US20180347129A1 - Rolling vehicle barrier - Google Patents
Rolling vehicle barrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180347129A1 US20180347129A1 US15/921,274 US201815921274A US2018347129A1 US 20180347129 A1 US20180347129 A1 US 20180347129A1 US 201815921274 A US201815921274 A US 201815921274A US 2018347129 A1 US2018347129 A1 US 2018347129A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- barrier
- shaped
- shaped barrier
- horizontal portion
- barrier according
- 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
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
- E01F15/14—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F13/00—Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F13/00—Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions
- E01F13/12—Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
- E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
- E01F15/08—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements ; Cable-linked blocks
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- 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
- E02B3/10—Dams; Dykes; Sluice ways or other structures for dykes, dams, or the like
- E02B3/106—Temporary dykes
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- 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
- E02B3/10—Dams; Dykes; Sluice ways or other structures for dykes, dams, or the like
- E02B3/106—Temporary dykes
- E02B3/108—Temporary dykes with a filling, e.g. filled by water or sand
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- Example FIG. 1 illustrates an L-shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 2 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a support member in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 3 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a support member and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of L-shaped barriers including a plurality of support members and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrates a curved semicircular shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 6 illustrates a curved parabolic shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 7 illustrates a surface a shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 8 illustrates a curved shaped barrier substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving fluid material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 9 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 10 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 11 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 12 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking a vehicle in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 13 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a collapsible section and a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 14 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer, a support member and an energy absorber in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- FIG. 15A through FIG. 15 F illustrate several example shell shaped barriers in accordance with aspects of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of a weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with aspects of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 16B illustrates a front view of joined and weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with aspects of embodiments.
- Example FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate joined shell shaped barriers in accordance with aspects of embodiments.
- a barrier may relate to any structure configured to substantially contain, impede and/or block any material, for example a resting and/or moving material.
- a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a material over any desired area, for example soil, grain, salt, cement, sand and/or fluid material over a containment area.
- a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a fluid over a flood area.
- a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a mechanical object, for example a vehicle over a roadway.
- a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a moveable material and/or a contact body over a protected area and/or safe area, for example a vehicle across highway working zones, fluid across flood areas, and the like.
- a barrier may attenuate the force resulting from an approaching moveable material.
- barrier properties may be tailored.
- barrier properties may be tailored to account for barrier environment and/or barrier use.
- barrier properties may be tailored irrespective of barrier environment and/or use.
- the properties of a barrier may be tailored by configuring the size, shape, assembly and/or composition of a barrier and/or barrier portion, alone or in combination.
- barrier size may be configured to include any selected barrier length, width, height, weight, mass, volume and/or density.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier cavities, for example formed by one or more barrier walls.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier spaces, for example formed between barrier walls.
- a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may be filled with a material to form a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume.
- a barrier cavity and/or a barrier space may be filled with any suitable material, which may account for selected barrier weight, mass, density, and the like.
- a material filling a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may include air, liquid, PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, cement, concrete, sand, soil, plastic, rubber, urethane, polyvinyl foam, and the like.
- a non-solid volume may be formed by filling a double shell structure with a gas, such as air, a liquid, such as water, a bulk material, such as soil, and the like.
- a non-solid volume may be formed by including a barrier cavity and/or barrier space in a vacuous state.
- filling a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may form a solid volume.
- a solid volume may include the same and/or different material than the composition of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- a solid volume may be formed by filling a double shell structure with concrete, clay, and the like.
- a thickness of a shaped barrier may form a solid volume.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include a curved semicircular, curved parabolic, L, reversed T, triangular, rectangular, square and/or amorphous barrier shape, and the like.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured by any fabrication process.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be fabricated by an etching process, for example etching from a bulk barrier composition.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be shaped in one-dimension, two-dimensions and/or three-dimensions.
- a shaped barrier may be formed by, for example, molding a shaped barrier portion to include any desired barrier size, barrier shape, and the like.
- a shaped barrier portion may be molded to include an L-shape having a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion.
- a shaped barrier portion may be molded into a curved shaped barrier.
- FIG. 15A through FIG. 15F Examples of various shell shaped barriers as per aspects of the present invention are illustrated in FIG. 15A through FIG. 15F .
- Horizontal and vertical forces may be translated through curved portions of the shell shaped barriers.
- FIG. 15A illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a concave portion on one side of the barrier and a convex portion on the other side of the barrier.
- FIG. 15B illustrates a shell shaped barrier with an inverted T shape.
- FIG. 15C illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a concave and horizontal portion on one side of the barrier and a convex portion on the other side of the barrier.
- FIG. 15D illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a half round shape.
- FIG. 15E illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a horizontally elongated half round shape.
- FIG. 15F illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a vertically elongated half round shape.
- These barriers may be deployed in either direction depending on current desires.
- These shapes may be molded with a concave bottom forming a barrier cavity.
- the barrier cavity may create an inner shell shape which may conform to the outer wall shape.
- the inner shell shape may be different than the outer wall shape.
- the shape of the shell shape barrier may be configured to enable stacking and efficient storage of the barriers.
- the shell shape may not be limited to a single wall. For example, a double shell structure having an outer wall and an inner wall could provide a barrier space.
- a shaped barrier may be formed by connecting two or more separate shaped barrier portions.
- a connection may include a mechanical, chemical and/or magnetic connection, and the like.
- a connection may include one or more rigid and/or hinge connectors.
- a connector may include a hinge, weld, bolt, adhesive, seal, rail, magnet, fastener, clip, lock-and-key, and the like.
- two substantially planar barrier portions may be connected to form an L-shaped barrier, T-shaped barrier, triangular shaped barrier, and the like.
- three substantially planar portions may be connected to form a triangular shaped barrier, T-shaped barrier, and the like.
- two or more substantially curved barrier portions may be connected to form a circular shaped barrier, a parabolic shaped barrier, and the like.
- a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier substantially smooth surfaces.
- a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more deformable and/or rigid portions.
- a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier walls.
- one or more barrier walls may include a deformable, rigid, rough and/or smooth portion.
- a portion of one or more barrier walls may not be uniform.
- a surface of one or more barrier walls may include trenches, divots, and the like, in any desired geometry.
- trenches may be v-shaped grooves, u-shaped grooves, toothed grooves, wave shape, and the like. In embodiments, trenches may be tapered, spaced apart at any desired distance, and/or in any desired direction. In embodiments, the uniformity of one or more barrier walls may be formed at any time before and/or after the manufacture of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include a single shaped barrier.
- a shaped barrier may be configured to connect with one or more other shaped barriers.
- a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may include one or more collapsible sections, for example using one or more connectors.
- a connectable and/or collapsible shaped barrier may enable relatively fast, efficient and/or effective barrier storage, deployment, use, and the like.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more support members, for example to support one or more shaped barriers and/or shaped barrier portions.
- a support member may include one or more of a block, tie, sheet, rod, truss, brace and/or spike, and the like, in any desired geometry.
- a support member may include a square block, step shaped block, rectangle block, triangle block, z-shape brace, tie, rod, and the like.
- a support member may be formed as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- a support member may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector.
- a support member may be exposed to the environment.
- a block separating two portions of a shaped barrier may support one or more of the portions and be exposed to the environment.
- a support member may be hidden from the environment.
- a brace separating two walls of a barrier space may support the shaped barrier and be hidden from the environment.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more stabilization enhancers, for example to stabilize a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion from substantial movement.
- a stabilization enhance may include one or more of a block, tie, sheet, rod, brace and/or spike, and the like, in any desired geometry.
- a stabilization enhancer may be formed as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- a stabilization enhancer may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector.
- a stabilization enhancer may be exposed to the environment.
- a stabilization enhancer may be partially disposed above the ground on a safe-zone side of the shaped barrier. In embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be hidden from the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be disposed in the ground on a receiving side of a shaped barrier.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more energy absorbers, for example to absorb a portion of the energy of a moveable material and/or contact body.
- an energy absorber may include one or more of a block, sheet, rod, and the like, in any suitable geometry.
- an energy absorber may be manufactured as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- an energy absorber may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector.
- an energy absorber may be exposed to the environment.
- an energy absorber may be disposed between a shaped barrier and a contact body on the receiving side of a shaped barrier.
- the energy absorber may be configured to absorb at a portion of a horizontal force.
- a wall of a barrier, a support member of a barrier, a stabilization enhancer of a barrier and/or an energy absorber of a barrier may include any material.
- the material may include fluid, gas, PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, concrete, plastic, rubber, urethane, polyvinyl foam, and the like.
- barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more discontinuities between two or more shaped barriers.
- one or more discontinuities may be formed by including one or more separations between two or more shaped barriers.
- two edge shaped barriers may be separated from each other at one end of each shaped edge barrier and may be interconnected to each other at the other end of each edge shaped barrier.
- two edge shaped barriers 1720 and 1740 may be directly interconnected with each other and/or may be indirectly interconnected with each other.
- intermediate shaped barriers may indirectly interconnect two edge shaped barriers with each other.
- Example FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate joined shell shaped barriers 1700 (shown as 1710 , 1720 , 1730 and 1740 ) in accordance with aspects of embodiments.
- two edge shaped barriers 1720 and 1740 are interconnected through shaped barriers 1720 and 1730 .
- these barriers may be connected with a seal to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage through the barrier.
- a liner material 1800 may be placed over portions of the barriers to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage through the barrier.
- Liner material 1800 may be made of plastic sheeting or other material that minimizes leakage.
- Some liners may be made of other materials such as a woven material.
- Some woven materials may be coated with other materials such as polymers, rubber or the like to add strength and/or moisture resistance.
- liner materials include polyethylene, EPDM rubber, PVC and HDPE. Liner materials are available from several companies including BLT liners of Pineville, Oreg.
- the barriers may be laid out so that they do not seal. For example, it may be that the barriers need to be laid out at an angle from each other to navigated a turn. In these types of situations, the liners may be used to join the barriers to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage. According to some embodiments, the liners may be fastened to the barriers.
- solid joining caps may be used that interconnect barriers at various angles.
- a 30 degree joining cap may be used to fasten two barriers at 30 degrees.
- some barriers may be constructed to curve. To achieve a bend in a series of barrier, one could join one or more curved barriers together.
- barrier composition may be configured to include any material, for example to include polymer and/or metal material.
- barrier composition may be configured to include PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, concrete, plastic, rubber, urethane, and the like.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include PVC material where a barrier contains bulk material including soil, gravel, and the like.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include steel material where a barrier blocks a vehicle.
- a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include plastic and/or fiberglass material where a barrier impedes a fluid.
- stiffness properties of a barrier may be maximized.
- a shaped barrier may leverage the energy of a material to contain, impede and/or block the material.
- the energy of a material may include, but is not limited to: potential energy, strain energy, kinetic energy or the like.
- a shaped barrier may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between the shaped barrier and the ground to prevent substantial movement of the shaped barrier.
- barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the energy of a material and/or to increase the stabilizing force between a barrier and the ground.
- a barrier may be configured to distribute a portion of a groundward force of a material contacting the barrier, for example on a receiving side of the barrier.
- a groundward force of a material may include a portion of the energy of the material, for example a portion of the energy of the material directed towards the ground.
- a groundward force of a material may include a portion of the weight of a moveable material and/or contacting body.
- a groundward force of a material may include a portion of an approaching force of a moveable material and/or contacting body relative to a barrier.
- the movement of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include movement in a horizontal plane relative to the ground and/or movement in a vertical plane relative to the ground.
- breaking, sliding and/or overturning of a shaped barrier may be minimized.
- the weight and/or mass of a moveable material may be leveraged to maximize the properties of a shaped barrier, such that a shaped barrier may be relatively light for transport but relatively heavy when contacted.
- a shaped barrier may be configured to leverage the energy of a movable material to maximize the frictional force between the shaped barrier and the ground.
- a connectable and/or collapsible shaped barrier may enable relatively fast, efficient and/or effective barrier storage, deployment, use, and the like.
- L-shaped barrier 100 may include vertical portion 110 and/or horizontal portion 120 .
- vertical portion 110 may be connected with horizontal portion 120 at connection area 130 .
- vertical portion 110 may be positioned from horizontal portion 120 in any desired configuration.
- vertical portion 110 may be in a raised position spaced apart from ground 140 and/or horizontal portion 120 .
- vertical portion 110 may be raised in any amount, for example raised at approximately a 45 degree angle, a 90 degree angle or the like.
- horizontal portion 120 may be in a ground position contacting ground 140 .
- connection area 130 may be disposed midway between vertical portion 110 and horizontal portion 120 , vertical portion 110 may be positioned perpendicular to horizontal portion 120 , and vertical portion 110 may be spaced apart from horizontal portion 120 by approximately 90 degrees.
- L-shaped barrier 100 may be configured to connect with another shaped barrier.
- L-shaped barrier 100 may include a connector configured to connect with a complimentary connector of an adjacent L-shaped barrier.
- two L-shaped barriers may be interconnected at one end of each barrier to form a relatively larger L-shaped barrier.
- a discontinuity may be formed by having a separation between the interconnected L-shaped barriers at the other end of each L-shaped barrier.
- L-shaped barrier 200 may include vertical portion 210 and/or horizontal portion 220 .
- vertical portion 210 may be connected with horizontal portion 220 at connection area 230 .
- vertical portion 210 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 220 may be in a ground position.
- L-shaped barrier 200 may include one or more support members 250 .
- support member 250 may be a triangle block exposed to the environment and positioned to contact vertical portion 210 and/or horizontal portion 220 .
- positioning support member 250 to contact L-shaped barrier 200 may minimize connection steps related to bars, ties, and the like.
- support member 250 may be connected to barrier 200 at one or more points using a connector.
- side 260 of support member 250 may be connected to horizontal portion 220 at one or more points along side 260 .
- side 270 of support member 250 may be connected to vertical portion 210 at one or more points along side 270 .
- a portion of support member 250 adjacent connection area 230 may be beveled and/or may be connected to shaped barrier 200 .
- support member 250 may support vertical portion 210 and/or horizontal portion 220 .
- support member 250 may minimize movement of vertical portion 210 and/or horizontal portion 220 about connection area 230 .
- L-shaped barrier 300 may include vertical portion 310 and/or horizontal portion 320 .
- vertical portion 310 may be connected with horizontal portion 320 at connection area 330 .
- vertical portion 310 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 320 may be in a ground position.
- L-shaped barrier 300 may include one or more support members 350 .
- support member 350 may be a tie exposed to the environment and positioned to contact vertical portion 310 and/or horizontal portion 320 .
- support member 350 may be connected to vertical portion 310 and/or horizontal portion 320 at one or more points using a connector.
- L-shaped barrier 300 may leverage the weight of a bulk material 380 to contain, impede and/or block bulk material 380 .
- L-shaped barrier 300 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between L-shaped barrier 300 and ground 340 to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barrier 300 .
- barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the weight of bulk material 380 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shaped barrier 300 and ground 340 .
- L-shaped barrier 300 may be configured to distribute a portion of groundward force A of bulk material 380 contacting shaped barrier 300 , for example on the receiving side of L-shaped barrier 300 .
- groundward force A of bulk material 380 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass of moveable material 380 .
- groundward force A of moveable material 380 may include a portion of an approaching force of moveable material 380 relative to L-shaped barrier 300 .
- substantial movement of L-shaped barrier 300 may be prevented in a horizontal plane relative to ground 340 and/or in a vertical plane relative to ground 340 .
- force A of bulk material 380 applied to horizontal portion 320 may keep L-shaped barrier 300 from substantially moving across ground 340 .
- horizontal portion 320 may distribute force A of bulk material 380 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barrier 300 .
- force B of bulk material 380 may be countered by horizontal portion 320 and/or support member 350 .
- L-shaped barrier 300 may keep bulk material 380 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas.
- L-shaped barrier 400 may include vertical portion 410 and/or horizontal portion 420 .
- vertical portion 410 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 420 may be in a ground position.
- L-shaped barrier 400 may include one or more support members 450 .
- like numerals may represent like elements, such that L-shaped barrier 400 ′ may include a vertical portion 410 ′, a horizontal portion 420 ′, and a support member 450 ′.
- moveable material 480 may be provided to L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′.
- L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ may be relatively easily distributed, and/or any area of containment may be formed.
- horizontal portions 420 , 420 ′ and 420 ′′ may not be in contact.
- the area of confinement may be larger than the combined size of shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and 400 ′′ by including a space between horizontal portions 420 , 420 ′ and 420 ′′.
- bulk material 480 may be stacked up higher than vertical portions 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ such that the area of confinement may be larger than the combined size of shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and 400 ′′.
- L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ may leverage the weight of bulk material 480 to contain, impede and/or block bulk material 480 .
- L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ and ground 440 to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′.
- barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the weight of bulk material 480 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ and ground 440 .
