GB2468532A

GB2468532A - A flood barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2468532A
Application number: GB0904328A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Goodman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-13
Filing date: 2009-03-13
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Also published as: GB0904328D0

Abstract

A water defence arrangement or flood barrier for a window or door aperture comprises a frame 14a/b and at least one closure panel 19 which is configured to extend within the frame to substantially seal the aperture, wherein the at least one closure 19 is outwardly curved with respect to the aperture. The frame may comprise a pair of vertical frame members and a horizontal member each with a channel for receiving the edge of the closure. Sealing means may be provided within the channels. An additional vertical member may be provided such that two closures can be located side by side (Figure 6). The flood barrier may include a cover 23 which extends from an upper region of the closure to the top of the door or window. This cover 23 may be retractable from the closure.

Description

Water Defence Arranpem!it The present invention relates to a water defence arrangement and particularly, but not exclusively to a water defence arrangement for a window or door aperture.

Prolonged rainfall often results in localised flooding. In an attempt to prevent any flood water from entering houses and the like, it is common to arrange sandbags and other barricades in front of doors and low lying windows. However, these are often difficult to and time consuming to deploy. In addition, the barricades must be made quite heavy to withstand the pressure of the flood water.

I have now devised a water defence arrangement which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a first aspect there is provided a water defence arrangement for a window or door aperture, the arrangement comprising a frame and at least one closure that is configured to extend within the frame to substantially seal the aperture, wherein the a least one closure is outwardly curved with respect to the aperture.

The outward curvature of the closure increases the strength of the water defence arrangement to water pressure and water flow, thereby eliminating the requirement for heavy bulky water barriers.

The frame preferably comprises a pair of first frame members that are arranged to extend along opposite sides of the aperture and a second frame member that is arranged to extend between the pair of first frame members, substantially below the aperture.

Preferably, each frame member comprises a channel formed therein which extends longitudinally thereof for receiving a peripheral section of the closure. The channel formed in each frame member preferably align to form an elongate channel extending around an inner periphery of the frame.

The second member preferably comprises at least one slot arranged intermediate opposite ends thereof for receiving a proximal end of at least one third frame member.

Preferably, the at least one slot is positioned along the second frame member at a location that corresponds with the location of mullion or a muntin of a window or door within the aperture, for example. The at least one third frame member preferably comprises a support arranged at a distal end thereof for supporting the at least one third frame member against the mullion and/or muntin.

Preferably, the at least one third frame member comprises a channel formed along opposite longitudinal sides thereof for aligning with the elongate channel formed on the inner periphery of the frame, such that the at least one third frame member divides the frame into at least two sub-frames which can separately receive a closure to substantially seal the aperture.

Preferably, the channel formed in each frame member comprises sealing means for sealing the closure within the channel. The sealing means preferably comprises a rubber seal disposed within each channel and which extend along each channel.

The closure preferably comprises a cover which is arranged to extend between an upper region of the or each closure and the aperture. Preferably, the cover is retractably extendable from the or each cover.

Preferably, the arrangement further comprises a protective strip that is removably secured within each channel to protect the channel and the sealing means disposed therein, when the closure is not required.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the frame of the water defence arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention, secured around a door aperture; Figure 2 is a magnified view of the seal arranged within the channel of the frame members of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the water defence arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the closure partially inserted within the frame; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the water defence arrangement of figure 3 with the closure fully inserted within the frame; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the water defence arrangement of figure 3 with the cover extended to cover the cavity between the closure and the door; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the water defence arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7a is a perspective view of the frame of the water defence arrangement of figure 6; Figure 7b is a magnified view of the support arm on the third frame member of figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the protective strip that is arranged to extend within elongate channels of the frame members of figures 1 and 6; and, Referring to figure 1 of the drawings there is shown a frame 11 of a water defence arrangement 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for sealing an aperture 12, for example a door aperture, within a wall 13 of a house. The frame 11 is substantially U-shaped and comprises a pair of first frame members 14a, 14b that are arranged to extend substantially upright and parallel to each other, with one member of the pair of first frame members 14a, 14b being secured either side of the aperture 12.

Each of the first frame members 14a, 14b is secured to the wall using fixings such as screws and bolts (not shown), for example, and then sealed thereto using a sealant (not shown). The sealant (not shown) prevents any water from penetrating between the first frame members 14a, 14b and the wall 13.

The frame 11 further comprises a second frame member 15 that is secured at the base of the aperture 12 or below the aperture 12 using similar fixings (not shown), such that it abuts the bottom end face of each olr the first frame members 14a, 14b. The second frame member 15 is similarly sealed to the wall 13 and/or floor, and also to the first frame members 14a, 14b, such that water is prevented from penetrating between the frame 11 and the wall 13 and/or floor. It is to be appreciated however, that the frame 11 may be first pre-assembled and subsequently secured to the wall 13. Alternatively, the frame 11 may be formed as a single piece.

