GB2509133A

GB2509133A - Flood barrier system

Info

Publication number: GB2509133A
Application number: GB1223182.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Dunne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2014-06-25
Also published as: GB201223182D0

Abstract

A flood barrier system 1 has an inner plate 2 contactable with a surface in the vicinity of the surface be protected from flooding and an outer plate 3 distal from the surface, with flexible waterproof sheeting 4 and a compressible sealing means 5 compressed between the two plates. The inner and/or outer plates may be made of galvanised metal, whilst the sealing means may comprise one or more rubber seals. The inner plate, outer plate and the sheeting may have apertures that cooperate with one another. Bolts may be used to compress the plates, sheeting and sealing means against the surface to be protected. The inner and/or outer plates may comprise a V formation in cross section extending the length of the plate(s). The sheeting may comprise means for attaching on side of it to a wall. A method of installing a flood barrier system is also described.

Description

FLOOD BARRIER SYSTEM

FIELD OF TIlE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flood barrier system such as for buildings and methods of installing the flood barrier system.

BACKGROUND

Many buildings both commercial and domestic have bccn built on flood plains and arc at risk of flooding from rising river levels. Furthermore, localized flooding has also become a problem, in circumstances where the ground becomes saturated and the drains do not have sufficient capacity to take away the rainwater.

Flooding can cause significant damage to properties and the contents therein.

Furthermore, buildings deemed to be at risk of flooding can be subject to prohibitively expensive insurance premiums or, in some instances, may not even be insurable.

Flood barrier systems can be used protect buildings at risk of flooding. Such systems can vary widely in terms of costs, aesthetics and effectiveness.

US 4,693,042 discloses a flood defence system in which skirts of plastic film arc permanently secured to the building in metal boxes, which may detract from the appearance of the property. Furthermore, the skirts have an unnecessary number of joints, which may fail in use.

GB 2,379,948 discloses a flood defence system in which flexible sheeting is permanently secured to the building housed in a box on a roller for deployment when desired. In addition to the box, a grooved track around the periphery of the building is required. As well as being aesthetically unpleasing, the use of a grooved track is expensive to install and may fail should debris get into the track preventing deployment of the flood defence barrier.

GB 2,381,821 discloses a flood defence system in which waterproof sheeting is comprised within a frame. Thus, the frame has to be constructed of at least the size of the area to be protected. This makes it quite expensive and difficult to install at short notice in response to a flood warning.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a flood barrier system (e.g. for a building) which is effective in use and which can advantageously: be installed and removed quickly, is easily deployed, is relatively inexpensive and/or doesn't significantly affect the aesthetics of a building when not in use.

Furthermore, there is a need for a simple and effective flood barrier system which can advantageously be self-erected by the homeowner and/or an installer..

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a flood barrier system comprising an inner plate contaetable with a surface in the vicinity of the building to be protected from flooding, an outer plate distal from the surface, flexible waterproof sheeting and a compressible sealing means, wherein in use, the flexible waterproof sheeting and compressible sealing means are compressed between the inner and outer plate to provide a watertight seal.

Suitably, the flood barrier system may comprise a plurality of inner plates and/or outer plates in series. Such plates may be made of galvanised metal.

Suitably, the compressible sealing means may comprise one or more rubber seals.

Suitably, the waterproof sheeting may comprise a single sheet having a surface area which is equal to or greater than the area to be protected.

Suitably, the inner plate(s), outer plate(s) and flexible waterproof sheeting have apertures which cooperate with one another.

Suitably, the flood barrier system may comprise bolts which compress the plates, flexible waterproof sheeting and compressible sealing means against the surface to be protected.

Suitably, the inner plate(s) and/or outer plate(s) comprises a V formation in cross-section extending the length of the plate(s).

Suitably the inner and outer plates comprise apertures in the vicinity of the ends of the plates.

Suitably, the flexible waterproof sheeting comprises means for attaching one side of the flexible waterproof sheeting to a wall.

Suitably, the flood barrier system comprises a plurality of inner and outer plates of approximately 0.5 to 2 meters in length. Suitably, at least one inner plate and at least one outer plate is in the form of a corner plate bent approximately 90°C.

The present invention further provides method of installing a flood barrier system in accordance with the present invention, said method comprising: 1) affixing a sealing means and an inner plate to a surface (e.g. ground or walls) in the vicinity of a surface to be protected (e.g. walls of a building); 2) affixing a scaling mcans on top of the inner plate, followed by a shcct of flexible waterproof sheeting and a further sealing means, 3) affixing an outer plate on top, such that the outer plate is directly on top of the inner plate; and 4) compressing the inner and outer plates together until a watertight seal is achieved.; wherein steps I to 4 arc repeated along the entire perimeter of the building to be protected.

