GB2542170A

GB2542170A - A flood barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2542170A
Application number: GB1516052.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harris Robin; Browne James; Floto Hannes
Original assignee: Hydroguard Ltd
Current assignee: Hydroguard Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-10
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2017-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-10
Also published as: GB2542226B; GB201516052D0; GB2542226A; WO2017042547A1; EP3347558A1; GB201609487D0; GB2542170B; EP3347558B1

Abstract

A flood barrier 10 for an aperture, comprising a first section 12 and a second section 14, slidably connected to the first section. A first seal (32, Fig. 5) is located between the two sections. A second seal (34, Fig.3) is located around the outer perimeter of the first and second sections. A securing arrangement (52, Fig.3), for securing the barrier within an aperture, is provided. The panels can slide between a first position (Fig 1), in which the sections substantially overlap, and a second position in which the two panels are extended laterally with respect to one another. The rear surface of the first panel has a profile and a projection (62, Fig. 5) which are complementary, respectively, to the profile of the front surface of the second panel and a second projection (64, Fig. 6) when the barrier is in the open position.

Description

A Flood Barrier

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable flood barrier, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an adjustable flood barrier configured to prevent water passing through an aperture, such as an entranceway of a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Barriers that prevent flood water from passing through apertures such as doorways, windows and gates are known in the art. These barriers are produced in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and most are available to fit only apertures of a specific type or having specific dimensions. The consumer is therefore limited by the requirement to purchase a separate barrier for each aperture in question.

Adjustable flood barriers are also known in the art, for example, as shown in GB2515327A. However, said barriers are only adjustable to a small degree, being just sufficient to ensure a watertight seal between the flood barrier and an aperture. It is not possible to use such an adjustable flood barrier in different types of aperture having a varying range of dimensions.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate / alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a flood barrier for an aperture, the flood barrier comprising a first section, and a second section slidably connected to the first section, a first seal, located between the first section and the second section to provide a waterproof seal therebetween, a second seal, located substantially around an outer perimeter of the first and second sections, to provide a waterproof seal between the flood barrier and an aperture, and a securing arrangement, for securing the flood barrier within an aperture; wherein the flood barrier can be slidably transitioned between a first position, in which the first section substantially overlies the second section, and a second position, in which the first section and second sections are extended laterally with respect to one another.

In the first position, such an arrangement is compact and can be conveniently stored and transported. When required, the barrier can be placed within an aperture and extended laterally into the second position in a straightforward manner. Advantageously, this means that the aperture can be quickly and effectively sealed against the ingress of flood water.

In exemplary embodiments, the first and second sections each have a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the first section being complimentary in profile to the front surface of the second section.

The first and second sections having complimentary surface profiles ensures the two sections fit together as closely as possible. As a result, in the first position, the arrangement is as compact as possible, further assisting ease of storage and transportation. During the transition between the first and second positions, and whilst in the second position, the close fit between the first and second sections maximises the barrier's resistance to water ingress.

In exemplary embodiments, the rear surface of the first section comprises at least one first projection, and the front surface of the second section comprises at least one second projection.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one first projection is laterally separated from the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the first position, and the at least one first projection abuts the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the second position.

Contact between the first and second projections, upon transition of the barrier from the first position into the second position, advantageously limits the maximum lateral extension of the second section relative to the first section. Overextension of the barrier is therefore prevented, meaning a minimum overlap, and hence minimum contact area between the first and second sections, is maintained. This helps to maintain the integrity of the waterproof seal between the first and second sections and minimises the possibility of water ingress.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one first projection is integrally formed with the first section, and the at least one second projection is integrally formed with the second section.

As the first and second projections are integrally formed with the first and second sections, their strength and subsequently resistance to deformation is maximised. Advantageously, this means they are less likely to fail upon the flood barrier being transitioned from the first to the second position in an overly vigorous manner.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each comprise a first elongate concavity, located substantially towards an upper end of the flood barrier.

The presence of an elongate concavity towards the upper end of the flood barrier acts to disperse the energy of impact imparted by water waves incident on the flood barrier. Advantageously, this prevents such waves dislodging the barrier, and/or 'overtopping' the barrier and entering the aperture behind.

In exemplary embodiments, the first elongate concavity of the first section nests with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position

The concavities nesting when the barrier is in the closed configuration ensures the surface profiles of the first section complements that of the second section as completely as possible. This helps to ensure that the flood barrier, when in the first position, is in as compact an arrangement as possible for ease of storage and transportation.

