The invention relates to a device for protecting a ship provided with a guard rail. The invention also relates to a method of protecting the ship.

Ships, in particular sea going ships, may be the target of various kinds of attacks. In areas close to a shore, robbers may find their way to the ship and steel goods from the ship. These days a greater danger is that on the open sea pirates may highjack the ship and kidnap the crew.

Such trespassers may use ladders or bamboo sticks of which the top is provided with a hook. The ladders or bamboo sticks may be hooked onto the guard rail or the edge of the deck, which typically is an extension of the hull of the ship above the level of the deck, and give way to trespass the ship. The trespassers may also use ropes at the end provided with a hook. The ropes may be hooked onto the guard rail or the edge of the deck and the trespassers may climb along the ropes and enter the ship.

Various devices and methods have been proposed for protecting a ship against trespassers. For example, devices can be attached to the guard rail, which devices can prevent that a hook which is attached to a ladder, a bamboo stick or a rope can hook onto the guard rail or the edge of the deck. Despite the presence of the protection devices, the decks must remain accessible and should not be blocked. In no-risk and low-risk areas, the devices may be removed and stowed away for later use. In harbours and areas near harbours, it is not allowed for ships to have parts which extend outwardly beyond the hull of the ship, so that protection devices which extend beyond the hull must be removed.

CN 201626546 discloses a device for protecting a ship comprising a first panel, a second panel and a support rod. The first panel is mounted on top of the guard rail with an inward inclination and is supported by the rod positioned at the inboard side of the guard rail. The second panel is attached against the guard rail at its inboard side. The second panel has provisions for covering the horizontal bars of the guard rail and the edge of the deck. The combination of the first and the second panels can prevent that a hook which is attached to a ladder or a rope can hook onto the guard rail or the edge of the deck. However, when installed, portions of the device disclosed in

CN 201626546 are positioned at the inboard side of the guard rail and occupy space above the deck. Hence, the deck is at least partly blocked and cannot be normally used. This may jeopardise the safety of the crew, for example, in case of an emergency evacuation and it may be against regulations imposed by governments and/or insurance companies. Furthermore, when the device of CN 201626546 is installed, the second panels cover the horizontal bar of the guard rail in such a way, that there is still the possibility for trespassers to use the horizontal bar as a step-up for reaching the top of the guard rail.

Furthermore, the second panels, including the provisions for covering the horizontal bars of the guard rail and the edge of the deck, are no flat objects and can therefore not easily be stacked, taking more space when stowed away.

It is now proposed to apply as a protection device panels which can be attached to, both, the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar of the guard rail, at the outboard side of the guard rail. The panels can be held in a vertical position against the guard rail in areas of low risk. Also in harbours and areas near harbours the panels may be maintained in the vertical position, because in that position they do not extend outwardly beyond the hull of the ship. In areas where there is a risk of trespassing, the panels can be pivoted outwardly, such that they form, together with the contours of the guard rail, a notional three-dimensional body having a triangular cross section. In the latter position the panels are interlocked with the help of a simple interlocking mechanism, as described hereinafter. The parts which participate in the working of the interlocking mechanism are integrated in the panels.

The panels of the invention make the horizontal bars and the edge of the deck virtually inaccessible for hooks attached to ladders, bamboo sticks or ropes, so that the ladders, bamboo sticks and ropes cannot be hooked onto the horizontal bars of the guard rail and the edge of the deck, preventing

trespassers to climb aboard. The panels also function as an additional barrier for trespassers to reach the guard rail, as the horizontal bars can no longer be used as a step-up for reaching the top of the guard rail. The panels also cause that potential trespassers cannot see the decks, including crew members on the decks and their activities. When installed, the panels of this invention display a visual appearance which is more intimidating upon potential trespassers than the appearance of the known panels, such that they may be discouraged attacking the ship. Hence, the panels of this invention enhance the safety and security of the ship and its crew. The panels are essentially flat objects, so that, when not in use, they may be stacked easily and stowed away, occupying relatively little space. The panels can be produced easily.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for protecting a ship provided with a guard rail having a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar positioned below the first horizontal bar, which device comprises

