US20030185629A1 - Floating barrier wall - Google Patents
Floating barrier wall Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030185629A1 US20030185629A1 US10/119,130 US11913002A US2003185629A1 US 20030185629 A1 US20030185629 A1 US 20030185629A1 US 11913002 A US11913002 A US 11913002A US 2003185629 A1 US2003185629 A1 US 2003185629A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- floating barrier
- wall
- housing
- hollow interior
- barrier
- 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
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 360
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 117
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 27
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000001175 rotational moulding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920013716 polyethylene resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008259 solid foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004616 structural foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acrylonitrile Chemical compound C=CC#N NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006065 biodegradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N butadiene-styrene rubber Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G9/00—Other offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels against submarines, torpedoes, or mines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G9/00—Other offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels against submarines, torpedoes, or mines
- B63G9/02—Means for protecting vessels against torpedo attack
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/04—Structures or apparatus for, or methods of, protecting banks, coasts, or harbours
- E02B3/06—Moles; Piers; Quays; Quay walls; Groynes; Breakwaters ; Wave dissipating walls; Quay equipment
- E02B3/062—Constructions floating in operational condition, e.g. breakwaters or wave dissipating walls
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
- E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
- E02B15/08—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
- E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
- E02B15/08—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material
- E02B15/0807—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material with stabilising elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
- E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
- E02B15/08—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material
- E02B15/0857—Buoyancy material
- E02B15/0885—Foam
Abstract
A floating barrier wall includes a number of individual barrier units each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either along or beneath the bottom wall, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.
Description
- This invention relates to a barrier system for the protection of vessels and other assets located in or around bodies of water, and, more particularly, to a floating barrier wall constructed of a number of individual barrier units each formed of a light weight plastic having a hollow interior at least partially filled with a foam material, a ballast weight mounted at, near or within the base of the unit to maintain it in an upright orientation in the water, and, cables or other structure to connect adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form the barrier wall.
- The security of vessels, both military and commercial, as well as other assets located in and around seaports, has been of increasing concern in the wake of activities by terrorists and others. Most security efforts have focused on potential land-based attacks, and little attention has been devoted to the provision of an effective deterrent to assaults from floating objects, vessels or other water-based threats.
- A vessel anchored at port to take on fuel or supplies is particularly vulnerable to attack. Although radar, sonar and other sensors can remain active and manned during these periods, no evasive action could be taken in a short period of time to avoid a water-born attack. One option for military vessels is to remain on alert while anchored, with guns manned, but in busy seaports it may be difficult to discern between harmless commercial traffic and a potential attacker. At present, there is no system which is visible in the water for effectively defining an area of restricted access and to warn other vessels to stay away from a military or commercial ship at anchor. Buoys, channel markers and the like which are commonly found in the water at seaports are not suitable for use as a warning device because they have not historically been used for such purpose and would not be perceived in that way by vessel operators. As a consequence, it is conceivable that an innocent commercial vessel could be fired upon by an anchored military ship for entering restricted space defined by buoys or other markers because the vessel operator did not realize the buoys or markers were being used for that purpose.
- It is therefore among the objectives of this invention to provide a system for water-based security of vessels and other assets located at seaports which effectively warns other vessels of the presence of a restricted area, which impedes or stops the progress of at least smaller vessels attempting to enter a restricted area, which is portable and easily deployed around a ship or other assets and which can withstand conditions at sea.
- These objectives are accomplished in a floating barrier wall including a number of individual barrier units each comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barriers end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.
- This invention is predicated upon the concept of creating a floating wall of interconnected barrier units which can be readily recognized by operators of vessels and others as a warning structure delineating a restricted area. In the presently preferred embodiment, the individual barrier units are a modified version of plastic structures which have been conventionally used as highway barriers of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,140. Each barrier is formed in the general shape of a “New Jersey” style concrete highway barrier, with side walls having a curb reveal extending vertically upwardly from the relatively wide bottom wall, an angled section extending inwardly from the curb reveal and a vertical section located between the angled section and top wall. Although not previously used in water-based applications, barriers of this shape are readily recognized as defining areas of restricted or no access. Additionally, an opening is formed in each barrier which is capable of mounting a sign, flashing light or other indicia to provide further warning and notice of an area which is off limits to traffic. Individual barrier units are connected end-to-end forming a continuous wall which can encircle or otherwise isolate vessels and other assets.
- A number of features are included in the barrier units of this invention to adapt them for use in water security applications. In one embodiment, a rotational molding process is employed to combine crosslinkable high density polyethylene material with polyethylene foaming pellets to form the barrier unit with walls having an interior surface covered with a layer of foam. The plastic, polyethylene walls have a thickness on the order of about 0.25 inches, and the foam layer is in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches in thickness depending upon the amount of foaming pellets used. In an alternative embodiment, substantially the entire hollow interior of the barrier is filled with foam material. Preferably, a liquid material is introduced into the hollow interior through one or more fill holes formed in the top wall of the barrier, and it then cures to form a foam which expands to fill all or a part of the entire volume of the barrier interior.
