Abstract:
A movable modular vehicle barrier ( 10 ) formed from at least two modular units ( 12 ). Each modular unit is foldable and comprising: a base bar ( 14 ), a reclining bar ( 16 ) hingedly connected to the base bar, a horizontal reclining bar ( 38 ) hingedly connected to the base bar, and a vertical reclining bar ( 42 ) hingedly connected to the reclining bar. In a folded position of the modular unit the base bar, the reclining bar, the horizontal reclining bar and the vertical reclining bar are substantially parallel to each other. In an operative position of the modular unit, the reclining bar forms with the base bar an internal angle that is not smaller than ninety degrees, the horizontal reclining bar is perpendicular to two adjacent base bars, and the vertical reclining bar is perpendicular to two adjacent reclining bars. The barrier includes a moving system for enabling manual movement of the barrier.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of modular vehicle barriers and more particularly to the field of movable modular vehicle barriers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In many sites it may be necessary to install a vehicle barrier. These sites may include, e.g., governmental offices, army bases, protected sites, etc. 
         [0003]    Sometimes, it is not practical, due to time and budget restrictions, to build a permanent and massive vehicle barrier. In those cases, it is much more practical to quickly erect a modular vehicle barrier that can be assembled in minutes and quickly disassembled when it is no longer required. When referring to a vehicle barrier, reference is made to a barrier that actually stops a quick driving vehicle and prevents it from advancing over the barrier, and not just puncturing the vehicle&#39;s wheels as is common in most road barriers erected by the police or the army. This is especially advantageous if the vehicle carries explosives for a hostile action, whether the vehicle is driven by a suicidal terrorist, or, if the vehicle is driven from a remote location. 
         [0004]    Sometimes, a single unit of the modular vehicle barrier is not so heavy to be handled by a single person, however, when a multitude of units are connected together, the total weight can no longer be handled by one or two persons. In those cases, it may be necessary to be aided by a power tool such as a forklift, tractor, crane, winch and the like, for moving the modular vehicle barrier. 
         [0005]    It is the object of the present invention to provide a modular vehicle barrier that can be easily and quickly erected and dismantled and can be easily and quickly moved or rotated by one or two persons. 
         [0006]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a movable modular vehicle barrier that can serve as a gate to a road. Thus, in an operating position of the movable modular vehicle barrier it may completely block the entire width of a road to be blocked, and, in an open position of the movable modular vehicle barrier it may be rotated in order to partially or entirely open the road to passage of vehicles therethrough. 
         [0007]    It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a movable modular vehicle barrier that can be easily and quickly rotated by one or two persons in order to serve a gate to a road. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The barrier of the present invention is not limited to a certain road width since it is formed from independent modular units. Therefore, the barrier of the present invention may be used for any road width. 
         [0009]    The barrier of the present invention may me moved or rotated by one or two persons. 
         [0010]    When a vehicle hits the barrier, it is immediately stopped by the barrier, whether by a reclining bar, a vertical reclining bar, spikes on the horizontal reclining bar, or when the entire barrier tilts in the moving direction and the vehicle remains hanged on the now upstanding base bars. 
         [0011]    The movable modular vehicle barrier according to the present invention is formed from at least two modular units, each modular unit is foldable and comprising:
       a base bar,   a reclining bar hingedly connected to the base bar,   a horizontal reclining bar hingedly connected to the base bar, and   a vertical reclining bar hingedly connected to the reclining bar, wherein:   in a folded position of the modular unit the base bar, the reclining bar, the horizontal reclining bar and the vertical reclining bar are substantially parallel to each other, and   in an operative position of the modular unit, the reclining bar forms with the base bar an internal angle that is not smaller than ninety degrees,   the horizontal reclining bar is perpendicular to two adjacent base bars, and
           the vertical reclining bar is perpendicular to two adjacent reclining bars.   
               
 
         [0020]    Typically, in a folded position of the horizontal reclining bar the horizontal reclining bar is secured to the base bar by means of a horizontal quick locking pin, and
       in an operative position of the horizontal reclining bar the horizontal reclining bar is secured by means of the horizontal quick locking pin to an adjacent base bar.       
