MODULAR BARRIER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to the field of barriers. In particular, the present invention relates to modular barriers that are made of individual barrier units. More particularly, the present invention relates to modular barrier units that have a unique shape for enabling interconnecting with adjacent barrier units along any one of its surfaces.

Background of the Invention

Barriers are utilized in various situations for providing separation between two entities and/or for preventing one entity from passing or crossing over a desired border. For instance, barriers are positioned along the center of a highway to preserve the lanes of two-way traffic or along the shoulder of a road to prevent vehicles from steering off the road. In another situation, a barrier may be placed surrounding a site at which an explosion is expected to occur, for protecting individuals or objects in the vicinity of the explosion. In yet another situation, a barrier may be placed along a shoreline or elsewhere for preventing flood waters from reaching an inhabited area.

As in illustrative example, the present application will be described herein below relating to the use of a barrier to obstruct flood waters. It is understood, however, that any of the other uses of barriers as mentioned herein above, as well as numerous other uses are equally applicable to the present application.

It is often the case that flood barriers must be erected with short notice. It is therefore necessary for the modular units that comprise the barrier be lightweight and enable quick assembly, among other requirements.

Generally, the units are empty containers that are filled with ballast

material to provide stability and mass to the unit. One of the problems involved with barrier units, particularly of large dimensions, is the need to prevent the walls of the unit from bulging or warping due to the force of the ballast material that pushes on the walls. In order to overcome this problem, supporting or reinforcing means are generally provided to retain the walls.

There have been several attempts in the prior art to provide suitable modular barrier walls, however each one has drawbacks associated with it.

US 6,394,705 discloses a modular flood containment structure comprised of modular blocks filled with a ballast. The blocks have interconnectable opposing ends and an interior to receive the ballast. One opposed end comprises a plurality of tenons extending outwardly therefrom, and the other opposed end has a plurality of mortices formed therein. Modular blocks are connected to each other at their opposing ends by means of the mortices and tenons. The interior of the block comprises a liner, presumably for supporting the walls of the block when filled with ballast in order to prevent collapse, or at least bulging walls. The connection between the blocks may be at varying angles, however, the angle is limited by the arrangement of the mortices and tenons. Additionally, in order to connect adjacent blocks by means of the mortices and tenons, the user is required to raise one of the blocks to a height above the adjacent block, and lower the block precisely such that the mortices and tenons interlock.

US 2007/0154265 discloses a modular flood wall structure having a base member for accommodating a plurality of interconnected blocks. Each block has a top surface with at least one hollow protuberance and a bottom surface having at least one hollow cavity for mating with the base member or with the hollow protuberances of a block beneath it. When mating with blocks in a vertical plane, the water is allowed to flow through the hollow

protuberances and hollow cavities, from the top to the bottom of the wall. Thus, the lowest row of blocks receives the pressure of the entire height of the wall. Additionally, US 2007/0154265 does not describe any means for preventing the water from leaking out of the hollow protuberance/hollow cavity connection. US 2007/0154265 describes the sides of each block comprising coupling areas that allow adjacent blocks "to be connected to one another, thereby strengthening the wall and further preventing leaking in between the blocks" (paragraph 0041, lines 3-5). Moreover, "the blocks can be connected or locked together with an adjacent block from any side" (paragraph 0041, lines 15-17). According to the limited description of the figures provided, "the coupling areas preferably have a simple, symmetrical shape, with both a male area and a female area" and are "designed with sufficient depth and interconnectability to prevent water from seeping between two blocks" (see paragraph 0041, lines 8-13). It is difficult to understand how any connection, let alone locking takes place between the blocks, since the side walls are essentially flat surfaces with a slight step formation running vertically along its center. If two adjacent blocks are positioned side by side, a small force applied at any angle would easily separate the two blocks. Additionally, US 2007/0154265 describes the coupling areas (i.e. the side walls of the blocks) as being "formed of a material that is flexible enough so that the blocks will seal easily when filled with water" (paragraph 0041, lines 19-21). In other words, the flexibility of the material allows enough warping of the side walls to sealingly push against an adjacent block. Yet on the other hand, each block has internal center and side supports for adding stability and rigidity to the blocks, for preventing such warping. Furthermore, the internal supports prevent the blocks from being entirely filled with ballast material, which is critical when dealing with large forces of flooding waters.