- In order to maintain the barrier units in an upright position in the water, a ballast weight is provided which is mounted along or beneath the bottom wall, or within the interior or the barrier units. As described below, the bottom wall can be formed with a recess to receive the ballast weight so that it is substantially flush with the bottom wall. Alternatively, the ballast weight extends a short distance below the bottom wall of the barrier unit and is configured to create limited resistance to current, tides, wake and other water movement. Further embodiments of this invention employ ballast material located along the base of the barrier units within their hollow interior. In one preferred embodiment of this type, the bottom wall of each barrier unit is formed in the V-shaped configuration of a boat hull, and concrete or other heavy material is introduced into the interior of the barrier unit along the bottom wall to provide the ballast weight. Alternatively, the bottom wall of the barrier device is formed with spaced, hollow pontoons, each of which is filled with ballast material.
- A number of designs are provided for attaching adjacent barrier units to one another to form a barrier wall. Each barrier unit is preferably formed with a pair of channels which extend through the hollow interior thereof from one side wall to the other. In addition, each end wall of the barrier units is formed with a recess configured to receive one end of a coupler element. In one embodiment, the barrier units are placed end-to-end, and then a coupler element is inserted within the abutting recesses of adjacent barriers to connect them together. An endless first strap, cable, chain or the like is looped around the channel of one barrier and the channel of an adjacent barrier to provide additional support for securing the barriers together end-to-end. Additionally, a second strap or cable may be extended from the first strap around the top wall of the barrier unit in position to overlie the coupler element and retain it in place within the recesses.
- In addition to the connections described above to maintain adjacent barriers together, structure is employed to provide resistance to the passage of vessels or other objects travelling along the surface of the water from passing through the barrier wall into the restricted area it protects. In various embodiments, a continuous cable, chain or other elongated element is mounted to the side walls or top wall of the interconnected barrier units, and the opposite ends of the cable are connected to a permanent structure such as the pilings of a pier, dock or the like. The barrier wall carries the cable above the surface of the water in position to engage the hull of a vessel or other object moving along the surface of the water to stop, or at least impede, the progress thereof.
- In one embodiment, a number of eyebolts are mounted to each barrier device in the area of the curb reveal which are spaced along the barrier side walls between the end walls thereof. The eye of each eyebolt receives and supports the cable in position approximately midway along the vertical height of the side walls. Alternatively, at least one sleeve is formed in each barrier unit, extending from the top wall toward the bottom wall thereof. Each sleeve, in turn, mounts an eyebolt which supports a cable in a position overlying the top wall of the barrier units. In either case, the cable(s) are maintained above the surface of the water and can be securely connected at their opposite ends to a fixed, land-based structure for maximum resistance to impact with a vessel or other object moving along the water.
- In a still further embodiment, one or more conduits in the form of a pipe or tube are positioned within the interior of each barrier unit and extend longitudinally between the opposed end walls thereof. When the barrier units are placed end-to-end, the conduit of one barrier aligns with that of an adjacent barrier and a coupling device interconnects the two conduit ends. Preferably, the conduits also provide a support for adjustably mounting a ballast weight beneath the bottom wall of the barrier units.
- The structure, operation and advantages of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a representative installation for the barrier wall of this invention in which individual barrier units carry a cable whose ends are each anchored to a pier defining an enclosed body of water where vessels are moored;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an individual barrier unit of this invention;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the barrier unit depicted in FIG. 1, with a portion of a second barrier shown in phantom at one end;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the barrier unit of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line5-5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 5 except of an alternative embodiment in which the barrier unit is completely filled with a foam material;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a barrier unit similar to that depicted in FIGS.2-4, except with a hull-shaped bottom wall;
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line8-8 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 9 except of an alternative embodiment in which the barrier unit is completely filled with a foam material;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier device according to this invention in which the bottom wall is formed with spaced pontoons;
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line11-11 of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 11 except of an alternative embodiment in which the barrier device is completely filled with a foam material;
- FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the barrier unit shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line14-14 of FIG. 13;
- FIG. 15 is a schematic, end view of a barrier unit having a ballast weight extending below the bottom wall;
- FIG. 16 is a view of two barrier units connected end-to-end carrying a cable with eyebolts mounted at the curb reveal of the barrier devices;
- FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 except with the cable carried by eyebolts mounted at the top wall of the barrier devices;
- FIG. 18 is a cross sectional, elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier unit incorporating an adjustable height ballast weight;
- FIG. 19 is a view of the mounting structure for connecting two barriers of the type illustrated in FIG. 18 end-to-end; and
- FIG. 20 is a disassembled, perspective view of a platform designed to receive and support three barrier units of the type shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.
- A number of alternative embodiments of barrier units according to this invention are depicted in the drawings, and there are different means of interconnecting adjacent barrier units to form a barrier wall depending on their construction. Notwithstanding certain structural variations in the several embodiments of the barrier units herein, as discussed below, common elements are present in each of the preferred embodiments. The description which follows discusses each embodiment of the barrier units of this invention separately, with common structure identified with the same reference numbers in the Figs. The means for connecting adjacent barriers is also described separately below.