 
         [0022]    Further typically, in a folded position of the vertical reclining bar the vertical reclining bar is secured to the reclining bar by means of a vertical quick locking pin, and
       in an operative position of the vertical reclining bar the vertical reclining bar is secured by means of the vertical quick locking pin to an adjacent reclining bar.       
 
         [0024]    If desired, the reclining bar is secured to the base bar by means of a belt, wherein
       in a folded position of the reclining bar the belt is loose, and   in an operative position of the reclining bar the belt is stretched.       
 
         [0027]    Further if desired, both ends of the belt are secured within a belt receiving connector. 
         [0028]    Preferably, a rearward portion of the base bar is provided with a heel in a lower side of the base bar. 
         [0029]    Further preferably, a rearward and downward portion of the reclining bar is provided with a rearwardly and downwardly directed plowing projection. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, in an operative position of the modular unit, the reclining bar forms with the base bar an internal angle that is larger than ninety degrees. 
         [0031]    Advantageously, a forward portion of the base bar is provided with a receiving ramp that is slanted forwardly and downwardly. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the movable modular vehicle barrier is provided with a moving system that enables manual translation of the movable modular vehicle barrier, and wherein 
         [0000]    the translation includes linear movement and/or rotational movement of the movable modular vehicle barrier with respect to ground. 
         [0033]    Advantageously, the moving system comprises a main rod, rotatable about a main rotation axis, which is detachably connected to each of the base bars and is formed from a multitude of main rod segments that are connected therebetween. 
         [0034]    Practically, each of the main rod segments comprises a male insertion portion, at a first side thereof, and, a female receiving portion at a second side thereof, and
       the main rod segments are assembled by inserting the male insertion portion of a given main rod segment into the female receiving portion of an adjacent main rod segment.       
 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, a supporting bracket is attached to each of the base bars, the supporting bracket comprises at least one leading cylinder for receiving therein the main rod. 
         [0037]    If desired, the supporting bracket comprises two spaced apart enclosed leading cylinders. 
         [0038]    Practically, the at least one leading cylinder enables axial and rotational movement of the main rod with respect to the supporting bracket, and
       the main rod is provided with at least one limiting screw for limiting axial and rotational movement of the main rod with respect to the supporting bracket.       
 
         [0040]    Preferably, a main moving assembly is connected to the main rod between two adjacent base bars, the main moving assembly comprises a generally downwardly directed main wheel;
       an auxiliary wheel is connected to a front portion of each of the base bars and extending downwardly therefrom; and   an operation handle is connected at least at one end of the main rod; and wherein   in a rest position angle of the operation handle, a rear portion of each of the base bars rests on a heal, and, moving of the movable modular vehicle barrier is prevented, and   in a moving position angle of the operation handle, the rear portion of each of the base bars is supported by a main wheel, the heal is elevated from ground, and, moving of the movable modular vehicle barrier is enabled.       
 
         [0045]    Typically, the rest position angle of the operation handle is between 25 degrees and 45 degrees, taken rearwardly from a vertical reference line passing through the main rotation axis; and
       the moving position angle of the operation handle is between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, taken forwardly from the vertical reference line.       
 
         [0047]    If desired, each of the horizontal reclining bars is provided with upwardly extending spikes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a modular unit of the movable modular vehicle barrier according to the present invention prior to opening into active position; 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a row of modular units of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the modular unit of  FIG. 1  when brought into active position; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of several modular units connected together in an active position; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the basic components of the moving system; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the moving system in a non-moving position; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the moving system in a moving position. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0056]    Attention is drawn to  FIGS. 1-4  that show a movable modular vehicle barrier  10  according to the present invention. For sake of convenience, the movable modular vehicle barrier  10  will hereinafter be called the “barrier”. 
         [0057]    The barrier  10  consists a multitude of modular units  12  that, when connected to each other, form the barrier  10 . 