Each frame member 14a, 14b, 15 comprises a channel 16 formed within a longitudinal side face thereof that faces the interior of the frame 11, as illustrated in figure 2 of the drawings. The channels 16 reside within a common plane, such that they form an elongate channel that extends around the interior of the frame 11. The channels 16 formed within each frame member 14a, 14b, 15 comprise a pair of seals 17a, 17b, which separately extend along the respective channel 16 along opposite side faces 18a, 18b of the channel 16. The seals 17 may be formed of a resiliently deformable rubber material, for example and are disposed part-way along the channel depth. Each seal of the pair of the seals 17a, 17b partly extend into the respective channel to reduce the channel width, part-way along the channel depth.

Referring to figure 3 of the drawings, the closure 19 comprises a substantially arcuate face section 20 that is bounded at a lower region thereof by a foot section (not shown), and at an upper region thereof by a head section 21. The head section 21 and foot section (not shown) are formed integrally with the face section 20, such that the closure 19 comprises a single piece component. However, it is to be appreciated that the head section 21 and foot section (not shown) may be detachably coupled to the face section 20, but in this case it necessary, particularly for the foot section (not shown) to form for a sealing couple with the face section 20, to prevent any water penetrating between the face section 20, and the foot section (not shown) and the head section 21.

The face section 20 is substantially rectangular in shape and is curved around a longitudinal axis that extends between the centre of opposite lateral side edges thereof.

Opposite longitudinal side edges of the face section 20 comprise a lip 22 that are turned outwardly of the curvature of the face section 20 to extend within the plane of the elongate groove formed along the interior of the frame 11.

The foot section (not shown) of the closure 19 extends substantially inwardly of the face section 20, substantially perpendicularly thereto, such that a distal edge (not shown) of the foot section (not shown) extends within the plane of the lips 22 formed on each longitudinal side edge of the face section 20. The distal edge (not shown) of the foot section (not shown) comprises a lip (not shown) that is turned downwardly and which is preferably formed integrally with the lip 22 formed on each longitudinal side edge of the closure 19.

The head section 21 extends inwardly of the face section 20 at an acute angle to the plane of the face section 20 and terminates at a position that is substantially above the foot section (not shown). An upper edge of the head section is turned upon itself to form a handle (not shown) for lifting and lowering the closure 19.

The closure 19 is dimensioned such that the lips 22 formed at the longitudinal side edges thereof are arranged to extend within the channels 16 formed within the pair of first frame members 14a, 14b. Referring to figure 3 of the drawings, the closure 19 is secured within the frame 11 by lowering the closure 19 into the elongate channel 16 formed within the frame 11 while ensuring the curvature of the face section 20 extends away from the aperture 12. The closure 19 is lowered within the frame 11 until the lip (not shown) formed on the foot section (not shown) extends within the channel 16 formed on the second frame member 15. The thickness of each lip 22 is such that upon entering the respective channel 16, the seals 17a, 17b formed therein become compressed between the channel wall 18a, 18b and the respective lip 22 to seal the closure 19 within the frame 11.

Once the closure 19 has been suitably positioned within the frame 11 as shown in figure 4 of the drawings, a cover 23 may then be extended from the head section 21 of the closure 19 and secured within the aperture 12 to substantially cover the cavity (not shown) between the closure 19 and the door 24, as shown in figure 5 of the drawings.

The cover 23 may be formed of a waterproof material and is secured to the closure 19 by a roller mechanism (not shown) for example, such that the cover 23 can be retractably extended from the closure 19 within the aperture 12. The cover 23 extends from a position upon the head section 21 such that any water that falls upon the cover 23 can run down the cover 23 and pass over the face section 20, instead of collecting within the cavity (not shown) between the closure 19 and the door 24.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 6 of the drawings, the frame 11 may be secured around an aperture 12 for a double door, for example French doors or patio doors, or even a window (not shown) having multiple window panes (not shown), whereby the separate doors or window panes (not shown) are separated by one or more muntins 25. In this case, the second frame member 15 comprises a slot 26 as shown in figure 7a of the drawings, formed within the longitudinal side that faces the interior of the frame 11, for receiving a lower side edge of third frame member 27, The third frame member 27 is sized to provide a sealing fit within the slot 26 and is arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly to the second frame member 15 within the frame 11. Opposite longitudinal side faces of the third frame member 27 which face the interior of the frame 11 comprise a channel 16 formed therein each having a pair of seals 17a, 17b which extend along the length of the respective channel 16. Each channel 16 formed in the third frame member 27 is arranged to align with the channel formed in the second frame member 15, such that the channels 16 formed on the third frame member 27, the second frame member 15 and each of the first frame members 14a, 14b reside in a common plane.

