CERCA DE SEGURANÇA E PAINEL DE CERCA DE SEGURANÇA

Abstract

SECURITY FENCE. A security fence includes a pair of posts and a plurality of rails supported by the pair of posts and arranged vertically spaced. Each rail includes a bottom wall and an top wall, each defining a plurality of spaced openings. A plurality of stakes is spaced horizontally along the plurality of rails, each stake extending through a respective bottom opening and a respective top opening of each rail. A sliding locking bar is disposed within at least one of the plurality of rails and is supported by the bottom wall of one of the plurality of rails. The sliding locking bar traverses the plurality of stakes and is received by a notch in each stake. The engagement of the sliding locking bar with the notches allows for the angular displacement of each stake relative to each rail.

Description

Security fence and security fence panel REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[001] The patent application claims the benefit of and priority of U.S. Application No. 16 / 654,493, filed October 16, 2019, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

[002] The present invention relates generally to a security fence and more particularly to a security fence with an adjustable angle of inclination between vertical posts or pallets extending through a plurality of rails. Description of the Related Technique

[003] Heavy security fences are used to protect property against unwanted invasion or intrusion. The property may be a high-risk target for terrorists or other criminals. For example, a power plant or oil refinery may be protected with a heavy security fence. Vehicles may be loaded with explosives and driven at high speed in an attempt to breach the security fence and damage or otherwise disrupt operations occurring on the property protected by a security fence. Reinforcing cables can be used to strengthen a steel security fence. A braided steel cable can support and even prevent a vehicle from being driven through a security fence. Security fences are generally custom-built for the protected property. Thus, individual posts may be fixed to one face of the security fence in a Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 9 / 39 2 / 23 angle relative to the rails to follow a slope in the terrain.

[004] Security fences employing the inclined (also known as lashing) technology disclosed and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 6,752,386 filed May 13, 2003 and issued to Bundy with square cross-section posts are currently in use. However, it is desirable to construct security fences that are stronger, for example, it is desirable to construct an inclined fence that can better withstand an attempt by a moving vehicle to breach the security fence. SUMMARY

[005] According to one embodiment, a security fence includes a pair of posts and a plurality of rails supported by the pair of posts and arranged vertically spaced. Each rail includes a bottom wall and an top wall, each wall defining a plurality of spaced openings. Several stakes are spaced horizontally along the plurality of rails, each stake extending through a respective bottom opening and a respective top opening of each rail. A sliding locking bar is disposed within at least one of the plurality of rails and is supported by the bottom wall of one of the plurality of rails. The sliding locking bar traverses the plurality of posts and is received by a notch in each post. The engagement of the sliding locking bar with the notches allows the angular displacement of each post relative to each rail.

[006] The present revelation reveals a security fence Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 10 / 39 3 / 23 with stakes or pallets extending across tracks. Tilting or positioning the rails at a non-perpendicular angle while keeping the stakes generally vertical is facilitated by the sliding locking bar assembly which partially secures the stakes or pallets relative to the plurality of rails.

[007] According to one embodiment, the tracks are adjustable by means of an angle of inclination of + / - 10 degrees in relation to the posts. The stakes may have a W-shaped or D-shaped cross-section.

[008] The technical advantages of a security fence according to the present disclosure include fence panels that are easily assembled to follow a sloping or uneven terrain, while the rails of the security fence are able to secure a reinforcing cable to increase the strength of the fence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] A fuller understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken together with the accompanying Drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one version of a security fence panel according to the teachings of the present revelation; Figures 2A and 2B are a perspective and an end view, respectively, of a rail of the security fence panel of Figure 1; FIGURE 2C is a plan aerial view of the trail shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B before it formed into the shape shown in FIGURE 2B; Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are viewed in perspective, from the side. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 11 / 39 4 / 23 and in cross-section, respectively, of a stake from the security fence panel in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a sliding locking bar used with a security fence panel according to the teachings of the present revelation; FIGURE 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the safety fence panel of FIGURE 1 showing the engagement of the sliding locking bar with the stakes and a rail in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of an eyelet used with the security fence panel of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a post of the security fence panel shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the security fence panel of FIGURE 1 showing the connection of a post and a plurality of rails according to the teachings of the present revelation; Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C are perspective and detail views, respectively, of an embodiment of a security fence panel according to the teachings of the present revelation, shown at an angle of inclination; Figures 10A and 10B are a perspective and a detailed view, respectively, of an embodiment of a security fence panel with a reinforcement cable according to the teachings of the present disclosure; Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C are detailed views of shear protection modalities used with posts of a security fence panel according to the teachings of the present disclosure; Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 12 / 39 5 / 23 Figures 12A and 12B are an end view and a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a stake used with a security fence panel according to the teachings of the present revelation; Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C are an end view and perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a stake used with a security fence panel in accordance with the teachings of the present revelation; FIGURE 14 is a detailed view of an alternative stake tip according to the teachings of the present revelation; FIGURE 15 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a stake according to the teachings of the present revelation; and FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a security fence panel post according to the teachings of the present revelation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] Reference is made to FIGURE 1A which shows a perspective view of a security fence 10, which may also be referred to as a palisade. A perimeter may be protected by joining the security fence 10 with additional security fences 10 to delineate a perimeter. Embodiments of the security fence 10 incorporate a sliding locking bar, which fixes the stakes 12 (also referred to as pallets) to at least one of the rails 14 and allows the rails 14 to be arranged at an angle of inclination relative to the stakes 12 and fence posts, so that the stakes 12 and posts are vertical and the rails 14 are inclined to follow changes in elevation. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 13 / 39 mi terrain. Certain versions of security fence 10 incorporate a reinforcement cable (see FIGURE 10) which is supported by at least one rail 14. The reinforcement cable adds strength to the security fence 10 to enable it to withstand a vehicle impact that would otherwise breach the security fence 10 and expose the protected area.

