WO2010123614A1

WO2010123614A1 - Intrusion deterrent apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010123614A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/023945
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bramley S. Paulin
Original assignee: Adna-Reese Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-04-24
Filing date: 2010-02-11
Publication date: 2010-10-28

Abstract

An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) includes an injection molded polymer base (24) and one or more rows of spikes (22) extending from the base (24). The intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) is configured for attachment to the top of a structure (62), such as a fence or some other barrier and may be attached via an adhesive (42) or mechanical fasteners. Each of the spikes (22) may have a blunt apex (48) that discourages an intruder from scaling the structure by causing discomfort, but is not likely to cause permanent injury. Alternatively, spikes (54) may be used that have a pointed apex 60 so as to cause greater discomfort or minor injury to the intruder. Various embodiments of the apparatus (20) can have a base (24, 74) with downwardly angled sections (32, 34 or 82, 84), a cylindrical base (88), or a flat base (98).

Description

INTRUSION DETERRENT APPARATUS

Related Inventions

[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 U. S. C. §119(e) to: [0002] "Wall Spikes," U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/172,601, filed 24 April 2009; and

[0003] "Fence Spikes Strip - Chain Link Fence (Semi-Circle) - Multi-Row of Spikes," U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/175,366, filed 4 May 2009, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to intrusion deterrent apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention relates to a spiked intrusion deterrent apparatus for mounting on a structure.

Background of the Invention

[0005] Intrusion deterrent devices mounted on structures include, for example, coiled barb wire, straight lengths of barb wire, embedded glass, pointed spikes, or other sharp objects. Generally, such elements are designed to prevent humans from scaling and crossing a barrier by causing injury to the person should the person attempt to scale the barrier. In addition, or alternatively, these elements can prevent animals such as cats, birds, wild animals, and such from scaling the structure and/or walking along the top of the structure.

[0006] Many barriers implemented to prevent intrusion or the like are unsightly, costly, and/or can cause significant physical harm to an intruder. In addition, intrusion deterrent apparatuses, are often custom designed and installed according to the structure to which it is to be secured. Thus, such barriers can be difficult to install properly, can take an undesirably long time to install, and can ultimately be less durable. Consequently, such an intrusion deterrent apparatus does not lend itself to cost effective mass production or adaptability in a variety of environments and on a variety of structures. Thus, there is a continuing need for an intrusion deterrent apparatus which is cost effective to manufacture, readily installed, unobtrusive, effective at deterring intruders, and durable in a variety of environments. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and: [0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 1; [0010] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a spike that may be used in an intrusion deterrent apparatus; [0011] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a spike in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted to a structure;

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 6; [0015] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 9 shows an end view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 8; [0017] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 11 shows an end view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 10; [0019] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment; and [0020] FIG. 13 shows an end view of the intrusion deterrent apparatus of FIG. 12.

Detailed Description

[0021] Embodiments of the invention entail an intrusion deterrent apparatus for mounting on a structure, such as a wall, fence, sill, and the like. The intrusion deterrent apparatus functions to deter, or dissuade, a human or animal from climbing over, walking along, and/or perching on the structure. Each embodiment generally entails an injection molded polymer base and a plurality of corrosion resistant, e.g., stainless steel, spikes extending from the base. The intrusion deterrent apparatus is cost effective for mass production, can be affixed to a variety of structures, and is durable under a variety of environmental conditions. In addition, the polymer base can be manufactured in a variety of different colors, some of which may be selected to blend in with the color of the underlying surface and some of which may be purposely selected to provide an aesthetically pleasing and distinctive appearance.

[0022] Referring to FIGs. 1-3, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows an end view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 20, and FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a spike 22 that may be used in intrusion deterrent apparatus 20. Intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 includes a molded polymer base 24 and a plurality of spikes 22 extending from base 24.

[0023] In this illustrated embodiment, base 24 includes an intermediate section 26 having first and second longitudinal edges 28 and 30, respectively. A first downwardly angled section 32 extends from first longitudinal edge 28. Similarly, a second downwardly angled section 34 extends from second longitudinal edge 30. In an embodiment, each of first and second downwardly angled sections 32 and 34 may be angled downwardly from a plane of intermediate section 26 by approximately forty degrees. However, angled sections 32 and 34 may be angled downwardly from the plane of intermediate section 26 by more or less than the exemplary forty degrees.

