CA2364937A1 - Interconnectable barrier system - Google Patents
Interconnectable barrier system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2364937A1 CA2364937A1 CA 2364937 CA2364937A CA2364937A1 CA 2364937 A1 CA2364937 A1 CA 2364937A1 CA 2364937 CA2364937 CA 2364937 CA 2364937 A CA2364937 A CA 2364937A CA 2364937 A1 CA2364937 A1 CA 2364937A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- barrier
- block
- barriers
- rings
- barrier element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
- F41H11/08—Barbed-wire obstacles; Barricades; Stanchions; Tank traps; Vehicle-impeding devices; Caltrops
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
Abstract
An interconnectable barrier block system comprising at least two block means, the block means adapted to rest on the ground; ring means connected about the lower portion of each of the block means; and a connector means connectable to the ring means;
wherein a first of the block means is connectable to a second of the block means using the connector means.
wherein a first of the block means is connectable to a second of the block means using the connector means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to defensive barriers for structures, and specifically to interconnectable barrier blocks.
BACKGROUND
Building security has become increasingly important during the past several decades.
Increasing and changing terrorism, and in particular the advent of the car and truck bomb, has created the need for barriers to keep vehicles at a distance from critical facilities and potential targets.
Buildings are secured by placing a defensive perimeter of barriers around them.
Besides special gates to allow authorized vehicles access to the building, the remainder of the perimeter usually consists of one of two types of barriers. The first is a bollard or block that is sunk into the ground at specific intervals around the building. The second consists of solid blocks, usually made of concrete, which are placed on the ground at specific intervals. The present invention deals with this second type of barrier.
The problem with concrete blocks which are simply placed on the ground is that they can be moved. This is especially true when the blocks are placed on pavement or concrete sidewalks, where they slide more easily. Thus, a truck with enough power might be able to push a concrete barrier block out of the way and penetrate the defensive perimeter. It is therefore may be necessary to fix the blocks into the ground.
While fixing blocks to the ground is one possible solution when dealing with permanent fixtures, attaching barriers to pavement for the temporary defence of structures is impractical.
Such barriers might, for example, be required for conference centres or hotels that are hosting a conference of world leaders, the protection of athletes during events such as the Olympics, or other situations in which the terrorist threat to specific buildings is temporarily increased.
Further, even with permanent fixtures, it is sometimes desirable to incorporate a barrier that is easy to install and does not require anchoring or fixing to the ground. A solution is therefore required which would provide sufficient resistance to ensure no vehicle can penetrate the defensive perimeter but which does not need to be anchored or fixed to the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a barrier system in which a series of individual blocks are interconnected to provide an impenetrable defensive barrier.
Barrier elements of sufficient mass and size are provided with connecting rings. Chains of sufficient strength connect the blocks to one another using the rings. This allows the weight of multiple blocks, along with the static friction of the blocks on the ground, to prevent a vehicle from breaking through the barrier.
The barrier elements are further easily deployed and removed by using a top ring to connect the barrier to a crane. Further, the barrier elements are not necessarily connected to the ground, facilitating installation of the perimeter.
The present invention therefore seeks to provide an interconnectable barrier block system comprising: at least two block means, said block means adapted to rest on the ground;
ring means connected about said lower portion of each of said block means; and a connector means connectable to said ring means; wherein a first of said block means is connectable to a second of said block means using said connector means.
The present invention relates to defensive barriers for structures, and specifically to interconnectable barrier blocks.
BACKGROUND
Building security has become increasingly important during the past several decades.
Increasing and changing terrorism, and in particular the advent of the car and truck bomb, has created the need for barriers to keep vehicles at a distance from critical facilities and potential targets.
Buildings are secured by placing a defensive perimeter of barriers around them.
Besides special gates to allow authorized vehicles access to the building, the remainder of the perimeter usually consists of one of two types of barriers. The first is a bollard or block that is sunk into the ground at specific intervals around the building. The second consists of solid blocks, usually made of concrete, which are placed on the ground at specific intervals. The present invention deals with this second type of barrier.
