Obstacle, method for its manufacture, container for obstacles, and method for protecting a target with a formation of obstacles

Abstract

An obstacle, a container for obstacles, a method for manufacturing an obstacle, and a method for protecting a target with obstacles which can be quickly deployed to protect a target are provided. The obstacle can be used as a barrier to passenger traffic or vehicles, such as armoured vehicles, and it is designed to enable the storage and deployment of the obstacle as efficiently as possible, and to be used as an effective barrier. The obstacle (100) consists of three elongated pieces (102, 104, 106), or legs, which are connected to each other by rotary joints (108, 110). These elongated pieces are called the first, second and third elongated pieces. The first elongated piece (106) comprises a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece (102), and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece (104).

Description

[0001] OBSTACLE, METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE, CONTAINER FOR OBSTACLES, AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A TARGET WITH A FORMATION OF OBSTACLES

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an obstacle for blocking passenger traffic or vehicle traffic, such as the passage of armoured vehicles; a container for obstacles; a method for manufacturing an obstacle; and a method for protecting a target with obstacles. of the invention

[0004] Conventional obstacles for passenger traffic and vehicle traffic, such as Czech hedgehogs used as anti-tank obstacles, take a lot of space when stored. Moreover, the large size of the obstacles makes them difficult to handle manually, whereby several persons may be needed to handle a single obstacle, or the manual handling of a single obstacle is not possible.

[0005] Brief summarv of the invention

[0006] It is thus an aim of the invention to develop a solution to at least some of the above mentioned problems. The aim of the invention is achieved by an obstacle which is characterized by what will be presented in the independent claims.

[0007] In the following, the invention will be described with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

[0008] Figs. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d illustrate an example of an obstacle according to an embodiment in different positions;

[0009] Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate examples of obstacles according to some embodiments;

[0010] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a supporting structure for receiving an explosive charge in an obstacle according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 illustrates an example of rotary joints and locking mechanisms in an obstacle according to an embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of placement of obstacles according to an embodiment in a container;

[0012] Fig. 6 illustrates a method for manufacturing an obstacle according to an embodiment; and

[0013] Fig. 7 illustrates a method for protecting a target by a formation of obstacles according to an embodiment.

[0014] Detailed description of the invention

[0015] An obstacle which can be used as a barrier to passenger traffic or vehicles, such as armoured vehicles, is designed to enable the storage and deployment of the obstacle as efficiently as possible, and to be used as an effective barrier. The obstacle consists of three elongated pieces, or legs, which are connected to each other by rotary joints. These elongated pieces are called the first, second and third elongated pieces. The first elongated piece comprises a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece, and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece. This structural arrangement makes it possible for the second elongated piece to move in a first plane and for the third elongated piece to move in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the obstacle can be quickly deployed to protect a target. Thanks to the perpendicular planes, different paths of movement are allowed for the elongated pieces, whereby the elongated pieces can be swivelled apart from each other and brought into a use position. On the other hand, the rotary joints make it possible to move the elongated pieces into different positions and back and forth between the positions. In this way, the elongated pieces can be arranged in desired positions for transportation, storage, and use.

[0016] In the use position, the obstacle can be used for protecting a target, such as an area or buildings, whereby passage of vehicles and / or persons to the protected target can be prevented. In its use position, the obstacle can be placed to stand on a surface, such as a floor or the ground. For efficient protection of the target, several obstacles can be arranged in a formation. The formation covers a larger area than a single obstacle for preventing passage to the target. In the formation of obstacles, the obstacles can be spaced from each other by a distance sufficient to prevent passage between the obstacles to the target. In the use position, the obstacle is supported by the ends of the elongated pieces, i.e. legs, to the surface.

[0017] In the transport position, or storage position, the space taken by the obstacle is significantly smaller than in the use position. In the transport position, the legs are parallel to each other, and the obstacle can be supported flat on the surface by the longitudinal walls of the legs.

[0018] The obstacle is designed to provide efficient protection for sites, and it can be used in various situations, such as in military areas or for other security purposes. The obstacles may be part of a larger protection system, and they can be easily transported and deployed by using, for example, a container, such as a freight container, carrying several obstacles in transport position. The obstacle can be locked in the use position by a locking mechanism or locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can be operated by a manual tool, such as a cordless screwdriver, which facilitates rapid deployment and removal of the obstacle.

[0019] Figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1d illustrate an example of an obstacle according to an embodiment in different positions. The obstacle 100 comprises three elongated pieces or legs 102, 104, 106. The legs are connected to each other by rotary joints so that the position of the legs with respect to each other can be changed by swivelling around the axis 108, 110 of each rotary joint. When the legs are swivelled with respect to each other, the legs can be arranged to be parallel in their longitudinal directions. On the other hand, by swivelling the legs, the legs can be arranged to cross each other in their longitudinal directions. The angle between the longitudinal directions of the legs may be, for example, a straight angle.