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It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular barrier that is comprised of individual barrier units, which overcomes the drawbacks associated with the prior art.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a modular barrier unit that has a hollow interior and does not require means for supporting and reinforcing the walls of the unit to add stability or rigidity thereto.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a modular barrier unit that may be interconnected with an adjacent modular barrier unit along its side walls, at either longitudinal end, and at its upper or lower surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular barrier comprised of barrier units that are in fluid communication with each other.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular barrier that may be assembled quickly.

Additional objects and advantages shall be apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular barrier unit comprising an elongated container for accommodating ballast material. The barrier unit comprises first and second longitudinal ends, opposing side walls, an upper surface and a lower surface. The barrier unit further comprising at least one inlet for introducing the ballast material to the barrier unit, wherein the barrier unit comprises a hollow interior. Each opposing side wall has a

contour comprising alternating inwardly and outwardly extending portions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrier unit.

The first longitudinal end is shaped to form a male connector, and the second longitudinal end is shaped to form a female connector. The first longitudinal end of the unit is connectable to the second longitudinal end of an adjacent unit. The first longitudinal end comprises a first aperture through which ballast material can flow and the second longitudinal end comprises a second aperture through which ballast can flow. Preferably, the ballast material is a fluid.

A coupler is provided for joining two adjacent units. The coupler is a hollow member comprising a first end removably positionable within the first aperture and a second end removably positionable within the second aperture.

A sealing ring is positioned within each of the apertures for providing a fluid tight seal between the apertures and each respective end of the coupler.

Each opposing side wall has an irregular contour or a regular contour, or a combination thereof. Each opposing side wall preferably has a contour of a waveform such as a substantially sinusoid, square, triangle and sawtooth.

The barrier unit preferably comprises an outlet for releasing the ballast material therefrom, wherein the outlet is situated at one of the opposing side walls. The at least one inlet is preferably situated at the upper surface. Optionally, a cap is provided for covering the inlet.

Preferably, the upper surface comprises protrusions extending therefrom for mating with the lower surface of an adjacent unit. Similarly, the lower

surface comprises recessed portions for mating with the upper surface of an adjacent unit situated.

The barrier unit preferably comprises at least one handle portion for allowing a user to maneuver said unit. The handle portion may be a recessed portion in said unit. Alternatively, the handle portion protrudes from said unit.

Preferably, the hollow interior of the barrier unit is completely empty to allow ballast material to entirely fill the interior with ballast material

The present invention further relates to a modular barrier comprising a plurality of interconnected units wherein the barrier comprises a row of units, wherein the first longitudinal end of each unit is connected to the second longitudinal end of an adjacent unit. The first and last unit in the row is only connected to an adjacent unit at one of its ends.

The barrier optionally comprises a first row and a second row of units, wherein one of the opposing side walls of each unit of the first row is interconnected with at least one of the opposing side walls of at least one of each unit of the second row. The interconnection between opposing side walls preferably comprises each outwardly extending portion of the units of the first row disposed between each outwardly extending portion of the units of the second row.

According to a further aspect, the barrier comprises a first row and a second row, wherein the upper surface of each unit of the first row is mated with the lower surface of each unit of the second row. The outwardly extending portions of each unit of the second row is preferably vertically aligned with the outwardly extending portions of each unit of the first row.

The barrier is preferably filled with ballast material.

All the above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be further understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings; wherein like components are designated by the same reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Figures In the drawings:

-Figs. Ia and Ib illustrate a front top perspective view (Fig. Ia) and a back top perspective view (Fig. Ib) of the modular barrier unit of the present invention;

-Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a single row barrier wall formed by a plurality of barrier units of the present invention;

-Fig. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a single row barrier wall taken along A-A of Fig. 2a;

-Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate the coupler of the present invention in a top perspective view (Fig. 3a) and a bottom perspective view (Fig. 3b); -Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a sealing ring for maintaining the coupler of the present invention within the apertures of the barrier unit;

-Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the barrier unit of the present invention; -Figs. 6a and 6b illustrate two rows of barrier walls aligned alongside each other and interconnected at their opposing side walls in a perspective view (Fig. 6a) and a top view (Fig. 6b);

-Fig. 7 shows a row of barrier units of the present invention in a bent configuration; -Fig. 8 illustrates two rows of barrier walls aligned vertically, one on top of the other;

-Fig. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the modular barrier unit of the present invention;

-Fig. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the barrier wall of the present invention in a triangular configuration; -Fig. 11 illustrates a wedge for preventing shifting of the present invention along the surface on which it sits; and

-Fig. 12 illustrates a plurality of barrier units positioned for storage or transport.

Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

Modular barriers are useful where separation and/or obstruction are necessary. These barriers should be lightweight and be capable of being quickly assembled, yet must be strong enough to withstand the forces that are expected to be exerted on them. The present invention provides a modular barrier unit, a number of which are used for erecting a modular barrier. The modular barrier unit of the invention comprises a unique shape, which enables it to be connected to an adjacent barrier unit and to accommodate ballast material without causing a significant change in the shape of its walls.

The term, "barrier wall", or simply the term, "barrier" as used herein refers to a single barrier unit, or a plurality of barrier units, interconnected longitudinally and/or in parallel along a horizontal plane, and/or along a vertical plane.

A preferred embodiment of the modular barrier unit of the present invention is shown in Fig. Ia in a front top perspective view and in Fig. Ib in a back top perspective view, and is designated generally by the numeral (10). Barrier unit (10) is an elongated container comprising a first longitudinal end (20) and a second longitudinal end (30), opposing side walls (40), (42), and an upper surface (50) and a lower surface (60).

The unique shape of barrier unit (10) has advantages associated with it when standing alone as well as in combination with additional barrier units (10) to form a barrier wall, as described herein below.

Barrier unit (10) comprises a hollow interior for accommodating ballast material to stabilize it. Ballast material is preferably a fluid such as water, but may be any type of material (e.g. sand) that is capable of filling barrier unit (10) and providing the necessary stabilization. Barrier unit (10) is filled with ballast material by introducing ballast material via inlets (52) situated at upper surface (50). Although two inlets (52) are shown in the figure, it is understood that only one or more than two inlets (52) may be present depending upon the size of the unit among other considerations. Moreover, the shape and dimensions of inlets (52) relative to barrier unit (10) as shown in the figure are illustrative only and may be any alternative shape according to the desired specifications.

Optionally, a sealing cap (not shown) is provided for preventing foreign objects from entering barrier unit (10) through inlets (52).

A first outlet (43) for releasing ballast material from barrier unit (10) is shown in Fig. Ia at the lower end of opposing side wall (40), near first longitudinal end (20), A second outlet (41) is shown in Fig. Ib at the lower end of opposing side wall (42) near second longitudinal end (30). Alternatively, only one outlet, or more than two outlets may be present The outlets may be at different locations than those shown in the figures.

Barrier unit (10) comprises handle portions (48) to allow a user to maneuver

(e.g. lift, carry, move, etc.) barrier unit (10) with relative ease. Handle portion (48) comprises a recess in the wall of barrier unit (10), situated at the lower edges of the first and second longitudinal ends (20), (30).

Alternatively, handle portion (48) may comprise a protruding member that is either rigid or collapsible when not in use (not shown). Barrier unit (10) may comprise four handle portions (48) as shown, or alternatively, fewer or more handle portions, which may be positioned at different locations along the wall of barrier unit (10).

First longitudinal end (20) is in the form of a male connector, while second longitudinal end (30) is in the form of a female connector, for connecting adjacent units (10) to each other. Thus, referring to Fig. 2a, a plurality of barrier units (lOa-c) are aligned longitudinally in a single row, joined at their longitudinal ends, thereby forming a single row barrier wall (12) in a horizontal plane. As is seen in the figure, first longitudinal end (20b) of barrier unit (10b) is joined to second longitudinal end (30c) of barrier unit (10c). Second longitudinal end (30b) of barrier unit (10b) is joined to first longitudinal end (20a) of barrier unit (10a).

Still referring to Fig. 2a, the longitudinal ends of each unit (lOa-c) are connected to respective adjacent longitudinal ends by means of a coupler (70). Fig. 3a shows coupler (70) in a top perspective view and Fig. 3b shows coupler (70) in a bottom perspective view. Coupler (70) serves two main functions. First, coupler (70) links adjacent barrier units (10) to form a row of interlocked longitudinally aligned barrier units (10). Second, coupler (70) allows fluid (or, ballast) communication between adjacent barrier units (10) in a row of longitudinally aligned barrier units (10), as described herein below.

