EP1392932B1

EP1392932B1 - Flood protection device

Info

Publication number: EP1392932B1
Application number: EP02731061A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sahbi Belarbi
Original assignee: Floodprotection Systems Sweden AB
Current assignee: Floodprotection Systems Sweden AB
Priority date: 2001-05-14
Filing date: 2002-05-14
Publication date: 2007-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-14
Also published as: DE60221121T2; PL197996B1; SE519086C2; ES2290300T3; WO2002092918A1; ATE366847T1; SE0101686L; PL366466A1; SE0101686D0; EP1392932A1; DE60221121D1; CZ20033383A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a flood protection device comprising a supporting structure (10) for supporting a removable water impermeable protection sheet (1) to prevent water from passing by. The supporting structure (10) comprises a front for bearing against the protection sheet (11), a back, a horizontal stabilizing element (12, 40) for bearing against an underlying ground surface, and an elongated supporting element (13, 41) for bearing against the protection sheet (11), the supporting element (13, 41) being inclined in relation to the horizontal stabilizing element (12, 40).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a flood protection device. Floods from, for example, rivers and lakes cause great damages on properties positioned on a height slightly above normal water level. A raising of the water level results in that the property is filled or damaged by the water.
Particularly the invention relates to a device for protecting properties against flooding.

STATE OF THE ART

A plurality of devices for flood protection is disclosed in the literature and in published patent documents. One type of such devices comprises a stand positioned on the ground. A rubber sheet or the similar is positioned on the stand to prevent water from passing by the device. Usually the stand comprises some kind of supporting means preventing the stand from collapsing by the pressure caused by the water.
Such a prior art flood protection device is disclosed for example in EP0854238 . This document discloses a flood protection device comprising a water impermeable protection sheet and a supporting structure for supporting the protection sheet to prevent water from passing by, wherein the supporting structure comprises a base portion for bearing against an underlying ground surface, an inclined supporting element connected to the base portion for bearing against the protection sheet, and braces arranged by said inclined supporting element for carrying water pressure applied on the inclined supporting element. Further, the flood protection device of EP0854238 discloses a seal arranged in front of the supporting structure to prevent water leakage under the flood protection device.
One further type of such devices comprises loading pallets arranged on a stand having supporting means. A plastic membrane is positioned on the pallets to prevent water from flowing through the device. The plastic membrane projects from the pallet and bears against the ground in front of the device so that water bear against the projecting portion of the plastic membrane.
The pallet, which is a conventional type of pallet, can be positioned edgeways to obtain protection up to about 0.95 meters. If the pallet is laid down a protection of about 0.65 meters is obtained.
The stand and the support are formed by steel sheets. Further, the stand is inclined so that the pallet having the plastic membrane is inclined backwards, or so that the angle between the pallet and the ground in front of the device is larger than 90 degrees. A plurality of stands with pallets can further be arranged along a distance to operate as a protection against flooding.
One drawback with such prior art devices is the cumbersome structure, which results in problems in mounting and transportation of the flood protection device. The structure also results in an unsafe and ineffective protection against floods and against pressure from water bearing against the structure. Another drawback with prior art devices is that access to pallets can be limited. Normally the quality and strength of the pallets also varies, which results in an unsafe flood protection device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks and problems with prior art devices.
Another object of the invention is to provide a flood protection device giving effective protection in connection with floods and simultaneously being easy to mount, demount and transport.
These objects are fulfilled by the invention having obtained the features disclosed in claim 1.
The flood protection device according to the present invention comprises a supporting structure for carrying a water impermeable protection sheet and for carrying pressure from water bearing against the protection sheet. The supporting structure is designed with a front for carrying the protection sheet and a back. The supporting structure comprises a substantially horizontal stabilizing element to bear against underlying ground, which is connected with a vertically extending supporting element arranged substantially perpendicular to the horizontal stabilizing element. The horizontal stabilizing element is connected with the vertically extending supporting element, wherein the horizontal stabilizing element projects a suitable distance towards the front for carrying substantially vertical forces on the flood protection device. Thus, the weight of the water contributes to the stabilization of the flood protection device and prevents the flood protection device from sliding or tipping. The stabilizing element and the supporting element can be formed by beams, plates or the similar. The horizontal stabilizing element or a means connectable with the horizontal stabilizing element, such as a telescopic extension, can also project a suitable distance towards the back for further stabilization of the flood protection device. The protection sheet bears against the front portion of the horizontal stabilizing element and the supporting element, wherein the vertically extending supporting element carries forces directed horizontally against the flood protection device.
