Patent ID: 12227959

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A barrier10is formed from a plurality of bollards12and a plurality of posts14situated on a terrain16, preferably outdoors, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The bollards12and posts14are embedded in the terrain16, and form a lineal spine18that separates a protected zone20from an unprotected zone22. The protected zone20may contain one or more individuals, properties or other assets that the barrier10is to protect.

Preferably, the barrier10is formed in sections24, with each section24bounded by a pair of end bollards26. Line bollards28and posts14are arranged between the end bollards26. Adjoining sections24may share the same end bollard26.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the barrier10includes a primary structure30, situated nearest the protected zone20, and a secondary structure32, situated nearest the unprotected zone22. Both the primary and secondary structures30and32are supported by the spine18. The primary structure30protects the zone20from such threats as vehicular intrusion and impact, while the secondary structure32protects the zone20from more traditional threats, such as footbound intruders.

The primary structure30is formed from one or more runs34of a plurality of primary rails36. The primary rails36are channel-shaped, and arranged in end-to-end relationship. A strengthening cable38, shown inFIG.16, extends within each run34, and is anchored within a bollard12at each end.

The secondary structure32is formed from a plurality of secondary rails40and a plurality of pickets42. The secondary rails40, which also are channel-shaped, are assembled with the pickets42to form a plurality of framework panels44. One such panel44is supported between each adjacent pair of posts14, and between each bollard12and its adjacent post14.

The bollard12, shown in detail inFIGS.5-7, is an elongate and hollow tubular member having a longitudinal axis46and opposed upper and lower ends48and50. One or both of the ends48and50may be open to the bollard interior during assembly of the barrier10, but each end is preferably closed with a cap or closure by at least the time that assembly is complete.

The bollard12has a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length. Preferably, that cross-sectional shape is polygonal, more preferably rectangular and most preferably square. When the cross-sectional shape of the bollard12is rectangular, the bollard12is characterized by two pairs of spaced, parallel and opposed sides52. The sides52include at least one front side54and at least one cable entry side56.

Each cable entry side56is provided with an elongate axially-extending cable entry port58situated intermediate the ends48and50. Preferably, the cable entry port58is slot-like, and situated nearest to the upper end48. The shape of the cable entry port58is preferably a non-square rectangle having major sides that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis46. The cable entry port58is preferably situated in laterally offset relationship to the longitudinal centerline of the cable entry side56.

Each cable entry port58is preferably sized to receive the end portions of a plurality of cables38, while those end portions are in a laterally-offset relationship. More preferably, the plurality of cables38have a number equaling the number of cables38included in a section24of the barrier10.

When a bollard12is to serve as an end bollard26for the barrier10, preferably that bollard12has only a single cable entry side56. When a bollard12is not to serve as an end bollard26, it preferably has two cable entry sides56, with a single cable entry port58being formed in each of two sides56. When a bollard12with two cable entry sides56is to serve as a line bollard28, the cable entry sides56are spaced, parallel, and opposed. The cable entry ports58in the two sides56are aligned.

When a bollard12with two cable entry sides56is to serve as a corner bollard, the cable entry sides56are adjacent. For a bollard12that will serve as an outside corner of the barrier10, the sides56join at the inside corner of that bollard12. For a bollard12that will serve as an inside corner of the barrier10, the sides56join at the outside corner of that bollard12. In either case, the cable entry ports58are located to be nearest the protected zone20when the bollard12is installed.

In all bollards12having two cable entry sides56, those cable entry sides56are mirror images of one another.

Each cable entry side56is provided with a plurality of closure attachment openings60arrayed around the cable entry port58. The closure attachment openings60are preferably identically sized and shaped. Each cable entry side56is also provided with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced panel attachment openings62that extend along the edge that joins the front side54. The panel attachment openings62preferably extend rectilinearly, with uniform spacing, and are situated nearest the upper end48. The panel attachment openings62are preferably identically sized and shaped.

Each front side54of the bollard12is a substantially solid structure with no cable entry port formed in it. A bollard12may have one or two front sides54. In the case of a corner bollard, the bollard12will have front sides54that adjoin one another. Other types of bollards12will have a single front side54that adjoins either or both of the cable entry sides56of that bollard12.

