GB2526610B

GB2526610B - A security barrier for deterring unauthorised boarding of ships

Info

Publication number: GB2526610B
Application number: GB1409598.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcgarian Bruce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2019-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-30
Also published as: GB2526610A; EP3148872A1; GB201409598D0; EP3148872B1; WO2015181049A1

Description

A Security Barrier for deterring unauthorised boarding of ships

This invention relates to a security device, and in particular concerns a device for improving the security of a ship.

In recent years there have been several examples of commercial cargo ships being boarded by pirates. This type of event can present a serious threat to the wellbeing of the crew of the ship, as well as being commercially damaging.

It has been proposed to provide security barriers which can be placed over the rails of a ship to make it more difficult to board the ship. One example of a security barrier is shown in WO2013/072704. The barrier disclosed in this document comprises a bulbous head section which protrudes outwardly from the ship’s rail. The head section is formed to be curved and smooth, and present an overhang to unwanted boarders approaching the security barrier from below. The aim of these security barriers is to make it more difficult to climb over the rail to gain access to the deck of the ship.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved security barrier of this type.

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

Accordingly, provided is a security barrier comprising: a rear support element having a top edge and a bottom edge; and a bulbous barrier element having a top edge and a bottom edge with a curved protruding section extending at least partially between the top and bottom edges, the protruding section extending away from the plane containing the top and bottom edges, wherein: the top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element; the bottom edge of the support element meets and is attached to the bottom edge of the barrier element to form a lower support region to, in use, rest on a surface; the security barrier top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element.

Preferably, the rail engagement arrangement comprises one or more engagement elements which protrude from the support element towards the interior side of the barrier element.

Conveniently, the height of the one or more engagement elements above the bottom edge of the support element may be adjusted.

Advantageously, the one or more engagement elements each comprise a curve or hook which faces downwardly towards the bottom edge of the support element, to engage an upper surface of rail.

Preferably, the one or more engagement elements each comprise a curve or hook which faces upwardly towards the top edge of the support element, to engage a lower surface of rail.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 to 3 show a first security barrier embodying the present invention;

Figure 4 shows the first security barrier installed on the deck of a ship;

Figures 5 and 6 show a second security barrier;

Figures 7 and 8 show a third security barrier; and

Figures 9 and 10 show a fourth security barrier.

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 3, a first security barrier 1 embodying the present invention is shown. The first security barrier 1 comprises two main parts. Firstly, a support element 2 takes the form of a generally planar sheet 3 of material, which is approximately rectangular in shape. At the bottom edge 5 thereof the sheet 3 of material is bent through approximately 90° to present a lower attachment plate 7. At the top edge 4 thereof the sheet 3 of material is again bent to form an upper attachment plate 6. However, instead of being bent through 90°, a crooked portion 26 is formed where the upper edge 4 of the main sheet 3 of material meets the upper support plate 6. At this crooked portion 26, a downward-facing trough 27 is formed.

The upper and lower attachment plates 6, 7 of the support element 2 extend substantially at right angles to the plane of the sheet 3 of material. The attachment plates 6, 7 are preferably generally parallel with each other, and extend from the sheet 3 of material in the same direction.

In the embodiment shown, around halfway between the top and bottom edges 4, 5 thereof the sheet 3 of material forming the support element 2 is bent through a shallow angle, and then bent again through substantially the same shallow angle but in the opposite direction. The main part of the sheet 3 of material is therefore formed of upper and lower panels 33, 34 which are substantially parallel with one another but which are in planes which are offset from one another. The bends are formed so that the upper panel 33 is further forward, in the direction in which the upper and lower attachment plates 6, 7 protrude, than the lower panel 34.

The support element 2 is preferably formed from a robust material such as plastic or steel. In preferred embodiments the support element 2 may be formed from a single sheet of material which is bent near its centre to form the upper and lower panels 33, 34 and at its edges to form the upper and lower attachment plates 6, 7.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, a pair of first apertures 8 is formed through the sheet 3 of material. The first apertures 8 are elongate and extend in the direction from the bottom edge 4 to the top edge 5 of the sheet 3 of material. These first apertures 8 may, as in the embodiment shown, extend from the lower panel 34 to the upper panel 33. The first apertures 8 may help to reduce the overall weight of the support element 2, and also assist in attaching or anchoring the support element 2 to other components. In other embodiments there may be only one first aperture 8, or three or more first apertures 8, and the first apertures 8 may take any suitable form. In further embodiments the first apertures may be omitted entirely.