[011] Each rail 14 is fixed at one end to a first post 16 and at the opposite end to a second post 16. One or more of the posts 16 may extend into the ground. According to some embodiments, a hole may be dug in the ground to a depth of 4–6 feet (1.21–1.82 m). The bottom of the post 16 may be received into the hole, and then the hole may be filled with concrete to fix the post 16 in the ground. One end of the reinforcing cable may also be embedded in concrete or other ballast substrate, such as gravel and the like. The substrate acts as a pillar for the reinforcing cable. Each post 16 extends into the ground. Any suitable number of posts 16 may be placed in a concrete substrate. This disclosure contemplates any suitable spacing of posts 16 that are fixed in a concrete substrate depending on the desired strength of the fence 10 and the impact of the vehicle against which it is to be protected.The other 16 posts that support the 14 tracks can be placed on the ground without being fixed to a concrete substrate.

[012] According to one embodiment, the security fence 10 includes three tracks 14 that are spaced vertically. A lower track 14 is arranged close to the ground to maintain the horizontal spacing of the lower ends of the posts 12. An upper pair of tracks 14 is arranged Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 14 / 39 7 / 23 at one upper end of the stakes 12 opposite the lower end. The rails 14 support a plurality of stakes 12, also referred to as pallets. The rails 14 can be configured to hold any suitable number of stakes 12, for example, fifteen stakes 12. All rails 14 of the security fence 10 can be identical to each other.

[013] FIGURES 2A, 2B and 2B are various views of one of the rails 14. Rail 14 may be made of rolled steel, for example, 11-14 gauge steel or other suitable metal depending on the desired strength of the security fence 10. According to one embodiment, the rails may be formed of 11 gauge steel. Each rail 14 includes, as integral parts of a single unit body, a bottom wall 18, a front wall 20, an upper wall 22, a projecting wall 24 and a rear wall 26. The upper wall 22 extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the front wall 20. The projecting wall 24 extends from the upper wall 22. The geometry of rail 14 functions to increase the strength of rail 14. The geometry of rail also functions to increase the difficulty that someone would encounter when attempting to climb the security fence 10.The incline of the top wall 22 functions to better prevent a climber from having a safe step over the rails 14, while still allowing space inside the rail 14 for the sliding locking bar.

[014] Several of the lower openings 28 are arranged spaced along the length of the lower wall 18. Each of the lower openings 28 is generally rectangular and provides space for the stakes 12. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 15 / 39 8 / 23 being arranged at an angle to the rails 14. According to an alternative embodiment, the lower openings 28 may be trapezoidal and tapered to correspond to the cross-section / profile of the piles 12. Several upper openings 30 are arranged spaced along the length of the upper part of the wall 22 and aligned with the lower openings 28. Any suitable number of lower openings 28 and upper openings 30 is contemplated by the present disclosure, for example fifteen.

[015] A stake 12 is received through a respective lower opening 28 and upper opening 30 of each of the plurality of vertically spaced rails 14. As described in greater detail below, a sliding locking bar fixes the plurality of stakes 12 in a respective rail 14 and allows angular displacement of the stakes 12 relative to the rails 14. According to one embodiment, the upper openings 30 are shaped to correspond to the contours of the stakes 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the upper openings 30 are generally W-shaped. However, stakes 12 with a D-shaped cross-section are also contemplated by the present disclosure. The contours of the stakes 12 create a geometry that strengthens the stakes 12.