- L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ may be configured to distribute a portion of the groundward force of bulk material 480 contacting L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′, for example on the receiving side of L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′.
- the groundward force of bulk material 480 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass of bulk material 480 .
- the groundward force of bulk material 480 may include a portion of an approaching force of bulk material 480 relative to L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′.
- substantial movement of L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ may be prevented in a horizontal plane relative to ground 440 and/or in a vertical plane relative to ground 440 .
- a groundward force of bulk material 480 applied to horizontal portion 420 , 420 ′ and/or 420 ′′ may keep L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′ from substantially moving across ground 440 .
- horizontal portion 420 , 420 ′ and/or 420 ′′ may distribute a groundward force of bulk material 480 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barriers 400 , 400 ′ and/or 400 ′′.
- a force of bulk material 480 may be countered by horizontal portion 420 , 420 ′ and/or 420 ′′, and/or may be countered by support members 450 , 450 ′ and/or 450 ′′.
- L-shaped barriers 410 , 410 ′ and/or 410 ′′ may keep bulk material 480 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas.
- curved shaped barrier 500 may be in the form of a shell structure.
- curved shaped barrier 500 may include a semispherical cross section, parabolic cross section, sinusoidal cross section, and the like.
- curved shaped barrier 500 may include a semicircular shape and/or may be formed having a double shell structure.
- a double shell structure may include barrier walls 514 and 515 spaced apart from each other, which together may form barrier space 513 .
- semicircular shaped barrier 500 may include barrier cavity 512 , which may be formed between barrier wall 514 and ground 540 .
- barrier space 513 and/or barrier cavity 512 may be filled to form a non-solid and/or a solid volume. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, barrier space 513 and barrier cavity 512 may be filled with air to form non-solid volumes.
- barrier space 513 may be hollow or solid. Additionally, embodiments may have barrier space 513 comprised of a different material than 514 and/or 515 . Alternative embodiments may have barrier space comprised on a material that is the same as 514 and/or 515 .
- curved shaped barrier 600 may be in the form of a shell structure.
- curved shaped barrier 600 may include a semispherical cross section, parabolic cross section, sinusoidal cross section, and the like.
- curved shaped barrier 600 may include a parabolic shape and/or may be formed having a double shell structure.
- a double shell structure may include barrier walls 614 spaced apart from each other, which together may form barrier space 613 .
- an inner barrier wall may relate to a wall facing ground 640 .
- parabolic shaped barrier 600 may include barrier cavity 612 , which may be formed between barrier wall 614 and ground 640 .
- barrier space 613 and/or barrier cavity 612 may be filled to form a non-solid and/or a solid volume.
- barrier cavity 612 may be filled with air to form a non-solid volume.
- barrier volume 613 may be filled to include a combined non-solid volume and a solid volume.
- barrier space 613 may include braces 616 interposed with air, which together may provide a combined solid volume and non-solid volume.
- a surface of a shaped barrier is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- a surface of a shaped barrier may include a surface of a barrier wall.
- a surface of a shaped barrier may not be uniform.
- a surface of a shaped barrier may include one or more trenches 717 .
- trenches 717 may be tapered, spaced apart at any desired distance, and/or disposed in any desired direction.
- fluid material may include flood material.
- flood material may result from snow, water, surge waves and/or rain, and the like.
- curved shaped barrier 800 may leverage the weight of a fluid material 880 to contain, impede and/or block fluid material 880 .
- curved shaped barrier 800 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between curved shaped barrier 800 and ground 840 to prevent substantial movement of curved shaped barrier 800 .
- barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the weight of fluid material 880 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between curved barrier 880 and ground 840 .
- curved shaped barrier 800 may be configured to distribute a portion of groundward force A of fluid material 880 contacting shaped barrier 800 , for example on the receiving side of shaped barrier 800 .
- groundward force A of fluid material 880 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass of fluid material 880 .
- groundward force A of fluid material 880 may include a portion of an approaching force of fluid material 880 relative to curved shaped barrier 800 .
- substantial movement of curved shaped barrier 800 may be prevented in a horizontal plane relative to ground 840 and/or in a vertical plane relative to ground 840 .
- force A of fluid material 880 applied to barrier wall 814 may keep cured shaped barrier 800 from substantially moving across ground 840 .
- barrier wall 814 may distribute force A of fluid flood material 880 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of curved shaped barrier 800 .
- shaped barrier 800 may keep fluid material 880 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas.
- a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- a stabilization enhancer may stabilize a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion from substantial movement, for example minimize sinking, sliding, and/or overturning.
- stabilization enhancer 922 may include a block 924 and/or a sheet 923 .
- stabilization enhancer 922 may contact and/or connect with curved shaped barrier 914 .
- stabilization enhancer 922 may be hidden from the environment, for example disposed in ground 940 .
- stabilization enhancer 922 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shaped barrier 914 and/or on a receiving side of curved shaped barrier 914 .
- stabilization enhancer 1022 may include a rod. According to embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1022 may contact and/or connect with curved shaped barrier 1014 . In embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1022 may be exposed to the environment, for example partially disposed in ground 1040 . In embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1022 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shaped barrier 1014 and/or on a receiving side of curved shaped barrier 1014 .
- stabilization enhancer 1122 may include a shaped foot. According to embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1122 may contact and/or connect with curved shaped barrier 1100 . In embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1122 may be partially exposed to the environment, for positioned at the interface between barrier wall 1114 and ground 1140 . In embodiments, stabilization enhancer 1122 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shaped barrier 1100 and/or on a receiving side of curved shaped barrier 1100 .
- L-shaped barrier 1200 may include vertical portion 1210 and/or horizontal portion 1220 .
- vertical portion 1210 may be connected with horizontal portion 1220 at connection area 1230 .
- vertical portion 1210 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 1220 may be in a ground position.
- horizontal portion 1220 may include stabilization enhancer 1222 , for example a ramp.
- stabilization enhancer may include a smooth surface.
- stabilization enhancer 1222 may be partially disposed in ground 1240 .
- L-shaped barrier 1200 may leverage the energy of vehicle 1280 to contain, impede and/or block vehicle 1280 .
- L-shaped barrier 1200 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between L-shaped barrier 1200 and ground 1240 to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barrier 1200 .
- barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the energy of vehicle 1280 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shaped barrier 1200 and ground 1240 .
- L-shaped barrier 1200 may be configured to distribute a portion of a groundward force of vehicle 1245 contacting L-shaped shaped barrier 1200 , for example on the receiving side of shaped barrier 1200 .
- a groundward force of vehicle 1245 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass of vehicle 1245 .
- a groundward force of vehicle 1245 may include a portion of an approaching force of vehicle 1245 relative to L-shaped barrier 1200 .
- a groundward force of vehicle 1280 applied to horizontal portion 1220 may keep barrier 1200 from substantially moving across ground 1240 .
- horizontal portion 1220 may distribute a groundward force of vehicle 1245 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shaped barrier 1200 .
- relatively large friction force A between horizontal portion 1220 and ground 1240 may minimize movement of L-shaped barrier 1200 .
- L-shaped barrier 1200 may keep vehicle 1280 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas.
- L-shaped barrier 1300 may include vertical portion 1310 and/or horizontal portion 1320 .
- vertical portion 1310 may be connected with horizontal portion 1320 at connection area 1330 using hinge connection 1361 and a support member.
- vertical portion 1310 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 1320 may be in a ground position.
- horizontal portion 1320 may include a plurality of connected sections 1360 .
- one or more connected sections 1360 may be connected using hinge connection 1361 , which may maximize the ability of barrier 1300 to collapse and unfold for movement, storage, deployment, and the like.
- horizontal portion 1320 may include a plurality of stabilization members 1322 .
- stabilization member 1322 may include a spike.
- stabilization member 1322 may include spikes having the same and/or different dimensions, for example increasing length moving in a direction towards vertical portion 1310 .
- stabilization member 1322 may maximize resistance of L-shaped barrier 1300 with respect to ground 1340 .
- the movement of L-shaped barrier 1300 may be minimized.
- a contact body and/or moveable material may initially contact horizontal portion 1320 , such that relatively short stabilization members 1322 may minimize an approaching and/or impact force between barrier 1300 and the contact body, and/or may maximize friction force between barrier 1300 and ground 1340 .
- a contact body traveling along horizontal portion 1320 may enable relatively larger stabilization enhancers to further maximize friction between barrier 1300 and ground 1340 .
- L-shaped barrier 1400 may include vertical portion 1410 and/or horizontal portion 1420 .
- vertical portion 1410 may be connected with horizontal portion.