The flood protection device may comprise supporting means connected with a rear portion of the supporting structure. The supporting means may be designed as braces, supporting plates or the similar. When the supporting element and the stabilizing element are designed as beams a plurality of braces may be connected with a portion of the horizontal beams projecting towards the back and a portion of the vertically extending beams. For example, the supporting means are connected with one end of the horizontal beams and a suitable portion of the vertically extending beams. The supporting means are substantially designed to support the vertically extending beams.
The protection sheet may bear against the front of the supporting structure, wherein the protection sheet extends beyond the front portion of the horizontal stabilizing element and over the vertically extending supporting element. Further, the protection sheet may extend down on the rear side of the vertically extending supporting element. The protection sheet may be connectable with the supporting structure by conventional means, such as by means of screws, clips or the similar.
If the supporting element and the stabilizing element are formed by beams the horizontal beams and the vertically extending beams may be connectable with each other, for example by means of a plurality of bars. Accordingly the supporting structure can be mounted when required and dismounted for, for example, transport. A plurality of supporting structures or flood protection devices may be connectable to each other in suitable angles.
The flood protection device may be foldable by providing joint means between the supporting element and the stabilizing element. For example, the joint means may be provided at the horizontal beams, wherein the horizontal beams can be brought up towards the vertically extending beams. Joint means may be arranged on the horizontal beams a suitable distance from the connection to the vertically extending beams, wherein these can be folded. Alternatively the horizontal beams can be movably connected with the vertically extending beams around a joint. Further, the supporting means may be foldable. The supporting means may, for example, be connected with the vertically extending beams through joint means, such as a shaft pivot, wherein the supporting means can be brought in towards the vertically extending beams. The horizontal beams may further be provided with a removable telescopic extension projecting horizontally towards the back of the supporting structure when the flood protection device is mounted and ready for use. The telescopic extension can be brought into and enclosed by the horizontal beams when, for example, transported.
The supporting structure may comprise strips or nets arranged between the horizontal beams and the vertically extending beams for additional support of the protection sheet. The strips and the nets may be flexible or rigid.
If the supporting element and the stabilizing element are formed by beams the flood protection device can also be designed so that the flood protection device can be brought together in a horizontal direction when the bars, or the similar, are removed and the strips are formed in a flexible material. Accordingly the vertically extending beams may be brought together, wherein the horizontal beams follow and are brought together, so that the distance in a horizontal direction between the beams is decreased. Then the protection sheet is folded so that portions thereof project on the rear side of the supporting structure, wherein the horizontal extension of the flood protection device, or its length, can be decreased to a fraction for, for example, transport. Thus, the flood protection device can be mounted and dismounted easily and quickly and is easy to transport. The height of the flood protection device can be 1.25 meters and the other dimensions thereof can be adapted for favourable stability and easy transportation. The flood protection device is, for example, dimensioned so that a plurality of flood protection devices can be piled and transported on loading pallets.
The flood protection device or the supporting structure may be provided with an extension so that the height of the flood protection device can be increased to, for example, 1.75 m. The extension may be connected with the vertically extending beams and additional supporting means can be arranged between, for example, the extension and the horizontal beams.