[0020] Fig. 1 a shows the obstacle 100 in a transport position which may also be called a storage position. In the transport position, the legs 102, 104, 106 are parallel with each other in their longitudinal directions. In the transport position, the obstacle is arranged in a small space, whereby a large number of obstacles can be stored or transported in an efficient way.

[0021] In an embodiment, the legs 102, 204, 106 of the obstacle are substantially parallel, equal in length, and the ends of the legs are aligned with each other in the transport position of the obstacle. In this way, several obstacles can be piled up in a container for storage and / or transport.

[0022] Preferably, a rotary joint 108 between the leg 102 and the leg 106 makes it possible for the legs 102, 106 to swivel with respect to each other in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the leg 104 and the leg 106 are swivelled with respect to each other by a rotary joint 110. Thus, in the transport position of the obstacle, the legs form, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a shape with a cross-section resembling the letter L, enabling the effective arrangement of several obstacles in the space available, for example in a container, for transport or storage. The shape resembling the letter L comprises a horizontal part and a vertical part which are connected to each other, forming an angle. On the other hand, in the position of use of the obstacle, the obstacle becomes a stable barrier in which the legs are supported to each other, forming supporting points for the obstacle, whereby the obstacle can be oriented in at least three different directions from which passage to the protected target is to be prevented.

[0023] In an embodiment, the second leg 102 is swivelled in the first plane with respect to the first leg 106, and the third leg 104 is swivelled in the second plane with respect to the first leg 106, in the position of use of the obstacle.

[0024] Figure 1 b shows the obstacle 100 with the second leg 102 diverted from the transport position by pivoting the leg around the axis 108 of the rotary joint. In this way, the longitudinal direction of the leg 102 has been diverted from the longitudinal direction of the first leg 106 connected to it by the rotary joint. The other legs have not been moved. The situation of Fig. 1 a can be achieved when the obstacle is being taken from the storage to use and its legs are being moved from the transport position to the use position.

[0025] Figure 1 c shows an obstacle 100 in which the movement of the second leg 102 illustrated in Fig. 1 a has been continued by swivelling the leg further to a greater angle with respect to the first leg 106 to which the leg to be moved is connected by the rotary joint. In this way, the position of the leg 102 with respect to the leg 106 has been brought to the position of use of the obstacle. Further, the third leg 104 has started to be moved from the transport position by swivelling the leg around the axis 110 of the rotary joint. Thus, the longitudinal direction of the third leg 104 has been diverted from the longitudinal direction of the leg 106 connected to it by the rotary joint. Figure 1 d shows an obstacle 100 in which the movement of the third leg 104 illustrated in Fig. 1 c has been continued by swivelling the leg further to a greater angle with respect to the first leg 106 to which the leg to be moved is connected by the rotary joint. Thus, the position of the leg 104 with respect to the leg 106 is also brought to the position of use of the obstacle. The pivoting of the longitudinal directions of two legs with respect to the leg 106 connected to them by rotary joints is sufficient for bringing the obstacle rapidly from the transport position to the use position in which it can be efficiently used as a barrier when its legs are supported to the ground or another base.

[0026] In an embodiment, the second leg 102 comprises at least one wall which is perpendicular to said first plane, and said wall comprises one or more structurally weakened sections. Thanks to the structurally weakened section, breakage of the leg of the obstacle is controllable at the structurally weakened section. In the event of explosion of an explosive charge placed in the leg, preferably in a structurally weakened section, the structurally weakened section may be fragmented or detached as a slice from the leg.

[0027] In an embodiment, the third leg 104 comprises at least one wall which is perpendicular to said second plane, and said wall comprises one or more structurally weakened sections. Thanks to the structurally weakened section, breakage of the leg of the obstacle is controllable at the structurally weakened section. In the event of explosion of an explosive charge placed in the leg, preferably in a structurally weakened section, the structurally weakened section may be fragmented or detached as a slice from the leg.

[0028] It should be noted that the series of movements of the legs between the transport position and the use position, illustrated in Figs. 1a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d, can also be performed in the reverse order, that is, from the use position to the transport position, whereby the directions of rotation illustrated by the arrows in the figures are reversed.

