IES20110541A2 - A barrier apparatus defence system - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier apparatus defence system (4) which provides protection in a flood or storm comprising at least one panel (4) having a top portion, bottom portion and two sides and a peripheral edge extending around the top portion, bottom and side portions of the panel. The planar peripheral edge member is covered by the malleable seals, extending around at least the bottom portion and at least the two edge portions. The A barrier apparatus defence system further comprises at least one 'U' ground track (2) receiving means channel whereby the panel (4) is engaged in the 'U' ground track (2) whereby the y channel (1) engages into the 'U' ground track (2) whereby the panel (4) engages in the 'antiluce' locking system (9) to form a fluid impregnable seal between the panel (4) and the structure of the building, window or door opening.

Description

OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION I UNDER SECTION 23 ANS RULE 23j JNL Hq.?3£.?L, of A barrier apparatus defence system The present invention relates to a barrier apparatus defence system, in particular an apparatus which is used to guard against the flooding of buildings, domestic, commercial or otherwise.

Floods are caused when areas of land become covered in water. Generally this occurs when a river overflows its banks primarily due to excessive rain or tidal flow. Despite the local defence systems such as levees, bunds and 0 reservoirs, rivers constantly burst their banks. One of the major physical effects of a flood is that buildings are caught in the path of a flood. The buildings and structures are damaged by the rising water levels and become uninhabitable until such times when the water has receded.

This in turn creates an economical problem with people trying to cope with the utter devastation a flood leaves behind.

Previous methods employed to prevent flood waters from entering the building have been to block the openings with traditional sandbags. More often than not this proves to be ineffective. The sandbags are cumbersome, heavy and pose a health risk from contamination. Often people, in particular the elderly or infirm, are unable to manoeuvre or manage the sandbags. If the sandbags are not aligned correctly or the weight of the water is such, then the sandbags are particularly ineffective.

Regardless in most cases where pressurised water is a constant presence, it will eventually seep through the sandbags and allow the water to enter the building. Likewise there are several flood defence/guards available on the market, all of which seem to rely on a barrier being placed in a channel and being tightened down in some manner. The materials' use seems heavy and cumbersome, precluding the old or infirm. tE 1 1 Ο 5 4 1 G8021196 discloses a flood defence system which comprises a barrier panel adapted to be mounted across the lower part of an opening such as a door. The barrier panel is fixed to the external surface of the building and is provided with a pneumatically expanding means to sea! the opening. This is a complicated structure and is limited to suit particular openings within the building. In effect this system is custom built, and consequently is an expensive purchase. Likewise the time and effort to install the structure would prove arduous for anyone but the able-bodied.

EP 1455046 discloses a flood barrier for protecting an opening in a building. The barrier comprises a frame which supports a linked carrier with a protective disk to plug the opening. The weight of water against the frame presses the disk more firmly in place. A float acts on the linkage to press the disk home as water rises. The float controls a valve connected to a compressed air bottfe which when activated press the disk in piace. This is also complicated which is difficult to use and is relatively expensive to purchase.

GB 2 449 520 discloses a property guard comprising a curved structure to which a rubber seal is attached. The property guard is directly secured to the property using bolts to provide a barrier against ingress of water. We believe this system does not work efficiently.

GB 2 381 552 and GB 2 305 453 both disclose a flood protection system comprising a U-shape frame having side and bottom channels into which a protective screen or pane! is placed. The U-shaped frame is permanently attached around the door or window. The protection screen or panel are placed into the channel only when there is a risk of flooding.

GB 2 381 552 further discloses an internally sprung contractible locking bar which allows a user to press the protective screen or panel down towards the bottom channel of the U-shape frame to achieve a better seal. The main ΙΕι 1 q problem with this design is the frame is a hazard for persons entering or leaving the building as the frame is permanently attached to the structure.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a barrier apparatus 5 that overcomes the problems associated with known flood protection systems and or other barrier apparatuses. it is acknowledged that the term 'comprise* may, under varying jurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning, For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted explicitly, then the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning that it may be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components. Accordingly the term 'comprise' is to be attributed with as broad an interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should be used when the terms 'comprised' and/or 'comprising' are used.