- Referring initially to FIGS.2-4, each
individual barrier unit 10 in this embodiment of the invention comprises atop wall 12, abottom wall 14, opposedend walls side walls hollow interior 24. In the presently preferred embodiment, each of the walls 12-22 are formed of a semi-rigid plastic material chosen from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, acrylonitrile or butadiene styrene, high impact styrene, polycarbonates and the like. These plastic materials are all inherently tough, exhibit good energy absorption characteristics are generally unaffected by weather and have excellent basic resistance to weathering, leaching and biodegradation. Materials such as ultraviolet inhibitors can be added thereto, making such materials further resistant to the effects of weather. They also retain their mechanical and chemical properties at low ambient temperatures. - In this embodiment, the walls12-22 of
barrier unit 10 have a thickness in the range of about one-eighth inch to one inch so as to perform satisfactorily in service, as described in more detail below. Thebarrier units 10 are preferably in the range of about six to eight feet in length, and, at the wall thickness noted above, have a weight when empty of about 75 to 130 lbs. - Considering initially the construction of the
side walls barrier unit 10, since both are identical in configuration onlyside wall 20 is described in detail herein, it being understood that theside wall 22 is formed with the identical structure and functions in the same manner. Theside wall 20 includes a substantially vertically oriented curb reveal 26 which extends from thebottom wall 14 to a horizontally extending ledge or step 28 best shown in FIG. 2. The horizontal extent of thestep 28 is preferably on the order of about 1½ inches measured in the direction from the outer edge of curb reveal 26 toward thehollow interior 24 ofbarrier unit 10. - Extending upwardly at an acute angle from the
step 28 is anintermediate section 30 which terminates at a vertically extendingupper section 32. Theupper section 32, in turn, extends from theintermediate section 30 to thetop wall 12 ofbarrier 10 which is formed with a pair of fill holes 33 preferably having a diameter in the range of about 3-4 inches. In the presently preferred embodiment, a number ofstabilizers 34 are integrally formed in theintermediate section 30, at regularly spaced intervals between theend walls stabilizer 34 includes abase 36 and opposedsides base 36 of eachstabilizer 34 is coplanar with thestep 28 and is supported by an internally locatedsupport 42 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4. Thesides stabilizer 34 taper inwardly, toward one another, from the base 36 to a point substantially coincident with the uppermost edge ofintermediate section 30 where theupper section 32 ofside wall 20 begins. In the presently preferred embodiment, a throughbore 44 extends from thebase 36 of one or more of thestabilizers 34, through theinternal support 42 and out thebottom wall 14 ofbarrier 10. Each of these throughbores 44 mount aneyebolt 156, as described in more detail below in connection with a discussion of FIG. 16. - As shown in FIG. 3, a
post boot 50 is formed at thebottom wall 14 ofbarrier 10, in alignment with eachfill hole 33, to receive and support the bottom portion of asecond eyebolt 160 which is inserted through thefill hole 33 as described in more detail below in connection with a discussion of FIG. 17. Thetop wall 12 is also formed with an internally extendingseat 74 adapted to mount awarning light 230 which preferably flashes on and off to alert vessels of the presence of thebarrier units 10. See FIGS. 16 and 17. - Each
end wall 16 ofbarriers 10 is formed with an internally extendingrecess 48 near thebottom wall 14, which receives an outwardlyprotruding extension 52 formed on theend wall 18 of anadjacent barrier 10. The upper portion ofend wall 16 is formed with aslot 56, and the upper portion ofend wall 18 is formed with aslot 58. Eachslot portion 59 and a narrower, substantially rectangular-shapedportion 61 at theirrespective end walls slots top wall 12 downwardly to a point near the juncture of theupper section 32 andintermediate section 30. - When two
barrier units end wall 16 of onebarrier 10 abutting theend wall 18′ of anadjacent barrier 10′, theslots locking channel 60 depicted in phantom in FIG. 3. This lockingchannel 60 receives acoupler 62 having cylindrical ends 64, 66 and arectangular center section 67, which is removably insertable therein and extends substantially along the entire length of the lockingchannel 60. The cylindrical ends 64, 66 ofcoupler 62 pivot within the correspondingly shapedcylindrical portions slots barrier unit 10 can be pivoted with respect to anadjacent barrier 10′. Additional details and discussion on the structure for connectingadjacent barriers 10 to one another is provided below with reference to a description of FIGS. 16 and 17. - Each of the
barrier units 10 further include a pair ofhollow channels hollow interior 24 ofbarrier unit 10 and extend between theside walls channels intermediate section 30 of eachside wall upper sections 32 thereof. The twochannels stabilizers 34 formed in theside walls barrier 10 so that it retains its shape when filled with a ballast material. Each of thechannels barriers 10. - As noted above, the barrier units of this invention are intended for use in marine applications to provide enhanced security for vessels and other assets when docked at port. It has been found that into the molding process which forms the
barrier units 10, as well as during installation and use of same, cracks or other surface irregularities in the plastic forming thebarrier units 10 can result in leakage of water in thehollow interior 24. With reference to FIG. 5, in one preferred embodiment of this invention structure is provided to allow thebarrier units 10 to float by resisting leakage of water into thehollow interior 24 and by providing enhanced buoyancy of thebarrier units 10. Each of thewalls barrier unit 10 is formed with aninner surface 76 located within thehollow interior 24 and an exterior,outer surface 78. Theseinner surfaces 60 receive afoam layer 84 having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches. The remainder of thehollow interior 24 is empty. Thefoam layer 84 is effective to seal theinner surface 60 of each wall and substantially prevent leakage of water into thehollow interior 24. Additionally, thefoam layer 84 is puncture resistant, particularly as its thickness is increased, and therefore resists leakage even if the plastic walls of the barrier are damaged during installation or use. - The method of forming the
