ES2989331T3 - High security mobile anti-climb perimeter fence - Google Patents

Abstract

A perimeter fence comprises at least one substantially horizontal base portion and at least one corresponding barrier portion, which is removably attached to the respective base portion, comprising a pair of substantially vertical posts and a panel supported therebetween. The fence limits access to a designated area and may be used, for example, for crowd control at concerts and other outdoor events, crowd management at protests/demonstrations, and perimeter protection of facilities/infrastructure. The fence utilizes a modular design and an improved fastening and storage system; and thus can be easily assembled for mobile use and disassembled for storage and transportation. Solid panels or expanded metal wire mesh are provided to maximize security and limit access. The fence is provided in various dimensions to reduce scalability and thus further limit access. A plurality of adjacent panels may be employed to extend the fence as needed over the designated area based on the particular application. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

High security mobile perimeter anti-climb fence

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/761,738, filed April 4, 2018.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a perimeter fence for limiting access to a designated area and, in particular, to a mobile anti-climb high security perimeter fence for crowd control/management and perimeter protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US Patent 5,599,006 describes a fence comprising sequentially assembled fence elements, each having a first rigid frame portion forming a vertical wall and a second horizontal rigid frame portion in a plane perpendicular to the base of the first frame portion. Specifically, ballast elements rest on the second frame portion to prevent the fence element from tilting and to make it self-supporting. The upper face of the removable ballast elements forms a generally flat surface over which users can move.

Conventional portable fences provide a means of enclosing an area. However, such fences lack the versatility for use in a wide range of applications. With increasing requirements to meet security demands globally, there is a need for a portable/mobile security fence that can be used in multiple situations to effectively control pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Such a fence should preferably be capable of being quickly assembled and disassembled for efficient storage and transportation.

In addition, there is a need for a security fence that is adaptable and can be easily upgraded to deter any number of evolving threats from, for example, unauthorized entry by pedestrians and vehicles; breaching of the fence by objects, hazardous materials, and projectiles; and tunneling beneath the fence. A system to prevent interference with the integrity of the fence is also desirable to reduce concerns about breaching the fence.

Such a fence should be adaptable for use in virtually any type of terrain or climatic conditions including, for example, high wind situations and coastal applications. In addition, a fence that incorporates means for crowd observation and means for effectively communicating developing threats or situations is also desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A perimeter fence according to the present invention as defined in claim 1 comprises at least one substantially horizontal base portion and at least one corresponding barrier portion, which is removably secured to the respective base portion, comprising a pair of substantially vertical posts and a panel supported therebetween. The fence limits access to a designated area and may be used, for example, for crowd control at concerts and other outdoor events, crowd management at protests/demonstrations, and perimeter protection of facilities/infrastructures. The fence utilizes a modular design and an improved fastening system; and therefore can be easily assembled for mobile use and disassembled for storage and transportation. Expanded wire mesh or solid panels are provided to maximize security and limit access. The fence is provided in various dimensions, for example, eight and twelve foot heights to reduce possible climbing and thereby further limit access. A plurality of adjacent panels may be employed to extend the fence as needed around the designated area based on the particular application.

The present invention provides multiple embodiments to meet specific needs, for example, of protective services requiring a protective perimeter for a building and the like or a mobile military checkpoint for deployment in a forward operating area. The embodiments are scalable to mitigate different threat levels and can be rapidly deployed and recovered as needed.

Private organizations and government agencies along with military/law enforcement services can benefit from the use of the present invention. From repairing an external fence line at a correctional facility to operating a checkpoint in a forward operating area in a foreign country, the present invention fills a unique need for the needs of many government agencies. The present fence can also secure an entrance to a concentration camp or secure the perimeter of a site. The fence can also be used for shooting lodges and training ranges to provide a portable surface mount and ballistically rated range of uses.

wind resistance. In addition, a gantry or walkway associated with an upper or lower panel provides an elevated viewing position to identify potential threats. When a signal bridge is used in conjunction with liquid attack panels or steel ballistic protection panels, an improved means of maintaining a secure perimeter is adequate.