The problem with concrete blocks which are simply placed on the ground is that they can be moved. This is especially true when the blocks are placed on pavement or concrete sidewalks, where they slide more easily. Thus, a truck with enough power might be able to push a concrete barrier block out of the way and penetrate the defensive perimeter. It is therefore may be necessary to fix the blocks into the ground.
While fixing blocks to the ground is one possible solution when dealing with permanent fixtures, attaching barriers to pavement for the temporary defence of structures is impractical.
Such barriers might, for example, be required for conference centres or hotels that are hosting a conference of world leaders, the protection of athletes during events such as the Olympics, or other situations in which the terrorist threat to specific buildings is temporarily increased.
Further, even with permanent fixtures, it is sometimes desirable to incorporate a barrier that is easy to install and does not require anchoring or fixing to the ground. A solution is therefore required which would provide sufficient resistance to ensure no vehicle can penetrate the defensive perimeter but which does not need to be anchored or fixed to the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a barrier system in which a series of individual blocks are interconnected to provide an impenetrable defensive barrier.
Barrier elements of sufficient mass and size are provided with connecting rings. Chains of sufficient strength connect the blocks to one another using the rings. This allows the weight of multiple blocks, along with the static friction of the blocks on the ground, to prevent a vehicle from breaking through the barrier.
The barrier elements are further easily deployed and removed by using a top ring to connect the barrier to a crane. Further, the barrier elements are not necessarily connected to the ground, facilitating installation of the perimeter.
The present invention therefore seeks to provide an interconnectable barrier block system comprising: at least two block means, said block means adapted to rest on the ground;
ring means connected about said lower portion of each of said block means; and a connector means connectable to said ring means; wherein a first of said block means is connectable to a second of said block means using said connector means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of one barrier element;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the barrier element of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the barrier element of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a series of barrier elements connected together in a linear arrangement;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a series of barrier elements coupled together in a grid pattern;
and Figure 6 is a top plan view of one example of a configuration for the barrier elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 3. These figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of a single barrier element 10 of the present invention. Barrier element 10 is a concrete block and is preferably frusto-pyramidal shaped. However, the inventor envisions other shapes for the barriers.
Barrier 10 is preferably fabricated from pre-cast concrete. In order to reduce the effects of any cracking, chipping or impact related damage to the barrier, barrier element 10 also preferably includes a re-bar grid within the pre-cast concrete. The use of re-bar with concrete is well known in the art, and one skilled in the art will easily appreciate various configurations for the re-bar grid.
Barrier 10 may also be made from stone, especially for use in locations where an aesthetically pleasing barrier is preferred, such as a hotel or embassy.
Barrier element 10 includes side rings 20 on opposite sides of barrier element 10. Side rings 20 are used to join various barrier elements 10 together in a line, as is best seen in Figure 4. Side rings 20 comprise a high strength loop to which a chain 30 can be connected.
Side rings 20 are connected to barrier element 10 using a sunken anchor around which the concrete is precast, or which is grouted or cemented in place, in order to avoid side ring 20 from separating from barrier element 10 when high stress is introduced. This can happen when a vehicle crashes into the barrier.
In a preferred embodiment, side rings 20 and/or the anchors for the same are removable. This allows for the transport of barrier elements 10 without the problems associated with protrusions. In particular, the impact of side rings 20 from separate barrier elements 10 during transport could cause stress on barrier elements 10, and may lead to cracking. Further, without ring elements 20, more barrier elements 10 may be transported using the same space on trucks or trains.
In an alternative embodiment, side ring 20 can be connected to the re-bar grid.
Barrier element 10 further includes end rings 22. End rings 22 are similar or the same as side rings 22, and are located on at least one end of the barrier element 10. End rings 22 are used to join one line of barriers to a second line of barriers, as is best seen in Figure 5.
Chains 30 can be connected to end rings 22 to form a sawtooth pattern, thereby joining the two lines of barriers.
End rings 22 and side rings 20 are preferably located on the lower half of barrier element 10. This ensures that barrier element 10 will not tip over due to force being applied to rings 20 or 22.
