1. Related Applications
This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/381,788, filed on, Sep. 10, 2010, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
2. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of water vessel defense systems, particularly security bather systems for preventing unauthorized boarding of a water vessel by pirates, terrorists, thieves and other trespassers.
3. Description of the Related Technology
Attack by pirates and thieves is a serious problem for ships transiting international waterways. Current ship defense technologies are focused on weapon systems, devices for identifying and tracking the location of potential combatants or propulsion systems for out maneuvering or out running a potential threat. Little effort, however, has been made to develop bather systems that deter or prevent trespass onto a water vessel. Although passive self-defense systems, such as the use of razor wire or electric fencing on water vessels, have been used in the past, these simple deterrents are inadequate and can be easily overcome.
For example, it is not uncommon for razor wire to be strung along the railing of a ship to provide both a passive physical defense as well as a visual deterrent. The use of razor wire in this fashion, however, has limited effectiveness as the bather is limited to the railing. Additionally, razor wire is difficult and dangerous to handle. Consequently, it can be unwieldy and difficult to install, particularly given the tedious and time consuming step of attaching the razor wire every few feet along the railing. Moreover, razor wire, which comes in large rolls, is typically installed in uninterrupted runs. Consequently, a grapple hook may be used to pull down long sections of the wire all at once in order to breach this defense.
Furthermore, because the razor wire can pose a safety hazard to passing crew members and passengers on the ship, it usually needs to be removed once the ship is out of harm's way. Removal and storage, however, are painstaking and dangerous tasks. Consequently, many crews choose not to reuse razor wire; instead, they simply cut the razor wire from the side of the ship after a single use, letting it fall into the water.
The effectiveness of other passive defense systems, such as the Secure-Marine™ electric fence, which protrudes out horizontally from the sides of a ship, is also limited. Again, by positioning the electric fence on the railing, protection is only provided along the railing and can be easily overcome by severing the electrical wires. Furthermore, the electrical fence is designed to be a permanent feature of the ship, which can be difficult to maintain and repair and does not allow for the option of removing and/or reusing the electrical fence on another vessel.
Therefore, there exists a need for an improved defense system that addresses the limitations of the prior art. Specifically, there exists a need for an improved security barrier system that allows for simple and safe deployment, removal, storage and redeployment of razor wire aboard water vessels.
The invention is directed to security barrier systems for preventing trespass onto a water vessel. In a first aspect, the security barrier system includes a first frame member having a flexible wire body and a plurality of slats attached to the flexible wire body. The first frame member further includes a first strand of razor wire attached to the flexible wire body, wherein the first frame member is adapted to wrap around the first strand of razor wire so as to substantially enclose the razor wire within the first frame member when the first frame member is oriented in a storage orientation. A suspension fastener is attached to an upper portion of the first frame member having a configuration adapted to suspend the first frame member from and removably attach the first frame member to a surface of a water vessel.
In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a security barrier system for a water vessel. The system includes a water vessel having a mounting surface and a security barrier suspended from the mounting surface. The security barrier includes a frame member having a flexible wire body and a plurality of slats attached to the flexible wire body. The security barrier further includes a strand of razor wire attached to the flexible wire body. A suspension fastener is attached to an upper end of the frame member and adapted to suspend the frame member from the mounting surface of the water vessel.
In a third aspect, the invention is directed to a method for using a security barrier on a water vessel. The method involves attaching and suspending a security barrier from a mounting surface of the water vessel. The security barrier includes a first frame member having a flexible wire body and a plurality of slats attached to the flexible wire body. The security barrier further includes a strand of razor wire attached to the first frame member and a suspension fastener that is used to attach and suspend the first frame member to the mounting surface of the water vessel. The method further involves wrapping the first frame member around the first strand of razor wire so as to substantially enclose the razor wire within the first frame member for storage when the security barrier is not in use.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
a) is a side view of a portion of the razor wire shown in
b) is a cross-sectional view of the razor wire shown in
a) is a side view of a portion of a razor wire strand including a breakaway means configured as a score line.
b) is a side view of a portion of a razor wire strand including a breakaway means configured as a collar connected to separate razor wire portions.
a) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary means for rolling-up the security barrier, wherein the security barrier is oriented in a fully deployed position.
b) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary means for rolling-up the security barrier, wherein the security barrier oriented in a partly rolled-up position.
c) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary means for rolling-up the security barrier, wherein the security barrier is oriented in a fully rolled-up position.
