Roller bar security device and fence

Abstract

A roller bar security device includes a longitudinally extending tubular member having first and second ends and a plurality of rigid overlapping outwardly extending blades each of which has a generally triangular shape with a base mounted on the tubular member and a sharp point at its apex. The blades are fixed to and extend around and along the tubular member with the apexes of alternate longitudinally spaced blades facing in generally opposite directions. A mounting bracket and bearing are provided for rotatably mounting the tubular member and blades on top of a wall or the like so that the sharp points and edges will deter a potential intruder from climbing over the security device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a roller bar security device and security fence and more particularly to a roller bar security device for use with a physical barrier for keeping intruders out of an enclosed area and or incarcerated individuals within an area.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION

Devices for preventing intruders from climbing over a wall or fence are well known. For example, it is well known to provide an extension from the top fence rail which is angled outwardly and/or inwardly from the fence from which climbing is to be deterred. In such fences, barb wire is strung in parallel runs and attached to angled brackets which extend upwardly from the fence post. Razor wire is commonly used at the top of walls and fences as a perimeter access deterrent. However, barb wire and razor wire both suffer from serious short comings. For example, barb wire may need to be tensioned periodically to prevent sagging and suffers ineffectiveness by providing a more or less rigid handle or leg hold for a determined climber. Further, barb wire and razor wire are relatively easy to cut through with a pair of wire cutters. In addition, barb wire and razor wire can often be thwarted by laying a thick blanket, mattress or heavy cloth over the wire to thereby enable an individual to cross over the barrier. A still further short coming of such barriers resides in their unsightly or prison like appearance which denigrates the property that it protects.

Another approach to a climb inhibiting rail is disclosed in a U.S. patent of Burch U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,736. As disclosed therein, a climb inhibiting structure is attached to the top of a fence. The structure includes a longitudinally extending bar like bearing member that is mounted in parallel displaced relationship with the top of the fence. A series of relatively short turn cylinders are rotatably mounted end to end about the bearing member and a plurality of spike-like members extend radially outwardly from the surface of each rotatable member. The spike like member are in spaced relationship precluding purchase by an animals leg or pull. The spines are preferably yieldable so as to substantially minimize injury to a climber, with rotation of the spine carrying member precluding a purchase by means of which the climber might paw themselves up and over the fence.

It is now believed that there is a need and relatively large commercial market for a roller bar security device and fence in accordance with the present invention. It is believed that there is a demand for an improved deterrent which will stop a more determined climber from scaling the structure to obtain access to an enclosed compound. Such means have been exacerbated by terrorists and other criminal raids on military and diplomatic compounds and on the homes of wealthy and politically active families.

Advantageously, a roller bar security device and fence in accordance with the present invention will provide a more secure barrier or fence climbing inhibition means to deter an intruder from gaining access to a secured area. Further, the roller bar security device and fence in accordance with the present invention are more difficult to circumvent than prior art devices and may be readily added by attachment to existing walls and fences. Further, such security devices and fences are less aesthetically detracting than prior art devices, are relatively easy to install and relatively free of maintenance. Further, the security devices and fences are equally applicable to prison grounds to prevent prisoners from escaping. These and other advantages will be apparent from the following disclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In essence a roller bar security device in accordance with the present invention includes a longitudinally extending member such as a steel tube, bar or rod and a plurality of overlapping, outwardly projecting relatively rigid blades of metal, polycarbonate or other suitable material. The relatively rigid blades are fixed to and extend along the longitudinally extending member. Mounting means such as a metal plate or saddle bracket include a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the longitudinally extending member on top of a physical barrier such as a wall or fence so that the rotatable outwardly projecting blades deter an individual from passing over the security device.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a longitudinally extending tubular member having first and second ends and a plurality of relatively rigid overlapping outwardly projecting blades each of which has a base and an apex. The blades are fixed to and extend along and around the tubular member with the apexes of alternate longitudinally spaced blades facing in opposite directions as for example generally toward opposite ends of the longitudinally extending tubular member. Mounting means such as a metal plate or bracket include a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the tubular member and blades on top of a physical barrier such as a wall. The rotatable blades preferably include sharp points and edges and are spaced to prevent an individual from reaching through the blades to the longitudinally extending member.

An improved security fence is also contemplated by the present invention. The security fence comprises a physical barrier such as a masonry wall having a top, a foundation to deter an individual from digging under the wall and a height of at least about eight feet. A roller bar security device is rotatably mounted on top of the physical barrier or wall. This roller bar security device includes a longitudinally extending tubular steel member having first and second ends and a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades each of which has a base fixed to the steel member and an apex with a sharp point extending outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment of the invention there are four longitudinally extending rows of blades disposed around the tubular member with the apexes of alternate longitudinally spaced blades generally facing opposite ends of the tubular member. Mounting means including bearing means for rotatably mounting the tubular members on the top of the physical barrier are also provided so that the rotatable interlaced or interwoven blades deter individuals from passing over the security fence.

The invention will now be described in connection with the drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements. The drawings also illustrate the best mode for carrying out the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates a roller bar security device in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the roller bearing security device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the roller bar security device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top or plane view of the roller bar security device shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a mounting assembly as used in the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a different mounting assembly as used in a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of a security fence in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated, a roller bar security device 12 includes a galvanized steal rod 14 having a thickness of for example 20 mm and a mild steal pipe or longitudinally extending tubular member 16 of for example about 2.5 mm thickness and two meters long which passes over the rod 14 and is separated therefrom by a pair of Vesconite® bushings 18. These bushings 18 may be made of plastic, rubber or other suitable material which allows the tubular member 16 to turn freely without the need for a lubricant.