[016] Fixing holes to allow the rail 14 to be fixed to the posts 16 are formed at each end of the rail 14. A square support fixing hole 32 is formed in the lower wall 18 near a side end of the rail 14. The square support fixing hole 32 can have any suitable shape, for example square or circular. An adjustable support groove 34 is Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 16 / 39 9 / 23 formed on the front wall 20 near each lateral end of the rail 14. The adjustable support groove 34 receives a fastener, and the groove 34 allows the rail to be offset relative to the post 16, so that a non-perpendicular angle between the rail 14 and the post 16 can be adjusted. This angle adjustment allows the rails 14 to tilt to follow the slope of the terrain. According to some embodiments, the angle of inclination can be adjusted between + / - 0 to 10 degrees. Thus, the security fence 10 can automatically tilt to accommodate an upward slope of the terrain of up to 10 degrees or a downward slope of the terrain of 10 degrees.

[017] According to one embodiment, rail 14 can be formed from a blank piece of steel that is punched to form the lower openings 28, the upper openings 30, the square support fastener hole 32 and the adjustable support groove 34 and any other holes. Once punched, the punched steel can be rolled into the rail geometry shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B. Alternatively, rail 14 can be formed by brake using a bending forming machine. As shown in FIGURE 10, the lower wall 18 can support a cable, for example, a data cable or high and low voltage cabling. Alternatively, as described in more detail below, one or more of the rails 14 can support a heavy-duty steel braided reinforcing cable that is arranged behind the stakes 12 and in front of the back wall 26. A sliding locking bar is arranged in front of the stakes 12 and behind the front wall 20.

[018] FIGURES 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a form of Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 17 / 39 10 / 23 stake 12 (also referred to as a pallet or a palisade). Alternative stake designs are shown in FIGURES 12 - 15. The stake 12 can be of any suitable length depending on the level of security provided by the security fence 10. For example, stakes 12 can be supplied in lengths of 70 inches (1.77 m), 94 inches (2.38 m), 118 inches (2.99 m) or 142 inches (3.60 m). Stakes 12 can be formed by rolling a blank of 14 gauge steel or other suitable metal. The lamination of the steel in the geometry shown increases the strength of the stake 12. In one embodiment, a curved end 36 is disposed in an upper portion of the stake 12. The curved end 36 is arranged to form an arc towards the unsecured side of the safety fence to make it more difficult for the safety fence 10 to be breached by passing over it.According to one embodiment, the curved end 36 may have a radius of approximately 16 inches (40.64 cm) and may extend approximately 14 inches (35.56 cm) from a vertical portion of the stake 12 to the tip. Pointed tips 38 are also arranged on top of the stake 12 in some embodiments to further prevent breach by climbing the fence. According to some embodiments, each stake 12 may include three or more pointed tips 38. The steel of the stakes 12 may be formed so that the pointed tips 38 have an edge that may be sharpened.

[019] The stake 12 includes a central web 40 that transitions into a pair of lateral webs 42. A leg 44 extends from each lateral web 42. According to one embodiment, the legs 44 extend beyond the central web. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 18 / 39 11 / 23 40. The central web 40, the side webs 42, the legs 44, and the transition portions are portions of a single integral bar. The pile geometry profile corresponds to the geometry of the top opening 30 in the top wall 22 of the rail 14. For example, a central web opening 31 provides clearance for the central web 40 of pile 12. A pair of side web openings 33 provide clearance for the side webs 42 of pile 12, and the leg openings 35 provide clearance for the legs 44 of pile 12. According to an alternative embodiment, the top openings 30 can be shaped to provide clearance for a pile 12 with a D-section.

[020] With reference to FIGURE 3C, several notches 46 are formed spaced vertically along the length of the stake 12. The notches 46 are arranged to correspond to locations where the stake 12 is positioned within the rail 14. According to one embodiment, a lower notch 46 is arranged at a lower end of the stake to correspond to the lower rail 14. A pair of upper notches 46 are arranged near an upper end of the stake 12 to correspond to the two upper rails 14. The notches 46 may have a vertical length of approximately one inch (2.54 cm), for example, 7 / 8 of an inch (2.22 cm). The vertical length allows for the fitting of the sliding locking bar 48 and the adjustment of a tilt angle between the rail 14 and the stake 12 in a range of + / - 0-10 degrees.

[021] According to one embodiment, the 46 notches are formed in the 44 legs of the 12 stakes. The formation of the 46 notches in the legs can maintain the strength of the stake. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 19 / 39 12 / 23 because notch 46 is not formed to remove material from the central web 40. According to an alternative embodiment, notch 46 can be formed in the central web 40 (see FIGURE 12B) or stake 12 can be rotated 180 degrees in rail 14 and notch 46 can be formed in the side webs 42 (see FIGURE 13C). Additional notches 46 can be formed if the safety fence 10 includes more than three rails 14. Two notches 46 or one notch 46 can be included in the stakes 12 if the safety fence 10 is formed by one or two rails 14.

