RAPID DEPLOYMENT BARRIER

Abstract

A barrier device capable of rapid deployment and assembly to form a barrier wall. The barrier device comprises wheels so as to be easily transported. The barrier device further comprises connection plates so that adjacent barriers can be connected to one another quickly and without the use of any tools or other components. In one aspect, the invention is the barrier device comprising: base plate structure having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; and at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane and at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/854,972, filed on Oct. 27, 2006, U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/891,880, filed on Feb. 27, 2007, U.S. Provisional No. 60/893,041, filed on Mar. 5, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/955,574, filed on Aug. 13, 2007, die entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of portable barriers, and specifically to portable barriers capable of rapid deployment for protecting against vehicular and military style attacks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A barrier device is a structure that is designed to prohibit people, vehicles or other machinery from entering a protected space. The need for barrier devices has increased over the years, especially in view of the increased threat of terrorist attacks on civilian, military and government targets both in the United States and abroad. Moreover, as the technical capabilities, quality of equipment and potency of bombs and other explosive devices employed by terrorists and/or insurgents has increased, so has the need to maintain a more secure, stable, robust and/or larger perimeter around our troops and/or target structures.

A variety of devices have been developed to absorb the kinetic energy generated by the impact of a colliding vehicle. One such structure is the highway barrier. Highway barriers are designed to provide a continuous wall or barrier along the center line of a highway when laid end-to-end to absorb grazing blows from moving vehicles. One commonly used highway barrier is formed of pre-cast reinforced concrete, and is known as the “New Jersey” style barrier. Highway barriers of this type have a relatively wide base including side walls which extend vertically upwardly from the pavement a short distance, then angle inwardly and upwardly to a vertically extending top portion connected to the top wall of the harrier. This design is intended to contact and redirect the wheels of a vehicle in a direction toward the lane of traffic in which the vehicle was originally traveling, instead of the lane of opposing traffic. An example of such a highway barrier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,362, issued Nov. 22, 1977. Highway barriers, however, are hot specifically designed to absorb a head-on collision from a vehicle or to successfully withstand an explosive attack. Moreover, because highway barriers have a typical weight of about 2,800-3,200 pounds and require special equipment to load, unload and handle, highway barriers are incapable of being rapidly deployed to form a protective perimeter in a short amount of time. Finally, because highway barriers are constructed of concrete, highway barriers will shatter and create dangerous debris during an impact event. Thus, the typical highway barrier does not serve as an adequate shield for personnel because the debris from the highway barrier is equivalent to shrapnel.

While a number of barrier devices have been specifically developed to maintain a safe distance between our troops (and/or target structures) and any suicide bombers either walking or operating a vehicle, existing barrier devices are less than optimal. Existing barrier devices are either: (1) not strong enough; (2) difficult or time consuming to set up; (3) easy to by-pass or destroy; and/or (4) inadequate in preserving an acceptable perimeter.

An example of an existing barrier device is disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. 500,859 (“Dehart”), issued Jan. 11, 2005. The Dehart barrier is an assembly of several steel plates stood upright in an opposing orientation and connected to each other by two long poles/rods. The Dehart barrier suffers from a variety of disadvantages. First, the Dehart barrier is a solid unitary structure that is heavy, cumbersome, time consuming and difficult to handle and deploy. As a result, heavy equipment, such as cranes, lifts, or the like are necessary to handle and deploy the Dehart barrier. Second, the Dehart barrier offers little to no protection to people or structures on one side of the barrier from debris, gunfire or other shrapnel that may result from a vehicle or other attack on the opposite side of the barrier. Third, the Dehart barrier device contains no means by which it can be easily connected and secured to another Dehart barrier device or structure to increase the protected perimeter in a stable and robust arrangement.

A second barrier device that exits has been built by Lawrence Livermore of the National Laboratory at the University of California. The Livermore barrier is made for military checkpoints and is a long pipe-like device connected by an ordinary steel cable. The steel cable is secured at each of its end to a separate vehicle which pull the ends of the cable in opposite directions, thereby removing slack from the cable. While the Livermore barrier may be able to stop a terrorist bomber, it does not appear to be capable of deployment in short notice. Moreover, the Livermore barrier suffers from many of the drawbacks set forth above with respect to the Dehart barrier.

Finally, because the Livermore barrier requires that the cable be taut in order to properly work, at least one soldier must be located in each vehicle (at opposite ends of the Cable) in order to make the barrier work. Therefore, you have at least two soldiers exposed to the terrorist vehicle. Additionally, a soldier inspecting a suspect vehicle is still in danger because he/she must be in front of the Livermore barrier.

Thus, a need exists for a more stable, rapidly deployable, robust, and improved barrier system, apparatus, and method.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that can be deployed into position quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a harrier device and barrier wall that is light weight, durable, and/or capable of absorbing kinetic energy from vehicular and other types of impact.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that offers suitable protection for personnel from gunfire, shrapnel, and explosive forces.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that is easy to handle, deploy, assemble, disassemble and/or transport.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that is lightweight.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that is easy and/or cost effective to manufacture.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that can be deployed and/or assembled without the use of heavy equipment such as cranes and/or lifts.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a barrier device and a barrier wall that is stable, durable and/or has increased strength.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that can be quickly expanded to increase the protected area.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a barrier device and barrier wall that offers suitable protection for structures, such as buildings, from explosive forces.

In one embodiment, the invention can be a barrier device comprising a base plate structure having a bottom surface and a top surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure, the wall plate structure connected to the top surface of the base plate structure at a location between a mid-point of the length and the rear edge; at least one hole extending through the base plate structure, the at least one hole located between the wall plate structure and the front edge of the base plate structure; and at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane and at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

In another embodiment, the invention can be a barrier device comprising a base plate structure having atop surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; and at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane and at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a barrier device comprising a base plate structure having a bottom surface and a top surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; at least one hole extending through the base plate structure; at least one extension plate having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front edge and a rear edge, the extension plate further having at least one opening, the opening positioned near the rear edge of the extension plate; a fastener adapted to extend through the at least one opening in the extension plate and engage the base plate structure; and the extension plate connected to the base plate structure so that the front edge of the extension plate extends beyond the front edge of the base plate structure.

In a further embodiment, the invention can be a barrier wall comprising a plurality of barrier devices each comprising (i) a base plate structure having a bottom surface and atop surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; (ii) a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; (iii) at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane and at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure; and (iv) means for securing the barrier device to an adjacent barrier device; and the plurality of barrier devices aligned in a side-by side arrangement so that adjacent barriers are secured to one another via the securing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a barrier device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an angled support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention removed from the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an impact plate according to an embodiment of the present invention removed from the barrier device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the impact plate of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two barrier devices of FIG. 1 in a side-by-side arrangement to facilitate slidable linking to form a barrier wall according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two barrier devices linked together to form a barrier wall according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a barrier device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the barrier device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the barrier device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top view of two barrier devices of FIG. 10 linked together to form a barrier wall according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the area XIV-XIV of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a barrier device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the barrier device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the barrier device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of two barrier devices of FIG. 15 connected together to form a barrier wall according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the barrier wall of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a connection plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a connection handle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a barrier device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view of the cutaway A-A of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the barrier device of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the barrier device of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a barrier device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective rear view of a harrier device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a front view of a stake for use in the barrier device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective rear view of the barrier device of FIG. 27 incorporating the stake of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a personnel shield according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shield resting atop the barrier device of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the personnel shield and harrier device of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the personal shield of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the personnel shield of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the personnel shield of FIG. 32 in a folded configuration.