In the depicted embodiment three second apertures 38 are also formed in the upper panel 33 of the support element 2. The second apertures 38 are also elongate and extend in the direction from the bottom edge 4 to the top edge 5 of the support element 2. The second apertures 38 are shorter and narrower than the first apertures 8, and extend over the majority of the height of the upper panel 33, but preferably do not extend onto the bottom panel 34. A first one of the second apertures 38 is approximately centrally positioned with respect to the width of the support element 2, with the other two second apertures 38 being spaced apart on either side of the first one of the second apertures. Again, more or fewer second apertures 38 may be formed.

The first security barrier 1 also comprises a barrier element 9, which takes the form of a sheet of a robust material which is formed into a bulbous shape. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the barrier element has a generally flat top side 39, and a generally flat lower side 40, which is inclined with respect to the top side 39. In a transition region 41, which is between the top side 39 and the lower side 40, the barrier element is curved.

In the embodiment shown, the transition region 41 is formed from a series of narrow, generally flat regions 42 that are each set at a small angle with respect to the neighbouring regions 42. The overall shape of the transition region 41 generally approximates to a curve, and in this document the term “curve” should be understood to encompass arrangements such as this, as well as smooth curves.

Arrangements such as that of the transition region 41 shown in figures 1 to 3 may, depending on the fabrication method used, be cheaper and easier to manufacture than smoothly-curved sheets of material. To form an angle between each adjacent pair of flat regions 42, a groove may first be machined, and the material then heated and folded at the groove. If several heating elements are available then several angles can be formed simultaneously in a fast and efficient process.

As an alternative, the profile of the transition region 41 (and potentially the other parts of the barrier element 9, as well as the support element 2) may be vacuum formed, and this would allow a transition region 41 that is smoothly and continuously curved. In one possible method of vacuum forming the profile, a pattern is first formed, and a “blank” sheet of material is clamped on a surround and heated from above. The pattern is then thrust upwardly into the heated sheet, and air is removed from the region between the sheet and the pattern so that the sheet forms around the pattern. After a period (which depends on the temperature and the materials used) the vacuum is released and the pattern is withdrawn, to leave the sheet formed into the shape of the pattern. A “flash” around the edge of the sheet will generally then need to be removed.

Other techniques may also be used to form the components of the security barriers disclosed herein. Which method is used will depend on which is more efficient and effective to form the desired shape, bearing in mind the materials that are to be used.

At the free ends of the barrier element 9, substantially flat upper and lower attachment regions 11 are formed, the upper attachment region 11 being at the free end of the top side 39, and the lower attachment region 11 being at the free end of the lower side 40.

The barrier element 9 is sized so that the attachment regions 11 thereof are spaced apart from one another by substantially the same distance as the upper and lower attachment plates 6, 7 of the support element 2.

The width of the barrier element 9 is the same, or substantially the same, as that of the support element 2.

The first security barrier 1 also has an intermediate connector 17. The intermediate connector 17 takes the form of an elongate strip, with a cross-sectional shape having a trough-shape 18 with attachment flanges 19 on either side. The intermediate connector 17 is of exactly or substantially the same width as the support element 2 and barrier element 9.

In use, a first one of the attachment flanges 19 is fixed to the lower attachment plate 7 of the support element 2, and the other of the attachment flanges 19 is attached to the lower attachment region 11 of the barrier element 9. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, one of the attachment flanges 19 is angled so as to be aligned with the lower attachment region 11 of the barrier element 9.

The lower attachment plate 7 and lower attachment region 11 are therefore not, in this embodiment, attached directly to one another, but are attached to each other by means of the intermediate connector 17.

When the intermediate connector 17 is fixed in place the trough shape 18 thereof faces outwardly.