[0024] Molded polymer base 24 includes a first face 36 (i.e., an exterior surface) and a second face 38 (i.e., an interior surface). Spikes extend from first face 36, and second face 38 is configured for attachment to a structure (not shown). In an embodiment, second face 38 may be concave and/or have an irregular surface. In this example, base 24 is both concave and includes an irregular surface, in the form of a trench region 40 extending into base 24. Base 24 may be attached to a structure by applying a bead of an adhesive 42 to second face 38 in trench region 40 and firmly seating intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 on the structure. The irregular surface of base 24 is in the form of an inwardly extending trench region 40 to facilitate adhesion of intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 to a structure. In alternative embodiments, the irregular surface of base 24 may be in the form of a roughened surface of second face 38, longitudinally extending grooves or scribe marks, or some combination thereof to similarly facilitate adhesion of intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 to a structure.

[0025] Each of spikes 22 has a head portion 44 embedded in molded polymer base 24 and an elongated shaft 46 extending from first face 36. In an embodiment, shaft 46 of each spike 22 is generally cylindrical with a rounded off, flat, or otherwise blunt apex 48 remote from base 24. Spikes 22 are formed from a corrosion resistant material. In a preferred embodiment, this corrosion resistant material may be stainless steel chosen for its strength and durability. Spikes 22 are distributed along a length 50 of molded polymer base 24 in a generally straight line, and each of spikes 22 extends from molded polymer base 24 at generally the same height 52, for example, approximately five centimeters (two inches). [0026] Intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 may be fabricated utilizing an injection molding process. For example, spikes 22 can be installed into a mold structure such that head portion 44 of each spike 22 is seated in the mold and shaft 46 of the spike 22 extends through an opening in the mold structure to reside external to the mold structure. A polymer, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material, is fed into a heated chamber, mixed, and injected into the cavity of mold structure to form intrusion deterrent apparatus 20. The polymer material subsequently cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity of the mold structure. Since head portion 44 of each spike 22 is seated in the mold structure, head portion 44 will be embedded in the polymer during injection molding. Once the molded polymer is sufficiently cooled and hardened, intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 is released from the mold structure. The mold structure can subsequently be reused to mass produce intrusion deterrent apparatus 20. Use of injection molding is economical for mass produced parts. In addition, use of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material enables base 24 to be fabricated in a paintable material or to be fabricated with a polymer that is in a color that is complimentary to the structure to which apparatus 20 will be attached.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a spike 54 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Spike 54 includes a head portion 56 and an elongated cylindrical shaft 58. However, in this illustrated embodiment, spike 54 has a pointed apex 60 that is remote from base 24. Apex 60 is sharp as compared to blunt apex 48 (FIG. 2) of spike 22. Accordingly, spikes 54 may be utilized in intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 in lieu of spikes 22 when greater deterrence from intrusion is required.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a side view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 mounted to a structure 62. In this example, structure 62 is a block wall or barrier. Adhesive 42 (FIG. 2) may be used to fasten intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 to structure 62. Alternatively, or in addition, fasteners (not shown) such as nails or screws may be used through base 24 to secure intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 to structure 62. Intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 may be of an extended length, for example one to two meters long (three to six feet long), and multiple apparatuses 20 may be implemented end-to-end to entirely cover the top of structure 62. Thus, the multiple apparatuses 20 can be mounted on, for example, structure 62 and entirely encircle the perimeter of a home, yard, or some other property.

[0029] As illustrated, spikes 22 are arranged in relatively close disposition with one another, for example, every five centimeters (two inches) so that the space between spikes 22 is not sufficient for a person to gain a comfortable grip on the intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 and the top of structure 62, or for an animal to obtain a solid footing. Furthermore, the stiffness of stainless steel forming spikes 22 largely prevents them from bending or breaking off when pressure is applied.

