Abstract:
This invention relates to the field of personnel access control and more particularly, to deployable/stowable fabric-based barriers for controlling or restricting access of individuals to specific physical areas. This allows security personnel at a screening station, for example, to quickly react to an “intruder” who is bypassing the screening area by quickly and safely closing the passageway and/or walkways between a screening area and a sterile area. Recognizing that different facilities and different applications place more emphasis on some design requirements than others, three barrier systems were designed to increase overall suitability for different facilities: Drop Down BCBS, Pop Across BCBS, and Pop Up BCBC.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of personnel access control. More particularly, this application describes deployable/stowable barriers for controlling or restricting access of individuals to specific physical areas. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Personnel access control systems or barriers have existed for many years, but historically were implemented in obscure and specialized environments such as in high security office buildings. These previous personnel barrier and access control systems have incorporated some form of gate or door, which is designed to be deployed manually to restrict passage of pedestrians into the controlled area. These access control systems were designed to meet basic performance requirements such as the ability to close off a conventional hallway (rather than an atrium, for example) and to meet specified strength requirements when closed. There was no concern for other performance issues such as speed of deployment and safety of deployment, with even less emphasis being placed on how the systems could be incorporated in large atriums. 
         [0003]    Today there is a demand for personnel access control systems in a completely different setting, which has a completely different set of design parameters. The previous systems typically do not satisfy any of the design concerns for implementation in public areas such as airports, subway stations, courthouses, government offices serving the public, and laboratories, to name but a few. These environments typically require the following: 
         [0004]    quick deployment, on the order of 2-4 seconds; 
         [0005]    a design which can be incorporated in areas ranging from narrow corridors, to wide atriums; 
         [0006]    integration with a complete barrier system; 
         [0007]    integration with building structure; 
         [0008]    aesthetically pleasing and/or inconspicuous; 
         [0009]    consistent with public safety concerns, particularly during activation; 
         [0010]    in compliance with building fire and safety codes; 
         [0011]    strength; 
         [0012]    having minimum or no impact on throughput particularly in high traffic situations; and 
         [0013]    reasonable cost, including cost of fabrication, installation, maintenance and staffing. 
         [0014]    There is therefore a need for an improved personnel barrier design and system, which addresses one or more of the problems outlined above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In facilities where individuals are screened for security purposes, prior to entering a specific area, the area on the downstream side of the screening process is considered “sterile”. All personnel within that area have been screened by security personnel (for weapons or explosives) or have been pre-approved for entry. If an individual deliberately or inadvertently bypasses the screening area and enters the “sterile” area it is considered “contaminated”. A dangerous person or material/device may have been introduced to the sterile area by the intruder thereby compromising the safety of the area. 
         [0016]    As a result of this breach: 
         [0017]    the area must be evacuated; 
         [0018]    the area must be inspected to ensure that no dangerous materials/devices have been introduced into the area by the “intruder”; and 
         [0019]    all personnel have to be re-screened prior to re-entering the area. 
         [0020]    The present invention, which is referred to as the Breach Control Barrier System (BCBS) in this application, allows security personnel at a screening station (at an airport, for example) to quickly react to an “intruder” who is bypassing the screening area by quickly and safely closing the passageway and/or walkways between the screening area and the sterile area. Specifically, the objective of the BCBS is to delay deliberate or inadvertent intruders long enough for facility security forces to permanently restrain and/or capture the intruder. 
         [0021]    The performance of the BCBS is as follows: 
         [0022]    Automatically deployable from a control station within 2 to 4 seconds; 
         [0023]    Automatically stowable from a control station within 30 seconds 
         [0024]    Manually deployable (from the BCBS module) within 30 seconds; 
         [0025]    Manually stow able (from the unit) within 60 seconds; 
         [0026]    Designed to withstand: 
         [0027]    vertical load (middle of the barrier) of 750 lb (three people hanging); and 
         [0028]    horizontal load applied to the barrier of 500 lb. (three people running into it). 
