Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a security arrangement for preventing unauthorized boarding of a marine entity, as well as a system, a method, a use, and a marine entity relating to such a security arrangement.

Background

In many areas of the world, marine vessels, such as cargo or naval ships, and marine installations, such as oil platforms or other marine installations, are exposed to the risk of unauthorized boarding. Boarders, in particular pirates or activists, may threaten the safety of the crew, or the integrity of the marine vessel or installation. Moreover, they may attempt to steal valuable cargo. It is therefore a necessity to have adequate security means for dealing with such attacks.

Boarders conventionally use high speed boats to quickly approach a marine vessel or installation. By using a variety of ladders, climbing poles, grappling hooks, ropes, wires or the like, the boarders may force their way up onboard the marine vessel or installation before the personnel even knows there is an impending threat.

There are currently quite a few security means a marine vessel or installation may use to hinder or fend off an attack. A preferred solution is using non-lethal force to defend the marine vessel or installation during an attack, for instance by using water cannons, sound cannons, electrical fences, or blinding headlights. Other solutions may involve using security bulwarks or concertina razor wire along an exposed perimeter segment of a marine vessel or installation. However, many of these solutions are costly, and are quite ineffective at fending off potential boarders. Further, many of these security means may be easily seen from a distance so that potential boarders may take adequate actions to circumvent them. Additionally, many of these solutions are impractical when not in use since they either take up lots of space or are not easily made ready for deployment when needed.

Consequently, there is a need for a solution which alleviates at least some of the problems of present solutions. Summary

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved solution that alleviates at least some of the mentioned drawbacks with present solutions.

Moreover, it is an object to provide an arrangement, a system, and a method for preventing unauthorized boarding of a marine entity, and also a marine entity doing the same. Moreover, a use of a security arrangement for preventing unauthorized boarding of a marine entity is provided.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with

embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a security arrangement for arrangement to a marine entity is provided. The security arrangement may comprise a mounting member configured to be mounted to a perimeter segment of a marine entity. The security arrangement may comprise a first barrier plate arranged to pivot relative the mounting member about a first pivot axle. The first barrier plate may be arranged to pivot about the first pivot axle between an extended position in which position a front edge of the first barrier plate is displaced transversal ly from the perimeter segment, and a retracted position in which position the front edge of the first barrier plate is positioned closer to the perimeter segment. The security arrangement may further comprise a fluid actuator configured to operatively move the first barrier plate between the extended position and the retracted position.

By marine entity, it is to be understood as any entity in a marine environment. Such entities may be marine vessels, e.g. any one of merchant ships, cargo ships, naval ships, submarines when at a surface level, or other marine vessels. Moreover, such entities may be marine installations, e.g. oil platforms, mining platforms, rocket platforms, or other marine installations. Moreover, such entities may be semi-marine installations, e.g. fortresses, harbors or other defensive and/or strategic locations at least partly located on land and having at least one perimeter segment facing a large body of water. By perimeter segment, it is understood as a predetermined vertical segment of a perimeter structure of a marine entity. In the case of a cargo ship, a perimeter segment may be defined as the segment between two stanchions of a guard rail. A perimeter segment may be defined as any other suitable segment of a perimeter of a marine entity. Moreover,“security” is to be understood as being associated with means or actions for protection against hostile forces. Meanwhile,“safety” is to be understood as being associated with protection and/or the continued well-being of personnel and the like.

The security arrangement may advantageously prevent or at least significantly stall unauthorized boarding of a marine entity. During an attempt of an unauthorized boarding, boarders may arrange ladders to a perimeter segment in an attempt to climb it to gain access to the marine entity. The security arrangement may thus be operated so that the front edge of the security arrangement makes contact with the ladder and pushes it away from the perimeter segment, thereby causing the ladder to lose stability and tumble down. Alternatively, boarders may attempt to climb the perimeter segment using ropes, wires or chains or the like. These may be attached to distinct edges at or near the top of a perimeter segment using grappling hooks. Such distinct edges may for instance be provided by guard rails, fish plates, or meshed floor structures. The security arrangement may be operated to displace the rope, wire or chain away from the perimeter segment, so that a potential boarder is unable to reach the perimeter segment with their feet, thereby effectively forcing a potential boarder to rely on upper body strength alone to climb the perimeter segment.

Moreover, the security arrangement may be resilient and may be configured to not be easily broken by the weight of a potential boarder climbing the rope, wire or the like. The fluid actuator may be designed to provide and/or withstand large forces, so that it may securely maintain the first barrier plate in an extended position even if the security arrangement is forced to carry significant weight due to a potential boarder climbing the rope, wire or the like. A secure and reliable security arrangement for preventing, or at least stalling, an unauthorized boarding is therefore achieved.