To assemble the first security barrier 1, the support element 2 and barrier element 9 are aligned so that the upper attachment region 11 of the barrier element 9 lies against the outer surface of the upper attachment plate 6 of the support element 2. The intermediate connector 17 is connected in place between the lower attachment region 11 of the barrier element 9 and the lower attachment plate 7 of the support element 7, as discussed above. As can be seen most clearly in figure 3, the resulting assembled first security barrier 1 has a generally “D”-shaped cross-section, although the bulge of the D is skewed upwardly.

The assembled first security barrier 1 preferably has a height of around 1- 1.2m, and a width of 1 -1.5m.

The attachment regions 11 of the barrier element 9 and the attachment plates 6, 7 of the support element 2, as well as the flanges 19 of the intermediate connector 17, have cooperating attachment sites, which allow these components to be releasably attached together.

For instance, apertures may be formed through the attachment regions 11 and attachment plates 6, 7, and the flanges 19 of the intermediate connector 17, which are aligned when the first security barrier 1 is assembled, and through which bolts may be passed.

In preferred embodiments, the support element 2 is formed from a metal such as steel, and threaded apertures are formed through the attachment plates 6, 7 thereof, so that threaded bolts can be passed through the apertures.

The attachment regions 11 and attachment plates 6, 7, and the flanges 19 of the intermediate connector 17, may also have cooperating location means, to help assemble the security barrier 1 correctly. For instance, the upper attachment plate 6 may have outstanding protrusions such as bumps or ribs, and the inner surface of the upper attachment region 11 may have corresponding dimples and/or indentations into which these protrusions can be received. As the components are assembled, these location means will comprises a rail engagement arrangement to engage a rail which is raised above, and parallel with, the surface; and the distance between the lower support region and the rail engagement arrangement may be adjusted.

Advantageously, the rail engagement arrangement comprises the region where the top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element.

Preferably, the length of the support element and the length of the barrier element may be adjusted to allow the distance between the lower support region and the rail engagement arrangement to be adjusted.

Conveniently, the support element and/or the barrier element comprises two cooperating parts that may be fixed together in any of a plurality of relative positions to allow the length of the support element or barrier element to be adjusted.

Advantageously, the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element may be fixed together in any of a plurality of discrete, spaced apart relative positions.

Preferably, one of the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element is provided with a plurality of sets of spaced apart attachment sites, and wherein the other of the two cooperating parts may be attached to the one of the parts at any of the spaced apart attachment sites.

Conveniently, the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element may be fixed together at any position within a range of relative positions.

Advantageously, the rail engagement arrangement is mounted on, or formed as part of, the support element, and is positioned below the region where the align and fit together, thus helping the first security barrier 1 to be assembled correctly.

The support element 2 has a series of third apertures 35. In the embodiment shown there are six third apertures 35, each of which is elongate and extends in the direction passing from the lower edge 4 of the support element 2 to the upper edge 5 thereof. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, each of the second apertures 35 extends over the majority of the height of the upper panel 33, but does not extend onto the lower panel 34. The third apertures 35 are arranged in pairs, with each pair being arranged on either side of one of the second apertures 38. A connecting bar 37 extends across the rear side of the support element 2, passing across the width of all of the third apertures 35. The connecting bar 37 may take the form of a rectangular strip of a sturdy material such as plastic or steel. The connecting bar 37 is mounted so that it may be fixed to the support element 2 by way of connectors (such as bolts) which pass through the third apertures 35. By releasing and tightening the connectors, the connecting bar 37 may be fixed with respect to the support element 2 at any of a range of positions along the length of the third apertures 35.

Three hook elements 42 are connected to (or formed integrally with) the inner side of the connecting bar 37, so that when the connecting bar 37 is fixed to the support element 2 as described above, the hook elements 42 protrude through the second apertures 38 into the region between the support element 2 and the barrier element 9. The hook elements 42 each define an upward-facing trough 43.

Figure 4 shows the first security barrier 1 when installed and in position.

The deck 12 of a ship has railings near its outer edge, comprising a top rail 14 and at least one intermediate rail 13 (only one intermediate rail 13 is shown in figure 4).