Further aspects of the present invention wili become apparent from the ensuing description which, is given by way of example only.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier apparatus comprising of at least one panel in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion, bottom and two side portions. The panel comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top portion, bottom portion and two side portions wherein the planar surface of the peripheral edges is covered by a sealing member extending around at least the bottom and two sides portion of the panel.

The barrier apparatus defence system further comprising of at least two fixing and adjustment means, a receiving ground track, thereby defining a receiving channel for the base portion of the panel, whereby the base portion of the panel engages with the receiving ground track. Also locking into the 'none luce' locking system to form a seal between the panel and the structure.

In a further aspect of the invention, the sealing action is gained by the panel’s Y-bar engaging into the U-shape ground track and then engaging into the locking system. In this way the seam members of the malleable seals form a watertight seal by being pressed against the wall, window or structure under high pressure.

Advantageously the seam members of the malleable seals can be formed from any suitable materials known to the skilled person. In a preferred embodiment the seams members are integrally formed between the base, planar edge of the panei and wall such that components of the panei are contiguous to each other to form a watertight seal. In yet a further embodiment of the invention the base of the panei and at least 2 sides of the panel joined directly to the wall, frame, structure or window forms a watertight seal.

Advantageously the seam member or angular join members are formed from any suitable material known to the skilled person in the art and can include, for example, neoprene.

The advantages of the seam members or angular seam members are that an improved seal is formed when ground channel and y-shape panel section are engaged and the panel is attached and compressed against the door opening, window or structure. Engaging panel forms an improved seal along the base, planar edge and the wail, consequently a better seal is formed between the panei and the structure which prevents water from permeating through the sealing members and leaking into the property.

Advantageously the sealing member are fitted to the planar edge of the panel and, as the flood waters increase in height, external pressure works to enhance the sealing qualities ofthe barrier apparatus defence system.

In a further aspect of the invention is the time taken to put the barrier in place. Unlike most barrier apparatuses this unit is fitted in place in a matter of seconds and can be achieved by any person, young or not so young, able or not so able. Requiring little dexterity, agility or strength and is adjusted by simply turning the two adjustment screws.

Optionally in a further aspect of the invention, the barrier apparatus defence system comprises of modular parts and will fit any opening such as but not exclusive to: door opening, garage door openings, patio door openings, windows and French doors.

A further aspect of this invention is the ability to cover any opening to any desired height by adding more panels as required or desired. in a further aspect of this invention, the sealing agent is malleable which allows the sealing means to adopt the shape of the surface onto which it is pressed, around any surface such that it forms a tight seal around any uneven surface or even surface. Optionaily the seating agent is selected from a group of malleable sealing agents including, for example, neoprene. It is understood that the sealing member is not limited to this example and that any suitable sealing means known to a person skilled in the art could aiso be used. Conveniently when the first sealing member comprises of a malleable seal it is possible for the barrier apparatus defence system to overcome reveals, masonry, brickwork, dashing and so forth which is often found around openings in buildings or adapt to varying level on a ground surface.

Preferably the sealing members are attached as appropriate to the various components impregnable. Conveniently to achieve this in a first embodiment of the invention the sealing members further comprise an adhesive layer positioned on one surface of the sealing member which allows each sealing member to stick to the appropriate part of the system of the invention.

Alternatively the seating members can be held in piace by means of other glues or silicon sealant.

,E1 1 0 5 4 1 An advantage of the barrier apparatus defence system is that it is readily adaptable to fit any size of opening, being width or height. Another advantage of the apparatus of the invention is that it also adaptable to any surface.

In a further aspect of the invention, the barrier apparatus defence system comprises a locking mechanism in which the panel is secured, adjusted and then locked in place. Conveniently in one embodiment of the invention the locking mechanism comprises of a simple padlock and tamperproof plate. Ideally the panel engages in a set of complimentary shaped projections in to which the complimentary shape mechanism allows movement in only one direction and aligning the panei, thereby engaging the locking pin. The complimentary shaped locking acceptance mechanism which is secured in the panel is easily disengaged from each other by releasing the bias by appropriate means known to a person skilled in the art. A further advantage of this invention is that the locking system is a ratchet design system and is designed to keep the planar pressure on the panel, wall and malleable seals at all times, forming a constant seal from the fluid impregnation.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin and ratchet arm which is also designed to place and keep a downward pressure on the bottom ofthe panel. Optionally the locking pin is provided with an enlarged gripping arm that enables the owner/user to adjust the sealing members. Once padlocked into position the barrier apparatus defence system is prevented from being removed by anyone other than the owner/user.

