GB2452530A - Flood protection device for openings, automatically deployed by floatation - Google Patents

Abstract

A flood prevention device, comprises a flexible, waterproof sheet 4 with a bottom edge 7 and two opposing side edges 8a 8b, a floatation member retained by the sheet 9, and attachments for attaching the device to a structure 5. The attachments comprise a horizontal component, and two upwardly extending support members 3a 3b which, in use, extend around a portion of an opening 6 in a structure 5. The bottom edge of tile sheet 7 is sealed to the horizontal component and at least a portion of each side edge 8a 8b is sealed to a respective support member. All seals are watertight, and in the event of a water level exceeding a predetermined height, a portion of the sheet is caused to move by floatation from an initial stowed configuration to a raised position. Preferably the horizontal component of the attachment has a channel adapted to retain the sheet and float when in the stowed configuration and the channel has an overflow pipe and a detachable cover. Additional vertical struts can be arranged within the opening 6 for added support.

Description

Flood Prevention Device This invention relates to a flood prevention device for preventing water passing through an opening in a structure. The term "structure" is used to refer generally to any permanent or semi-permanent structure, such as a building, wall or fence which includes an opening, such as a doorway, gate, window, ventilation duct, driveway or other gap through which surface water may ingress. Alternatively, such a structure may comprise a earth formation, dyke or other sea defence.

The problem of flooding, caused by a variety of factors, for example excessive rainfall, burst riverbanks or even blocked drainage is well known. Typically, sandbags must be used to block openings such as doorways, gates, windows, ventilation ducts or other gaps in such structures. However, these are bulky to store and are often not available when needed.

An alternative would be to cover the opening with a waterproof covering, for example a plastics sheet, whether flexible or rigid. However, it is difficult to ensure that such an arrangement is truly watertight. Furthermore, both these alternatives rely on human intervention to effect.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a flood prevention device which overcomes these drawbacks, namely an apparatus which is deployed automatically in the event of a rise in water level, is fully watertight, and is compactly stored away when not deployed. This is achieved by employing a waterproof sheet which is permanently sealed around the bottom of an opening and at least a portion of the sides of the opening. The sheet is easily stowed out of sight when not in use. Floatation means retained by the sheet causes the sheet to automatically raise as the water level increases.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a flood prevention device as set out in the accompanying claims.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. I schematically shows attachment means for the device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows a device in accordance with the first embodiment in a stowed state; Fig. 3 schematically shows a device in accordance with the first embodiment in a deployed state; Fig. 4 schematically shows a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in a stowed configuration; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 4 when in a deployed configuration; Fig. 8 is a close up of a portion of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 schematically shows a device in accordance with the second embodiment in a deployed configuration, viewed from the opposite direction to Fig. 4.

Fig. 1 schematically shows attachment means for a device in accordance with the present invention. These components are intended to connect the remainder of the apparatus to the structure (5, see Fig. 2), in this case a building structure, so as to protect a doorway of a building. The attachment means comprises a channel or trench 1 which is longer than the width of the opening (6, see Fig. 2) and suitably sized to retain a waterproof sheet and floats, as will be described later. The channel lies within a recess in the ground, so that the top of the trough is approximately at ground level. The channel may be secured into the recess, for example by being set in concrete or cement. The front wall of the channel includes a connection to a drainage system 2. A vertical support 3a, 3b is located proximate each end of the channel. In use, each support 3a, 3b is permanently fastened to the building structure, one on each side of the opening. The supports 3a, 3b may for example be set into the building structure, for example with concrete or cement, or screwed into the building. The supports 3a, 3b comprise flat plates, so that they do not protrude appreciably from the building. The supports are sealed against respective walls of the building structure in a watertight manner, for example with a cement or concrete render or a waterproof sealant such as a silicone-based sealant.