The first security barrier 1 is positioned so that the bulbous barrier element 9 faces outwardly, presenting an overhang with respect to the side wall 15 of the ship. The support element 2 is positioned substantially vertically, with its inner edge resting against the rear (i.e. inward) sides of the top and intermediate rails 14, 13. The first security barrier 1 rests on the deck 12, and may be secured to the top and intermediate rails 14, 13 by any appropriate means, such as ropes or straps. The first apertures 8 formed through the main sheet 3 of material of the support element 2 may allow improved access to the interior of the first security barrier 1 during this process.

The decks of many ships include a short upstanding kick plate which runs around the perimeter of the deck, at or near the edge thereof. The kick plate performs the function, among others, of preventing dropped objects from rolling off the deck of the ship. On typical vessels the kick plate may have the height of 100 to 150mm. The deck 12 shown in figure 4 includes a kick plate 20. When the first security barrier 1 is in place, the kick plate 20 is received in the downward-facing though formed by the intermediate connector 17. This helps to register the first security barrier 1 in place with respect to the deck 12, and also helps to prevent unwanted twisting/rotating of the first security barrier 1 with respect to the deck 12.

In preferred embodiments, the bends in the support portion 2 that form the upper and lower panels 33, 34 are such that, when the first security barrier 1 is installed, the upper panel 33 is substantially directly above the trough shape 18 of the intermediate connector 17, and hence substantially directly above the kick plate 20.

The top rails provided on cargo ships are typically positioned 1.2 metres above the level of the deck. The height of the first security barrier 1 is therefore chosen so that the top rail 14 will, if it is positioned 1.2 metres above the deck 12, fit into the crooked portion 26 which is provided at the top edge 4 of the support element 2.

In a typical three-rail configuration, the intermediate rails are often 0.4m and 0.8m above the level of the deck 12, although this varies and the intermediate rails 13 are often not positioned at standardised heights with respect to the deck 12. In a typical two-rail configuration, the top rail is often set at 1m above the deck, with the single intermediate rail being set at 0.5m above the deck, although once again this can vary.

It will therefore be appreciated that the ability of the hook elements 42 to move up and down with respect to the support element 2 will allow the hook elements 42 to be adjusted to be at the correct height to engage one of the rails of either a three-rail or two-rail configuration.

In the case of a three-rail configuration, the top rail 14, which will typically be 1.2m above the level of the deck, is received in the crooked portion 26 at the top edge 4 of the support element 2, and the hook elements 42 can be adjusted so that the intermediate rail 13 (at 0.8m above the deck 12) is received within the trough 43 formed by each hook element 42.

In the case of the two-rail configuration, however, the hook elements 42 can be adjusted so that they engage the top rail, set at 1 m above the level of the deck, with the crooked portion 26 extending above the top rail and not engaging any rail.

For this to be possible it is therefore necessary for the hooked portions 42 to be able to move within a range of at least 0.8m to 1 m above the bottom of the first security barrier 1.

It will also be appreciated from figure 4 that (in the three-rail configuration), if the top rail 14 is received in the crooked portion 26 and the intermediate rail 13 is received by the hook element 42, the support element 2 (and therefore the first security barrier 1 as a whole) will be held in place with respect to the top and intermediate rails 14, 13. In order to achieve this, the hook elements 42 may be moved downwardly with respect to the support element 2 so that the distance between the crooked portion 26 and the hook elements 42 is greater than the distance between the top and intermediate rails 14, 13. The first security barrier 1 can then be positioned so that the top rail 14 is positioned in the crooked element 26, with the hook elements 42 being positioned below the intermediate rail 13. Finally, the hook elements 42 can be moved upwardly with respect to the support element 2 until the intermediate rail 13 is firmly received in the trough 43 formed by each of the hook elements 42. The bolts or other connectors that hold the connecting bar 37 in place with respect to the support element 2 can then be tightened, thus fixing the first security barrier 1 firmly in place with respect to the top and intermediate rails 14, 13.