A further aspect of the invention is the ability to be cover any height required, conveniently the panels comprises of two sizes; 1200mm x 600mm and 1200mm x 900mm, alternatively the panels can be joined on the horizontal plain to increase the height of the flood cover. Accordingly it is understood that the panels are not iimited to the aforementioned sizes. ,£”054ί In a further aspect of the invention the panels are formed from standard recycled plastic board. Optionally the boards can be any suitable materials known to the person skilled in the art, for example, ply board, u-pvc, metal or aluminium.

Conveniently in one embodiment of the invention is the lightweight nature of the material, likewise the eco-nature of the board.

In a further embodiment of the invention is the opposing planar surfaces are comprised of a shatterproof polymer recycled plastic material, advantageously these materials can be cleaned and washed whilst in situ, prior to removal and storage. Conveniently the panels have one or more decorative sections, this enables the user to select a panel of the appropriate type sympathetic to the building in which the barrier apparatus defence system is being installed.

Ideally in a preferred embodiment of the invention the barrier apparatus defence system is able to withstand pressure of at ieast 800KPa (100 psi).

Advantageously the barrier apparatus defence system is easily assembled and dismantled as required, preferably the 'none luce' bolts remain in position whilst the flooding is imminent, conveniently this is not necessarily needed as the 'none luce' bolts are a simple threaded arm.

Advantageously the barrier apparatus defence system panel is put in place in a matter of seconds by any person, young, not so young, able or not so able, requiring little dexterity or physical requirements. A further aspect of the invention is the means of adjusting the seating quality of the barrier apparatus defence system, obtained by turning the ‘none luce' bolts clockwise, which is acquired with very little torque.

Conveniently the component parts are easily and readily replaceable in the unlikely event of damage or trauma.

In a further aspect ofthe invention the panel and assemble can also be used to protect air vents. Ideally in this embodiment of the invention at least a portion of a planar surface of the panel is covered with the malleable sealing member. Preferably the planar surface of the barrier apparatus defence system is secured over the air vent.

Protecting the air vent comprises of a parallelepiped having a top portion, bottom portion and two sides, the panel further comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member, The malleable sealing membrane is adhered planar edge ofthe panei and compressed by way of the 'none luce' bolt.

Conveniently the 'none luce' adjustment bolt is attached to the air vent by way of a 'butterfly' clip and remains in-place during the flood season.

The invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example only, three embodiments of the barrier apparatus defence system of the invention likewise the ease and speed of placement.

Brief Description ofthe Drawings Figure 1 is the side view of the barrier apparatus of the invention, showing the 'flush' ground track of the invention.

Figure 2 is the side view of the barrier apparatus of the invention, showing the 'above ground' ground track and the wraparound feature of the base neoprene.

Figure 3 is the side view of the barrier apparatus showing the angle of insertion. fel 1 05 Figure 4 is the side view of the invention showing the critical X - Y distance and makeup of the ground track and base plate.

Figure 5 is the side view of the barrier of the invention showing the layout of 5 the door assembly.

Figure 6 is the side view showing the means of adding extra panels.

Figure 7 is the side view of the invention showing the above ground track.

Figure 8 is the side view ofthe barrier apparatus of the invention, showing the ground track and dust cap.

Figure 9 is the schematic view of the barrier apparatus of the invention 15 showing the makeup of the panel, base piate and neoprene.

Figure 10 is the schematic view of the panel, base plate and side bars.

Figure 11 is the schematic view makeup of the panel showing the component 20 parts.

Figure 12 is the side view of the barrier apparatus of the invention showing the window sill makeup ofthe invention.

Figure 13 is the drawing of the base plate for use with door/window silts.

Figure 14 is the side view of the invention showing the window sill.

Figure 15 is the schematic view of the barrier apparatus defence system 30 showing the relationship between none luce bolt and the panel.

