GB2523547A - Waterblind - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible flood barrier comprising a flexible waterproof barrier 3 that is detachably attached to mounting channels 1. A mounting channel 1 is fixed horizontally at or below ground level at the property boundary, and identical mountings channels 1 are fixed vertically to the property to the required height. The mounting channels are U shaped and receive a bead 2 that is bonded to the lower end and vertical edges of the barrier 3. The barrier 3 has a degree of elasticity which allows the barrier to absorb shock and mould to contours when required, and the upper horizontal edge of the barrier 3 is held by fixings 5. When not in use, the barrier 3 can be lowered and removed for storage, while the mounting channels can remain in situ for future use. Alternatively the barrier 3 can be lowered and rolled for storage at or below ground level. The barrier may be used as a temporary flood defence against a river or other watercourse breaking its banks (fig 6, 7 & 8), where the mounting channel is embedded into a plinth (10 fig 6) on the riverbank, and mounted to temporary vertical support posts (11, fig 8).

Description

Title: Waterblind flood protection system

Background

Historically there have been only two basic solutions to prevent or minimise flooding. The levee or embankment and the humble sandbag. Even today in the 2l century the sandbag is the mainstay for protection of domestic and commercial property. The sandbag offers limited resistance to placid and bulk water volumes but still allows penetration around, through and under each bag or collection of bags. The inherent weakness isn't just that the bag is permeable but that there is no effective seal to keep the water out. Out of necessity the Waterblind was created and developed to protect a home.

Invention The Waterblind is a semi-fixed system to protect property from flooding. Uniquely it provides a sealed system to keep the water out. The inbuilt strength of the Waterblind is that by using the force, depth, of the water against itself it creates an even tighter seal to keep the water out because of the natural increase in pressure. The Waterblind is analogous to the familiar domestic sun roller blind or those seen outside of commercial premises. The differences are that the Waterblind deploys vertically and is sealed against the property, It is this seal that makes the Waterblind unique and effective, giving it huge advantage over other methods, It also has the advantages of being temporary and flexible in fact and application.

Drawings NB Drawings are not to scale.

Figure 1 shows the components of the Waterblind in generic form and how they are placed and used within the system, in cross section view.

Figure 2 shows the components of the Waterblind in generic fonu and how the barrier (3) reacts to an increase in water level, in side elevation view.

Figure 3 shows the components of the Waterblind in generic form and how they are placed and used within the system side elevation view for a vertical mounting or as would be seen from above for the horizontal mounting, Figure 4 shows how the basic mounting channels (1) appear as permanently fixed to the outside of a property, Figure 5 shows the Waterblind barrier (3) deployed and sealed ready to hold back floodwater when mounted to a property.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of how the Waterblind can be applied to a watercourse in cross section view.

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of how the Waterblind can be applied to a watercourse in plan view, Figure 8 shows a schematic view of how the Waterblind can be applied to a watercourse as viewed from a rear elevation.

Description

A continuous mounting 1 is fixed horizontally at or below ground level to the required length of a property boundary. This mounting channel is manufactured to receive a bead seal 2 along its length, figures 1 and 3. At the ends of this mounting and as required identical mountings 1 are fixed vertically to the property boundary to the required height. These three primary mountings form a squared and extended U shape frame, figure 4. All mountings are fixed with a mastic seal behind and using stainless steel or brass screws. A flexible waterproof fabric barrier 3, Waterblind, of matching size in length and height has lengths of the bead seal 2 bonded to the inner face of its lower edge and to the inner faces of its vertical ends. The barrier 3 has a degree of elasticity which allows it to absorb shock and to mould to contours when required, joins are bonded, Joins in the mounting channel(s) are made using manufactured straight joints or elbows or others for around corners and other adaptations. There are no limitations of scale, a Waterblind can be as long or as high as is needed.

When required for flood protection the lower bead is inserted into the receiving channel in the lower mount for its entire length. Likewise the vertical edge beads are inserted into the vertical mounting channels for their entire height. The upper horizontal edge of the barrier is held by fixings 5 previously mounted at the desired height. A fixed and sealed impermeable barrier 3 Waterblind is now in place to prevent water ingress through walls or openings such as airbricks, doors and windows in the boundary.

Physics ensures that the greater the depth of water the higher the pressure on and efficiency of the waterproof barrier and its seal, figures 2. and 4. Once the threat of flooding has gone the Waterblind barrier 3 can be lowered and removed for storage while the channel mountings remain in situ for future use. Alternatively the barrier 3 can be lowered and rolled up for storage at or below ground level with the seal bead 2 still engaged.

Using the same simple principles and mechanics the Waterblind can be adapted arid used as a temporary flood defence against a river or other watercourse breaking its banks. As shown in figures 6, 7 and 8. Again the key and strength of application is with the seal. The seal is the fundamental to repelling flood water, For example a 100 metre or greater length of riverbank can have a mounting channel embedded into a plinth on the bank. At regular intervals post holes can be pre dug and prepared to receive temporary vertical support posts as and when required. Alternatives can be used to the support element.

When needed for flood defence a one piece 100 metre length Waterblind would be mounted into its channel and raised and fixed to the temporary vertical support posts. The key to the integrity of the barrier are the lower seal 1 and the 2 end seals (if needed). As long as the bottom seal and ends are secure the barrier holds back the water until it subsides. See figures 7 and 8. Once floodwater subsides the posts and Waterblind would simply be removed and put into storage returning the riverbank to normal access.

The Waterblind barrier 3 is UV protected. Although not illustrated in the drawings the simplicity, adaptability and flexibility of the Waterblind allows it to be installed around corners.

Claims (3)

1. Claims I An adaptable, flexible barrier with customisable dimensions for flood control and prevention, with a means of attachment to property to prevent flooding.
2. 2 A barrier according to claim I, which seals water out to prevent flooding, in which increase in water level increases its efficiency.
3. 3 A barrier according to claim 2, which is temporarily fixed to prevent flooding.