The third frame member 27 effectively divides what would otherwise be a wide frame to be closed by a single large closure, into smaller sub-frames that can be closed by two smaller closures 19. The slot 26 is positioned to correspond with the position of the door muntin 25, however, it is to be appreciated that a number of slots 26 may be arranged along the second frame member 15 to correspond with a number of muntins of a door or window (not shown).

Referring to figure 7b of the drawings, the distal end of the third frame member 27 comprises a support arm 28 which is hingedly coupled at a proximal end thereof to an upper region of the third frame member 27. The support arm 28 comprises a screw thread which permits the length of the arm 28 to be extended and retracted to suitably support the distal end of the third frame member 27 against the respective muntin 25.

The distal end of the support arm 27 comprises a foot 29 to reduce any pressure upon the door muntin 25.

In use, the frame 11 of the first or second embodiment is secured to a wall 13 or similar around the aperture 12 to be sealed from flood water, using suitable fixings (not shown). A sealant (not shown) is then applied to the frame 11 and wall 1 3 to prevent any water from penetrating between the frame 11 and the wall 13. A protective strip 30 may then be placed within the elongate channel to cover the channel 16 as shown in figure 8 of the drawings, and thus protect the seals 17a, 17b therein until it is required to insert the closure 19. A similar blanking plate (not shown) may be used to cover any slots 26 in the second frame member 15.

When it is necessary to insert the closures 19 to substantially close the aperture 12, the protective strips 30 and if necessary, any blanking plates (not shown) are removed and one or more third frame members 27 are inserted into the respective slots 26. The support arm 28 on the or each third frame member 27 is than be pivoted toward the adjacent muntin 25 and suitably extended or retracted to support the or each third frame member 27 in spaced relation to the muntin 25.

The closure or closures 19 are then readily lowered into the respective frame 11 or sub-frame using the handle (not shown) on the respective head section 21 to close the aperture 12. Once fully inserted, the cover 23 on the or each closure 19 may be extended to within the aperture 12 to substantially cover the cavity (not shown) between the closure 19 and the door 24 or window (not shown), for example. In this manner, the cover 23 prevents any rain water from collecting within the cavity (not shown), which would otherwise flow in through the door 24 or window (not shown) when the door 24 or window (not shown) is opened.

The outward curvature of the face section 20 with respect to the aperture 12 provides a stronger resistance to the flood water pressure and water flow than a simple flat face section. The majority of the force exerted by the flood water upon the face section 20 is thus taken by the pair of first frame members 14â, 14b. The shape of the face section 20 thus permits a relatively lightweight closure (as compared with sandbags) to be used, which is readily fitted within the frame 11, as required. Moreover, in the event that occupants of the house for example, are required to leave the house, the outward curvature of the closure 19 does not significantly obstruct any outwardly opening door 24 or window (not shown).

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the water defence arrangement provides a simple yet effective means of sealing a door or window aperture from flood water.

Claims

Claims 1. A water defence arrangement for a window or door aperture, the arrangement comprising a frame and at least one closure that is configured to extend within the frame to substantially seal the aperture, wherein the at least one closure is outwardly curved with respect to the aperture.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a pair of first frame members that are arranged to extend along opposite sides of the aperture and a second frame member that is arranged to extend between the pair of first frame members, substantially below the aperture.
3. Ar arrangement according to claim 2, wherein each frame member comprises a channel formed therein which extends longitudinallY thereof for receiving a peripheral section of the closure. * * S * S
4. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the channel formed in each frame member are arranged to align to form an elongate channel extending around an *** inner periphery of the frame. : 20 * S
5. An arrangement according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second member comprises at least one slot arranged intermediate opposite ends thereof for receiving a proximal end of at least one third frame member.
6. An arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the at least one slot is positioned along the second frame member at a location that corresponds with the location of mullion or a muntin of a window or door within the aperture, for example.
7. An arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one third frame member comprises a support arranged at a distal end thereof for supporting the at least one third frame member against the mullion and/or muntin.
8. An arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 7 as appended to claim 3, wherein the at least one third frame member comprises a channel formed along opposite longitudinal sides thereof for aligning with the elongate channel formed on theIinner periphery of the frame, such that the at least one third frame member divides the frame into at least two sub-frames which can separately receive a closure to substantially seal the aperture.
9. An arrangement according claim 3 or 8, wherein the channel formed in each frame member comprises sealing means for sealing the closure within the channel.
10. An arrangement according to claIm 9, wherein the sealing means comprises a rubber seal disposed within each channel and which extend along each channel.
11. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each closure comprises a cover which is arranged to extend between an upper region of the or each closure and the aperture.
12. An arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the or each cover is retractabty * ..* extendable from the or each closure. S... * S
13. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement further *:*. comprises a protective strip that is removably secured within each channel to protect :" 20 the channel and the sealing means disposed therein, when the closure is not required. * * *S.....