Apart from ports and openings possibly formed in the cable entry sides56as described above, the bollards12forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction.

In one embodiment, the bollard12has a length of 171 inches and the cross-sectional shape of a square with sides of 10 inches. The cable entry port58has a rectangular shape with a major side of 15 inches and a minor side of 3 inches. The upper end of the cable entry port58is situated 39.5 inches from the upper end48. The panel attachment openings62extend for 81.94 inches from the upper end48and have a 5.88-inch separation.

The post14is shown in detail inFIGS.8-10. The post14is an elongate structure, preferably of uniform cross-sectional shape, having an upper end64and an opposed lower end66. The post14features a flat and elongate web68having a pair of laterally spaced edges. A flat and elongate flange joins each lateral edge of the web68, and extends in orthogonal relationship to the web68. The pair of opposed flanges, designated as forward flange70and rearward flange72, cooperate with the web68to form the I-shaped cross-sectional shape shown inFIG.9. Preferably the post14has maximum cross-sectional dimensions that are less than those of the bollard12.

The web68and flanges70and72preferably comprise regions of the same single piece of material. Each flange is separated from the adjacent web68by a fold in the material. Each of the flanges70and72is characterized by a substantially flat double-wall structure, while the flat web68is a single-walled structure. The double walls of the flanges are preferably formed by folding planar portions of material into an overlapping and abutting configuration.

As shown inFIG.8, a series of longitudinally-spaced pairs of panel attachment openings74are formed in the forward flange70, beginning nearest the upper end64. Preferably, respective members of each pair of openings74overlie opposite sides of the web68, and are situated at equal distance from the upper end64. The number of pairs of openings74should equal the number of secondary rails40in each panel44forming the secondary structure32. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, each panel includes three such rails, so the number of pairs of openings74is three, for a total of six panel attachment openings74.

The panel attachment openings74preferably have identical sizes and shapes. More preferably, the shape of each panel attachment opening74is oblong, with its major axis extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the post14.

As shown inFIG.10, a series of longitudinally-spaced pairs of plate attachment openings76are formed in the rearward flange72, beginning nearest the upper end64. Preferably, respective members of each pair of openings76overlie opposite sides of the web68, and are situated at equal distance from the upper end64. The number of pairs of openings76should equal the number of cables38in a section24. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, each section24includes three cables38, so the number of pairs of openings76is three, for a total of six plate attachment openings76.

The plate attachment openings76preferably have identical sizes and shapes. More preferably, the shape of each plate attachment opening76is oblong, with its major axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post14.

Posts suitable for use in the barrier10are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,070, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

The posts14forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollard12, each post14has a length of 120 inches, a web68with a width of 3.88 inches, and flanges70and72with widths of 2.75 inches. The three pairs of panel attachment openings74are respectively situated 3 inches, 15 inches and 72 inches from the upper end64. The three pairs of plate attachment openings76are respectively situated 38.5 inches, 42 inches and 45.5 inches from the upper end64.

A rail78, having a structure suitable for use as either a primary rail or a secondary rail, is shown in detail inFIGS.11-15. Each rail78is an elongate channel-shaped member having a pair of opposed end portions80. A rail channel82, sized to receive one or more cables, runs the length of the rail78. The elongate opening84of the channel82in each rail78is situated opposite an elongate flat section86. A fastener opening88is formed at each end portion80of the rail78.

Further detail about the rail78, and how it is assembled with a post14, is provided in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,070.

Preferably, the rails serving as primary rails36are of identical size, shape and construction. Likewise, the rails serving as secondary rails40are of identical size, shape and construction. The primary and secondary rails36and40are preferably identical as well, with two exceptions.

First, a primary rail36preferably has a somewhat shorter length than a secondary rail40. Second, a secondary rail40may be provided with a series of longitudinally-spaced fastener openings in the flat section86, for attachment of pickets42, while such openings need not be provided in a primary rail36.