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a clip according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a top view of a stabilizer structure according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the stabilizer structure of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the stabilizer structure of FIG. 36 atop the shield of FIG. 32.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the stabilizer structure and shield of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a barrier device 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrier device 100 can assist United States troops deployed throughout the world in dealing with the ever increasing threat of terrorism. When used properly, the barrier device 100 maintains a safe distance between troops (or a desired structure or location) and any suicide bombers either walking or driving a vehicle. The barrier device 100 can also be used by civilian industries to protect natural gas pipelines, electric power stations, nuclear power plants, etc. from the threat of attacks throughout the world.

All of the main components of the barrier device 100 are preferably constructed of steel and are welded together to form an integral structure of the highest strength. However, the other materials can be used, including, without limitation, any metal, metal alloy, or combinations thereof. Additionally, connection between parts can be achieved by whatever means desired, including welding, bolting, screwing, adhesion, etc. The barrier device 100 will last well over 20 years with practically no maintenance. Preferably, the barrier device 100 is coated with a paint or other corrosion resistant material to maintain the integrity of the materials and the connections. Moreover, the barrier device 100 can be easily converted from a rapid deployment device into a permanent barrier with the use of several small key spot welds between adjacent barrier devices and/or proper anchoring.

The barrier device 100 comprises a base plate 10, a wall plate 20, an impact plate 30, an angled support structure 40, a first connector plate 50 and a second connector plate 60. The wall plate 20 is connected to and extends upward from a top surface 11 of the base plate 10 in a substantially perpendicular manner. However, if desired, the wall plate 20 can extend upward from the base plate 10 at an angle. The impact plate 30 is positioned adjacent to and in front of the wall plate 20. As will be described in greater detail below, the impact plate 30 is connected to a front surface 21 of the wall plate 20 and is designed to absorb kinetic energy from a frontal impact event. The angled support structure 40 is connected to a rear surface 22 of the wall plate 20 and the top surface 11 of the baseplate 10. The angled support structure 40 slopes downward from the rear surface 22 of the wall plate 20 to the top surface 11 of the base plate 10 and provides added structural support/integrity to the barrier device 100 during a frontal impact event.

The base plate 10, the wall plate 20, the impact plate 30, the first connector plate 50, the second connector plate 60 and the support structure 40 are formed from steel plates. In one embodiment, the base plate 10 and the wall plate 20 can be formed from ⅜ inch thick AR235 steel. The angled support structure 40 can be formed from ⅜ inch thick AR235 steel. The impact plate 30 can be formed from 3/16 inch thick AR400 steel. The first and second connector plates 50, 60 can be formed from ¼ inch thick AR200 steel. All connections between the plates 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are achieved by welding. Preferably, an integral and rigid structure is formed. While the invention is not so limited, the barrier device 100 is constructed so that armor piercing rounds can not penetrate through the wall plate 20 during a frontal assault. As a result, the wall plate 20 can also serve as a shield for personnel during firelights in addition to a vehicle barrier.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the barrier device 100 be constructed entirely of metal, metal alloys, or other non brittle materials to minimize the creation of debris resulting from an impact event. Thus, in one embodiment, the barrier device 100 is free of concrete and/or other brittle materials. The total weight of the barrier device 100 is preferably maintained at or below 500 pounds so that it can be easily carried and manually deployed by personnel. In one embodiment, the total weight of the barrier device 100 is between 350 and 400 pounds, and most preferably about 370 pounds. The barrier device 100 can be off loaded from a trailer and setup at a “tactical checkpoint” within minutes upon arriving at the site. It is simple to position and requires only the physical efforts of a few soldiers. There are no tools necessary to deploy or connect multiple barrier devices 100 together.

The base plate 10 is rectangular in shape. The top surface 11 and the opposing bottom surface 12 are substantially planar. The base plate 10 has a perimeter formed by front edge 13, rear edge 14 and side edges 15. A plurality of cut-outs 16 are formed in the base plate 10 near and about its perimeter. The cut-outs 16 form handles 17 that facilitate easy lifting, moving and placement of the barrier device 100. The base plate 10 further comprises a plurality of stake holes 18 for receiving stakes that are driven into the ground. The stake holes 18 are used to secure the barrier device 100 to the ground or other supporting surface.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the base plate 10 has a length L and width W. In one embodiment, the length L of the base plate 10 is preferably between 3 and 5 feet, and more preferably about 4 feet. The width W of the base plate 10 is preferably between 1×A and 3 feet, and more preferably about 2 feet.

The wall plate 20 has a substantially vertical orientation (best seen in FIG. 5). The front surface 21 and the rear surface 22 are substantially planar in nature but can have curvature if desired. The wall plate 20 further includes a first lateral edge 23 and a second lateral edge 24. The first and second lateral edges 23, 24 form the sides of the wall plate 20. The wall plate 20 extends upward along the entire width W of the base plate 10 and is located closer to the rear edge 14 of the base plate 10 than to the front edge 13 of the base plate 10. In one embodiment, the wall plate 20 is located at least 2 feet from the front edge 13 of the base plate 10, more preferably between 2 and 3 feet, and most preferably about 32 inches. The height of the wall plate 20 is preferably about 33 inches.

The first and second connector plates 50, 60 are connected to the wall plate 20 at or near its first lateral edge 23. The first connector plate 50 is connected to the front surface 21 of the wall plate 20 while the second connector plate 60 is connected to the rear surface of the wall plate 20. The first and second connector plates 50, 60 are rectangular steel plates having opposing planar surfaces. In one embodiment, the first and second connector plates 50, 60 have a rectangular dimension of 8 inches by 20⅛ inches. The invention, however, is in no way limited to any specific dimensions.

The connector plates 50, 60 are attached to the wall plate 20 via welding, bolting, riveting or any other connection means. The connector plates 50, 60 are connected to the front and rear surfaces 21, 22 of the wall plate 20 respectively so that at least a portion of the connector plates 50, 60 extend laterally beyond the first lateral edge 23 of the wall plate 20 in an opposing manner. In other words, at least a portion of the connector plates 50, 60 protrude from the left side of the wall plate 20 and, thus, the barrier device 100 can be attached to an adjacent barrier device 100 to form a barrier wall 200 (shown in FIG. 9) as will be discussed below. In one embodiment, the connector plates 50, 60 extend beyond the first lateral edge 23 of the wall plate 20 by about 4 inches.