For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referencing various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although certain embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be employed in other apparatuses and methods. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment shown. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Further, although certain methods are described with reference to certain steps that are presented herein in certain order, in many instances, these steps can be performed in any order as may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, and the methods are not limited to the particular arrangement of steps disclosed herein.
It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” and “constructed from” can also be used interchangeably.
Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
For purposes of the present invention, the term “abrasive elements,” as used herein, may include any abrasive structure designed to cut, scrape or otherwise abrade. Exemplary abrasive elements include, but are not limited to, protrusions, teeth, serrations, ridges, barbs, spikes, hooks, rasps, graters or any combination thereof.
As used herein, the term, “razor wire” may include any abrasive wire or tape, including but not limited to barbed wire as well as reinforced razor wire tape. In an exemplary embodiment, the razor wire may have a plurality of abrasive elements to deter trespassing.
As used herein, the term, “water vessel” may include any watercraft used for transportation, such as but not limited to, boats, ships, barges and submarines. Exemplary water vessels may include motorized watercrafts for transporting cargo or individuals, such as ocean liners and military ships.
The present invention is directed to a novel security barrier system and method for using the system to prevent trespass onto a water vessel. The technology may be predicated upon the importance of providing a water vessel security barrier system that: incorporates structures, such as razor wire, for deterring or preventing trespass onto a water vessel; enables safe and easy installment, removal, relocation, adjustment and storage of the security barrier system; and incorporates a means to prevent others from removing or disabling the security barrier system. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to
Security barrier system 10 includes one or more modular frame members 20 suitable for supporting and mounting razor wire 50. Frame member 20 has a flexible wire body having any configuration, shape, size and dimension suitable for supporting razor wire 50. Preferably, the body of frame member 20 is shaped and sufficiently sized to completely cover and wrap around the strands of razor wire 50 mounted to frame member 20. For example, in one embodiment, frame member 20 may have a rectangular configuration with a height of at least about the circumference of a coiled strand of razor wire 50 mounted thereto and a width of at least about the width of a coiled strand of mounted razor wire 50, such that frame member 20 has a sufficient dimension to completely wrap around the coiled strand of razor wire 50. When the coiled strand of razor wire 50 is constructed from a plurality of loops 58 of different sizes, frame member 20 has a height of at least about the circumference of the largest loop 58 of the mounted coiled strand of razor wire 50 and a width of at least about the largest width of a coiled strand of mounted razor wire 50.
In one embodiment, shown in
One or more elongated tension bars 28 may be horizontally attached to an upper end 30 and/or lower end 32 of frame member 20, reinforcing and providing rigidity to frame member 20. Lower tension bar 28, in particular, functions to maintain frame member 20 in an extended, deployed orientation. Preferably tension bar 28 is woven through, positioned through or integrally formed along frame member 20. For example, tension bar 28 can be woven through segments 26 positioned along an upper end 30 and lower end 32 of frame member 20. Alternatively, tension bar 28 may be spaced apart from and attached to upper frame member end 30 using an attachment means, such as clamps, clips, snaps, or other conventional attachment means.
Optionally, a plurality of poles 29 may be attached to, so as to be woven through, positioned through or otherwise connected to fence member 20, wherein poles 29 are intermittently positioned along the length of frame member 20, as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, frame member 20 is constructed from a roll of flexible 9 gauge, knuckle ended, chain link fence, wherein fence wires 22 have a diameter of about 0.148 inches that is constructed from vinyl coated, hot-dip galvanized steel. In this embodiment, frame member 20 has a rectangular configuration with a height of about 5 ft, a width of about 6 ft and a 2 inch mesh of segments 26. The chain link fence further includes a pair of vinyl coated galvanized steel tension bars 28, each about ¾ inch wide, that are attached to and positioned along the upper and lower frame member end 30, 32.