- vertical portion 1410 may be in a raised position and horizontal portion 1420 may be in a ground position.
- L-shaped barrier 1400 may include one or more support members 1450 .
- support member 1450 may be a triangle block exposed to the environment and positioned to contact vertical portion 1410 at a safe zone of L-shaped barrier 1400 .
- support member 1450 may be connected to barrier 1400 at one or more points along side 1460 using a connector.
- barrier 1400 may include a stabilization enhancer 1422 connected to support member 1450 .
- L-shaped barrier 1400 may include energy absorber 1490 .
- energy absorber 1490 may absorb a portion of the energy of a moveable material and/or contact body.
- energy absorber 1490 may contact and/or be connected with shaped barrier 1400 .
- energy absorber 1490 may be exposed to the environment.
- energy absorber 1490 may be disposed between shaped barrier 1400 and a contact body on the receiving side of shaped barrier 1400 .
- the energy absorber 1490 may absorb at least a portion of a horizontal and/or groundward force.
- Embodiments may also recognize other sizes, shapes, assemblies and/or compositions suitable to increase the stabilizing force between the barrier and the ground to prevent substantial movement of the barrier.
- the properties of a shaped barrier may be tailored by configuring the size, shape, assembly and/or composition of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion, alone or in combination, using any manual and/or automated process, for example as illustrated in example Table 1.
- an automated process may provide a vertical portion configured to include a steel plate having a flat plate shape and connected to a horizontal portion by a hinge connection as illustrated in example Table 1.
- Table 1 may include a curved portion, an energy absorber, length of portions, weight of the barrier, environment, and the like.
- any shape may be included, such as a trapezoid shape, rectangular shape, a stepped shape, and the like.
- a vertical shape may relate to a substantially vertical shape
- a curved shape may relate to a substantially curved shape
- a non-solid volume may relate to a substantially non-solid volume
- a smooth surface may relate to a substantially smooth surface
- a vertical portion and/or a horizontal portion may include barrier spaces.
- a support member may include a block cavity and/or a block space.
- a connection area may be formed at any point along a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, a curved portion, and the like.
- Embodiments may also recognize other deployment configurations.
- rotation of L-shaped barrier 100 and/or L-shaped barrier 200 by 180 degrees relative to the ground may provide a triangular shaped barrier having a barrier cavity, which may include a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume.
- two parabolic shaped barriers may be interconnected on a safe zone side by a horizontal shaped barrier portion, for example to provide a redundant barrier.
- an L-shaped barrier may be interconnected with a curved shaped barrier.
- Embodiments may also recognize other deployment configurations.
- rotation of L-shaped barrier 100 and/or L-shaped barrier 200 by 180 degrees relative to the ground may provide a triangular shaped barrier having a barrier cavity, which may include a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume.
- two parabolic shaped barriers may be interconnected on a safe zone side by a horizontal shaped barrier portion, for example to provide a redundant barrier.
- an L-shaped barrier may be interconnected with a curved shaped barrier.
- barriers may be staked to the ground.
- Another method of fixing the position of a barrier may be to place it up against a curb. So, for example, if a neighborhood is in threat of flooding, a series of barriers may be deployed in the street up against the edge of a curb to keep them in place.
- Example FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of a weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments.
- a shell shaped barrier 1610 may be set on the ground with a weight 1620 , such as a sandbag, placed on top.
- a concave surface can be embedded on the top of the shell shaped barrier 1610 .
- Example FIG. 16B illustrates a front view of a series of joined and weighted shell shaped barriers in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. As illustrated, joined barriers 1610 a , 1610 b and 1610 c are weighted down by weights 1620 a , 1620 b and 1620 c respectively.
- a circular barrier may be utilized to impede the movement of a vehicle and/or contain bulk material
- an L-shaped barrier may be utilized to block the flow of a flood material.
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Abstract
A barrier comprises a substantially horizontal portion, a substantially rigid ramp portion, a stabilization enhancer, a substantially vertical portion, and a connector portion. The substantially horizontal portion comprising a first side and a second side. The substantially rigid ramp portion is positioned on the first side of the horizontal portion to guide a rolling vehicle onto the horizontal portion. The stabilization enhancer is configured to distribute at least a portion of a groundward force of the rolling vehicle in an effective amount to prevent substantial horizontal movement of the barrier. The substantially vertical portion is positioned on the second side of the horizontal portion to impede movement of the rolling vehicle when traveling towards the second side of the horizontal portion from the first side of the horizontal portion. The connector portion is where the horizontal portion connects to the vertical portion.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/499,223, filed May 28, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/111,700, filed May 19, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/346,514, filed May 20, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Example
FIG. 1 illustrates an L-shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 2 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a support member in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 3 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a support member and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of L-shaped barriers including a plurality of support members and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B illustrates a curved semicircular shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 6 illustrates a curved parabolic shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 7 illustrates a surface a shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 8 illustrates a curved shaped barrier substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving fluid material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 9 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 10 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 11 illustrates a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 12 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking a vehicle in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 13 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a collapsible section and a stabilization enhancer in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 14 illustrates an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer, a support member and an energy absorber in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. - Examples
FIG. 15A throughFIG. 15 F illustrate several example shell shaped barriers in accordance with aspects of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of a weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with aspects of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 16B illustrates a front view of joined and weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with aspects of embodiments. - Example
FIG. 17A andFIG. 17B illustrate joined shell shaped barriers in accordance with aspects of embodiments. - According to embodiments, a barrier may relate to any structure configured to substantially contain, impede and/or block any material, for example a resting and/or moving material. In embodiments, a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a material over any desired area, for example soil, grain, salt, cement, sand and/or fluid material over a containment area. In embodiments, a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a fluid over a flood area. In embodiments, a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a mechanical object, for example a vehicle over a roadway. In embodiments, a barrier may be configured to contain, impede and/or block a moveable material and/or a contact body over a protected area and/or safe area, for example a vehicle across highway working zones, fluid across flood areas, and the like. In embodiments, a barrier may attenuate the force resulting from an approaching moveable material.
- According to embodiments, barrier properties may be tailored. In embodiments, barrier properties may be tailored to account for barrier environment and/or barrier use. In embodiments, barrier properties may be tailored irrespective of barrier environment and/or use. In embodiments, the properties of a barrier may be tailored by configuring the size, shape, assembly and/or composition of a barrier and/or barrier portion, alone or in combination.
- According to embodiments, barrier size may be configured to include any selected barrier length, width, height, weight, mass, volume and/or density. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier cavities, for example formed by one or more barrier walls. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier spaces, for example formed between barrier walls.
- According to embodiments, a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may be filled with a material to form a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume. In embodiments, a barrier cavity and/or a barrier space may be filled with any suitable material, which may account for selected barrier weight, mass, density, and the like. In embodiments, a material filling a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may include air, liquid, PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, cement, concrete, sand, soil, plastic, rubber, urethane, polyvinyl foam, and the like. In one aspect of embodiments, a non-solid volume may be formed by filling a double shell structure with a gas, such as air, a liquid, such as water, a bulk material, such as soil, and the like. In another aspect of embodiments, a non-solid volume may be formed by including a barrier cavity and/or barrier space in a vacuous state.
- According to embodiments, filling a barrier cavity and/or barrier space may form a solid volume. In embodiments, a solid volume may include the same and/or different material than the composition of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion. In one aspect of embodiments, a solid volume may be formed by filling a double shell structure with concrete, clay, and the like. In another aspect of embodiments, a thickness of a shaped barrier may form a solid volume.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include a curved semicircular, curved parabolic, L, reversed T, triangular, rectangular, square and/or amorphous barrier shape, and the like. Several example amorphous barrier shapes are shown in
FIG. 15A throughFIG. 15F . In embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured by any fabrication process. In one aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be fabricated by an etching process, for example etching from a bulk barrier composition. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may be shaped in one-dimension, two-dimensions and/or three-dimensions. - According to embodiments, a shaped barrier may be formed by, for example, molding a shaped barrier portion to include any desired barrier size, barrier shape, and the like. In one aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier portion may be molded to include an L-shape having a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion. In another aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier portion may be molded into a curved shaped barrier.