A bar connecting the lowest portion of the vertically extending beams may comprise through apertures, through which the horizontal beams can be brought so that one portion of the horizontal beams projects towards the back of the supporting structure and one portion of the horizontal beams projects towards the front of the supporting structure, as described above. The horizontal beams may then be fixed in a suitable position in a conventional manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1: is a schematic perspective view of a supporting structure according to the invention,
Fig. 2: is a schematic perspective view illustrating the supporting structure provided with strips and an extension,
Fig. 3: is a schematic perspective view illustrating the supporting structure provided with a net,
Fig. 4: is a schematic perspective view illustrating the supporting structure according to Fig. 3 provided with a protection sheet,
Fig. 5: is a schematic perspective view of the flood protection device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 6: is a schematic elevational view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5,
Fig. 7: is a schematic elevational view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5, illustrating the flood protection device in a folded position,
Fig. 8: is a schematic front view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5, illustrating the joint means,
Fig. 9: is a schematic perspective view of the flood protection device according to a second embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 10: is a schematic elevational view of the second embodiment according to Fig. 9,
Fig. 11: is a schematic elevational view of the second embodiment according to Fig. 9,
Fig. 12: is a schematic elevational view of the flood protection device according to a third embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 13: is a schematic view according to Fig. 12, illustrating the flood protection device in the folded position,
Fig. 14: is a schematic elevational view of the flood protection device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, and
Fig. 15: is a schematic view according to Fig. 14, illustrating the flood protection device in the folded position.
Fig. 16: is a schematic view inclined from the front of an alternative embodiment of the supporting structure according to the present invention.
Fig. 17: is a schematic perspective view inclined from the back of the supporting structure according to Fig. 16.
Fig. 18: is a schematic elevational view of a portion of the supporting structure, illustrating the joint means.

DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1-4 illustrate a flood protection device comprising a supporting structure 10 for carrying a removable protection sheet 11. The supporting structure 10 comprises a front for bearing against the protection sheet and a back. The supporting structure comprises a horizontally arranged base portion for bearing against the surface of underlying ground. The base portion comprises a horizontal stabilizing element for carrying substantially vertical pressure from water bearing against the protection sheet 11. The supporting structure 10 further comprises an inclined supporting element for carrying forces directed substantially horizontally towards the supporting structure. Thus, the stabilizing element is arranged horizontally projecting in front of the supporting element. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-4 the stabilizing element is formed by a plurality of horizontal beams 12 projecting in front of the supporting structure 10 for bearing against the protection sheet and for carrying substantially vertical pressure from water bearing against the protection sheet 11. Thus, the supporting structure 10 comprises a plurality of substantially horizontal beams 12 for bearing against the underlying ground. In the embodiment shown the supporting structure is further formed by a plurality of vertically extending beams 13 arranged substantially vertical in relation to the horizontal beams 12. Further, the supporting structure 10 comprises at least one supporting means 14 designed as braces, supporting plates or the similar. In the embodiment shown a plurality of supporting means 14 are connectable with the horizontal beams 12 and the vertically extending beams 13. Preferably the supporting structure 10 comprises a plurality of sets of one horizontal beam 12, one vertically extending beam 13 and one or more supporting means 14, the sets being arranged in parallel.
The horizontal beam 12, the vertically extending beam 13 and the supporting means 14 are, for example, formed in a suitable material, such as metal, plastic or wood. Further, the horizontal beam 12 and the vertically extending beam 13 may be formed as tubes.
The horizontal beam 12 is connected with the vertically extending beam 13, wherein a rear portion of the horizontal beam 12 projects to the back of the supporting structure 10 and a front portion of the horizontal beam 12 projects to the front of the supporting structure 10. The front portion of the horizontal beam 12 is designed for carrying substantially vertical forces acting on the supporting structure 10 when water is bearing against the flood protection device.
The supporting means 14 is connected with the rear portion of the horizontal beam 12 and the vertically extending beam 13 for carrying pressure on the front of the supporting structure 10. In alternative embodiments of the invention, not shown in the drawings, a plurality of supporting means 14 can be arranged correspondingly for increased stability.
The sets of the horizontal beam 12, the vertically extending beam 13 and the supporting means 14 are suitably arranged in parallel and connectable to each other by means of a first bar 15, a second bar 16 and a third bar 17. The bars 15-17 are suitably formed in a rigid material, such as metal, and are connectable with the beams 12, 13, respectively, by conventional means.
The flood protection device is further provided with connecting means, not shown in the drawings, for watertight connection of adjacent flood protection devices. The connecting means are designed to enable inclined interconnection of the flood protection devices.