Suitably, the method may additionally comprise the step of affixing the end of the flexible waterproof sheeting distal from the plates to the surface (e.g. walls) to be protected. Suitably, the surface to be protected may be the walls of a building.

Suitably, the inner plate(s) is/are affixed to the ground in the vicinity of the walls or to the walls themselves below the airbriek level.

Suitably a sealing means, inner plate, sealing means, flexible waterproof sheeting, sealing means, outerplate under compression arrangement may also extend along an overlap of waterproof sheeting from below air brick level until the desired height to be prevented from flooding.

Suitably a sealing means, inner plate, sealing means, flexible waterproof sheeting, sealing means, outerplate under compression arrangement may extend along one or more corners of the building from below air brick level until the desired height to be prevented from flooding.

Suitably, the inner and /or outer plates may comprise a conduit to hold a sealing means in an optimal position prior to the compression of the plates.

Suitably between joins of inner and outer plates, the sealing means are continuous.

Suitably, in use the sandwich of sealing means -inner plate -sealing means -flexible waterproof sheeting -sealing means -outer plate may at least surround the perimeter of the building and be in watertight connection with either the ground in the vicinity of the walls of the building or the walls of the building itself at a level below that of the airbrick of the walls.

Suitably, the sealing means may be substantially the length of the perimeter of the buildings. Alternatively, the sealing means may be a plurality of sealing means working in cooperation to make the entire perimeter of the surface to be protected watertight.

Suitably, the sealing means may be adapted to minor the contours of the surfaces to which the sealing means is placed between. Thus, for example, the sealing means used between the inner and outer plates may be in a V formation when said plates comprise a V formation. Suitably, the sealing means between the surface (e.g. floor or wall) in the vicinity of the surface to be protected and the inner plate may be substantially conical shapcd.

Suitably, closures (such as doors and!or windows) may further be braced using standard materials such as wood or metal.

The flood barrier system of the present invention is simplistic and easy to install, inexpensive to install, allows for quick deployment when required, and does not affect the aesthetics of the house when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a flood barrier system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of flood barrier system having the sandwich system of FIG 1. in use accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the sandwich system of the flood barrier system in accordance with FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a birds eye view of a plate (inner or outer) in accordance with the flood barrier system of FIG. 1.

FIG. S shows a section of flexible waterproof sheeting in accordance with the flood barrier system of FIG. 1 FIG. 6 shows two forms of scaling means S for use in accordance with the flood barrier system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a flood barrier system 1 of the present invention in process of being erected. The flood barrier system comprises an inner plate 2 contactable with a floor 8 in the vicinity of walls of the building 9 to be protected from flooding, an outer plate 3 distal from the floor 8, flexible waterproof sheeting 4 and compressible sealing means 5.

In particular, rawl bolts or the like may be fitted to the ground 8 in the vicinity of the walls of a building to be protected or alternatively into the walls of the building below air brick level. These provide lower anchor points for the flood barrier system 1. The use of rawl bolts 7 is advantageous in that once fitted the sleeve of the rawl bolt remains in place whereas the rest of the bolt can be readily removed. Thus when the flood barrier system is not required the aesthetics of the building is not adversely affected.

Similarly some form of anchor points for the highest edge of the waterproof sheeting 4 are affixed into the walls of the building. Again desirably, the means of establishing anchor points into the walls of the building will not adversely affect the aesthetics of the building when the flood barrier system is not in use.

FIG. 3 shows the sandwich system which is used to provide a watertight seal at the bottom of the flood barrier system 1. This system may comprise a seal 5 which contacts with the floor 8 in the vicinity of the walls of a building to be protected or alternatively into the walls of the building below air brick level. On top of this is placed the inner plate 2 followed by another seal 5, the flexible sheeting 4, another seal 5 and finally an outer plate 3. Tightening of the bolts 7 will result in compression of the seals 5 which provide a watertight seal.

Each seal 5 may be in the form of one seal which extends around the perimeter of the building to be protected. For example, the seal may be in a roll ready to be rolled out around the perimeter of the building as the plates are put in place. Alternatively, for each layer in which a seal is used, the seal may be a plurality of seals which in use are close enough in contact with one another that under compression they will come together to form a watertight seal. The seal can be made of any suitable material which can be compressed to generate the sealing means. One example of a suitable material would be rubber. Clearly the dimensions of the seal can vary and any dimensions which would enable the sealing means to work effectively arc encompassed. In the specific embodiment shown, a rubber seal of approx 2.5cm wide and 5cm high may be effective. This allows for effective scaling despite some irregularities in the walls and/or ground.

