A gate assembly having a cable extending across a panel, the panel movable between a closed position blocking an entry port and an open position; a latch post secured in the ground on a first side of the entry port, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the latch post when the panel is in the closed position; and a post device secured in the ground on a second side of the entry port, the panel positioned through a passage of the post device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to a barrier to vehicular traffic and more specifically to an above grade, vehicular barrier fence and gate to isolate a specified area from unapproved access by vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle barrier systems are utilized to guard against access to protected areas. In particular, the systems are provided to stop motor vehicles, such as trucks, from being intentionally driven into certain areas for nefarious purposes. At least one agency of the United States Government has provided standards to certify barriers for use. Heretofore, it has commonly been believed that vehicle systems must be so called mass-to-mass systems, wherein the barrier comprises structures of great mass to counteract the mass and kinetic energy of the impacting vehicle.

SUMMARY

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure a vehicle barrier system for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence comprises a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship; at least three cables, each cable having opposing terminal ends hingedly connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the at least three cables held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground and vertically spaced apart from one another in relation to the grade; and a line post secured in the ground and positioned between the pair of terminal posts, the line post holding a portion of each of the cables.

A method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure for arresting a vehicle of substantial mass from penetrating into a protected area comprises providing a barrier fence, the barrier fence having a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship and a cable having opposing terminal ends connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the cable held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground between the pair of terminal posts and a gate; impacting a motor vehicle having a substantial mass and moving at a rate of speed into the barrier fence; and stopping penetration of an identified portion of the vehicle from extending a selected distance beyond the cable.

A gate assembly according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises a cable extending across a panel, the panel movable between a closed position blocking an entry port and an open position; a latch post secured in the ground on a first side of the entry port, wherein a first end of the cable connected to the latch post when the panel is in the closed position; and a post device secured in the ground on a second side of the entry port, the panel positioned through a passage of the post device.

The foregoing has outlined some of the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is an elevation view of an example of a vehicle barrier of the present invention generally denoted by the numeral10.FIG. 2is a plan view of barrier fence10illustrated inFIG. 1.FIG. 2further illustrates a motor vehicle6, illustrated as a truck having a bed6, moving in the direction of the arrow toward barrier fence10. The hatched line7represents a distance L1of 36 inches from barrier fence10. In the present example, vehicle5has a mass of 15,000 pounds.

The illustrated example is of a longitudinal barrier fence10, or a portion of a barrier fence. The illustrated and described examples are for a “K12” rated vehicle barrier. K12 refers to a certification class for the United States Department of State. A K12 rating, or certification, requires that the barrier must prevent the bed of a 15,000 pound (6810 kg) truck, traveling at the speed of 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) from penetrating the barrier more than 36 inches (55 cm) indicated as “L1” inFIG. 2. Barrier fence10is also adapted for stopping vehicle5within the limits of L1when traveling 30 miles per hour (48 kph) and 40 mph (65 kph) for obtaining a K4 and a K8 certification respectively. Unexpectedly, a barrier fence corresponding to an example of the present disclosure has been shown to meet the criteria for a K12 certification. Barrier fence10is not a mass to mass type barrier that is commonly utilized to achieve the standards necessary for a United States Department of State certification.

Referring to the examples ofFIGS. 1 and 2, barrier fence10includes cables12, terminal posts14, and line posts16. Barrier fence10may further include one or more cable spacing members18and/or a security fencing generally denoted by the numeral20. InFIG. 1, fencing20is illustrated as chain link, although other fencing materials including without limitation barb wire, razor wire, wood fencing, and iron. Fencing10may be provided to limit or prevent passage of pedestrians, provide an aesthetic covering, or to conceal the vehicle barrier system.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, barrier fence10is described herein with reference to a fence or section of fence extending between opposing terminal posts14. “Terminal” is utilized herein in designating posts to which the terminal end of a cable14is connected. Terminal posts14, as described further below, may be positioned along a longitudinal section or portion of barrier fence10or be a corner post. Corner terminal posts are generally utilized for changes of direction in the section of fence. For example, it may be desired to utilize a corner terminal post for a change in direction of cable12of greater than about 15 degrees. As will be readily understood, a terminal post16may be an “in-line” post wherein the terminal end of a first cable12extending a first direction is connected and the terminal end of a second cable12that extends a different direction from the first direction (for example 180 degrees) is connected.

Referring now to the example illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, three cables12extend between opposing terminal posts14a,14b. Cables12are vertically spaced apart from one another relative to the grade22of ground24. For example, inFIG. 1each of the cables12are spaced approximately 6 inches (9 cm) from one another and the lowest cable12is spaced about 20 inches (30.8 cm) from grade22.

