Connector for Joining Sections of Port Security Barrier Structures

Abstract

A connector especially suited for connecting sections of floating port security barriers (PSBs) has a central portion joining two spaced apart, generally transverse end sections. The connector has a generally I-shaped cross section shape. Bolts or other fastening members are inserted through holes in the end sections to permit attachment to the PSB sections. The connector is preferably of a cast monolithic structure of a flexible, strong, non-corrosive material such as urethane. High-strength embedments may be formed into the end sections, to increase overall strength of the connector. Another embodiment has an internal tension member, which may be a loop of high-strength fiber, connecting the embedments.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A connector for joining sections of floating members, comprising:
 a central portion joining two spaced apart, transverse end sections, said central portion and said end sections forming a generally I-shaped connector, said central portion and said end sections being of unitary fabrication;   said end sections comprising a means for attaching said connector to said floating members; and   wherein said connector is formed of a flexible, non-metallic material.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein said connector is formed from urethane. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein said connector is formed as a cast monolithic member. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 3 , wherein said means for attaching said connector to said floating members comprises a plurality of holes through said end sections, through which bolts are inserted and engaged with said floating members. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising embedments disposed within said end sections, said embedments comprising generally plate-shaped members, said embedments formed from rigid, high strength materials. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 4 , further comprising embedments disposed within said end sections, said embedments comprising generally plate-shaped members, said embedments formed from rigid, high strength materials, and wherein said embedments comprise holes aligned with said holes in said end sections. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 6 , wherein said embedment is formed from metal. 
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 6 , wherein said embedment is formed from a composite. 
     
     
         9 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein said floating members comprise port security barrier sections. 
     
     
         10 . A connector for joining sections of floating port security barrier members, comprising:
 a central portion joining two spaced apart, transverse end sections, said central portion and said end sections forming a generally I-shaped connector, said central portion and said end sections being formed from flexible urethane as a cast monolithic member;   said end sections comprising a means for attaching said connector to said floating port security barrier members.   
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 10 , wherein said means for attaching said connector to said floating port security barrier members comprises a plurality of holes through said end sections, through which bolts are inserted and engaged with said floating members. 
     
     
         12 . The connector of  claim 11 , further comprising generally plate-shaped embedments within said end sections, said embedments comprising a plurality of holes aligned with said end section holes. 
     
     
         13 . The connector of  claim 12 , wherein said embedments are formed from metal. 
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 12 , wherein said embedments further comprise brackets, and said connector further comprises a tension member connecting said brackets. 
     
     
         15 . The connector of  claim 14 , wherein said brackets comprise a pair of spaced apart brackets on each embedment having aligned holes therein, and said tension member is connected to said brackets by pins inserted through said tension member and said holes in said brackets. 
     
     
         16 . The connector of  claim 15 , wherein said embedments, said brackets, and said tension member are encased in said urethane.