         [0029]    Designed with a high level of safety incorporated in both the control system and mechanical system while complying with all applicable codes; 
         [0030]    Operated from a Master Control Station, which can control and monitor all barrier modules in a facility or specific zone; 
         [0031]    Barrier material is semi-transparent to minimize the stress on children and seniors separated from traveling companions when the barrier is deployed; 
         [0032]    Barriers are freestanding based on modules elements being anchored to the floor. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, the system meets certain facility integration requirements to ensure that at least one of the concepts is suited for installation in a facility. They include: 
         [0034]    Modular configuration with each module approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet high; 
         [0035]    Can be installed in buildings with structural steel frames, concrete floors and suspended ceilings; 
         [0036]    Designed to be blended into the aesthetics of the building with minimal aesthetic impact: 
         [0037]    from physical perspective (buried in the floor, hidden in single posts, mounted in a full frame); and 
         [0038]    from an appearance perspective (i.e. the system can be sheathed in a matching material, painted the same colour, etc.); 
         [0039]    Recognizing that different facilities and different applications place more emphasis on some design requirements than others, three BCBS concepts were designed to increase overall suitability for different facilities: 
         [0040]    Drop Down BCBS; 
         [0041]    Pop Across BCBS; and 
         [0042]    Pop Up BCBC. 
         [0043]    The three BCBS concepts are considered to be the subject of this patent application. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0044]    Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0045]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a drop down embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 2  is a close up internal view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cross closing embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 4  is a close up internal view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a spring upwards closing embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0050]      FIG. 6  is a close up internal view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Drop Down BCBS 
       [0051]    An exemplary embodiment is presented in  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         [0052]    Barrier module frames  2  with overhead frame  4  are permanently installed. 
         [0053]    Module frames  2  are “dressed” to match the architectural features of the facility. 
         [0054]    Barrier material  6  is stowed in a pleated manner in the overhead storage area  8 . Any flexible netting that meets the desired strength and durability specifications for the application may be used as a barrier material  6  including, for example, Kevlar™, vinyl-coated nylon; knotted, knotless, woven, extruded, nylon polyester, polyethylene and similar products. 
         [0055]    Barrier material  6  drops when a command is received from the control system. 
         [0056]    Barrier material is attached to main guide posts  12  on either side of the barrier  1  preventing intruder from getting between the frame  2  and the material  6 . 
         [0057]    Barrier material  6  is attached along the full length bar  14  at the lower edge of the material  6 . The bar  14  is latched and locked when the barrier is deployed, thereby making it impossible to raise the bar  14  and get under the barrier  1 . 
         [0058]    Barrier material  6  is connected to the upper frame  4  along the fill length of the material  6 , thereby making it impossible to climb between the material  6  and the upper frame  4 . 
         [0059]    The barrier material  6  is locked in the “stowed” position with an electric brake  16  that is failsafe on, powered to release (deploy). 
         [0060]    When the “DEPLOY” button on the Master Control Station is pressed: 
         [0061]    The brake  16  releases; 
         [0062]    The barrier  1  drops. Note that the horizontal bar  14  at the bottom of the barrier will be made stiff enough to withstand the specified loads. It will also include a layer of padding or protection (similar to a rubber seal on a garage door), to minimize likelihood of injuring people if the barrier contacts a bystander when it is activated. The speed at which the barrier  1  drops will be set to meet the specified deployment (closure) time. 
         [0063]    Speed of deployment is controlled by controlling the rate at which air escapes from two linear pneumatic cylinders  22 . Pneumatic retarding is provided on this embodiment primarily to offset the effect of gravity. Hence, the pop-up and pop-across embodiments generally do not require any retarding. 
         [0064]    Electric eyes  24  integrated into the module frame  2  at two levels sense an object in the plane of the barrier  1  and trigger the brake  16  immediately to stop deployment. The way in which the barrier operates during an interference will depend on the application. In an airport, public safety may be a higher priority, so the brake  16  may hold the barrier  1  once there is an alarm. If security is the higher priority, then the barrier  1  may continue to close once the blockage has cleared. 
         [0065]    When the metal bar  14  at the leading edge of the material  6  reaches the bottom of the drop, the bar  14  is automatically locked into position. 
         [0066]    The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is based on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the electronic eyes  24 , latches  7 , brake  16 , etc. 