- a first panel which first panel has a first side edge and is provided with a slit, which slit is positioned perpendicular to the first side edge and has at or near its distal end which is nearest to the first side edge a portion which is widened relative to the remainder of the slit, which first panel is further provided with a provision for movably attaching the first panel at the first side edge to the first horizontal bar, and

- a second panel which second panel has a second side edge and parallel to the second side edge a third side edge, and is provided at the third side edge with an outwardly directed protrusion, which protrusion has a portion at or near its distal end which is widened relatively to the portion of the protrusion adjacent to the third side edge, which second panel is further provided with a provision for movably attaching the second panel at the second side edge to the second horizontal bar,

wherein, when the first panel is movably attached to the first horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship and the second panel is movably attached to the second horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship, the protrusion can be inserted into the widened portion of the slit upon which the protrusion can slide through the remainder of the slit away from the first side edge whereby the protrusion is prevented from being extracted from the slit as a result of the blocking action of the widened portion of the protrusion.

The invention also provides a method of protecting a ship provided with a guard rail having a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar which is positioned below the first horizontal bar, which method comprises

(1) using a plurality of devices according to the invention,

(2) with a first panel movably attached to the first horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship and a second panel movably attached to the second horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship, inserting the protrusion into the widened portion of the slit and subsequently sliding the protrusion through the remainder of the slit away from the first side edge until the protrusion meets the end of the slit, and

(3) repeating step (2) using the first panel and the second panel of a subsequent device according to the invention.

The skilled person will understand that the working of the interlocking mechanism referred to hereinbefore is initiated by inserting the protrusion into the widened portion of the slit, typically until the second panel meets the first panel. The interlocking mechanism is in operation when sliding the protrusion through the remainder of the slit away from the first side edge until the protrusion meets the end of the slit and also when the protrusion continues to rest against the end of the slit. The interlocking mechanism results in the first panel, the second panel and the contours of the guard rail to form a relatively stable notional three-dimensional body having a triangular cross section.

FIG. 1 provides a view of an embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross sectional view of the first panel of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the first panel and the second panel of an embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention with the panels kept together by means of the interlocking mechanism referred to hereinbefore.

FIG. 4 provides schematic cross sectional views of an embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention when attached to the guard rail of a ship.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide schematic cross sectional views of portions of embodiments of the device in accordance with this invention.

Throughout the Figures, the same objects have the same reference numbers.

The invention may be applied for protecting a ship having a guard rail, which may also be referred to by the term "hand rail". The guard rail is placed on the deck where the deck meets the hull of the ship. The guard rail prevents crew and/or passengers falling off the deck into the water. The guard rail comprises a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar positioned below the first horizontal bar. The guard rail may be provided with additional horizontal bars positioned between the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar. The horizontal bars may be fixedly attached to and supported by vertical bars which are fixedly attached to the deck. The height of the first horizontal bar may typically be in the range of from 0.8 to 1.4 m, more typically in the range of from 0.9 to 1.3 m, as measured from the surface of the deck to the heart of the first horizontal bar. The height of the second horizontal bar may typically be in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5 m, more typically in the range of from 0.15 to 0.3 m, as measured from the surface of the deck to the heart of the second horizontal bar. The vertical bars are typically placed at a mutual distance in the range of from 0.5 to 2 m, more typically in the range of from 0.8 to 1.7 m, as measured as the distance from the heart of a vertical bar to the heart of the next vertical bar.