In the embodiment shown in the figures and described herein, the barrier wall does not provide a water tight barrier. Hence, when utilized as a flood barrier, water may be able to seep between the walls of adjacent barrier units. However, since the main function of the flood barrier is to prevent

the catastrophic flooding of a defined area, a relatively minor seepage of water is not considered to be a problem.

With reference to Figs. Ia and Ib, barrier unit (10) comprises a first aperture (22) at its first longitudinal end (20) and a second aperture (32) at its second longitudinal end (30). In order to join adjacent barrier units in a locking relationship (see Fig. 2a), one of each leg (72) of coupler (70) is lodged in one of each aperture (not shown in this figure) respectively, of adjacent barrier units (lOa-c).

As can be understood from Fig. 3b, coupler (70) is a hollow member. Thus, referring to Fig. 2b, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the barrier wall of Fig. 2a, upon introducing ballast material to one barrier unit (for example, barrier unit (10a) of Fig. 2b) via inlets (52) as described above, when the ballast material reaches the height of first aperture (22) it passes through coupler (70) and enters the adjacent barrier unit (10b) through second aperture (32) of barrier unit (10b). Of course, in this case, the second aperture (32) of barrier unit (10a) as well as the first aperture (22) of barrier unit (10c) are sealed with an appropriate covering (not shown) to prevent ballast material from overflowing through those apertures.

A sealing ring (80) shown in Fig. 4 is positioned within each aperture (22), (32) for maintaining legs (72) of coupler (70) therein. Additionally, sealing ring (80) provides a fluid tight seal between each leg (72) and the aperture (22), (32) in which it is lodged for preventing leakage of the ballast material as it passes between adjacent barrier units. Sealing ring (80) is designed such that the ends of legs (72) may be relatively easily passed through, and into the barrier unit (10), however removal of legs (72) through sealing ring (80) requires a predetermined amount of force. The force required to remove legs (72) from sealing ring (80) (and, in turn, from apertures (22), (32)), is greater than the buoyant force provided by the ballast material.

Referring to Figs. Ia and Ib, and particularly to Fig. 5, showing a top view of barrier unit (10), each of the opposing side walls (40), (42) has a contour comprising alternating inwardly extending portions (44) and outwardly extending portions (46) with respect to the longitudinal axis (11) of barrier unit (10). The function and advantages of such a contour is described herein below. The contour of opposing side walls (40), (42) of barrier unit (10) shown in the figures herein has essentially the curvature of a sinusoid.

Alternatively, any "waveform" contour, such as square, triangle, sawtooth, etc. or any other regular or irregular curvature may be used.

Four inwardly extending portions and four outwardly extending portions comprise each opposing side wall in the embodiment shown in the figures herein. Depending on the size of the barrier unit and on the dimensions of each inwardly and outwardly extending portion, there may be fewer than four of each, or more than four of each. Preferably, each opposing side wall comprises at least two outwardly extending sections and one inwardly extending section; although in some embodiments, only one outwardly extending section may be present.

As described herein above, prior art barrier units are provided with different types of solutions to solve the problem of bulging of the walls when filled with ballast material, particularly when the barrier unit accommodates a large amount of ballast material. All prior art solutions include means for supporting and reinforcing the walls of the unit to add stability or rigidity thereto. This solution reduces the internal volume, and complicates and adds costs to the manufacturing and assembly process. The contour of the walls of each barrier unit (10) of the present invention allows ballast material to completely fill the container, without causing any bulge or warping of the walls. This is due to the distribution of forces generated by the ballast material on the outwardly extending portions (46) of the

walls. Thus, the interior of barrier unit (10) is hollow and entirely empty, and does not require any supporting or reinforcing means to prevent bulging. This allows the entire interior of barrier unit (10) to be completely filled with ballast material, thereby maximizing the weight, and thereby the stability of each barrier unit. Further advantages are described herein below regarding the vertical alignment of barrier units (10).

For illustrative purposes only, the dimensions of barrier unit (10) may be 2m x Im x 0.70m (length x width x height). When entirely filled with ballast material (e.g. water), barrier unit (10) may weigh 1 ton or more. Barrier unit (10) may be made of any material, including all forms of rigid and semi-rigid materials, for instance, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).