It will therefore be understood that the first security barrier may be fixed in place on ships where the top and/or intermediate rails are provided at a variety of heights above the deck of the ship.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the third apertures 35 are elongate and so the hook elements 42 can be fixed in place with respect to the support element 2 in any position over a continuous range of positions. However, it is also envisaged that the third apertures may take the form of spaced apart sets of connection holes, through which connectors such as bolts can be passed, so that the hook elements 42 can be fixed in place with respect to the support element 2 only in a number of pre-defined, discrete locations.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4 the hook elements 42 are arranged so that the troughs 43 thereof face upwardly. The troughs 43 may alternatively face downwardly, however. In the embodiment shown the connecting bar 37 may be removed entirely from the support element 2, turned through 180° and replaced so that the troughs 43 of the hook elements 42 face downwardly. The spacing between the hook elements 42, and between the third apertures 35, must be regular for this to be possible.

It is also possible to provide two or more sets of hook elements 42, for instance on respective connecting bars 37. This may be useful if there are two or more intermediate rails, and one set of hook elements 42 can engage each intermediate rail. Alternatively, or in addition, one set of hook elements 42 can be provided facing upwardly, to engage the underside of an intermediate rail, and a further set of hook elements 42 can be provided facing downwardly to engage the top side of the same intermediate rail, so that the intermediate rail is “gripped” between the two sets of hook elements 42. Still further, the third apertures 35 may extend upwardly sufficiently far that a set of hook elements 42 may engage the underside of a top rail which is received in the crooked portion 26 at the top of the support element 2, thus gripping the top rail between the crooked portion 26 and the hook elements 42.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, bolts 63 that connect the lower attachment plate 7 of the support element 2 to one of the flanges 19 of the intermediate connector 17 protrude downwardly and form the lowermost part of the first security barrier 1. If the first security barrier 1 rests on the deck of a ship, this may lead to undesirable wear or scraping on the bolts 63 and on the deck itself. In alternative embodiments, the flanges 19 of the intermediate connector 17 may be bent upwardly for connection to the support element 2 and the barrier element 9, so that the intermediate connector 17 presents a downward-facing lower surface that does not have any bolts or other attachment means protruding therefrom. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the flange 19 that attaches to the barrier element 9 is bent upwardly in this fashion.

In alternative embodiments, the intermediate connector 17 may be omitted entirely and the lower attachment plate 7 of the support element may be attached directly to the lower attachment region 11 of the barrier element 9.

In the embodiment shown the hook elements 42 have a cross-section which is generally curved (i.e. substantially semi-circular). However, the hook elements 42 many have a generally square-edged cross-sectional shape, or any other convenient shape. It is also envisaged that the hook elements may take the form of clips which may deform to allow a rail to be received in the interior of the clip, and retains the rail within the clip. For instance, the hook elements may comprise C-clips formed from a resilient material such as plastic.

Turning to figure 5, a second security barrier 43 is shown.

The second security barrier 43 comprises a lower support element 44, which is of a generally similar configuration to the support element 2 of the first security barrier 1, described above. The lower support element 44 is substantially planar, being bent at its lower edge 45 to form a lower attachment plate 46, and being bent at its upper edge 47 to form a crooked portion 48.

The second security barrier 43 also comprises a lower barrier element 49, which is bulbous and curves outwardly, terminating in an upward-facing free end 50.

The lower support element 44 and lower barrier element 49 are not attached directly to one another, but are once again attached to each other by way of an intermediate connector 51, which has a downward-facing trough 52 having attachment flanges 53 on either side.

The free upper end 50 of the lower barrier element 9 and the free upper end of the lower support element 44 do not meet one another.

An upper support element 54 is attached to the upper part of the lower support element 44. The upper support element 54 is generally planar and parallel with the lower support element 44, and terminates at its upper end 55 in an attachment plate 56, which extends therefrom in a generally perpendicular direction.

An upper barrier element 57 is attached to the upper end 50 of the lower barrier element 49, by way of an intermediate connector plate 58. The top end 59 of the upper barrier element 57 is connected to the connector plate 56 of the upper support element 54.

