Vehicle barrier system

Abstract

A modular vehicle barrier system includes a reaction mass for installation in the earth; at least one post immovably anchored in the reaction mass and extending upwardly therefrom; the reaction mass having a forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with the post.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 491,625 filed Jul. 24, 2006, entitled VEHICLE BARRIER SYSTEM, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 054,257, filed on Feb. 9, 2005, now abandoned, which claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 621,374 filed on Oct. 22, 2004, each of which are incorporated herein by reference, and to which this application claims the benefit of and priority to under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120, 363, 365, and 37 C.F.R. §§1.55 and 1.78.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a vehicle barrier system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]With the rise in terrorism there has been a rise in the need for security and protection devices to defend buildings and facilities from attack by assault vehicles such as cars and trucks loaded with explosives. The presently available devices suffer from one or more disadvantages i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved vehicle barrier system which requires much less ground preparation.

[0007]It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved vehicle barrier system which admits of easy and aesthetic variations in design and appearance.

[0008]It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved vehicle barrier system which permits easy integration of common landscape items such as park benches, bus waiting shelters, vehicular gates, pedestrian gates, street lighting, fountains, civic art and sculpture, trash receptacles, tables, chairs, and other exterior elements which may disguise and increase the vehicle arresting function of the barrier system.

Problems solved by technology

The presently available devices suffer from one or more disadvantages including being generally complex and expensive, and requiring substantial ground preparation, earth moving, utility relocation and construction effort.

The process requires costly underground utility relocation (most utilities are located 36″ to 48″ below grade).

This is a time consuming and costly process in an urban setting.

Thus not allowing the installation of bollards in that area.

Whether these simpler approaches are used or more complex approaches are used the flexibility of design is severely limited: architectural and aesthetic qualities are generally sacrificed for security.

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