According to another aspect of the present invention, an as seen in Fig. 6a in a perspective view and in Fig. 6b in a top view, two rows of barrier walls (12a), (12b) are aligned alongside each other (in a horizontal plane) and interconnected at their opposing side walls. As best seen in Fig. 6b, the inwardly and outwardly extending portions (44), (46) of each barrier unit (10) (excluding the end barrier units (lOal) and (10c) of each row) are interconnected with two barrier units of the adjacent row. For instance, the two outwardly extending portions (46a) closer two second longitudinal end (30) of barrier unit (10a) are in contact with inwardly extending portions (44al) of barrier unit (lOal), and the two outwardly extending portions (46a) closer to first longitudinal end (20) are in contact with inwardly extending portions (44b 1) of barrier unit (lObl). Note that for the sake of clarity, the portion of first longitudinal end (20) that is in contact with outwardly extending portion (46a) is referred to as an inwardly extending portion (44a 1) with reference to Fig. 6b.

Alternatively, the inwardly and outwardly extending portions are not required to contact each other. Additionally, depending on the size of each barrier unit, as well on the number of inwardly and outwardly extending portions, each barrier unit may be interconnected with only one, or more than two barrier units in the adjacent parallel row.

In the figures shown herein, there is no interlocking between barrier units of separate rows. In an alternative embodiment, a coupler means (not shown) is provided for interlocking the rows. Moreover, in the figures shown herein, there is no fluid (or, ballast) communication between rows, however in an alternative embodiment, such communication exists.

Among the advantages associated with the contour of the opposing side walls (40), (42) of barrier unit (10) is the fact that the interconnection between parallel barriers prevents shear slippage. Thus, if a force is applied at one of the longitudinal ends (20), (30) of one of the interconnected rows, movement of the row to which the force is applied will be relatively small, even without being filled with ballast material.

When the barrier of the present invention is required to be situated along a terrain that is curved or uneven along a horizontal plane the one or more rows of the barrier should be curved accordingly. Fig. 7 shows two rows (12c) and (12d) of barrier units (10a), (10b) and (lOal), (10b 1) of the present invention, each row having barrier units (10a), (10b) and (lOal), (10b 1) aligned at their longitudinal ends, respectively. A line (13) is shown along the upper edge of each outwardly protruding portion (42) of row (12c). In Fig. 7 rows (12c) and (12d) are shown having a bend of 30 degrees at the location at which the longitudinal ends (20), (30) of the barrier units (10a), (10b) and (lOal), (10b 1) of each row (12c), (12d) meet. The bending angle is limited by the geometry of the male/female connection, i.e. the shape of first

and second longitudinal ends (20), (30). Note that for long rows of barrier units a curved barrier having a large radius of curvature can be constructed.

It is important to note that in Fig. 7 rows (12c), 12d) are oriented in opposite directions such that one end of row (12c) terminates with second longitudinal end (30), whereas the corresponding end of row (12d) terminates with first longitudinal end (20). Additionally, in the bent configuration, the opposing walls of each barrier unit of each row (12c), (12d) is interconnected with a single barrier unit of the adjacent row (as opposed to the configuration shown in Figs. 6a ad 6b, and described herein above).

Referring to Fig. 8, according to another aspect of the present invention, two rows of barrier walls (12e), (12f) are aligned on top of each other in a horizontal plane, forming a vertical wall of barrier rows. An additional advantage associated with the contour of opposing sides (40), (42) of barrier unit (10) is appreciated when barrier units (10) are positioned in the vertical arrangement as shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, as described herein above with regard to a single barrier unit (10), when barrier units (10) are aligned to form a vertical wall, and filled with ballast material, bulging or warping of the side walls does not occur in any barrier unit along the vertical wall. When outwardly extending portions (46) of the barrier units in the two rows (12e), (12f) are vertically aligned as seen in Fig. 8, pillars are created, forming the equivalent of support beams along the periphery of the rows (12e), (12f).

The inventors have found that as a result of the unique contour of the side walls, even if the lower row (12e) contains essentially no ballast material, several upper rows (12f), etc. may be positioned above it, without causing the barrier units of the lower row to collapse, and even without causing a bulge or warp in the walls of the lower row (12e) to occur.