[0029] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate examples of obstacles according to some embodiments. The obstacle is illustrated with reference to the objects presented in connection with Figs. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1d. The obstacles 200, 210, 220 are shown in the use position, whereby the legs of the obstacles are supported to a surface, such as the ground or a floor. In the use position, the legs of the obstacles constitute supporting points for triangular areas on the ground, illustrated by broken lines. Further, in addition to the tips of the triangle, the legs are supported to each other at a fourth point located above the triangular area and formed by two crossing legs and a third leg supported on top of or below the cross formed by these. Thus, in the cross formed by the legs, each leg is supported to two other legs. For example, if the legs are made of an elongated metal profile, for example a rectangular metal profile, two adjacent sides of each leg are supported to different legs and at different points in the longitudinal direction of the leg. In this way, the cross can be formed at a distance from the ends of the legs, for example at the approximate centres of the legs, whereby the legs constitute protrusions extending away from the obstacle, and supports to the ground. In its use position and location, the obstacle efficiently blocks passage to the target protected by the obstacle. For example, in the use position, the obstacle can be oriented in a desired direction so that a side of the triangle formed by the legs is oriented in a direction from which passage to the protected target is to be blocked. The orientation of the obstacle can be performed by orienting at least one of the sides of the triangle in a direction from which passage to the protected target is to be blocked. The orientation of each side can be achieved by means of the normal of the side of the triangle. For each side of the triangle, a normal is illustrated by a broken line equipped with an arrow. The normals indicate the direction away from the obstacle. For example, a force effective in a direction from the side a to the legs 102 and 106 of the obstacle is supported to the leg 104 extending from the ground towards the fourth supporting point in a direction parallel to the normal of the side a. In a corresponding way, a force effective in the direction from the side b to the legs 102 and 104 of the obstacle is supported to the leg 106 extending from the ground towards the fourth supporting point in a direction parallel to the normal of the side b. Correspondingly, a force effective in a direction from the side c to the legs 106 and 104 of the obstacle is supported to the leg 102 extending from the ground towards the fourth supporting point in a direction parallel to the normal of the side c.

[0030] Figure 2a shows an obstacle 200 arranged in the deployment position and having no structurally weakened sections in the legs 102, 104, 106.

[0031] Figures 2b and 2c show obstacles 210, 220, in which the legs 102, 106 are provided with structurally weakened sections. In Fig. 2b, the structurally weakened sections 212 are provided with openings in the legs, covered with cover plates or lids. For example, a single structurally weakened section can be implemented by providing an opening in the wall of a leg and attaching a cover plate onto the opening. Thus, the structurally weakened section can be provided, for example, by arranging a dimension, for example thickness, of the material of the cover plate to be smaller than the dimension of the material of the leg, to make the opening equipped with the cover plate weaker than the unbroken leg. On the other hand, the structurally weakened section can be provided, for example, by a weak or removable attachment of the cover plate onto the leg, to make the opening equipped with the cover plate weaker than the unbroken leg. It should be noted that the structurally weakened section can be provided by weakening both the material thickness and the attachment of the cover plate as described above.

[0032] In Fig. 2c, the structurally weakened sections have been provided by removing material from parts of the walls of the legs. The material can be removed by, for example, milling or cutting off a section from the outer wall of the leg. The cutting can be done in the longitudinal direction of the leg, in the cross direction to the longitudinal direction of the leg, at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the leg, or by combining one or more of the above described cutting directions. It should be noted that the removal of the material through the wall of the leg is not necessary to provide the structurally weakened section. For example, the structurally weakened section can be provided by removing only part of the thickness of the wall of the leg.

[0033] Thanks to the structurally weakened sections 212, 222, the whole obstacle or its single legs can be made to break at the structurally weakened sections when a force is exerted on the structurally weakened sections. In an example, an explosive charge 230 is arranged within the leg, at the location of the structurally weakened section, whereby the explosive force caused by the explosive charge can cause breaking of the leg at the structurally weakened section. Breaking of the leg will reduce the effect of the obstacle. Further, if the explosive force is sufficiently great, the explosion will cause not only breaking of the leg but also a deformation in the leg with respect to the original shape of the leg. The deformation in the leg will prevent pivoting of the leg by means of the rotary joint from the use position to the transport position, whereby moving the obstacle and transporting it to another location will become more cumbersome. Consequently, by detonating the explosive charge within the obstacle, moving the obstacle and re-using it in another location can be prevented or at least hampered. The structurally weakened sections 212, 222 are oriented away from the obstacle. Consequently, the explosive force of the explosive charge within the leg can be oriented in a desired direction, whereby the explosive force of the charge can have an impact on a vehicle or a person outside the obstacle in the direction from which passage is to be blocked by the obstacle. In an embodiment, in the use position of the obstacle, the weakened sections in the wall of the second leg 102 comprising one or more structurally weakened sections 212, 222, and in the wall of the first leg 106 comprising one or more structurally weakened sections 212, 222, are in alignment with each other, facing away from the obstacle. For example, the walls of the legs provided with the structurally weakened sections face the direction pointed by the upper end of the third leg 104. Thus, the walls of the legs provided with the structurally weakened sections also face the direction of the side a of the triangle, away from the obstacle.

[0034] It should be noted that structurally weakened sections 212, 222 can be provided in one, two, or all legs 102, 104, 106 of the obstacle. The structurally weakened sections may be located on both sides of the rotary joint 108, 110 in the longitudinal direction of the leg, that is, at different ends in the longitudinal direction of the leg, or on only one side of the rotary joint in the longitudinal direction of the leg, that is, at only one end of the leg in the longitudinal direction of the leg.