In exemplary embodiments the first elongate concavity of the first section is substantially in lateral alignment with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position

When the flood barrier is in the second position, alignment of the elongate concavities effectively forms a single, elongate concavity. Advantageously, as the extension of the concavity is maximised, so too are its energy dispersive properties.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each further comprise a second elongate concavity, located substantially towards a lower end of the flood barrier.

The presence of an elongate concavity towards the lower end of the flood barrier acts to disperse the energy of water currents incident on the flood barrier. Advantageously, this prevents such currents dislodging the barrier, and thus water entering the aperture behind.

In exemplary embodiments, the second elongate concavity of the first section nests with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position.

In exemplary embodiments, the second elongate concavity of the first section is substantially in lateral alignment with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position.

In exemplary embodiments, the first seal is fixedly mounted to the rear surface of the first section, and extends between the upper end and the lower end of the flood barrier.

The first seal extending the full vertical height, between the upper end and the lower end of the flood barrier, ensures full height continuity of the watertight seal between the first and second sections.

In exemplary embodiments, the first seal is profiled such that it movably contacts the front surface of the second section, when the flood barrier is being transitioned between the first position and the second position.

The first seal is configured such that it is fixedly mounted to the rear surface of the first section, however movably contacts the front of the second section. Advantageously, this allows relative movement between the two sections, whilst a watertight seal is maintained. The flood barrier can be transitioned between the first position and second position without compromising its resistance to water penetration.

In exemplary embodiments, the first seal is substantially blade-like in appearance

It has been found that the highest resistance to water ingress, whilst not inhibiting ease of transition between the first and second sections, can be achieved when the first seal is substantially blade-like in appearance.

In exemplary embodiments, the second seal comprises a first sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the first section, and a second sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the second section.

The provision of a sealing arrangement substantially around the outer perimeter of the first and second sections ensures a watertight seal between the flood barrier and the installation surfaces of the aperture.

In exemplary embodiments, the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are both substantially rectangular in cross section. A section of a first face of the first sealing portion is flush with a section of a first face of the second sealing portion when the flood barrier is in either the first position or second position, or when being transitioned between the first position and second position. A section of a first face of the first sealing portion always being in contact with a section of a first face of the second sealing portion ensures that the first sealing portion and second sealing portion form a continuous waterproof seal, substantially around the outer perimeter of the first and second sections, whether the barrier is in the first position, second position, or in transition therebetween.

Advantageously, this provides a continuous waterproof seal between the flood barrier and the installation surfaces of the aperture regardless of the extent of lateral extension of the flood barrier.

In exemplary embodiments, either a first edge adjoining the first face of the first sealing portion or a first edge adjoining the first face of the second sealing portion comprises an edge chamfer, wherein said chamfer is directed towards the other of said first faces. A superior sealing effect is provided by the presence of an edge chamfer along either a first edge of the first sealing portion or a first edge of the second sealing portion wherein said first edge is immediately adjacent the other of said sealing portions. When installed in an aperture, reversible deformation of both the first and second sealing portions results from the flood barrier being secured into place. Advantageously, deformation of the unchamfered sealing portion extends into the vicinity of the chamfer, increasing the level interaction between the two sealing portions.

In exemplary embodiments, the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of adjustable brackets, removably mounted to the rear surfaces of the first and second sections.

The provision of a securing arrangement allows the flood barrier to be securely installed within an aperture. Advantageously, an adjustable securing arrangement allows for quick and efficient, installation, repositioning and removal of the flood barrier. Further, the securing arrangement being removably mounted means that interchangeability of components of the securing arrangement is possible in the case that replacement or cleaning is necessary.

In exemplary embodiments, the length of each bracket is at least 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier

It has been found that providing a plurality of adjustable brackets, particularly wherein the length of said bracket is at least 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier, provides a larger area of contact between the securing arrangement and the installation surfaces of the aperture. The force exerted by said securing arrangement upon the installation surface is more evenly distributed, and so, advantageously, the bracket is less likely to damage the installation surface or else spontaneously detach.

In exemplary embodiments, the rear surface of the first and second sections further comprises a plurality of v-shaped notches located substantially towards an upper end and a lower end of the flood barrier.