With reference to Figs. Ia and Ib, upper surface (50) of barrier unit (10) comprises a plurality of protrusions (54) extending therefrom for mating with the lower surface (60) of a barrier unit (10) situated above it (e.g. Fig. 8). Fig. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of barrier unit (10). Lower surface (60) has a plurality of recessed portions (64) corresponding to protrusions (54) on upper surface (50) to facilitate the mating of the surfaces, and to prevent shear slippage between the surfaces (50), (60). Four protrusions (54) and corresponding recesses (64) are shown in each barrier unit in the figures herein, however only one or more than two may be present in other embodiments of the invention, depending on size and other factors.

Lower surface (60) additionally comprises openings (62) for accommodating the protruding portion of inlets (52) extending from upper surface (50). This arrangement further facilitates mating and prevents sheer slippage. In an alternative embodiment, neither the protruding portion of inlets (52) nor openings (62) are present in barrier unit (10).

Fig. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the barrier wall of the present invention in an arrangement of rows of barrier units, having a right triangular formation (14). As an illustrative example as mentioned above, the present invention may be utilized to obstruct waters (e.g. of a flood) from crossing a desired boundary. Triangular formation (14) is oriented such that the vertical wall (14a), comprising three aligned rows of barrier units, in a vertical plane, is facing the direction of oncoming waters, indicated by arrow (15). A vertical wall (14b) of two aligned rows of barrier units, and a single row (14c) of barrier units are disposed on the side opposite the oncoming waters (15) to provide support and stability to vertical wall (14a).

In some aspects of the present invention, depending on the material from which the barrier units are made, as well as the surface on which the

barrier units sit, a low coefficient of static friction may be present. In this case, referring to Fig. 11, a mechanism for preventing movement (e.g. slipping) of the barrier units (or rows, or walls) is provided in the form of a wedge (90). Wedge (90) comprises a triangular foot portion (92) and a back wall portion (94). Foot portion (92) is inserted at the lower edge of the row farthest from the oncoming waters (i.e., row (14c) of Fig. 10) between the lower surface of the barrier units and the ground surface on which they sit. The lower side (96) of wedge (90) comprises a sawtooth surface for digging into the surface on which the barriers sit, and providing resistance to the force of the oncoming waters. One or several wedges (90) may be used, depending on the size of each wedge, among other factors.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a base member is affixed to the ground surface, and the barrier units are placed matingly thereon. Thus, for example when used as a flood barrier, the mating connection between the barrier units and the base member provides the desired resistance to the force of the oncoming waters.

It is understood that any formation of horizontally and/or vertically aligned rows (or barrier units) may be utilized according to the present invention to provide a barrier against the oncoming waters.

Fig. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of a way of arranging a plurality of barrier units for storage or transport. The barrier units are aligned in parallel, with interconnected opposing side walls. The longitudinal ends (20), (30) of each barrier unit are oriented at 180 degrees from each adjacent barrier unit (10), thereby allowing an efficient and compact means of storing and/or transporting a large number of barrier units (10). As is known in the art, conventional shipping techniques generally utilize 20 foot (6 meter) and 40 foot (12 meter) containers to transport cargo. Thus, considering the dimensions mentioned above as an illustrative example of the size of the

barrier unit of the present invention, three rows of fifteen barrier units each (i.e. 45 barrier units) may be loaded in a 40 foot container.

Additional advantages associated with the present invention include the ease and ability of assembly and disassembly of a barrier wall. As described herein above, in many cases, time is of the essence. Typically no more than 48 hours are allotted to assemble a barrier wall, and in some cases, even less time is available. The present invention provides barrier units that are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and allow quick assembly of a barrier wall.

In the above description reference has been made to the use of the barrier units to construct a flood barrier, but the units as described herein can also be used for many other applications, e.g. as lane dividers on highways or walls around construction sites. An additional application of the barrier units of the invention that is regrettably all too necessary at many locations around the world in the times in which we live is for the construction of defensive barriers at checkpoints, around strategic installations such as police stations, government buildings, military installations, and foreign embassies. At these locations barriers can be erected as described herein above to afford protection against small arms fire. Barriers that are erected to form a thick wall comprised of a few rows of barrier units can afford protection against explosions. For these applications, the ballast should preferably be in the form of a jell that on the one hand will retard the flight of a bullet traveling through it and on the other hand will "seal" the bullet hole in the walls of the barrier unit. Alternatively, the ballast material can be other solid material, e.g. sand, soil, or polyure thane. For additional protection a layer of material such as Kevlar may be placed between the rows of barrier units.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into

practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art. without exceeding the scope of the claims.