Fig. 2 shows the apparatus in a stowed configuration. A flexible, waterproof sheet 4 is provided, for example comprising PVC or other plastics material, which is approximately as wide as the channel's length. The bottom edge 7 of the sheet 4 is sealed along a back-wall of the channel, i.e. the wall closest to the building structure. The side edges 8a, 8b of the sheet are sealed at their lower portions to from the bottom edge 7 up to and including their respective supports 3a, 3b. All seals are made watertight, for example using a silicone-based sealant. The seals between the side edges 8a, 8b and bottom edge 7 are made contiguous, so that an essentially "U-shaped" seal is formed extending around three sides of the opening. The height of the side seals define the maximum operative height of the apparatus, and may be selected according to the application in hand. The sheet 4 is furled over such that the central portion thereof, i.e. the section between the two sides, lies completely within the channel 1. Since the sheet is wider than the opening, there is some slack in the sheet, i.e. it is not held taut between the supports. Only a small area of sheet remains above ground, proximate each support. If necessary, these visible sections may be easily hidden from view in a variety of ways, for example by using providing decorative pillars, columns or brickwork in front of them. The top edge of the sheet, i.e. the edge opposite to the bottom edge, is attached to the channel at a point in front of the back-wall. This attachment need not be watertight, and so a variety of attaching methods may be used, for example gluing, riveting etc. One or more buoyant floats 9 are loosely retained underneath a fold of the sheet 4. It should be noted that Fig. 2 only shows on possible stowed configuration of the sheet 4. In practice, the sheet may be "bundled" into the channel in an irregular fashion, or alternatively may be rolled or folded into the channel.

A releasable cover (not shown), is located to close off the top of the channel 1. This may simply comprise a tray made from metal or plastics material for example, which lies on lop of the channel resting on the top of the sidewalls of the channel. This configuration enables the cover to be lifted completely from the channel but prevents lateral movement.

Alternatively, the cover may be connected to the top of the front of the channel 1 by hinges, so that the cover may pivot upwardly to enable deployment of the sheet 4.

Preferably, the cover allows water to pass through, so that water, e.g. rainwater, landing on the cover will drain through and into the drainage system 2 through the front of the channel 1.

In operation, the apparatus remains in its stowed configuration until a flood occurs. In this event, water backs-up in the drainage system 2, so that the channel fills with water.

The float lifts with the water level, and pushes the cover from the channel. The sheet is then free to lift with the water level into a deployed configuration.

Fig. 3 shows the apparatus in a fully-deployed configuration. As shown, the water level is approximately at the same height as the side seals, which define the maximum operative height of the apparatus. The sheet is raised up to this level by the float, to create a waterproof barrier across the opening 6. As shown in Fig. 3, the sheet is folded over at its highest point, with the float retained in the fold.

When the flood has passed, the apparatus may be returned to the stowed configuration by "bundling" the sheet and float back into the channel.

Figs. 4 to 9 show a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in its stowed configuration. The device as described in this embodiment is has many features in common with the first embodiment, but is practicable for protecting opening in walls, earth formations, sea defences or the like, where it is possible to mount the apparatus "end-on" or in line with the structure opening, rather than onto one side.

As with the first embodiment, the device comprises attachment means including a trench or channel I. This extends for substantially the width of the opening 6 to be protected. A releasable cover 10 is located over the channel 1, at ground level. The cover 10 has holes 11 to permit fluid to enter the channel 1. The front wall of the channel includes a connection to a drainage system 2 (see Fig. 6).

The attachment means also includes vertical supports 3a' and 3b' at respective ends sides of the opening. As shown in Fig. 4, these comprise solid blocks set into an earth formation.

A flexible, waterproof sheet 4 is sealingly attached to a backwall of the channel 1 along its bottom edge, and also to vertical supports 3a' and 3b' along its side edges, so that the top edge of the sheet 4 is above ground level proximate the side edges. All these seals are made waterproof. The width of the sheet is greater than the width of the opening 6, to provide slack in the sheet.