According to one embodiment of the invention, which is shown n Fig. 2, the flood protection device is provided with a vertical extension 18. The extension 18 is connectable with the upper portion of the vertically extending beam 13, whereby the protection sheet 11 can be brought over the extension 18. The extension 18 comprises an extension beam 19 designed to be brought a distance into the vertically extending beam 13 in a direction illustrated by the arrow A. Further the extension beam 19 projects a distance in a vertical direction from the vertically extending beam 19, which distance corresponds to the extended distance. The extension 18 comprises a plurality of extension beams 19 interconnected by an upper extension bar 20 and a lower extension bar 21. The height of the flood protection device is, for example, about 1.25 m without the extension 19 and about 1.75 m with the extension 19.
The flood protection device according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 further comprises a plurality of strips 22 for additional support and protection of the protection sheet 11. The strips 22 are connected with the supporting structures 10 and are arranged substantially horizontally between the beams 12, 13.
Alternatively the front of the flood protection device is provided with a net 23, which is illustrated in Fig. 3, to support and protect the protection sheet 11. The net 23 extends between the beams 12, 13. The net 23 further extends from the front portion of the supporting structure 10 to the uppermost portion of the supporting structure 10. Thus, the net 23 bears against the horizontal beam 12 and against the front of the vertically extending beam 13.
Fig. 5-8 illustrates the flood protection device with the supporting structure 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The horizontal beam 12 comprises a joint means 24, wherein the front portion of the horizontal beam 12 can be folded up towards the vertically extending beam 13. Preferably, the joint means 24 is arranged a distance from the vertically extending beam 13 so that the protection sheet 11 not is pinched when the flood protection device is folded, which is shown in Fig. 7. The joint means 24 is suitably designed with an upper side connected with two sides, wherein the two sides extend along sides of the horizontal beam 12 and the upper side rests upon an upper side of the horizontal beam 12. Further, the joint means 24 is movably connected with the rear portion of the horizontal beam 12 by means of a pin 25 running through the joint means 24 and the rear portion of the horizontal beam 12. The joint means 24 is connected with the front portion of the horizontal beam by means of a welded joint or any other suitable means. Thus, the joint means 24 is movably connected with the rear portion of the horizontal beam 12 by means of a pin 25 and fixed to the front portion of the horizontal beam 12.
The sets of the horizontal beam 12, the vertically extending beam 13 and the supporting means 14 are connectable to each other by means of the first bar 15, the second bar 16, the third bar 17, a fourth bar 26 and a fifth bar 27. The first bar 15 is designed for interconnection of the upper portions of the vertically extending beams 13, the second bar 16 is designed for interconnection of the lower portions of the vertically extending beams 13, the third bar 17 is designed for interconnection of the front portions of the horizontal beams 12, the fourth bar 26 is designed for interconnection of portions of the vertically extending beams 13 positioned between the first bar 15 and the fourth bar 26 and the fifth bar 27 is designed for interconnection of the rear portions of the horizontal beams 12. The bars 15, 16, 17, 26, 27 are connectable with the beams 12, 13, respectively, through grooves or the similar, which can be arranged in a conventional manner and is not shown in the drawings. The bars 15, 16, 17, 26, 27 are further designed for stabilization of the supporting structure 10 and to prevent relative movement of the beams 12, 13.
The vertically extending beam 13 is connected substantially perpendicular to the horizontal beam 12 in a conventional manner, such as by means of a welded joint. Preferably the vertically extending beam 13 is arranged by the horizontal beam 12 so that the angle between the vertically extending beam 13 and the front portion of the horizontal beam 12 is larger then 90 degrees. Thus, the vertically extending beams 13 of the supporting structure 10 are inclined somewhat backwards.
The embodiment of the supporting structure 10 illustrated in Fig. 5-8 comprises the strips 22 to further carry the protection sheet 11. The strips 22 are connected with the beams 12, 13 in a conventional manner, such as by means of screws. Preferably the strips 22 are formed in a flexible material, such as nylon fabric.
