On-grade barrier and method of its use

Abstract

Means and method for implementing an unobtrusive on-grade barrier. One embodiment employs a concrete-lined trench over which a biased hinged plate is affixed to an end wall. The biased hinge holds the free end of the plate against a tab affixed to the other end wall, assuring the plate does not rise above grade. The plate is supported for vehicle passage by a sliding mechanism energized by an actuator controlled by a controller that may be automated or operated by security personnel. The barrier may be configured so that vehicles may approach from either end. Upon authorizing access to the driver, the vehicle is permitted to pass over the supported plate. If the driver is not authorized access, the support is slid out of the way and any vehicle attempting to pass slides into the trench. Embodiments may include means for clearing the trench of a trapped vehicle

1 . An unobtrusive on-grade barrier for preventing access by unauthorized vehicular traffic, with at least a portion of said barrier located below grade, said barrier guiding below grade at least part of an unauthorized vehicle attempting to enter, comprising: 
 a trench;    means for controlling said barrier proximal said trench;    means for impeding vehicular access in operable communication with said means for controlling, at least part of said means for impeding located in said trench;    means for permitting passage of an adult over said barrier under all modes of operation of said barrier; and    means for clearing impeded access, at least part of said means for clearing located in said trench.    
   
   
       2 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for clearing is at least in operable communication with said means for controlling.  
   
   
       3 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said trench is at least partially lined with reinforced concrete.  
   
   
       4 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said trench is at least partially lined with a pre-fabricated structure.  
   
   
       5 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for controlling comprises: 
 at least one controller;    at least one first actuator in operable communication with said controller, said first actuator in operable communication with at least said means for impeding; and    at least one second actuator in operable communication with said controller, said second actuator in operable communication with at least said means for clearing.    
   
   
       6 . The barrier of  claim 5  in which said means for controlling further comprises at least one remote control in operable communication with at least said controller.  
   
   
       7 . The barrier of  claim 5  in which said means for controlling further comprises at least one indicator in operable communication with at least said controller, at least one of said indicators visible by a vehicle operator of a vehicle being considered for access.  
   
   
       8 . The barrier of  claim 5  in which said means for controlling further comprises at least one communications link.  
   
   
       9 . The barrier of  claim 5  in which said means for controlling further comprises at least one redundant path.  
   
   
       10 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for impeding further comprises at least one hinged plate in operable communication with at least said trench, said plate having a hinged end opposing an end free to move within said trench unless otherwise constrained.  
   
   
       11 . The barrier of  claim 10  in which said means for impeding further comprises at least one spring in operable communication with at least said hinged plate and at least one retaining tab in operable communication with said trench, said tab provided to retain said hinged plate in a position approximately on-grade.  
   
   
       12 . The barrier of  claim 10  in which said means for impeding further comprises at least one mechanism in operable communication with said first actuator, said mechanism capable of selectively supporting said hinged plate at said free end.  
   
   
       13 . The barrier of  claim 12  in which said mechanism comprises at least one sliding mechanism.  
   
   
       14 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for impeding further comprises at least one retaining structure, said structure capable of supporting said hinged plate below grade.  
   
   
       15 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for permitting passage of an adult further comprises at least one biasing means at said hinged end, said biasing means capable of permitting said barrier to carry the weight of said adult.  
   
   
       16 . The barrier of  claim 1  in which said means for clearing further comprises: 
 at least one lifting mechanism in operable communication with at least said second actuator;    at least one cross bar in operable communication with said lifting mechanism, said cross bar configured so as to at least reduce friction between said cross bar and said plate on contact of said cross bar with said plate upon activation of said lifting mechanism.    
   
   
       17 . The barrier of  claim 16  in which said lifting mechanism is selected from the group consisting essentially of: screw jacks, hydraulic jacks, scissors jacks, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       18 . The barrier of  claim 1  further comprising at least one source of power in operable communication with at least said means for controlling.  
   
   
       19 . The barrier of  claim 18  in which said sources of power are in operable communication with at least said means for clearing.  
   
   
       20 . The barrier of  claim 1  further comprising means for manually overriding at least said means for controlling.  
   
   
       21 . A method for controlling access of vehicular traffic using a non-obtrusive on-grade system at least part of which is located below grade at an access point in a roadway, said method comprising: 
 providing a trench at said access point;    providing means for controlling said barrier proximal said trench;    providing means for impeding vehicular access in operable communication with said means for controlling, at least part of said means for impeding located in said trench; and    providing means for clearing impeded access in operable communication with said means for controlling, at least part of said means for clearing located in said trench.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further lining said trench at least partially with reinforced concrete.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  further lining said trench at least partially with a pre-fabricated structure.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  further providing at least one power source in operable communication with at least said means for controlling.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21  further providing at least one redundant path for controlling said barrier.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21  further providing for manually overriding said means for controlling.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21  further providing for remotely controlling at least said means for controlling.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 21  further providing at least one indicator of the status of said barrier.  
   
   
       29 . A method for controlling access by vehicular traffic, comprising: 
 providing a barrier as described in  claim 12;     ascertaining proper authorization to enter of the operator of a vehicle;    actuating said supporting mechanism; and    authorizing said vehicle operator to proceed.    
   
   
       30 . A method for controlling access by vehicular traffic, comprising: 
 providing a barrier as described in  claim 12;     ascertaining lack of authorization to enter of the operator of a vehicle;    de-actuating said supporting mechanism; and    refusing authorization to proceed.