[0035] It should be noted that several structurally weakened sections can be provided at each end of the leg in its longitudinal direction. Thus, the structurally weakened sections can be located in the wall of the leg in such a way that each structurally weakened section faces away from the obstacle, but in a different direction, in the use position of the leg. For example, one end of the leg 102 may be provided with a structurally weakened section 212, 222 in the direction of the side a, away from the obstacle, and a structurally weakened section 212, 222 in the direction of the side b, away from the obstacle. The structurally weakened sections in different directions away from the obstacle can be provided, for example, by arranging the structurally weakened sections on adjacent sides in the profile of the leg, facing different directions away from the obstacle in the use position of the obstacle.

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a supporting structure for receiving an explosive charge in an obstacle according to an embodiment. The supporting structure 301 and an explosive charge 304 arranged therein is shown in a cross-section 302 in the longitudinal direction of the leg 102, and in a cross-section 312 crosswise to the longitudinal direction, showing the profile of the supporting structure. The explosive charge 304 and a detonating cord 306 for the explosive charge are arranged in the supporting structure. The supporting structure aligns the explosive charge with the structurally weakened section in the leg. The supporting structure can be dimensioned according to the inner dimension of the leg so that the supporting structure can be fitted within the leg by a friction-type connection. In the friction-type connection, the edges and / or side(s) of the supporting structure are against the inner surface of the leg, whereby friction between the surfaces of the supporting structure and the leg keep the supporting structure and the explosive charge fitted in it in place within the leg. Thus, no separate fastening means are needed. A detonating cord can be installed to extend, in the longitudinal direction of the leg, on the opposite side of the explosive charge with respect to the structurally weakened section. The supporting structure may have a specific shape or profile opening in the direction of the structurally weakened section 222, facilitating the orientation of the explosive force of the explosive charge to e.g. the structurally weakened section 222 in the leg. In this way, the wall of the leg can be broken by the explosive force, to prevent re-use of the obstacle by bringing it from the use position to the transport position. Furthermore, a sufficient explosive force may extend to targets beyond and away from the obstacle, reinforcing the impact of the obstacle. On the other hand, the shape or profile of the supporting structure may reduce application of the explosive force of the charge in desired directions. Consequently, the shape or profile of the supporting structure may enhance the orientation of the explosive force of the charge to the structurally weakened section 222 in the wall as well as reduce the orientation of the explosive force of the charge in other directions in the wall of the leg. In this way, the supporting structure inside the leg and the structurally weakened section 222 in the leg provide a combined effect enhancing the orientation of the explosion in a desired direction.

[0037] In an embodiment, at least one supporting structure 301 is provided in the leg 102 or the leg 106 of the obstacle, or both, fitted to receive an explosive charge 304 in said leg and arranged to orient the explosive force of the charge to the wall of the leg, away from the obstacle. It is thus possible to enhance the blocking effect of the obstacle, based on explosive force.

[0038] In an embodiment, said at least one supporting structure 301 is arranged to impair the orientation of the explosive force of the charge 304 in other directions in the wall of the leg 102, 104. In this way, the explosive force of the charge can be oriented away from the obstacle. The profile of the supporting structure can be, for example, shaped to orient the explosive force. In an embodiment, said at least one supporting structure 301 is arranged to direct the explosive force of the charge to a weakened section in the wall of the leg 102, 104. In this way, the explosive force of the charge can be applied to the structurally weakened section. The profile of the supporting structure can be, for example, shaped to orient the explosive force.

[0039] In an embodiment, the profile of said at least one supporting structure 301 has a bottom part 308 which, in the profile of the elongated piece of the obstacle, is oriented in a direction on the opposite side of the wall that faces away from the obstacle. In this way, the bottom part reinforces the leg of the obstacle in the direction opposite to the direction away from the obstacle. Consequently, the explosive force of the charge arranged in the supporting structure can be oriented away from the obstacle, and the effect of the explosive force in other directions can be reduced.

[0040] In an example, the supporting structure 301 may be an elongated structure adapted to the dimensions of the cross-section of the leg. The length dimension of the supporting structure can be selected to be suitable, for example, according to one of the following: length dimension of structurally weakened sections; or size of the explosive charge; or length dimension of the leg.

[0041] In an example, the supporting structure 301 has an elongated shape, and the crosssection, i.e. profile, of the supporting structure is provided with an opening 303 which is aligned with the structurally weakened section 222 of the leg when the supporting structure is placed inside the leg. The opening may extend over the whole length of the supporting structure. The profile may be formed of sheet-like elements placed at an angle to each other. Thus, on the side of the opening in the profile, the ends of the sheet-like elements are separate from each other, and on the side opposite to the opening the profile is closed. In this way, the profile constitutes a backing to which the explosive charge 304 can be supported. Further, when the profile is closed on the side opposite to the opening, the impact of the explosive force of the charge on the leg can be reduced in directions other than the direction of the structurally weakened section. The size of the opening in the profile of the supporting structure can be adapted to the size of the structurally weakened section, to effectively direct the explosive force of the charge. For example, the parts of the profile extending towards the opening can be aligned with the edges of the structurally weakened section extending in the longitudinal direction of the leg, and the size of the opening can be adjusted by changing the spacing between the parts.