The flood protection device according to the embodiment of Fig. 5-8 is designed so that the flood protection device or the supporting structure 10 can be brought together and apart in the horizontal direction, or the length, of the flood protection device when the bars 15, 16, 17, 26, 27 are removed. The sets of one horizontal beam 12, one vertically extending beam 13 and the at least one supporting means 14 are connected only by the flexible strips 22 when the bars 15, 16, 17, 26, 27 are removed. Thus, the sets of one horizontal beam 12, one vertically extending beam 13 and the at least one supporting means 14 can be brought towards each other, wherein the distance between the sets are decreased to facilitate, for example, transportation. Accordingly the length of the supporting structure 10 or the flood protection device can be decreased, wherein the protection sheet 11 is folded so that portions thereof project between the vertically extending beams 13 towards the back of the supporting structure 10. The flood protection device is suitably brought together in the horizontal extension of the flood protection device when the horizontal beams 12 are folded up towards the vertically extending beams 13, wherein the portion of the protection sheet bearing against the horizontal beams 12 follows and is folded as previously described when the flood protection device is brought together in the horizontal direction of the flood protection device.
The supporting structure 10 further comprises flexible wires 36 for further improvement of the ability of the vertically extending beams 13 to carry forces directed horizontally towards the vertically extending beams 13. A wire 36 is removably arranged between the horizontal beam 12 and the vertically extending beam 13. The wire 36 is designed so that the wire 36 is stretched when the supporting structure 10 is mounted and ready for use. The wire 36 is fastened in the horizontal beam 12 by means of a first hook 37 and in the vertically extending beam 13 by means of a second hook 38. Suitably the protection sheet 11 is formed with apertures, through which the hooks 37, 38 project when the flood protection device is mounted. The wires 36 are suitably mounted after the protection sheet 11 has been arranged on the supporting structure 10, wherein the protection sheet 11 bears against the supporting structure 10 as previously described.
The supporting means 14 is movably connected with the vertically extending beam 13 around a shaft pivot 35, wherein the supporting means 14 can be brought in towards the vertically extending beam 13 when folding the supporting structure 10 or the flood protection device.
Fig. 9-11 illustrates the flood protection device with the supporting structure 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second bar 16 is formed with through apertures 29, through which a portion of the horizontal beam 12 can be brought. Thus, the horizontal beam 12 can be brought through the aperture 29 in the direction illustrated by the arrow B so that a portion of the horizontal beam 12 is positioned on the back side of the supporting structure 10 and the opposite portion is positioned on the front side of the supporting structure 10. The front portion of the horizontal beam 12 is designed for carrying forces directed substantially vertically against the supporting structure 10 due to water bearing against the flood protection device. The supporting means 14 can then be connected with the rear portion of the horizontal beam 12 and the vertically extending beam 13. As previously described a plurality of the horizontal beams 12 are interconnected at a suitable relative distance and a plurality of the vertically extending beams 13 are interconnected at a suitable relative distance by means of the bars 15-17. Further, the strips 22 are arranged between the horizontal beams 12 and between the vertically extending beams 13 for further support of the protection sheet 11. The strips 22 may be formed in a flexible material, such as nylon fabric. The strips 22 may also be formed in a rigid material, such as metal, which can be connected to the beams 12, 13 by means of, for example, screws or welded joints.
Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 illustrate the flood protection device with the supporting structure 10 from the side according to a third embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment of Fig 12 and Fig. 13 the horizontal beam 12 is provided with a dowel 30. The dowel 30 is connected substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal beam 12, wherein the dowel 30 projects from the horizontal beam 12. Further, the dowel 30 is movably connected with the vertically extending beam 13 in a joint 31, wherein the horizontal beam. 12 can be brought up towards the vertically extending beam 13 in the direction illustrated by the arrow C in Fig. 13. The joint 31 is positioned a suitable distance from the lowermost portion of the vertically extending beam 13. Accordingly the supporting structure 10 is foldable. The dowel 30 is somewhat elongated to establish a distance between the horizontal beam 12 and the vertically extending beam 13 to avoid the protection sheet being pinched or damaged.