         [0058]    Each modular unit  12  comprises a base bar  14  and a reclining bar  16  that is rotatable with respect to the base bar  14  around an activating pivot  18 . When the reclining bar  16  is brought into an active position, i.e., is rotatable with respect to the activating pivot  18  in a counter-clockwise direction, as shown by the arrow showing the activating direction  20  in  FIG. 3 , the reclining bar  16  is substantially perpendicular to the base bar  14 . 
         [0059]    It should be noted that directional terms appearing throughout the specification and claims, e.g. “forward”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower” etc., are used as terms of convenience to distinguish the location of various surfaces relative to each other. These terms are defined with reference to the figures, however, they are used for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, each modular unit  12  comprises a flexible belt  22  that adds rigidity to the barrier  10 , thus ensuring that the reclining bar  16  will not increase its relative position with respect to the base bar  14  and it will remain perpendicular thereto even after being activated by a threatening vehicle as will be later described. Each belt  22  is located within suitable belt receiving connectors  24  that are connected to the base bar  14  and to the reclining bar  16  and prevent sliding of the belt  22  toward the activating pivot  18 . 
         [0061]    The modular unit  12  is provided with a receiving ramp  26  in a forward portion  28  of the modular unit  12 . The receiving ramp  26  is slanted forwardly thus enabling to receiving thereon a wheel of a threatening vehicle in a case that the wheel rolls on the receiving ramp  26  and not to the sides thereof. 
         [0062]    The modular unit  12  is provided, in a rearward portion  30  thereof, with a rearwardly and downwardly pointing heel  32  that protrudes downwardly from the base bar  14  and helps inserting and affixing the barrier  10  into ground  34  in a case of a collision by a threatening vehicle. A plowing projection  36  protrudes rearwardly and downwardly from the reclining bar  16  in an active position of the modular unit  12 . 
         [0063]    A horizontal reclining bar  38  is pivotally connected to the base bar  14  adjacent the forward portion  28  of the modular unit  12  and near a top portion of the receiving ramp  26 . The horizontal reclining bar  38  is secured to the base bar  14  in a folded position by means of a horizontal quick locking pin  40 . A vertical reclining bar  42  is pivotally connected to the reclining bar  16  adjacent an upper end  44  of the reclining bar  16 . The vertical reclining bar  42  is secured to the reclining bar  16  in a folded position by means of a vertical quick locking pin  46 . 
         [0064]    In order to assemble the barrier  10 , the modular units  12  are placed on ground  34 , parallel to each other, and spaced apart a distance that corresponds with a length of the horizontal reclining bar  38  and of the vertical reclining bar  42 . Now, each horizontal quick locking pin  40  is released thus unlocking the corresponding horizontal reclining bar  38 , rotating each horizontal reclining bar  38  up to the adjacent modular unit  12 , and, locking each horizontal reclining bar  38  to the adjacent modular unit  12  by means of the free horizontal quick locking pin  40 . 
         [0065]    Similarly, each vertical quick locking pin  46  is released thus unlocking the corresponding vertical reclining bar  42 , lifting each vertical reclining bar  42  up to the adjacent modular unit  12 , and, locking each vertical reclining bar  42  to the adjacent modular unit  12  by means of the free vertical quick locking pin  46 . 
         [0066]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5 to 7  for describing a moving system  48  of the barrier  10 . For a matter of simplicity, only parts participating with the moving system  48  are shown. 
         [0067]    Each of the base bars  14  is provided with a supporting bracket  50  that is connected thereto. Two spaced apart hollow leading cylinders  52  are connected at an upper portion of the supporting bracket  50 . The leading cylinders  52  are spaced apart a distance that enables the reclining bar  16  to rest therebetween. In some cases, the leading cylinders  52  are not formed as closed cylinders or pipe-shaped cylinders, and they are formed with a longitudinal slot (not shown in the figures) along their entire length. In these cases, the longitudinal slot enables to pass therethrough some parts that their overhaul diameter extends beyond the internal diameter of the leading cylinders  52 . 