[022] FIGURES 4A and 4B illustrate various views of a sliding locking bar 48. The sliding locking bar 48 may be formed by rolling or by forming from a blank piece of 19-gauge steel or other suitable metal with a suitable thickness depending on the desired strength of the security fence 10. The sliding locking bar 48 may generally be V-shaped and may include a protrusion 50 and an extension portion 52. A single sliding locking bar 48 extends through a rail 14 and is supported by a lower wall 18 of the rail 14 and engages with notches 46 in each stake 12 supported by the rail 14. Each of the lower rails 14 and the pair of upper rails 14 may receive a sliding locking bar 48. According to one embodiment, the extension portion 52 makes contact with the lower wall 18 of the rail 14 and the protrusion 50 It is received by the 46 notches.The engagement of notches 46 with protrusion 50 allows rail 14 to be tilted at an angle of inclination in a range of + / - 0-10 degrees relative to stakes 12.

[023] FIGURE 5 illustrates the assembly of rail 14, of Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 20 / 39 13 / 23 stake 12 and sliding locking bar 48 in a square configuration, where stake 12 is perpendicular to rail 14. The protrusion 50 of the sliding locking bar 48 is received by the notches 46, so that stake 12 is restrained from vertical movement relative to rail 14. The contact of stakes 12 and sliding locking bar 48 may be the only contact that holds stakes 12 in position. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the stakes float within the lower openings 28 and the upper openings 30 in the rails 13. The upper W-shaped opening 30 and the lower openings 28 prevent stakes 12 from unintentionally disengaging from the sliding locking bar 48.

[024] According to an alternative embodiment, the sliding locking bar 48 makes contact with the inner surfaces of the notches 46 and engages the stake 12 between the protrusion 50 and a rear edge of the lower opening 28. In this way, the stake 12 is restrained from generally horizontal displacement in the rail 14. Alternatively or in addition to being engaged by the sliding locking bar 48 and the lower opening, the stake 12 may be engaged by the sliding locking bar 48 towards the rear surfaces of the upper opening 30.

[025] According to one embodiment, an eyelet 54, as shown in FIGURE 6, is disposed in each of the lower openings 18. The eyelet 54 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as nylon with glass particles. The eyelet 54 may be formed using any suitable polymer forming method, such as injection molding. The eyelet 54 may protect the edges of the lower opening 28 from being Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 21 / 39 14 / 23 damaged by stakes 12 during the installation of stakes 12. This can maintain a powder-coated finish on stakes 12 and rails 14, which can prevent stakes 12 and rails 14 from rusting or corroding. The eyelet also serves to reduce friction that would otherwise exist between the metal stake 12 and the metal rail 14 during assembly. The eyelet 54 also reduces a rattling noise that could otherwise be generated between stakes 12 and rails 14.

[026] The eyelet 54 may have a tongue portion 55 extending from a side wall centered within the eyelet 54. When a stake 12 is inserted through the eyelet 54, it displaces the tongue portion 55, which is resilient. The displaced tongue portion 55 applies a force to the stake 12 and, more particularly, the tongue portion 55 comes into contact with the central web 40 of the stake 12 and applies the force as the tongue portion is tilted to return to its natural position. The force applied by the tongue portion 55 to the stake 12 reduces the vibration that could occur between the rail 14 and the stake 12.

[027] As illustrated in FIGURE 6, restraining the posts 12 with a sliding locking bar 48 allows the rails 14 to automatically adjust to a range of tilt angles relative to the posts 12. For example, gravity will cause the post 12 to be arranged generally vertically, while the rail 14 is adjusted and fixed to the post 16 at a variety of tilt angles depending on the terrain on which the security fence 10 is installed. A similar sliding lock embodiment to the present disclosure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,752,386 filed May 13, 2003 and issued to Bundy, who Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 22 / 39 15 / 23 is incorporated herein by reference. According to one embodiment, track 14 is adjustable to a non-perpendicular angle of inclination in a range of + / - 0-10 degrees relative to stakes 12 and posts 16.

[028] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a post 16. A lower portion of the post 16 is embedded in the ground, for example in a concrete substrate or other suitable substrate material filled into a hole. A length of the post 16 may be in the range of 108 to 192 inches (2.74 to 4.87 m), for example 132 inches (3.35 m). The post 16 is generally a steel I-beam which includes a web 60 separating a pair of flanges 62 extending perpendicularly from the web 60. The I-beam may have a steel thickness of 0.15 inches (0.38 cm), or any other suitable thickness depending on the desired strength of the security fence 10.

