GB2565517A

GB2565517A - A device

Info

Publication number: GB2565517A
Application number: GB1702363.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Musomesa Christine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2017-02-14
Publication date: 2019-02-20
Also published as: GB201702363D0

Abstract

A portable storage vessel may be used to hold rainwater, the vessel has a bladder or liner 13 with top and bottom rigid plates 4 and Fig 2, 17 positioned respectively above and below the bladder. A plurality of flexible vertical tie straps 11 and horizontal bands locate the plates whilst tie rods 9 allow and guide vertical movement of the straps, bands and bladder. Earth anchors 22 are fitted to the rods to screw into the ground to hold the device in situ. In use the device may be positioned by lifting point 1 the anchors are rotated and a suction pump which may be attached to hose 14 is used to suck floodwater into the tank. A locking cap or hatch 3 may be provided to access the interior of the vessel. A series of containers may be linked together. Water may be pumped in or out of the vessels. The vessels may be used to mitigate the effects of floods, natural disasters and the like.

Description

A DEVICE

Field of Invention

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for flood control.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1a shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention expanded with straps for carrying extended;

Figure 1 b shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention, contracted with straps for carrying extended;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1b;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1a, with hose attached;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1b;

Figure 6 shows a view from above of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3; and

Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of an apparatus for limiting flood damage, comprising a bladder 13, a pumping mechanism (not shown) and a hose 14.

The pumping mechanism for the pictured embodiment comprises a pump powered by electricity from a local generator in use, so as to enable easy usage in a plurality of inaccessible or remote locations.

The apparatus may therefore include an electricity generator in some embodiments or a pumping mechanism which comprises a generator integrally, which generator comprises a diesel powered energy train.

In some embodiments the hose passes through or is rendered bipartite by the pumping mechanism. In such embodiments, the pumping mechanism is located intermediate the hose length, or joined to two separate hose parts. In others the pumping mechanism is located on the end 15 of the hose wherein the hose 14 is connected at one end 19 at a socket 91 to the bladder 13, and the other end 15 is free.

The hose 14 is placed into floodwater, and the pumping mechanism pumps water through the hose 14 to the bladder 13.

The bladder 13 comprises a circular tubular structure, will an impervious outer wall, which is strengthened by structural supports 9 in use.

The pictured embodiment of the bladder is approximately 2.3m in height and 3.5 in volume, and is made from a heavy duty tarpaulin.

These supports 9 are spaced around the perimeter of the bladder 13 in use passing through lanyard attachment points 7. The supports 9 are wholly displaceable from the bladder for transport and storage purposes. The supports 9 are used to insert into the ground using a screwthreaded end 12 so as to maintain the device in place as filled and ensure the bladder 13 expands vertically.

In the pictured embodiment the apparatus comprises rigid thermoplastic protective covers 4, 17 located on the top and bottom respectively of the bladder in use, to protect the bladder 13 from being pierced and to give mounting points 6, 7 for strapping 11 and supports 9 respectively.

The supports 9 have threaded ends 12, for effective insertion into ground as required.

The bladder 13 is telescopically extendable vertically, and comprised of flexible material. The bladder also further includes lateral strapping 31, arranged in a plurality of lateral closed loops which enables structural form, and vertical strapping 11 arranged in parallel loops vertically which enables the bladder 13 to maintain its shape as it extends upwards.

The strapping is comprised by flat bands of Nylon (RTM) webbing, stitched at the intersections.

The vertical strapping 11 is arranged perimetrically to affix into radially extending slots 6 parallel the circumference of the covers 4,17. At the same points on the circumference handles 5 extend radially.

The slots 6 allow passage of the vertical strapping 11, and the handles 5 may be utilised as a transporting support mechanism in use.

Such transporting support mechanism also comprises a means of supporting the device, apparatus or bladder for transport, to some other location for disposal of the water, even when the bladder 13 is full.

The support mechanism comprises 6 straps 2, depending from a central boss 1, which boss comprises an attachment point topmost for a crane arm or similar.

In the first pictured embodiment the straps 2 the strap ends are bonded to the top cover 4.

In the second pictured embodiment the support mechanism handles 5 allow for the straps 2 to be secured using heavy duty tension locks 27, which carrying straps 2 are then attached to a crane and the device lifted.

The cover is formed in robust thermoplastics, which may be strengthened by internal or external metal or alloy structural support, and has external ribs 8.

In some embodiments the straps 2 may be fed underneath the bladder 13 and through the slots to enable the use of a crane to move the bladders when full.

The vertical strapping are looped through slots 18 in the bottom cover 17 and connected to themselves using a connection mechanism. The pictured connection mechanism comprises a ratchet connector 21.

The top cover 4 includes a central locking cap 3. This cap 3 enables the bladder 13 interior to be cleaned as required, being wholly displaceable from the cover 4 when needed. The cap 3 attaches to the cover using a bayonet closure means, and has two handles 16 for twisting.

The bladder 13 may include a toughened or augmented base, which base may comprise a displaceable or integrated part or internal or external strengthening or coating. In this way the base is less prone to punctures.

The bladder 13 includes a connector 91 for the connection of the hose 14 and/or pumping mechanism. In the pictured embodiment this connector interfits with a threaded collar 19 on the hose end. This collar has a screw fit top, which may be tethered to the bladder or collar, or wholly displaceable.

The apparatus provides a flood prevention and flood water removal system which stores the water until it can be safely released.

The apparatus thereby comprises the following benefits: • Pump water back once flooding has been resolved. • Transportable. • Stable. • Quick to assemble. • Large storage capacity. • Modular.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a two-way pump system to drain flood areas and pump it back when convenient. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises plural bladders, for example wherein when one bladder is full, excess water can be transferred to another bladder connected with a hose. Multiple bladders may also be linked up to cater for increasing levels of flood risk.

Another connector may be located on the other side to allow one bladder to be hooked up to another.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,'falling within the scope of the invention.

I

Claims

CLAIM 1 This device is ideal for resisting flooding during rain season.