In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollard12and post14, each of the primary rails is a rail78with a length of 92.56 inches, a maximum height of 2.11 inches and a maximum width of 2.11 inches. Each of the secondary rails is a rail78with a length of 95 inches, a maximum height of 2.11 inches and a maximum width of 2.11 inches.

A picket42is shown inFIG.3, and another inFIG.4. Each picket42is supported by the secondary rails40forming the secondary structure32. A plurality of fasteners are used to secure each picket42to its supporting secondary rails40. Suitable pickets for use in the barrier10are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,767, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Further detail about how the picket34is assembled with a rail78is provided in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,070.

The pickets42forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the picket42has a length of 94 inches and an overall width of 2.75 inches. The center-to center separation distance between adjacent pickets34installed on a secondary rail40is preferably 6 inches.

The strengthening cable38, shown inFIG.16, is an elongate and flexible structure having a medial portion90that joins opposed end portions92. Each end portion92terminates in a free end94. The cable shown in the Figure has been bent to the configuration it will eventually assume in a section24of the barrier10, with a medial portion90extending horizontally, and end portions92extending vertically. When a section24of the barrier10is fully assembled, the medial portion90will be contained within a run34of primary rails36, and each end portion92will be contained within a bollard12.

The cable38is preferably a structural strand satisfying ASTM standard A586, and more preferably is galvanized. Such structural strand can permit lesser cable diameters than would be possible with a corresponding wire rope product, although at a cost of greater cable stiffness.

The cables38forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, each cable38has a diameter of 0.75 inches and a length of 51 feet, 4 inches.

A plurality of cable clips96, shown inFIGS.17and18, are preferably installed on each end portion92of each cable38forming the barrier10. The installed cable clips96are longitudinally spaced from each other, and from the end94which they adjoin. Preferably, the spacing of the cable clips96at each end portion92is uniform. The cable clips96increase the effective cross-sectional shape of the cable38, and enhance the cable's resistance to pullout upon an impact to the barrier10.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, four cable clips96are installed on each end portion92of each cable38. Each pair of adjacent clips96is spaced by about 1 foot. When a group of cable end portions92is to be bundled for installation into the same bollard12, the longitudinal positions of clips96in the respective cables is preferably staggered, as shown inFIG.17, in order to facilitate installation through the cable entry port58. To further facilitate such installation in the circumstance when three or more cables are to be installed in a bollard12, the clip96on at least one cable38is also preferably inverted in relation to its counterpart clips96on the other cables38, as shown inFIG.17.

The cable clips96forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. A cable clip suitable for forming the barrier10is the Crosby G-450 forged wire rope clip, manufactured by The Crosby Group LLC, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the same embodiment described with reference to the cable38, the clip96is sized to fit a cable size of 0.75 inches. The general structure of an acceptable clip is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 388,840. Each cable entry port58is preferably sized to receive the end portions92of a plurality of cables38, while those end portions92are in a laterally-offset relationship. More preferably, the plurality of cables38have a number equaling the number of cables38included in a section24of the barrier10.

When the end portions92of the cables38include attached cable clips96, each cable entry port58is preferably sized to receive therethrough, not just the end portions92but the attached clips96as well, while the end portions92are in a laterally-offset relationship. More preferably, the plurality of cables38have a number equaling the number of cables38included in a section24of the barrier10.

A closure98, shown inFIG.19, covers the cable entry port58of a bollard12. Each closure98is formed from multiple interlocking parts, preferably two in number. The first part100is shown inFIG.20, and the second part102is shown inFIG.21. The closures98forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction.

The assembled closure98is a flat structure that is sized to fully cover the cable entry port58of a bollard12. Each closure98preferably has a non-square rectangular shape bounded by parallel major external edges104and parallel minor external edges106. The major external edges104preferably extend in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis46of the bollard12.

At least one, and preferably a plurality of cable openings108are formed within in the closure98, away from the external edges104and106. Each cable opening108is sized and shaped to closely but clearingly receive a single cable38. Preferably, each cable opening108is circular in shape. The number of cable openings108should equal the number of cables38in a section24of the barrier10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, there are three such cables38in a section24, so the number of cable openings108in the closure98should be three as well.