The skilled person will understand that the size of the panels will be such that they can easily be handled by crew members and be attached to the horizontal bars of the guard rail, at the side of the guard rail which is outside of the ship. As used herein, the side of an object, for example the guard rail, which is outside of the ship or faces away from the ship, may herein also be referred to by the term "outboard side", and the opposite side may be referred to by the term "inboard side". A plurality of first panels and a plurality of second panels will be employed when providing protection at any guard rail of the ship, which may be around the ship. The first panels may be movably attached side -by-side to the first horizontal bar. The number of first panels may be in the range of from 10 to 2000, inclusive, more frequently from 20 to 1500, inclusive. The second panels may be movably attached side -by-side to the second horizontal bar. The number of second panels may be in the range of from 10 to 2000, inclusive, more frequently from 20 to 1500, inclusive. The first panel and the second panels typically have straight side edges or substantially straight side edges. The first panel has a first side edge and may have parallel to the first side edge a fourth side edge. The second panel has a second side edge and parallel to the second side edge a third side edge. In general, the panels may independently have the shape of a rectangle. In some instances the panels may deviate from the rectangular shape in order to match the shape of the guard rail where the guard rail ends. Also, as mentioned herein, at some of the side edges the panels may be provided with a protrusion. In general, the panels are flat or substantially flat. Because of the panels may be provided with ribs, corrugated portions and other portions, as mentioned herein, the panels may deviate somewhat from a flat shape.

The length of the first panels and the second panels may independently be in the range of from 0.5 to 2 m, in particular in the range of from 0.8 to 1.7 m, for example 1.15 m. The width of the panels may independently be in the range of from 0.5 to 1.3 m, more typically in the range of from 0.6 to

1.2 m, for example 0.8 m or 0.775 m. As used herein, the length of the panels is the size of the panels measured in the longitudinal direction, which is for the first panel the direction of the first side edge and for the second panel the direction of the second side edge. As used herein, the width of the panels is the size of the panels measured in the transverse direction, which is

perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the panels have a size such that they can be stored in Euro pallets, of which the internal size is 1.15 x 0.8 m.

The first panel and the second panel may have a thickness, such that they are sufficiently stiff for the purpose of the intended use. Typically the thickness of the panels may independently be in the range of from 1 to 20 mm, more typically in the range of from 2 to 15 mm, for example 4 mm. To enhance the stiffness, the panels may to some extent be corrugated, and/or be provided with ribs. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the side edges may be folded.

Suitably, the first panel and the second panel may independently be made of a relatively light weight and stiff material, such as a metal or a plastic material. The metal may be, for example, aluminium, zinc or stainless steel. The plastic material may be a filled or reinforced thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or a filled or reinforced curable resin, for example a polyester resin or an epoxy resin. The panels may be made by die-cutting or by shaping a sheet of the metal or plastic material.

Alternatively, the panels may be made by injection moulding the

thermoplastic material or by curing the uncured curable resin in a mould.

The first panel has a first side edge and is provided with a slit, which slit is positioned perpendicular to the first side edge. The slit has at or near the distal end which is nearest to the first side edge a portion which is widened relative to the remainder of the slit. Preferably, the slit has the widened portion at the distal end nearest to the first side edge. The number of slits may suitably be up to 5, inclusive, in particular in the range of from 1 to 4, inclusive, for example 2. The width of the slit outside the widened portion may typically be in the range of from 5 to 40 mm, more typically in the range of from 10 to 30 mm, for example 20 mm. In the widened portion, the width of the slit may typically be in the range of from 10 to 70 mm, more typically in the range of from 15 to 60 mm, for example 40 mm. The skilled person will understand that outside the widened portion, the slit will have parallel, straight boundaries. The widened portion may also have parallel, straight boundaries, or a partially circular boundary. The length of the slit may typically be in the range of from 30 to 90 % of the width of the first panel, more typically in the range of from 40 to 85 %, for example 80 %. The length of the widened portion of the slit may be in the range of from 10 to 80 mm, more typically in the range of from 15 to 60 mm, for example 40 mm. The distal end of the slit which is nearest to the fourth side edge may preferably be positioned at a distance from the fourth side edge which is in the range of from 0.2 to 0.5 m, more preferably a distance in the range of from 0.25 to 0.45 m, for example 0.35 m. When the panels are brought in the position to participate in the notional three-dimensional body, mentioned hereinbefore, such a distance allows an overhang of the first panel relative to the second panel to exist, which makes it for potential trespassers when climbing along a rope more difficult to reach the deck of the ship.

The second panel has a second side edge and parallel to the second side edge a third side edge. The second panel is provided at the third side edge with an outwardly directed protrusion. The protrusion may suitably be positioned in the plane of the panel, and is preferably an extension of the panel. The protrusion may be somewhat folded out of the plane of the panel, but this may be less preferred. At or near its distal end the protrusion has a portion which is widened relatively to the portion of the protrusion which is adjacent to the third side edge.