The inwardly facing planar surfaces of the connector plates 50, 60 oppose one another in a spaced relation, thereby forming a space/channel 70 therebetween. The width of the space/channel 70 (which is left to right in FIG. 2) that is formed between the connector plates 50, 60 is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the wall plate 20. As a result, the second lateral edge 24 of a second barrier device 100 can be slidably inserted into the space/channel 70 with relative ease. The exact width of the space 70 for any given harrier device 100 will be dictated by the thickness of the wall plate 20 desired for the barrier wall to be created.

As will be described in detail below, the connector plates 50, 60 of the barrier device 100 are used to slidably receive and engage a portion of the wall plate 20 of an adjacent barrier device 100 when forming a barrier wall 200 (shown in FIG. 9). The invention, however, is not limited to the use of connector plates 50, 60 to perform this function. For example, rods or other members can be used in place of the connector plates 50, 60 if desired. In another embodiment, a plurality of male protrusions can protrude laterally from the first lateral edge of the wall plate and fit into corresponding female receptors located in the second lateral edge of the wall plate of an adjacent barrier device.

A plurality of drain holes 19 are also provided in the base plate 10 between the wall plate 20 and the impact plate 30. The drain holes 19 provide a means by which rain water that enters the space between the wall plate 20 and impact plate 30 can escape. This helps reduce corrosion of the structure that may result from stagnant water.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 concurrently, the first and second connector plates 50, 60 comprise corresponding sets of bolt holes 51, 61 and 52, 62 respectively. The bolt holes 51, 61 are aligned with one another so that a linear member, such as bolt, can be extended therethrough. Similarly, bolt holes 52, 62 are aligned with one another so that a bolt can be extended therethrough. The bolt holes 51, 61, 52, 62 are located a horizontal distance H from the first lateral edge 23 of the wall plate 20. The bolt holes 52, 62 are located a vertical distance V₁ from the top surface 11 of the baseplate 10. Similarly, the bolt holes 51, 61 are located a vertical distance V₂ from the top surface 11 of the base plate 10.

Referring solely now to FIG. 4, the wall plate 20 further comprises bolt holes 71, 72 at or near its second lateral edge 24. The bolt holes 71, 72 are positioned on the wall plate 20 so that they are located at the same horizontal distance H away from the second lateral edge 24 as the bolt holes 51, 61, 52, 62 are from the first lateral edge 23. The bolt hole 72 is positioned on the wall plate 20 so that it is located at the same vertical distance V₁ away from the top surface 11 of the base plate 10 as the bolt holes 52, 62. Similarly, the bolt hole 71 is positioned on the wall plate 20 so that it is located at the same vertical distance V₂ away from the top surface 11 of the base plate 10 as the bolt holes 51, 61.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 concurrently, the barrier device 100 comprises angled support structure 40. The angled support structure 40 comprises a rectangular plate 41 and two triangular plates 42. The angled support structure 40 can be created by bending a single plate of steel to achieve the desired configuration. Alternatively, the plates 41, 42 can be pre-cut to size and shape and welded together to form the unitary angled support structure 40 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The angled support structure 40 is connected to the barrier device 100 so that the rectangular plate 41 slopes downward from the rear surface 22 of the wall plate 20 to the top surface 11 of the base plate 10. The triangular plates 42 are vertically oriented and are also connected to the rear surface 22 of the wall plate 20 and the top surface 11 of the base plate 10. The connections can be achieved by welding, riveting, bolting or the like. The angled support structure 40 adds structural support/integrity to the barrier device 100 during a frontal impact event.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the impact plate 30 will be described in detail. The impact plate 30 can be formed from a single piece of steel by bending the steel to the desired shape. Alternatively, separate steel plates can be connected together to form the impact plate 30. The impact plate 30 comprises a plurality of planar sections 31. The planar sections 31 are connected at alternating angles to form a plurality of generally V-shaped undulations 32. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the impact plate 30 comprises a zigzag horizontal cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment the planar sections 31 are connected at angle θ that is about 140°. The angle Ø is 130° in one embodiment. However, other angles can be used as desired.

The impact plate 30 further comprises a first lateral edge 33 and as second lateral edge 34. A cutout 80 is provided in the impact plate 30 near the second lateral edge 34. The cutout 80 is provided on the impact plate 30 so that the first connector plate 50 of an adjacent barrier device 100 can freely pass through the cutout 80. This will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. The cutout 80 is preferably sized so as to be larger than the cross-sectional profile of the first connector plate 50. More preferably, the cutout 80 is sized to correspond to the size and shape of the cross-sectional profile of the first connecting plate 50. In one embodiment, the cutout 80 is centered on the height of the impact plate 30 and approximately ½ inch wide and 21 inches high. In one embodiment, the total height and width of the impact plate 30 can be about 33 and 24 inches respectively.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 5 concurrently, the impact plate 30 is connected to the barrier device 100 in a substantially vertical orientation. The impact plate 30 is positioned directly in front of the wall plate 20 in an adjacent manner. The impact plate 30 is connected to the wall plate 20 only at its first and second lateral edges 33, 34. More specifically, the first and second lateral edges 33, 34 of the impact plate 30 are connected to the wall plate 20 at or near the first and second lateral edges 23, 24 of the wall plate 20 respectively. The apexes formed by the undulations of the impact plate 30 are not connected to the wall plate 20. Similarly, the bottom edge of the impact plate 30 is not connected/secured to the base plate 10. As a result of leaving the apexes of the impact plate 30 spaced from and free from connection to the wall plate 20, the impact plate 30 can more freely deform during ah impact event, thereby more effectively absorbing the kinetic energy from an oncoming projectile or vehicle.

While the impact plate 30 is illustrated as a plate having V-shaped undulations, other profiles could be used. For example, the undulations could be wave like in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the impact plate could be simply bowed so that its front surface is convex. In still another embodiment, other materials could be used to act as a kinetic energy absorber, such as deformable, collapsible and/or resilient materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the use of two harrier devices 100A and 100B to rapidly create a barrier wall 200 will be described. The barrier devices 100A and 100B are identical to the barrier device 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. For clarity of explanation, alphabetical suffixes will be added to the numerical identifiers with the understanding that like numbers indicate the like parts described above.

Referring first to FIG. 8, the first barrier 100A is carried to a desired location. Because of its lightweight construction, the barrier device 100A can be easily picked up and deployed into position by four people. The barrier device 100A is carried by its handles 17. Once in the desired location, the barrier device 100A is lowered so that the bottom surface 12 of the base plate 10 rests atop the ground (or other support surface). Once the first barrier device 100A is in position, stakes 90 are inserted through the stake holes 18 and hammered into the ground. The stakes 90 help to further stabilize the barrier device 100A during construction of the barrier wall 200 and during a subsequent impact event.