[0042] In an example, the profile of the supporting structure 301 may be V-shaped, or shaped like the letter V truncated at the bottom, or U-shaped. The letter V is a letter with a sharp angle comprising two lines joined at their bottom, forming an angle, running diagonally to each other. At their top ends, the lines are apart from each other. The letter V resembles an arrow or a triangle. The letter U has a curved bottom joining substantially vertical lines. The angle of the letter V, or the line joining the diagonal lines of the letter V with a truncated bottom, or the curved bottom of the letter U constitutes the bottom of the supporting structure.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates an example of rotary joints and locking mechanisms of an obstacle according to an embodiment. The obstacle is illustrated with reference to the objects presented in connection with Figs. 1a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d. The obstacle 400 is shown from a direction in which the longitudinal direction of one leg 106 is perpendicular to the page. Figure 4 illustrates the rotary joints 402, 404 inside said leg to the other legs 102, 104, and the locking mechanisms 412, 414 of the rotary joints. By means of the rotary joints 402, 404, the legs 102, 104 can be connected to the leg 106 so that the legs 102, 104 are rotatable in planes T1 and T2 perpendicular to each other. By means of the rotary joints, the legs are continuously connected to each other. Thus, in the storage position of the obstacle, its legs are always in correct locations to be brought to the use position. By means of the rotary joints, the obstacle is moved from the storage position to the use position without a separate step of fastening single detached legs to each other. The rotary joints thus make it possible to easily bring the obstacle from the storage position to the use position. Locking mechanisms 412, 414 are provided in connection with the rotary joints 402, 404. By the locking mechanisms, the legs 102, 104 can be locked to the leg 106 so that the obstacle can be locked in the use position. As a combined effect of the rotary joints and the locking mechanisms, a system is provided which makes it possible to bring the obstacle quickly and easily from the transport position to a stable use position.

[0044] In an example, the rotary joint 402, 404 of the legs of the obstacle 400 is a shaft. The shaft can be arranged by connecting a metal bar to the walls of the legs facing each other, to extend between them. The shaft enables the rotation of the legs with respect to each other, whereby the legs can be pivoted with respect to each other to positions corresponding to the transport position and the use position of the obstacle. The shafts of the obstacle can be arranged in directions perpendicular to each other, whereby also the planes are perpendicular, and the paths of movement of the elongated pieces can be arranged different from each other. For the shafts, boreholes may be drilled in the walls of the legs, whereby the shafts can be fitted in and fastened to the holes provided by drilling, for connecting the legs to each other by the shafts.

[0045] In an example, a locking mechanism 412, 414 is arranged in connection with each rotary joint 402, 404 between the legs of the obstacle 400. The locking mechanism can be implemented in each rotary joint by drilling a hole for the locking mechanism in the wall of a leg. Respective holes to be drilled for the locking mechanism are arranged in walls facing each other and provided with the rotary joint connecting the legs. For example, one of the legs 106 may be provided with holes for the locking mechanism in connection with each rotary joint by which the leg is connected to the other leg 102, 104, whereby the position of the leg can be locked with respect to the other legs of the obstacle.

[0046] In an embodiment, locking mechanisms 412, 414 are provided in connection with the first rotary joint 108 and the second rotary joint 110 of the obstacle 400, for locking the elongated pieces in the use position of the obstacle.

[0047] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 412 comprises a locking element movable in the direction of the cross-section of the first leg 106, and a receiving element provided in the second leg 102. In an example, the locking element may be a bolt or a pin with a head which can be driven by a manual tool, such as a cordless screwdriver. The head may be, for example, a Torx® head, a cross head, or a flat head. A sleeve with inner threads may be arranged in the hole extending through the leg 106 in the direction of the cross-section. The locking element may be provided with outer threads matching the inner threads of the sleeve. In this way, the locking element can be inserted in the sleeve and moved by rotating in the direction of the cross-section of the leg 106.

[0048] In an example, the locking mechanism 412 may comprise a locking element movable through the leg 106, and a receiving element provided for the locking element in the leg 102. For the locking mechanism, a hole for the locking element can be drilled throughout the leg 106, that is, from the outer surface of the wall of the leg to the outer surface of the wall on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the leg. The hole thus extends from the opposite wall of the leg 106 with respect to the leg 102, and further through the leg 106, whereby the outlet of the hole is in the wall of the leg 106 facing the leg 102. For the locking mechanism, a hole can be drilled in the wall of the leg 102 facing the leg 106. Thus, the hole drilled through the leg 106 and the hole drilled for the locking mechanism in the wall of the leg 102 are aligned when the legs are arranged in a position corresponding to the use position of the obstacle. A sleeve with inner threads can be inserted in and attached to the hole drilled in the leg 102. The locking element can be arranged in the sleeve. The locking element may be, for example, a bolt 413 with outer threads. In the transport position of the obstacle, the locking element is preferably wholly inside the leg 106, wherein it does not take space and thereby hamper stacking of the legs. In the use position of the obstacle, the legs are locked with respect to each other by rotating the locking element inside the leg 106, whereby the locking element extends from the leg 106 to the leg 102, and pivoting of the legs with respect to each other can be prevented.