The inner and outer plates are comprised of galvanised metal. However, the plates may be comprised of any sufficiently hardwearing and durable materials, such as metal and/or plastic.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the shape of the inside surface of the outer plate 3 and the outer surface of the inner plate 2 cooperate to effectively compress the seals 5 sandwiched between them in use. Likewise, the inner surface of the inner plate 2 is configured to effectively compress the seal 5 situated between this plate and the floor (or wall) 8 in use to provide a watertight seal. The plates 2, 3 used in FIG. 3 comprise a V formation in the central portion of the plates in cross-section. The V formation is advantageous as it aids in quick deployment of the flood barrier system by providing a channel to hold the seal 5 in place during erection of the flood bather system.

Furthermore, the V formation is advantageous when connecting edges of plates together at corners. However, the inner and outer plates 2, 3 may be of any shape in cross-section which can provide effective compression of the seals 5.

FIG. 4 shows a birds eye view of a plate 2, 3. As can be seen, the plates comprise holes or apertures 6 which accommodate the bolts 7. The plates 2,3 may be of any suitable length. For example, depending on the size of the building, the length of the plates could be substantially that of each of the walls or much shorter such that a plurality of plates is used in series for each wall. Advantageously, the plates may be of a length which provides a desirable balance with regard to quick erection of the flood barrier system and ease of handling/storage. For example, a length of approximately 1 meter would allow for quick erection of the flood barrier system when desired, ease of handling and ease of storage convenience when not required. Similar, considerations apply with regard to the breadth 10 of the plates. For example, a breadth of e.g. 10-20 cm may generally be appropriate.

The number of apertures 6 in the plates will depend on the size of plates used and the number of bolts required to provide the desired level of compression along the length of the plates to ensure a watertight seal is achieved. For example, it is envisioned that a platc will typically havc four or more apertures such that efficient compression can be achieved where two adjacent plates adjoin.

FIG. 5 shows a flexible sheeting in accordance with the present invention. The flexible waterproof sheeting 4 is comprised of a material able to withstand thc forccs applied during flooding without tearing. Flexibility is required so that the sheeting can readily adapt to the contours of the building and may be folded away.

Advantageously, Tarpaulin is one example of suitable sheeting. Preferably the matcrial complics with thc standard of BS 3424 with regard to water resistance and cold crack. Suitably, the flexible waterproof sheeting may be Niplex PVC coated nylon.

The flexible waterproof sheeting 4 comprises apertures 11 near the bottom edge of the sheeting which cooperate with the apertures on the plates 2,3. These apertures 11 may be in the form of(e.g. brass) round eyes.

Suitably, the flexible waterproof sheeting 4 may be of sufficient length that one continuous sheet can surround the entire perimeter of the building. In this regard, it is advantageous to reduce the number of overlap points which may require sealing.

However, a plurality of flexible waterproof sheets could be used. Suitably, the apertures 11 on the sheeting may extend along three sides of the sheeting 4 thereby permitting use of the sandwich structure of the present invention to provide a watertight seal where two sides of flexible waterproof sheeting 4 joins.

Suitably, the flexible waterproof sheeting 4 may be provided on a roll for ease of rolling out and putting away.

Suitably, the flexible waterproof sheeting will also comprise some means of attaching the top of the sheeting to the walls of the building. This could be in the form of apertures or in the form of loops for example.

FIG. 6 shows a substantially conical shaped sealing means (FIG. 6A) and a substantially V shaped sealing means (FIG. 6B). Suitably the conical shaped sealing means may be used between the surface in the vicinity of the surface to be protected (e.g. the floor or wall) and the inner plate 2, whereas the V shaped sealing means may preferably be used between the inner plate 2 and outerplate 3. Advantageously, the V formation of the seal may allow for ease of erection.

The flood barrier system of the present invention may be erected as follows. Holes will have been drilled into the house and/or boundary floor and the sleeves of the rawl bolts may be permanently in place inside these holes. These holes will be set at a distance to cooperate with the apertures 6 in the plates 2,3. When there is a perceived risk of flooding, the inner plate 2 is then affixed to the wall or floor with a rubber seal being substantially continuous inside the V formation 12 in the plate 2. Another rubber seal 5 may then be placed over the outfacing V indentation such that it is substantially continuous along the length of the inner plate 2. On top of this is placed the flexible waterproof sheeting 4, another sealing means 5 followed by the outer plate 3 to form a sandwich of inner plate 2, waterproof flexible sheeting 4 and outer plate 3. The rawl bolts 7 are then tightened to compress the sandwich to form a watertight seal.