When the closure98is provided with plural cable openings108, those openings should be aligned along a line that parallels the major external edges104of the closure98. The spacing between adjacent cable openings108should match the desired vertical spacing between cables38in a section24of the barrier10.

The closure98is broken into first and second parts100and102by an internal edge110, which extends between the minor external edges106and intersects each of the cable openings108. Preferably, the first part100includes a plurality of concave cable support segments112, equal in number to the number of cable openings108. Each cable support segment112constitutes a major portion of the periphery of a corresponding cable opening108.

A plurality of bracket attachment openings114are formed in the closure98, and surround each of the cable openings108. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the number of bracket attachment openings114that surround each cable opening108is four.

At least one, and preferably of plurality of pairs of elongate adjustment slots116are formed in the closure98, away from the external edges104and106. One member of each pair of adjustment slots116is situated adjacent each major external edge104. The paired adjustment slots116are preferably of identical size and shape, and are situated at equal distances from the same minor external edge106. When plural pairs of adjustment slots116are provided, the adjustment slots116adjacent each major external edge104are longitudinally spaced and collinear. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the number of pairs of adjustment slots116is three, for a total of six adjustment slots116.

The closures98forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the closure98has a rectangular shape with a major side of 20 inches and a minor side of 6.35 inches. The cable openings108are circular, and have a diameter of 1.25 inches. Adjacent cable openings108are spaced by a center-to center separation distance of 3.5 inches.

A rail attachment bracket118, shown inFIGS.22-24, comprises a flat base120that is joined to a flat projecting tab122. The base120and tab122are disposed in orthogonal relationship. The base120is preferably of generally rectangular shape, and is bounded by four sides124. A channel126, shaped and sized to clearingly receive a cable38, is formed in one of the sides124. A plurality of bollard attachment openings128is formed in the base120. The bollard attachment openings128are arranged in a pattern that registers with the pattern of bracket attachment openings114formed in the closure98. A rail attachment opening130is formed in the tab122.

The rail attachment brackets118forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the rail attachment bracket118has a square base120with sides124of 3.03 inches, and a rectangular tab122with a major side of 2.13 inches and a minor side of 1.25 inches. The channel126is 1 inch wide and 1.97 inches deep.

A post plate132, shown inFIG.25, is a flat and elongate structure having a pair of parallel major edges134. Various openings are formed in the post plate132, including rail attachment openings136, bracket attachment openings138and post attachment openings140.

Pairs of rail attachment openings136are preferably formed near the major edges134of the post plate132, with one member of each pair situated adjacent each major edge134. The pairs are provided in a number that equals the number of cables38in a section24of the barrier10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, there are three cables38, so the number of pairs of rail attachment openings136is three, for a total of six rail attachment openings136. The rail attachment openings136preferably have identical sizes and shapes. The separation distance between adjacent pairs of rail attachment openings136should equal the separation distance between adjacent primary rails36in the primary structure30.

Pairs of bracket attachment openings138are likewise preferably formed near the major edges134of the post plate132, with one member of each pair situated adjacent each major edge134. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the bracket attachment openings138are six in number, and are arranged in two parallel lines. The bracket attachment openings138preferably have identical sizes and shapes.

The post attachment openings140are preferably situated inside the array of rail attachment openings136and bracket attachment openings138, and are provided in a number that matches the number of plate attachment openings76. The post attachment openings140are arranged in a pattern that registers with that of the plate attachment openings76. The post attachment openings140preferably have identical sizes and shapes. Optionally, one of the holes140may be smaller than the others, for purposes of grounding.

The post plates132forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the post plate132has a hexagonal shape with a length of 17.5 inches and a maximum width of 5.88 inches. Other shapes for the post plate, such as an hourglass, are possible.

A cable confinement bracket142, shown inFIGS.26-28, comprises a flat and elongate spine144and a plurality of longitudinally-spaced feet146. The spine144is characterized by opposed ends148and a pair of opposed sides150. The ends148are joined by an upper edge152and a lower edge154. Preferably, the edges152and154converge, without necessarily joining, adjacent each of the ends148.

