Patent ID: 9683342
Date: 2017-06-20
CPC Classifications: B63G,E02B,F41H

Claim:
1. A marine barrier comprising: a plurality of column modules, each having a substantially vertical column, the columns being spaced apart from each other and arranged in a linear fashion; and an impact net attached to each of the columns and extending between the plurality of column modules; wherein each of the column modules comprises four substantially horizontal legs extending from a lower portion of the column, each of the legs including a buoyant portion; wherein the legs and their buoyant portions are arranged such that a distal end of each of the legs is attachable to a distal end of a corresponding leg of an adjacent column module to form a series of diamond-shaped supports between the columns to support the columns and the impact net when the barrier is floating in a body of water; wherein each column module comprises a first plurality of hinges, each hinge for elastically connecting one of the legs to the column; wherein the barrier comprises a second plurality of hinges, each hinge for elastically connecting the distal end of one of the legs of one of the column modules to the distal end of the corresponding leg of an adjacent column module to form an included angle therebetween, to form the series of diamond-shaped supports between the columns; and wherein when the barrier is floating in the body of water and a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the impact net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the column modules, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.