- Examples of various shell shaped barriers as per aspects of the present invention are illustrated in
FIG. 15A throughFIG. 15F . Horizontal and vertical forces may be translated through curved portions of the shell shaped barriers.FIG. 15A illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a concave portion on one side of the barrier and a convex portion on the other side of the barrier.FIG. 15B illustrates a shell shaped barrier with an inverted T shape.FIG. 15C illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a concave and horizontal portion on one side of the barrier and a convex portion on the other side of the barrier.FIG. 15D illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a half round shape.FIG. 15E illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a horizontally elongated half round shape.FIG. 15F illustrates a shell shaped barrier with a vertically elongated half round shape. These barriers may be deployed in either direction depending on current desires. These shapes may be molded with a concave bottom forming a barrier cavity. The barrier cavity may create an inner shell shape which may conform to the outer wall shape. In alternative embodiment, the inner shell shape may be different than the outer wall shape. The shape of the shell shape barrier may be configured to enable stacking and efficient storage of the barriers. The shell shape may not be limited to a single wall. For example, a double shell structure having an outer wall and an inner wall could provide a barrier space. - According to embodiments, a shaped barrier may be formed by connecting two or more separate shaped barrier portions. In embodiments, a connection may include a mechanical, chemical and/or magnetic connection, and the like. In embodiments, a connection may include one or more rigid and/or hinge connectors. In one aspect of embodiments, a connector may include a hinge, weld, bolt, adhesive, seal, rail, magnet, fastener, clip, lock-and-key, and the like.
- In one aspect of embodiments, two substantially planar barrier portions may be connected to form an L-shaped barrier, T-shaped barrier, triangular shaped barrier, and the like. In another aspect of embodiments, three substantially planar portions may be connected to form a triangular shaped barrier, T-shaped barrier, and the like. In yet another aspect of embodiments, two or more substantially curved barrier portions may be connected to form a circular shaped barrier, a parabolic shaped barrier, and the like.
- According to embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier substantially smooth surfaces. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more deformable and/or rigid portions. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may be configured to include one or more barrier walls. In embodiments, one or more barrier walls may include a deformable, rigid, rough and/or smooth portion. In embodiments, a portion of one or more barrier walls may not be uniform. In one aspect of embodiments, a surface of one or more barrier walls may include trenches, divots, and the like, in any desired geometry. In embodiments, trenches may be v-shaped grooves, u-shaped grooves, toothed grooves, wave shape, and the like. In embodiments, trenches may be tapered, spaced apart at any desired distance, and/or in any desired direction. In embodiments, the uniformity of one or more barrier walls may be formed at any time before and/or after the manufacture of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include a single shaped barrier. In embodiments, a shaped barrier may be configured to connect with one or more other shaped barriers. In embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or a shaped barrier portion may include one or more collapsible sections, for example using one or more connectors. In embodiments, a connectable and/or collapsible shaped barrier may enable relatively fast, efficient and/or effective barrier storage, deployment, use, and the like.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more support members, for example to support one or more shaped barriers and/or shaped barrier portions. In embodiments, a support member may include one or more of a block, tie, sheet, rod, truss, brace and/or spike, and the like, in any desired geometry. In one aspect of embodiments, a support member may include a square block, step shaped block, rectangle block, triangle block, z-shape brace, tie, rod, and the like. In embodiments, a support member may be formed as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion.
- According to embodiments, a support member may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector. In embodiments, a support member may be exposed to the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, a block separating two portions of a shaped barrier may support one or more of the portions and be exposed to the environment. In embodiments, a support member may be hidden from the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, a brace separating two walls of a barrier space may support the shaped barrier and be hidden from the environment.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more stabilization enhancers, for example to stabilize a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion from substantial movement. In embodiments, a stabilization enhance may include one or more of a block, tie, sheet, rod, brace and/or spike, and the like, in any desired geometry. In embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be formed as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion. In embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector. In embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be exposed to the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be partially disposed above the ground on a safe-zone side of the shaped barrier. In embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be hidden from the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may be disposed in the ground on a receiving side of a shaped barrier.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more energy absorbers, for example to absorb a portion of the energy of a moveable material and/or contact body. In embodiments, an energy absorber may include one or more of a block, sheet, rod, and the like, in any suitable geometry. In embodiments, an energy absorber may be manufactured as a portion of, and/or configured to contact and/or connect with, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion. In embodiments, an energy absorber may be connected with a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion at one or more points using a connector. In embodiments, an energy absorber may be exposed to the environment. In one aspect of embodiments, an energy absorber may be disposed between a shaped barrier and a contact body on the receiving side of a shaped barrier. In one aspect of an embodiment, the energy absorber may be configured to absorb at a portion of a horizontal force.
- According to embodiments, a wall of a barrier, a support member of a barrier, a stabilization enhancer of a barrier and/or an energy absorber of a barrier may include any material. In one aspect of embodiments, the material may include fluid, gas, PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, concrete, plastic, rubber, urethane, polyvinyl foam, and the like.
- According to embodiments, barrier shape and/or assembly may be configured to include one or more discontinuities between two or more shaped barriers. In embodiments, one or more discontinuities may be formed by including one or more separations between two or more shaped barriers. In one aspect of embodiments, two edge shaped barriers may be separated from each other at one end of each shaped edge barrier and may be interconnected to each other at the other end of each edge shaped barrier. In embodiments, two edge shaped
barriers - Example
FIG. 17A andFIG. 17B illustrate joined shell shaped barriers 1700 (shown as 1710, 1720, 1730 and 1740) in accordance with aspects of embodiments. As shown in this example, two edge shapedbarriers barriers liner material 1800 may be placed over portions of the barriers to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage through the barrier.Liner material 1800 may be made of plastic sheeting or other material that minimizes leakage. Some liners may be made of other materials such as a woven material. Some woven materials may be coated with other materials such as polymers, rubber or the like to add strength and/or moisture resistance. Examples of liner materials include polyethylene, EPDM rubber, PVC and HDPE. Liner materials are available from several companies including BLT liners of Pineville, Oreg. - In some embodiments, the barriers may be laid out so that they do not seal. For example, it may be that the barriers need to be laid out at an angle from each other to navigated a turn. In these types of situations, the liners may be used to join the barriers to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage. According to some embodiments, the liners may be fastened to the barriers.
- Alternatively, solid joining caps may be used that interconnect barriers at various angles. For example, a 30 degree joining cap may be used to fasten two barriers at 30 degrees. In yet other embodiments, some barriers may be constructed to curve. To achieve a bend in a series of barrier, one could join one or more curved barriers together.
- According to embodiments, barrier composition may be configured to include any material, for example to include polymer and/or metal material. In embodiments, barrier composition may be configured to include PVC, steel, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, aluminum, concrete, plastic, rubber, urethane, and the like. In one aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include PVC material where a barrier contains bulk material including soil, gravel, and the like. In another aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include steel material where a barrier blocks a vehicle. In yet another aspect of embodiments, a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include plastic and/or fiberglass material where a barrier impedes a fluid. In embodiments, stiffness properties of a barrier may be maximized.
- According to embodiments, a shaped barrier may leverage the energy of a material to contain, impede and/or block the material. In embodiments, the energy of a material may include, but is not limited to: potential energy, strain energy, kinetic energy or the like. In embodiments, a shaped barrier may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between the shaped barrier and the ground to prevent substantial movement of the shaped barrier. In embodiments, barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the energy of a material and/or to increase the stabilizing force between a barrier and the ground.
- According to embodiments, a barrier may be configured to distribute a portion of a groundward force of a material contacting the barrier, for example on a receiving side of the barrier. In embodiments, a groundward force of a material may include a portion of the energy of the material, for example a portion of the energy of the material directed towards the ground. In embodiments, a groundward force of a material may include a portion of the weight of a moveable material and/or contacting body. In embodiments, a groundward force of a material may include a portion of an approaching force of a moveable material and/or contacting body relative to a barrier. In embodiments, the movement of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion may include movement in a horizontal plane relative to the ground and/or movement in a vertical plane relative to the ground.
- According to embodiments, breaking, sliding and/or overturning of a shaped barrier may be minimized. In embodiments, the weight and/or mass of a moveable material may be leveraged to maximize the properties of a shaped barrier, such that a shaped barrier may be relatively light for transport but relatively heavy when contacted. In embodiments, a shaped barrier may be configured to leverage the energy of a movable material to maximize the frictional force between the shaped barrier and the ground. In embodiments, a connectable and/or collapsible shaped barrier may enable relatively fast, efficient and/or effective barrier storage, deployment, use, and the like.
