GB2485557A

GB2485557A - Doorway flood protection device

Info

Publication number: GB2485557A
Application number: GB1019481.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Leathem
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-18
Filing date: 2010-11-18
Publication date: 2012-05-23
Also published as: GB201019481D0

Abstract

A doorway flood protection device or flood barrier that is situated in front of a door opening and comprises a lightweight retractable barrier 5/1, which is raised and lowered through vertical channels 2 recessed into the doorframe. When not in use the lightweight barrier 5/1 is rolled up using the winding mechanism onto a roller or winder bar 4 and stored in the underground storage chamber 3 below ground level. Seals 2 may be provided on the exit of the underground chamber to prevent water from entering it. The underground chamber may also be located above ground and arranged vertically in the door frame (Fig 9) such that the roller flood barrier is extended across the doorframe rather than up it. In this situation channels are provided in the door step and opposing door frame member (8 Fig. 9).

Description

pOORWAY FLOQ9ROTECTOR - This invention is designed to prevent flood waters from gaining access to both domestic and non-domestic properties in the event of a flood.

Flooding in the UK has been on the increase over the past few years, due to more changeable weather conditions along with the increase in hard surfaces' such as tarmac, concrete etc which prevents flood water from draining away. It is apparent that this is causing undue stress and expense to both property owners and insurance companies in such flood zones'. I have therefore attempted to devise a product that prevents flood waters from gaining access to properties.

The product I have designed consists of an underground storage chamber which is positioned in front of the door opening; this contains a lightweight water tight barrier which is rolled up to save space. This barrier can be pulled up out of the underground chamber, where it travels along two vertical rails fixed to either side of the door opening, the vertical rails contain watertight seals to prevent water seeping past the edges of the vertical barrier. The barrier is then fastened in the upright position to prevent water from entering the property.

My invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying diagrams and notes in which: * Figure 1 shows the front elevation of a doorway with the product fitted and operational * Figure 2 shows a bird's eye view of the underground chamber * Figure 3 shows a cross section of the underground chamber, vertical rail and barrier * Figure 4 shows a bird's eye view of the retractable panel in place and the vertical rails * Figure 5 shows the product in the storage state * Figure 6 shows the product in use * Figure 7 shows a cross section of the retractable barrier in place * Figure 8 shows a cross section of the retractable barrier in the storage compartment In figure 1 we have the door opening (2) with the vertical channels (3) recessed into the doorframe (1). We are able to witness the retractable barrier (4) in the fully upright position. When the barrier (4) is not in the upright position it is stored in the underground storage chamber (7) under ground level (5). The barrier (4) is wound around the winder bar (6) as shown at point (8).

In figure 2 we can see the underground storage chamber (1) with the watertight seals (2) visible at the point where the retractable panel raises and lowers.

In figure 3 we can observe a cross section of the vertical rail (7), the retractable barrier (6), the wound up barrier (5) located in the underground storage chamber (4) using the winder bar (3) which is connected to a winding mechanism (2) below ground level (1).

In figure 4 we are able to view a bird's eye view of vertical rails (4) recessed into the door frame (1).

The vertical rails (4) contain a watertight seal (2) which allows the retractable barrier (3) to travel through while maintain a water tight seal throughout.

Figure 5 & 6 allows us to view a 3 dimensional perspective of the device whereby (2) is the vertical rails, (1) is the watertight seal contained within the vertical rails (2), (4) is the underground storage chamber. Item (3) points out the watertight seals at the opening of the underground storage chamber (4) and item (5) highlights the retractable barrier.

Figures 7 & 8 demonstrate from a side view how the retractable barrier (1) is raised and lowered using the grab handle (6) above ground level (5). How it travels upwards through the water tight seals (2) at the top of the underground storage chamber (3). They also show how the retractable barrier (1) is wound around the winder bar (4) when not in use.

This device can also be developed to suit a wide range of doorways by increasing the width or height of the retractable barrier, therefore catering for all door sizes and various levels of floods. Further developments could include the "underground storage chamber "being positioned vertically and recessed into one side of the door opening as shown in Figure 9. Where figure (2) is the door opening, (6) is ground level and (1) is the door frame with recessed storage chamber (5). Item (4) shows the winder bar that stores the retractable barrier (3) when not in use. Channels (8) contain a watertight seal and allow the retractable barrier (3) to move freely thought them in the direction shown (7) while maintaining a waterproof seal throughout. Can also be adopted for internal doorways where the retractable barrier can be made of a rigid material of various heights that travels vertically upwards from the underground storage chamber.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A doorway flood protection device that is stored in an underground storage chamber when not in use, consisting of a retractable barrier made from a strong but flexible material that can be raised or lowered in front of a door opening.
2. A doorway flood protection device according to claim 1, whereby the retractable barrier is raised and lowered within watertight channels that can be recessed into the door frame or the reveals of the door opening.
3. A doorway flood protection device according to claim 1 & 2 in which the size, weight and strength of the device can be altered to cater for all variations of openings in buildings, both internal and external.
4. A doorway flood protection device as outlined in any of the preceding claims whereby it is fully operational with the door open or closed, allowing persons to operate the device should the occupants not be present in the event of a flood.