Figure 16 is the drawing ofthe invention showing the none luce bolt and lock. ,£ 1 ί ο 5 4 J Figure 17 is the perspective view of the none luce locking system and padlock.

Figure 18 is the side view of the none luce bolt fixing system.

Figure 19 is the perspective view if the none luce bolt in the open position.

Figure 20 is the perspective view of the none luce bolt in the closed position.

Figure 21 is the perspective view of the none luce bolt and the panel in action.

Figure 22 is the side view of the invention showing the wall air vent cover.

Detailed Description of the Drawings 15 Referring to Figure 1, illustrating the assembly of the invention. (1) is the panel member; (2) is the neoprene malleable sealing membrane; (3) is the inverted Y at the base of the panel (1); (4) is the flush ground track into which the inverted Y is inserted; Items (7) and {8) are the building structure, (7) being the door sill and (8) being the door frame; (6) is the side view of the none luce bolt and adjustment system.

Referring to Figure 2, item {2) describes the method of wrapping the neoprene malleable seal around the base of the panel (1) where the door/window sill is not present and the ground level is continuous through the threshold of the building.

Figure 3 illustrates the relationship of the panel assembly and the angle of insertion, the ground track (4) shows the width and travel of the panel (1) assemble which creates necessary pressure on the malleable seal (2) to create a watertight bonds with the wall or structure (7 & 8).

IEi j 4 ί In Figure 4 it is illustrated that there is a critical distance between X the internal ground track (4) and Y, the perpendicular form of the building/structure (7 & 8) to form the necessary watertight seal. Item (1) is the panel, (2) is the neoprene malleable seal, (3) being the inverted Y ofthe panel (1). (7) & (8) illustrate the door fame and door sill.

Figure 5 illustrates the relationship between the panel (1), neoprene seal (2) and the building/structure (8, 11, & 22) to be sealed.

Referring to Figure 6 & 7, the ΊΤ bar (14) is the joining manner when joining one or more panels (1) are required to increase the height of coverage. (2) is the neoprene seal, (11) is the building, door opening or structure. (6) is the none luce bolts and locking system.

Figure 7 is the makeup ofthe neoprene seal (2) when adding more than one panel (1). it shows the necessary cut-outs for the locking system (6).

Referring to Figure 8, here is illustrated the ground track (17) placed above ground level and fixed to doorframe (7) where it is not necessary or desired to cut the track into the ground.

Figure 9 relates to the method of sealing the ground/base tracks (4) when the barrier apparatus defence system is not in use. The seal (16) is pushed into the ground track (4) thus preventing any silt, dirt or debris from impeding the track (4).

Figure 10 illustrates the makeup ofthe panel (1) and the relationship of the Y track (3) and the neoprene seal (2).

Returning to Figures 11 and 12 showing the strengthening side bars (23) and the makeup of the panel (1). Figure 12 shows that the panels (1) can have decorative panels (24) where desired. ,Εί 1 0 5 4 1 Figure 13 is the window sill assembly showing the wedge (20) levelling the sill to the horizontal, creating a 90-degree angle between the sill (19) and the window (11) and the base plate (17) as shown in Figure 8, item (17). The wedges (20) are designed to be cut to the desired iength.

Referring to Figures 14, 15, & 16, Figure 14 is a face-on view of the simple ground track (25) base track or window track. Likewise Figures 15 & 16 show the track (25) from perspective angles.

Figure 17 shows the use of the base track (20) in relation to the window and window sill (19 & 11).

Figure 18 is a schematic drawing of the 'none luce' bolt and the panel (1).

Figure 19 shows the 'none luce' bolt (6), the back washer (9) and the padlock (10) locking system. The 'none iuce1 bolt (6) is turned clockwise to increase the pressure gained on the malleable neoprene seals and the structure, building or window (8).

Illustrated in Figures 20 & 21 is the locking, anti-tamper system that allows the barrier defence apparatus system to be locked in place using the angular plate (18) and the side of the pane) (1). This design allows for any final adjustment to the neoprene seal and structure before locking into place.

Figure 22 is a side view of the 'none luce' locking system (6), the panel (1), the neoprene (2) and the wail (11).