The provision of v-shaped notches allows the rear surfaces of the first and second sections, and as such, the rear of the flood barrier as a whole, to accommodate the protruding rain deflector fitted to the base of most modem domestic doors. This allows said door to be closed even with the flood barrier in place. A closer fit between the flood barrier and the aperture is also provided, advantageously resulting in reduced likelihood of water penetration around the second seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a flood barrier in a first, substantially non-extended configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1, in a second, substantially extended configuration.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1, in the first, substantially non-extended configuration

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1, in the second, substantially extended configuration.

Figure 5 is a rear, exploded perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a front, exploded perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1.

Figure 7a is a front perspective view of the central, upper and lower panels of Figure 1.

Figure 7b is a close-up front perspective view of the joint between the central and upper, and central and lower panels of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a flood barrier for an aperture is generally indicated at 10. The flood barrier 10 includes a first section 12 interlocked with a second section 14. The flood barrier 10 can be slidably transitioned between a first position as illustrated in Figure 1, in which the first section 12 substantially overlies the second section 14, and a second position as illustrated in Figure 2, in which the first section 12 and second section 14 are extended laterally with respect to one another. The extendible design provides a flood barrier adjustable to a range of widths of aperture.

In the described embodiment, the aperture is an entranceway, for example an access door of a building. Such a building may be a domestic residence, or a place of work such as industrial premises.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the front surface 16 of the second section 14 has a profile exactly complementing the profile of the rear surface 18 of the first section 12. In the first, non-extended position, the first section 12 substantially overlies the second section 14. Moreover, in the first position, the first section 12 substantially nests with the second section 14. The interlock between the first section 12 and the second section 14 allows the flood barrier 10 to be slidably transitioned into the second position, in which the first section 12 and second section 14 are extended laterally with respect to one another.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first section 12 and second section 14 are retained within fixed end caps 24. In the described embodiment, said end caps 24 are formed from high strength plastics material. Moreover, said end caps 24 fixedly accommodate the curved profile of the ends of the first and second sections 12, 14. A fixed inner end cap 26 is provided at a second end of the first section 12. A sliding inner end cap 28 is provided at a second end of the second section 14. The fixed inner end cap 26 and the sliding inner end cap 28 increase the lateral strength of the flood barrier 10, and prevent distortion under loading.

Substantially V-shaped notches 30 are located towards the upper and lower ends of the sliding inner end cap 28. In the described embodiment, said notches 30 allow the accommodation of the rain deflecting component of a domestic doorway.

Said notches 30 may have dimensions appropriate to accommodate a rain deflecting component, having a depth of between 20mm and 75mm and a height of between 15mm and 40mm.

Referring to Figure 5, a waterproof first seal 32 is provided between the first section 12 and the second section 14. The blade-like configuration of the first seal 32, tapers from an edge fixedly attached to a rear surface of the fixed inner end cap 26, towards an edge in movable contact with the front surface 16 of the second section 14. The first seal 32 allows the first and second sections 12, 14 to move relative to one another, whilst preventing the ingress of water therebetween. Advantageously, the profile of the first seal 32 is contoured along its length, such that it follows the profile of the first and second sections 12, 14. Such a configuration prevents water ingress between the two sections 12, 14 whilst there is relative motion therebetween, at the same time not acting to impede said relative motion and allowing the flood barrier 10 to be easily transitioned between the first and second positions. In the described embodiment, the first seal 32 is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer. However, in alternative embodiments, the first seal 32 may be manufactured from any material suitable to provide the desired functional properties.

Referring to Figures 3 to 6, a second seal 34 is located substantially around an outer perimeter of the first and second sections 12, 14, to provide a waterproof seal between the flood barrier 10 and the securing surfaces of an aperture. The second seal 34 has a first sealing portion 36, fixedly attached around the outer perimeter of the rear surface 18 of the first section 12, and a second sealing portion 38, fixedly attached around the outer perimeter of the rear surface 22 of the second section 14. An overlap is maintained between said first and second sealing portions 36, 38 at the intersection of the first and second sections 12, 14, even at maximum possible extension of the flood barrier 10.

Both the first and second sealing portions 36, 38 are substantially rectangular in cross section. To allow a continuous waterproof seal to be maintained when the flood barrier 10 is in the first position, second position, or when being slidably transitioned therebetween, a section of a face of the first sealing portion 36 remains flush with a section of a face of the second sealing portion 38 at all times. In the described embodiment, to further improve sealing performance, the edge adjoining the contacting face of the first or second sealing portion 36, 38 also has an edge chamfer. Said chamfer is directed towards the other of said first faces. Upon the flood barrier 10 being secured within an aperture such as a doorway, pressure is exerted upon both the first and second sealing portions 36, 38 in a direction perpendicular to its outer facing surface. Such a pressure acts to deform the unchamfered sealing portion 36, 38 towards the chamfer of the adjacent sealing portion 36, 38, thus increasing the surface area in contact between sealing portions 36, 38.