Each cable12has opposing terminal ends26a,26b. Each terminal end26is connected to terminal post14. As will be further described below, terminal end26is hingedly connected to terminal post14in the Examples ofFIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustrated example, terminal posts14aand14bare spaced apart a distance D1. D1corresponds to the length of cable12when it is pulled taught and in position for arresting an impacting motor vehicle. For example, a wire cable12, having tensile strength of approximately 40,000 pounds (88,000 kg) may span distance D1when tensioned to about 500 pounds (1,100 kg). In the illustrated example, D1is no greater than about 2,000 feet (609 m).

Terminal posts14are secured into ground24by securing means28. In the illustrated examples, securing means28is reinforced concrete. Terminal post14may further be secured and stabilized by an anchor mechanism30. Anchor mechanism30may include a cross-member32secured between terminal post14and an anchor34positioned in ground24. In the illustrated example, anchor34is spaced approximately eight feet from terminal post14and secured in ground24by reinforced concrete. Cross-member32is a metal tube.

Positioned between terminal posts14are one or more line posts16which are spaced apart a distance D2. One or more line posts16, described further with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, are positioned between terminal posts14. Line posts16are positioned and secured in ground24by a securing means24. Line post16is operationally connected to cables12in a manner to absorb energy from an impacting vehicle and reduce the force that must be absorbed by terminal posts14and the cable to terminal post connections. In the illustrated examples, line posts16are spaced from one another no more than about 20 feet (6 m). As will be described further below, cable12does not terminate at line posts16but is in operational connection to line posts16.

Cable spacing members18are illustrated inFIG. 2connected to cables12and along the span of cables12. Spacing members18tend to maintain cables12in a spaced apart relationship when impacted by a vehicle, and therefore maintain contact with the vehicle. Various mechanisms may be utilized to space cables12vertically apart, such as but not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 9. Spacing mechanisms18may be independently connected to cables12or interconnect cables12and a post member.

For example, with reference toFIG. 1, spacers18may be connected to intermediate posts36. Intermediate posts36are, in this example, tubular posts that are positioned into ground24. Posts36are not necessarily secured in ground24. In the illustrated examples, posts36are provided for erecting fencing20and provide an additional structure to cooperate with spacing members18. Spacing members18and intermediate posts may be evenly spaced from one another, for example, by the distance D3which is approximately 10 feet (3 m) in these examples. Cables12may be spaced apart, for example, by securing each cable to posts36in a spaced apart relationship by a U-bolt or other suitable connector. It is envisioned that a spacing mechanism18, such as illustrated inFIG. 9, that is solely connected to cables12may facilitate the maintenance of the desired spacing during impact by a vehicle.

Refer now toFIG. 3, wherein an example of a terminal post-cable connection, generally denoted by the numeral38, is shown. First, terminal post14is a tubular member having an internal cavity40and a face portion42. Face portion42is a portion of the wall of tubular post14that is facing the direction in which a cable12extends, or the portion through which cable12extends. In the illustrated examples, post14is illustrated as a square or rectangular member, although other geometric shapes may be utilized. For example, terminal post14may be circular or triangular as well.

In the example ofFIG. 3, a terminal post-cable connector38includes a spelter socket44and plate46. In this example, terminal end26is connected within spelter socket44, for example with zinc or an epoxy resin, and hingedly connected to plate46by pin or shaft48. Plate46is connected to the body of terminal post14with cable12extending outward from face portion42. In the illustrated example, spelter socket44and terminal end26are substantially positioned in cavity40.

Refer now toFIG. 4, wherein a face portion42of a terminal post24is illustrated having a slot56for passing cable12. Slot56is a transverse slot that is substantially parallel with the grade and perpendicular to the vertical extension of the post from the ground. Face portion42in the illustrated example includes a window50formed for each cable12and cable to post connector. Window50is provided as one manner of positioning connection38ofFIG. 3. An open leg or slot portion52is also formed through face portion42for positioning a cable12. A cover54is provided for connecting over a portion of window50while providing an open slot56that includes leg52. Slot56, which is formed through face portion42, provides for transverse or longitudinal movement of cable12during impact by a vehicle thereby limiting or avoiding impact of the cable along the physical body forming the slot.

Refer now toFIG. 5wherein the terminal-post connection38is shown along the line I-I ofFIG. 3. This example illustrates that three cables12are spaced vertically apart from one another, relative to the ground, and in this example are interconnected by a shaft48.

FIG. 6is a plan view of an example of a corner terminal post14. In this example, cable12ais extending a direction substantially at a right angle to the direction of cable12b. However, cables12aand12bmay extend at varying angles from one another.

