GB2599480A

GB2599480A - Flood defence system

Info

Publication number: GB2599480A
Application number: GB2110964.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walters David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-29
Filing date: 2021-07-29
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: GB202110964D0; GB202011815D0

Abstract

The system includes an activation means and an air brick barrier means wherein said air brick barrier means includes at least one diaphragm 10. The diaphragm movable from an open position where air can pass through the air brick to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the air brick and into the premises. The activation means may trigger stored gas, such as to release to move the diaphragm. The activation means may include an electrically conductive material which senses water.

Description

Flood Defence System The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of use to protect buildings from flooding.

Although the present invention refers exclusively to the protection of domestic premises and houses from flood water, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be applied to commercial premises, shops, offices and the like and is not limited to domestic premises.

Water damage caused by the flooding of homes and properties costs many millions 10 of pounds per year and an estimated one in six properties are at risk from flooding.

Conventional flood defences include sandbags and other barriers that are placed around the perimeters of properties. These defences however require people to be present to place the barriers or sand bags in position. This can be a particular problem if the property owner cannot quickly or readily access the property.

Conventional flood defence systems also cannot be left in position as they present an obstruction or block apertures into the building required for ventilation.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a flood defence system that addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the invention to provide a method of operating a flood defence 20 system that addresses the abovementioned problems.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a flood prevention system suitable for preventing water entering premises, said system including an activation means and an air brick barrier means wherein said air brick barrier means includes at least one diaphragm, said diaphrazni movable from an open position where air is able to pass through the an brick to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the air brick and into the premises.

In one embodiment the barrier means is located or mounted on the air brick. In this embodiment the barrier means is provided as a cover.

In one embodiment the barrier means is incorporated into and/or located within an air brick or an air brick housing. Typically the housing is a brick shaped and/or dimensioned housing. Further typically the housing is of plastics material.

In one embodiment the system includes a processor means. Typically the processor means receives one or more signals from the activation means and initiates or controls the sealed or closed position.

In one embodiment the diaphragm comprises substantially flexible polymeric 10 material or membrane. Typically the diaphragm material includes rubber and/or rubber latex type material.

In one embodiment the diaphragm is mounted on one or more frame members. Typically the frame members comprise frame members that are flexible or deformable, but more rigid than the diaphragm.

In one embodiment the diaphragm is stretched across and/or covers a frame, said frame comprising one or more frame members.

In one embodiment the frame members comprise steel strips or lengths 1 ypically the steel strips are sprung steel.

In one embodiment the frame members comprise polymeric or plastics material. 20 Typically the polymeric material is polypropylene.

In one embodiment the frame members resiliently bias the diaphragm to the open position. ifypically the frame members are under tension, compressed and/or under load to bias or resiliently bias the same to the open or closed position.

In one embodiment the system includes a valve member. Typically movement of 25 the diaphragm to the closed or sealed position causes the diaphragm to contact one or more walls of the air brick and/or the valve member, thereby sealing the air brick and preventing the ingress of water.

In one embodiment the movement between the open and sealed positions is actuated by fluid or gas pressure. Typically the system includes one or more gas storage means. Further typically the gas is air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

In one embodiment the gas storage means is located remote of the diaphragm and the fluid or gas is supplied through at least one tube or conduit.

In one embodiment the gas storage means includes a replaceable container or cylinder.

In one embodiment the gas storage means can be filled or replenished with air or gas using a fan and/or compressor. Typically the fan or compressor is battery powered.

In one embodiment the gas storage means includes a pressure gauge.

In one embodiment conduit from the gas storage means to the diaphragm includes 15 one or more check valves to prevent gas returning to the storage means.

Typically on receipt of a signal from the activation means the fluid or gas stored in the gas storage means is released thereby moving or actuating the diaphragm to move from the first open position to the second dosed or sealed position.

In one embodiment the diaphragiii includes one or more pockets and/or recesses 20 that fan fill with fluid thereby urging the diaphragm to the closed position.