[0049] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 414 comprises a locking element movable in the direction of the cross-section of the first elongated piece 106, and a receiving part provided in the third elongated piece 104. In an example, for locking the leg 106 to the leg 104, the above-presented principle for the locking mechanism of leg 102 can be followed. In an example, the locking mechanism 414 may comprise a locking element movable through the leg 106, and a receiving element provided for the locking element in the leg 104. For the locking mechanism, a hole for the locking element can be drilled throughout the leg 106, that is, from the outer surface of the wall of the leg to the outer surface of the wall on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the leg. The hole thus extends from the opposite wall of the leg 106 with respect to the leg 104, and further through the leg 106, whereby the outlet of the hole is in the wall of the leg 106 facing the leg 104. The hole for the locking mechanism in the leg 104 can be drilled in the wall of the leg 104 facing the leg 106. Thus, the hole drilled through the leg 106 and the hole drilled for the locking mechanism in the wall of the leg 104 are aligned when the legs are arranged in a position corresponding to the use position of the obstacle. A sleeve with inner threads can be inserted in and attached to the hole drilled in the leg 104. The locking element can be arranged in the sleeve. The locking element may be, for example, a bolt 415 with outer threads. In the transport position of the obstacle, the locking element is preferably wholly inside the leg 106, wherein it does not take space and thereby hamper stacking of the legs. In the use position of the obstacle, the legs are locked with respect to each other by rotating the locking element inside the leg 106, whereby the locking element extends from the leg 106 to the leg 104, and pivoting of the legs with respect to each other can be prevented.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the placement of obstacles according to an embodiment in a container. The obstacles may be, for example, obstacles according to Figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1d. In the container 500, the obstacles are arranged in a packaging formation, in which the volume available in the container can be efficiently utilized for obstacles 501. The obstacles are shown in transport position, and the obstacles are distinguishable from each other by pattern fills. A total of 18 obstacles are shown. It should be noted that the presented packaging formation is one possible way of packaging a number of obstacles 501. Consequently, the number of obstacles contained in one container may be larger, for example 22, or smaller, for example 16. The legs of a single obstacle are equal in length and parallel in the transport position. Thus, the obstacles in the transport position can be packed in a packaging formation so that the obstacles are lined up side by side and overlapped. As a result, the obstacles can be packed and transported in a modular and efficient way. The obstacles can be packed in a container so that the obstacles can be transported and / or stored in the container. Such a container may be a freight container designed for cargo handling, to be transported by a vehicle and stored, such as a maritime container or another covered or uncovered container having a volume for freight transportation. The width and the length of the obstacles are adjusted to the height and the width of the container so that the packaging formation is tight and safe. Preferably, the length of the single legs of the obstacles and thereby the total length of the obstacle in the transport position is adjusted to the depth of the container, whereby the volume of the container can be efficiently utilized for the obstacles. The packed obstacles can be easily unpacked by removing entire obstacles from the packaging formation. Unpacked obstacles are ready to be assembled as well as to be placed and locked in the use position.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates a method for manufacturing an obstacle according to an embodiment. The method comprises the following steps: a. 602 machining an elongated piece to form a first elongated piece, a second elongated piece and a third elongated piece; b. 604 connecting the first elongated piece, the second elongated piece and the third elongated piece to each other by rotary joints, wherein the first elongated piece comprises a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece, wherein the second elongated piece is movable in a first plane and the third elongated piece is movable in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

[0052] For example, the elongated piece, i.e. leg, to be machined in step 602 may be an elongated metal profile. The profile may be, for example, rectangular or square. The elongated piece to be machined may have a length dimension of, for example, 6000 mm, whereby six legs of equal length can be made from one elongated piece to be machined, wherein these can be used further to make a total of two obstacles by making each obstacle of three legs by connecting these to each other by rotary joints. Thus, the length of one leg will be about 1200 mm. Considering the material loss caused by the machining of an elongated piece with a length of 6000 mm, by machining with a cutting edge of e.g. 2 mm, the length of one leg becomes slightly less than 1200 mm, for example 1198 mm. In this way, the whole metal profile of 6000 mm can be utilized, resulting in two obstacles.

[0053] In an embodiment of the method, step 604 comprises that rotary joints are provided in the wall of the first elongated piece so that the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

[0054] In an embodiment of the method, step 604 comprises that locking mechanisms are provided in connection with the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint, for locking the first, second and third elongated pieces in the use position of the obstacle.

[0055] In an embodiment of the method, step 602 comprises at least one of the following: a. providing one or more structurally weakened sections in at least one wall of the second elongated piece, the wall being perpendicular to said first plane; or b. providing one or more structurally weakened sections in at least one wall of the third elongated piece, the wall being perpendicular to said second plane.