The sandwich of inner plate 2, waterproof flexible sheeting 4 and outer plate 3 with seals S is constructed around the entire perimeter of the building. This may be achieved by doing sections of the sandwich along the wall in accordance with the length of the plates 2,3 or by doing one layer at a time.

Anchor points on the walls of the building may also be in place such that the top end of the sheeting 4 in use is affixed to the walls of the building.

At sections where the edges of waterproof flexible sheets 4 join, the sandwich system can extend from the below the airbriek level at the point of the join up until the desired height of protection from flooding to provide a watertight seal.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the sandwich system may also be used to provide additional protection at the corners of the building.

The flood barrier system in accordance with the present invention, is therefore, advantageously simplistic and effective. The flood barrier system is very easy to self erect once the holes with rawl bolt sleeves are in place. The use of raw! bo!ts as the fixing system also advantageously allows for ease in taking down the flood bather system as desired so that the aesthetics of the house are not adverse!y affected.

Furthermore, the flood barrier system has been designed to use standard readily available materials to minimise costs, hence, the flood barrier system is cost-effective.

Claims

C LA I MS1. A flood barrier system comprising an inner plate contactable with a surface in the vicinity of the surface be protected from flooding, an outer plate distal from the surface, flexible waterproof sheeting and a compressible sealing means, wherein in use the waterproof flexible sheeting and compressible sealing means are compressed between the inner and outer plate to provide a watertight seal.
2. The flood barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the inner plate and/or outer plate arc made of galvaniscd metal.
3. The flood barrier system according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the compressible sealing means comprises one or more rubber seals.
4. The flood barrier system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the waterproof sheeting comprises a single sheet having a surface area which is equal to or greater than the area to be protected.
5. The flood barrier system of according to any one of any of the preceding claims wherein the inner plate, outer plate and flexible waterproof sheeting have apertures which cooperate with one another.
6. The flood barrier system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flood barrier system comprises bolts which compress the plates, flexible waterproof sheeting and compressible sealing means against the surface to be protected.
7. The flood barrier system according to any one of any of the preceding claims wherein the inner plate and/or outer plate comprises a V formation in cross-section extending the length of the plate(s).
8. The flood barrier system of according to any one of any of the preceding claims wherein the inner and outer plates comprise apertures in the vicinity of the ends of the plate.
9. The flood barrier system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible waterproof sheeting comprises means for attaching one side of the flexible waterproof sheeting to a wall.
10. The flood barrier system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flood barrier system comprises a plurality of inner and outer plates of approximately 0.5 to 2 meters in length.
11. The flood barrier system of any onc of thc preceding claims, whcrein at Icast one inner plate and one outer plate is in the form of a corner plate bent approximately 90°C.
12. A flood barrier system according to claim 1 and as substantially herein described.
13. A method of installing a flood barrier system in accordance with any one of claims Ito 12, said method comprising: 1) affixing a sealing means and an inner plate to a surface in the vicinity of a surface to be protected; 2) affixing a sealing means on top of the inner plate, followed by a sheet of flexible waterproof sheeting and a frirther sealing means, 3) affixing an outer plate on top, such that the outer plate is directly on top of the inner plate; and 4) compressing the inner and outer plates together until a watertight seal is achieved.wherein steps 1 to 4 are repeated along the entire perimeter of the building to be protected.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the additional step of affixing the end of the flexible waterproof sheeting distal from the plates to the surface to be protected.
15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the surface to be protected is the walls of a building.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the inner plates is affixed to the ground in the vicinity of the walls.
17. The method according to claims 15, wherein the inner plate is affixed to the walls themselves below the airbrick level.
18. The method according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein a sealing means, inner plate, sealing means, flexible waterproof sheeting, sealing means, outerplate under compression arrangement extends along any overlap of waterproof sheeting.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein a sealing means, inner plate, sealing means, flexible waterproof sheeting, sealing means, outerplate under compression arrangement extends along one or more comers of the building from below air brick level until the desired height to be prevented from flooding.
20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19,herein the inner and /or outer plate comprises a conduit to hold a sealing means in an optimal position prior to the compression of the plates.
21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein between joins of inner and outer plates, the sealing means are continuous.
22. The method according to claim 13 and as substantially herein described.