As the protrusion of the second panel engages with the slit of the first panel during the initiation and the operation of the interlocking mechanism, referred to hereinbefore, the skilled person understands that

- the width of the widened portion of the protrusion is more than the width of the slit outside the widened portion of the slit and less than the width of the widened portion of the slit,

- the width of the portion of the protrusion which is adjacent to the third side edge is less than the width of slit outside the widened portion of the slit, and

- the length of the protrusion as measured between the third side edge and the widened portion of the protrusion is more that the thickness of the first plate. Preferably, the width of the widened portion of the protrusion is in the range of from 10 to 70 mm, in particular in the range of from 15 to 60 mm, for example 30 mm. Preferably, the width of the portion of the protrusion which is adjacent to the third side edge is in the range of from 5 to 40 mm, in particular in the range of from 10 to 30 mm, for example 18 mm. The widths of the protrusion are as measured in the plane of the second panel. Preferably, the length of the protrusion, as measured between the third side edge and the widened portion of the protrusion, is in the range of from 5 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of from 8 to 20 mm, for example 12 mm. The length of the widened portion of the protrusion is in the range of from 5 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of from 8 to 25 mm, for example 10mm.

Preferably, the distal end of the protrusion may end in the shape of an outwardly pointing wedge, or an outwardly directed arc of a circle. Such a shape facilitates inserting the protrusion into the widened portion of the slit.

The skilled person understands that, for the interlocking mechanism to operate, the position of the protrusion matches with the position of the slit when the first panel and the second panel have been movably attached to the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar, respectively. When the first panel is provided with a plurality of slits and the second panel is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the widened portions are positioned at equal distances from the first side edge, and the distance between neighbouring slits is equal to the distance between neighbouring protrusions. This ensures that, when the first panel is movably attached to the first horizontal bar and the second panel is movably attached to the second horizontal bar, the protrusions can be inserted into the widened portions of the slits. The distance between neighbouring slits and the distance between neighbouring protrusions may typically be in the range of from 0.3 to 1.5 m, more typically in the range of from 0.4 to 1 m, for example 0.66 m. Further, the slits and the protrusions may be positioned such that the distance between a slit and a subsequent slit of an adjacent first panel and the distance between a protrusion and a subsequent protrusion of an adjacent second panel is in the range of from 0.3 to 1.5 m, more typically in the range of from 0.4 to 1 m, for example 0.52 m. The distance between the slits and the distance between the protrusions are as measured between the hearts of the slits and the protrusions. The distance between two neighbouring first panels or two neighbouring second panels may be up to 10 cm, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 cm, for example 2 cm.

If desired, the fourth side edge of the first panel may be sharpened such that, in the event that a potential trespasser succeeds in hooking a hook at the end of a rope onto the top of the first panel, the rope will be cut when the potential trespasser climbs along the rope. Alternatively, or additionally, the fourth edge may be toothed, or provided with pins extending from the first panel. Such teeth or pins may preferably be sharpened. The presence of teeth or pins along the fourth side edge may have a highly intimidating appearance upon potential trespassers, and makes it more difficult for potential trespassers to reach the deck of the ship.

If desired, the first panel and the second panel may be provided with further openings, in addition to the slits mentioned hereinbefore, for reduction of the wind resistance. The further openings may be circular openings.

Preferably, the further openings may be in the shape of a slit, which may be positioned in any direction, for example in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction of the panels. Preferably, the size, the shape and the position of the further openings are such that it is less likely that a hook attached to a ladder, a bamboo stick or a rope can penetrate the opening. It is preferred to have the opening partially covered. For example, a partially covered slit may be made by cutting along one long side and the two short sides of the projected slit and bending or folding the strip defined by the cuttings to some extent out of the plane of the panel. Preferably, when the panels are positioned in the notional three-dimensional body, the covers of the slits are directed outwardly from the ship. An advantage of having such covered slits is that the covers of the slits additionally function as ribs, increasing the stiffness of the panel, without causing detriment to the stackability of the panel. The number of further openings may typically be up to 20, inclusive, per panel, more typically in the range of from 4 to 15, inclusive. For example 12 covered slits may be oriented in the transverse direction of the panel, or there may be 8 covered slits in the longitudinal direction of the panel and 4 covered slits in the transverse direction. The width of the slits may typically be in the range of from 5 to 40 mm, more typically in the range of from 10 to 30 mm, for example 20 mm. The length of the slits may typically be in the range of from 30 to 90 % of the length or the width of the panel, dependent of whether the slit is directed in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction of the panel, respectively, more typically in the range of from 40 to 85 %, for example 80 %.