As can be seen most clearly in figure 6, where the upper support element 54 meets the lower support element 44, and where the upper barrier element 57 and/or the lower barrier element 49 meets the intermediate connector plate 58, connectors such as bolts are provided, and a range of spaced apart holes 64 to receive the bolts are provided so that the components may be connected to each other in a variety of relative positions. The result of this is that the height of the upper support element 54 and upper barrier element 57 with respect to the lower support element 44 and lower barrier element 49 may be increased or decreased, as required.

In this example, the height of the crooked portion 48 of the lower support element 44 is fixed with respect to a deck or other surface on which the second security barrier 43 is rested. However, the height of the junction between the upper support element 54 and upper barrier element 57 above the deck may be adjusted. This may allow the interior region of the second security barrier 43 above the crooked portion 48 to be increased to accommodate a rail which is in an unexpected place, or to provide a higher barrier which is more difficult for an intruder to scale.

In addition, the height of the junction between the upper support element 54 and the upper barrier element 57 above the deck may be set so that an upper rail is received at this junction, thus allowing the second barrier element 43 to be supported on a top rail and an intermediate rail, as is the case with the first barrier element 1 discussed above.

In alternative arrangements, the upper support element 54 may be provided with a crooked portion (not shown) to receive a rail, as is the case with the first barrier element 1 discussed above.

In further alternative arrangements, the intermediate connector plate 58 may be omitted, with the lower barrier element 49 and upper barrier element 57 being directly connectable to one another.

Turning to figures 7 and 8 a third security barrier 60 is shown.

The third security barrier 60 is similar to the second security barrier 43 shown in figures 5 and 6, with the difference that the upper barrier element 61 is telescopically received in the lower barrier element 62. The lower barrier element 62 therefore has a slot formed in its upper free end, into which a variable length of the lower end of the upper barrier element 61 may be received. When the upper barrier element 61 has been inserted by the desired amount into the lower barrier element 62, the upper and lower barrier element 61,62 may be fixed in placed with respect to one another by passing connectors such as bolts through appropriate ones of spaced-apart connector holes.

Turning to figure 9 and 10 a fourth security barrier 63 is shown. The fourth security barrier 63 is similar to the second security barrier 43, with the exception that hinges 64, 65 are provided at the junctions between the lower support element 44 and lower barrier element 49 and between the upper support element 54 and the upper barrier element 57.

It will be appreciated that, as the height of the fourth security barrier 63 is increased, the angle at which the upper support element 54 meets the upper barrier element 57 will change. The hinge 64 provided at this junction will therefore allow the angle between these components to change easily.

In addition, the hinge 65 provided where the lower barrier element 49 meets the intermediate connector 52, this will allow the angle between the components to change as the height of the security barrier 43, 60 is adjusted.

Hinged connections such as these may also be provided in the second and third security barriers 43, 60 described above.

In the fourth security barrier, 63 the bulbous shape of the upper and lower barrier elements 49, 57 is adjusted so that the upper barrier element 57 bulges out furthest from the plane of the upper and lower support elements 44, 55, rather than the lower barrier element 49 bulging out furthest, as is the case for the second and third barrier elements 43, 60.

It is envisaged that the movable rail engagement arrangement of the first security barrier 1 may be utilised with embodiments such as the second, third or fourth security barriers 43, 60, 63. For instance, a connecting bar with hook elements may be provided with lower support element 44 of the second, third or fourth security barrier 43, 60, 63. The resulting security barrier may therefore have hook elements whose height above the deck is adjustable, and have an overall height that is adjustable.

It will be understood that one benefit of the security barriers 1,43, 60, 63 described herein is that the support element and barrier element are provided as separate pieces that may be detached from each other. Therefore in transit and before installation, the barrier element will occupy significantly less space than the prior art device disclosed in WO2013/072704.

The materials from which the support element and/or barrier element of any of the embodiments described herein are formed may allow these components to flex sufficiently to facilitate stacking or nesting during storage and transportation.

Moreover, it is possible to form the two components from different materials. For instance, it may be desired to form the support element from a metal such as steel, and the barrier element from a lighter, more flexible material such as plastics.

Other materials that may be used for the support element and/or barrier element include copper, composite materials, fibreglass and polymer materials such as polyurethane, polypropylene and polyethylene. It is important that the materials are corrosion resistant, and also preferably resistant to sunlight.