In the described embodiment, the second seal 34 is manufactured from neoprene or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). However, in alternative embodiments, the second seal 34 may be manufactured from any material suitable to provide the desired functional properties.

Referring again to Figures 5 and 6, the main body of the first section 12 has a central panel 40, an upper panel 42 fixedly attached to an upper edge of the central panel 40 and a lower panel 44 fixedly attached to a lower edge of the central panel 40. The main body of the second section also has a substantially identical central panel 40, upper panel 42 and lower panel 44. The central panels 40 of the first and second sections 12, 14 remain substantially coplanar when the first and second sections 12, 14 are in the first position, the second position and at any stage of extension relative to one another therebetween.

In the described embodiment, the central panels 40 are manufactured from polypropylene / ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) / polycarbonate. In alternative embodiments these materials may be blended with glass fill additives to achieve different structural properties. The upper panels 42 and the lower panels 44 are formed from extruded aluminium. Such materials afford each panel with sufficient physical strength, whilst remaining economical to manufacture.

The joints between the aluminium and the plastics material are configured so as to enable quick and easy interconnection during assembly of the flood barrier, whilst affording the final, assembled unit with a high level of tensile strength and resistance to water ingress.

With reference to Figures 7a and 7b, the upper and lower edges of the central panels 40 demonstrate a male coupling feature 46 extending the full length of the panel edge. The male coupling features 46 are contoured so as to engage with a corresponding female coupling feature 48, which extends the full length of the lower edge of the upper panels 42, and the full length of the upper edge of the lower panels 44, in a 'snap-fit' arrangement.

Advantageously, in the described embodiment, the distal tip of the male coupling feature 46 is formed so as to demonstrate a small overmould. Such an overmould acts to deform upon engagement with the corresponding female coupling feature 48, thus ensuring the inter-panel joints are resistant to water ingress.

In alternative embodiments, bonding sealant such as a polysiloxane (silicone sealant) may be used between the plastics material and aluminium panels to take up the gap and be forced into the joint upon assembly. The central, upper and lower panels may be manufactured from other materials demonstrating comparable properties. In a further alternative embodiment, a single panel may be used instead of three separate panels.

With reference again to Figures 5 and 6, the slidable interlock between the first section 12 and the second section 14 is maintained by the upper edge of the upper panel 42 of the second section 14 being formed such that it nests with the upper edge of the upper panel 42 of the first section 12, and the lower edge of the lower panel 44 of the second section 14 nests with the lower edge of the lower panel 44 of the first section 12.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the upper and lower panels 42, 44 of the first and second sections 12, 14 are formed so as to demonstrate substantially identical elongate concavities 50. When located towards an upper end of the flood barrier 10, said concavities 50 act to deflect impacting waves, thus preventing flood water 'overtopping' the flood barrier 10 upon installation within an aperture. When located towards a lower end of the flood barrier 10, said concavities 50 act to deflect and diffuse energy from water currents, thus reducing the likelihood the barrier will be dislodged.

As best illustrated by Figure 1, when the flood barrier 10 is in the first position, the elongate concavities 50 of the first section 12 nest with the elongate concavities 50 of the second section 14. As best illustrated by Figure 2, when the flood barrier 10 is in the second position, the elongate concavities 50 of the second section 14 align laterally with the elongate concavities 50 of the first section 12 to effectively form a single, substantially continuous concavity.

With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, each central panel 40 is formed so as to allow the location of a securing arrangement 52. The securing arrangement 52 allows the flood barrier 10 to be removably secured within an aperture such as a doorway. As best illustrated by Figure 5, a threaded boss 54 is integrally formed with the rear surface of each central panel 40, allowing a bracket 56 to be adjustably mounted to the rear surface of each of the first and second sections 12, 14. In the described embodiment, a pressed steel bracket 56 is adjustably mounted to each threaded boss 54, and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central panels 40 by the rotation of a threaded screw 58 inserted through an aperture in the bracket 56, into each threaded boss 54. The securing edge 60 of each bracket 56 is elongated, and in the described embodiment, extends at least 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier 10. Advantageously, a longer length bracket 56 ensures a larger surface area of the securing edge 60 is in contact with the securing surface of an aperture, for example, the frame of a domestic door. The force exerted by tightening of the securing arrangement 52 is more evenly distributed, and so the likelihood of damage to the securing surface is reduced. In alternative embodiments, the length of each bracket 56 may be less than 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier 10. The securing arrangement 52 of the described embodiment is also intuitive to install, adjust and remove, and will not inhibit the extension range of the flood barrier 10.