The lower edge154is made up of a plurality of longitudinally-spaced rectilinear segments156disposed in collinear relationship. Interspersed between the segments156are a series of longitudinally-spaced bays158, with one bay158situated between each adjacent pair of segments156.

Preferably, the bays158have identical sizes and shapes. Each bay158is sized to receive a cable38therethrough. The bays158are provided in a number that equals the number of cables38in a section24of the barrier10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, there are three such cables38, so the number of bays158is three. Preferably, no bays are formed in the upper edge152.

The feet146join the lower edge154of the spine144at the segments156, preferably such that a one-to-one relationship exists between feet146and segments156. Preferably, each foot146is flat and extends on both sides of the spine144, in orthogonal relationship to the spine144.

A pair of plate attachment openings160are formed in each foot146, with one situated on each side of the spine144. Preferably, the plate attachment openings160are of identical size and shape. The pattern of plate attachment openings160should register with the pattern of bracket attachment openings138in the post plate132.

The cable confinement brackets142forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the cable confinement bracket142has a length of 17.5 inches, a height of 2.69 inches, and a maximum width of 5.88 inches. Each of the bays158has a rectangular shape with dimensions of 1.5 inches by 1.56 inches. Adjacent bays158have a center-to-center separation distance of 3.5 inches.

A panel attachment bracket162, shown inFIGS.29-31, is an elongate structure formed from a first leg164and a second leg166. Each of the legs164and166is flat, and has opposed ends168. The legs164and166are joined at a shared longitudinal edge, and are disposed in orthogonal relationship. A series of longitudinally-spaced slots170is formed in each of the legs164and166, in spaced relationship to the ends168.

The panel attachment brackets162forming the barrier10are preferably of identical size, shape and construction. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, each panel attachment bracket162is 82.5 inches in length, and each of the legs164and166is 1.5 inches wide. Each slot is between 4 and 5 inches in length, with a separation distance of about 1 inch between adjacent pairs of slots170. The slots170come no closer to each of the ends168than between about 0.5 and 1.0 inches.

Components of the barrier10, including bollards12, posts14, pickets42, rails78, closures98, rail attachment brackets118, post plates132, cable confinement brackets142and panel attachment brackets162, are preferably formed from a strong and durable material, such as steel. To enhance its resistance to corrosion, that steel is preferably galvanized. After forming of a component is complete, a polyester powder coating is preferably applied, in order to further enhance its resistance to corrosion.

Assembly of the barrier10begins by arranging the bollards12and posts14that will form the spine18, and embedding them into the terrain16. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12and posts14of a single section24, or for those of multiple sections24.

Preferably, each of the bollard12and posts14is embedded into a corresponding underground footing, which is preferably formed from a ballast material such as concrete. Each bollard12and post14preferably extends to the base of the footing into which it is embedded.

More preferably, each bollard12is embedded into a footing172, and each post14is embedded into a footing174, as shown inFIGS.1-4. The footings172, which are preferably identical to one another, are also preferably larger and more massive, and extend more deeply, than the footings174. Also preferably, each of the footings172is reinforced by a rebar cage. The footings174are likewise preferably identical to one another.

A bollard12or post14is embedded into a footing preferably by first digging an appropriately-sized hole in the terrain16. The bollard or post is lowered into the hole, lower end first, and oriented vertically. If the footing is to contain any reinforcing structure, such as rebar, that structure is placed in the hole as well. Unused space within the hole is then filled with a fluid filler material, such as 4,000 psi concrete. The filler material is allowed to harden, thereby forming the footing.

Preferably, the bollards12are set in their respective footings172during an initial stage of assembly of the barrier10. Optionally, setting of a bollard12into a footing172may be postponed until the that bollard is to be filled with ballast material, in which case the two steps proceed concurrently.

In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, each footing172is a concrete cylinder with a depth of 7 feet and a diameter of 3 feet. Each footing174is a concrete cylinder with a depth of 3 feet and a diameter of 1 foot. When installed in its footing172, each bollard12has an above-ground height of 7 feet, 3 inches. When installed in its footing174, each post14has an above-ground height of 7 feet. The middle plate attachment openings76are situated 42 inches above the terrain16.