In one embodiment the frame members are resiliently biased to an open position, closed position, or a position between open an closed, said diaphragm being moved from said open or closed positions by fluid pressurisation Or removal of fluid pres sure.

In one embodiment the activation means includes at least one electrically conductive member. Typically the electrically conductive member includes one or more copper cables or wires. Further typically the electrically conductive member includes an insulated coating or trunking within which a conductive wire or cable is located.

In one embodiment the electrically conductive member is mounted or attached to the building in use. Typically the electrically conductive members terminate, and/or have at least one end, that is located below the air brick housing or cover. Further typically the system includes at least one electrically conductive member that generates a signal when it comes into contact with water.

In one embodiment two electrically conductive members are located a spaced distance apart. Typically the conductive members are located or positioned on substantially the same substantially horizontal plane or axis. I;urther typically when the flood water makes contact with the ends of the electrically conductive members, a circuit is completed and the diaphragm moved to the second closed position.

Tn one embodiment the one or more conductive members are located around the external wall of the building to which the system is attached. Typically waterproof junction boxes attach the conductive members together.

In one embodiment at least the ends of the conductive members are located or positioned in a tube or tubing.

In one embodiment the processor includes a communication means. Typically a message can be sent to a user's portable electronic devices from the communication means warning said user of the activation of the system.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of!preventing water ingress or flooding of a premises, using an air brick barrier means, including at least one diaphragm, said diaphragm movable from an open position where air is able to pass through the air brick to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the air brick and into the premises, said method including the step of incorporating said barrier into a brick housing in wall or a cover means for an existing air brick.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a wall including an air brick barrier means, said air brick barrier means including at least one diaphragm, said diaphragm movable from an open position where air can pass through the air brick from one side of the wall to another, to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the wall.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a wall or building including an air brick barrier means configured to selectively or automatically prevent water ingress or flooding of a premises, said air brick barrier means including at least one diaphragm, said diaphragm movable from an open position where air can pass through the air brick from one side of the wall to another, to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the wall, said method including the step of incorporating said air brick barrier means as an air brick in said wall construction.

Specific embodiment of the invention are now described with reference to the following figures wherein; Figure la shows an exploded view of the housing of an air brick in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure lb shown an embodiment of the diaphragm in accordance with one 20 embodiment of the invention; Figure lc is a representation of the movement of the diaphragiii between the open and closed positions; and Figure id shown the fluid tubing connecting the gas storage means to the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The present invention can be fitted to a variety of premises to function as an air brick but also provide selective sealing against water ingress. For example, for terraced properties a single copper wire conductive member i.e. for joining houses in a line can be used. Usually a double copper wire is needed to make the circuit for this type of property.

Another way of viewthg the invention is as a smart alarm that is trio-o-ered when the bb two copper wires get into contact with the rising flood water, the water touching the copper makes a circuit. 'ibis system is linked up by waterproof junction boxes which connect the cables. Usually a cable connector strip is used to join the wires and make a circuit to the air bricks located at the back to front the house. This is usually hid around across the top of the shirtings. When water passes over them it sets off the alarm and/or activation means in the building. The system can also send a message or alarm signal to a smart phone, the alarm will indicate that the level of water is at a critical height.

For a semi-detached building a single copper wire can be used. This smart flood system goes around the building to for a circuit and comes back on itself as the copper wire is laid in the same way around the external of the building in a plastic conduit and comes down around the air bricks. When water levels get up the conduit and passing over the copper wire it will set off alarm in the building and your smart phone the alarm will indicate that the level of water is at a critical height.

The electrically conductive members or wires are laid around the external wall of the building through a plastic conduit and joined together at the air brick with a waterproof junction box. They come down around the air brick only if the air brick are two bricks off the ground level. As the flood water rises it starts to go up the tube and when it touches the wires forming a circuit it will set off the smart alarm which will then alert the smart phone that the water is at a critical height. So the air brick flood covers can be deployed before the water gets in through to the house.