       Pop Across BCBS 
       [0067]    An exemplary embodiment is presented in  FIGS. 3-4 . 
         [0068]    Barrier module frames  2  (posts  12  only) are permanently installed providing clear passage without a height restriction. 
         [0069]    Module frames  2  are “dressed” to match the architectural features of the facility. 
         [0070]    Barrier material  6  is stowed on a roll  25 . Any flexible netting that meets the desired strength and durability specifications for the application may be used as a barrier material including, for example, Kevlar™, vinyl-coated nylon; knotted, knotless, woven, extruded, nylon polyester, polyethylene and similar products. 
         [0071]    Barrier material  6  has vertical aluminum slats (not shown) integrated into it to prevent an intruder from passing over or under the barrier  1  while allowing the necessary flexibility to store the barrier material  6  on the roll  25 . 
         [0072]    Barrier  1  extends from the storage area  8  when a command from the control system is received. 
         [0073]    Leading edge  30  of the barrier (moving post) locks against the backside of the adjacent barrier module  2  (stationary post) or against a stationary post  2  adjacent to the wall. 
         [0074]    Barrier material  6  is attached along the full length moving post  30  (at the leading edge of the material  6 ). The moving post  30  is latched and locked to the stationary post  12  when the barrier is deployed, thereby making it very difficult to open the barrier  1 . 
         [0075]    Barrier material  6  is connected to the roll  25  inside the storage post  8  along the full length of the material  6 , thereby making it impossible to climb between the material  6  and the roll  25 . 
         [0076]    The barrier material  6  is locked in the “stowed” position with an electric brake  16  that is failsafe on, powered to release (deploy). 
         [0077]    When the “deploy” button is pressed: 
         [0078]    The brake  16  releases. 
         [0079]    The “initial accelerator” springs  32  initiate the movement of the barrier  1  from the storage frame  8 . 
         [0080]    The “arm link accelerator” springs  34  continue to power the barrier  1  across the opening as the scissor mechanism  36  extends. 
         [0081]    The barrier  1  is guided across the opening with small rollers  38  in a shallow track  40 ; 
         [0082]    When the barrier  1  is fully deployed the bar on the leading edge  30  of the barrier  1  is locked into the catcher mechanism  42 . 
         [0083]    When the control system receives a signal indicating that the barrier  1  has been locked at the leading edge  30 , the electric recoil gear motor  44  back drives the roller  25  such that the barrier material  6  is tensioned to withstand the specified loads. 
         [0084]    Electric eyes  24  at two levels sense an object in the plane of the barrier  1  and lock the brake  16  immediately to stop deployment. 
         [0085]    The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is based on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the electronic eyes  24 , latches  7 , brake  16  etc. 
       Pop Up BCBS 
       [0086]    An exemplary embodiment is presented in  FIGS. 5-6 . 
         [0087]    Barrier module frames  2  are permanently installed below floor level in a storage container  8  approximately 14″ square by 10 feet long. 
         [0088]    Barrier material  6  is stowed in a folded configuration inside the container  8 . 
         [0089]    A command from the control system releases solenoid controlled latches  48  on the covers  50  on each module  2 . Some degree of positive force is desirable to prevent the covers  50  from accidentally opening when they are walked on, or driven over. 
         [0090]    Barrier material  6  is raised out of the storage container  8  on two posts  12 . 
         [0091]    Posts  12  lock against the matching posts from adjacent modules or a permanently mounted mate on the wall thereby locking a chain of modules together. 
         [0092]    Barrier material  6  is attached to a cable (not shown) at the top preventing intruder from getting over the barrier  1  by pulling the material  6  down. 
         [0093]    Battier material  6  is attached along the full length arms at either side. 
         [0094]    The adjoining posts  12  are latched and locked when the barrier  1  is deployed, making them impossible to move. 
         [0095]    Barrier material  6  is connected to the bottom of the container  8  making it impossible to get through or around the barrier  1 . 
         [0096]    When the “deploy” button is pressed: 
         [0097]    The container covers  50  open. 
         [0098]    The “launch” springs  32  initiate the movement of the posts  12  and barrier material  6  from the storage container  8 . 
         [0099]    The “extend” springs  34  continue to power the posts  12  to their fully upright position. 