In contrast to the first embodiment, floatation means, for example one or more buoyant floats, are retained at the top edge of the flexible sheet 4 as shown in Figs. 5-7. In this case, a permanent loop is formed in the sheet 4 by, for example, gluing, sewing or heat-sealing, and the floats are inserted into the ioop. Since the top edge of the sheet is attached to the vertical supports, the floats may also extend above ground level. If a single float is used, it must be flexible, to withstand the bending forces experienced during the transition between stowing and deployment.

As shown more clearly in Figs. 9 and 10, the sheet 4 is fastened to the cover 10, so that when deployed, the cover is lifted to approximately vertical, defined by the profile of the sheet. This prevents the cover from being removed from the device when stowed, and also prevents it from being carried away when deployed. The detail view in Fig. 8 shows that the cover 10 effectively pivots between horizontal and vertical about a top lip of the channel 1.

Various alternatives are possible within the scope of the claims.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the top edge of the sheet is not secured to the attachment means, but instead is free. The one or more buoyant floats are secured to the sheet, proximate its top edge, for example by gluing or sewing to the sheet. In this case, in the deployed configuration, there will be no folding of the sheet.

A further possibility is to use a stretchable or expandable material for the sheet. This has the advantage that less slack will be required in the sheet, so that the amount of sheet visible at the sides will be reduced. However, this embodiment may not be suitable for all situations, such as those where the barrier is required to hold back a large quantity of fluid with limited lateral support, for example as would be provided by a door across the opening.

If the width of the opening is relatively large, it may be preferred to incorporate at least one support strut in the opening. This may comprise a vertical pole secured to the ground. The sheet would include means for connecting with the strut while enabling relative vertical movement therebetween. For example, sheet may include rigid eye-holes through which the struts pass. In this way, the struts support the deployed sheet, without hindering the vertical movement of the sheet between stowed and deployed configurations. In an alternative embodiment, the struts may be arranged to lift with the sheet during deployment, so that they too are stowed away during normal use. In this case the struts could be secured to the ground with hinges, enabling them to be kept horizontal while stowed, but pivot to vertical during deployment.

In a yet further embodiment, the sheet may have rigid horizontal strengthening bars incorporated within or attached to it. The use of such bars would increase the rigidity of the deployed sheet while having minimal impact on its compactness while stowed.

Other alternatives will be apparent to the skilled person.

Claims (14)

1. I. Flood prevention device for preventing water passing through an opening in a structure, comprising: a flexible, waterproof sheet having a bottom edge and two opposing side edges; floatation means retained by the sheet; attachment means for attaching the device to the structure in use, the attachment means comprising a substantially horizontal component having first and second ends, and first and second upwardly extending support members respectively connected proximate said first and second ends such that in use the horizontal component and support members extend around a portion of the opening; wherein the bottom edge of the sheet is sealed to the horizontal component and at least a portion of each side edge is sealed to a respective support member, all said seals being watertight, such that in the event of a water level exceeding a predetermined height, a portion of the sheet is caused to move by the floatation means from an initial stowed configuration to a raised position.
2. 2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the sheet width of the sheet is greater than the width of the opening.
3. 3. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the sheet is stretchable.
4. 4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal component is adapted for fitting in a recess provided at a lower extremity of the opening.
5. 5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal component comprises a channel adapted to retain the sheet and floatation means when in the stowed configuration.
6. 6. A device according to Claim 5, wherein the channel is in fluid connection with an overflow pipe.
7. 7. A device according to either of Claims 5 and 6, comprising a detachable cover for the channel.
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are adapted for fixing to the structure.
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the floatation means is loosely retained within a fold of the sheet.
10. 10. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the floatation means is attached to the sheet.
11. 11. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one vertical strut arranged within the opening.
12. 12. A device according to Claim 9, wherein the sheet comprises means for connection to the at least one strut, allowing relative vertical movement between the sheet and each strut.
13. 13. A structure when fitted with the device according to any preceding claim.
14. 14. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.