A further advantage is that the security arrangement may be safely operated by the personnel on the marine entity. Compared to known security arrangement for marine entities, the present arrangement may provide a low risk of injuries for the personnel on the marine entity when arranging or operating the security

arrangement,

A further advantage is that the security arrangement may be easily removed from and arranged to a perimeter segment. A plurality of security arrangements may be easily arranged to form substantially protection along any exposed perimeter segments of a marine entity, even along the entire perimeter of the marine entity if necessary. Depending on geographic area, the security arrangement may only be needed momentarily or for a relatively short duration. The security arrangement may be arranged to a perimeter segment on occasion, when needed, and may be removed when not needed. The security arrangement may advantageously be transferred to a second marine entity needing the security arrangement when it is determined that a first marine entity no longer is exposed to the threat of

unauthorized boarding.

A further advantage is that the security arrangement may easily be provided to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (known as SOLAS). The security arrangement may be embodied in shape and size to comply with SOLAS.

A further advantage is that the security arrangement may be operated so that the first barrier plate is moved to the retracted position when it is determined that there is no threat of unauthorized boarding. This may advantageously ensure that the security arrangement takes up as little place as possible when not in use.

The mounting member may be provided with an elongated shape. The mounting member may be configured to be mounted to a perimeter segment of a marine entity so that the longitudinal extension of the elongated body of the mounting member is substantially parallel to a common horizontal datum. Alternatively, the mounting member may be configured to be mounted to a perimeter segment of a marine entity so that the longitudinal extension of the elongated body of the mounting member is substantially parallel to a common vertical. Moreover, the mounting member may be provided with mounting means for mounting the mounting member to a perimeter segment of a marine entity in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Such mounting means may be through-holes (threaded or non-threaded) arranged to correspond to mounting points located on the perimeter segment of the marine entity, in which screws/bolts may be received to securely mount the security arrangement to the perimeter segment. Moreover, such mounting means may be tether points to which ropes or wires of the marine entity may be attached to securely mount the security arrangement in place at the perimeter segment. The security arrangement may be configured so that the first pivot axle extends along the elongated shape of the mounting member. The mounting member may be configured to receive the first pivot axle. The first barrier plate may be provided with a major plate structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may be configured to be directed towards the perimeter segment when the first barrier plate is in the retracted position. The outer surface may be configured to be directed away from the perimeter segment when the first barrier plate is in the retracted position. The major plate structure may be cuboid in shape, defined by a width, a length and a thickness. The thickness of the major plate structure may be significantly smaller than the width and length of the major plate structure. The width of the major plate structure may be between 20 - 300 cm, 40 - 150 cm, or 50 - 130 cm. The length of the major plate structure may be between 50 - 1000 cm, 60 - 750 cm, 70 - 500 cm, 80 - 250 cm, or 90 - 150 cm. The thickness of the major plate structure may be between 0.1 cm to 5 cm. The first barrier plate may be configured to pivot about a longitudinal side of the major plate structure. The security arrangement may be configured so that the first barrier plate is pivotable downwards and upwards relative a common vertical when arranged to a perimeter segment of a marine entity. The security arrangement may be configured so that the first barrier plate in the extended position defines a slanted outer surface, slanting in a downwards direction. The acute angle between the first barrier plate and the vertical when the first barrier plate is in the extended position may be about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the acute angle may be any angle between 0 - 180 degrees, more preferably 30 - 90 degrees, more preferably 45 - 70 degrees. Alternatively, the security arrangement may be configured so that the first barrier plate is pivotable away from or toward the perimeter segment when arranged to a marine entity. The front edge of the security arrangement may be a longitudinal edge of the first barrier plate. The front edge may be an opposing edge relative the edge/side the first barrier plate is configured to pivot about. Alternatively, the front edge of the security arrangement may be a lateral edge of the first barrier plate, preferably a top edge of the first barrier plate. The first barrier plate may be provided with a meshed major plate structure or provided with large apertures/through holes within the major plate structure, thereby reducing its weight. Alternatively, the first barrier plate may be a pivotable frame, in which a wire mesh or the like is arranged to prevent potential boarders from climbing the perimeter segment through the pivotable frame.

The fluid actuator may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir. The fluid actuator may be a pneumatic actuator. The fluid actuator may be a hydraulic actuator. The fluid actuator may comprise a fluid reservoir. The fluid may be hydraulic oil or the like. The fluid may be air, or any other suitable gas. The fluid actuator may be configured to quickly respond to operative control, either manual or automatic, thereby quickly moving the first barrier plate into a desired position. The fluid actuator may be configured to move a first barrier plate form a retracted position to an extended position in less than 10 seconds, 8 seconds, 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds or in less than 1 second. This may advantageously prevent boarders who are also skilled climbers from climbing the perimeter segment before the first barrier segment has been moved to the extended position. The fluid actuator may be a tensile actuator. The fluid actuator may be configured to provide a force of 0 - 500 N, 0 - 1000 N, or 0 - 2500 N, 0 - 5000 N, or 0 - 10000 N or more. The first barrier plate may due to the fluid actuator be advantageously able to carry a significant weight when in the extended position, thereby making it more difficult for boarders to successfully damage the security arrangement while attempting to climb aboard the marine entity.