The device 12 also includes a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades 22 and 24 which are preferably electro galvanized and yellow passivated to prevent rust. The blades 22 and 24 include an apex 23 and base 25 and define a generally triangular shape with a preferred thickness of about 2 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the apexes define a sharp point and the edges between the apex 23 and base 25 may be sharpened as a further deterrent to potential intruders. The blades 25 may be fixed to the longitudinally extending member 16 by rivets such as 6.4 mm diameter steal pop rivets, welding or other suitable means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each of the blades 22 and 24 form an acute angle of between about 15° and 75° and more preferably about 35° to 40° with the tubular members.

Also, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinally extending members are approximately two meters long and are supported at opposite ends by supporting brackets 26 and 27. As shown in FIG. 1, the brackets 26 and 27 are fixed to the saddle mounts 28 and held in place by a securing nut and bolt assembly 29 or other suitable means as will be well understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. A cylindrical steel bearing 30 is fixed to each of the brackets 26 and 27 for receiving an end of the rod 14 therein. Screw locks 31 fix the rod 14 in place.

One means for rotatably mounting the longitudinally extending member 16 is shown more clearly in FIGS. 5-7 which show a wall top mounting plate 32 which may have a thickness of about 6 mm and includes a plurality of holes 33 drilled therein. Such holes may for example have a diameter of about 10 mm for rawl bolts (not shown) to fasten the plates 32 to the top of the wall. As illustrated, each of the brackets 27 and cylindrical steel bushing 30 includes a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades 35 which are constructed and arranged to prevent a human hand from penetrating the blades. The blades 35 also include sharp pointed apexes 36 and sharp edges.

A saddle type mounting assembly for a top of a wall is shown more clearly in FIGS. 8-10 wherein the bracket 27 is fixed to a saddle mount 28 and is held to the wall by a nut and bolt assembly 29.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein a plurality of security devices 2 are fixed to the top of a physical barrier such as a masonry wall 40. The masonry wall 40 has a height of about eight feet or more and is built on a concrete foundation 42 which preferably extends below ground level and is of sufficient size to deter a potential intruder from digging under it.

While the invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments, it should be recognized that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller bar security device comprising a longitudinally extending member and a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades fixed to and extending along and around said member, mounting means including bearing means for rotatably mounting said member on top of a physical barricade whereby said overlapping outwardly projecting blades deter an intruder from passing over the security device.

2. A roller bar security device according to claim 1 in which each of said blades includes a sharp point at an outer end thereof.

3. A roller bar security device according to claim 2 in which each of said blades includes a sharp edge.

4. A roller bar security device according to claim 2 in which each of said blades includes a generally triangular shape with two sharp edges.

5. A roller bar security device comprising a longitudinally extending tubular member having first and second ends and a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades each of which has a base and an apex, said blades fixed to and extending along and around said tubular member with the apexes of alternate longitudinally spaced blades facing in generally opposite directions, mounting means including bearing means for rotatably mounting said tubular member on top of a physical barricade whereby said overlapping outwardly projecting blades deter an individual from passing over the security device.

6. A roller bar security device according to claim 5 in which the apexes of said longitudinally spaced blades point generally to the opposite ends of said tubular member.

7. A roller bar security device according to claim 6 in which each of said blades includes a sharp point at an outer end thereof.

8. A roller bar security device according to claim 7 in which each of said blades includes a sharp edge.

9. A roller bar security device according to claim 8 in which each of said blades includes a generally triangular shape.

10. A roller bar security device according to claim 9 in which said tubular member is steel.

11. A roller bar security device according to claim 10 in which said tubular member has a wall thickness of about 2 mm and is coated with a primer to prevent rust and in which four rows of blades are made of metal are riveted to said tubular member and are galvanized to prevent rusting.

12. A roller bar security device according to claim 11 in which said blades have a thickness of about 2 mm.

13. A security fence comprising a physical barrier having a top and extending upwardly from the ground by at least about eight feet and a roller bar security device fixed to said top of said physical barrier, said roller bar security device comprising a longitudinally extending member having first and second ends and a plurality of overlapping outwardly projecting blades each of which has a base and a apex, said blades fixed to and extending along and around said longitudinally extending members with the apexes of alternate longitudinally spaced blades facing in generally opposite directions, mounting means including bearing means for rotatably mounting said tubular members on said top of said physical barrier whereby said rotatable overlapping outwardly projecting blades deter an individual from passing over the security fence.

14. A security fence according to claim 13 in which said mounting means includes a flat mounting plate and bolts for fixing said plate to said top of said physical barrier and in which said mounting means includes a plurality of outwardly projecting overlapping blades fixed thereto and positioned to prevent an individual from crossing over the security fence.

15. A security fence according to claim 13 in which said mounting means includes a saddle shaped mounting bracket and a plurality of outwardly projecting overlapping blades fixed to said mounting means and positioned to prevent an individuals hand or arm from reaching said bracket.

16. A security fence according to claim 13 which includes a plurality of roller bar security devices disposed on said top of said physical barrier and bearing means at each end of said tubular member.

17. A security fence according to claim 13 in which said blades are disposed at an angle of between about 15° to 75° with respect to said longitudinally extending members.

18. A security fence according to claim 17 in which said blades are disposed at an angle of about 30° with respect to said longitudinally extending member.

19. A security fence according to claim 18 in which said bearing means are low friction long life bearings that do not require lubrication.