When circular further openings are applied in the second panel for reducing the wind resistance, one of more the openings may additionally be employed for holding an outwardly directed nozzle of a water hose, for example a fire hose. When there is a threat of an attack, a plurality of such water hoses may be employed for creating a water curtain around the ship. This may further discourage potential trespassers attacking the ship. As an alternative, second panels may be provided with a recess in the shape of a half circle. Typically such a recess may be provided at a side edge which is perpendicular to the second side edge, such that, when installed, the recesses of two neighbouring second panels form together a circular opening which can hold a water hose. Typically, circular openings for holding a water hose have a diameter in the range of from 4 to 15 cm, preferably in the range of from 5 to 10 cm, for example 7 cm.

The second panel may be provided with one or more further protrusions. The one or more further protrusions are directed outwardly from the body of the panel and in the plane of the panel. The one or more further protrusions are positioned at a single side edge which is perpendicular to the second side edge, in particular in the proximity of the second side edge and/or in the proximity of the third side edge. It is intended that when a plurality of second panels have been movably attached to the second horizontal bar, the further protrusion overlaps with a neighbouring second panel at the outboard side of the neighbouring panel. In addition, when a plurality of second panels have been movably attached to the second horizontal bar, a side edge provided with a further protrusion does not face a side edge of a neighbouring panel which is also provided with a further protrusion. The purpose of the one or more further protrusions is to further stabilise the notional three-dimensional body, in that it will be more difficult to lift a second panel having a further protrusion because of the additional resistance caused by the weight of the neighbouring second panel.

In particular when the panels are made of a metal, they may have a hard plastic strip mounted around the first side edge and/or the second side edge. Such an arrangement will reduce noise and damage to the parts of the ship in contact with the panels, when installed. Such noise and damage may be caused by movement of the panels relative to the ship as a result of, for example, the action of wind and waves.

The panels comprise provisions for movably attaching the first panel at the first side edge to the first horizontal bar and the second panel at the second side edge to the second horizontal bar. The provision for the movable attachment may comprise one or more hooks positioned at the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively. This is however less preferred because for the proper functioning of such hooks they will extend out of the plane of the panels and will to some extent cause that the panels are less stackable.

It is more preferred that the provisions for movably attaching the first panel at the first side edge to the first horizontal bar and the second panel at the second side edge to the second horizontal bar comprise a hole which may be located in the proximity of the first edge and the second edge, respectively, so that a fastener may be inserted into the hole. Thus, the device of this invention may further comprise one or more fasteners. A suitable fastener may be for example, a rope, a strap, an S-shaped hook, or an open ring or open rectangle which open ring or open rectangle may or may not be closable, like a carabineer suitable for mountaineering. The hole into which the fastener may be inserted may be located between the first and the fourth side edge of the first panel or between the second and the third side edge of the second panel. Alternatively, the hole may be provided in the shape of a ring fixedly attached in the plane of the panel to the first side edge of the first panel or to the second side edge of the second panel.

In the case of the first panel it is preferred that the size of the fastener or any other provision for the movable attachment is such that the first panel, when movably attached to the first horizontal bar, can hang in a vertical position between the first horizontal bar and the deck, suitably without being supported by the deck. In the case of the second panel, the size of the fastener or any other provision for the movable attachment is preferably such that the second panel, when movably attached to the second horizontal bar, can hang in a vertical position with the second side edge positioned above the deck and in the proximity of the deck or supported by the deck, and the third side edge positioned below the first horizontal bar and in the proximity of the first horizontal bar. The vertical position of the panels may be stabilised by placing the second panel between the guard rail and the first panel. As an alternative, or additionally, the vertical position of the panels may be stabilised, for example, by applying a strap vertically all-around the entirety of the first panel, the second panel and the guard rail. As a further alternative, the second panel may be provided with a plastic gutter along the second side edge, or along a portion thereof, in which gutter the fourth side edge of the first panel, or a portion thereof, can be inserted. Such an arrangement can also reduce noise and prevent damage to the deck.