[029] Several cable holes 64 are spaced vertically along the length of the post 16. The cable holes 64 facilitate a cable, such as a data cable, a high or low voltage cable, or a reinforcement cable, passing through the posts 16. According to one embodiment, the cable holes 64 are generally square with rounded inner corners. The cable holes 64 can be of any suitable size, for example, in a range of 1 2 square inches (6.45 - 12.90 cm2). The cable holes 64 are arranged to correspond to the rail attachment locations 14 to the posts 16 using the square, adjustable brackets shown in FIGURES 8 and 9. Several rail bracket fastener holes 66 are arranged spaced along the length of the post 16 and Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 23 / 39 16 / 23 near the cable holes 64. The fastener holes 66 receive a fastener for attaching a support to the web 60 of the post 16. According to one embodiment, the fastener holes 66 may be tapered to allow the fastener to lock onto the taper and be self-centering in the fastener hole 66. The fastener holes are arranged to allow the rail 14 to be attached to the post 16 at a location where the cable passes through the cable holes 64 and is supported by the lower wall 18 of the rail 14.

[030] According to one embodiment, cutouts 68 can be made in the flank 62 at locations spaced along the length of the post 16. The cutouts 68 correspond to the cable holes 64 and the rail support fastener holes 66. The cutouts 68 facilitate the mounting of the rails 14 on the posts 16. For example, stakes 12 can be mounted on each of the three rails 14 with three sliding locking bars 48. The supports can be fixed to the web 60 of the post. This rail 14 and stake 12 assembly can be lifted by crane or other lifting mechanism so that the ends of the rails 14 are received through the respective cutouts 68 and the fastener holes 32 in the rails 14 can be aligned with corresponding holes in the supports. In this way, a pre-assembled stake and rail set can be more easily positioned to be fixed to a pair of appropriately spaced posts 16.

[031] FIGURE 8 illustrates an assembly of rail 14 to post 16 using a square support 70. The square support 70 can be stamped and formed from gauge steel. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 24 / 39 17 / 23 10. The square support 70 includes a rail support portion 72 that extends perpendicularly and integrally with a post coupling portion 74. A fastener hole 76 is formed in the post coupling portion 74. The fastener hole 76 receives a fastener, which is also received through the fastener hole 66 in the web 60 of the post 16. According to one embodiment, the fastener may be a bolt secured with a tri-groove nut 77. The tri-groove nut 77 may provide additional security because it is not easily removed with a standard wrench and requires a specific tool to engage and loosen or tighten the tri-groove nut. The rail support portion 72 includes a direct groove-shaped hole 78 that receives a fastener which is also received through the fastener hole 32 in the lower wall 18 of the rail 14.Once the square support 70 is fixed to the post 16, the lower wall 18 of the rail 14 is supported by the rail support portion 72 in a position that aligns the lower wall 18 with a lower edge of the cable hole 64 in the web 60 of the post 16. The slot-shaped hole 78 allows for adjustability of the spacing between one end of the rail 14 and the web 60 of the post 16.

[032] FIGURE 9A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the security fence 10 shown at an angle of inclination to follow the sloping terrain. The rails 14 are arranged at a non-perpendicular angle to the posts 16 and stakes 12. The stakes 12 include a rounded tip, as discussed in greater detail in relation to FIGURE 14. FIGURE 9B illustrates a detailed view of the junction of two stakes 12 with the top rail 14 in a Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 25 / 39 18 / 23 tilt angle.

[033] FIGURE 9C is a perspective view showing the joining of a rail 14 with a post 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting of the rail 14 on the post 16 employs an adjustable angle support 80. The adjustable angle support 80 includes a cylinder 82 which is welded or otherwise fixed to an extension portion 84. The extension portion 84 extends from and is integral with a post coupling portion 86. The extension portion 84 forms a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the post coupling portion 86. The non-perpendicular angle provides clearance for the rail 14 to tilt relative to the post 16. The extension portion 84 and the post coupling portion 86 can be stamped and formed from a blank piece of 10 gauge steel.

[034] The post coupling portion 86 includes a pair of fastener holes 88. The fastener holes 88 allow the adjustable bracket 80 to be positioned on either side of the web 60 and the cylinder 82 will be positioned to allow a fastener 89 to be received through the groove 34 in the front wall 20 of the rail 14 and into a threaded hole 91 in the cylinder 82. The rail 14 may pivot or hinge on the fastener 89 to adjust the rail 14 to a non-perpendicular tilt angle. The fastener 89 is received through one or the other of the fastener holes 88 depending on which side of the post 16 web 60 the angle-adjustable bracket 80 is attached. According to one embodiment, the fastener 89 may be a three-groove screw. The 89 tri-groove screw includes a screw head with grooves formed around the periphery of the head. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, page 26 / 39 19 / 23 bolt. Similar to the 77 tri-groove nut, the 89 tri-groove bolt provides additional security because the 89 bolt is not easily removed with a standard wrench.