Refer now toFIGS. 7 and 8wherein an embodiment of a line post16and a line post-cable connection are depicted. Line post16is depicted as a tubular post having an internal cavity58. In this embodiment, line post16is a rectangular or square member having opposing sidewalls60aand60band an interconnecting face plate62. Face plate62includes an interior surface64directed into cavity58. Positioned on interior surface64is a spacer member66. Positioned in cavity58is a stop68that is spaced apart from spacer member66to form a trap70. Thus, trap70is defined between spacer member66, stop68, and opposing sidewalls60a,60b. A slot or track72(FIG. 8) is formed through each opposing sidewall60a,60bfor passing a corresponding cable12.

Each cable12carries a clamping member74. Clamping member74is secured to cable12and then positioned in trap70so as to be substantially held in place with regard to post16. It is noted that in this example, face plate62is connected between opposing sidewalls60a,60bby a connection means76such as welding. Face plate62is connected to opposing walls60a,60bafter cable12and clamps74are positioned in cavity58and against stop68. When face plate62is connected, cables12are positioned within tracks72. Tracks72, like terminal post slots56(FIG. 4), provide for movement of cable12when impacted by a vehicle while mediating damage to cable12by contact with the physical structure forming the slots.

Refer now toFIG. 9, wherein an example of a cable spacing mechanism18is shown in isolation. In this example, mechanism18is an elongated member formed in symmetrical longitudinal sections18aand18b. Each half includes a portion of a cable passage78. Sections18aand18bare positioned together such that each passage78disposes a cable12. Sections18aand18bmay then be interconnected by welding or the like.

FIG. 10is a plan view of a gate assembly according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure generally denoted by the numeral100. Assembly100comprises a gate110(e.g., panel) depicted in the closed position inFIGS. 10 and 11. Panel110comprises one or more elongated cables112which extend from a first end113to a second end115. In the depicted embodiment, first end113is adapted for releasably connecting to latch post114. Depicted inFIGS. 10 and 11, latch post114is immovably secured in the ground99. Latch post114comprises a pin assembly116depicted inFIGS. 12A and 12Bfor releasably securing cables112to latch post114thereby securing panel110in the depicted closed position. An actuator118, depicted inFIG. 10, may be connected with the pin assembly for operating the pin assembly11between the closed position (FIG. 12A) to the open position (FIG. 12B). As will be understood by those skilled in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure, pin assembly116may be operated via various mechanical systems and/or manually by an operator. Examples of actuator118include, without limitation, fluidic cylinders, electric motors and the like.

The second end115of cables112are connected to an end assembly120, seeFIGS. 10, 11, 13A and 13Bfor example. Panel110further comprises two or more vertical members122(e.g., pickets). For example, as depicted inFIG. 11, panel110comprises a plurality of spaced apart vertically oriented pickets122interconnected by at least two horizontally (e.g., laterally) oriented members124. A moving mechanism125(e.g., motor) can be connected to panel110, for example via chain126(FIG. 11) to move panel110between the open and closed position.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, end assembly120is adapted to engage a post device128when panel110is in the closed position. Depicted inFIGS. 10 and 11post device128is depicted secured in ground99, for example by concrete129. In some embodiments, post device128can contain concrete129. In the depicted embodiment, post device128is stationary, thus, end assembly120is moved laterally away, for example to the right inFIG. 11, from post device128when panel110is moved from the closed position as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11.

In the depicted embodiment, a support130is secured in ground99, for example by concrete. Support130is depicted located between the entry port132post device128in the embodiment ofFIGS. 10 and 11. InFIG. 10support130is shown located on the interior side of panel110such that the panel110is between support post130and a vehicle5that is approaching entry port132from exterior gated area. Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, elements134can extend from support post130in a manner to space cables112from one another.

Refer now toFIG. 12Awherein the first ends113of cables112are shown connected and thus secured to latch post114andFIG. 12Bwherein the first ends113of cables112are shown disconnected from latch post114. In the depicted embodiments, connectors44(e.g., spelter sockets) a connected to ends113of cables112. Pin assembly116is utilized to connect and secure connectors44and thus cables112to latch post114.

FIG. 13Bis a plan view of post device128depicting the position of end assembly120when panel110is in the closed position according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring in particular toFIGS. 10, 11 and 13B, post device128comprises a pair of spaced apart members128a,128bdefining a interior passage136. Passage136is adapted to pass panel110. As clearly depicted inFIG. 13Bend assembly120can include members121for engaging post device128. In the depicted embodiment, terminal end115of cable112is depicted connected to end assembly120via pin48. Referring to the schematic side view ofFIG. 13A, terminal ends115are depicted moveably, for example rotationally or hingedly connected to end assembly120and pin48.

From the foregoing detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that a system for preventing or limiting the passage of a vehicle into a secured area that is novel has been disclosed. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of describing various features and aspects of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and/or modifications, including but not limited to those implementation variations which may have been suggested herein, may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims which follow.