         [0068]    The forward portion  28  of the modular unit  12  is provided with an auxiliary wheel  54  that is connected to a side wall  56  of the receiving ramp  26 . Typically, the auxiliary wheel  54  is mounted on, and freely rotate with respect to, a connecting frame  58  that is connected to the side wall  56  by means of one or more tightening bolts  60 . The auxiliary wheel  54  is mounted such that it protrudes downwardly below a base bar lower surface  62  of the base bar  14 , in a side view of the base bar  14 . 
         [0069]    The moving system  48  further comprises a plurality of main moving assemblies  64 . Each main moving assembly  64  comprises a main rod  66 . The main rod  66  has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of a leading cylinder  52 . Thus, each main rod  66  can freely slide and rotate within the leading cylinders  52 . 
         [0070]    Each main rod  66  is provided with a female receiving portion  68 , at a first end thereof, and, with a male insertion portion  70 , at a second end thereof. Both the female receiving portion  68  and the male insertion portion  70  are provided with corresponding assembling holes  72 . Furthermore, the outer diameter of the male insertion portion  70  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the female receiving portion  68 , such that the male insertion portion  70  can fit into the female receiving portion  68 . 
         [0071]    In order to assemble the moving system  48  of the barrier  10 , the main rod  66  of each main moving assembly  64  is inserted through a pair of leading cylinders  52 , at a first side thereof, and, connected to another main rod  66 , at a second side thereof. The main rods  66  are connected to each other by inserting the male insertion portion  70  of a first main rod  66  to the female receiving portion  68  of a second main rod  66 . Then, the two main rods  66  are slightly turned with respect to each other until the location of the assembling holes  72  of the male insertion portion  70  fits the location of the assembling holes  72  of the female receiving portion  68 . At this stage, a fixing pin (not shown) is inserted into at least one assembling hole  72  in order to fix the first main rod  66  to the second main rod  66 . This process is repeated across the entire width of the assembled barrier  10 . 
         [0072]    In order to limit the rotation of the main rods  66  with respect to the base bars  14 , a limiting screw  74  is inserted into the main rod  66  between each pair of leading cylinders  52 . Typically, two limiting screws  74 , generally opposite to each other, are inserted between each pair of leading cylinders  52 . Despite limiting the rotation of the main rods  66 , as will be later described, the limiting screws  74  also prevent unintentional excessive longitudinal sliding of the main rods  66  with respect to the base bars  14 . 
         [0073]    Now, as a final assembling step of the moving system  48 , an operation handle  76  is attached to an open end of a main rod  66 , at least at one side of the barrier  10 . Typically, for ease of operation, an operation handle  76  is attached at both sides of the barrier  10 . The operation handle  76  is attached to a main rod  66  in the same manner as the main rods  66  are connected to each other. 
         [0074]    Since, as described above, in some embodiments the leading cylinders  52  are provided with a longitudinal slot, the assembling of the main rods  66  into the leading cylinders  52  becomes easier since at least one limiting screw  74  may freely pass through the longitudinal slot. Thus, only one limiting screw  74  will have to be screwed into its receiving thread when the main rod  66  is already assembled into the leading cylinders  52 . 
         [0075]    A main wheel  78 , assembled on a wheel base  80 , is attached to the main rod  66  by means of a tightening bridge  82 . According to one embodiment, the main wheel  78  can turn on a line that is parallel to the tightening bridge  82 . 
         [0076]    According to another embodiment, the main wheel  78  may further rotate around a vertical axis that is perpendicular to ground  34 . 
         [0077]    In a non-moving position of the moving system  48 , the main rods  66  are oriented such that the main wheels  78  are slightly in the air, or, barely touching ground  34 . In this position, the operation handle  76  is slanted rearwardly, i.e., away from the receiving ramps  26 , a rest position angle  84  with respect to a reference line  86  that is vertical to ground  34  as seen in  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, in this position, the heel  32  of each base bar  14  rests firmly on the ground  34  by the weight of the entire barrier  10 . 