Once the stakes 90 are in place, the second barrier 100B is provided for side-by-side positioning with the first barrier device 100A as illustrated in FIG. 8. The second barrier device 100B is then moved in a horizontal direction toward the first barrier device 100A. As the barrier devices 100A, 100B get closer together, the second lateral edge 24A (and a portion of the wall plate 20A) slide into the space/channel 70B formed between the first and second connecting plates 50B, 60B of the second barrier device 100B. As a result, the portion of the wall plate 20A of the first barrier device 100A near the second lateral edge 24A is positioned/sandwiched between the first and second connecting plates 50B, 60B of the second barrier device 100B. Contemporaneously, the first connector plate SOB of the second barrier device 100B slides through the cutout 80A in the impact plate 30A of the first barrier device 100A. This sliding motion continues until the barrier devices 100A, 100B contact one another as illustrated in FIG. 9 to form the barrier wall 200. Thus, even without further fastening, the barrier devices 100A, 100B are engaged in such a manner that they can not move independent of one another in either the front or rear directions.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the first and second barrier devices 100A, 100B are in a fully linked position so as to form the barrier wall 200. While not visible, once the barrier devices 100A, 100B are in this position, the bolt holes 51B, 52B of the second barrier device 100B are aligned with the bolt holes 72A (shown in FIG. 4) of the first barrier device 100A. A bolt is then inserted through each of the two sets of aligned bolt holes 51B, 71A and/or 52B, 72A to further secure the first and second harrier devices 100A, 100B together in a robust manner. The bolts can threadily engage nuts aligned with and welded to the opposite side of the bolt holes 51B, 71A and/or 52B, 72A. Alternatively, the inside surfaces of one or more of the bolt holes can be threaded.

There is no limit on the number of barrier devices 100 that be connected together to form a rigid barrier wall structure 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, a barrier device 300 is illustrated according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The barrier device 300 comprises a base plate 310, a wall plate 320, an impact plate 330 and angled support structures 340. The structural components (and their functioning) of the barrier device 300 are substantially similar to those discussed above with respect to the barrier device 100. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those design aspects of the barrier device 300 that substantially differ from the barrier device 100 will be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 10, the barrier device 300 comprises rear carrying handles 316 and front carrying handles 317 which assist troops in deploying the barrier device 300 in the field without the need of any heavy equipment. The rear and front carrying handles 316, 317 are pivotably connected to the top surface 311 of the base plate 310 via pin and plate assemblies 318. Through the use of the handles 316, 317, the barrier device 300 can be just as quickly disassembled and transported to a new location for redeployment.

The carrying handles 316, 317 can be pivoted between a resting position where the carrying handles 316, 317 lie flat on the base plate 310 to a carrying position where the carrying handles 316, 317 extend upwardly at an angle from the base plate 310.

The base plate 310 further comprises cutouts 314 in a side edge of the perimeter of the base plate 310. Extension plates 315 extend from the opposite side edge of the base plate 310 and correspond to the cutouts 314 in size, shape, and placement.

Referring to FIG. 12, the rear carrying handles 316 are designed so that they provide additional structural support to the wall plate 320 of the barrier device 300 when in the resting position. This is achieved by providing two pair of triangular structures 343 on the rear surface 322 of the wall plate 320. Each pair of the triangular structures 343 forms an indentation 345 in which the fore-end of the rear carrying handles 316 will rest, thereby forming additional angled support from the base plate 310 to the wall plate 320.

A plurality of spikes 319 preferably extend from the bottom surface 312 of the base plate 310. The spikes 319 pierce the ground when the barrier device 300 is placed on the ground, thereby assisting with stabilization. Further stabilization can be achieved by extending stakes or other engagement means through the holes 313 (FIG. 10).

Referring back to FIG. 10, the wall plate 310 further comprises first and second groove interlock structures 325, 326 formed into the first and second lateral edges of the wall plate 320 respectively. The first interlock structure 325 is designed to slidably engage the second interlock structure 326 of an adjacent barrier structure 300 (as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14).

The first and second interlock structures 325, 326 are substantially J-shaped interlocks. More specifically, the first interlock structure 325 has a J-shaped horizontal cross-sectional profile that forms a vertically oriented channel 327. The second interlock structure 326 also has a J-shaped horizontal cross-sectional profile. However, the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the second interlock structure 326 is a minor image of the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the first interlock structure 325. As a result, the second interlock structure 326 can be slidably inserted downwardly into the vertical channel 327 of the first interlock structure 325 to facilitate a mating relationship (shown in FIG. 14).

While the first and second interlock structures 325, 326 are illustrated as being substantially J-shaped, other configurations can be used. For example, a variety of mating cross-sectional shapes, such as generally C-shaped, generally U-shaped, dove-tail, generally L-shaped, or any other type of slidable mating configuration can be used. There is no limitation on the variety and number of cross-sectional shapes that can be used within the scope of the invention. Male and female interlocks can also be used as discussed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the interlock structures 325, 326 allow a plurality of barrier devices 300A, 300B to be linked together in a side-by-side relation to form a barrier wall 350. More specifically, the first interlock structure 325A of a first barrier device 300A can be slid into the second interlock structure 326B of a second harrier device 300B to form a mating engagement.

When the barrier devices 300A, 300B are fully engaged, the extension plates 315B of the second barrier device 300B will slide into and engage the cutouts 314A of the first barrier device 300A. By interlocking the extension plates 315B into the corresponding cutouts 314A, an enormous resistance to shear forces is provided.

For all embodiments of the invention, the recommended deployment configuration during a tactical checkpoint is a “split V formation” beginning at the actual checkpoint and working outward into a larger V. The troops and vehicles, of course will be secured within and behind the barrier wall assuring them of the maximum protection. The “kill zone” will be a designated area in front of the barrier wall (from either angle). The troops and vehicles should be no closer than 50 feet to the actual barrier for maximum protection.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, a harrier device 400 is illustrated according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The barrier device 400 comprises a base plate 410, a wall plate 420, an impact plate 430, and angled support structures 440. The structural components (and their functioning) of the barrier device 400 are substantially similar to those discussed above with respect to the barrier device 100. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those design aspects of the barrier device 400 that substantially differ from the barrier device 100 will be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 15, the barrier device 400 comprises a handle 417 and wheels 473. Handle 417 and wheels 473 are designed for easy lifting, moving and placement of the harrier device 400. When the barrier device 400 is oriented as shown in FIG. 15, the barrier device 400 is in a stationary orientation and the base plate 410 is in a horizontal plane. The wheels 473 are positioned so that a major portion of the tread surface of the wheels 473 are a vertical distance above the top surface 411 of the base plate 410. A part of the tread surface of the wheels 473 extends rearwardly beyond the rear edge 414 of the base plate 410. The wheels 473 are further positioned so that when the barrier device 400 is in the stationary position, the wheels 473 do not support the barrier device 400. When the barrier device 400 is tilted so that the base plate 410 is angled with respect to the ground surface, the wheels 473 contact the ground surface and support the barrier device 400. In the tilted position, the base plate 410 is fully raised from the ground and no other part of the barrier device 400, aside from the wheels 473, is in contact with the ground surface. Thus, the barrier device 400 may be easily transported by rolling it along the ground surface. Preferably, the wheels 473 are of a sufficiently large diameter so as to be able to easily move over rough terrain, including but not limited to sandy terrain, muddy terrain, and the like. The wheels 473 are connected to the base plate 410 via the angled bracket 474. The invention is not so limited however, and other means for connecting the wheels 473 to the barrier device 400 may be used, including for example, hinged and/or pivotable support structures. Where a pivotable support structure is used to connect the wheels 473 to the barrier device 400, then the wheels 473 could be in a stowed position wherein the tread surface does not extend beyond the rear edge 414 of the base plate 410. In such an embodiment, the wheels 473 could then be lowered into the illustrated position so that a major portion of the tread surface of the wheels 473 extends beyond the rear edge 414 of the base plate 410 so that when the barrier device 400 is tilted, the wheels 473 are the only part of the barrier device 400 in contact with the ground.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the handle 417 is a U-shaped structure, the ends of which are preferably welded to the rectangular plate 441 of the angled support structure 440. Other means of attaching the handle 417 to the angled support structure 440 may be used, such as riveting, bolting or the like. The handle 417 is positioned closer to the top of rectangular plate 441 than it is to the baseplate 410 for ease of handling the barrier device 400. Preferably, the handle 417 is a tubular structure formed from one ¾ inch diameter piece of A576 steel. Preferably the gap between the handle 417 and the outer surface of the rectangular plate 441 is 3 and ⅛ inches. The distance between the two ends of the handle 417 is preferably 5 and ½ inches. The invention, however, is not limited to specific dimensions nor specific materials, so long as the handle 417 is sufficiently strong to allow for tilting of the barrier device 400.

