WO2014202558A1

WO2014202558A1 - Device for protecting a building, protection kit and implementing method

Info

Publication number: WO2014202558A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/062632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lofti NEFZI
Original assignee: NEFZI, Mounia
Priority date: 2013-06-18
Filing date: 2014-06-17
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: FR3007060B1; FR3007060A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protection device (10) including: a frame (20) suitable for being housed in a rigid frame of the building; an expansible member (30), for example of the air chamber type, that can be adjusted around the frame (20); and means (40) for expanding the expansible member (30), when the expansible member (30) is adjusted on the frame (20) and the protection device (10) is positioned in the rigid frame, toward a protection configuration in which the expansible member (30) bears tightly in the rigid frame. The invention also relates to a protection kit and an implementing method.

Description

BUILDING PROTECTION DEVICE,

PROTECTIVE KIT AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a building protection device. The invention also relates to a protection kit comprising at least one such device. The invention also relates to a method of implementing such a device. The field of the invention is that of building protection devices, in particular against floods, storms and other bad weather.

In the event of flooding, buildings are vulnerable to rising water or mudslides. The water can enter the building through its openings or at the level of its opening type door, window or bay window. In some cases, the openings do not provide sufficient sealing to prevent water from entering the building. In other cases, the openings of the building are not equipped with openings. The building, its floor, walls and furniture may be damaged. Moreover, in the event of a particularly serious natural disaster, the persons sheltered in the building risk being carried away.

The object of the present invention is to provide a building protection device, solving the problems mentioned above.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a building protection device comprising:

a frame adapted to be housed in a building frame;

an expandable member, for example of the air chamber type, adjustable around the frame; and

expansion means of the expandable member, when the expandable member is fitted to the frame and the protection device is positioned in the frame, to a protective configuration in which the expandable member is in sealing abutment in the encadrure.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to simply and conveniently protect the openings or openings of a building, by positioning the device in the corresponding frame. The device can be selected and optionally adjusted according to the dimensions of the frame, and then adjusted against the walls of the frame, for example by inflating the expandable member configured as an air chamber with an air pump. Water or mud is then prevented from passing through the box in case of flood or thunderstorm. The device is adapted to equip all types of openings or openings, for example, entrance doors, windows, windows or garage doors. According to other advantageous features of the invention, taken separately or in combination:

- The frame has adjustable dimensions depending on the dimensions of the building frame.

- The expandable member comprises an opening for receiving the frame, and in that the protection device also comprises means for closing the opening in the protective configuration, these sealing means comprising for example a flexible cover or a rigid panel.

- The protective device comprises means for securing the closure means with the expandable member and / or the frame in the protective configuration, for example a zipper system including a portion of the system disposed on the body expandable and a portion of the system disposed on a flexible cover belonging to the closure means, or for example an attachment system including a portion of the system disposed on the frame and a portion of the system disposed on a rigid panel belonging to the means of shutter.

- The expandable member has an adjustable inner face around the frame and an adjustable outer face in the frame in the protective configuration.

- The expandable member comprises corners each provided with a reinforcing member and / or tendon.

- The frame comprises four lateral uprights, with in particular at least two lateral columns two to two opposing which have adjustable dimensions.

- The frame comprises sliders nested one inside the other, including U-shaped sliders and defining a groove directed towards the expansible member on the periphery of the frame, with complementary hook elements disposed in the groove of the frame and on the expandable organ.

The invention also relates to a protection kit adapted to form at least one protective device as mentioned above. The kit includes at least:

- a frame, including amounts adapted to form the frame;

- an expandable member adjustable on the frame;

means for expanding the expandable member; and

- Preferably, closure means of the protective device in the protection configuration. The invention also relates to a method of implementing such a protection device. The method comprises the following successive steps:

select a frame whose dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the frame of the building, if necessary adjust the dimensions of the frame according to the dimensions of this frame;

position the expansible member around the frame;

position the protective device in the frame;

implementing the expansion means of the expandable member to a protective configuration in which the expandable member is in sealing support in the frame;

preferably, closing the protection device by means of closing means.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building of the single-family type, comprising several opening type door, window or bay window;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing protection devices according to the invention equipping the opening of the ground floor; Figure 3 is a front view of a device according to the invention, comprising a frame of adjustable dimensions and an expandable member of the air chamber type; Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 3 in a vertical longitudinal median plane; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the air chamber alone, before mounting on the frame not shown;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the frame in disassembled configuration and partially transparent, before mounting the unrepresented air chamber;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 3, on a smaller scale, showing a cover adapted to be attached to the air chamber;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 3, on a smaller scale, showing the device according to the invention provided with the cover of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a section along the line IX-IX in Figure 3;

Figure 10 is an elevational view of a fastener fitted to the frame; Figures 1 1 to 26 show schematically the constituent elements of different variants of protection devices according to the invention; and Figure 27 shows various accessories that can be integrated into a protection kit according to the invention. In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a building 1, of the type individual dwelling with two floors.

Building 1 has several openings distributed between the ground floor and the floor. In particular, the building 1 has three openings 2 located on the ground floor, namely a door and two windows. Each opening 2 defines a frame 3, which is open on the outside of the building 1, closed by the opening 2 of the inner side of the building 1 and closed laterally on its other four sides. The building 1 may be equipped with one or more protection devices 10, according to the invention, as shown in Figure 2. The devices 10 are then arranged in the framings 3 of the openings 2 of the building 1.

In practice, one or more devices 10 according to the invention can equip all types of buildings 1, whether individual or collective dwellings, public buildings such as schools or hospitals, business buildings, factories, buildings, sheds, warehouses, etc. In order to allow access to the person and to the light, the building 1 has openings 2 or openings with no openings 2. The openings 2 and the openings delimit frames 3.