When the first panel is movably attached to the first horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship and the second panel is movably attached to the second horizontal bar at the side of the guard rail outside of the ship, the first panel and the second panel may be brought in the positions defined by the notional three-dimensional body. To this end, the first panel may be lifted by moving the fourth side edge of the panel outwardly and the second panel may be lowered by moving the third side edge of the panel outwardly, until the protrusion positioned at the third side edge meets the widened portion of the slit provided in the first panel. Subsequently, the protrusion may be inserted into the widened portion of the slit, typically until the second panel meets the first panel, and, after inserting the protrusion into the slit, the protrusion may be slid through the remainder of the slit away from the first side edge until the protrusion meets the end of the slit.

The first panels and the second panels may be positioned in between vertical bars of the guard rail. Alternatively, and preferably, the panels may be positioned such that they cover one or more vertical bars, in which case the vertical bars provide support to the panels when they are in the vertical position and when they are placed in the position defined by the notional three-dimensional body, mentioned hereinbefore. Normally, when protecting the ship in accordance with the invention, the number of first panels may equal the number of second panels. It is also conceivable, but less preferred, that a single first panel is used in combination with two or three second panels having less length, or two or three first panels are used in combination with a single second panel having more length.

Normally, a single first panel is positioned adjacent a single second panel of even length. It is also conceivable, but less preferred, that the first panels and second panels are positioned in a zigzag manner with respect to each other, which means that each first panel is positioned adjacent two second panels of even length and each second panel is positioned adjacent two first panels.

At least a portion of the first panels, or all of the first panels, may be provided with an accessory which may make it more difficult for potential trespassers to hook a hook attached to a rope or ladder onto the top of the first panel. Such an accessory may comprise a panel, hereinafter referred to as the third panel, and spring loaded pivoting elements. The third panel may have a substantially rectangular shape having a length which is substantially the length of the first panel. The width of the third panel may typically be in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5 m, more typically in the range of from 0.2 to 0.4 m, for example 0.3 m. The spring loaded pivoting elements may be attached, typically fixedly attached, to the third panel along a longitudinal side edge of the third panel. To attach the accessory to the first panel, the spring loaded pivoting elements may be attached, preferably detachably attached, to the first panel in a position which is parallel, and preferably in the proximity of, the first side edge of the first panel, such that in the unloaded condition of the spring loaded pivoting elements the third panel is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first panel and, when seen from the first panel, extends in the outboard direction of the ship, and such that the third panel can turn over in the outboard direction of the ship, with the longitudinal side edge of the panel nearest to the first panel substantially as the axis of rotation. The accessory makes the top of the first panel less accessible to hooks at the end of ropes or ladders to hook onto the top of the first panel. In the event that a potential trespasser succeeds in hooking a rope or a ladder onto the top of the third panel, when the potential trespasser attempts to climb along the rope or the ladder, the spring loaded pivoting elements will cause the third panel to turn over into the direction of the rope or the ladder, and the hook will be unhooked from the third panel. After unhooking, the spring loaded pivoting elements will bring the third panel back into its position perpendicular to the first panel.

Now turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 provides a view of an embodiment of device 10 in accordance with this invention. Rectangular first panel 12 has first side edge 14 and fourth side edge 16 which is parallel to first side edge 14, and is provided with slits 18 positioned perpendicular to first side edge 14. Slit 18 has widened portion 20 at its distal end which is nearest to first side edge 14. Widened portion 20 is widened relative to remainder 22 of slit 18. First panel 12 is provided with further openings 24, 26 for reduction of the wind resistance. Further openings 24 are directed parallel to first side edge 14 and further openings 26 are directed perpendicular to first side edge 14. As drawn, further openings 24, 26 have the shape of partially covered slits. The partially covered slits were made by cutting along one long side and the two short sides of each of the projected slits and bending or folding strips 28 to some extent out of plane of the panel. First panel 12 is provided with provisions 30 for movably attaching first panel 12 to the first horizontal bar. As drawn, provisions 30 are holes. Fasteners 32 may be inserted into the holes.