The horizontal beam 12 is further provided with a removable telescopic extension 32, which telescopic extension 32 is designed to be brought in and out of the horizontal beam 12. When the flood protection device is ready for use the horizontal beam 12 projects from the vertically extending beam 13 towards the front of the supporting structure 10 and the telescopic extension 32 projects towards the back of the supporting structure 10. In its extended position the telescopic extension 32 projects from the horizontal beam 12 towards the back of the supporting structure 10, wherein the supporting means 14 can be connected with the telescopic extension 32 and the vertically extending beam 13 as previously described. The telescopic extension 32 can be fastened in the desired position by conventional means. Further, the telescopic extension 32 can be brought into the horizontal beam 12 and be enclosed by the horizontal beam 12 in, for example, transportation of the supporting structure 10 or the flood protection device.
The lower portion of the vertically extending beam 13 may be provided with a plate, not shown in the drawings, to limit the movability of the dowel 30 around the joint 31. The plate is arranged along the lower portion of the vertical extension of the vertically extending beam 13 and projects horizontally from the vertically extending beam 13, wherein the dowel 30 bears against the plate when the flood protection device is unfolded and ready for use.
In the embodiment shown the horizontal beam 12 is also provided with vertically movable nails 34 or the similar for fastening the supporting structure 10 to the underlying ground. The nails 34 are designed to be brought through an aperture or the similar in the horizontal beam 12 and further down into the ground. Similarly, the telescopic extension 32 is provided with nails 34.
With reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the joint 31 is arranged by the lowermost portion of the vertically extending beam 13 and in connection with the horizontal beam 12, wherein the horizontal beam 12 can be brought up towards the vertically extending beam 13 and wherein the supporting structure 10 or the flood protection device provided with the protection sheet 11 is foldable. As previously described the horizontal beam 12 is provided with the telescopic extension 32. Further, the supporting means 14 is movably connected with the vertically extending beam 13 around the shaft pivot 35, wherein the supporting means 14 can be brought in towards the vertically extending beam 13 when folding the supporting structure 10.
Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 illustrate the supporting structure 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The supporting structure 10 comprises the base portion in the form of the stabilizing element projecting horizontally in front of the supporting element. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 the stabilizing element is designed as a horizontally arranged first plate 40 for bearing against the underlying ground, which first plate 40 is connected with the inclined supporting element, which supporting element is designed as a second plate 41. The second plate 41 is arranged substantially vertical in relation to the first plate 40. The first plate 40 is connected with the second plate 41, wherein the first plate 40 projects a suitable distance towards the front for carrying forces directed substantially vertically towards the flood protection device. Accordingly the weight of the water contributes to the stabilization of the flood protection device and prevents the flood protection device from sliding or tipping. The first plate 40 and the second plate 41 are designed for carrying a protection sheet, plastic film or the similar so that the protection sheet bears against the front portion of the plates 40, 41, wherein the second plate 41 carries forces directed substantially horizontally towards the flood protection device. The protection sheet or the plastic film can, for example, be fastened to the supporting structure 10 by means of clips, not shown in the drawings. Such clips are, for example, designed to be fastened at the upper portion of the second plate 41, wherein the clips extends from a back portion thereof to a front portion thereof so that the protection sheet is stretched and in position along the front of the supporting structures 10. The plates 40, 41 are, for example, formed in wood, plastic materials or any other suitable material. For example, the plates 40, 41 are formed in impregnated wood, or wood protected against water by other means, having a thickness of about 14 mm. For example, the plates 40, 41 are designed with bevelled or diagonal corners, at least in their upper side, to facilitate transportation on a loading pallet having vertical girders in corresponding corners. Accordingly displacement of the supporting structures piled on such a pallet is prevented. Further, this design of the plates 40, 41 prevents the protection sheet or plastic film from being damaged against sharp corners. Additionally the first plate 40 is formed as a trapezium, wherein a plurality of supporting structures 10 can be arranged next to each other in suitable angles to provide a flood protection device having a suitable shape. A front side of the first plate 40 is thus formed with a shorter length than a rear side of the first plate 40.
