GB2346646A - Flood proof barrier for doorways - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame is permanently attached and sealed to the wall immediately surrounding a doorway or other opening. A panel is arranged to be quickly fixed to the surface of the frame when flooding is imminent, and a sealing means [6] is arranged between the panel and the surface of the frame to prevent seepage of water past the barrier and through the doorway. When the danger of flooding has passed, the panel can be removed from the frame. In a further embodiment, the panel is quickly fixed and sealed to the surface of the frame using latches to compress a continuous rubber, or similar, strip [6] fitted to the bottom and two side edges of the panel.

Description

Floodproof barrier for doorways This invention relates to a floodproof barrier for the sealing of a doorway, typically an external doorway of a dwelling house, against the ingress of floodwater and its associated sediments.

Many instances have occurred in the past where flood water has caused considerable damage to the interior of properties, particularly residential properties because of the ingress of floodwater and flood sediments through external doorways.

Commonly, a doorway, even with its door closed, is not completely sealed against the ingress of floodwater. It is often also the case that there is very little prior warning of likely flooding with the consequence that there is inadequate time to ensure proper and effective sealing of such doorways.

According to the present invention there is provided a floodproof barrier for a doorway comprising a panel or hatch door arranged for quick, efficient fixing and sealing against a frame itself permanently sealed and fixed to the wall surface immediately surrounding the doorway. The sealing is arranged to be proof against the passage or seepage of water and sediments through the doorway.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. Shows a front view of a typical doorway to which the invention can apply Figure 2. Illustrates a hatch mounting frame.

Figure 3. Shows a hatch door.

Figure 4. Shows the assembly of hatch door and mounting frame.

The invention is now described by reference to the enclosed drawings.

Figure I shows an external doorway of a house or other building and an anticipated maximum floodwater level against which flood protection is required. A framework, shown in detail in Figure 2, is permanently and firmly attached ro the wall surrounding the lower part of the doorway positioned as typically shown with respect to the anticipated maximum floodwater level.

The joint between the frame and the wall will generally require to be filled with a sealing compound to ensure a waterproof joint. The frame is firmly fitted and sealed throughout its length and without distortion.

Figure 2 derails the mounting framework the overall size of which would be custom made to fit the requirements of the doorway concerned (see figure 1.) The framework in this example consists of a rigid metal (and/or plastic) channel (item 1) comprising two vertical and one horizontal portion welded and sealed at all corners. The framework is arranged for fixing rigidly to the wall surrounding the doorway (shown typically in Figure 1.) such that the face (item 3) is sealed against the wall possibly using a sealing compound to provide a good waterproof seal. The fixing of the frame to the wall is arranged so that the outer face of the frame is left flat and smooth to provide a good surface for subsequent fitting of the hatch door (item 4) the detail of which is shown in Figure 3.

Item 2 shows several small ramps made of plastic material, for the positioning and tightening of the latches of the hatch door.

Any holes present for the purpose of access to fixing screws in the surface (item 3) may be readily sealed by the use of plastic plugs.

Figure 3 provides details of a typical hatch door which comprises a rigid panel (item 5) with a rubber or physically equivalent compressible sealing material (item 6) fitted to the sides and bottom edges of one face of the panel typically as illustrated. Several window type latches (item 7) are also fitted on the same face of the panel as the seal (item 6).

An oprional lid (item 8) fitted to the top edge of the hatch door provides a shield to prevent falling rain entering the cavity fonned when the hatch door is mounted and latched to the mounting frame.

The edge of the shield would be shaped (for example as illustrated) to match the top of the cavity mentioned.

Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the hatch door (figure 3) is mounted and fixed to its mounting frame (Figure 2).

Sealing the door to the frame is achieved by compressing the seal (item 6) by turning the latch handles (item 7) against the ramps (item 2).

The fitting of the hatch door can be quickly and simply fitted in position from the inside of the building assuming that the door (item 9) hinges inwards in the conventional manner.

A re-arrangement of the fixing of the hatch door is possible to provide for fixing and sealing from outside the building rather than from within. Such an arrangement would be suitable for outward hinging doors. Also an alternative type of latch to that described can readily be accommodated provided it adequately compresses the seal (item 6) throughout its length and firmly holds the hatch door in place.

Claims (3)

1. Claims 1. A floodproof barrier for the lower part of a doorway comprising a removable panel arranged for a quick efficient fixing and sealing against the surface of a frame which is itself permanently fixed and sealed to the wall immediately surrounding the doorway. Sealing is arranged to be proof against the passage and seepage of water and sediments passed the barrier and through the doorway.
2. 2. A floodproof barrier as described in Claim 1 where the fixing and sealing feature of the removable panel embodies the use of window type latches compressing a continuous rubber, or similar strip, fitted to the bottom edge and the two side edges of the panel.
3. 3. A floodproof barrier as Claim 1 substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.