         [0078]    Practically, for comfortability of operation of the moving system  48 , the rest position angle  84  is chosen to be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the rest position angle  84  is 35 degrees. 
         [0079]    When it is desired to move the barrier  10 , whether along a straight line parallel to the base bars  14 , or, horizontally rotate the entire barrier  10  around any portion thereof, it is required to bring the main wheels  78  into a moving position. For that purpose, the operation handle  76  is pulled forwardly, i.e., toward the receiving ramps  26 , to a moving position angle  88  with respect to the reference line  86  as seen in  FIG. 7 . Practically, for comfortability of operation of the moving system  48 , the moving position angle  88  is chosen to be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the moving position angle  88  is 23 degrees. 
         [0080]    When the operation handle  76  is moved from the rest position to the moving position, since the multitude of main rods  66  are connected to each other they roll together as a unitary piece within the leading cylinders  52 . Now, since the main wheels  78  are connected to the main rods  66  through the corresponding wheel bases  80  that are secured by the tightening bridges  82 , they roll together with the main rods  66  a moving angle, that is the sum of the rest position angle  84  and the moving position angle  88 , around a main rotation axis A of the main rods  66 . 
         [0081]    The above mentioned rotation of the main wheels  78  forces the rearward portion  30  of the modular units  12  to lift from the ground  34 , and, as can be seen in  FIG. 7 , in the moving position of the barrier  10 , the heel  32  is lifted from the ground  34 . Now, all the modular units  12  of the entire barrier  10  rest on the main wheels  78 , at their rearward portion  30 , and, on the auxiliary wheels  54 , at their forward portion  28 . 
         [0082]    In order to set the right position of the operation handle  76 , both in the rest position and in the moving position, the limiting screws  74  provided on the main rods  66  between each pair of leading cylinders  52 , set the maximum stroke of the operation handle  76  towards a given direction. 
         [0083]    In this position, the barrier  10  can be easily moved or rotated by one or two persons holding the operation handles  76 . When two persons are involved, the barrier  10  can be easily pushed or pulled in a straight line, forwardly or rearwardly, or, rotated in each desired direction. 
         [0084]    Although the present invention has been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 
         [0085]    For example, the rotation limiting of the operation handle  76  does not have to be carried out by limiting screws  74  and other means may be involved. 
         [0086]    The wheel base  80  does not have to be fastened to the main rod  66  by means of a tightening bridge  82 , and it may be directly connected to the main rod  66 , by welding, bolts passing through the main rod, or the like. 
         [0087]    The auxiliary wheels  54  do not have to be connected to the base bars  14  by means of connecting frames  58  that are fastened by tightening bolts  60 , and they may be directly connected to the base bars  14 . 
         [0088]    The reclining bar  16  does not have to be perpendicular to the base bar  14 . According to some embodiments, the reclining bar  16  forms with the base bar  14  an angle that is greater than 90°, for example, 120°. This feature assures that the barrier will tilt and locked against the road even if it is hit by a short car. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the reclining bar is not formed from a straight beam, but, from a curved beam, that is curved forwardly in the driving direction for the same reason of enabling easier tilting of the barrier. 
         [0089]    In the embodiment shown, the ramp  26  is open to the base bar  14  for enabling fixing the connecting frame  58  of the auxiliary wheel  54  to the side wall  56  by means of the tightening bolt  60 . However, in other embodiments, the ramp  26  is closed and not open to the base bar  14 . In this case, the auxiliary wheel  54  is attached to the base bar  14  in other way. 
         [0090]    In some embodiments, each of the horizontal reclining bars  38  is provided with a multitude of spaced apart upwardly directed spikes (not shown in the figures). The spikes provide extra protection against a threatening vehicle and they ensure puncturing of the front wheels of the vehicle. 
         [0091]    The auxiliary wheels  54  may be directly assembled on their shaft and freely rotate with respect thereto. Alternatively, the auxiliary wheels  54  may be provided with bearings, thus enabling easier rotation thereof.