         [0100]    As the adjacent barrier posts rise they lock with each other in the middle of the hallway or against a mating latch next to either wall. 
         [0101]    The latch mechanism  48  on the covers  50  will prevent the barrier  1  from being deployed if an object or person is in the plane of the barrier (i.e. on top of the cover). 
         [0102]    Electric eyes  24  at two levels mounted on dedicated posts on either side of the hallway/opening will sense an object in the plane of the barrier  1  and prevent the container cover latches  48  from releasing. 
         [0103]    The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is based on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the electronic eyes  24 , latches  7 ,  48 , brake  16  etc. 
       Breach Control Barrier System (BCBS) 
       [0104]    This Breach Control Barrier System (BCBS) will be used in the following scenario. 
         [0105]    In facilities where individuals are screened prior to entry, the area on the downstream side of the screening process is considered “sterile”. All personnel within that area have been screened by security personnel (or have been pre-approved for entry). If a person deliberately or inadvertently bypasses the screening area and enters the “sterile” area it is considered contaminated. A dangerous person or material/device may have been introduced. As a result, the area must be evacuated of all personnel, the area must be inspected to ensure that no dangerous materials/devices have been introduced into the area by the “intruder” and all personnel re-entering the area have to be re-screened prior to reentry. 
         [0106]    The present invention will allow security personnel at a screening station (i.e. at an airport) to quickly react to an “intruder” bypassing the screening area by quickly and safely closing the passageways and/or walkways leading from the screening area to the sterile area. 
       Operation 
     “Drop Down” Breach Control Barrier System 
       [0107]    In the operation of the “Drop Down” BCBS the following sequence of events occurs to deploy the barrier if an “intruder” manages to bypass the security screening area on the way to the sterile post-screen area: 
         [0108]    The security guard will depress the “DEPLOY” button on the Master Control Station (in which the PLC is incorporated). 
         [0109]    The electric brake  16  releases. 
         [0110]    The barrier netting  6  begins to drop. 
         [0111]    The barrier netting  6  is accelerated to maximum speed with the assistance of the torsion spring  34 . 
         [0112]    Maximum speed of fall or deployment is controlled by controlling the rate at which air escapes from two linear pneumatic cylinders  22   
         [0113]    The barrier curtain  6 , initially stowed in a pleated fashion in an upper housing  8 , is secured to two structural elements or posts  12  with sliding net securing rings  54 . 
         [0114]    Electric eyes (transmitters and reflectors)  24  integrated into the module frame  2  at two levels sense an object in the plane of the barrier and trigger the electric brake  16  immediately. 
         [0115]    When the bottom locking cross bar  14  at the leading edge of the material  30  reaches the bottom of the drop, the bar  14  is automatically locked into position with the Latch and Catch Securing Crossbar ( 7 ). 
         [0116]    To retract the barrier, the operator will press the “STOW” button on the Master Control Station: 
         [0117]    The latches  7  on the bottom lower crossbar  14  will release. 
         [0118]    The electric brake  16  will be released. 
         [0119]    A compressed air source will be connected to the barrier  1 . 
         [0120]    The pneumatic cylinders  22  will retract the barrier  1  into the stowed position thereby retracting the material  6 . 
         [0121]    While retracting the barrier  1  the torsion spring  34  will be rewound for the next deploy. 
         [0122]    When the barrier  1  is fully retracted the electric brake  16  will be reset and the barrier  1  will be ready for the next deploy cycle. 
       “Pop Across” Breach Control Barrier System 
       [0123]    In the operation of the “Pop Across” BCBS the following sequence of events occurs to deploy the barrier if an “intruder” manages to bypass the security screening area on the way to the sterile post-screen area: 
         [0124]    The security guard will depress the “DEPLOY” button on the Master Control Station (in which the PLC is incorporated). 
         [0125]    The electric brake  16  releases. 
         [0126]    The initial accelerator springs  32  begin to move the arm linkages  12  with the barrier material  6  out of the stowed position. 
         [0127]    The barrier material  6  is stored on a roller  25 . Aluminum tubular slats (not shown) are incorporated in the material  6  to provide stiffness while allowing the material  6  to roll onto the roll  25 . 
