US 7,744,313 B2 · Fixed security barrier

Abstract

A barrier for stopping unwanted watercraft and subsurface intruders from entering into a port or off-shore structure is provided. In one embodiment, the invention is a barrier comprised of a vertical net structure supported from the sea floor. The barrier comprises vertical supports and a net assembled between the vertical supports with a system of ropes and energy absorbing devices. The structural components of the barrier are designed and configured in a manner as to absorb and displace the kinetic energy generated by an explosive laden small watercraft traveling at a high rate of speed. In another embodiment, invention is a barrier system installed around the perimeter of a water side or offshore facility. This barrier system comprises a bottom founded perimeter fence having a gate system and a series of barriers comprised of a vertical fence structure supported from the sea floor. This barrier system is designed to control access and to protect a water side or offshore facility from potential terrorism threats.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A barrier for protecting a port or off-shore structure, the barrier comprising:

a first end support;
a second end support;
a top rope connected to the first end support and the second end support,
a first upper rope connected to the first end support and the second end support;
a second upper rope connected to the first end support and the second end support;
a first bottom rope connected to the first end support and the second end support;
a second bottom rope connected to the first end support and the second end support;
a plurality of hanger ropes connecting the top rope to both the first upper rope and the second upper rope;
a plurality of energy absorption devices connected to one or both of the first upper rope and the second upper rope;
a plurality of energy absorption devices connected to one or both of the first bottom rope and the second bottom rope;
and
a net having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, wherein the top of the net is connected to the first upper rope and the second upper rope, and the bottom of the net is connected to the first bottom rope and the second bottom rope, such that the first side of the net is proximate to the first end support and the second side of the net is proximate to the second end support.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fixed security barrier

Life of this patent

Fixed security barrier

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19