Rectangular second panel 34 has second side edge 36 and third side edge 38 which is parallel to second side edge 36, and is provided with protrusions 40 located at third side edge 38. Protrusions 40 are directed outwardly from the body of the second panel. Protrusion 40 has a portion 42 at the distal end which is widened relatively to portion 44 of protrusion 40 adjacent to third side edge 38. As drawn, the distal end of protrusion 40 ends in the shape of a wedge. Like first panel 12, second panel 34 is provided with further openings 26 for reduction of the wind resistance, which are directed perpendicular to second side edge 36. Second panel 34 is also provided with further

protrusions 46 positioned at side edge 47, which is perpendicular to second side edge 36. Further protrusions 46 are positioned in the plane of second panel 34 and in the proximity of second side edge 36 and third side edge 38, respectively. Second panel 34 is provided with recess 49 in the shape of a half circle. When the panels are installed, recess 49 and a similar recess in a neighbouring panel may together form a circular hole which can hold a water hose. Second panel 34 is provided with provisions 48 for movably attaching first panel 12 to the first horizontal bar. As drawn, provisions 48 are holes. Fasteners 50 may be inserted into the holes.

Fasteners 32, 50 may be S-shaped hooks. The dimensions of the fasteners have been adapted to the specific dimensions of the guard rail, in order to achieve that after movably attaching the panels to the respective horizontal bars the panels are adequately positioned relative to the guard rail and the deck in order to meet the intended purpose of the protection device, as mentioned hereinbefore.

FIG. 2 provides a cross sectional view of first panel 12 along the line A - A (FIG. 1). First panel 12 is provided with slits 18 and further openings 26 for reduction of the wind resistance. As drawn, further openings 26 have the shape of partially covered slits. The partially covered slits were made by cutting along one long side and the two short sides of each of the projected slits and bending or folding strips 28 to some extent out of plane of the panel. FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of first panel 12 and second panel 34 of an embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention. First panel 12 and second panel 34 have been coupled together by means of the interlocking mechanism referred to hereinbefore. First panel 12 and second panel 34 are provided with provisions 30, 48 for movably attaching first panel 12 and second panel 34 to the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar, respectively. As drawn, provisions 30, 48 are holes. In order to achieve the coupling of the first panel 12 and second panel 34 as drawn, widened portions 42 of protrusions 40 were inserted into widened portions 20 of slits 18 and subsequently protrusions 40 were slid along the remainder 22 of slits 18 in the direction away from first side edge 14 until protrusions 40 meet the end of slits 18. Protrusions 40 are prevented from being extracted from the slits 18 as a result of the blocking action of widened portions 42 of protrusions 40.

FIG. 4 (a - d) provides schematic cross sectional views of an

embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention when attached to the guard rail of a ship. Vertical bar 60 of guard rail 62 is fixedly attached to deck 64, where deck 64 meets hull 66. First horizontal bar 68 and second horizontal bar 70 are fixedly attached to and supported by vertical bar 60. Edge 72 of deck 64 may be an extension of hull 66 above the level of deck 64 (FIG. 4 (a - c)), or edge 72 may be positioned against vertical bar 60 (FIG. 4 (d)). First panel 12 and second panel 34 are movably attached to first horizontal bar 68 and second horizontal bar 70, respectively, by means of fasteners 32, 50. As drawn, fasteners 32, 50 are straps. The straps are inserted into holes (not drawn), which are the provisions of panels 12, 34 for movably attaching panels 12, 34 to horizontal bars 68, 70, respectively. The straps are positioned around horizontal bars 68, 70. Fasteners 32, 50 are not drawn in FIG. 4 (b - d). FIG. 4 (a) shows first panel 12 and second panel 34 in a vertical position. Second panel 34 is positioned between first panel 12 and guard rail 62. In this embodiment, as drawn, the device of the invention does not extend outwardly beyond the hull of the ship.