The adjustable nature of the brackets 56 ensures the flood barrier 10 is suitable for securing within apertures wherein the securing surfaces may have a wide range of dimensions. For example, the described embodiment allows for a maximum bracket extension of 50mm, allowing the same flood barrier 10 to be used with wooden domestic doors having thicker frames, as well as thinner framed doors manufactured from UPVC.

With reference again to figures 5 and 6, integrally formed first and second projections 62, 64 project orthogonally from the rear surface of the central panel 40 of the first section 12, and front surface of the central panel 40 of the second section 14, respectively. A minimum overlap between the first and second sections 12, 14 is maintained at maximum lateral extension of the flood barrier 10 by said projections 62, 64 abutting one another. Advantageously, such an overlap ensures that the first and second sections 12, 14 remain coplanar under loading, thus reducing the likelihood that the water ingress will occur should the flood barrier 10 deform. In the described embodiment, the first and second sections 12, 14 are each between 480mm and 530mm in width. This ensures that overlap between the first and second sections 12, 14 is permitted, whilst compatibility with all common domestic door frame widths up to 920mm is maintained.

The flood barrier 10 as so far described can be secured within an aperture, such as the external doorway of a domestic residence, to provide a waterproof barrier against a body of floodwater. Due to the configuration of the second seal 34, the same flood barrier 10 may be rotated by 180° and secured within an aperture in an inverted position whilst maintaining the same level of resistance to water ingress. Advantageously, the flood barrier 10 may form an effective watertight seal with a wide variety of securing surfaces, within apertures of varying dimensions. For example, the flood barrier 10 of the described embodiment may form an effective watertight seal with a wide variety of sills and frames, around doorways having a variety of dimensions, made from a variety of materials.

In an alternative embodiment, additional seals may be added to the external perimeter of the flood barrier, in order to provide an effective watertight seal within a much wider aperture, such as an alleyway, entrance to a garage door or entrance to a warehouse or storage unit.

In a yet further alternative embodiment, the aperture to be sealed may lack suitable surfaces to allow attachment of the securing arrangement. A locking, expandable pole can be inserted to the rear of the first and second sections. Passing through an aperture provided in the sliding inner end cap, either end of said pole is braced against an internal surface of either fixed end cap thus forcing the external walls of the inner end caps into sealing contact with the walls of the aperture.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the word, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including, but not limited to", and it is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. A flood barrier for an aperture, comprising; a first section, a second section, slidably connected to the first section, a first seal, located between the first section and the second section, to provide a waterproof seal between the first section and the second section, a second seal, located substantially around an outer perimeter of the first and second sections, to provide a waterproof seal between the flood barrier and an aperture, and; a securing arrangement, for securing the flood barrier within an aperture, wherein the flood barrier can be slidably transitioned between a first position, in which the first section substantially overlies the second section, and a second position, in which the first section and second sections are extended laterally with respect to one another.

2. A flood barrier according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section each have a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the first section being complimentary in profile to the front surface of the second section.

3. A flood barrier according to claim 2, wherein the rear surface of the first section comprises at least one first projection, and the front surface of the second section comprises at least one second projection.

4. A flood barrier according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first projection is laterally separated from the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the first position, and the at least one first projection abuts the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the second position.

5. A flood barrier according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the at least one first and at least one second projections are integrally formed with the first and second sections, respectively.

6. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each comprise a first elongate concavity, located substantially towards an upper end of the flood barrier.

7. A flood barrier according to claim 6, wherein the first elongate concavity of the first section nests with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position

8. A flood barrier according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first elongate concavity of the first section is configured to be substantially in lateral alignment with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position

9. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each further comprise a second elongate concavity, located substantially towards a lower end of the flood barrier.

10. A flood barrier according to claim 9, wherein the second elongate concavity of the first section nests with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position.

11. A flood barrier according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the second elongate concavity of the first section is configured to be substantially in lateral alignment with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position.

12. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is fixedly mounted to the rear surface of the first section, and extends between the upper end and the lower end of the flood barrier.

13. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is profiled such that it movably contacts the front surface of the second section, when the flood barrier is being transitioned between the first position and the second position

14. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is substantially blade-like in appearance

15. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the second seal comprises a first sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the first section, and a second sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the second section

16. A flood barrier according to claim 15, wherein the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are both substantially rectangular in cross section, and wherein a section of a first face of the first sealing portion is configured to be flush with a section of a first face of the second sealing portion when the flood barrier is in either the first position or second position, or when being transitioned between the first position and second position.

17. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 16, wherein the rear surface of the first and second sections further comprises a plurality of v-shaped notches, located substantially towards an upper end of the flood barrier.

17. A flood barrier according to claim 16, wherein either a first edge adjoining the first face of the first sealing portion or a first edge adjoining the first face of the second sealing portion comprises an edge chamfer, wherein said chamfer is directed towards the other of said first faces.

18. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of adjustable brackets, removably mounted to the rear surfaces of the first and second sections

19. A flood barrier according to claim 18, wherein the length of each bracket is at least 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier

20. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 19, wherein the rear surface of the first and second sections further comprises a plurality of v-shaped notches, located substantially towards a lower end of the flood barrier.

21. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 20, wherein the rear surface of the first and second sections further comprises a plurality of v-shaped notches, located substantially towards an upper end of the flood barrier.

22. A flood barrier constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and/or with reference to any one of Figures 1-7. Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows A Flood Barrier Claims

1. A flood barrier for an aperture, comprising; a first section, a second section, slidably connected to the first section, a first seal, located between the first section and the second section, to provide a waterproof seal between the first section and the second section, a second seal, located substantially around an outer perimeter of the first and second sections, to provide a waterproof seal between the flood barrier and an aperture, and; a securing arrangement, for securing the flood barrier within an aperture, wherein the flood barrier can be slidably transitioned between a first position, in which the first section substantially overlies the second section, and a second position, in which the first section and second sections are extended laterally with respect to one another; and, wherein the first section and the second section each have a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the first section being complementary in profile to the front surface of the second section, wherein the rear surface of the first section comprises at least one first projection, and the front surface of the second section comprises at least one second projection, and wherein the at least one first projection is laterally separated from the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the first position, and the at least one first projection abuts the at least one second projection when the flood barrier is in the second position.

2. A flood barrier according to claim 1, wherein the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each comprise a first elongate concavity, located substantially towards an upper end of the flood barrier.

3. A flood barrier according to claim 2, wherein the first elongate concavity of the first section nests with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position

4. A flood barrier according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first elongate concavity of the first section is configured to be substantially in lateral alignment with the first elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position

5. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the front surface of the first section and the front surface of the second section each further comprise a second elongate concavity, located substantially towards a lower end of the flood barrier.

6. A flood barrier according to claim 5, wherein the second elongate concavity of the first section nests with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the first position.

7. A flood barrier according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second elongate concavity of the first section is configured to be substantially in lateral alignment with the second elongate concavity of the second section when the flood barrier is in the second position.

8. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is fixedly mounted to the rear surface of the first section, and extends between the upper end and the lower end of the flood barrier.

9. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is profiled such that it movably contacts the front surface of the second section, when the flood barrier is being transitioned between the first position and the second position

10. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first seal is substantially blade-like in appearance

11. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the second seal comprises a first sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the first section, and a second sealing portion, located substantially around the outer perimeter of the rear surface of the second section

12. A flood barrier according to claim 11, wherein the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are both substantially rectangular in cross section, and wherein a section of a first face of the first sealing portion is configured to be flush with a section of a first face of the second sealing portion when the flood barrier is in either the first position or second position, or when being transitioned between the first position and second position.

13. A flood barrier according to claim 12, wherein either a first edge adjoining the first face of the first sealing portion or a first edge adjoining the first face of the second sealing portion comprises an edge chamfer, wherein said chamfer is directed towards the other of said first faces.

14. A flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of adjustable brackets, removably mounted to the rear surfaces of the first and second sections

15. A flood barrier according to claim 14, wherein the length of each bracket is at least 50% of the vertical height of the flood barrier

16. A flood barrier according to any of claims 2 to 15, wherein the rear surface of the first and second sections further comprises a plurality of v-shaped notches, located substantially towards a lower end of the flood barrier.