Claims (13)

Claims

1 A barrier apparatus defence system comprising at least one panel {1) in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion (1), two sides and a top portion (23). The panei comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member (23) extending around the top portion and two sides (1). The bottom portion is bonded to the Ύ' channel (3). The barrier apparatus defence system further comprising at least two fixing means (6), the panel receiving ground track (4), and the panel (1).

2. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in 1, wherein the U ground channel (4) forming a degree of lateral pressure against the panel Ύ’ channel, the panel (3 & 1) and the malleable (neoprene) sealing strip (2). The positioning of the U ground channel (3 & 4) is critical to gaining a watertight seal.

3. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in 2, wherein the malleable seals (2) form a watertight seal between the ground (5), wall (8) and the panel (1). Such that the component of the malleable seals (2) form a continuous watertight seal around the peripheral edge, bottom and two sides of the panel (1). A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in 2 wherein the malleable seals (2) form a seal when the door has no door step (as per Figure 2).

4. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier apparatus defence system comprises a sealing member along 3 edges, base and two sides (Figure 10). Optionally each of the sealing members comprises a malleable sealing agent which allows each of the sealing members (2) to adopt the shape of the surface onto which it is pressed. IE 11 Ο 5 4 1

5. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the panel locking system are integrally formed within the panel (1) and form part of the barrier apparatus defence system. Where the 'none luce' (6) locking system form an adjustment to aid the sealing action of 5 the panel (1) and the malleable seals (2).

6. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking system comprises of at least one panel and two 'none luce' locking system. Optionally the channel (3 & 4) is sized and shaped to provide a lateral resistance fit to support the sealing means of the malleable seals (2). Optionally the channel (3 & 4) further comprises a cover (6).

7. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any proceeding claims, wherein the 'none luce (6) locking system forms part of the lateral pressure gained by simply screwing clockwise to increase of the malleable sealing members (2). Optionally the 'none luce' (6) locking system is a ratcheted arm by means of a downward action.

8. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any proceeding 25 claims, wherein the barrier apparatus defence system comprises a securing and combined adjustment system on the planar panel member (6) having a projecting arm from the structure to be sealed. Optionally A barrier apparatus defence system as ciaimed in any proceeding 30 claim, wherein the ingress of water is stopped by the design of the U ground Track (4) and the critical distance of (X - Y) as shown in Figure 4. fel 1 0 5 4 1 Optionally the securing means is fitted with a locking device (10) that can lock the securing means into position (18).

9. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any preceding Claims, wherein the panels (1) are formed from any one of the group comprising of standard recycled plastic board, u-pvc, suitable metals, reinforced glass, shatterproof polymer materials, ply-board or suitable materials know to the person skilled in the art. Optionally the panel has an internal core interposed between the opposing planar surfaces such that the peripheral edges surround and enclose the internal core. Optionally the internal core ofthe panei (1) comprises a lightweight material. Optionally the panel (1) is lifted with a base comprising of the Ύ' shape channel (3).

10. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the method of assembly comprises at least one panel {1) in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion, bottom portion, and two sides, The panel (1) comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top, bottom and two side portions of the panel between the opposing surface wherein the peripheral vertical/horizontal edge member is covered by the malleable seal (2) and at least a section ofthe panei (1).

11. A barrier apparatus defence system as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, further comprises at least two locking/fixing means, the panel (1) receiving means (4) comprising a formed channel (3), whereby the panel (1) and the Ύ' channel (3) engages into the receiving channel (4). A) Placing the Υ ground channel (3) in position, by means of any method suitable and fixing in place. B) Securing the 'none luce' bolts (6) into the structure to be covered at the 5 designated height. C) Placing the panel (1) into the ground channel {4) and engaging the panel (1) with the 'none luce' (6) adjustment system. 10 D) Secure the panel (1) by engaging the ratchet arm of the 'none luce' bolt (6). E) Securing the second and additional panels (1) by repeating methods A to D, to the desired height. F) The seal is gained by the seat formed between the panel malleable seals (2) and the structure (8) and where necessary the ground or step (5). G) The seal is gained by the malleable seals and the door frame, window 20 frame or the openings to be sealed in the event of flooding.

12. A barrier apparatus defence system as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings. 25

13. A method for assembling a barrier apparatus defence system as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.