- Referring to example
FIG. 1 , an L-shaped barrier is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 100 may includevertical portion 110 and/orhorizontal portion 120. In embodiments,vertical portion 110 may be connected withhorizontal portion 120 atconnection area 130. In embodiments,vertical portion 110 may be positioned fromhorizontal portion 120 in any desired configuration. In embodiments,vertical portion 110 may be in a raised position spaced apart fromground 140 and/orhorizontal portion 120. In embodiments,vertical portion 110 may be raised in any amount, for example raised at approximately a 45 degree angle, a 90 degree angle or the like. In embodiments,horizontal portion 120 may be in a groundposition contacting ground 140. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,connection area 130 may be disposed midway betweenvertical portion 110 andhorizontal portion 120,vertical portion 110 may be positioned perpendicular tohorizontal portion 120, andvertical portion 110 may be spaced apart fromhorizontal portion 120 by approximately 90 degrees. - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 100 may be configured to connect with another shaped barrier. In one aspect of embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 100 may include a connector configured to connect with a complimentary connector of an adjacent L-shaped barrier. In embodiments, two L-shaped barriers may be interconnected at one end of each barrier to form a relatively larger L-shaped barrier. In embodiments, a discontinuity may be formed by having a separation between the interconnected L-shaped barriers at the other end of each L-shaped barrier. - Referring to example
FIG. 2 , an L-shaped barrier including a support member is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 200 may includevertical portion 210 and/orhorizontal portion 220. In embodiments,vertical portion 210 may be connected withhorizontal portion 220 atconnection area 230. In embodiments,vertical portion 210 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 220 may be in a ground position. - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 200 may include one ormore support members 250. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,support member 250 may be a triangle block exposed to the environment and positioned to contactvertical portion 210 and/orhorizontal portion 220. In embodiments,positioning support member 250 to contact L-shapedbarrier 200 may minimize connection steps related to bars, ties, and the like. - According to embodiments,
support member 250 may be connected tobarrier 200 at one or more points using a connector. In embodiments,side 260 ofsupport member 250 may be connected tohorizontal portion 220 at one or more points alongside 260. In embodiments,side 270 ofsupport member 250 may be connected tovertical portion 210 at one or more points alongside 270. In embodiments, a portion ofsupport member 250adjacent connection area 230 may be beveled and/or may be connected to shapedbarrier 200. In embodiments,support member 250 may supportvertical portion 210 and/orhorizontal portion 220. In embodiments,support member 250 may minimize movement ofvertical portion 210 and/orhorizontal portion 220 aboutconnection area 230. - Referring to example
FIG. 3 , an L-shaped barrier including a support member and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 300 may includevertical portion 310 and/orhorizontal portion 320. In embodiments,vertical portion 310 may be connected withhorizontal portion 320 atconnection area 330. In embodiments,vertical portion 310 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 320 may be in a ground position. - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 300 may include one ormore support members 350. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,support member 350 may be a tie exposed to the environment and positioned to contactvertical portion 310 and/orhorizontal portion 320. In embodiments,support member 350 may be connected tovertical portion 310 and/orhorizontal portion 320 at one or more points using a connector. - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 300 may leverage the weight of abulk material 380 to contain, impede and/or blockbulk material 380. In embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 300 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between L-shapedbarrier 300 andground 340 to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarrier 300. In embodiments, barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the weight ofbulk material 380 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shapedbarrier 300 andground 340. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 300 may be configured to distribute a portion of groundward force A ofbulk material 380 contacting shapedbarrier 300, for example on the receiving side of L-shapedbarrier 300. In embodiments, groundward force A ofbulk material 380 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass ofmoveable material 380. In embodiments, groundward force A ofmoveable material 380 may include a portion of an approaching force ofmoveable material 380 relative to L-shapedbarrier 300. In embodiments, substantial movement of L-shapedbarrier 300 may be prevented in a horizontal plane relative to ground 340 and/or in a vertical plane relative toground 340. - According to embodiments, force A of
bulk material 380 applied tohorizontal portion 320 may keep L-shapedbarrier 300 from substantially moving acrossground 340. In embodiments,horizontal portion 320 may distribute force A ofbulk material 380 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarrier 300. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, force B ofbulk material 380 may be countered byhorizontal portion 320 and/orsupport member 350. In embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 300 may keepbulk material 380 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas. - Referring to example
FIG. 4 , a plurality of L-shaped barriers including a plurality of support members and substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving bulk material is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 400 may includevertical portion 410 and/orhorizontal portion 420. In embodiments,vertical portion 410 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 420 may be in a ground position. In embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 400 may include one ormore support members 450. In embodiments, like numerals may represent like elements, such that L-shapedbarrier 400′ may include avertical portion 410′, ahorizontal portion 420′, and asupport member 450′. - According to embodiments,
moveable material 480 may be provided to L-shapedbarriers barriers horizontal portions barriers horizontal portions bulk material 480 may be stacked up higher thanvertical portions barriers - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barriers bulk material 480 to contain, impede and/or blockbulk material 480. In embodiments, L-shapedbarriers barriers ground 440 to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarriers bulk material 480 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shapedbarriers ground 440. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, L-shaped
barriers bulk material 480 contacting L-shapedbarriers barriers bulk material 480 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass ofbulk material 480. In embodiments, the groundward force ofbulk material 480 may include a portion of an approaching force ofbulk material 480 relative to L-shapedbarriers barriers ground 440. - According to embodiments, a groundward force of
bulk material 480 applied tohorizontal portion barriers ground 440. In embodiments,horizontal portion bulk material 480 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarriers bulk material 480 may be countered byhorizontal portion support members barriers bulk material 480 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas. - Referring to example
FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B , a curved shaped barrier is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 500 may be in the form of a shell structure. In embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 500 may include a semispherical cross section, parabolic cross section, sinusoidal cross section, and the like. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 500 may include a semicircular shape and/or may be formed having a double shell structure. - According to embodiments, a double shell structure may include
barrier walls barrier space 513. In embodiments, semicircular shapedbarrier 500 may includebarrier cavity 512, which may be formed betweenbarrier wall 514 andground 540. In embodiments,barrier space 513 and/orbarrier cavity 512 may be filled to form a non-solid and/or a solid volume. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,barrier space 513 andbarrier cavity 512 may be filled with air to form non-solid volumes. According to embodiments,barrier space 513 may be hollow or solid. Additionally, embodiments may havebarrier space 513 comprised of a different material than 514 and/or 515. Alternative embodiments may have barrier space comprised on a material that is the same as 514 and/or 515. - Referring to example
FIG. 6 , a curved shaped barrier is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 600 may be in the form of a shell structure. In embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 600 may include a semispherical cross section, parabolic cross section, sinusoidal cross section, and the like. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 600 may include a parabolic shape and/or may be formed having a double shell structure. - According to embodiments, a double shell structure may include
barrier walls 614 spaced apart from each other, which together may formbarrier space 613. In embodiments, an inner barrier wall may relate to awall facing ground 640. In embodiments, parabolic shapedbarrier 600 may includebarrier cavity 612, which may be formed betweenbarrier wall 614 andground 640. In embodiments,barrier space 613 and/orbarrier cavity 612 may be filled to form a non-solid and/or a solid volume. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,barrier cavity 612 may be filled with air to form a non-solid volume. In embodiments,barrier volume 613 may be filled to include a combined non-solid volume and a solid volume. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,barrier space 613 may includebraces 616 interposed with air, which together may provide a combined solid volume and non-solid volume. - Referring to example
FIG. 7 , a surface of a shaped barrier is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, a surface of a shaped barrier may include a surface of a barrier wall. In embodiments, a surface of a shaped barrier may not be uniform. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, a surface of a shaped barrier may include one ormore trenches 717. In embodiments,trenches 717 may be tapered, spaced apart at any desired distance, and/or disposed in any desired direction. - Referring to example
FIG. 8 , a curved shaped barrier substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking resting and/or moving fluid material in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. In embodiments, fluid material may include flood material. In embodiments, flood material may result from snow, water, surge waves and/or rain, and the like. - According to embodiments, curved shaped
barrier 800 may leverage the weight of afluid material 880 to contain, impede and/or blockfluid material 880. In embodiments, curved shapedbarrier 800 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between curvedshaped barrier 800 andground 840 to prevent substantial movement of curved shapedbarrier 800. In embodiments, barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the weight offluid material 880 and/or to increase the stabilizing force betweencurved barrier 880 andground 840. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, curved shaped