According to one further embodiment, the fluid actuator may comprise a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, wherein the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal ends are operatively displaceable relative each other to move the first barrier plate between the extended position and the retracted position. The fluidic actuator may be configured to compress and/or expand along its longitudinal extension about 0 - 5 %, about 0 - 10 %, about 0 - 20 %, about 0 - 25 %, about 0 - 30 %, about 0 - 35 %, about 0 - 40 %, or more of its nominal longitudinal length. By this arrangement, a reliable and effective security arrangement may be provided.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be arranged so that the first longitudinal end of the fluid actuator is coupled to the mounting member, and the second longitudinal end is coupled to the first barrier plate. By this arrangement, a simple yet effective mechanical arrangement for moving the first barrier plate between the extended position and the retracted position is provided. Relatively few moving parts may thus be required, thereby potentially making the security arrangement more lightweight and easily operated.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may comprise a second barrier plate pivotably coupled to the first barrier plate about a second pivot axle, wherein the second barrier plate is coupled to the fluid actuator. The security arrangement may be arranged so that the first pivot axle and the second pivot axle are mutually parallel. The second barrier plate may be configured to be arranged so that it ends up in between the perimeter segment and the first barrier plate when the first barrier plate is in the retracted position. The second barrier plate may comprise a major plate structure similar to the one of the first barrier plate. The major plate structure of the second barrier plate may correspond in size and shape to the major plate structure of the first barrier plate. The first barrier plate and the second barrier plate may thus together constitute a folding part of the security arrangement. The first barrier plate and the second barrier plate may be arranged vertically, or substantially adjacent to a perimeter segment when the first barrier plate is moved to the retracted position. Moreover, the second barrier plate may define a gap between the second barrier plate and the perimeter segment when the security arrangement is arranged thereto. The fluid actuator may be configured to be arranged on an inner side of the security arrangement, preferably located in said gap. The second barrier plate may be configured to provide protection to the fluid actuator when the first barrier plate is moved toward the extended position, thereby preventing boarders from tampering with the fluid actuator to retract the first barrier plate. By having the second barrier plate, a more reliable and secure security arrangement is provided. The second barrier plate may be coupled to the second longitudinal end of the fluid actuator and to the first barrier plate at said second pivot axle. The second longitudinal end of the fluid actuator may be coupled to the first barrier plate via the second barrier plate.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may comprise a plurality of fluid actuators. By having a plurality of fluid actuators, the security arrangement may be able to withstand and carry heavier weights. The security arrangement may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fluid actuators. Moreover, by having a plurality of fluid actuators, the first barrier plate may be more easily and/or rapidly moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be configured so that the fluid actuator(s) abut(s) the perimeter segment when the security arrangement is arranged thereto. This may provide a simple construction yet providing effective support to the security arrangement as a whole. In one

embodiment, the second longitudinal end of the fluid actuator abuts the perimeter segment and glides along the surface of the perimeter segment when the fluid actuator expands or contracts. The portion of the second longitudinal end which abuts the perimeter segment when arranged thereto may be configured in shape, size and/or material to provide a low friction gliding movement along the perimeter segment surface.

According to one further embodiment, the fluid actuator may comprise a fluidic muscle. The fluid actuator may be a fluidic muscle. The fluidic muscle may be provided with a major cylinder-shaped body. The fluidic muscle may be configured to, when in use, expand or contract along a longitudinal extension of the fluidic muscle. The fluidic muscle may be provided with press-fitted connection. This may

advantageously allow it to couple to various apertures. The fluidic muscle may be provided with screwed connections. This may advantageously allow it to couple to various screws and or protruding portions. The fluidic muscle may be configured to provide a force of 0 - 500 N, 0 - 1000 N, or 0 - 2500 N, 0 - 5000 N, or 0 - 10000 N or more. The fluidic muscle may be configured to compress and/or expand along its longitudinal extension about 0 - 5 %, about 0 - 10 %, about 0 - 20 %, about 0 - 25 %, about 0 - 30 %, about 0 - 35 %, about 0 - 40 %, or more of its nominal

longitudinal length. By making use of a fluidic muscle to move the first barrier plate, a more resilient and secure security arrangement may be provided.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be arranged so that the first pivot axle and the second pivot axle are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction from the first pivot axle to the front edge. By this arrangement, the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate may be more easily moved by the fluid actuator. The first pivot axle and the second pivot axle may be arranged parallel to each other.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be arranged so that first barrier plate is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the second barrier plate when the first barrier plate is in the retracted position. By this arrangement, the security arrangement may take up less space in an outward direction as measured from the perimeter segment. This may make it less easily discernable from a distance. Further, the security arrangement may be adapted in shape and size so as to blend more easily to the perimeter segment to which it is mounted. Further, the security arrangement may be provided in a color

corresponding to the color of the perimeter segment, thereby camouflaging it.

