Unwanted ingress by vehicles into a secure location continues to be a problem. Car and truck bombs, or other weapons delivered in a similar fashion, represent a major concern. Conventional countermeasures include interspersing large, heavy obstacles to impede vehicle access. This gives rise to an obvious defensive “under siege” appearance. An effective means is needed to control vehicular access without presenting such a cumbersome and high profile appearance.
In select embodiments of the present invention, an unobtrusive barrier is provided for preventing access by unauthorized vehicular traffic. At least a portion of the barrier is located below grade. In select embodiments of the present invention, the barrier comprises a trench; means for controlling the barrier located near the trench; means for impeding vehicular access communicating with the means for controlling, at least part of the means for impeding located in the trench; and means for clearing impeded access communicating with the means for controlling. In select embodiments of the present invention, at least part of the means for clearing is located in the trench.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the trench is at least partially lined with reinforced concrete. In other embodiments a structure may be fabricated off-site from a suitable material, such as steel or the like, and “dropped in” the trench.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for controlling comprises one or more controllers; one or more first actuators in operable communication with both the controller and at least the means for impeding; and one or more second actuators in operable communication with the controller and at least the means for clearing.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for controlling comprises one or more remote controls capable of communication with at least the controller.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for controlling comprises one or more indicators communicating with the controller, at least one of which are visible by a vehicle operator.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for controlling further comprises one or more communications link to other resources.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for controlling further comprises one or more redundant paths for controlling various elements of the barrier.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for impeding comprises one or more hinged plates attached to the top of the trench, the plates having a hinged end opposing an end. The open end is free to move within the trench unless otherwise constrained.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for impeding comprises one or more springs attached to the hinged plates and one or more retaining tabs at one end of the top of the trench, the tab provided to retain the free end of the hinged plate in a position approximately on-grade.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for impeding comprises one or more mechanisms, such as sliding mechanisms, connected to the first actuators. These mechanisms are capable of selectively supporting the hinged plates at their free end.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for impeding comprises one or more retaining structures, the structures capable of selectively supporting the hinged plate below grade.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the means for clearing comprises one or more lifting mechanisms connected to the second actuators and one or more cross bars connected to the lifting mechanisms to aid in lifting the hinged plate from below grade to an approximately on-grade position. In select embodiments of the present invention, the lifting mechanisms may be selected from the group consisting of: screw jacks, hydraulic jacks, scissors jacks, combinations thereof, and the like.
In select embodiments of the present invention, one or more sources of power are connected to at least the means for controlling. In select embodiments of the present invention, the sources of power are also connected to the means for clearing.
In select embodiments of the present invention, there are provided means for manually overriding at least the means for controlling.
Also provided in embodiments of the present invention is a method for controlling access of vehicular traffic using a non-obtrusive on-grade system at least part of which is located below grade at an access or entry point in a roadway. The method comprises providing a trench at the access point; providing means for controlling the barrier near the trench; providing means for impeding vehicular access communicating with the means for controlling, at least part of the means for impeding located in the trench; and providing means for clearing impeded access communicating with the means for controlling, at least part of the means for clearing located in the trench.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides for lining the trench at least partially with reinforced concrete.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides one or more power sources communicating with the means for controlling.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides one or more redundant paths for controlling the barrier.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides for manually overriding the means for controlling.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides for remotely controlling at least the means for controlling.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the method provides for one or more indicators of the status of the barrier to be provided to the controller with at least one of the indicators visible to the vehicle operator of the vehicle being considered for access.
In select embodiments of the present invention, a method for controlling access by vehicular traffic comprises providing any of the variations of an on-grade barrier with a hinged plate and supporting mechanism as described above; ascertaining proper authorization of a vehicle operator desiring access; actuating the supporting mechanism for the plates; and authorizing the vehicle operator to proceed.
In select embodiments of the present invention, a method for controlling access by vehicular traffic comprises providing a barrier with a hinged plate and supporting mechanism as described above; ascertaining improper authorization of a vehicle's operator; de-actuating the supporting mechanism; and refusing authorization to proceed.
In select embodiments of the present invention, an unobtrusive barrier for controlling access of vehicles comprises a trench having end and side walls, the end walls described by the width and depth of the trench; one or more plates affixed by at least one biased hinge to the top of the end wall opposite the side of approach of vehicles; one or more tabs affixed to the top of the end wall on the approach side, such that the biased hinge holds the free end of the plate against the tab assuring the plate does not rise above grade; slidable support for the free end of the plate, such that a vehicle is permitted to pass by sliding the slidable support under the plate's free end; one or more actuators for energizing the slidable support; and one or more controllers communicating with the actuators, such that if a vehicle attempts to pass without authorization, the support is disabled and at least a portion of the vehicle slides into the trench.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the angle of approach to said trench may be varied so that a vehicle may approach from any angle with respect to the location of the biased hinge.
In select embodiments of the present invention, the controller may be at least partially automated.
Refer to
In select embodiments of the present invention, one or more springs 101 are attached to the plates 103 with sufficient capacity to hold an unloaded plate 103 against a catch lip or tab 105. In select embodiments of the present invention, the springs 101 provide sufficient resistance to support the weight of an adult on the plates 103 but not that of a vehicle. In select embodiments of the present invention, on the side 141 opposite from the spring 101 is a latch mechanism 104 with latch actuator 114 that may be toggled between modes of support and release as indicated by arrow 120 (to viewer's left, support; to viewer's right, release).
To allow vehicle passage over the barrier 100 the support mode is chosen. For operation as a barrier, the latch mechanism 104 is activated by the latch actuator 114 to release and, upon sufficient weight impressed on the plates 103, they fall as shown with the curved arrow 130. Thus, any vehicle that attempts to proceed while the barrier 100 is in this mode causes the plates 103 to swing down in the direction of the curved arrow 130. The plates 103 are stopped on a robust structure 110, constructed of material such as reinforced concrete and the like, configured to both support the plates 130 and vehicle and to protect a lift bar 112 and its mechanism 106. With no on-grade support the front of the vehicle drops into the trench 108, stopping its forward progress. In select embodiments of the present invention, the sharp drop-off coupled with the depth, D, of the trench 108, prevents the vehicle from backing out of the trench 108 using its own power, so that the lift actuator 116 and lift mechanism 106 must be employed with a cross bar 112 to lift the vehicle. In select embodiments of the present invention, one or more built-in hydraulic or screw-actuated lifts 106 are provided with one or more cross bars 112 to quickly clear the barrier 100 after use, thus expediting traffic flow. The lift mechanism 106 may be actuated by a powered actuator 116, such as a reversible AC motor. In addition, if the lift mechanism 106 is set in the up or extended position it adds an additional safety factor for support of the plates 103. In select embodiments of the present invention, AC power 150 is provided to the latch and lift actuators 114, 116.
For the default position in a low threat environment, the plates 103 remain supported. The edge of the plates 103 closest to the hinges 101 may be machined at an angle to allow for the plate 103 to clear as shown in
In select embodiments of the present invention, a drain 107, such as a French or rubble drain, is provided in the trench 108. Further, to prevent build up due to heavy rain, runoff, etc., one or more sump pumps (not shown separately) and one or more check valves (not shown separately) may be employed.
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
The abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b). Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention.
Under paragraph 1(a) of Executive Order 10096, the conditions under which this invention was made entitle the Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, to the entire right, title and interest therein of any patent granted thereon by the United States. This patent and related ones are available for licensing. Contact Bea Shahin at 217 373-7234 or Phillip Stewart at 601 634-4113.