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment shown in
Frame member 20 may further include one or more optional features that functions as an additional barrier structure, visual deterrent or otherwise enhances the effectiveness of security barrier system 10. For example, in one embodiment, frame member 20 may include a plurality of abrasive elements 42 positioned along any exposed outer surface of frame member 20, facing away from a water vessel on which frame member 20 is mounted. Preferably abrasive elements 42 are spikes having any suitable configuration having one or more edges or tapered points that deter contact with frame member 20. Preferably, the spike has a pyramidal configuration with substantially smooth side faces that taper to an apex. These substantially smooth side faces preferably do not have edges that catch on a loop 58 of razor wire 50 or otherwise inhibit the rolling, unrolling or mounting of frame member 20. Abrasive elements 42 may be attached to frame member 20 in any conventional manner. Preferably, abrasive elements 42 are integrally formed with and along a potion of frame member 20. For example, a plurality of spikes shown in
In another embodiment, each frame member 20 may optionally be electrified as a further trespass deterrent. In one embodiment, each frame member 20 of security barrier system 10 may have its own power source, preferably a renewable power source 25, such as a solar cell or a mechanoelectric generator/transducer that provides a voltage to electrify frame member 20. Two or more frame members 20 can also be electrically connected in such a manner that the removal of one frame member 20 would not disable the electrical conduction of adjacent frame members 20.
In another embodiment, each frame members 20 may optionally include a proximity sensor 27 that functions to determine the position of a potential trespasser as well as determine whether any frame members 20 of security barrier system 10 has been compromised.
One or more frame members 20 can be integral or removably connected to one another in order to form a modular security barrier system 10. The frame members 20 can be attached using a connector 31, such as snap hooks, that connect the tension bars 28, poles 29 or other structures of two adjoining frame members. For example, snap hooks may be used to connect a bottom tension bar 28 of one frame member 20 with an upper tension bar 28 of an adjacent frame member 20.
Frame member 20 further includes one or more strands of razor wires 50 that are attached to, supported by and arranged on the body of frame member 20 so as to deter trespassing. As best shown in
Razor wire 50 can be secured to frame member 20 at one or more locations along frame member 20 using any suitable means. In one embodiment, razor wires 50 may be tied to the interlinked fence wires 22 of frame member 20 using wire fasteners 21, shown in
Each strand of razor wire 50 optionally includes one or more sections designed to break away from adjoining sections of the razor wire 50 upon sufficient application of force. This may be accomplished by including one or more breakaway means 51 intermittently positioned along each strand of razor wire 50. This breakaway design prevents an entire strand of razor wire 50 from being torn from frame member 20 when one or more sections of razor wire 50 becomes inadvertently caught on a passing structure or forcibly removed by a grappling hook. When one or more sections of razor wire 50 is thus torn from frame member 20, the adjoining sections of razor wire 50 are designed to substantially return to their initial configuration by virtue of the memory and spring properties of razor wire 50. For example, when a section of a coiled strand of razor wire 50 having a plurality of intermittent breakaway means 51 is torn from frame member 20, the adjoining sections of razor wire 50 are extended and stretched but spring back to reassume their initial coiled configuration.
In one embodiment shown in
Alternatively, as shown in
In the exemplary embodiment of
One or more coiled strands of razor wire 50 may be attached to and positioned on any portion of frame member 20. Preferably, two or more separate strands of razor wire 50 may be arranged horizontally adjacent to one another, end to end. By virtue of separately attaching two or more strands of razor wire 50 to frame member 20, should one strand of razor wire 50 be torn from frame 20, the adjacent strand of razor wire 50 would remain secured to frame 20. When not in use, frame member 20 may be wrapped around the strands of razor wire 50, allowing for compact storage and safe handling of razor wire 50.