The barrier element may be provided with reinforcing ribs, which may be parallel and run vertically along all or part of the height of the barrier element. The ribs may alternatively be formed in diamond or square patterns, or in any other suitable configuration. The ribs may be provided on the outside surface and/or on the inside surface. Forming the ribs only on the inside surface may be preferable, as it will allow a smooth and featureless outer surface. The depth of the ribs may, for example, be 10-20mm.

The barrier elements have one or more reinforcing elements integrally formed therewith, or attached thereto after production. The reinforcing elements may be formed from a different material to the main body of the barrier element and may, for example, comprise metal (such as steel) strips or inserts.

The security barrier is preferably open at its sides, with neither the support element nor the barrier element having side walls. This will assist in stacking the components for transportation and storage, and also means that, for vessels with several rails, it is more likely that lower rails (i.e. below the rail on which the security barrier is rested) will be able to pass through the security barrier.

In other embodiments, however, side walls may be provided.

In the embodiments described above several apertures are formed, particularly in the support element. In certain circumstances these apertures might assist a potential boarder who throws or launches a grappling hook over the top of the security barrier, by providing a location on which the grappling hook may catch. It is envisaged that the number and/or size of the apertures may be kept to a minimum for this reason.

It will be understood that the security barriers described above provide robust and flexible barriers that will be adaptable to the rails and other dimensions of various vessels, and also which may be adjusted for different security purposes.

In this specification terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are used. It should be understood that these refer to the components when they assembled and installed in the manner described and depicted herein, and not in any other orientation.

The above description focuses on ships. However, it is also envisaged that the security barriers described above may be used with other oceangoing craft such as barges, hovercraft and catamarans. The security barriers may also be used in other situations where people may attempt to climb up and over a rail. For instance, the security barriers may be used on oil rigs or other platforms.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

Claims:

1. A security barrier comprising: a rear support element having a top edge and a bottom edge; and a bulbous barrier element having a top edge and a bottom edge with a curved protruding section extending at least partially between the top and bottom edges, the protruding section extending away from the plane containing the top and bottom edges, wherein: the top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element; the bottom edge of the support element meets and is attached to the bottom edge of the barrier element to form a lower support region to, in use, rest on a surface; the security barrier comprises a rail engagement arrangement to, in use, engage a rail which is raised above, and parallel with, the surface; and the distance between the lower support region and the rail engagement arrangement is adjustable.

2. A security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the rail engagement arrangement comprises the region where the top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element.

3. A security barrier according to claim 2, wherein the length of the support element and the length of the barrier element is adjustable to allow the distance between the lower support region and the rail engagement arrangement to be adjusted.

4. A security barrier according to claim 3, wherein the support element and/or the barrier element comprises two cooperating parts that, in use, are fixed together in any of a plurality of relative positions to allow the length of the support element or barrier element to be adjusted.

5. A security barrier according to claim 4, wherein the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element, in use, are fixed together in any of a plurality of discrete, spaced apart relative positions.

6. A security barrier according to claim 5, wherein one of the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element is provided with a plurality of sets of spaced apart attachment sites, and wherein the other of the two cooperating parts, in use, are attached to the one of the parts at any of the spaced apart attachment sites.

7. A security barrier according to claim 4, wherein the two cooperating parts of the support element and/or barrier element, in use, are fixed together at any position within a range of relative positions.

8. A security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the rail engagement arrangement is mounted on, or formed as part of, the support element, and is positioned below the region where the top edge of the support element meets and is connected to the top edge of the barrier element.

9. A security barrier according to claim 8, wherein the rail engagement arrangement comprises one or more engagement elements which protrude from the support element towards the interior side of the barrier element.

10. A security barrier according to claim 9, wherein the height of the one or more engagement elements above the bottom edge of the support element is adjustable.

11. A security barrier according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more engagement elements each comprise a curve or hook which faces downwardly towards the bottom edge of the support element, to, in use, engage an upper surface of rail.

12. A security barrier according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more engagement elements each comprise a curve or hook which faces upwardly towards the top edge of the support element, in use, to engage a lower surface of rail.