The diaphragm flange will expand when air is pumped in by 2-3mm to the sprung steel which will cause the flange to expand and tighten up against the seal when full with air. This will be more effective because you are effectively trying to keep water out and the pressure will build up and will stop any penetration of water getting in.

Typically the diaphragm is made of a latex rubber which is stretched over the 30 diaphragm and using this will make it harder to perish and be stronger. This will have sprung steel or plastic on it. As it moves to the closed position the sprung steel will concave forming a tight seal. At the base of the diaphragm is a crash sensor. This will trigger a small air release making the seal watertight. This will then make it harder for water to enter the inside of the building. This will also stretch the latex 5 rubber on the diaphragm usually by around 2mm making it airtight too. The outer frame of the diaphragm needs to be able to expand under air pressure so would need to be made from a flexible material such as polypropylene. This will give a bit of movement to the diaphragm when closed. A flexible latex rubber is usually located around the airbrick inside opening and this gives a better seal under pressure. Often 10 airbrick covers can be used for a seal on the front or one side of the building.

The air brick cover is essentially a pressurised unit that is formed by a fixed diaphragm and as it fills with air.

The diaphragm deforms or expands under the pressure makes the sprung steel frame across the back to become a pressurised unit. The CO, or air that is fed into the unit down a rubber tube is connected by 3 bar valve, typically an 530 valve made from brass that has a screw fitting to the pressurised unit. This makes the sprung steel frame bend into the air brick and expand this in turn makes a pressurised seal between the diaphragm and the rubber reassessed flange of the air brick wall.

The diaphragm is covered with a strong latex and is not perishable in cold conditions and the frame is made from a flexible material such as polypropylene. The pressurised unit is fitted with a brass screw fitting which in turn the rubber tube connects to a water proof box attached at the side of the window that has a Bluetooth (usually TDWLB WEPS04) pressure gauge built in to it. The user is then able see what pressure (usually in PSI) it holds and if the pressure is lost. This can be topped up when the gage indicates it is low in pressure by the valve that is attached to a long rubber tube. The valve lets air in but doesn't let air out from the sealed unit.

This is a battery operated unit so there is no electrical charge going through it. The unit slides down into 2 slots at the side of the manufactured air brick which are 30 tapered and snap into the reassessed flange giving a tighter fit. The diaphragm outer frame is made from expandable plastic, for example shape-shifting Crystal plastic which expands under pressure.

Finally, when the flooding or flash flood has come to an end and the water levels have dropped to a stable level then CO2 or air can be released or vacuumed out using a vacuum valve to releasing then pressure unit by making the diaphragm to return back to the original position.

The air brick housing itself can be made in a standard 215 x 65, 215 x 150 or 215 x 215 to compensate for the older buildings and the pressurised unit be made to the size of the existing air bricks.

Turning now to figure la where there is shown an exploded view of an apparatus 2 that can be used as an air brick in a building. The apparatus 2 includes an outer housing 4 and an air brick sleeve 6 that is inserted into the same. In front of the sleeve is the diaphragm unit 8 inside of which is located the diaphragm 10 shown in its inflated or closed position in figure lb. Figure 1c shows the differences in position of the diaphragm between the open condition 12 and the closed condition 14. Air or fluid pressure (in this case carbon dioxide is introduced through the diaphragm inlet valve 16 from the storage means 18 and connected to the inlet 16 through tubing 20. The diaphragm is moved when a signal is received from the electrical conducting wires, shown in figure 2 located in conduits 22, when flood water touches the ends of the same and completes a circuit. Usually the ends are located below the air brick apparatus 2 as shown in figure 2.

Figure 3a shows a cross sectional diagram of the apparatus in the form of a cover 24 situated over an air brock in a cavity wall 26. Figure 3b shows a further cross sectional diagram of the diaphragm 10 gradually deforming or expanding under the pressure of the CO, that is being introduced into the unit. The deformation of the diaphragm 10 rubber later makes the sprung steel frame 28 across the back to become a pressurised unit. This makes the sprung steel frame members 28 bend into the air brick and expand this in turn makes a pressurised seal between the diaphragm 10 and the rubber reassessed flange 30 of the air brick wall. Once in the closed condition the unit is watertight and therefore impervious to flood water, sealing an important point of water ingress into dwellings.