In one embodiment shown in
In another example, the coiled strands of razor wire 50 may be positioned along the upper end 30 and lower end 32 of frame member 20. In this embodiment, the length of frame member 20 is preferably at least about 2.5 times the circumference of loop 58 to ensure that the two coiled strands of razor wire 50 can be fully enfolded and thereby safely stored and transported within frame member 20. When stored, this embodiment of frame member 20 may be rolled-up like a scroll, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, razor wire 50 may be configured as a two dimensional structure that is secured to one or more locations along frame member 20. As shown in the embodiment of
Alternatively, as shown in
These two dimensional configuration of razor wire 50 may be rolled-up or folded with frame member 20 for storage. In one embodiment, the two-dimensionally configured razor wire 50 can be rolled-up with frame member 20 for storage. In another embodiment, shown in
A plurality of suspension fasteners 70 may be used to couple frame member 20 to one or more surfaces a water vessel, such as the railing, bulwark or hull. Preferably, suspension fastener 70 enables the frame member 20 to be easily, safely and removably attached to a surface of a water vessel. Exemplary suspension fasteners 70 include clamps, clips, latches, snaps, hooks, threaded fasteners or combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown in
One end of suspension fasteners 70 may be integrally or removably connected to any portion of frame member 20, including fence wire 22, tension bar 28 and pole 29. Preferably, two or more suspension fasteners 70, preferably snap hook, capable of bearing a load of about at least 500 lbs, are attached to an upper end of tension bar 28. At least two snap hooks may be positioned at a location between the distal ends and central region of tension bar 28. Preferably snap hooks are positioned at a location about ⅓ of the length of tension bar 28 from the distal ends of tension bar 28. In one embodiment, one or more extension chains or wire ropes may be positioned between suspension fastener 70 and tension bar 28 or other surface of frame member 20. The extension chains or wire rope may be used to lower and adjust the position of frame member 20 relative to suspension fastener 70 and a surface of the water vessel to which suspension fastener 70 is attached. In one embodiment, suspension fastener 70 may be attached to so as to be inserted through, positioned on or clamped to a mounting surface 80, such as a railing, bar, or other fixtures of a water vessel and attached to one or more links of the extension chain, thereby adjusting the position of frame member 20 relative to a surface from which it is hung.
Optionally, one or more magnets may be used to enhance the attachment of frame member 20 to a metallic structure, such as the bulwark or hull of a water vessel. A plurality of magnets may be positioned along a rear surface of one or more portions of frame member 20, such as fence wire 22, slat 34, tension bar 28, or pole 29, so as to be adjacent to the surface on which it is to be mounted. The magnets may have any suitable configuration and have sufficient force so as to facilitate retention and positioning of frame member 20. Preferably, each magnet has a minimum pull force of at least about 200 pounds. In one embodiment, two or more cup magnets 29, shown in
The present method is also directed to a method for using security barrier system 10 to deter trespassing. During operation, security barrier system 10 may be removably attached to a mounting surface 80, such as a railing, bar, or other fixtures, of a water vessel. When not in use, security barrier system 10 may be easily and safely rolled-up or folded into a compact configuration for storage. Security barrier system 10 can subsequently be redeployed when desired. It can also be removed and attached to another water vessel. Alternatively, security barrier system 10, can also be removed from a water vessel and mounted to other types of structures, such as buildings.
In an exemplary embodiment, security barrier system 10 may be removably mounted to an exterior side surface water vessel, as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the distal end of suspension fastener 70 may be connected to frame member 20 by an extension chain or wire rope. Prior to attachment, the length of the extension chain or wire rope may be adjusted to achieve the desired placement of frame member 20 relative to the exterior of the water vessel. In one embodiment, suspension fastener 70 may be threaded through an enclosed space defined by bar 82 and latched onto one or more loops or other intermittently spaced attachment means of the extension chain or wire rope in order to shorten the distance between mounting surface 80 and frame member 20. Frame member 20 can be adjusted to be positioned either along the railing, along the bulwark, below the bulwark, along the hull, above the water level or below the water level.
When security barrier system 10 includes two or more frame members 20, the modular frame members 20 may be coupled to one another prior to installing suspension fastener 70 onto mounting surface 80. In this embodiment, a series of modular frame members 20 maybe simultaneously installed upon attaching the suspension fasteners 70 of the upper most frame member 20 onto mounting surface 80.
When the security barrier system 10 is no longer needed, it can be stored for later use. A common boat hook 71, as shown in
Alternatively, the bundled security barrier system 10 may be detached from mounting surface 80 and placed in storage. One or more handles 72 may be removably attached to the bundled security barrier system 10 to facilitate and simplify handling. As shown in
In another embodiment shown in
a)-18(c), depict the retraction of a security barrier system 10 having only one frame member; it is understood, however, that loop cord 84 can be positioned around two or more vertically attached frame members of a security barrier system 10 to similarly retract a multi frame member security barrier system 10.