Alternatively, the security arrangement may be provided in a color easily seen from a distance to deter pirates and/or activists from approaching the marine entity. The security arrangement may for instance be colored black, gray, marine blue or safety orange. The security arrangement may be provided with text to explicitly warn pirates and/or activists from attempting to scale a perimeter segment to which the security arrangement is arranged.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be arranged so that the first pivot axle is perpendicular offset from a major plate structure of the first barrier plate. Preferably, the first pivot axle is perpendicular offset from the major plate structure in an inward direction. By this arrangement, the first barrier plate may be more easily moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be arranged so that the first barrier plate is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by contracting the fluid actuator along a longitudinal extension. Alternatively, the security arrangement may be arranged so that the first barrier plate is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by expanding the fluid actuator along a longitudinal extension.

According to one further embodiment, the first barrier plate may be configured to cover the mechanics, the pneumatics and/or hydraulics of the security

arrangement when in the retracted position. This may prevent the security

arrangement from being damaged from a distance, for instance by gun fire or explosives.

According to one further embodiment, the first barrier plate, preferably the front edge, is provided with cutting means. By having cutting means, a rope, wire or the like may be cut before a boarder can climb up to the security arrangement. The cutting means may be provided along a portion of an edge of the first barrier plate. The cutting means may be provided substantially along the total extent of an edge of the first barrier plate. The cutting means may be provided along the front edge, either along a portion thereof or along its total extent. The cutting means may be a cutting blade. The cutting blade may be angled with respect to the major plate structure. This may advantageously cause the rope, wire or the like to be displaced along the blade toward the perimeter segment due to the weight of the boarder climbing it is carrying. Consequently, the rope, wire or the like is more easily cut.

According to one further embodiment, the cutting means may be arranged at a second plate structure extending in a parallel direction relative the major plate structure. The cutting means may be perpendicularly offset in an inward direction. This may allow the security arrangement to cut a rope, wire or the like placed along the front edge in a more preferable angle. Moreover, the outer side of the major plate structure may be provided with a ridge extending in parallel with the front edge.

Likewise, this ridge may advantageously provide the rope, wire or the like to the cutting means at a more preferred angle so that it is more easily cut.

According to one further embodiment, the cutting means are cutting teeth.

Each tooth may be provided with at least one angled blade edge, angled with respect to the major plate structure of the first barrier plate. Each tooth may be provided with two angled blade edges. By having cut teeth, the rope, wire or the like is prevented from guiding a boarder from being able to reach the perimeter segment with his or her feet, while also providing the cutting effect of the blade. Further, in the event that the climbing tool cannot be easily cut, for instance a chain or steel wire, it may still be caught in a gap between two teeth. Moreover, the cutting teeth make it much more difficult for a boarder from climbing over the front edge. The cutting teeth may extend in a direction parallel to the direction the major plate structure extends from the pivot axle. The cutting teeth may extend in an outward direction. The cutting teeth may extend in a seaward direction when the first barrier plate is in an extended state. The cutting teeth may extend, for instance anywhere between 1 cm to 30 cm, or more.

According to one further embodiment, the front edge may be slanted in an inward direction. This may advantageously prevent the first barrier plate from being held in place by stopping means arranged on the rope, wire or the like. Such stopping means may for instance be stiff balls, rods, hooks or the like. The slanted front edge allows the stopping means to simply glide past the front edge in an upward/downward direction, thereby allowing the first barrier plate to be moved to the extended position even if a rope, wire or the like comprising the stopping means have already been attached to a perimeter segment.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may comprise a supporting member arranged to the first barrier plate, and may be configured to abut a perimeter segment when in the retracted position. By having such a

supporting member, the first barrier plate may be kept at a preferred position relative the perimeter segment and/or the second barrier plate when in a retracted position.

In one embodiment, the second barrier plate comprises an aperture configured to receive the supporting member as the first barrier plate is moved to the retracted position. The supporting member may be a distance element. The supporting member may be provided in a flexible material such as rubber. The security arrangement may comprise a plurality of supporting members, for instance 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more for enhanced support.

According to one further embodiment, the security arrangement may be provided at least partly in a light weight material, e.g. plastic, composite materials, lightweight metals e.g. aluminum, or Kevlar or carbon fiber materials. The security arrangement may further or alternatively be provided at least partly in materials which are resistant to harsh weather conditions, sea water and/or UV radiation. For instance, such material may comprise high density polyethylene (HDPE). Further, the security arrangement may be provided at least partly in a polymer material, in particular polypropylene material. Polymers may have advantageous over e.g. metals in aspects such as weight, manufacturing, and cost of material. Further, the security arrangement may be provided at least partly in more durable materials, such as steel. The security arrangement may be provided in a combination of above materials. The security arrangement may be provided at least partly with a coating for protection against seawater and UV radiation. The coating may be paint containing particles of a polymer material such as the ones already specified.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system comprising a security arrangement according to any one of the embodiments previously specified is provided. The system may comprise a plurality of security arrangements, for instance two or more. The system may further comprise a sensor configured to detect approaching boats or an unauthorized boarding attempt. At least one of the first barrier plates of the two security arrangements may be moved to the extended position when it is determined that there is an impending threat of unauthorized boarding. The sensor may be configured to detect for instance visual light, infrared light, radar waves, sound waves, or pressure differences. The sensor may be an image capturing system, for instance a video camera, or an infrared camera. The sensor may be a microphone. The sensor may be a radar unit. The sensor may be pressure sensing devices configured to be arranged below the security arrangement at a perimeter segment. The pressure sensing devices may be a pressure sensitive film, or pressure plates. The pressure sensing devices may be configured to respond to a potential boarder placing a foot thereon during a climb of a rope, wire or the like along the perimeter segment of a marine entity. The system may comprise a plurality of sensors of any combinations of the ones previously specified.