Referring how to FIGS. 15 and 17 concurrently, the base plate 410 has a perimeter formed by front edge 413, rear edge 414, first side edge 415 and second side edge 416. The base plate 410 further includes a plurality of side bolt holes 425. The side bolt holes 425 are located near the side edges 415, 416. The side bolt holes 425 are positioned a distance D from the side edges 415, 416. Preferably D is equal to 2.5 inches. As will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, the side bolt holes 425 are used to connect adjacent barrier devices to form the barrier wall 500 (shown in FIG. 18). The base plate 410 further comprises front bolt holes 426. Front bolt holes 426 are positioned a distance D₂ from front edge 413. As discussed in more detail below, the front bolt holes 426 are used to connect an extension plate 480 with the barrier device 400 (shown in FIG. 16).

Referring now to FIG. 16, wall plate 420 includes a plurality of rear bolt holes 427. The rear bolt holes 427 are located near the lateral edges 423, 424. Rear bolt holes 427 are positioned a distance D from the lateral edges 423, 424. Preferably D is equal to 2.5 inches. As discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, the rear bolt holes 427 are used to connect adjacent barrier devices to form a barrier wall 500 (shown in FIG. 18).

Referring again to FIG. 16, barrier device 400 could further include an extension plate 480. The extension plate 480 is generally rectangular in shape and extends from near the front edge 413 of the base plate 410. The extension plate 480 can be used to protect large vehicles, where the distance between an edge of the vehicle and the wheel of a vehicle is so large that in order for the wheel of the vehicle to contact the barrier device 400, more distance is required between the barrier wall 430 and the front edge of the hairier device 400. It preferable for the wheel of a vehicle to be over the base of barrier device 400 because the weight of the vehicle provides added stability to the barrier device 400. As will be discussed in more detail below, the extension plate 480 is attached to the base plate 410 through the use of a connection handle 462. The extension plate 480 includes a plurality of bolt holes (not visible) through which the threaded connection handles 462 can extend and engage the top surface 411 of the base plate 410. Other attachments can be used however, including, without limitation welding, bolting, screwing, adhesion, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19 the use of two barrier devices 400A and 400 B to rapidly create barrier wall 500 will be described. The barrier devices 400A and 400B are identical to the barrier device 400 described above with respect to FIGS. 14-17. For clarity of explanation, alphabetical suffixes will be added to the numerical identifiers with the understanding that like numbers indicate like parts described above. Barrier devices 400A and 400B are positioned side by side in the same way discussed with barrier devices 100A and 100B discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 18, the barrier devices 400A and 400B are in a side-by-side formation. Connection structures 460 can be used to secure 400A and 400B together to form barrier wall 500. The connection structures 460 comprise a connection plate 461 and connection handles 462. The invention is not limited to a plate, however and other structures could be used such as rods or other members. The connection plate 461 has a rectangular horizontal cross sectional profile. The connection plate 460 preferably is 9 inches wide by 3 inches long and made from ⅜ inches thick A36 steel. The connection handles 462 are L-shaped tubular structures. The connection handles are preferably made from ¾ inch diameter piece of A576 steel.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the connection plate 461 comprises holt holes 470. The bolt holes 470 are positioned near the lateral edges of the connection plate 461. The distance between the bolt holes 470 is D₄. D₄ is equal to two times D, twice the distance from the side bolt holes 425 to the side edges 415, 416, and the distance from the rear bolt holes 427 to the lateral edges 423, 424 (Illustrated in FIG. 16). Thus, D₄ is preferably equal to 5 inches because D is preferably equal to 2.5 inches, as discussed above. The invention however is not limited to specific dimensions or materials.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the connection handle 462 comprises an L-shaped member 471 and a washer 472. The washer 472 is attached near an end 473 of the member 471. The L-shaped member 471 is threaded from the end 473 up to the washer 472. The threads are preferably ¾ inch-10 UNC threads. While the connection handle 462 is illustrated as generally L-shaped, other shapes may be used including without limitation C-shaped or U-shaped.

Referring again to FIG. 18, upon the barrier devices 400A and 400B being placed side-by-side, a connection structure 460 is placed on top of the base plate 410A and the base plate 410B so that one of the side bolt holes 425A is aligned with one of the bolt holes 470 (shown in FIG. 20) and one of the side bolt holes 425B is aligned with the other bolt hole 470 of the connection plate 461. The connection plate 461 spans across both barrier devices 400A,B. Thus, the connection plate 461 has a portion that extends from the base plate structure 410 (and/or the wall plate structure 420) of each barrier device 400A,B, the portion has one of the bolt holes 470. The connection handle 462 is threadily engaged with side bolt holes 425A,B and bolt holes 470 so that the end 473 of connection handle 462 extends through the connection plate 461 and the base plate 410A,B. The end 473 of the connection handle 462 protrudes through the bottom surface of the base plates 410A,B. A nut (not illustrated) can be aligned with, threadily engaged and welded to the end 473 so that the connection handle 462 cannot unintentionally disconnect from the base plates 410A,B and the connection plate 461. The barrier devices 400A and 400B are now secured together with the connection structures 460. The connection structures can be attached to the wall plate 420 in the same manner as described above (illustrated in FIG. 19). The invention is not limited to the use of the connection handles 462 and other fasteners may be used. There is no limit on the number of barrier devices 400 that can be connected together to form a rigid barrier wall structure 500.