Barrier element 10 also may include a top ring 24. Top ring 24 is used primarily to deploy and remove barrier element 10 by providing a connection point for a crane to lift the barrier. Top ring 24 preferably is made of the same material and has the same dimensions as rings 20 and 22 in order to provide cost savings for manufacture.
Barrier element 10 is preferably sized to provide a stable base that will prevent a vehicle from passing. Thus the size, shape and height of barrier element 10 are important, and will be determined based on the intended use of the barrier.
In one embodiment, the height of barrier element 10 is approximately 75 cm.
This is sufficiently tall that a truck will not be able to drive over the barrier element. The base of barrier element 10 is ideally wider than this height in order to provide stability and to prevent barrier element 10 from tipping over. In the preferred embodiment the base is approximately 90 cm wide.
In alternative embodiments, these sizes can be varied. For example, increasing the base by thirty centimetres and scaling the remainder of the block accordingly will more than double the weight of the barrier. Thus for heavier duty applications, the size of the barrier can be increased accordingly.
With the above dimensions, the size of the barrier will create sufficient mass to stop most vehicles. However, concrete barriers have a relatively low coefficient of friction when placed on surfaces such as concrete or pavement. Thus in order to prevent the barriers from being moved sufficiently to allow a vehicle to breach the security parameter, barrier elements are connected together using a chain 30. This interconnection of elements will create sufficient resistive forces to prevent even the most powerful vehicles from breaching the security parameter.
Chain 30 is selected to provide sufficient strength so that it can withstand the forces of a vehicle crashing into barrier element 30 without breaking. Chain 30 is connected to rings 20 or 22 using any well known connection means. In alternative embodiments, chain 30 can also be a cable or line.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as is best seen in Figure 4, barrier elements 10 are joined in a line. In this embodiment, if a vehicle strikes a barrier element 10, then the weight and friction of the barrier element will restrict the movement of the vehicle.
Further, the barriers to the left and right of the struck barrier will provide additional weight and friction to completely stop the vehicle.
If a higher level of security is required, the configuration of Figure 5 may be used. In this configuration, two tines of barriers are used, where the second line is offset from the first line both laterally and longitudinally. In this configuration, each line of barrier elements 10 is joined using chains 30 connected to side rings 20. Further, end rings 22 of one line of barrier elements are connected to end rings 22 of the second line of barrier elements in a sawtooth configuration.
The placement of side rings 20 and end rings 22 further allow a barrier element 10 to act as a corner element.
One example of a typical security perimeter is illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a perimeter of barrier elements 10 configured as in Figure 5 around the outside of a critical structure 40. These barrier elements are connected to special structures 42, such special structures including gate houses and guard facilities.
The inventor also foresees other uses for the barrier system of the present invention.
These include, but are not limited to, the use of the barrier system as a breakwater, landslide barrier or avalanche barrier. In all of these systems, the weight of the barrier along with the interconnection provides unique and superior protection.
The inventor further foresees that the present invention can be scaled to a miniature size to act as a toy for children. This can be used with toy soldiers and toy vehicles.
In operation, a security barrier can be deployed by using a crane truck to transport barriers 10. The barriers are then placed around the critical facility, where each barrier is sufficiently close to its neighbours to prevent a vehicle from passing between the barriers. If needed, side and end rings 20 and 22 are attached. The barriers are then joined together using a chain 30 between each barrier or between lines of barriers.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the preferred embodiment thereof, one skilled in the art will easily realize that other versions are possible, and that the invention is only intended to be limited in scope by the following claims.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of one barrier element;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the barrier element of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the barrier element of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a series of barrier elements connected together in a linear arrangement;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a series of barrier elements coupled together in a grid pattern;
and Figure 6 is a top plan view of one example of a configuration for the barrier elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 3. These figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of a single barrier element 10 of the present invention. Barrier element 10 is a concrete block and is preferably frusto-pyramidal shaped. However, the inventor envisions other shapes for the barriers.
Barrier 10 is preferably fabricated from pre-cast concrete. In order to reduce the effects of any cracking, chipping or impact related damage to the barrier, barrier element 10 also preferably includes a re-bar grid within the pre-cast concrete. The use of re-bar with concrete is well known in the art, and one skilled in the art will easily appreciate various configurations for the re-bar grid.