[0056] In an embodiment of the method, in connection with step 602 or 604, or in a separate step, at least one supporting structure is formed in the second elongated piece or the third elongated piece or both, wherein said at least one supporting structure is fitted to receive an explosive charge in said elongated piece and arranged to direct the explosive force of the charge to the wall of the elongated piece, away from the obstacle.

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates a method for protecting a target by a formation of obstacles according to an embodiment. The method comprises:

[0058] • 702 providing a container containing several obstacles in a transport position;

[0059] • 704 unpacking one or more obstacles from the container to a number of locations in a formation;

[0060] • 706 turning the elongated pieces of each obstacle with respect to each other from the transport position to the use position in the locations; and

[0061] • 708 locking each obstacle in its use position in the location of the formation.

[0062] According to an example, in step 702, a container, such as a freight container, is loaded with obstacles in transport position as shown in Fig. 5.

[0063] According to an example, in step 704, the container is unloaded manually. On the other hand, the container can be emptied via an opening in the container, for example by tilting the container with a tilting mechanism functionally connected to the container. The tilting mechanism may be a hydraulic or pneumatic system for tilting the container, whereby the obstacles are removed from the container.

[0064] According to an example, in step 706, obstacles can be turned as shown in Figures 1a to 1 d.

[0065] According to an embodiment, in method step 708, each obstacle is locked in the use position by driving the locking mechanisms of the elongated pieces with a manual tool, such as a cordless screwdriver.

[0066] In an embodiment, the obstacle 100, comprises three elongated pieces 106, 102, 104 connected to each other by rotary joints, wherein the rotary joints are configured to swivel the three elongated pieces to cross each other in their longitudinal directions, and the three elongated pieces comprise a first elongated piece comprising a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece 102 and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece 104, wherein the first rotary joint comprises a first shaft 108 connected to extend between the walls of the first elongated piece and the second elongated piece 102, and wherein the second rotary joint comprises a second shaft 110 connected to extend between the walls of the first elongated piece 106 and the third elongated piece 104, wherein the second elongated piece is movable in a first plane and the third elongated piece is movable in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other for bringing the first elongated piece and the second elongated piece 102 and the third elongated piece 104 crosswise to each other when the first elongated piece 106, the second elongated piece and the third elongated piece have been swivelled with respect to each other by rotary joints.

[0067] In an embodiment, the obstacle 100 comprises three elongated pieces which are connected to each other in the middle and are crosswise to each other to make up a firm structure when the obstacle is standing on a surface.

[0068] The manufacture of the obstacles may comprise several steps, for example steps of machining the material, steps of connecting the pieces, and steps of forming the structures. The material of the obstacle may be metal, such as stainless steel, whose properties, such as strength and weatherproofness, can be selected according to the use. The machining of a single obstacle may start from the cutting of the material, such as a metal pipe, into three elongated pieces, i.e. legs. The legs formed can be connected to each other by rotary joints so that two legs are connected to the third leg to be movable in different planes which are perpendicular to each other. The rotary joints can be arranged in the wall of the third leg for fastening the other legs in such a way that the planes become perpendicular. The rotary joints can be implemented, for example, by shafts, wherein the shafts can be arranged in perpendicular directions, whereby the planes are also perpendicular, and the paths of movement of the legs become different from each other. For the shafts, boreholes and shaft connections can be provided in the legs. A locking mechanism can be implemented in connection with each rotary joint by drilling a hole for the locking mechanism through the leg. The hole drilled for the locking mechanism may be equipped with a threaded sleeve, wherein a bolt can be driven through the sleeve. Thus, in the other leg connected to the leg by the shaft, a receiving hole can be drilled on the same side where the shaft connection is arranged. The position of the receiving hole can be selected so that the bolt to be driven through the locking mechanism is driven in the receiving hole when the legs are in a desired position, such as the use position. The locking mechanisms between all the three elongated pieces, or legs, can be implemented as described above. Structurally weakened sections can be arranged in the obstacles by removing material from the walls of the legs. A structurally weakened section can be provided, for example, by cutting a number of grooves along a desired length on the outer surface of the wall of a leg. The cut grooves may extend in the longitudinal direction of the leg, transversely or crosswise with respect to the longitudinal direction or, for example, both in the longitudinal direction and in a crosswise direction of the leg. One or more supporting structures may be arranged in one or more legs of the obstacle. The supporting structure may be fitted to receive an explosive charge in the leg and to direct the explosive force of the charge to the wall of the leg, away from the obstacle. The supporting structure may comprise an element against which the explosive charge can be supported, wherein the charge can be placed in a desired location in the leg. The supporting structure may be formed of e.g. a piece of sheet metal whose longitudinal edges are bent towards each other. A central section of the piece of sheet metal is left between these bent elongated edges and may be used as a bottom on which the explosive charge is placed. The placement of the supporting structure within the leg, for example the alignment of the edges bent towards each other with the wall, can be done so that the explosive force of the charge placed in the supporting structure in the use position of the obstacle will be directed towards the wall of the leg, away from the obstacle.