Preferably, an adjacent pair of bollards12forming the barrier10are separated by a distance equal to the length of the cable38, less the lengths of the two cable end portions92that will reside within the bollards12. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, in which the cable38has a length of 51 feet, 4 inches, the center-to-center separation distance between adjacent bollards12is 32 feet, 10 inches.

At least one, and preferably a plurality of posts14are situated between each adjacent pair of bollards12forming the barrier10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the number of posts14between each adjacent pair of bollards12is three.

In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the center-to-center separation distance between adjacent posts14is 96 inches. In the same embodiment, for those posts14situated nearest to a bollard12on one side, the center-to-center bollard-post separation distance is 101 inches.

In each section24of the barrier10in which the spine18is rectilinear, the bollards12and posts14should be collinear, as shown inFIG.32. The posts14should be arranged so that their forward flanges70face the unprotected zone22. Each bollard12should be arranged such that one of its front sides54faces the unprotected zone22, and one of its cable entry sides56faces in the direction that the cable38will extend. The front side54of the bollard12and the forward flanges70of the post14should extend within the same single plane176. The cable entry sides56of the end bollards26should face one another.

In a subsequent stage of assembly, the primary structure30of the barrier10is attached to the spine18. Although it is preferred to first attach the primary structure30and to thereafter attach the secondary structure32, this order of installation may be reversed. Further, installation steps relating to the secondary structure32may be interspersed with, or proceed concurrently with, steps relating to the primary structure30.

At an initial stage of assembly of the primary structure30, post plates132are installed on the rearward flanges72of posts14. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the posts14of a single section24, or for posts14in multiple sections24. To install a post plate132, the post attachment openings140are aligned with the plate attachment openings76. Fasteners are inserted through the aligned openings and actuated to complete the attachment. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.33. These steps are repeated for each post14in a section24under assembly.

At a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, primary rails36are installed between adjacent pairs of posts14. A primary rail36is first arranged so that its opening84faces toward the protected zone20. Each end portion80of the primary rail36is positioned in overlying relationship to the post plate132of a corresponding post14. The fastener opening88is aligned with a rail attachment opening136, chosen so that the primary rail36extends substantially horizontally. Fasteners are inserted through the aligned openings and actuated to complete the attachment. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.34. These steps are repeated for each primary rail36in a section24under assembly.

Installation of those primary rails36that interconnect a post14with a bollard12are preferably postponed to a later stage of assembly, to be described hereafter.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, cables38are bundled together and installed into bollards12. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12and cables38of a single section24, or for the bollards12and cables38of multiple sections24.

If not done previously, clips96are installed at each end of each cable38that will form a section24, as shown and described with reference toFIG.17. The cables38are laid out, preferably on the terrain16, such that their opposite ends94are positioned adjacent the bollards12in which they are to be installed.FIG.17shows how the end portions92of the cables38, with attached clips96, are to be arrayed adjacent each bollard12.

The end portions92of the cables38are next temporarily bundled together with a pair of ligatures. These ligatures are preferably applied to the cables38on opposite sides of the plurality of clips96, and may be formed from adhesive tape or flexible cord. The bundled end portions92are next inserted into the cable entry port58of the adjacent bollard12. After each ligature of the bundle enters the bollard12, that ligature may, but need not, be released, as by cutting. Once inside a bollard12, the cables38are pushed until their ends94are situated adjacent the lower end50.

The first part100of the closure98is next positioned on the cable entry side56of a bollard12, in partially overlying relationship to the cable entry port58. Each of the cables38exiting the bollard12is rested on a corresponding one of the cable support segments112. Slots116in the first part100are aligned with closure attachment openings60in the bollard12, fasteners178are inserted into the aligned openings, and the fasteners178actuated to attach the first part100to the bollard12. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.35.

The second part102of the closure98is next positioned on the cable entry side56of the bollard12, and assembled with the first part100to form a complete closure98. Each of the cables38now exits the bollard12through a corresponding one of the cable openings108. Slots116in the second part102are aligned with closure attachment openings60in the bollard12, fasteners178are inserted into the aligned openings, and the fasteners178actuated to attach the second part102to the bollard12. The cable entry port58is now fully closed by the closure98. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.36.