[035] FIGURE 10A is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security fence 15 showing rails 14 fixed to each side of a post 16. The security fence 15 includes a fourth rail 14. The present disclosure contemplates two to six rails 14 depending on the desired strength of the security fence 15. One of the rails 14 is positioned at a selected height to withstand an impact with a moving vehicle. One or more of the rails 14 support a reinforcing cable 90 that extends through the cable hole 64, a hole in the web 60 of the post 16, and supported by the lower wall 18 of the rail 14 disposed on each side of the post 16.

[036] FIGURE 10B is a perspective view of the junction of a rail 14 arranged on one side of post 16 and a second rail 14 arranged on the opposite side of post 16. The reinforcement cable 90 extends through the cable hole 64 and is supported by both rails 14 arranged on each side of post 16. According to an alternative embodiment, the cable 90 may be a data cable and may pass through any one or more of the vertically spaced rails 14 of the security fence 10. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcement cable 90 may be passed through any one or more of the vertically spaced rails 14 arranged along the length of post 16.

[037] According to one embodiment, the ends of the reinforcing cable can be anchored to a pillar. The pillar can be a conventional mooring post that Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, p. 27 / 39 20 / 23 may be a concrete post or other structure placed behind one of the security fence panels 15. The 90 reinforcement cable may increase the strength of the security fence 10. In particular, one or more 90 reinforcement cables may allow the security fence 10 to maintain a secure perimeter and prevent a breach by a moving vehicle, such as a large truck that may be loaded with explosives in a suicide terrorist attack on a location protected by the security fence 10.

[038] FIGURES 11A, 11B and 11C show embodiments of cable shear guards to reduce the possibility of the web portion 60 of the post 16 shearing and possibly cutting the reinforcement cable 90 in the event of an impact, such as an impact with a fast-moving vehicle that is pinched by the reinforcement cable 90. The shearing and cutting of the cable 90 can be reduced and possibly eliminated by increasing the surface area that makes contact with the cable 90 in the event of a vehicle impact with the safety fence 10. In the example shown in FIGURE 11A, a tab 92 is bent to extend perpendicularly from the web 60. The tab 92 can be formed in connection with the punch or other material removal operation that forms the cable holes 64. The tab 92 is arranged on a rear edge of the cable hole 64 to increase the surface area that impacts the 90 reinforcement cable.According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIGURE 11B, a separate plate element 94 is welded or otherwise fixed to the rear edge of the cable hole 64. The plate element 94 includes a pair of legs 95 that are spaced to receive the core 60. The plate member 94 may be held. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, pp. 28 / 39 21 / 23 in place by cable 90, so that soldering of plate member 94 to core 60 is not necessary.

[039] According to another alternative embodiment, a collar 96, shown in FIGURE 11C, can be formed separately and welded or otherwise fixed to the post 16. The collar 96 can be seated in an arched recess 98 formed in the web 60. According to an alternative embodiment, the cable hole 64 can be omitted and replaced by the arched recess 98. If additional protection against cable shear is desired, the collar 96 can be fixed to the arched surface of the recess 98. If the recess 98 is used, a stop member can be fixed to the flank 62 of the post 16 to better contain the reinforcing cable 90 in the arched recess 98.

[040] FIGURES 12A and 12B show an alternative embodiment of a stake profile 100. The stakes 100 include features similar to the stakes 12 shown and described previously, but the stakes 100 have a slightly different geometric profile. The stakes 100 include a central web 102, a pair of lateral webs 104 arranged on each side of the central web 102, and a pair of legs 106 extending from each lateral web 104. The central web 102 extends beyond the legs 106. In this embodiment, notches 108 may be formed in the central web 102, as opposed to the legs 106. The notches 108 are arranged along the length of the stake 100 to correspond to the position of the rails 14 and sliding locking bars 48 of the assembled security fence 10. The upper openings 30 in the upper wall 22 of rail 14 are shaped to match the profile of the stakes 100. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, pp. 29 / 39 22 / 23

[041] FIGURES 13A and 13B illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a stake 110. The stake 110 includes a central web 112, a lateral web 114 arranged on each side of the central web 112, and a leg 116 extending from each of the lateral webs 114. The legs 116 generally extend even with the central web 112. In this embodiment, notches 118 are formed in both the central web 112 and the legs 116. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIGURE 13C, notches 120 may be formed in the lateral web portions 114. In this way, the stakes 110 will be turned or inverted so that the lateral webs 114 face the front wall 20 of the rails 14 to allow the notches 120 to receive the locking bar. sliding 48. The upper openings 30 in the upper wall 22 of the vertically spaced rails 14 will also be reversed to match the inverted or reverse orientation of stake 110.