Barrier 10 may also be made from stone, especially for use in locations where an aesthetically pleasing barrier is preferred, such as a hotel or embassy.
Barrier element 10 includes side rings 20 on opposite sides of barrier element 10. Side rings 20 are used to join various barrier elements 10 together in a line, as is best seen in Figure 4. Side rings 20 comprise a high strength loop to which a chain 30 can be connected.
Side rings 20 are connected to barrier element 10 using a sunken anchor around which the concrete is precast, or which is grouted or cemented in place, in order to avoid side ring 20 from separating from barrier element 10 when high stress is introduced. This can happen when a vehicle crashes into the barrier.
In a preferred embodiment, side rings 20 and/or the anchors for the same are removable. This allows for the transport of barrier elements 10 without the problems associated with protrusions. In particular, the impact of side rings 20 from separate barrier elements 10 during transport could cause stress on barrier elements 10, and may lead to cracking. Further, without ring elements 20, more barrier elements 10 may be transported using the same space on trucks or trains.
In an alternative embodiment, side ring 20 can be connected to the re-bar grid.
Barrier element 10 further includes end rings 22. End rings 22 are similar or the same as side rings 22, and are located on at least one end of the barrier element 10. End rings 22 are used to join one line of barriers to a second line of barriers, as is best seen in Figure 5.
Chains 30 can be connected to end rings 22 to form a sawtooth pattern, thereby joining the two lines of barriers.
End rings 22 and side rings 20 are preferably located on the lower half of barrier element 10. This ensures that barrier element 10 will not tip over due to force being applied to rings 20 or 22.
Barrier element 10 also may include a top ring 24. Top ring 24 is used primarily to deploy and remove barrier element 10 by providing a connection point for a crane to lift the barrier. Top ring 24 preferably is made of the same material and has the same dimensions as rings 20 and 22 in order to provide cost savings for manufacture.
Barrier element 10 is preferably sized to provide a stable base that will prevent a vehicle from passing. Thus the size, shape and height of barrier element 10 are important, and will be determined based on the intended use of the barrier.
In one embodiment, the height of barrier element 10 is approximately 75 cm.
This is sufficiently tall that a truck will not be able to drive over the barrier element. The base of barrier element 10 is ideally wider than this height in order to provide stability and to prevent barrier element 10 from tipping over. In the preferred embodiment the base is approximately 90 cm wide.
In alternative embodiments, these sizes can be varied. For example, increasing the base by thirty centimetres and scaling the remainder of the block accordingly will more than double the weight of the barrier. Thus for heavier duty applications, the size of the barrier can be increased accordingly.
With the above dimensions, the size of the barrier will create sufficient mass to stop most vehicles. However, concrete barriers have a relatively low coefficient of friction when placed on surfaces such as concrete or pavement. Thus in order to prevent the barriers from being moved sufficiently to allow a vehicle to breach the security parameter, barrier elements are connected together using a chain 30. This interconnection of elements will create sufficient resistive forces to prevent even the most powerful vehicles from breaching the security parameter.
Chain 30 is selected to provide sufficient strength so that it can withstand the forces of a vehicle crashing into barrier element 30 without breaking. Chain 30 is connected to rings 20 or 22 using any well known connection means. In alternative embodiments, chain 30 can also be a cable or line.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as is best seen in Figure 4, barrier elements 10 are joined in a line. In this embodiment, if a vehicle strikes a barrier element 10, then the weight and friction of the barrier element will restrict the movement of the vehicle.
Further, the barriers to the left and right of the struck barrier will provide additional weight and friction to completely stop the vehicle.
If a higher level of security is required, the configuration of Figure 5 may be used. In this configuration, two tines of barriers are used, where the second line is offset from the first line both laterally and longitudinally. In this configuration, each line of barrier elements 10 is joined using chains 30 connected to side rings 20. Further, end rings 22 of one line of barrier elements are connected to end rings 22 of the second line of barrier elements in a sawtooth configuration.