The system may comprise a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive sensory data. Alternatively, the control circuit is communicatively coupled to a communications relay or memory unit from which sensory data obtained by the one or more sensors may be accessed. The system may, via the control circuit, be configured to operatively control any fluid actuators in a security arrangement, either individually or in tandem, based on the sensory data from the one or more sensors to move the first barrier plate between an extended or retracted position. The system may also be configured to receive manual input for operative controlling the security arrangement.

The system may comprise a plurality of security arrangements according to any one of the embodiments previously specified. The system may comprise two security arrangements. The system may comprise anywhere between two to a thousand security arrangements, or more. The amount of security arrangements of the system may be adjusted based on the total length of the perimeter of a marine entity to be defended. Each security arrangement may be configured to be arranged to a unique and/or specific perimeter segment. A plurality of adjacent security arrangements may be configured to be arranged at the same vertical level so as to be able to form a co-joined barrier plate along a plurality of adjacent perimeter segments. The system may be configured to operatively control any one of these security arrangements, either individually or in tandem, to move first barrier plates between their respective retracted position and extended position. By this system, a plurality of perimeter segments of a marine entity may be simultaneously defended from unauthorized boarding.

In one further embodiment, the system may be communicatively coupled to an alarm system. The alarm system may be configured to alarm personnel on board the marine entity that a security arrangement has been activated to move a first barrier plate to an extended position. The alarm may comprise speakers, lights, or user equipment carried by personnel, configured to receive an alarm notification.

Moreover, the alarm system may be configured to alarm personnel on board the marine entity that any one of the sensors have detected an approaching boat or that an unauthorized boarding is taking place. Moreover, the system may be

communicatively coupled to other marine entities, in particular nearby marine entities, thereby informing the personnel on that marine entity that there is an increased risk of unauthorized boarding in this particular region. Moreover, the system may be communicatively coupled to land entities, thereby informing other personnel of clearance that an unauthorized boarding is currently taking place on one of the marine entities. This may advantageously allow faster executive decisions to be made.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of preventing

unauthorized boarding of a marine entity is provided. The method may comprise the steps of: providing a security arrangement according to any one of the embodiments previously disclosed to a perimeter segment of a marine entity; moving the first barrier plate about the first pivot axle into the extended position by means of the fluid actuator when it is determined that there is an impending threat of unauthorized boarding. By this method, a marine entity may be protected from unauthorized boarding.

According to one embodiment, the method may comprise a step of moving the first barrier plate about the first pivot axle into a retracted position by means of the fluid actuator when it is determined that there is no impending threat of unauthorized boarding.

According to one embodiment, the method may comprise a step of providing a plurality of security arrangement according to any one of the embodiments previously specified to a plurality of adjacent perimeter segments.

According to one further embodiment, the method may comprise a step of detecting approaching boats or an unauthorized boarding attempt. Moreover, the method may comprise a step of determining how to operate one or more security arrangements in view of sensory data. By this method, a first barrier plate of a security arrangement may be moved to the extended position in response to the detected approaching boats or unauthorized boarding attempt. This may be done either manually or automatically.

According to one further embodiment, the method may comprise a step of setting off an alarm when it is determined that a boat is approaching or that an unauthorized boarding is currently taking place. The alarm may comprise emitting loud noise, light, or sending an alarm notification to a user equipment carried by personnel. The method for preventing unauthorized boarding may comprise further steps which may be apparent in view of the security arrangement and system previously specified.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a marine entity comprising a security arrangement according to any of the embodiments previously specified, or a system according to any of the embodiments previously specified, is provided. Each security arrangement may be arranged to a separate perimeter segment of the marine entity. The marine entity may comprise a plurality of security arrangements arranged along the perimeter of the marine entity, along the entire perimeter or a portion thereof. The marine entity may be configured so that the security