The first plate 40 is connected with the second plate 41 through a joint means 42, wherein the first plate 40 can be brought up towards the second plate 41. Accordingly the supporting structure 10 is foldable to facilitate transportation and storing, for example. The joint means 42 is described further with reference to Fig. 18.
The supporting structure 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 further comprises a supporting means 43. The supporting means 43 is connected to the upper rear portion of the second plate 41 for carrying pressure from the inclined supporting element, or the second plate 41. The supporting means 43 is designed as a frame having one horizontal first joist for bearing against the ground, one upwards projecting second joist connected with the first joist, one horizontal third joist, connected with the second joist, for bearing against the rear portion of the second plate 41, and one fourth joist connecting the first joist and the third joist. The supporting means 43 is pivotally connected with the second plate 41 through a joint element 44, wherein the supporting means 43 can be brought against the second plate 41 and the supporting structure 10 can be folded. The joint element 44 is, for example, formed of a strip in a suitable material. The supporting means 43 is further connected with a lower portion of the second plate 41 by means of a stretch band 45 so that the supporting means 43 can be brought out to a suitable angle without exceeding this angle. By this manner the supporting means 43 is prevented from horizontal displacement in a direction backwards, wherein its supporting effect is maintained. Further, a supporting latch 46 is arranged at the upper rear portion of the second plate 41 for receiving the supporting means 43, wherein displacement of the supporting means 43 in a vertical direction is prevented. The supporting latch 46 is arranged horizontally across the second plate 41 to receive the horizontal third joist of the supporting means 43.
Further, the first plate 40 comprises a first reinforcement 47 arranged across the rear portion of the first plate 40 and the second plate 41 comprises a second reinforcement 48 arranged across the lower portion of the second plate for reinforcement thereof. Accordingly the first reinforcement 47 extends from the rear portion of the first plate 40 and forward a suitable distance in a horizontal direction. The second reinforcement 48 extends from the lower portion of the second plate 41 and upwards a suitable distance in a substantially vertical direction. The reinforcements 47, 48 extend, for example, along the entire width of the plates 40, 41, respectively. The reinforcements 47, 48 are, for example, designed as reinforcing plates, which are fixed to the plates 40, 41, respectively, by means of conventional fastening means 49, such as through screws supplied with nuts. The heads of the screws are suitably bevelled to avoid damaging the protection sheet or the plastic film. For example, the reinforcements 47, 48 are formed in wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. For example, the reinforcements 47, 48 are formed in impregnated wood, or wood protected against water by other means, having a thickness of about 9 mm.
With reference to Fig. 18 one example of the design of the joint means 42 is illustrated in detail. The joint means 42 comprises a first housing 50 for receiving the rear portion of the first plate 40 and the first reinforcement 47, a second housing 51 for receiving the lower portion of the second plate 41 and the second reinforcement 48, and a joint 52 connecting the first housing 50 with the second housing 51. The joint 52 is arranged in an upper portion of the first housing 50 and in a central portion of the front of the second housing 51. Accordingly, the second plate 41 projects a distance beyond the joint 52 in a direction downwards or towards the ground, wherein the projecting portion bears against a rear portion of the first plate 40 or the first housing 50 forming a stopping means when the supporting structure is unfolded. Thus, the second plate 41 is blocked in a position inclined maximum backwards when the lower portion of the second plate 41 or the lower portion of the second housing 51 is brought into contact with the rear portion of the first plate 40, the rear portion of the first reinforcement 47 or the rear portion of the first housing 50. The joint means is, for example, fastened by the plates 40, 41, respectively, by means of fastening means arranged through the plates 40, 41. For example, the joint means 42 is connected with the plates 40, 41. by means of screws or bolts supplied with associated nuts. The joint means 42 is, for example, designed as a conventional hinge in a suitable material, such as metal, plastic materials or the similar.