The placement of side rings 20 and end rings 22 further allow a barrier element 10 to act as a corner element.
One example of a typical security perimeter is illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a perimeter of barrier elements 10 configured as in Figure 5 around the outside of a critical structure 40. These barrier elements are connected to special structures 42, such special structures including gate houses and guard facilities.
The inventor also foresees other uses for the barrier system of the present invention.
These include, but are not limited to, the use of the barrier system as a breakwater, landslide barrier or avalanche barrier. In all of these systems, the weight of the barrier along with the interconnection provides unique and superior protection.
The inventor further foresees that the present invention can be scaled to a miniature size to act as a toy for children. This can be used with toy soldiers and toy vehicles.
In operation, a security barrier can be deployed by using a crane truck to transport barriers 10. The barriers are then placed around the critical facility, where each barrier is sufficiently close to its neighbours to prevent a vehicle from passing between the barriers. If needed, side and end rings 20 and 22 are attached. The barriers are then joined together using a chain 30 between each barrier or between lines of barriers.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the preferred embodiment thereof, one skilled in the art will easily realize that other versions are possible, and that the invention is only intended to be limited in scope by the following claims.
Claims
1. An interconnectable barrier block system comprising:
at least two block means, said block means adapted to rest on the ground;
ring means connected about said lower portion of each of said block means; and a connector means connectable to said ring means;
wherein a first of said block means is connectable to a second of said block means using said connector means.
at least two block means, said block means adapted to rest on the ground;
ring means connected about said lower portion of each of said block means; and a connector means connectable to said ring means;
wherein a first of said block means is connectable to a second of said block means using said connector means.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2364937 CA2364937A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 | 2001-12-12 | Interconnectable barrier system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2364937 CA2364937A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 | 2001-12-12 | Interconnectable barrier system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2364937A1 true CA2364937A1 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
Family
ID=4170831
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2364937 Abandoned CA2364937A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 | 2001-12-12 | Interconnectable barrier system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CA (1) | CA2364937A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3290588A1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-07 | Daniel Geibel | Transportable vehicle barrier as a protection against a vehicle entering a blocked off area without authorisation |
FR3064651A1 (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2018-10-05 | Jean-Jacques Lavoine | DAM DEVICE CONSISTING OF A SET OF BLOCKS BOUND BETWEEN THEM |
DE102017108226A1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2018-10-18 | Laumer Ingenieurbüro Gmbh | Security system with concrete barriers |
WO2019197342A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Rebloc Gmbh | Protective arrangement |
GB2525770B (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2020-04-08 | Highway Care Ltd | Barrier system |
FR3107536A1 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-27 | Herve REMIGNON | Multipurpose urban concrete safety block. |
AU2018322836B2 (en) * | 2017-09-01 | 2021-12-16 | Gme Springs Limited | Surface mount security barrier |
-
2001
- 2001-12-12 CA CA 2364937 patent/CA2364937A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2525770B (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2020-04-08 | Highway Care Ltd | Barrier system |
EP3290588A1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-07 | Daniel Geibel | Transportable vehicle barrier as a protection against a vehicle entering a blocked off area without authorisation |
EP3290587A1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-07 | Daniel Geibel | Transportable vehicle barrier to prevent a vehicle from entering a forbidden area without authorisation |
FR3064651A1 (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2018-10-05 | Jean-Jacques Lavoine | DAM DEVICE CONSISTING OF A SET OF BLOCKS BOUND BETWEEN THEM |
DE102017108226A1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2018-10-18 | Laumer Ingenieurbüro Gmbh | Security system with concrete barriers |
AU2018322836B2 (en) * | 2017-09-01 | 2021-12-16 | Gme Springs Limited | Surface mount security barrier |
US11479934B2 (en) | 2017-09-01 | 2022-10-25 | Gme Springs Limited | Surface mount security barrier |
WO2019197342A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Rebloc Gmbh | Protective arrangement |
FR3107536A1 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-27 | Herve REMIGNON | Multipurpose urban concrete safety block. |
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Legal Events
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FZDE | Dead |