[0030] If a person does attempt to climb over structure 62, blunt apex 48 of each spike 22 will cause discomfort but is unlikely to pierce a person or an animal. That is, the spacing of spikes 22 provides maximum discomfort to a potential trespasser by putting maximum pressure on that area of the body that comes into contact with spikes 22, and the discomfort that is produced is caused by the intruder's direct actions and amount of pressure placed onto intrusion deterrent apparatus 20. Thus, the spikes 22 prevent people from gaining a grip and animals from gaining a foothold on the structure 60 so that they are deterred from scaling structure 60 upon which intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 is used. [0031] With reference to FIGs. 6 and 7, FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus 64 in accordance with another embodiment, and FIG. 7 shows an end view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 64. In this illustrated embodiment, intrusion deterrent apparatus 64 includes molded polymer base 24, having intermediate section 26, first downwardly angled section 32, and second downwardly angled section 34. Three distinct rows 66, 68, and 70 of spikes 22 extend from each of intermediate section 26, first downwardly angled section 32, and second downwardly angled section 34. The multiple rows 66, 68, and 70 of spikes 22 may cause greater intrusion deterrence than the single row of spikes 22 in intrusion deterrent apparatus 20 (FIG. 1).

[0032] Referring now to FIGs. 8 and 9, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus 72 in accordance with another embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows an end view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 72. Intrusion deterrent apparatus 72 includes a molded polymer base 74 and spikes 22 extending from base 74. [0033] Base 74 includes an intermediate section 76, having first and second longitudinal edges 78 and 80, respectively. A first downwardly angled section 82 extends from first longitudinal edge 78. Similarly, a second downwardly angled section 84 extends from second longitudinal edge 80. In the illustrated embodiment, each of first and second downwardly angled sections 82 and 84 are angled downwardly from a plane of intermediate section 76 by approximately ninety degrees such that base 74 is of a U-shaped configuration. This configuration is useful for fitting to the top of a rail or metal fence structure, such as a pool fence. For example, intrusion deterrent apparatus 72 can be affixed to the top of a fence structure that is less than one inch wide, so that angled sections 82 and 84 overlap or cover opposing sides of the fence structure.

[0034] With reference to FIGs. 10 and 11, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus 86 in accordance with another embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows an end view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 86. Intrusion deterrent apparatus 86 includes a molded polymer base 88 and spikes 22 extending from base 88.

[0035] In this embodiment, molded polymer base 88 is a cylindrical-shaped configuration having a longitudinally aligned slotted opening 90 extending the length 92 of base 88 and a central passage 94 accessible via slotted opening 90. This configuration is useful for fitting intrusion deterrent apparatus 86 onto a tubular railing of a fence, such as a chain link fence, temporary fencing, hurdle fencing, roundpole fencing, and so forth.

[0036] Referring now to FIGs. 12 and 13, FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an intrusion deterrent apparatus 96 in accordance with yet another embodiment, and FIG. 13 shows an end view of intrusion deterrent apparatus 96. Intrusion deterrent apparatus 96 includes a molded polymer base 98 and spikes 22 extending from base 98. An intrusion deterrent apparatus need not have downwardly angled sections or a curved portion that at least partially wrap around a structure. Rather, as shown in FIG. 12, intrusion deterrent apparatus 96 may have an elongated substantially planar base 98 of sufficient thickness so that head portion 44 of each of spikes 22 is embedded in molded polymer base 98. Like the previously described apparatuses, intrusion deterrent apparatus 96 may be coupled to structure 62 (FIG. 5) using a construction grade adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners (not shown).

[0037] Various embodiments of the invention entail an intrusion deterrent apparatus that mounts on a structure, such as a wall, fence, sill, and the like. The intrusion deterrent apparatus functions to deter, or dissuade, a human or animal from climbing over, walking along, and/or perching on the structure. Each embodiment includes an molded polymer base and a plurality of corrosion resistant, e.g., stainless steel, spikes extending from the base. The intrusion deterrent apparatus can be cost effectively mass produced using an injection molding process, it can be affixed to a variety of structures, and it is durable under a variety of environmental conditions. In addition, the polymer base can be manufactured in a variety of different colors, some of which may be selected to blend in with the color of the underlying surface and some of which may be purposely selected to provide an aesthetically pleasing and distinctive appearance. Alternatively, the polymer base may be paintable so that the user may customize the color of it in accordance with the environment in which it will be used. Such an intrusion deterrent apparatus can be readily installed by, for example, a homeowner, using an adhesive or metal fasteners.