The overall design and various individual features of security barrier system 10 of the present invention have a number of advantages. Security barrier system 10 provides a formidable physical barrier and visual deterrent that inhibits trespass onto a water vessel. Specifically, the strands of razor wire 50, abrasive elements 42, electrified frame member 20 and warning notices printed on slats 34 and/or screen 40 deter unauthorized boarding of a water vessel by pirates and other trespassers. Furthermore, the inclusion of slats 34 in frame member 20 prevents trespassers from scaling security barrier system 10.
Security barrier system 10 can further includes a number of grapple resistant features that prevents removal of razor wire 50 and/or frame member 20 from a water vessel. For example, slats 34 minimize openings in the chain link body of frame member 20 onto which a grapple hook may latched. Additionally, multiple strands of razor wire 50 can be separately attached to different portions of frame member 20 and/or to multiple frame members 20 in order to prevent all the strands of razor wire 50 mounted to one or more frame members 20 from being pulled away in a single run when a strand of razor wire 50 is snagged by a grapple hook. Similarly, each strand of razor wire 50 can include multiple brake away means 51 that separates razor wire 50 into a plurality of sections; when a portion of the razor wire 50 is snagged by a grapple hook, brake away means 51 prevents adjoining portions of the razor wire 50 from being pulled down by the grapple hook. Thus, at most, only a single strand of razor wire 50 or only a portion of a strand of razor wire 50 is removed when snagged by a grapple hook. Because security barrier system 10 can be configured as a plurality of independent, modular frame members 20 each of which can be individually attached to a surface of the water vessel, if a grapple hook were to latch onto a frame member 20, the adjoining frame members 20 would not be torn away from the water vessel. Moreover, the various components of security barrier system 10 are constructed from high strength, corrosion resistant materials that enable security barrier system 10 when mounted to a water vessel to resist being torn away from the water vessel.
Security barrier system 10 can also easily and safely installed, deployed, stored and redeployed as desired. To facilitate installment, security barrier system 10 can be manufactured as an assembly of multiple, removably interconnected modular frame members 20. Furthermore, security barrier system 10 can be rapidly and easily attached to and suspended from preexisting mounting surfaces of a water vessel using suspension fasteners 70, such as snap hooks, of security barrier system 10. Suspension fasteners 70 also enable the quick release and removal of security barrier system 10. Furthermore, suspension fasteners 70 and chains may be used to easily adjust the location of security barrier system 10 relative to a railing, bulwark or other structure, as desired. A common boat hook 71 may be used to quickly roll-up security barrier system 10 when deployed along a side of a water vessel for storage. Fasteners may be used to lock security barrier system 10 in its rolled-up configuration, wherein the strand of razor wire 50 is fully enclosed and wrapped within frame member 20, to facilitate storage and handling. Thus oriented, slats 34 cover, prevent exposure of and prevent user contact with razor wire 50, thereby allowing security barrier system 10 to be easily and safely handled. In this rolled-up configuration, at least 48 security barrier systems 10 can be stored in a standard 20 foot ocean cargo container, which when deployed, may protect about 288 linear fee of a water vessel's perimeter. Preferably, security barrier system 10 is compact and weighs less than about 40 pounds to further facilitate handing by a single individual. To facilitate later deployment, the rolled-up security barrier system 10 may be left attached to the side of a water vessel. Security barrier system 10 may be easily and rapidly redeployed as desired as well as transferred to other vessels for later use.
Security barrier system 10 is also inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. Security barrier system 10 may be constructed from inexpensive, mass produced, widely available components that can be quickly assembled in a factory setting. Since the various components of security barrier system 10 may be constructed from corrosion resistant, high strength, durable materials, little maintenance is required to keep security barrier system 10 in working order. Additionally, by virtue of its modular design, individual components of security barrier system 10, such as one or more modular frame members 20, may be repaired and/or replaced as necessary, without requiring repair and/or replacement of the entire system.
Security barrier system 10 is particularly well suited to protect a water vessel. The size, shape and suspension fasteners 70 of security barrier system 10 may be customized to accommodate a wide range of water vessels. Alternatively, security barrier system 10 may be attached to and used with other structures, such as buildings. The dimensions of security barrier system 10 may be customized to a particular application as necessary. Additionally, the coloring and warnings printed on frame member 20 may be customized depending upon the application.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
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