barrier unit 10 with thefoam layer 84 forms no part of this invention, and is therefore not discussed in detail herein. Generally, a rotational molding process is employed in which a polyethylene resin and polyethylene foaming pellets are combined in a mold to form the completed barrier. Each of thewalls barrier 10 are commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical under the trademark “PAXON,” Type Numbers 7004 and 7204 rotational molding resins. - One foam material which can be employed in the rotational molding process noted above to form the
foam layer 64 is commercially available from Equistar Chemicals, Inc. of Houston, Tex. under the trademark “PETROTHENE.” A structural foam, semi-rigid foam or flexible PETROTHENE foam may be employed in thebarrier 10 of this embodiment of the present invention, whose properties and type numbers are as follows:Property Nominal Value Units MSTR005 - Structural Foam Density 7 lb/ft3 Compressive Modulus 800 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.435 BTU in/hr ft2 ° F. MSTR008 - Semi-Rigid Foam Density 4 lb/ft3 Compressive Modulus 180 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.384 BTU in/hr ft2 ° F. MSTR007 - Flexible Foam Density 2 lb/ft3 Compressive Modulus 35 psi Shrinkage (w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k) 0.357 BTU in/hr ft2 ° F. - In most instances it is contemplated that a semi-rigid foam would be employed to form the
foam layer 84, such as PETROTHENE Type No. MSTR008. If additional structural rigidity is required, a denser foam with increased compressive modulus may be used such as PETROTHENE Type No. MSTR005. Further, the overall thickness of thefoam layer 84 can be controlled in the molding process to increase or decrease the rigidity of thebarrier 10, i.e., the thicker thefoam layer 84 the more rigid the walls 12-22. - Referring now to FIG. 6, a further embodiment of this invention is shown in which the
hollow interior 24 of thebarrier 10 is completely filled with a foam material to form asolid foam body 86. One presently preferred foaming material is a two-component polyether-based, low density pour-in-place urethane foam commercially available from North Carolina Foam Industries of Mount Airy, North Carolina under the name “NCFI Low Density Pour System 31-120.” The resin properties and reaction properties of this material are as follows:TYPICAL RESIN PROPERTIES: 31-120R 31-120A Viscosity @ 72° F. 500 cps 200 cps Weight Per Gallon 9.5 lbs. 10.2 lbs. Appearance amber liquid brown liquid Shelf Life 6 months 6 months MIX RATIO: 31-120R 31-120A Ratio By Weight 100 parts 107 parts Ratio By Volume 100 parts 100 parts TYPICAL REACTION PROPERTIES: Hand Mix @ 72° F. Cream Time, seconds 32 Gel Time, seconds 140 Rise Time, seconds 210 Density (FRC) 1.9 pcf - Preferably, such foam material is be introduced in liquid form into the
hollow interior 24 of abarrier unit 10 through one of the fill holes 33, and then allowed to cure in situ thus filling up the entire volume of thehollow interior 24. Not only is the buoyancy of thebarrier units 10 enhanced by a continuous body offoam material 86, but the structural integrity thereof is improved since cracks, punctures or other damage to the outer, plastic skin of thebarrier units 10 would not affect the ability of same to remain afloat in the water. - As noted above, the empty weight of a
barrier unit 10 is about 75 to 135 pounds, and the addition of afoam layer 84 orcontinuous foam body 86 adds little to the overall weight. Additionally, although thebarrier units 10 readily float in the water, it is important that they be maintained in an upright position for maximum visibility, i.e. with thebottom wall 14 and a portion of theside walls top wall 12 out of the water. - Referring now to FIGS.13-15, alternative embodiments are illustrated of a ballast weight to maintain the
barrier units 10 in the upright position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, arecess 90 is formed in eachbarrier unit 10 which extends inwardly from thebottom wall 14 into thehollow interior 24. Therecess 90 is located at the center of thebarrier unit 10, immediately beneath thebase 36 of thecenter stabilizer 34 formed in theside walls ballast weight 92 is mounted within therecess 90 by a pair of bolts or pins 94, each extending from aseat 96 formed in theballast weight 92 and though the throughbore 44 formed in thebase 36 of thecenter stabilizer 34. In this embodiment, theballast weight 92 is substantially entirely received within therecess 90 and protrudes only slightly beyond thebottom wall 14 of thebarrier unit 10. Preferably, theballast weight 92 is formed of concrete encased with rubber or other non-abrasive material. - In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, a
ballast weight 98 is suspended below thebottom wall 14 of thebarrier unit 10 by a pair of chains orcables cable ballast weight 98, preferably of the same type asballast weight 92, and the opposite end of eachcable side walls barrier unit 10 by anysuitable fasteners 104 which connect to aninternal plate 106. - Referring initially to FIGS.7-9, an alternative embodiment of a
barrier unit 110 according to this invention is shown. Thebarrier unit 110 is similar to thebarrier unit 10, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate like structure in thedevices barrier unit 110 of this embodiment is formed with abottom wall 112 having a shape similar to the hull of a vessel. The other walls of thebarrier unit 110 have the same construction, and are formed of the same material, as the walls 12-22 ofbarrier unit 10 described above. - One other modification of the
barrier unit 110 compared tobarrier unit 10 involves the ballast weight. Instead of attaching a ballast weight on the exterior of thebarrier unit 110, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, concrete, crushed stone or other heavy material is introduced into thehollow interior 24 through the fill holes 33 to form a ballast layer orweight 114 along thebottom wall 112. Theballast layer 114 may extend part way upwardly along theside walls - For the same reasons discussed above in connection with the