[0069] In some cases, features presented in this application can be used as such, irrespective of other features. On the other hand, features presented in this application can be combined, where necessary, to make different combinations. Even if some steps or the device have been presented as a whole, they may be divided in parts whereby some steps or parts of the device may be omitted or their order may be changed.

[0070] It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that technological advances will entail a variety of implementations of the basic idea of the invention. Thus, the inventions and the embodiments are not limited by the examples described above, but they can be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1 . An obstacle comprising three elongated pieces which are connected to each other by rotary joints, wherein the three elongated pieces comprise a first elongated piece comprising a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece, wherein the second elongated piece is movable in a first plane and the third elongated piece is movable in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other; and• the second elongated piece comprises at least one wall which is perpendicular to said first plane, and said wall comprises one or more structurally weakened sections; and / or• the third elongated piece comprises at least one wall which is perpendicular to said second plane, and said wall comprises one or more structurally weakened sections.

2. The obstacle according to claim 1 , wherein locking mechanisms are provided in connection with the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint, for locking the elongated pieces in the use position of the obstacle.

3. The obstacle according to claim 2, wherein in the use position, the second elongated piece is pivoted in the first plane with respect to the first elongated piece, and the third elongated piece is pivoted in the second plane with respect to the first elongated piece.

4. The obstacle according to any of he claims 2, 3 or 4, comprising at least one of the following:• a first locking mechanism comprising a locking element movable in the direction of the cross-section of the first elongated piece, and a receiving part provided in the second elongated piece; or• a second locking mechanism comprising a locking element movable in the direction of the cross-section of the first elongated piece, and a receiving part provided in the third elongated piece.

5. The obstacle according to claim 1 , wherein, in the use position of the obstacle, the wall of the second elongated piece, comprising one or more structurally weakened sections, and the wall of the third elongated piece, comprising one or more structurally weakened sections, have the weakened sections in alignment away from the obstacle.

6. The obstacle according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 5, wherein at least one supporting structure is arranged inside the second elongated piece or the third elongated piece, or both, and adapted to receive an explosive charge in said elongated piece, and arranged to orient the explosive force of said charge to the wall of the elongated piece, away from the obstacle.

7. The obstacle according to claim 6, wherein said at least one supporting structure is arranged to reduce the orientation of the explosive force of the charge in other directions in the wall of the elongated piece.

8. The obstacle according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said at least one supporting structure is arranged to orient the explosive force of the explosive charge to a weakened section in the wall of the elongated piece.

9. The obstacle according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the profile of said at least one supporting structure has a bottom part which, in the profile of the elongated piece of the obstacle, is oriented in a direction on the opposite side of the wall that faces away from the obstacle.

10. The obstacle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the legs of the obstacle are substantially parallel, equal in length, and the ends of the legs are aligned with each other in the transport position of the obstacle.11 .A method for manufacturing an obstacle, comprising:• machining an elongated piece to form a first elongated piece, a second elongated piece and a third elongated piece;• connecting the first elongated piece, the second elongated piece and the third elongated piece to each other by rotary joints, wherein the first elongated piece comprises a first rotary joint to the second elongated piece and a second rotary joint to the third elongated piece, wherein thesecond elongated piece is movable in a first plane and the third elongated piece is movable in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

12. The method according to claim 11 , comprising:• providing rotary joints in the wall of the first elongated piece so that the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising:• providing locking mechanisms in connection with the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint, for locking the elongated pieces in the use position of the obstacle.

14. The method according to claim 11 , 12, or 13, comprising at least one of the following:• providing one or more structurally weakened sections in at least one wall of the second elongated piece, the wall being perpendicular to said first plane; or• providing one or more structurally weakened sections in at least one wall of the third elongated piece, the wall being perpendicular to said second plane.

15. The method according to claim 11 , 12, 13, or 14, comprising:• forming at least one supporting structure in the second elongated piece or the third elongated piece or both, wherein said at least one supporting structure is configured to receive an explosive charge in said elongated piece and arranged to direct the explosive force of the charge to the wall of the elongated piece, away from the obstacle.

16. A container comprising several obstacles according to any of the claims 1 to 10 in a transport position, wherein the first, second and third elongated pieces of the obstacle are substantially parallel, fitted in their length to the length dimension of the container, and the ends of the elongated pieces are aligned with each other in the transport position of the obstacle.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of the elongated pieces of the obstacles are fitted to the height and width of the container.

18. A method for protecting a target by a formation of obstacles, the method comprising:• providing a container containing several obstacles according to any of the claims 1 to 10 in a transport position;• unloading one or more obstacles from the container to a number of locations in a formation; • turning the elongated pieces of each obstacle with respect to each other from the transport position to the use position in the locations; and• locking each obstacle in its use position in the location of the formation.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising: locking each obstacle in the use position by turning the locking mechanisms of the elongated pieces with a manual tool, such as a cordless screwdriver.

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