlarged
end view of one of the U-shaped fastener systems in FIG. 6 securing
a fence panel 16 to a tie wall 20. Tie wall 20 includes a notch 21
to accommodate the lower edge of the fence panel, which is embedded
in the soil in the foundation unit to a depth of about 11/2 inches
(FIG. 6). As seen in FIG. 8, the U-shaped fastener system comprises
a 1/2 inch U-bolt 80 together with a 3/8 inch mounting plate 82 and
threaded nuts 84.
[0102] FIG. 9 is a schematic section drawing showing an enlarged
side view of one of the U-shaped fastener systems in FIG. 6
securing a post member 24 to a section of expanded metal mesh
fencing 16. As seen in FIG. 9, the U-shaped fastener system
comprises a U-shaped clamp 90, a backplate 92, two 3/8 inch
threaded bolts 94, and two mating nuts 96. The heads of the bolts
94, which are positioned on the potential "attack" side of the
barrier fence, are designed so they cannot be grabbed or turned
from that side.
[0103] FIG. 10 is a schematic section drawing showing an enlarged
side view of one of the U-shaped fastener systems in FIG. 6
securing a rail member 26 to a section of expanded metal mesh
fencing 16. As seen in FIG. 10, the U-shaped fastener system
comprises a U-shaped clamp 100, a backplate 102, two 3/8 inch
threaded bolts 104, and two mating nuts 106. The heads of the bolts
104, which are positioned on the potential "attack" side of the
barrier fence, are designed so they cannot be grabbed or turned
from that side.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a schematic section drawing showing an enlarged
side view of an overlapping juncture between two adjacent sheets
16a and 16b of expanded metal mesh fencing with the two sheets
being secured to one another with a fastener system comprising
bolts and back straps. As seen in FIG. 11, bolt holes predrilled in
the metal mesh sheets 16a and 16b are aligned to accommodate the
pair of threaded bolts 114 (only one seen in FIG. 11). The fastener
system shown further comprises two backstraps 112, and two nuts 116
(only one seen in FIG. 11) adapted to mate with bolts 114. The
backstraps 112, one on each side of the overlapped portions of
metal mesh sheets 16a and 16b, span the distance between the two
bolt holes. The heads of the bolts 114, which are positioned on the
potential "attack" side of the barrier fence, are designed so they
cannot be grabbed or turned from that side.
[0105] Although this invention has been described by reference to
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in this art that various changes and modifications may be
made in the apparatus components, configuration of the components,
and other invention details without departing from the spirit and
scope of this invention.
* * * * *