Referring again to FIG. 16, as discussed above, the extension plates 480 may be attached to baseplate 410 through the use of connection handles 462. The bolt holes (not illustrated) in extension plate 480 are aligned with the front bolt holes 426 in base plate 410 (shown in FIG. 17). A connection handle 462 threadily engages with the bolt holes through extension plate 480 and front bolt holes 462 of baseplate 410. The end 473 of the connection handle 462 protrudes underneath the base plate 410. A nut can be aligned with, threadily engaged and welded to the end 473 so that the connection handle 462 cannot unintentionally disconnect from the base plate 410 and the extension plate 480. The extension plates 480 may be used with barrier wall structure 500, as discussed above with barrier device 400.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, a barrier device 600 is illustrated according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The barrier device 600 comprises base plate 610, wall plate 620, impact plate 630, and angled support structure 640. The structural components (and their functioning) of the barrier device 600 are substantially similar to those discussed above with respect to barrier devices 100, 300 and 400 discussed above. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those design aspects of the barrier device 600 that substantially differ from the barrier devices 100, 300 and 400 will be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 22, the barrier device 600 further comprises screen wall 690. Screen wall 690 is a generally rectangular shaped ladder-like structure positioned in front of and generally parallel to impact plate 630. The height of screen wall 690 may be equal to the height of impact plate 630. Screen wall 690 may be made of steel, but the invention is not so limited. Screen wall 690 serves to prematurely detonate a warhead, such as a rocket propelled grenade or a shaped charge. A shaped charge is an explosive device incorporating a spike of molten metal that is used to penetrate armored equipment. To be most effective, a shaped charge must detonate at a particular distance from the target. When a warhead is detonated by screen wall 690, the impact on impact plate 630 is lessened. When a shaped charge, in particular, is detonated, the spike of molten metal is not as effective because the molten metal has spent itself before it crosses the space between the screen wall 690 and the impact plate 630.

Screen wall 690 comprises right side rail 691, left side rail 692 and a plurality of center rods 693. Side rails 691, 692 are generally rectangular shaped plates comprising an inner planar surface 697. The center rods 693 extend between the right side rail 691 and the left side rail 692. Preferably the center rods 693 are attached to the inner planar surface 697 of side rails 691, 692 by welding. The invention is not so limited, however, and other connection means may be used, including bolting, and the like. The illustrated embodiment shows thirteen center rods 693. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular number of rods. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to rods 693 and other means of detonating explosives may be used, including, without limitation slats, plates, and the like having planar rather than curved surfaces. Side rails 691, 692 comprise an upper end 694 and a lower end 695. The lower ends 695 of side rails 691, 692 are attached to baseplate 610. Preferably, side rails 691, 692 are welded to an upper surface 611 of base plate 610, but other attachment means may be used. The side rails 691, 692 are attached near the side edges 615 of the base plate 610. The attachment between side rails 691, 692 and base plate 610 may be reinforced with angle iron brackets 607, discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, the barrier device 600 further comprises insert 625. Insert 625 is positioned between wall plate 620 and impact plate 630. Insert 625 is connected to wall plate 620. Insert 625 may be glued, bolted, strapped, etc. to wall plate 620. Insert 625 serves to protect against high velocity, high temperature impact events, such as a shaped charge attack. Insert 625 is preferably made of wood. Insert 625 may be one inch thick oak. The invention is not so limited however, and other types of wood of varying thicknesses may be used, such as birch, pine and the like. Insert 625 can also be banded with metal.

Referring now to FIG. 24, angled support structure 640 may be reinforced with angle iron brackets 607. Angle iron brackets 607 are L shaped, metal plates attached to angled support structure 640 using bolts 612. Other attachments means may be used. Angle iron brackets 607 may also be attached to reinforce the connection between impact plate 630 and base plate 610.

Both the screen wall 690 and the insert 625 may be incorporated into barrier devices 100, 300 and 400 discussed above. Similarly, a plurality of barrier devices 600 may be connected with each other to create a barrier wall as discussed above with reference to barrier walls 200 and 500. Extension plate 680 may be used with harrier device 600 in the same way as extension plate 480 was used with barrier device 400, discussed above. All other features of barrier devices 100, 300, and 400 discussed above may be incorporated into barrier device 600.

Referring to FIG. 26, barrier device 700 is illustrated according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Barrier device 700 comprises a wall plate 720, an impact plate 730 and an insert 725. Rather than creating a stand-alone device like harrier devices 100, 300, 400 and 600 discussed above, barrier device 700 may be attached to other structures for protection. For example, barrier device 700 may be connected to a vehicle or a building. More specifically, barrier device 700 may be attached to the sides, front, top, undercarriage, etc. of a vehicle to protect the occupants from explosive devices. Similarly, barrier device 700 may be connected to the side walls, roof, or other points, of a building, to protect the occupants from an attack with explosive devices. The attachment method may be any convenient method of attachment, including bolting, welding, and the like.

Barrier device 700 may further comprise screen wall 790. The components (and their functioning) of screen wall 790 are substantially similar to those discussed previously with respect to screen wall 690. Screen wall 790 is placed in front of and parallel with impact plate 730. Screen wall 790 may be attached to impact plate 730, insert 725, wall plate 720 and/or the structure to be protected via any convenient attachment means so long as a space, 701, is maintained between the screen wall 790 and the structure to be protected and/or the impact plate 730. The attachment means may be clamps, brackets, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 27-29, a barrier device 800 is illustrated according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The barrier device 800 comprises a base plate 810, a wall plate 820, an impact plate 830, angled support structure 840 and support rods 854. The structural components (and their functioning) of the barrier device 800 are substantially similar to those discussed above with respect to the barrier device 600. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those design aspects of the barrier device 800 that substantially differ from the barrier device 600 will be discussed.

The support rods 854 of the barrier device 800 extend downward from the top of the barrier device 800 toward the bottom of the harrier device 800. As will be discussed in further detail below, the support rods 854 are used to support a sniper shield 900 (illustrated in FIG. 30) so that personnel can be protected from enemy artillery fire while at the same time having the capability to return fire. The support rods 854 are hollow tubular pipes that are welded to the inner surface 821 of the wall plate 820. The top surface 855 of the support rods 854 is flush with the top surface of the wall plate 820. The support rods 854 are preferably ¾ inch diameter, 8 inch long, schedule 40 pipes made of A36 steel. The invention is not so limited however, and the shape and dimensions of the support rods 854 may be varied. For example, the support rods 854 may have a horizontal cross sectional profile that is rectangular, square, triangular, or other shapes. Furthermore, the length and materials of the support rods 854 may be varied.

The barrier device 800 further comprises four top holding pipes 856 and four bottom holding pipes 857. The holding pipes 856, 857 are used for storing the stakes 850 (shown in FIG. 29). The invention is not limited to any particular number of holding pipes 856, 857 so long as the holding pipes are capable of supporting the stakes 850 in a substantially vertical orientation. Two of the top holding pipes 856 are positioned on each of the two triangular plates 842 of the support structure 840. Preferably each top holding pipe 856 is welded to an extension block 858 that is in turn welded to the triangular plate 842. The bottom holding pipes 857 are welded to the top surface 811 of the base plate 810. Preferably the center point of the bottom holding rods 857 is aligned with the center point of the top holding rods 856 so that the stakes 850 are held in a substantially vertical orientation. Preferably the top holding pipes 856 have an inner diameter of 1 inch and an outer diameter of 1 and 5/16 inches. Preferably, the bottom holding pipes 857 are preferably schedule 40 pipe that is 2 inches long with an inner diameter of ⅞ inches. The dimensions and materials of the holding pipes may be varied, however.