Figure 4 shows the external housing 4 of the air brick unit 2 that is used in walls and cavity walls in particular of dwellings. The unit does not affect the aesthetics of a building and can therefore be added to any type of dwelling, being coloured and/or dimensioned to suit. The housing 4 can contain communication means for sending alerts to the property owner's phone for example when the unit is activated by rising floodwater, although this can be situated externally, usually higher up the building.

Claims

Claims 1. A flood prevention system suitable for preventing water entering premises, said system including an activation means and an air brick barrier means wherein said air brick barrier means includes at least one diaphragm, said diaphragm movable from an open position where air is able to pass through the air brick to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the air brick and into the premises.
2. A flood prevention system according to claim 1 wherein the barrier means is located or mounted on the air brick.
3. A flood prevention system according to claim 1 wherein the barrier means is provided as a cover.
4. A flood prevention system according to claim 2 wherein the barrier means is incorporated into and/or located within an air brick or an air brick housing.
5. A flood prevention system according to claim 1 wherein the housing is a brick 15 shaped and/or dimensioned housing.
6. A flood prevention system according to claim 1 wherein the housing is of plastics material.
7. A flood prevention system according to claim 1 wherein the system includes a processor means, said processor means receives one or more signals from the 20 activation means and initiates or controls the sealed or closed position.
8. A flood prevention system according to any preceding claim wherein the diaphragm comprises substantially flexible polymeric material or membrane.
9. A flood prevention system according to claim 8 wherein the diaphragm material includes rubber and/or rubber latex material.
10. A flood prevention system according to any preceding claim wherein the diaphragm is mounted on one or more frame members.
11. A flood prevention system according to claim 10 wherein the frame members comprise frame members that are flexible or deformable, but more rigid than the diaphrag
12. A flood prevention system according to claim 11 wherein the frame members s comprise steel and/or plastics material strips or lengths.
13. A flood prevention system according to claim 13 wherein the steel strips are sprung steel.
14. A flood prevention system according to claim 12 wherein the plastics material frame members comprise polypropylene.
15. A flood prevention system according to claims 10-14 wherein the frame members resiliendy bias the diaphragm to the open position.
16. A flood prevention system according to any preceding claim wherein the system includes a valve member.
17. A flood prevention system according to claim 16 wherein movement of the 15 diaphragm to the closed or sealed position causes the diaphragm to contact one or more walls of the air brick and/or the valve member, thereby sealing the air brick and preventing the ingress of water.
18. A flood prevention system according to any preceding claim wherein the movement between the open and sealed positions is actuated by fluid or gas 20 pressure.
19. A flood prevention system according to claim 18 wherein the system includes one or more gas or fluid storage means.
20. A flood prevention system according to claim 19 wherein the gas is air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
21. A flood prevention system according to claim 19 wherein the gas storage means is located remote of the diaphragm and the fluid or gas is supplied through at least one tube or conduit.
22. A flood prevention system according to claim 19 wherein on receipt of a signal from the activation means the fluid or gas stored in the gas storage means is released thereby moving or actuating the diaphragm to move from the first open position to the second closed or sealed position.s
23. A flood prevention system according to claim 22 wherein the activation means includes at least one electrically conductive member.
24. A flood prevention system according to claim 23 wherein the electrically conductive member is mounted or attached to the building in use and the electrically conductive members terminate, and/or have at least one end, that is located below 10 the air brick housing or cover.
25. A method of preventing water ingress or flooding of a premises, using an air brick barrier means, including at least one diaphragm, said diaphragm movable from an open position where air is able to pass through the air brick to a closed or sealed position which prevents air, water and other fluids from passing through the air brick and into the premises, said method including the step of incorporating said barrier into a brick housing in wall or a cover means for an existing air brick.