barrier unit 10, it is preferred to incorporate a foam layer or core within the interior ofbarrier unit 110. As best seen in FIG. 9, in one embodiment a body offoam material 116 is provided which is identical to thefoam body 66 discussed above in connection with FIG. 6, except that the body offoam material 116 begins at the top surface of theballast layer 114 and fills the remainder of the volume of thehollow interior 24. Alternatively, afoam layer 118 is formed along thewalls bottom wall 112, in the same manner as described above in connection with a discussion of FIG. 5, but with theballast layer 114 filling the area along the bottom of thebarrier unit 110. See FIG. 8. - An alternative embodiment of a
barrier unit 120 according to this invention which employs structure for stabilizing the barrier, and an internal ballast weight, is shown in FIGS. 10-12. In this embodiment, thebottom wall 122 of thebarrier unit 120 is formed with a pair of spacedpontoons side wall 20, and a pair of spaced,second pontoons 126 and 127 extending from theside wall 22. As depicted in FIG. 10, thepontoons end walls pontoons 126 and 127. The purpose of this separation is to reduce drag on thebarrier unit 120 imposed by tides, current and other water movement. Each of the pontoons 124-127 has a generallyvertical wall 128, with thebarrier 120 in the position depicted in the Figs., and anangled wall 130 extending from thevertical wall 128 toward the center of thebarrier unit 120. Asmall space 132 is formed between theangled walls 130 of the twopontoons 124, 126 at the barrier center, as shown. Preferably, eachpontoon 124 and 126 has a rounded end 134 at the juncture of the vertical and angledwalls - The purpose of the spaced
pontoons 124 and 126 is to provided added stability to thebarrier unit 120 in the water. Additionally, aballast weight 136 consisting of material such as concrete, gravel, sand or the like is added within the hollow interior of each pontoon 124-127, i.e., the space defined by the volume between therespective walls hollow interior 24 of thebarrier unit 120 above the level of thebottom wall 122. - As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
barrier unit 120 of this embodiment is also preferably formed with either a foam layer or core of foam material as in thebarrier unit 110 described above in connection with a discussion of FIGS. 7-9. As shown in FIG. 11, afoam layer 138 is formed along thewalls barrier unit 120 at a location above theballast weight 136. In FIG. 12, asolid foam body 140 is provided which is essentially identical to the body offoam material 116 depicted in FIG. 9. - Another aspect of this invention involves the connection of
adjacent barrier units 10 together to form abarrier wall 150 as schematically depicted in FIG. 1. Such connecting structure includes, in alternative embodiments, means for mounting thebarrier units 10 together at their opposed ends, and means for supporting a cable, rope, chain or other substantially continuous elongated connector along each thebarrier units 10 when oriented end-to-end. Twobarrier units barrier 10′. - As noted above, when two
barrier units end wall 18 of onebarrier 10 abutting theend wall 16′ of anadjacent barrier 10′, theslots locking channel 60. See also FIG. 4. Acoupler 62 is inserted within the lockingchannel 60 to pivotally interconnect theadjacent barrier strap 152 is extended through theopening 72 ofbarrier 10 and through theopening 72′ of theadjacent barrier 10′. Thisstrap 152 provides additional end-to-end support to resist disengagement of thebarriers horizontal strap 152 also connects to a vertically extendingstrap 154 which is looped over thecoupler 62 inserted within the lockingchannel 60. One end of thevertical strap 154 is connected to thehorizontal strap 152 along theside walls barrier units vertical strap 154 mounts to thehorizontal strap 152 on theopposite side walls barrier units vertical strap 154 is to maintain thecoupler 62 in place within the lockingchannel 60. - In the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17, additional structure is provided to interconnect
adjacent barrier units barrier wall 150. Referring initially to FIG. 16, at least oneeyebolt 156 is extended though a throughbore 44 in thebarrier unit 10, and aneyebolt 156′ is carried by a throughbore 44′ inbarrier device 10′. Theeyebolts elongated member 158 is extended through the eye of theeyebolts pier 157, dock other permanent structure as schematically depicted in FIG. 1. Theeyebolts elongated member 158 out of the water in a position to engage the hull, or at least the screw, of an oncoming vessel. It is contemplated that if such construction does not stop a vessel, theelongated member 158 will impede it's progress sufficiently to allow time for defensive action by vessels in the port. - Referring now to FIG. 17, an alternative means of mounting the
elongated member 158 is shown. In this embodiment,eyebolts respective barrier devices eyebolts post boot eyebolt 160 receives and supports theelongated member 158 in position above thetop wall 12 of thebarrier units barriers - It should be understood that while the structure noted above for interconnecting adjacent barriers has been described with reference to
barrier units adjacent barrier units - Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a still further embodiment of a
barrier unit 170 is illustrated which similar in construction to thebarrier unit 10 except primarily for the ballast weight and means for connecting adjacent barriers together. Structural elements of thebarrier unit 170 which are common to that ofbarrier unit 10 are given the same reference numbers in FIGS. 18 and 19. - In the presently preferred embodiment, the entire
hollow interior 24 ofbarrier unit 170 is filled with afoam material body 172 comprised of the same foam as described above in connection with a discussion of FIGS. 6, 9 and 12. A tube,pipe 174 of other hollow member extends through the interior 24 of thebarrier unit 170, at a location above theextension 52, which has oneend 176 protruding from theend wall 16 and theopposite end 178 protruding from theend wall 18. Aretention plate 180 is mounted to eachend pipe 174 at the point where they extend throughend walls retention plate 180 assists in retaining thepipe 174 in position within thebarrier interior 24. - An