Claims

A flood protection device comprising a removable water impermeable protection sheet (11) and a supporting structure (10) for supporting the protection sheet (11) to prevent water from passing by, wherein the supporting structure (10) comprises a front, a back, a stabilizing element (12, 40) for bearing against an underlying ground surface, an inclined supporting element (13, 41) connected to the stabilizing element (12, 40) for bearing against the protection sheet (11), and a supporting means (14, 43) supporting said inclined supporting element (13, 41) for carrying water pressure applied on the inclined supporting element (13, 41), characterised in that the stabilizing element (12, 40) bears against the protection sheet (11) and projects in front of the supporting element (13, 41) for carrying water pressure so that the weight of the water contributes to the stabilization of the flood protection device and prevents the flood protection device from sliding and tipping.
A flood protection device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing element is designed as a first plate (40) and the supporting element is designed as a second plate (41) inclined in relation to the first plate.
A flood protection device according to claim 2, wherein the first plate (40) is connected to the second plate (41) by means of a joint means (42) comprising a joint (52), whereby the supporting structure (10) is foldable.
A flood protection device according to claim 3, wherein the joint means (42) comprises a first housing (50) for receiving the rear portion of the first plate (40), a second housing (51) for receiving the lower portion of the second plate (41) and the joint (52) connecting the first housing (50) and the second housing (51).
A flood protection device according to claim 4, wherein the joint (52) is arranged at a rear upper portion of the first housing (50) and at a central portion of the front of the second housing (51).
A flood protection device according to claim 3, wherein the second plate (41) projects a distance beyond the joint (52) in a direction downwards or towards the ground, wherein the projecting portion bear against a rear portion of the first plate (40) forming a stopping means when the supporting structure (10) is unfolded, wherein the second plate (41) is blocked In a position inclined maximum backwards when the lower portion of the second plate (41) is brought in contact with the rear portion of the first plate (40).
A flood protection device according to claim 2, wherein the supporting means (43) is pivotally connected with an upper rear portion of the second plate (41) through joint elements (44), whereby the supporting structure (10) is foldable.
A flood protection device according to claim 7, wherein a supporting latch (46) for receiving the supporting means (43) is arranged at the upper rear portion of the second plate (41), wherein displacement of the supporting means (43) in a vertical direction is prevented.
A flood protection device according to claim 2, wherein the first plate (40) is designed as a trapezium, wherein a plurality of supporting structures (10) can be arranged side by side in a suitable angle to provide a flood protection device having a suitable design.
A flood protection device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing element is formed by horizontal beams (12) and the supporting element is formed by vertically extending beams (13).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal beams (12) also project from the back of the supporting structure (10).
A flood protection device according to claim 11, wherein the supporting structure (10) comprises a plurality of supporting means (14) for carrying pressure on the inclined second beam (13), the supporting means (14) being arranged between the horizontal beams (12) and the inclined and vertically extending beams (13).
A flood protection device according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal beams (12) and the inclined and vertically extending beams (13) are connectable to each other through a plurality of bars (15, 16, 17, 26, 27).
A flood protection device according to claim 13, wherein the horizontal beams (12) comprise a rear portion connected to the vertically extending beams (13) and a front portion connected to the rear portion through a joint means (24), whereby the supporting structure is foldable.
A flood protection device according to claim 14, wherein the joint means (24) is movably connected with the rear portion of the horizontal beams (12) by means of a pin (25) and wherein the joint means (24) is fixed to the front portion of the horizontal beams (12), whereby the front portion of the horizontal beams (12) can be brought up towards the vertically extending beams (13).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein the supporting structure (10) comprises strips (22) for additional support of the protection sheet (11).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein a second bar (16) arranged by the lower portion of the vertically extending beams (13) is designed with through apertures (29), through which a first portion of the horizontal beams (12) can be brought to a position where a second portion of the horizontal beams (12) is positioned on the front side of the supporting structure (10).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal beams (12) are pivotally connected to the vertically extending beams (13) in a joint (31), wherein the horizontal beams (12) can be brought up towards the vertically extending beams (13).
A flood protection device according to claim 19, wherein the horizontal beams (12) are pivotally connected to the vertically extending beams (13) in the joint (31) through a dowel (30).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal beams (12) are provided with a telescopic extension (32).
A flood protection device according to claim 10, wherein the support means (14) are pivotally connected with the vertically extending beams (13) around a shaft pivot (35), wherein the supporting means (14) can be brought towards the vertically extending beams (13),