barrier 800 may be configured to distribute a portion of groundward force A offluid material 880 contacting shapedbarrier 800, for example on the receiving side of shapedbarrier 800. In embodiments, groundward force A offluid material 880 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass offluid material 880. In embodiments, groundward force A offluid material 880 may include a portion of an approaching force offluid material 880 relative to curved shapedbarrier 800. In embodiments, substantial movement of curved shapedbarrier 800 may be prevented in a horizontal plane relative to ground 840 and/or in a vertical plane relative toground 840. - According to embodiments, force A of
fluid material 880 applied tobarrier wall 814 may keep curedshaped barrier 800 from substantially moving acrossground 840. In embodiments,barrier wall 814 may distribute force A offluid flood material 880 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of curved shapedbarrier 800. In embodiments, shapedbarrier 800 may keepfluid material 880 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas. - Referring to example
FIG. 9 toFIG. 11 , a curved shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, a stabilization enhancer may stabilize a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion from substantial movement, for example minimize sinking, sliding, and/or overturning. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments inFIG. 9 ,stabilization enhancer 922 may include ablock 924 and/or asheet 923. - In
embodiment 900,stabilization enhancer 922 may contact and/or connect with curved shapedbarrier 914. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 922 may be hidden from the environment, for example disposed inground 940. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 922 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shapedbarrier 914 and/or on a receiving side of curved shapedbarrier 914. - As illustrated in one aspect of
embodiment 1000 inFIG. 10 ,stabilization enhancer 1022 may include a rod. According to embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1022 may contact and/or connect with curved shapedbarrier 1014. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1022 may be exposed to the environment, for example partially disposed inground 1040. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1022 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shapedbarrier 1014 and/or on a receiving side of curved shapedbarrier 1014. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments in
FIG. 11 ,stabilization enhancer 1122 may include a shaped foot. According to embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1122 may contact and/or connect with curved shapedbarrier 1100. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1122 may be partially exposed to the environment, for positioned at the interface betweenbarrier wall 1114 andground 1140. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1122 may be disposed on a safe-zone side of curved shapedbarrier 1100 and/or on a receiving side of curved shapedbarrier 1100. - Referring to example
FIG. 12 , an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer substantially containing, impeding and/or blocking a vehicle is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 1200 may includevertical portion 1210 and/orhorizontal portion 1220. In embodiments,vertical portion 1210 may be connected withhorizontal portion 1220 atconnection area 1230. In embodiments,vertical portion 1210 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 1220 may be in a ground position. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,horizontal portion 1220 may includestabilization enhancer 1222, for example a ramp. In embodiments, stabilization enhancer may include a smooth surface. In embodiments,stabilization enhancer 1222 may be partially disposed inground 1240. - According to embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 1200 may leverage the energy ofvehicle 1280 to contain, impede and/orblock vehicle 1280. In embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 1200 may be configured to increase the stabilizing force in an effective amount between L-shapedbarrier 1200 andground 1240 to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarrier 1200. In embodiments, barrier size, shape, assembly and/or composition may be configured to leverage the energy ofvehicle 1280 and/or to increase the stabilizing force between L-shapedbarrier 1200 andground 1240. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 1200 may be configured to distribute a portion of a groundward force of vehicle 1245 contacting L-shaped shapedbarrier 1200, for example on the receiving side of shapedbarrier 1200. In embodiments, a groundward force of vehicle 1245 may include a portion of the weight and/or mass of vehicle 1245. In embodiments, a groundward force of vehicle 1245 may include a portion of an approaching force of vehicle 1245 relative to L-shapedbarrier 1200. - According to embodiments, a groundward force of
vehicle 1280 applied tohorizontal portion 1220 may keepbarrier 1200 from substantially moving acrossground 1240. In embodiments,horizontal portion 1220 may distribute a groundward force of vehicle 1245 in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of L-shapedbarrier 1200. In embodiments, relatively large friction force A betweenhorizontal portion 1220 andground 1240 may minimize movement of L-shapedbarrier 1200. In embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 1200 may keepvehicle 1280 from substantially spreading to undesired and/or predetermined areas. - Referring to example
FIG. 13 , an L-shaped barrier including a collapsible section and a stabilization enhancer is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 1300 may includevertical portion 1310 and/orhorizontal portion 1320. In embodiments,vertical portion 1310 may be connected withhorizontal portion 1320 atconnection area 1330 usinghinge connection 1361 and a support member. In embodiments,vertical portion 1310 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 1320 may be in a ground position. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,
horizontal portion 1320 may include a plurality ofconnected sections 1360. In embodiments, one or moreconnected sections 1360 may be connected usinghinge connection 1361, which may maximize the ability ofbarrier 1300 to collapse and unfold for movement, storage, deployment, and the like. In embodiments,horizontal portion 1320 may include a plurality ofstabilization members 1322. In embodiments,stabilization member 1322 may include a spike. As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments,stabilization member 1322 may include spikes having the same and/or different dimensions, for example increasing length moving in a direction towardsvertical portion 1310. - According to embodiments,
stabilization member 1322 may maximize resistance of L-shapedbarrier 1300 with respect toground 1340. In embodiments, the movement of L-shapedbarrier 1300 may be minimized. In embodiments, a contact body and/or moveable material may initially contacthorizontal portion 1320, such that relativelyshort stabilization members 1322 may minimize an approaching and/or impact force betweenbarrier 1300 and the contact body, and/or may maximize friction force betweenbarrier 1300 andground 1340. In embodiments, a contact body traveling alonghorizontal portion 1320 may enable relatively larger stabilization enhancers to further maximize friction betweenbarrier 1300 andground 1340. - Referring to example
FIG. 14 , an L-shaped barrier including a stabilization enhancer, a support member and an energy absorber is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. According to embodiments, L-shapedbarrier 1400 may includevertical portion 1410 and/orhorizontal portion 1420. In embodiments,vertical portion 1410 may be connected with horizontal portion. In embodiments,vertical portion 1410 may be in a raised position andhorizontal portion 1420 may be in a ground position. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 1400 may include one ormore support members 1450. In embodiments,support member 1450 may be a triangle block exposed to the environment and positioned to contactvertical portion 1410 at a safe zone of L-shapedbarrier 1400. In embodiments,support member 1450 may be connected tobarrier 1400 at one or more points alongside 1460 using a connector. In embodiments,barrier 1400 may include astabilization enhancer 1422 connected to supportmember 1450. - As illustrated in one aspect of embodiments, L-shaped
barrier 1400 may includeenergy absorber 1490. In embodiments,energy absorber 1490 may absorb a portion of the energy of a moveable material and/or contact body. In embodiments,energy absorber 1490 may contact and/or be connected with shapedbarrier 1400. In embodiments,energy absorber 1490 may be exposed to the environment. In one aspect of embodiments,energy absorber 1490 may be disposed between shapedbarrier 1400 and a contact body on the receiving side of shapedbarrier 1400. In embodiments, theenergy absorber 1490 may absorb at least a portion of a horizontal and/or groundward force. - While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that, for example purposes, the above explanation has focused containing, impeding and/or blocking bulk material, fluid material and/or vehicles. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments could be applied to any moveable material for any reason, for example to separate animal populations, for crowd control, for sporting events, and the like.
- Embodiments may also recognize other sizes, shapes, assemblies and/or compositions suitable to increase the stabilizing force between the barrier and the ground to prevent substantial movement of the barrier. The properties of a shaped barrier may be tailored by configuring the size, shape, assembly and/or composition of a shaped barrier and/or shaped barrier portion, alone or in combination, using any manual and/or automated process, for example as illustrated in example Table 1.
-
EXAMPLE TABLE 1 Parts Attributes Sub-solutions Vertical Shape Drum Rail Flat Portion plate Material Steel Plastic Timber Rubber Filling None Water Sand Front None Rubber Plastic Face Coverage Connection None Hinged Bolted Glued Welded Horizontal Shape Flat Mattress Portion plate Material Steel Plastic Rubber Timber Combination Filling None Water Sand Bottom Smooth Rough Spikes Groves Face Bracing None Steel Steel ties trusses - Therefore, an automated process may provide a vertical portion configured to include a steel plate having a flat plate shape and connected to a horizontal portion by a hinge connection as illustrated in example Table 1. However, any geometry, property, connection and/or material may be included in embodiment processes. For example, Table 1 may include a curved portion, an energy absorber, length of portions, weight of the barrier, environment, and the like. As another example, any shape may be included, such as a trapezoid shape, rectangular shape, a stepped shape, and the like.
- Embodiments may also recognize further modifications. For example, a vertical shape may relate to a substantially vertical shape, a curved shape may relate to a substantially curved shape, a non-solid volume may relate to a substantially non-solid volume, a smooth surface may relate to a substantially smooth surface, and the like. As another example, a vertical portion and/or a horizontal portion may include barrier spaces. As another example, a support member may include a block cavity and/or a block space. As a final example, a connection area may be formed at any point along a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, a curved portion, and the like.