As a further example, robust perimeter security levels are also required at airports. Airports have seen many changes in security mandates since 2001. All airport operators must now evaluate their perimeter protection plans on an ongoing basis. Likewise, seaports must ensure continued port security. In accordance with the present invention, a high security quarantine area for people or cargo can be established, and the fence can provide a secure area for consignments at an existing mixed-use facility. The present invention can include an entrance or exit (not shown) on a temporary basis with the same reliability as a permanent gate for ports of all types. In one embodiment, the present barrier has a crash rating (M30 and M40) to provide a portable, anti-ramming vehicle barrier for a layered perimeter security system.

Theft of equipment and materials on construction and industrial sites is also a growing problem worldwide. Studies have estimated that in some sectors, construction theft can add 1-2% to the bottom line of the project cost. Not only do direct costs with lost material and equipment impact profitability, indirect costs due to schedule and work disruption can be just as costly, if not more so. Construction sites often include a large number of high-value assets such as building materials, tools and equipment that can be left unattended for extended periods of time. These factors make such locations attractive targets for theft. Unlike many temporary fences that largely constitute a visual barrier, this high security perimeter fence controls access to a site and helps mitigate potential losses.

Furthermore, the size and scope of events such as Glastonbury®, Lollapalooza®, and championship/all-star sporting events, along with the associated “fan” activities, make crowd protection and management a challenge. Keeping “fence jumpers” and other threats, both human and VAAW (Vehicle As A Weapon) vehicular, out of an event is of the utmost importance. With major event operators taking a proactive approach to HVM (hostile vehicle mitigation) planning, local and municipal events are taking the potential threat of an accidental incident or intentional attack seriously. There is a need for crash-rated VSBs (vehicle security barriers) that are portable/mobile, surface mounted, and designed for rapid deployment and retrieval for temporary or semi-permanent needs. When a VSB is used in conjunction with the present invention, a high security perimeter can be established and maintained for the duration of an event or concert. It is important to keep unknown threats and non-paying sponsors out of the event site. Therefore, the present invention also provides threat reduction and event revenue protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the basic embodiment of a single vertical panel;

Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vertical wire mesh panel;

Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the panel shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a detailed view of the upper portion of the panel shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of an upper corner portion of the panel shown in Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of upper corner portions of a plurality of stacked panels;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along plane 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a single vertical panel embodiment including connector composites;

Figure 12 is a detailed view of a clamping plate to prevent removal of a panel;

Figure 13 is an elevation view of a double panel construction;

Figure 14 is a detailed view of an upper connection portion of the double panel construction of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a detailed view of a lower connection portion of the double panel construction of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is an elevation view of the double panel construction of Figure 13 including a representative extension of the top panel;

Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the double panel construction of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a dual view of the connector components showing a top panel extension attached to the single vertical panel embodiment;

20 is an exploded perspective view of the extended height panel embodiment of Figure 19 further including protective cover plates/panels and an improved support system; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a single vertical panel embodiment including a protective wiring assembly to provide a portable vehicle barrier;

Figure 22 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an extended height construction of the present invention including post fillers and a steel band wire deterrent assembly; and

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a plurality of extended height panel constructions joined together to form a portion of a perimeter fence including a portico, a support system, and a steel band wire deterrent assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES

A first embodiment of a mobile perimeter anti-climb high security fence 10 according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1-4, comprises a basic single panel construction including at least one substantially horizontal anti-tunnel base portion 12 and at least one corresponding barrier portion 14 removably associated with the respective base portion comprising a pair of posts 16, each post including a post base 18 and a post column 20. A triangular joining plate 22 is provided at the junction of the post base 18 and the vertical post 20 to reinforce the connection. The substantially horizontal base portion 12 is removably associated between post bases 18 and a panel 24 is removably supported between post supports 20. Each panel 24 is preferably about eight feet (2.44 m) high and about four feet (1.22 m) wide, although other dimensions may be employed depending on the particular application. The present safety fence is a surface mount system that can be deployed unweighted in some configurations or can be anchored in place, if desired.

The present invention provides a threat-adaptable surface mount temporary security fence for multiple applications.