[042] FIGURE 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the pointed portion of the stakes 12. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, a pointed portion 122 of stake 12 may be rounded. This configuration may be suitable for a perimeter where there is less risk if the security fence 10 is breached by passing over it. The rounded points 122 also present a less intimidating perimeter to the public. As shown in FIGURE 15, the security fence 10 may include stakes 12 that include pointed ends 124 that are straight, as opposed to arched. This configuration may be appropriate for a security fence 10 where climbing over the breach is associated with a risk that is less than the stake embodiment. Petition 870230091511, dated 10 / 16 / 2023, pp. 30-39 23 / 23 pointed arch, but greater risk than that associated with the rounded tip modality.

[043] FIGURE 16 illustrates an alternative post 126. Post 126 can offer maximum security by including pointed tips 128 at an upper end. The pointed tips 128 prevent climbing over the gap in a location where there are no pointed stakes 12. The pointed tips 128 can be shaped to be sharpened.

[044] Although preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the preceding Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as presented and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Security fence, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of posts (16); a plurality of rails (14) supported by the pair of posts (16) and arranged vertically spaced, each rail (14) comprising a bottom wall (18), a front wall (20) generally extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall (18), an upper wall (22) extending posteriorly at an angle not perpendicular from the front wall (20), a projecting wall (24) extending posteriorly from the upper wall (22), a rear wall (26) extending from the bottom wall (18) towards the projecting wall (24), and a gap disposed between the projecting wall (24) and the rear wall (26) dimensioned and shaped to receive a cable (90), the bottom wall (18) defining a plurality of spaced lower openings (28), the upper wall (22) defining a plurality of spaced upper openings (30);a plurality of stakes (12) spaced along the plurality of rails (14) and for each rail (14) of the plurality of rails (14), each stake (12) extending through a respective lower opening (28) of the plurality of spaced lower openings (28) and a respective upper opening (30) of the plurality of spaced upper openings (30); and a sliding locking bar (48) disposed within one of the plurality of rails (14) and supported by the lower wall (18) of one of the plurality of rails (14), the bar Petition 870250090359, of 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 13 / 28 2 / 8 sliding locking bar (48) disposed between the front wall (20) and the plurality of stakes (12), the sliding locking bar (48) passing through the plurality of stakes (12) and received by a notch (46) in each stake (12), wherein the engagement of the sliding locking bar (48) with the notches (46) allows the anquular displacement of each stake (12) in relation to each track (14).

2. Safety fence, according to claim 1, characterized in that each stake (12) forms an angle of inclination with each rail (14), the angle of inclination being in a range of -10 squares to +10 squares from the perpendicular.

3. Security fence, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a cable (90) received through the gap and supported by the lower wall (18).

4. Security fence, according to claim 3, characterized in that the cable (90) is a data cable.

5. Security fence, according to claim 3, characterized in that the cable (90) is a reinforcing cable.

6. Security fence, according to claim 5, characterized in that a first end of the reinforcing cable (90) is fixed to a first mooring post and a second end of the reinforcing cable (90) is fixed to a second mooring post.

7. Security fence, according to claim 1, characterized in that each stake (12) has a W-shaped profile and each of the plurality of spaced upper openings (30) in each rail (14) is shaped to correspond to the W-shaped profile of each stake (12).

8. Security fence, according to claim 1, characterized in that each rail (14) further comprises a front wall (20) disposed between the lower wall (18) and the upper wall (22), the sliding locking bar (48) disposed between the front wall (20) and the plurality of stakes (12).

9. Security fence, characterized in that it comprises: a post (16) comprising a pair of flange portions (62) separated by a web portion (60), the web portion (60) defining a passage hole (64); a first rail set (14) fixed to a first side of the web portion (60); a second rail set (14) fixed to a second side of the web portion (60) opposite the first side; each of the first and second rail sets (14) supporting a plurality of posts (12) arranged spaced along them, each of the first and second rail sets (14) comprising: a bottom wall (18), a front wall (20) extending generally perpendicularly from the bottom wall (18), an upper wall (22) extending posteriorly at an angle not perpendicular from the front wall (20), a projecting wall (24) extending posteriorly from the upper wall (22),a rear wall (26) extending from the lower wall (18) towards the projecting wall (24), and a gap disposed between the projecting wall (24) and the rear wall (26), Petition 870250090359, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 15 / 28 4 / 8 lower wall (18) defining a plurality of spaced lower openings (28), the upper wall (22) defining a plurality of spaced upper openings (30), each of the plurality of stakes (12) extending through a respective lower opening (28) and a respective upper opening (30); and a sliding locking bar (48) supported by the lower wall (18) and disposed between the front wall (20) and the plurality of stakes (12) and passing through the plurality of stakes (12) and received by a notch (46) in each stake (12),wherein the engagement of the sliding locking bar (48) with the notches (46) allows the angular displacement of each stake (12) in relation to the sliding locking bar (48); and a cable (90) received through the respective gaps in each of the first and second sets of rail (14) and disposed between the plurality of spaced stakes (12) and the back wall (26) and extending through the passage hole (64).

10. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that the cable (90) is selected from the group consisting of a data cable, a reinforcement cable and a tension cable.

11. Security fence, according to claim 10, characterized in that the cable (90) is the reinforcing cable.

12. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a square support (70) that secures the first rail assembly (14) to the web portion (60) of the post (16). Petition 870250090359, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 28 5 / 8 13. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an adjustable support (80) that secures the first rail assembly (14) to the web portion (60) of the post (16), the adjustable support (80) comprising a threaded hole (91) configured to receive a screw (89), wherein the first rail assembly (14) is hinged on the screw (89).

14. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a third set of rails (14) arranged vertically spaced from the first set of rails (14) in a first direction and a fourth set of rails (14) arranged vertically spaced from the first set of rails (14) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

15. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the plurality of stakes (12) has a W-shaped profile and each of the upper openings (30) is shaped to match the W-shaped profile of each of the plurality of stakes (12).

16. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the plurality of stakes (12) has a D-shaped profile.

17. Safety fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that the first and second sets of rails (14) are each adjustable by an angle of inclination from -10 degrees to +10 degrees.

18. Security fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the first and second sets of rails (14) further comprises: Petition 870250090359, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 28 6 / 8 a first eyelet (54) disposed within one of the lower openings (28) of the first set of rails (14) and a second eyelet (54) disposed within one of the lower openings (28) of the second set of rails (14), each of the first and second eyelets (54) applying a respective force to one of the plurality of stakes (12).

19. Security fence, according to claim 18, characterized in that each of the first and second eyelets (54) comprises a resilient tongue portion (55) that applies a respective force to one of the plurality of stakes (12).

20. Safety fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a cable shear guard (92, 94, 95, 96) disposed at least partially within the passage hole (64).

21. Safety fence, according to claim 9, characterized in that one of the pair of flanges (62) includes a first cutout (68) close to the first rail assembly (14) and a second cutout (68) close to the second rail assembly (14).

22. Security fence, according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a first eyelet (54) disposed within one of the spaced lower openings (28) of a first of the plurality of rails (14) and a second eyelet (54) disposed within one of the spaced lower openings (28) of a second of the plurality of rails (14), the first and second eyelets (54) applying a force to one of the plurality of stakes (12).

23. Security fence panel, characterized by Petition 870250090359, of 03 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 28 7 / 8 fact that it comprises: a pair of posts (16); a plurality of rails (14) supported by the pair of posts (16) and arranged vertically spaced, each rail (14) comprising a bottom wall (18), a front wall (20) extending generally perpendicularly from the bottom wall (18), an upper wall (22) extending posteriorly at an angle not perpendicular from the front wall (20), a projecting wall (24) extending posteriorly from the upper wall (22), a rear wall (26) extending from the bottom wall (18) towards the projecting wall (24), and a gap disposed between the projecting wall (24) and the rear wall (26) dimensioned and shaped to receive a cable (90), the bottom wall (18) defining a plurality of spaced bottom openings (28),the upper wall (22) defining a plurality of spaced upper openings (30), each of the plurality of rails (14) fixed to each of the pair of posts (16) by an adjustable support (80), the adjustable supports (80) allowing a non-perpendicular angle of inclination between each of the plurality of rails (14) and the pair of posts (16); a plurality of stakes (12) spaced along the plurality of rails (14) and for each rail (14) of the plurality of rails (14), each stake (12) extending through a respective lower opening (28) of the plurality of spaced lower openings (28) and a respective upper opening (30) of the plurality of spaced upper openings (30), each stake (12) having a W-shaped profile and each upper opening (30) having a Petition 870250090359, dated 03 / 10 / 2025,pg. 19 / 28 8 / 8 corresponding to the W-shaped profile; and a sliding locking bar (48) disposed within one of the plurality of rails (14) and supported by the lower wall (18) of one of the plurality of rails (14), the sliding locking bar (48) disposed between the front wall (20) and the plurality of stakes (12), the sliding locking bar (48) passing through the plurality of stakes (12) and received by a notch (46) in each stake (12), wherein the engagement of the sliding locking bar (48) with the notches (46) allows each stake (12) to be disposed generally vertically, regardless of the non-perpendicular angle of inclination.

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