During assembly of the bollard12as just described, the closure98should be positioned so that each cable opening108is situated at an above-ground height that equals the desired height of the horizontal run34of the cable38in the section24. The elongate shape of the adjustment slots116affords significant freedom in vertical positioning of the closure98, and thereby relieves any need for the kind of extreme precision that might otherwise be required in placement of the bollards12.

The foregoing steps are repeated for each bollard12in a section24under assembly. In the same embodiment described with reference to the bollards12and posts14, the above-ground heights of the cable openings108are 38.5 inches, 42 inches, and 45.5 inches.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, rail attachment brackets118are installed on bollards12. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12of a single section24, or for the bollards12of multiple sections24.

Each rail attachment bracket118is configured to join an end portion80of one of the primary rails36to one of the closures98. A rail attachment bracket118is installed by positioning its base120against an installed closure98, adjacent a cable opening108. Optionally, an elastomeric gasket180, shown inFIG.37and having the same general shape and configuration as the base120, may be sandwiched between the base120and the closure98.

Bollard attachment openings128in the rail attachment bracket118are aligned with bracket attachment openings114in the closure98(and corresponding openings in the gasket180, if any). Fasteners are inserted through the aligned openings, and the fasteners actuated to form an attachment. These steps are repeated for each cable opening108in the closure98, and for each bollard12in a section24under assembly.

Once a rail attachment bracket118is attached to a closure98adjacent a cable opening108, the exiting cable38passes through the channel126of the rail attachment bracket118. If a gasket180underlies the rail attachment bracket118, a slit underlying the channel126permits the cable38to pass through the gasket180.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, primary rails36are installed between bollards12and adjoining posts14. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the primary rails36, bollards12and posts14of a single section24, or for those of multiple sections24.

The mode of joining a primary rail36to a bollard12is shown inFIG.37. The fastener opening88at the end portion80of a primary rail36is aligned with a rail attachment opening130in the tab122of a rail attachment bracket118. A fastener182is inserted through the aligned openings, and the fastener182actuated to secure the primary rail36to the rail attachment bracket118, which is turn secured to the bollard12. Installation of the other end of the primary rail36to a neighboring post14follows the same steps described with reference toFIG.34. The foregoing steps are repeated for each primary rail36that will join a bollard12, and for each bollard12in a section24under assembly.

With all of the primary rails36of a section24installed, each of the cables38is inserted into a corresponding one of the runs34of primary rail36in that section24. Insertion occurs at the openings84of the primary rails36. The resulting structure, viewed at bollard12, is shown inFIG.38. While a panel attachment bracket162is shown as installed inFIG.38, the installation can be postponed until a subsequent stage of the assembly process.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, each bollard12is filled from its upper end48with a ballast material, such as 4,000 psi concrete. If concrete is chosen as the ballast material, it is preferably poured into the bollard12as a fluid filler material and then allowed to harden, in the same manner described with reference to the footings172and174. Ballast material should fill a bollard12above the level of the contained cables38, and above the level of the cable entry port58.

Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12of a single section24, or for bollards12of multiple sections24. If a bollard12is to receive additional cables38from an adjoining section24, the filling step should be postponed until all such cables38have been received inside the bollard12.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the primary structure30, and after each cable38has been installed in a run34, cable confinement brackets142are installed on the posts14. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the posts14of a single section24, or for posts14of multiple sections24.

To install a cable confinement bracket142, plate attachment openings160are aligned with bracket attachment openings138in the post plate132. Fasteners are inserted through the aligned openings and actuated to complete the attachment. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.39. These steps are repeated for each post14in a section24under assembly.

The spine144of the installed bracket142overlies the cables38, which pass transversely through the bays158. The cables38are blocked from lateral removal at the mouths of the bays158by the post14, via its attached post plate132. Should the primary structure30experience an impact, the spine144prevents the cables38from flying out of openings84in the primary rails36. The protection afforded by the primary structure30is thereby enhanced.