Each base portion 12 includes a plurality of sides 26 for forming a horizontal support. Selected sides of each base portion 12 include a plurality of pins 28 preferably in the shape of an L or J; and each post base 18 includes opposite sides 30, each opposite side 30 defining a plurality of corresponding openings 32, for example, as defined by hollow members or tubes 34, for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 28. Each base portion 12 includes an expanded wire mesh 36 secured thereto by welding. At least one tab member 38 (also see Figures 8-10) extends along each side of the base portion 12 to facilitate stacking of a plurality of base portions 12 for storage and to prevent shifting during transport. The base portion 12 prevents unauthorized access by individuals digging beneath the barrier.

Referring to Figures 5-7, each panel 24 includes a plurality of sides 40 to form a vertical frame 42. Selected sides of each panel 24 include a plurality of pins 44; and each upright post 20 includes opposite sides 46, each opposite side defining a plurality of corresponding openings 32 for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 28. In particular, selected sides of panel 24 include a downwardly extending upper pin 48 and a downwardly extending lower pin 50. Each upright post 20 includes opposite sides, each opposite side defining an upper opening 52 and a lower opening 54 for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 44. Each upper pin 48 is preferably longer than each lower pin 50 so that, to facilitate assembly, each upper pin 48 is received within a corresponding upper opening 52 before each lower pin 50 is received within a corresponding lower opening 54. Each pin 44 (and 28) preferably includes a rounded or beveled end portion 56 for facilitating engagement with the corresponding opening 52 or 54. In one embodiment, the panel 24 includes a plurality of vertical posts 20, each of which ... Similar in construction to base portion 12, each panel 24 includes an expanded wire mesh 36 secured thereto and at least one tab member 58 (see Figures 8-10) along each side thereof to facilitate stacking of the panels for storage and transportation.

A clamping plate 60 may be attached to each post base 18 and to the upright post 20 adjacent each pin 28 and 44 (as shown in Figures 11 and 12) to restrict removal of each pin 44 from the corresponding opening 32, 52, or 54 and thereby prevent removal of a panel. Each clamping plate includes a notched portion 62 at each end thereof for holding a pin in position. Figures 13-15 illustrate alternate views of the pin, opening, and clamping plate construction.

Figures 16-18 show the connection of the upper end of a vertical post 20 to the lower end of a vertical extension post 64 with a sleeve member 66 to provide an extended height embodiment. An extension post is removably secured to the upper portion of each vertical post to support an extension panel in the same manner as each panel (with a pin/opening assembly or pin/opening/clamp plate assembly). To increase stability, the frame of each extension panel is preferably about four feet (1.22 m) tall and may include pins for a strong and durable combination of a bottom panel assembly and an upper panel assembly that includes an upper extension panel 68.

Figure 19 relates to a further embodiment of the present invention showing a two-panel extended height embodiment including a skywalk or bridge 70 secured to and supported by a frame member 72 to provide a monitoring capability. The structure includes a base portion 74, upright posts 76 secured to the frame member 72 and a safety guardrail 78 connected to each respective upright post 76 in the same manner as the panel 24 employing pins and apertures/tubes. A plurality of height adjustable support posts 80 may be provided to further support and stabilize the assembly including the skywalk or scaffolding 70. Each support post extends at a downward angle, preferably about 30 degrees relative to the vertical, from the rear surface of each respective post to support the barrier portion in a vertical position. A lower portion of the support post includes anchor positions for fastening the support post to the ground or other installation surface. Figures 19a-j show detailed views of the various connection points as described above including details of the upper and lower support post connectors 81a and 81b in Figures 19a, b, i and j.

Figure 20 is an exploded view of the extended height embodiment further including a cable mounting bracket 82 secured to each vertical post 20, each bracket including a plurality of channels 64 for receiving and supporting a cable for use as a vehicle deterrent. Also shown is a pair of upper and lower tamper-evident post fillers 86 that cover and limit external access to the vertical post connection points. The post filler is removably secured to the front surface of a vertical post to cover the space between adjacent panels. Finger access openings may be provided to facilitate installation of the post fillers. Additional height-adjustable support posts 88 may be connected to the vertical post 76 to further reinforce the structure and provide additional wind resistance for the structure. The structure with additional tamper-evident posts may withstand extreme wind or coastal applications, for example, to provide a 209 km/h (130 mph) wind rating. The top of each upright post 76 may include a removable bracket 90 for attaching barbed or razor wire as an additional deterrent.

