GB2398335A - Flood protection device for buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

A flood protection device, e.g. for protecting doors and windows, comprises at least two elongate channel members (Fig 1, Fig 2) fixed on opposite sides of the opening to be protected, a plate with a sealing element associated with at least three edges thereof (Fig 3, Fig 4), and at least two movable clamps (Sheet 2/5). In use, the plate is located in the channel members and the clamps are moved into position to push the plate and the sealing element against an inner surface of the channel members to effect a watertight seal. The clamp may be hand operated and may be used to locate, clamp and seal the removable plate. Also described is a four sided flood protection device (Sheet 4/5) which may be used to seal, for example, air vents and cellar hatches.

Description

Flood Protector

1. Background

The flooding of Private, Commercial and Public buildings has been a seasonal problem for many years, and based on the recent past it, appears that the occurrences are becoming more serious.

To the extent that property owners in high-risk areas are now facing significant increases in the cost of property Insurance, and the need for a more efficient solution is necessary.

2. The problem The major problem is that flood conditions can arise in a very short time scale, with little pre-warning, and that the necessary conventional protective materials are not readily available, nor in practice not very effective.

3. The Solution The invention (Flood Protector) design provides an economical and effective solution, which is both readily available and simple to implement quickly. The device is re-useable and easily storable within the premises.

4. Features The main features of the invention include: i) A metal frame receptor installed permanently around the area to be protected. Typically; 3 sided units for Window, Door applications, and 4 sided for Air-vent, Cellar hatch applications.

ii) A removable metal shield, which is inserted into the receptor, located and sealed using a "Fast Clamp / Release mechanism".

iii) A dual purpose "Fast Clamp / Release mechanism" employing the minimum of moving parts, designed to enable the Shield elements to be installed quickly and efficiently by the occupant, without the need of third party assistance or additional hand tools.

S. Optional Features A secure and "vandal proof" version may be installed at disused or un-attended properties.

6. Description

The invention comprises four basic modules; À 3 Sided Receptor À 4 Sided Receptor À 3 Sided Shield À 4 Sided Shield 6.1 Receptor's. l

i) 3 Sided Receptor. Vertical Slides (Sheet 1 / Fig.1-2) 2 x "U" channel sections mounted vertically to the fixed surround, one each side of the area to be protected.

| Lengths depending upon the area to be protected.

ii) 4 Sided Receptor. Fixed Backing Plate (Sheet 4 / Fig.2) 6.2 Shield's.

i) 3 Sided Shield. Removable Plate (Sheet 1 / Fig.3) Metal plate dimensions depending upon the area to be protected.

À Plate Seals (Sheet I / Fig.4). Rubber seals.

À Quick Fix Clamp. (Sheet 2 / Sheet 3) Slide Bolt action, to affect the water- tight seal.

ii) 4 Sided Shield. Removable Plate (Sheet 4 / Fig.3) Metal plate dimensions depending upon the area to be protected.

À Quick Fix Clamp. (Sheet 5 / Fig. 1-2-3) 7. Drawing List.

Sheet 1 of 5 Figl. Front view of 3 sided Receptor in Vertical Position. Right and Left elements which are fixed permanently.

Fig2. Plan view of the Receptor elements.

Fig3. Rear view of the Shield, showing Rubber Seal on three sides, with Overlap at the bottom as required.

Fig 4. Plan view of the Shield elements.

Sheet 2 Of 5.

Fig 1. Front view of assembled 3 sided Receptor and Shield.

Fig2. Front view of Shield showing the Locking mechanism.

Fig3. Base Level required for both the Receptor and Shield.

Fig4. Front view of the assembled Shoot Bolts, minimum required 2, additional Bolts fitted as necessary.

Figs. Guides for Shoot Bolts, to be adjusted as required.

Sheet 3 of 5 Figl. Locking mechanism Shoot Bolt assembly in Closed position.

Fig2. Shoot Bolt Guide.

Fig3. Guide for Locking mechanism Actuator.

Sheet 4 of 5 Figl. Front view of 4 sided Receptor, fixed backing plate.

Fig2. Backing plate.

Fig3. Locking mechanism Lugs.

Fig4. Backing Plate mounting screws.

Figs. Plan view of Backing Plate.

Fig6. Back Plate Rubber seals.

Fig 7. Rear view of Shield Plate.

Fig 8. Rubber seal.

Fig 9. Backing Plate.

Fig lo. Plan view of shield Plate (without Locking mechanism).

Sheet 5 of 5 Figl. Front view of Shield Plate with fitted Locking mechanism.

Fig2. Locking mechanism, mounting Spigot.

Fig3. Locking mechanism, Actuator Lever.

Fig4. Locking mechanism, Push Bar.

Figs. Locking mechanism, Bolt Guide.

Fig6. Locking mechanism, Lock Bar.

Fig7. Locking mechanism, Locking Plate assembly. s

Claims (1)

1. 7. Claims.

   i) A flood protection device, comprising at least two elongate channel members fixed in use on opposite sides of an opening to be protected, a plate member of suitable size so that in use at least two opposite edges of the plate member extend into the channels of the at least two channel members, a sealing element associated with at least three edges of the plate member and extending inwardly a predetermined distance on at least one face of the plate element and at least two clamp mechanisms movably attached to a face of the plate member so that in use a member of each of the at least two clamp mechanisms moves into a position such that the sealing element and the plate element are pushed against an inner surface of each of the at least two channel members with sufficient force to ensure a watertight seal.

   ii) A device as in Claim i) which can be assembled quickly as and when required.

   iii) A device as in Claim i) which incorporates a dual purpose, hand operated Fast Clamp / Release mechanism to locate, clamp and seal the removable element.

   iv) A device as in Claim i) in which the removable element can be easily stored within the property until required.

   v) A device as in Claim i) which requires no additional aids to assemble and affect the Seal.

   vi) A Flood Protection device substantially as herein described and illustrated conceptually in the accompanying drawings.