Referring to FIG. 28, the stakes 850 are illustrated. The stakes 850 serve a dual purpose. They may be used as attachment means between the base plate 810 and the ground for purposes of added stability, as discussed above with respect to the stakes 90 of the barrier device 100. They may also be used to facilitate the attachment between a sniper shield 900 and the barrier device 800 (shown in FIG. 30). The stakes 850 are solid rod like structures preferably made of the invention is not so limited however, and alternative shapes and materials can be used. Preferably, the stakes 850 are 18 inches long and the washer is positioned 10 inches from the bottom of the stakes 850.

The stake 850 comprises a bottom end 851, a top end 852, and a washer 853. The bottom end 851 of stake 850 forms a point mat allows the stake 850 to be driven into the ground. When the stake is being driven into the ground to provide stability to the barrier device 800, the washer 853 will make contact with the top surface 811 of the base plate 810 or with the top surface of the extension plate 880 so that the stake 850 cannot be driven completely underground.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29 concurrently, the stake 850 can also be used in conjunction with the support rods 854 of the barrier device 800 to support the sniper shield 900 (shown in FIG. 30). The stakes 850 can be inserted into the support rods 854 until the washer 853 makes contact with the top surface 855 of the support rod 854. Since the top surface 855 of the support rod 854 is flush with the top surface of the wall plate 820 of the harrier device 800 when it is inserted into the support rod 854, die washer 853 is also in surface contact with the top surface of the wall plate 820. The portion of the stake that is above the washer 853 will then extend above the height of the barrier device 800.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31 concurrently, the sniper shield 900 is shown resting atop the barrier device 800. As will be discussed in further detail below, the sniper shield 900 can alternatively rest on the ground or any other horizontal surface and it is in and of itself a novel device that can comprise an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom surface of the sniper shield 900 is in surface contact with the top surface of the barrier device 800 so that the sniper shield 900 extends in an upward direction from the top of the barrier device 800.

The sniper shield 900 comprises a front impact plate 930 and a rear plate 920. The full bottom surface 912 of the rear plate 920 of the sniper shield 900 is in surface contact with a portion of the top surface of the wall plate 820 of the barrier device 800. The bottom surface 913 of the front impact plate 930 of the sniper shield 900 has some points of surface contact with the top surface of the impact wall 830 of the barrier device 800.

The sniper shield 900 further comprises two internal pipes 901. The internal pipes 901 of the sniper shield 900 are hollow tubular structures that are positioned between the front impact plate 930 and the rear plate 920 of the sniper shield 900. The internal pipes 901 are welded to both the front impact plate 930 and the rear plate 920 of the sniper shield 900. The internal pipes 901 extend from the bottom of the sniper shield 900 toward the top of the sniper shield 900. The internal pipes are preferably 11 and ½ inches long and have a diameter of ¾ inches. The internal pipes 901 are designed to slidably engage with the top portion 852 of the stakes 850 (shown in FIG. 29).

When a stake 850 is positioned into the support rod 854 of the barrier device 800 (shown in FIG. 29), the portion of the stake 890 that is above the washer 893 protrudes from the top surface of the barrier device 800. The sniper shield 900 may be lowered onto the barrier device 900 so that the internal pipes 901 of the sniper shield 900 slidably engage with the stake 890. The internal pipes 901 of the sniper shield 900 slide over the stakes 890 until the bottom surface of the internal pipes 901 makes surface contact with the washers 893 of the stakes 890. The sniper shield 900 is not fixed to the barrier device 800, it merely rests atop the barrier device 800. This allows for ease of assembly and disassembly of the sniper shield 900 and the barrier device 800. The reverse procedure is performed to remove the sniper shield 900 from the top of the barrier device 800.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33 concurrently, the sniper shield 900 is shown removed from the barrier device 800. It should be understood that the sniper shield 900, in and of itself, is a novel device that can comprise an embodiment of the present invention. The sniper shield 900 is preferably 12 inches in height. As discussed above, the sniper shield can either sit on the barrier device 800 or it can rest on a horizontal surface such as the ground. The sniper shield 900 is designed to provide protection for a soldier while at the same time providing a cutout 903 through which the soldier can aim and fire a weapon. While the invention is not so limited, the sniper shield 900 is constructed so that armor piercing rounds cannot penetrate through the rear plate 920 during a frontal assault. As a result, the rear plate 920 can serve as a shield for personnel during firefights. All of the components of the sniper shield 900 are preferably constructed of steel, however other materials may be used including, without limitation any metal, metal alloy, or combination thereof. Preferably, the sniper shield 900 is coated with a paint or other corrosion resistant material to maintain the integrity of the materials and the connections between the components.

The sniper shield 900 is designed to be lightweight and easily transportable from location to location. It is preferred that the sniper shield 900 weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Additionally, the sniper shield 900 can be folded in half to facilitate transport. This folding is accomplished via the hinge 940. The hinge 940 is positioned on the rear plate 930. The hinge 930 is centered on the rear plate 930 so that the sniper shield 900 can be folded in half along its centerline. The hinge 930 may be attached to the rear plate 930 in a variety of ways including welding, bolting and the like.

The front impact plate 930 is positioned adjacent to and in front of the rear plate 920. The front impact plate has a planar inner surface 931 and a planar opposing outer surface 932. The inner surface 931 of the front impact plate 930 is connected to connector pipes 902. The connector pipes 902 are in turn connected with the inner surface of the rear wall 920. The connections are preferably welded. The front impact plate 930 is not directly connected with the rear plate 920 because the sniper shield 900 is designed to fold in half for ease of transport. In one embodiment the front impact plate 930 and the rear plate 920 are formed from steel plates. The connector pipes 902 are formed from schedule 40 steel pipe. It is preferred that the sniper shield 900 be free from brittle materials such as concrete.

Both the front impact plate 920 and the rear plate 930 of the sniper shield 900 are physically divided into a left side and a right side. Each side is a mirror image of the other. Between each side is a gap 904. The gap 904 serves to allow for the sniper shield 900 to be folded in half. Preferably the gap is 3/16 inch wide. As best seen in FIG. 34, each side comprises a substantially L shaped cutout, so that when the sniper shield 900 is fully extended a cutout 903 is formed. The cutout 903 allows for a weapon to be positioned in, and fired from, the opening 903. The shape and size of the cutout 903 is not limited so long as a rifle can fit through the opening 903 while being aimed at a target. The cutout 903 is preferably 5 and ½ inches from the bottom of the sniper shield 900.

Depending on the combat circumstances a larger or smaller cutout 903 is preferable, thus the sniper shield 900 may further comprise an adjustable clip 910 positioned over the top of the sniper shield 900 and centered with the cutout 903. The clip 910 can be lowered or raised depending on the needs of the soldier(s) to be protected by the sniper shield 900.