arrangements are arranged at a certain vertical level above water, for instance upwards to 10 m or more above a large body of water below. For instance, 2 - 10 m, 3 - 10 m, 4 - 10 m, 5 - 10 m, or more. The marine entity may be configured so that the security arrangements are adjacently arranged along a plurality of perimeter segments. The marine entity may comprise a system according to any one of the embodiments previously disclosed. The marine entity may comprise a sensor configured to detect approaching boats or an unauthorized boarding attempt. The sensor may be configured to detect visual light, infrared light, radar waves, sound waves, or pressure differences. The sensor may be an image capturing device, for instance a video camera or an infrared camera. The sensor may be a microphone. The sensor may be a radar. The sensor may be pressure sensing device. The pressure sensing device may be configured to be arranged below the security arrangement at a perimeter segment. The pressure sensing device may be pressure sensitive film or pressure sensing plates. The marine entity may comprise a plurality of sensors of any combinations of the ones previously specified. The marine entity may comprise an alarm system. The alarm system may comprise speakers, lights, or user equipment carried by personnel. The system may be communicatively coupled to the alarm system, so that the alarm system is activated when it is determined that boats are approaching or that an unauthorized boarding is currently taking place.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a use of a security arrangement according to any of the embodiments herein disclosed for preventing unauthorized boarding of a marine entity is provided. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is given by way of example and in association with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the security arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the security arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position;

Fig. 2b is a perspective view of the security arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention when in an extended position;

Fig. 3a is a side view of the security arrangement according to one

embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position;

Fig. 3b is a side view of the security arrangement according to one

embodiment of the invention when in an extended position;

Fig. 4a is a front view of the security arrangement according to one

embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position;

Fig. 4b is a back view of the security arrangement according to one

embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a system comprising two security arrangements according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7a is an illustration of a marine entity according to one embodiment of the invention as it is under threat of potential boarders;

Fig. 7b is an illustration of a marine entity according to one embodiment of the invention as it is under threat of potential boarders.

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the security arrangement 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The security arrangement 1 may be intended for arrangement for a marine entity. The security arrangement 1 comprises a mounting member 10 configured to be mounted to a perimeter segment of a marine entity 300. The security arrangement 1 comprises a first barrier plate 20 arranged to pivot relative the mounting member 10 about a first pivot axle P1 . The first barrier plate 20 is arranged to pivot about the first pivot axle P1 between an extended position in which a front edge 21 of the first barrier plate is displaced transversally from the perimeter segment, and a retracted position in which position the front edge 21 of the first barrier plate 20 is positioned closer to the perimeter segment, as is illustrated in Figs. 2a - 2b, 3a - 3b, 7a - 7b. In Fig. 1 , the security arrangement 1 is adjusted so that the first barrier plate 20 is in the extended position. Furthermore, the security arrangement 1 comprises a fluid actuator 30 configured to operatively move the first barrier plate 20 between the extended position and the retracted position. The first barrier plate 20 is provided with a major plate structure 20a defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is the surface facing upwards in Fig.1 . The inner surface is the surface facing downwards in Fig. 1 . When the first barrier plate 20 is moved to the retracted position, the inner surface is configured to be directed towards the perimeter segment. Likewise, the outer surface is configured to be directed away from the perimeter segment. The major plate structure 20a of the first barrier plate 20 is substantial cuboid-shaped, thereby defining the inner and outer surface as two rectangular surfaces. The major plate structure, and the first barrier plate 20 as a whole is provided with a significantly smaller than their lengths/widths. The width is measured from the side about which the first barrier plate 20 is configured to pivot about the mounting member 10, and the length is measured as the distance between the shorter sides, parallel to the front edge 21 . The security arrangement 1 is configured to allow the first barrier plate 20 to be pivotable in an upward/downward direction when arranged to a perimeter segment of a marine entity. As seen in Fig. 1 , the acute angle between the first barrier plate 20 when in the extended position and a common vertical is about 60 degrees. Moreover, the security arrangement 1 comprises a second barrier plate 40 pivotably coupled to the first barrier plate 20 about a second pivot axle P2, wherein the second barrier plate 40 is coupled to the fluid actuator 30. The security

arrangement 1 is configured such that the first pivot axle P1 and the second pivot axle P2 are mutually parallel. The second barrier plate 40 comprises a major plate structure 40a similar to the one of the first barrier plate 20. The major plate structure 40a of the second barrier plate 40 also defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is directed toward the perimeter segment of the marine entity, when the security arrangement 1 is arranged thereto. The outer surface is directed away from the perimeter segment of the marine entity when the security arrangement 1 is arranged thereto. The first barrier plate 20 and the second barrier plate 40 together constitute a folding part of the security arrangement 1 . The second barrier plate 40 defines a gap between the inner surface and the perimeter segment when the security arrangement 1 is arranged thereto. The fluid actuator 30 is arranged in said gap. The second barrier plate 40 thereby provides protection to the fluid actuator 30, irrespective of whether the first barrier plate 20 is in a retracted position or an extended position.

The second barrier plate 40 is provided with two circular through-holes 40b joining the outer surface to the inner surface. The two circular through-holes 40b are configured to receive supporting members 60 arranged to the inner side of the first barrier plate 20. The supporting members 60 are configured to extend through the second barrier plate 40 to abut a perimeter segment of a marine entity when the first barrier plate 20 is moved to the retracted position. The supporting members 60 are distance elements. The supporting members 60 may be provided in a flexible material such as rubber.

