Barrier unit structures

Abstract

Barrier units for use in constructing barriers and a method for constructing the barrier units are disclosed. The barrier units are suitable for a variety of purposes including the construction of security barriers for sensitive facilities or temporarily halted ships. The barrier units of this invention can also be used as buffers between marine vessels or between marine vessels and harbor facilities to prevent damage to vessels. The barrier units of this invention can include vertical uprights, vertical protective mesh, submarine protective mesh, impalement spikes, walkways, and internal compartments for storage or occupation by security personnel. The security barrier can include lights or other electronic devices for providing security. The barrier units can be used to provide security for land-based facilities and for barriers between lanes of traffic.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising a plurality of tubular members; 
 said tubular members comprising an outer shell, and a longitudinal channel therethrough;    said tubular members being stacked in an array with each of said tubular members engaging and supported by adjacent tubular members;    thereby forming a unified structure with a top, a base, a front side, and a rear side.    
     
     
         2 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein each of said tubular members is bonded along its length to adjacent of said tubular members.  
     
     
         3 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein said unified structure is in the shape of an equilateral triangle and said top of said unified structure is the apex of said triangle.  
     
     
         4 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein said unified structure is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and said top of said unified structure is the top base of said trapezoid.  
     
     
         5 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein said unified structure is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and said top of said unified structure is the top base of said trapezoid.  
     
     
         6 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of impalement spikes attached to said barrier unit.  
     
     
         7 . The barrier unit of  claim 6  further comprising attachment saddles for attaching said impalement spikes.  
     
     
         8 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein the ends of at least one of said tubular members are sealed.  
     
     
         9 . The barrier unit of  claim 8  wherein said at least one tubular member is filled with a buoyant material so that said at least one tubular member will remain buoyant if said outer shell is penetrated.  
     
     
         10 . The barrier unit of  claim 8  wherein at least one of said tubular members further comprises a watertight hatch that allows access to said longitudinal channel of said at least one tubular member.  
     
     
         11 . The barrier unit of  claim 10  wherein said at least one tubular member further comprises electronic instruments installed in said longitudinal channel.  
     
     
         12 . The barrier unit of  claim 8  further comprising a valve at each end of said tubular member.  
     
     
         13 . The barrier unit of  claim 8  wherein said tubular member is filled with water.  
     
     
         14 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  wherein said tubular members that form said top, said base and said front side of said unified structure are all the same length and the remainder of said tubular members are substantially shorter than the length of said tubular members that form said top, said base and said front side of said unified structure; 
 whereby when said tubular members are stacked to form said unified structure, said barrier unit has at least one compartment therein, and said at least one compartment is open on said rear side of said unified structure of said barrier unit for access by operating personnel and equipment.  
 
     
     
         15 . The barrier unit of  claim 1  further comprising a connection device at each end for connection said barrier unit to other barrier units and for connecting said barrier unit to anchors.  
     
     
         16 . The barrier unit of  claim 3  further comprising at least two pontoons, at least two saddles, and a plurality of rope insertion members; 
 said rope insertion members being an elongated member with a longitudinal channel therethrough;  
 said rope insertion members being connected to said barrier unit such that they are part of said unified structure of said barrier unit;  
 whereby said saddles are attached to said pontoons; and the base of said barrier unit is attached to said saddles.  
 
     
     
         17 . A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising a plurality of tubular members; 
 at least two pontoons;    at least two saddles;    said tubular members comprising an outer shell, and a longitudinal channel therethrough; said tubular members being stacked in an array with each of said tubular members engaging and supported by adjacent tubular members; thereby forming a unified structure with a top, a base, a front side, and a rear side;    said pontoons comprising a tubular member having conical ends;    whereby said saddles are attached to said pontoons; and the base of said unified structure is attached to said saddles.    
     
     
         18 . A barrier unit for use in constructing a barrier comprising: a plurality of tubular members, and a support member: 
 said tubular members comprising an outer shell, and a longitudinal channel therethrough;    said tubular members being stacked in an array with each of said tubular members engaging and supported by adjacent tubular members;    thereby forming a unified structure with a top, a base, and two sides; and    the base of said unified structure being connected to said support member.    
     
     
         19 . The barrier unit of  claim 18  wherein the ends of at least one of said tubular members are sealed.  
     
     
         20 . The barrier unit of  claim 19  wherein said tubular member is filled with water.