[0038] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the molded base can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and lengths. Likewise, the spikes can be manufactured in a variety of lengths in accordance with particular design requirements.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) for mounting on a structure (62) comprising: a molded polymer base (24) for attachment to said structure (62); and a plurality of spikes (22) extending from said molded polymer base (24), each of said spikes (22) having a head portion (44) embedded in said molded polymer base (24).

2. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said molded polymer base (24) has a concave lower surface (38) for facilitating abutment of said base (24) against said structure (62).

3. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said molded polymer base (24) comprises: an intermediate section (26) having first and second longitudinal edges (28, 30); a first downwardly angled section (32) extending from said first longitudinal edge (28); and a second downwardly angled section (34) extending from said second longitudinal edge

(30).

4. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (64) as claimed in claim 3 wherein a distinct row (66, 68, 70) of said spikes (22) extends from each of said intermediate section (26), said first angled section (32), and second angled section (34).

5. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (72) as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said first (82) and second (84) downwardly angled sections are downwardly angled approximately ninety degrees relative to an outer surface of said intermediate section (76) such that said molded polymer base (74) is of a U-shaped configuration.

6. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (86) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said molded polymer base is a cylindrical-shaped configuration having a central passage (94) for abutment with said structure.

7. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said molded polymer base (24) comprises a first face (36) and a second face (38), said spikes (22) extending from said first face (36), and said second face (38) having an irregular surface (40) to facilitate adhesion of said second face (38) to said structure (62) using an adhesive (42).

8. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each of said spikes (22) comprises a cylindrical shaft (46).

9. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each of said spikes (22) has an apex (48) remote from said base (24), said apex (48) being blunt.

10. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each of said spikes (54) has an apex (60) remote from said base (24), said apex (60) being pointed.

11. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spikes (22) are distributed along a length (50) of said molded polymer base (24) in at least one generally straight line.

12. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each of said spikes (22) extends from said molded polymer base (24) at the same height (52).

13. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each of said spikes (22) is formed from a corrosion resistant material.

14. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 13 wherein said corrosion resistant material is stainless steel.

15. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) is fabricated by performing operations comprising: installing said plurality of spikes (22) into a mold structure such that said head portion (44) of each of said spikes (22) is seated in said mold structure and a shaft (46) of said each of said spikes (22) extends through an opening in said mold structure to reside external to said mold structure; utilizing an injection molding process to inject a polymer into said mold structure to embed said head portion (44) of said each of said spikes (22) in said polymer and produce said intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) having said molded polymer base (24); and releasing said intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) from said mold structure after said polymer has hardened.

16. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) for mounting on a structure (62) comprising: a molded polymer base (24) for attachment to said structure (62), said molded polymer base (24) having a concave lower surface (38) for facilitating abutment of said base (24) against said structure (62), and said molded polymer base (24) including: an intermediate section (26) having first (28) and second (30) longitudinal edges; a first downwardly angled section (32) extending from said first longitudinal edge

(28); and a second downwardly angled section (34) extending from said second longitudinal edge (30); and a plurality of spikes (22) extending from said molded polymer base (24), each of said spikes (22) having a head portion (44) embedded in said molded polymer base (24).

17. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (64) as claimed in claim 16 wherein a distinct row (66, 68, 70) of said spikes (22) extends from each of said intermediate section (26), said first angled section (32), and second angled section (34).

18. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (72) as claimed in claim 16 wherein each of said first (82) and second (84) downwardly angled sections are downwardly angled approximately ninety degrees relative to an outer surface of said intermediate section (76) such that said molded polymer base (74) is of a U-shaped configuration.

19. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) for mounting on a structure (62) comprising: a molded polymer base (24) for attachment to said structure (62); and a plurality of spikes (22) extending from said molded polymer base (24) at the same height (52), each of said spikes (22) having a head portion (44) embedded in said molded polymer base (24), and said each of said spikes (22) having a cylindrical shaft (46), wherein an apex (48) of said cylindrical shaft (46) remote from said base (24) is blunt.

20. An intrusion deterrent apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 19 wherein said each of said spikes (22) is formed from stainless steel.