The first barrier plate 20 is provided with a second plate structure 20b extending out of the major plate structure 20a. The second plate structure 20b is angled with respect to the major plate structure 20a. The front edge 21 is provided at the second plate structure 20b. The front edge 21 comprises cutting means 21 a. The cutting means 21 a are cutting teeth. Each tooth is provided with two angled blade edges, angled with respect to the major plate structure. The cutting teeth 21 a extend in an outward direction. The cutting teeth 21 a may be fourteen in total, arranged along the front edge 21 at regular intervals. The number of cutting teeth 21 a may be adjusted depending on the length of the first barrier plate 20. The front edge 21 is slanted in an inward direction.

Fig. 2a - 2b are perspective views of the security arrangement 1 according to one embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position, and an extended position, respectively. The security arrangement 1 is configured such that the first barrier plate 20 and the second barrier plate 40 are positioned adjacent to one another when the first barrier plate 20 is in the retracted position. The first barrier plate 20 and the second barrier plate 40 are positioned substantially parallel to one another when the first barrier plate 20 is in the retracted position. The mounting member 10 is provided with an elongated shape. The mounting member 10 is configured so that the first pivot axle P1 extends along the elongated shape of the mounting member 10, as is seen in e.g. Figs. 1 , 2a - 2b, 4a - 4b.

Fig. 3a - 3b are side views of the security arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. The fluid actuator 30 is configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir 35. The fluid actuator 30 may be a fluidic muscle 30. The fluid of the fluid reservoir 35 may be operated to move toward the fluid actuator 30 or away from the fluid actuator 30 to adjust its operative condition. The fluid actuator 30 comprises a first longitudinal end 30a and a second longitudinal end 30b. The first longitudinal end 30a and the second longitudinal end 30b are operatively displaceable relative each other by configuring the amount of fluid present in the fluid actuator 30. The first longitudinal end 30a of the fluid actuator 30 is coupled to the mounting member 10. The second longitudinal end 30b of the fluid actuator 30 is coupled to the second barrier plate 40. The second barrier plate 40 is pivotably coupled to the inner side of the major plate structure of the first barrier plate 20 to pivot about the second pivot axle P2. The first pivot axle P1 and the second pivot axle P2 are parallel and offset from one another. By operating the fluid actuator 30 so that the first and second longitudinal ends 30a, 30b are moved closer to each other, the lower end of the second barrier plate 40 is moved in an upward direction relative the mounting member 10. This movement consequently causes the first barrier plate 20 to move from the retracted position in a direction toward the extended position due to the pivot axle P2 coupling the first barrier plate 20 and the second barrier plate 40. Moreover, the first pivot axle P1 is offset relative the major plate structure 20a of the first barrier plate. The first pivot axle P1 is offset in an inward direction, meaning a direction towards the perimeter segment when the first barrier plate 20 is in the retracted position. This facilitates the fluid actuator 30 to move the first barrier plate 20 between the retracted position and the extended position.

Fig. 4a is a front view of the security arrangement 1 according to one embodiment of the invention when in a retracted position, while Fig. 4b is a

corresponding back view of the same security arrangement 1. The security

arrangement 1 comprises four fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 arranged on an inner side of the second barrier plate 40. The four fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 are arranged so that the transversal distance between any two adjacent fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 is the same. Moreover, each of the fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 are configured to abut the perimeter segment of a marine entity when the security arrangement 1 is arranged thereto. Thereby, the fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 provide support and stability to the security arrangement 1 as a whole as the first barrier plate 20 is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. The second longitudinal end 30b, 31 b, 32b, 33b of each fluid actuator 30, 31 , 32, 33 may be provided with low frictional means for facilitating contraction/expansion of the fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 with respect to the perimeter segment of a marine entity. These low frictional means may be arranged to a side of the fluid actuators 30, 31 , 32, 33 configured to face the perimeter segment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The system 100 is illustrated to comprise a first and a second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b. The system 100 may further comprise one or more sensors 110, 120, 130, 140a, 140b, configured to detect approaching boats or an unauthorized boarding attempt. The system 100 comprises a control circuit 105 communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors 110, 120, 130, 140a, 140b, the first and the second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b, and the fluid reservoir 35, as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 5. The fluid reservoir 35 is fluidly connected to the first and second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b as indicated by the narrow lines in Fig. 5. The one or more sensors may comprise an image capturing device 110. The image capturing device 110 may be a video camera or an infrared camera. The one or more sensors may comprise a radar 120. The one or more sensors may comprise a microphone 130. The one or more sensors may comprise a pressure sensing device 140a, 140b configured to be arranged below a security arrangement 1 a, 1 b. The pressure sensing devices 140a, 140b may be a pressure sensitive film, or pressure plates. The control circuit 105 is configured to receive sensory data from the one or more sensors 110, 120, 130, 140a, 140b, to operatively control the fluid reservoir 35, and/or the first and second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b based on the received sensory data, to move first barrier plates of the first and second security arrangement l a, 1 b between the retracted position and the extended position. The control circuit 105 may be configured to control each security arrangement 1 a, 1 b individually or in tandem. The control circuit 105 may be configured to control valves 36a, 36b for controlling the fluid to each security arrangement.