elongated ballast weight 182 is suspended beneath thebottom wall 14 ofbarrier unit 170 by a pair of mountingarms arms sleeve pipe 174. Thesleeves bottom wall 14 of thebarrier unit 170 into the interior 24, and are mounted to thepipe 174 by a collar 192 or other suitable fastener. As shown in FIG. 18, spacedholes 194 are formed in each of thesleeves openings 196 formed in the mountingarms openings 196 in the mountingarms hole 194 in thesleeves holes 194 permits vertical adjustment of the position of theballast weight 182 relative to thebottom wall 14 of thebarrier unit 170, as desired. It is contemplated that a warning light (not shown) or other equipment could be mounted to theseat 74 and other locations along thetop wall 12 of thebarrier unit 170. The greater the quantity, weight and height of such equipment, the greater the tendency of thebarrier unit 170 to tip over on its side or upside down. This tendency is resisted by theballast weight 182, and its position is adjusted downwardly with respect to thebottom wall 14 of thebarrier unit 170 to increase its effectiveness as a counterweight. Furthermore, the overall mass of theballast weight 182 can be increased, if necessary, to ensure thebarrier unit 170 remains in an upright position. - The
ballast weight 182 is preferably a tube, pipe or other hollow member which is filled with concrete, gravel or other heavy material. In addition to stabilizing thebarrier unit 170, the shape and location of theballast weight 182 resists the effects of current, tides and other water movement. This aids in stabilizing thebarrier unit 170 in the water, and reduces stress on the coupling elements which interconnectadjacent barriers ballast weight 182, and/or its mountingarms - Referring now to FIG. 19, portions of two
barrier units coupling element 200 which interconnects them. In the presently preferred embodiment, aU-shaped bracket 202 is welded or otherwise permanently affixed to theend 178 ofbarrier unit 170, and asecond bracket 204 is connected in the same manner to theend 176′ of thebarrier unit 170′. As depicted FIG. 19, a portion of eachbracket respective ends barrier units shackle 206. Onearm 208 of theshackle 204 extends into thebracket 202 and itsother arm 210 is received within thebracket 204. Thearms bolt 212 as shown. The coupling arrangement for thebarrier units U-shaped brackets shackle 204 is connected allow for at least limited pivotal motion of onebarrier unit - In forming the
barrier wall 150, whether employing thebarrier units platforms 220 at selected intervals each carrying two or more barrier units. For purposes of the present discussion, and with reference to FIG. 20, aplatform 220 is shown with threebarrier units platform 220. Theplatform 220 has four interconnectedsides opposed sides barrier units end walls upright posts 234 which are positioned to be inserted within the through bores 44 on opposite sides of eachbarrier 170, and then connected thereto bynuts 236, when thebarriers 170 are placed within theplatform 220 atop the cross braces 220. - One purpose of the
platform 220 is to add overall stability to thebarrier wall 150. As noted above, a number ofplatforms 220 are located at spaced intervals along the length of thebarrier wall 150, and with three side-by-side barriers platform 220 increased resistance is provided to overturning ofindividual barriers 170. Additionally, as schematically depicted in FIG. 20, awarning light 230 can be mounted to one or more of thebarrier units platforms 220 to increase visibility of theentire barrier wall 150. Preferably, thecoupling element 200 associated withbarrier unit 170 carried by theplatform 220 is used to connect opposite ends of theplatform 220 toadjacent barriers 170 in thebarrier wall 150. - While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (77)
1. A floating barrier unit, comprising:
a housing having a hollow interior;
said hollow interior of said housing being at least partially filled with a foam material;
a ballast weight connected to said housing which is effective to assist in maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation when placed in the water.
2. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form said hollow interior.
3. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which said ballast weight is connected to said housing such that said housing is maintained in an upright orientation in the water wherein said top wall is out of the water and said bottom wall is in the water.
4. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which a recess is formed in said bottom wall which extends into said hollow interior, said ballast weight being mounted within said recess.
5. The floating barrier unit of claim 2 in which said ballast weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in position spaced from said bottom wall.
6. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said ballast weight is located within said hollow interior of said housing.
7. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said hollow interior of said housing is completely filled with foam material.
8. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material.
9. The floating barrier unit of claim 8 in which said layer of foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
10. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said foam material is located within said hollow interior in position to substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow interior.
11. The floating barrier unit of claim 1 in which said housing is formed in the shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said side walls including a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal and an upper section connected between said intermediate section and said top wall.
12. A floating barrier wall, comprising:
a number of individual floating barrier units each including:
(i) a housing having a hollow interior;
(ii) said hollow interior of said housing being at least partially filled with a foam material;
(iii) a ballast weight connected to said housing and located externally of said hollow interior thereof, said ballast weight being effective to assist in maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation when placed in the water;
a connecting device extending between adjacent floating barrier units which is effective to connect said floating barrier units end-to-end.
13. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 in which said housing of each of said floating barrier units includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form said hollow interior.
14. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which each of said end walls is formed with a recess, said connecting device including a coupler having one end insertable within said recess in said end wall of one floating barrier unit and an opposite end insertable within said recess in said end wall of an adjacent floating barrier unit.
15. The floating barrier wall of claim 14 further including a strap which extends over said coupler to retain it in place within said recesses.
16. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which each of said floating barrier units is formed with at least one opening extending through said hollow interior from one of said side walls to the other side wall, said connecting device including a connector element extending from said at least one opening of one floating barrier unit to said at least one opening of an adjacent floating barrier unit.
17. The floating barrier wall of claim 16 in which said connector element is a strap which extends through said opening of each of two adjacent barrier units.
18. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which said connector device includes at least one mounting element connected to said housing of each barrier unit, and a connector element extending between and carried by said mounting elements of adjacent barriers.
19. The floating barrier wall of claim 18 in which said mounting element is an eyebolt having one end secured to each side wall of said housing of each barrier unit, and an opposite end formed with an eyelet.
20. The floating barrier wall of claim 19 in which said connector element is a cable extending through said eyelets of said eyebolts mounted to adjacent barrier units.
21. The floating barrier wall of claim 18 in which said mounting element is an eyebolt having one end connected within an opening formed in said housing of each barrier unit which extends from said top wall toward said bottom wall thereof, the other end of said eyebolt having an eyelet spaced from said top wall of said housing.
22. The floating barrier wall of claim 21 in which said connector element is a cable extending through said eyelets of said eyebolts mounted to adjacent barrier units.
23. The floating barrier wall of claim 13 in which said connecting device includes at least one tube extending through said hollow interior of said housing of each barrier unit between said opposed, end walls, and a shackle for connecting one end of said tube of one barrier unit to one end of said tube of an adjacent barrier unit.
24. The floating barrier wall of claim 23 in which said ballast weight of each of said floating barrier units is connected to said at least one tube and spaced from said bottom wall thereof.
25. The floating barrier wall of claim 24 further including at least one mounting arm connected to said ballast weight and at least one sleeve mounted to said at least one tube within said hollow interior of each of said floating barrier units, said at least one mounting arm being telescopically received within said at least one sleeve.
26. The floating barrier wall of claim 25 in which at least one of said at least one mounting arm and said at least one sleeve is formed with a number of vertically spaced holes to permit adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one mounting arm within said at least one sleeve.
27. The floating barrier wall of claim 23 in which said ballast weight of each of said floating barrier wall is a hollow member filled with a ballast material.
28. The floating barrier unit of claim 13 in which said ballast weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in position spaced from said bottom wall.
29. The floating barrier unit of claim 12 in which said hollow interior of said housing is completely filled with foam material.
30. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 in which said housing of each of each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material.
31. The floating barrier wall of claim 30 in which said layer of foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
32. The floating barrier wall of claim 12 further including a platform which mounts at least two of said floating barrier units side-by-side, said platform being positioned in between two floating barrier units within said floating barrier wall.
33. The floating barrier unit of claim 12 in which said housing is formed in the shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said side walls including a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal and an upper section connected between said intermediate section and said top wall.
34. A floating barrier wall, comprising:
a number of individual floating barrier units each including:
(i) a housing having a hollow interior;
(ii) said hollow interior of said housing being at least partially filled with a foam material;
(iii) a ballast weight located within said hollow interior of said housing, said ballast weight assisting in maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation when placed in the water;
a connecting device extending between adjacent barrier units which is effective to connect said floating barrier units end-to-end.
35. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said ballast weight is located along said bottom wall of said housing within said hollow interior thereof.
36. The floating barrier wall of claim 35 in which said ballast weight is a layer of concrete.
37. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said housing of each floating barrier unit includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form said hollow interior.
38. The floating barrier wall of claim 37 in which said bottom wall of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of a vessel.
39. The floating barrier wall of claim 37 in which said bottom wall of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first and second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
40. The floating barrier wall of claim 39 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
41. The floating barrier wall of claim 39 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior within which ballast weight is located.
42. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said hollow interior overlying said ballast weight is filled with foam material.
43. The floating barrier wall of claim 34 in which said housing of each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material in position overlying said ballast weight.
44. The floating barrier wall of claim 43 in which said layer of foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
45. A floating barrier wall, comprising:
a number of individual floating barrier units each including:
(i) a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form a hollow interior;
(ii) said hollow interior of said housing being at least partially filled with a foam material;
(iii) a ballast weight located within said hollow interior of said housing, said ballast weight being effective to assist in maintaining said housing in a predetermined orientation when placed in the water;
a connecting device including at least one tube extending through said hollow interior of said housing of each floating barrier unit between said opposed end thereof, and a coupling element which mounts said at least one tube of one floating barrier unit to said at least one tube of an adjacent floating barrier unit.
46. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said ballast weight is a layer of concrete.
47. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said bottom wall of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of a vessel.
48. The floating barrier wall of claim 44 in which said bottom wall of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first and
second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
49. The floating barrier wall of claim 47 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
50. The floating barrier wall of claim 48 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior within which ballast weight is located.
51. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said hollow interior overlying said ballast weight is filled with foam material.
52. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said housing of each of said floating barrier units has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material in position overlying said ballast weight.
53. The floating barrier wall of claim 52 in which said layer of foam material has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6 inches.
54. The floating barrier wall of claim 45 in which said coupling element of each of said floating barrier units is a shackle.
55. A floating barrier unit, comprising:
a housing having a hollow interior, said housing being formed in the shape of a highway barrier including a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said side walls having a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal, and an upper section connected between said intermediate section and said top wall;
a ballast weight connected to said housing, which, when said housing is placed in the water, is effective to assist in maintaining said bottom wall in the water and said top wall out of the water.
56. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which a recess is formed in said bottom wall which extends into said hollow interior, said ballast weight being mounted within said recess.
57. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said ballast weight is connected to said opposed side walls of said housing in position spaced from said bottom wall.
58. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said ballast weight is located within said hollow interior of said housing.
59. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said hollow interior is at least partially filled with foam material.
60. The floating barrier unit of claim 59 in which said foam material is located within said hollow interior in position to substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow interior.
61. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said hollow interior of said housing is completely filled with foam material.
62. The floating barrier unit of claim 55 in which said housing has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material.
63. A floating barrier wall, comprising:
a number of individual floating barrier units each including:
(i) a housing having a hollow interior, said housing being formed in the shape of a highway barrier including a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls, each of said side walls having a curb reveal connected to said bottom wall, an intermediate section extending at an angle from said curb reveal, and an upper section connected between said intermediate section and said top wall;
(ii) a ballast weight connected to said housing, which, when said housing is placed in the water, is effective to assist in maintaining said bottom wall in the water and said top wall out of the water;
a connecting device extending between adjacent barrier units which is effective to connect said floating barrier units end-to-end.
64. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said connecting device includes at least one tube extending through said hollow interior of said housing of each barrier unit between said opposed end walls, and a shackle for connecting one end of said tube of one barrier unit to one end of said tube of an adjacent barrier unit.
65. The floating barrier wall of claim 64 in which said ballast weight of each of said floating barrier units is connected to said at least one tube and spaced from said bottom wall thereof.
66. The floating barrier wall of claim 65 further including at least one mounting arm connected to said ballast weight and at least one sleeve mounted to said at least one tube within said hollow interior of each of said floating barrier units, said at least one mounting arm being telescopically received within said at least one sleeve.
67. The floating barrier wall of claim 66 in which at least one of said at least one mounting arm and said at least one sleeve is formed with a number of vertically spaced holes to permit adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one mounting arm within said at least one sleeve.
68. The floating barrier wall of claim 64 in which said ballast weight of each of said floating barrier wall is a hollow member filled with a ballast material.
69. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said hollow interior of said housing of each said barrier units is at least partially filled with foam material.
70. The floating barrier unit of claim 69 in which said foam material is located within said hollow interior in position to substantially prevent the leakage of water into said hollow interior.
71. The floating barrier unit of claim 63 in which said hollow interior of said housing is completely filled with foam material.
72. The floating barrier unit of claim 63 in which said housing has an inner surface located within said hollow interior, said inner surface mounting a layer of foam material.
73. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said bottom wall of each barrier unit is formed in the general shape of the hull of a vessel.
74. The floating barrier unit of claim 73 in which said ballast weight is located within said hollow interior of each of said barrier units along said bottom wall thereof.
75. The floating barrier wall of claim 63 in which said bottom wall of each floating barrier includes first and second spaced pontoons extending from one of said side walls, and third and fourth spaced pontoons extending from the other of said side walls, said first and second pontoons being spaced from said third and fourth pontoons along said bottom wall of said housing.
76. The floating barrier wall of claim 75 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons includes a generally vertically extending wall and an angled wall.
77. The floating barrier wall of claim 75 in which each of said first, second, third and fourth pontoons has a hollow interior within which ballast weight is located.
Priority Applications (6)
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AU2003220605A AU2003220605A1 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-27 | Floating barrier wall |
US10/826,807 US7351008B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2004-04-15 | Floating barrier units |
US11/320,382 US7407341B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2005-12-28 | Floating barrier wall |
US12/033,313 US7731452B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2008-02-19 | Floating barrier units |
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US10/119,130 US20030185629A1 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2002-04-02 | Floating barrier wall |
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US11/320,382 Continuation-In-Part US7407341B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2005-12-28 | Floating barrier wall |
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US12/033,313 Expired - Fee Related US7731452B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2008-02-19 | Floating barrier units |
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US12/033,313 Expired - Fee Related US7731452B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2008-02-19 | Floating barrier units |
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US20040120770A1 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2004-06-24 | Kunio Miyazaki | Containment boom |
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US10214870B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-02-26 | Grant Jansen | Buoyancy compensated erosion control module |
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CN112900389A (en) * | 2021-01-21 | 2021-06-04 | 戴林竹 | Trash device capable of automatically raising trash rack |
CN115009450A (en) * | 2021-03-05 | 2022-09-06 | 陈光正 | Ecological floating island and ecological floating island combination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080267710A1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
US20070031193A1 (en) | 2007-02-08 |
US7731452B2 (en) | 2010-06-08 |
US7407341B2 (en) | 2008-08-05 |
WO2003085207A3 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
WO2003085207A2 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
AU2003220605A1 (en) | 2003-10-20 |
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Legal Events
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