Referring to FIG. 35, the clip 910 is illustrated removed form the sniper shield 900. The clip 910 comprises a front plate 912 a back plate 913 and a top plate 914. The plates 912, 913, 914 are welded together so that the clip 910 has a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional profile. The clip 910 has a length L that is preferably 8 inch and a width W that is preferably 2 and ⅛ inch. The back plate 913 of the clip 910 comprises a plurality of holes 911. The holes 911 are arranged in two columns of five holes 911. Each column of holes 911 is positioned ⅗ inches from the edge of the back plate 913. One pair holes 911 are aligned with holes in the rear plate 930 of the sniper shield 900. Once holes 911 are aligned with holes in the sniper shield 900, a bolt, or other attachment means, can be inserted through the holes to secure the clip 910 in place. When the hole 911 that is closest to the top plate 914 is aligned with and connected to the uppermost hole in the sniper shield 900, the size of the cutout 903 is minimized.

Referring to FIGS. 36-39 concurrently, the sniper shield 900 further comprises a stabilizer base 960. The stabilizer base 960 is a tri-pod like structure having three legs 961, a center rod 962 and a support top 963. The stabilizer base 960 is a generally triangular shaped plate having rounded corners and planar upper and lower surfaces. The legs 961 and the support rod 962 are attached to the support top 963. The legs 961 are attached near the three rounded edges of the support top 963 and extend at an angle therefrom. Preferably, the center point of each of the legs 961 is 1 and 3/16 inches from the center point of the support top 963. The legs 961 are positioned equidistant from each other at an angle θ formed between them. Preferably, θ is equal to 120 degrees. The center rod 962 is attached to the center point of the support top 963 and extends straight down from the support top 963. When assembled with the sniper shield 900, the center rod 962 extends downward between the front impact wall 930 and the rear wall 920, into the internal tube 901. The internal tube 901 of the support structure 900 and the center rod 962 of the stabilizer base 960 slidably engage with each other so that the sniper shield 900 can be supported in a substantially vertical orientation.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in sufficient detail that those skilled in this art can readily make and use it, various alternatives, modifications, and improvements should become readily apparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A barrier device comprising:

a base plate structure having a bottom surface and a top surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane;

a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure, the wall plate structure connected to the top surface of the base plate structure at a location between a mid-point of the length and the rear edge;

at least one hole extending through the base plate structure, the at least one hole located between the wall plate structure and the front edge of the base plate structure; and

at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

2. The barrier device of claim 1, further wherein the at least one wheel is positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane, and wherein when the base plate structure is oriented at a non-zero acute angle relative to a ground surface, the tread surface of the wheel contacts the ground surface and the base plate structure is a vertical distance from the ground surface.

3. The barrier device of claim 2, further wherein the non-zero acute angle is less than forty-five degrees.

4. The barrier device of claim 1, further comprising two wheels positioned so that at least a portion of the tread surface of each wheel extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

5. The barrier device of claim 1, further wherein the wall plate structure and the base plate structure are constructed of a metal or metal alloy.

6. The barrier device of claim 1, further wherein the wall plate structure is constructed of a material of a sufficient thickness so as to be impenetrable to armor piercing rounds.

7. The barrier device of claim 1, further comprising a support structure connected to a rear surface of the wall plate structure and to the top surface of the base plate structure, the support structure comprising:

two triangular plates arranged in a spaced relation, wherein a first edge of each of the triangular plates is connected to the rear surface of the wall plate structure and a second edge of each of the triangular plates is connected to the top surface of the base plate structure; and

a rectangular plate connected to a top edge of each of the triangular plates.

8. The barrier device of claim 1, further comprising means for lifting a front end of the barrier device so that the base plate structure is at an angle relative to a ground surface.

9. The barrier device of claim 1, further comprising:

a connector plate connected to the wall plate structure and/or the base plate structure, and having a portion that extends from the wall plate structure and/or the base plate structure, the portion having a hole; and

a fastener extending through the hole of the connector plate and engaging an adjacent barrier device.

10. A barrier device comprising:

a base plate structure having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane;

a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; and

at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure.

11. The barrier device of claim 10, further comprising at least one hole extending through the base plate structure, the at least one hole located between the wall plate structure and a front edge of the base plate structure.

12. The barrier device of claim 11, further comprising an anchor adapted to extend through the at least one hole and engage a ground surface on which the barrier device is placed.

13. The barrier device of claim 10, further wherein the base plate structure and the wall plate structure are constructed of a metal or metal alloy, and wherein the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane.

14. A barrier device comprising:

a base plate structure having a bottom surface and a top surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane;

a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure;

at least one hole extending through the base plate structure;

at least one extension plate having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front edge and a rear edge, the extension plate further having at least one opening, the opening positioned near the rear edge of the extension plate;

a fastener adapted to extend through the at least one opening in the extension plate and engage the base plate structure; and

the extension plate connected to the base plate structure so that the front edge of the extension plate extends beyond the front edge of the base plate structure.

15. The barrier device of claim 14, further wherein a distance exists between the front edge of the extension plate to a front surface of the wall plate structure, the distance is designed so that when a vehicle impacts the front surface of the wall plate structure, the vehicle's tires are atop the extension plate.

16. The barrier device of claim 14, further wherein the extension plate is non-unitary with respect to the base plate structure and wherein the extension plate is removable from the base plate structure.

17. The barrier device of claim 14, further comprising:

a connector plate connected to the wall plate structure and/or the base plate structure, and having a portion that extends from the wall plate structure and/or the base plate structure, the portion having a hole; and

a fastener extending through the hole of the connector plate and engaging an adjacent barrier device.

18. A barrier wall comprising:

a plurality of barrier devices each comprising: (i) a base plate structure having a bottom surface and a top surface, the base plate structure further having a front edge and a rear edge defining a length, the bottom surface of the base plate structure being in a first plane; (ii) a wall plate structure connected to and extending upward from the top surface of the base plate structure; (iii) at least one wheel having a tread surface, the at least one wheel positioned so that at least a portion of the tread surface extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate structure; and (iv) means for securing the barrier device to an adjacent barrier device; and

the plurality of barrier devices aligned in a side by side arrangement so that adjacent barriers are secured to one another via the securing means.

19. The barrier wall of claim 18, further wherein each barrier device further comprises:

at least one hole extending through the base plate structure, the at least one hole located between the wall plate structure and the front edge of the base plate structure;

an anchor member adapted to extend through the at least one hole and into a surface on which the barrier wall is placed; and

wherein the at least one wheel is positioned so that the tread surface of the wheel is at or above the first plane.

20. The barrier wall of claim 18, further wherein the securing means comprises a connector plate connected to the base plate structure and/or the wall plate structure of the barrier device and having a portion that extends from the base plate structure and/or the wall plate structure, the portion having a hole; and a fastener extending through the hole of the portion and engaging an adjacent barrier device.

21. The barrier wall of claim 18, further wherein each barrier device further comprises at least one extension plate having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front edge and a rear edge, the extension plate further having at least one opening; and a fastener adapted to extend through the at least one opening in the extension plate and engage the base plate structure.