Figures 21-23 are additional perspective, elevation, and side views, respectively, of a single embodiment of a vertical panel including cable mounting bracket 82 attached to each vertical post 20 to releasably secure a plurality of substantially parallel cables 92 as an integrated VAAW (Vehicle As A Weapon) mitigation cable system. Each mounting bracket 82 includes a series of channels 94 for receiving the cables such that the cables may extend through a plurality of adjacent panels to provide an effective vehicle barrier.

Figure 24 is a further perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 20 showing razor wire 96 extending across the top portion of the structure and upper and lower post fillers 86 available for connection to an adjacent panel assembly. In addition, solar lighting may be employed and components including fence mounted sensors may be added to detect intrusion and descaling attempts. In addition, an intrusion detection LED lighting system may be employed. Tamper resistant locking hardware may also be employed.

Figure 25 shows a plurality of extended height double panel structures joined together to form a perimeter fence in accordance with the present invention including all of the components described herein along with conduit 98 for high and/or low voltage wiring extending through the bottom panels and supported within channels 98 of mounting brackets 82 and supported by comparable channels in frame member 72 of walkway or catwalk 70 for power or data transmission. In addition, a cover panel 100 is shown which may be a removable liquid attack panel/composite sheet metal module 100a or a removable ballistic attack panel 100b for protection from gunfire or other projectiles. An observation or viewing port 102 may be provided. Alternatively, a privacy screen with graphics may be employed. The cover panels restrict visibility and may also include ballistic protection panels (AR 500 steel) or non-ballistic protection panels which prevent the passage of aerosolized liquids (acid/flammable fluids) thrown against the barrier.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be provided in other configurations and the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments shown and described.

Claims (9)

1. A mobile anti-climb high security perimeter fence (10) comprising: a) at least one substantially horizontal base portion (12); b) at least one barrier portion (14) removably secured to the corresponding base portion (12) comprising a pair of vertical posts (20) and a panel (24) removably supported therebetween; characterized because c) each post (20) includes a front surface and a rear surface, further including a support member (80) extending at a downward angle from the rear surface of each respective post (20) to support the barrier portion (14) in a vertical position; and d) an elevated support frame (72) removably mounted on said posts (20), independently of the respective guy members (80), for supporting a deck member (70). 2. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 1, wherein the elevated support frame (72) includes an elevated railing (78). 3. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 1 wherein the panel (24) includes a plurality of sides (40) and selected sides (40) of the panel (24) include a plurality of pins (44); and wherein each post (20) includes opposite sides (46), each opposite side defining a plurality of corresponding openings (32) for releasably receiving a corresponding pin (28). 4. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 1 wherein the panel (24) includes a plurality of sides (40) and selected sides (40) of the panel (24) include a downwardly extending upper pin (48) and a downwardly extending lower pin (50); and wherein each post (20) includes opposite sides, each opposite side defining an upper opening (52) and a lower opening (54) for releasably receiving a corresponding pin (44). 5. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 4 wherein each upper pin (48) is longer than each lower pin (50) such that, to facilitate assembly, each upper pin (48) is received within a corresponding upper opening (52) before each lower pin (50) is received within a corresponding lower opening (54). 6. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 3 wherein each pin (28, 44) includes a rounded end portion (56) to facilitate engagement with the corresponding opening (32, 52, 54). 7. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 1 wherein the panel (24) includes a plurality of sides (40) and at least one tongue member (58) along each side (40) thereof to facilitate stacking of a plurality of panels (24) for storage and transportation. 8. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 1 wherein each post (20) includes a front surface and a rear surface; and a support (82) removably attached to the rear surface of that post (20) defining at least one recessed portion (64) for supporting a cable to limit the penetration of a vehicle through the fence (10). 9. The perimeter fence (10) according to claim 8 wherein the support (82) includes a plurality of spaced recessed portions (94) for supporting a plurality of essentially parallel cables (92) in order to limit the penetration of a vehicle through the fence (10).