FIG. 4 (b) shows first panel 12 and second panel 34 in a position that protrusion 40 of second panel 34 has been inserted into the widened portion at the distal end of a slit (not visible) of first panel 12 which distal end is nearest to first side edge 14. Protrusion 40 has been inserted into the widened portion until second panel 34 meets first panel 12.

FIG. 4 (c - d) show first panel 12 and second panel 34 in a position that protrusion 40 of second panel 34 has been slid from the position shown in FIG. 4 (b) through the remainder of the slit of first panel 12 away from first side edge 14 until the end of the slit. Protrusion 40 is prevented from being extracted from the slit as a result of the blocking action of widened portion 42 of protrusion 40. First panel 12 and second panel 34, together with the contours of guard rail 62, form a notional three-dimensional body having a triangular cross section 74. In this position first panel 12 and second panel 34 are interlocked. First panel 12 and second panel 34 make horizontal bars 68, 70, any additional horizontal bars between horizontal bars 68, 70, and edge 72 of deck 64 virtually inaccessible for hooks attached to ladders, bamboo sticks or ropes. First panel 12 and second panel 34 also function as an additional barrier for trespassers to reach guard rail 62.

FIG. 5 shows first panel 12 in a position as depicted in FIG. 4 (c) or 4 (d). First panel 12 has been provided with an accessory comprising third panel 90 and a plurality of spring loaded pivoting elements 92. Spring loaded pivoting elements 92 are fixedly attached to third panel 90 along a longitudinal side edge of third panel 90. The accessory is detachably mounted at spring loaded pivoting elements 92 to first panel 12 in the proximity of the first side edge of first panel 12. The longitudinal direction of third panel 90 is directed substantially parallel to the first side edge of first panel 12. As shown, spring loaded pivoting elements 92 are torsion springs of which the ends of the spirally wound wire are employed for attaching to first panel 12 and to third panel 90. As drawn, one of the ends is inserted into hole 94 in first panel 12 and secured by locking plate 96 and fastener 98, which may a lock pin, a combination of a bolt and a nut, or otherwise. In the unloaded condition of the spring loaded pivoting elements (as drawn) third panel 90 is positioned perpendicular to first panel 12 and, when seen from first panel 90, extending in the outboard direction of the ship. Third panel 90 can turn over in the outboard direction of the ship, which is in the direction of arrow A , with the longitudinal side edge of third panel 90 nearest to first panel 12 substantially as the axis of rotation. A force exerted on third panel 90 in the direction of arrow A, for example by a hook at the end of a ladder or a rope, will cause third panel 90 to turn over into the direction of arrow A. When the force has ceased to exist, spring loaded pivoting elements 92 will bring third panel back into the position as drawn.

FIG 6 (a) shows a panel in accordance to this invention, for example first panel 12, and a preferred embodiment of a fastener for movably attaching the panel to a horizontal bar of a guard rail. Spacer 100 is designed to fit around the horizontal bar of the guard rail, for example horizontal bar 68. Spacer 100, shown in more detail in FIG. 6 (b), comprises a cylindrical body having an axial hole 102. The cylindrical body comprises two halves 104 and 106 which can be connected to each, for example by means of fasteners or by an interlocking mechanism. Both halves can be positioned alongside the horizontal bar with the hollow surfaces adjacent to the horizontal bar, and then the interlocking parts, if applied, can be slid into each other interconnecting two halves 104 and 106 with the horizontal bar positioned inside hole 102. Metal strap 108 is positioned half around spacer 100 and detachably attached to first panel 12 by using fasteners 1 10 through holes provided in metal strap 108 and first panel 12. Fasteners 1 10 may be a lock pin, a combination of a bolt and a nut, or otherwise. The cylindrical body of spacer 100 is provided with flanges 1 10 at both distal ends, so that, when metal strap 108 is positioned between flanges 1 10, metal strap 108 is prevented from sliding off the spacer, and halves 104 and 106 are prevented from sliding relative to each other, preventing the interlocking connection to become loose.