         [0128]    The draglink  56  synchronizes the movement of the arm linkages  36 . 
         [0129]    The arm linkage accelerator springs  34  continue to power the barrier  1  across the opening. 
         [0130]    The lead edge of the barrier is the moving post  30 , which locks against the stationary catcher post  12 . 
         [0131]    The latches  48  on the moving post  30  lock to the mating catches  42  on the stationary post when the barrier  1  is fully closed. 
         [0132]    Once the latches  48  are locked the electric recoil gear motor  44  backwinds the barrier  1  and linkage  56  so the material  6  is tight enough to meet the specified loading requirements. Note that the drop-down systems generally does not need this tension to provide barrier strength since its strength comes from the frame. 
         [0133]    The barrier  1  travels across the opening on a grooved track  40  under which run cables for intermodule power and control. 
         [0134]    To retract the barrier  1 , the operator will press the “STOW” button on the Master Control Station: 
         [0135]    The latches  48  on the moving post  30  will be activated and release the catches  42  on the stationary post  12 . 
         [0136]    The electric recoil gear motor  44  will rewind the material storage roller  38  thereby retracting the material  6  and the arm linkages  56  until the barrier  1  is full retracted. 
         [0137]    During the retraction process the initial accelerator springs  32  and the arm linkage accelerator springs  34  will be compressed for the next deploy. 
       “Pop Up” Breach Control Barrier System 
       [0138]    In the operation of the “Pop Up” BCBS the following sequence of events occurs to deploy the barrier if an “intruder” manages to bypass the security screening area on the way to the sterile post-screen area: 
         [0139]    The security guard will depress the “DEPLOY” button on the Master Control Station (in which the PLC is incorporated). 
         [0140]    The floor cavity trap door solenoid latch  48  is activated. 
         [0141]    The floor cavity trap door  50  is released and opens. 
         [0142]    The solenoid releasing latch  52  releases the posts  12 . 
         [0143]    “Launch” springs  32  initiate movement of the posts upward. 
         [0144]    “Extend” springs  34  continue to power the posts  12 , which are carrying the material  6 , into the vertical position. 
         [0145]    As the posts  12  rise into the vertical position they carry the barrier material  6  which is connected along the length of both posts  12 . 
         [0146]    When the posts  12  arrive at the vertical position they lock with a matching latch  42  on the post  12  from the adjacent module or on a matching latch mounted on or adjacent to the wall. 
         [0147]    To retract the barrier  1 , the operator will press the “STOW” button on the Master Control Station: 
         [0148]    The latches  42  on the posts  12  will release. 
         [0149]    The winch for stowing  60  connected to the barrier material  6  will draw the material  6  back into the container  8 . 
         [0150]    The post latches  52  will lock the posts  12  in the stowed position in the container  8 . 
         [0151]    The floor cavity trap door  50  will drop and the solenoid latch  48  will lock the trap door  50  in place. 
         [0152]    During the retraction process the “extend” springs  32 ) and “launch” springs  34  will be reloaded for the next deploy. 
       Options and Alternatives 
       [0153]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is clear that changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. For example, rather than using springs to drive the barriers to the deployed position, one could use pre-charged pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, an electric motor with a battery back-up, a counterweight system, or the like. Of course, one could also use the same mechanisms and drivers to return the barriers to the stowed positions. As well, the invention is not limited by the manner of the mechanical linkages and components described. 
         [0154]    Other variations on the design include the following:
   1. any of the described systems could be implemented to “fail open” or to “fail closed”, depending on the application and the user&#39;s requirements;   2. the systems could use low voltage power supplies with battery or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) backup;   3. the described systems could be integrated with existing security systems, various alarms automatically causing deployment;   4. various audible and visual alarm systems can be incorporated to provide a warning to personnel in the area that the system is deploying; and   5. Portable and semi-portable versions of all three embodiments have also been considered to enable the barrier systems to be moved within a facility to best address the facility owner&#39;s evolving security requirements.   
 
       Conclusions 
       [0160]    The present invention has been described with regard to one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0161]    The present invention has been described with regard to one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. All citations are hereby incorporated by reference.