The first and second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b, are configured to be arranged at the same vertical level. Moreover, the first and second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b are configured to be arranged adjacent to each other. The first and second security arrangements 1 a, 1 b may be configured to be arranged so that there is merely a narrow gap between the two adjacent security arrangements 1 a, l b. The first and second security arrangements 1 a, 1 b may be configured so that there is substantially no gap between two adjacent security arrangements 1 a, 1 b. Thereby, the first and second security arrangement 1 a, 1 b provide protection along a plurality of adjacent perimeter segments of a marine entity to prevent unauthorized boarding.

Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method 200 of preventing unauthorized boarding of a marine entity according to one embodiment of the invention. The method 200 comprises a step 201 of providing a security arrangement 1 to a perimeter segment of a marine entity. Moreover, the method 200 comprises a step 202 of moving the first barrier plate 20 about the first pivot axle P1 into an extended position by means of the fluid actuator 30 when it is determined that there is an impending threat of unauthorized boarding. By this method 200, a marine entity may be protected from unauthorized boarding. The method 200 may further comprise a step 203 of moving the first barrier plate 20 about the pivot axle P1 into a retracted position by means of the fluid actuator 30 when it is determined that there is no impending threat of unauthorized boarding. The method 200 may further comprise a step 205 of detecting approaching boats or an unauthorized boarding attempt. This step may involve using the one or plurality of sensors 110, 120, 130, 140a, 140b. The step 210 may comprise a step 210 of determining how to operate one or more security arrangements in view of sensory data. The method may comprise a step 215 of positioning a plurality of security arrangements in an extended position, either individually or in tandem.

Fig. 7a - 7b illustrates a marine entity according to one embodiment of the invention as it is under threat of potential boarders. The marine entity 300 is provided with a security arrangement 1 , or a system 100 comprising a security arrangement 1 a, 1 b. The security arrangement 1 is arranged to a perimeter segment 300a of the marine entity 300. The first barrier plate 20 is in a retracted position, in which position the security arrangement 1 extends only little in an outward direction from the perimeter segment 300a, thereby making it more difficult to discern from a distance. The perimeter segment 300a extends vertically up to the deck, floor, or the like 300b. A guard rail 300c is arranged on the deck 300b so as to prevent personnel of the marine entity from falling into the large body of water 500. A boat 400 is approaching the marine entity 300. On the boat 400, two pirates 410a, 410b are positioned, as is illustrated in Fig. 7a. They 410a, 410b are unware of the presence of the security arrangement 1 as it is in the retracted position and not easily seen from a distance. One of the pirates 410a throws a rope 420 tethered to a grappling hook 430 up towards the deck 300b. The grappling hook 430 attaches to the guard rail, thereby allowing the pirate 410a to climb the rope 420. Flowever, the security arrangement 1 is consequently operated to transversally displace the rope 420 away from the perimeter segment 300a. When the first barrier plate 20 of the security arrangement 1 is moved to the extended position, the pirate 410a is unable to reach the perimeter segment 300a with his feet. Consequently, the pirate 410a is forced to climb the rope 420 using upper body strength alone. The security arrangement 1 being provided with cutting means 21 a is configured to cut the rope 420 when the pirate 410a attempts to climb the rope 420, thereby causing the pirate 410a to fall down into the large body of water 500. In the case where the rope is resilient, and not easily cut, the cutting means 21 a prevents the pirate 410a from climbing over the front edge 21 . Alternatively, the security arrangement 1 stalls the climbing pirate 410a so that adequate security measurements may be taken by personnel of the marine entity 300. Consequently, the marine entity 300 is protected from unauthorized boarding. Moreover, the security arrangement 1 may be configured to be positioned at any vertical level at the perimeter segment 300a, preferably closer to the top end of the perimeter segment 300a, which may measure upwards to 10 m or more above the large body of water 500. Consequently, the pirate 410a must climb a considerable distance to gain access to the deck 300b. Moreover, it may further make it considerable more difficult for a pirate 410a to bring heavy equipment, for instance armor or guns, during the climb, as it adds significantly to the weight a pirate 410a must carry. Moreover, the marine entity 300 may be configured with a plurality of security arrangements 1 a, 1 b, arranged to protect the entire perimeter of the marine entity 300. Thereby, the security arrangement 1 , or a system 100 comprising a security arrangement 1 a, 1 b, sensors 110, 120, 130, 140a, 140b may provide significantly improved defensive capabilities against an unauthorized boarding.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. For instance, the invention has been described in relation to marine entities. The security arrangement may naturally be applicable to and used for entities wholly located on land having no perimeter segment facing a large body of water. Moreover, the security arrangement 1 may be configured to be coupled to a system for controlling the security arrangement 1. The security arrangement 1 may be provided with such a system, and packaged and provided, either separately or as a package. The system may be similar to the system 100 previously specified.