- Embodiments may also recognize other deployment configurations. For example, rotation of L-shaped
barrier 100 and/or L-shapedbarrier 200 by 180 degrees relative to the ground may provide a triangular shaped barrier having a barrier cavity, which may include a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume. As another example, two parabolic shaped barriers may be interconnected on a safe zone side by a horizontal shaped barrier portion, for example to provide a redundant barrier. As a final example, an L-shaped barrier may be interconnected with a curved shaped barrier. - Embodiments may also recognize other deployment configurations. For example, rotation of L-shaped
barrier 100 and/or L-shapedbarrier 200 by 180 degrees relative to the ground may provide a triangular shaped barrier having a barrier cavity, which may include a non-solid volume and/or a solid volume. As another example, two parabolic shaped barriers may be interconnected on a safe zone side by a horizontal shaped barrier portion, for example to provide a redundant barrier. As a final example, an L-shaped barrier may be interconnected with a curved shaped barrier. - In some cases, it may be desired to fix a barrier in place. As described earlier, barriers may be staked to the ground. Another method of fixing the position of a barrier may be to place it up against a curb. So, for example, if a neighborhood is in threat of flooding, a series of barriers may be deployed in the street up against the edge of a curb to keep them in place.
- Another method for fixing a barrier in place may be to weigh it down. Example
FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of a weighted shell shaped barrier in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. As illustrated, a shell shapedbarrier 1610 may be set on the ground with aweight 1620, such as a sandbag, placed on top. To accommodate theweight 1620, a concave surface can be embedded on the top of the shell shapedbarrier 1610. ExampleFIG. 16B illustrates a front view of a series of joined and weighted shell shaped barriers in accordance with one aspect of embodiments. As illustrated, joinedbarriers weights - In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlight the functionality and advantages, are presented for example purposes only. The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than that shown. For example, a circular barrier may be utilized to impede the movement of a vehicle and/or contain bulk material, and/or an L-shaped barrier may be utilized to block the flow of a flood material.
- Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.
- Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include the express language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112.
Claims (20)
1. A barrier comprising:
a substantially horizontal portion comprising a first side and a second side;
a substantially rigid ramp portion positioned on the first side of the horizontal portion to guide a rolling vehicle onto the horizontal portion;
a stabilization enhancer configured to distributing at least a portion of a groundward force of the rolling vehicle in an effective amount to prevent substantial horizontal movement of the barrier;
a substantially vertical portion positioned on the second side of the horizontal portion to impede movement of the rolling vehicle when traveling towards the second side of the horizontal portion from the first side of the horizontal portion; and
at least one connector portion where the horizontal portion connects to the vertical portion.
2. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the following shapes:
an L shape; or
a reversed T shape.
3. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a curved shape.
4. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the connector portion comprises at least one of the following:
a hinge;
a weld;
a bolt;
an adhesive;
a magnet,
a lock-and-key; or
a rail.
5. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the barrier comprises a plurality of hinged sections.
6. The barrier according to claim 1 , further comprising a support member.
7. The barrier according to claim 6 , wherein the support member comprises at least one of the following:
a block;
a tie;
a sheet; or
a rod;
8. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier is configured to connect to at least one other barrier employing at least one of the following:
a seal;
a flexible covering; or
a hard covering.
9. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises one or more support members positioned to contact the substantially vertical portion.
10. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a non-solid volume located in at least one of the following:
a cavity formed by the barrier; or
between an outer wall and an inner wall of the barrier.
11. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the stabilization enhancer comprises a multitude of distributed ground penetrating members of various lengths.
12. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the stabilization enhancer comprises at least one of the following:
a spike;
a block;
a sheet;
a rod;
a street curb;
rubber; or
a sand bag.
13. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the ramp portion is part of the substantially horizontal portion.
14. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the substantially horizontal portion is further configured to support the rolling vehicle.
15. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the groundward force comprises at least one of the following:
at least a portion of the weight of the rolling vehicle; and
at least a portion of the approaching force of the rolling vehicle.
16. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one connector portion comprises at least one hinge.
17. The barrier according to claim 1 , further comprising an energy absorber configured to absorb at least a portion of a horizontal force of the rolling vehicle.
18. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein at the surface of the barrier comprises:
a substantially deformable portion; and
a substantially rigid portion.
19. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier is configured to impede a rolling vehicle from entering a highway work zone.
20. The barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the substantially horizontal portion comprises at least two sections connected to each other using at least one hinge.
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/921,274 US20180347129A1 (en) | 2010-05-20 | 2018-03-14 | Rolling vehicle barrier |
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US14/499,223 US9951488B2 (en) | 2010-05-20 | 2014-09-28 | Vehicle barrier |
US15/921,274 US20180347129A1 (en) | 2010-05-20 | 2018-03-14 | Rolling vehicle barrier |
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US20150063913A1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-03-05 | Michael M. Happy | Flexible Modular Liquid Dam Assembly Having a Magnetic Connection System |
DE102014005068A1 (en) * | 2014-04-07 | 2015-06-11 | Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch das Bundesministerium der Verteidigung, vertreten durch das Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr | Modular locking device |
ES2782748T3 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2020-09-16 | Amos Klein | Mobile modular barrier for vehicles |
DE102017008191A1 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-16 | Christian Schneider | Mobile access barrier with determinable braking distance, for temporary, foundation-less construction on squares and traffic routes to prevent the penetration of civilian vehicles, especially trucks, into crowds and particularly vulnerable areas. |
US10370808B2 (en) * | 2017-08-17 | 2019-08-06 | Neusch Innovations, Lp | Modular vehicle barrier |
US10465349B2 (en) * | 2017-12-12 | 2019-11-05 | Care Barrier Limited | Illuminated barrier apparatus |
GB2569370A (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-06-19 | Haawal Eng As | Portable water barrier |
US11098457B2 (en) * | 2019-03-27 | 2021-08-24 | Stoett Industries | Liquid containment panel |
WO2021130178A1 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2021-07-01 | Rockwool International A/S | A flood defence barrier |
GB2595642A (en) * | 2020-05-27 | 2021-12-08 | Kenneth Wright John | Fluid containment apparatus |
ES2956608A1 (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2023-12-22 | Morano Rodriguez Alfonso Javier | CONTAINMENT-PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH CONICAL CONFIGURATION (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
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US5040919A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1991-08-20 | Glen Hendrix | Device for controlling flood waters and/or hazardous liquid spills |
GB9410128D0 (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1994-07-06 | Burton Chambers Roderick L | Post arrangement |
SE507170C2 (en) * | 1995-08-11 | 1998-04-20 | Sten Kullberg | Procedure and arrangement in preparing a water dam |
SE507121C2 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 1998-03-30 | Sigurd Melin | Damping device for forming a liquid-damping barrier |
NO314414B1 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2003-03-17 | Aquafence As | A flood barrier section and a flood barrier |
SE0200706L (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-06-03 | Sten-Magnus Kullberg | dam device |
US20040028469A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-12 | Blackwater Target Systems | Vehicle barrier |
GB0303119D0 (en) * | 2003-02-12 | 2003-03-19 | Qinetiq Ltd | Vehicle arresting device |
US6840711B1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2005-01-11 | Ross R. Martinez | Flood control panel system |
GB0310329D0 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2003-06-11 | Aqua Barrier Internat Ltd | Liquid barrier assembly and connector therefor |
WO2005012652A1 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-10 | Michael Charles Kallen | Composite form for stabilizing earthen embankments |
KR100510855B1 (en) * | 2004-03-15 | 2005-08-30 | 주식회사 우전그린 | Prefabricated road median strip |
US7775738B2 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2010-08-17 | Darcy Daniel T | Vehicle barrier system |
US7344340B2 (en) * | 2005-02-28 | 2008-03-18 | Ames Rubber Corporation | Method and assembly for maintaining structural stability and configuration of golf course sand bunker borders |
US7484905B2 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2009-02-03 | Universal Safety Response, Inc. | Energy absorbing bollard system |
US20070237585A1 (en) * | 2006-04-06 | 2007-10-11 | Gary Frantz | Water barrier device |
GB0713167D0 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2007-08-15 | Cellbond Ltd | Barrier |
US8128310B2 (en) * | 2009-09-29 | 2012-03-06 | Unified Designs, Inc. | Vehicle restraint system |
US20120177439A1 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2012-07-12 | More Uzi | Portable Vehicle Barrier |
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