At an initial stage of assembly of the secondary structure32, a panel attachment bracket162is attached to each bollard12. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12of a single section24, or for bollards12of multiple sections24.

To install a panel attachment bracket162, its first leg164is placed flush against the cable entry side56of the bollard12, nearest the unprotected zone22. The panel attachment bracket162should extend parallel to the longitudinal axis46of the bollard12, and its second leg166should extend away from the bollard, in coplanar or near-coplanar relationship to the front side54. The elongate slots170in the first leg164are aligned with panel attachment openings62in the bollard12. Fasteners184are inserted through the aligned openings and actuated to complete the attachment. The resulting structure is shown inFIGS.38and40. These steps are repeated for each bollard12in a section24under assembly.

In a subsequent stage of assembly of the secondary structure32, panels44, comprising a framework of secondary rails40and pickets42, are attached to the spine18. One such panel44is supported between each adjacent pair of posts14, and between each bollard12and any adjacent post14. The panels44may be pre-assembled offsite, or assembled onsite in the course of installation of the barrier10. Steps at this stage may be carried out for the bollards12and posts14of a single section24, or for those of multiple sections24.

A panel44, or a secondary rail40that will form such a panel44, is joined to a bollard12by orienting a secondary rail40such that its opening84(shown inFIG.12) faces toward the protected zone20. The end of the secondary rail40is positioned in underlying relationship to the second leg166of the panel attachment bracket162. The fastener opening88of the secondary rail40is aligned with a slot170in the second leg166. Fasteners186are inserted through the aligned openings and actuated to complete the attachment. The resulting structure is shown inFIG.40. These steps are repeated at the bollard12for each secondary rail40that is either in a panel44and or will form such a panel44.

A panel44, or a secondary rail40that will form such a panel44, is joined to a post14by similar steps, with the forward flange70of the post14replacing the second leg166of the panel attachment bracket162, and a panel attachment opening74replacing the slot170. These steps are repeated at the post14for each secondary rail40that is either in a panel44and or will form such a panel44.

When a panel44extends between a bollard12and adjacent post14, or between two adjacent posts14, each secondary rail40should extend substantially horizontally in relationship to the terrain16, and in parallel relationship to the other secondary rails40in the panel44. The slots170and panel attachment openings74where the secondary rails40are attached should be chosen accordingly.

The foregoing steps are repeated for each bollard12and each post14in the section24under assembly.

A longitudinally-spaced series of parallel pickets42are attached to the flat section86of each of the secondary rails40. Preferably, each picket42extends vertically, and in orthogonal relationship to the secondary rails40. The secondary rails40and pickets42cooperate to form the panel44. If not part of a preassembled panel44, the pickets42are preferably attached to the secondary rails40after those rails have been attached at their ends to their supporting posts14and/or bollards12.

The foregoing steps are repeated until a panel44is formed or installed between each bollard12and adjacent post14of the section24under assembly, and between each adjacent pair of posts14of the section24under assembly.

The foregoing steps are repeated for each section24of the barrier10. The barrier shown inFIGS.1and2has five such sections.

The barrier10may be assembled from a kit. The kit may comprise a plurality of bollards12and a plurality of cables38. The kit may further include a plurality of closures98. The kit may further include a plurality of cable clips96.

Another kit may comprise a plurality of bollards12, a plurality of cables38, and a

plurality of closures98. The kit may further include a plurality of rails78and a plurality of rail attachment brackets118.

Another kit may comprise a plurality of cable confinement brackets142, a plurality of cables38, and a plurality of posts14.

Another kit may comprise a plurality of bollards12, a plurality of cables38, and a plurality of cable clips96.

Additional components of the barrier10described herein, as well as fasteners and other installation hardware, may be included in any of the kits. Components of each of these kits are preferably provided in a number sufficient to form the barrier10, or a section24thereof.

Unless otherwise stated herein, any of the various parts, elements, steps and procedures that have been described should be regarded as optional, rather than as essential. Changes may be made in the construction, operation and arrangement of these parts, elements, steps and procedures without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.