FIGS. 3 to 10 show a device 10, according to a first embodiment of the invention, for building protection 1.

These Figures 3 to 10 correspond to a particular example of device 10 well adapted to equip the frame 3 of an opening 2 of bay window type, having a rectangular or square profile. In practice, the device 1 0 may have shapes and dimensions different from the example of Figures 3 to 10, to adapt to a range of framings 3 of particular opening. In addition, the device 10 has adjustable dimensions to adapt to the shape and dimensions of a particular frame 3 opening 2 within the same range.

The protective device 10 comprises a frame 20 of adjustable dimensions, an expandable member 30 of the air chamber type, a system 40 of expansion of the inner tube, and a cover 50. To allow a user to put in implement device 10, elements 20, 30 and 50 must be assembled, then the system 40 must be actuated, as detailed below.

The frame 20 has dimensions that can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the frame 3 of the opening 2 of the building 1 to be protected. The frame 20 comprises two opposing lateral uprights 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, namely a left upright 20A, an upper upright 20B, a right upright 20C and a lower upright 20D in the configuration of FIGS. 8. Each upright 20A to 20D has an adjustable length in its longitudinal direction. In order to adjust the dimensions of frame 20, the user adjusts the lengths of two opposite parallel uprights, for example 20A and 20C to adjust the height of the frame 20, and if necessary the lengths of the other two opposite parallel uprights, for example 20B and 20D to adjust the width of the frame 20.

In a variant, the frame 20 comprises two opposite two-to-two lateral uprights which have adjustable dimensions, while the other two lateral uprights have fixed dimensions. In other words, the frame 20 comprises at least two lateral columns two by two opposite which have adjustable dimensions.

According to another variant, the frame 20 comprises four uprights 20A-20D having fixed dimensions. In this case, the frame 20 is selected according to the dimensions of the frame 3.

Each lateral upright 20A to 20D of the frame 20 is formed by two sliders 21 and 22, which are nested one inside the other and each have a U-shaped profile. More precisely, an inner slider 22 is housed at least partly in a outer slide 21 of larger dimensions. The states of surfaces and games allow the sliders 21 and 22 to slide in order to adjust the length of the corresponding upright 20A-20D. On the side facing the inner periphery of the frame 20, opposite the location provided for the air chamber 30, each upright 20A-20D comprises a pressure screw 23 which passes through the outer slide 21 and bears against the 22. When the screw 23 is loosened, the slide 22 slides in the slide 21. When the screw 23 is tightened, it bears against the slider 22 and the plate in the slider 21, preventing the relative sliding between the sliders 21 and 22. On the side facing the outer periphery of the frame 20, designed to receive the inner tube 30, the sliders 21 and 22 define a groove 24 which extends along the upright 20A-20D.

The uprights 20A-20D comprise fastening elements 25 and 26 fixed at their ends, on the inside of the frame 20. More specifically, each upright 20A-20D comprises an element 25 fixed to the slide 21 and an element 26 fixed to the slide 22. The elements 25 and 26 make it possible to fix each upright 20A-20D to the neighboring upright when the frame 20 is assembled. The element 25 forms a U-shaped flange, whereas the element 26 forms a hook adapted to be inserted into the upright. element 25. The elements 25 and 26 are attached to the uprights 20A-20D by any suitable means, for example by screwing, welding or gluing.

The groove 24 of each upright 20A-20D comprises hooking elements 27, provided to cooperate with the complementary hook elements 37 arranged in the frame 20, to hang the air chamber 30 on the frame 20. As shown in particularly in Figures 9 and 10, the elements 27 comprise a body 27a, a head 27b and a slot 27c. The body 27a is fixed in the groove 24 delimited by the slide 21 or 22, by any suitable means. Alternatively, the body 27a can be movably mounted in the groove 24. The head 27b is integral with the body 27a and spaced from the bottom of the groove 24, that is to say shifted outwardly relative to the surface of the groove 24. slider 21 or 22. The slot 27c is formed in the head 27b and provided to receive one of the elements 37.

In a variant not shown, the frame 20 can be configured to equip a non-rectangular frame. For example, the frame 20 may comprise a curved upper amount to be able to equip a frame having an arched lintel.

The air chamber 30 comprises a hose 31 of elastically deformable material, for example elastomer, rubber, fiber composite and elastomer, or any other material (s) adapted (s) to the present application. The hose 31 delimits an interior space 32, of variable volume as a function of the air included in this space 32. In transverse section, the casing 31 has a generally annular shape delimiting the interior space 32. In front of, the casing 31 has a generally rectangular shape, more precisely square in the example of Figures 3 to 5 and 8, defining four corners 33 and a through inner opening 34. The hose 31 has an inner face 35 which defines the opening 34 and is provided to be adjusted around the frame 20 when the air chamber 30 is mounted on the frame 20. The casing 31 has an outer face 36 which is adjustable in the frame 3, sealing against the walls delimiting the periphery of this frame 3 in a so-called protection configuration.

In particular, the outer face 36 of the hose 31 is adjustable in sealing support in the frame 3 at its four corners 33. For this purpose, each corner 33 of the hose 31 preferably comprises a reinforcing element 33a and / or a tendon 33b. The reinforcement 33a may be a part of an air chamber or a piece of synthetic fabric, flexible and thin, for example of the order of 1 millimeter thick. The reinforcement 33a may cover a more or less extended portion of the air chamber 30, for example between one-fifth and one-tenth of the width and height of this air chamber 30 at the corner 33. The tendon 33b presents itself as an elongated flexible member, preferably harder or slightly harder than the hose 31. By way of example, the tendon 33b may have a diameter of between 1 and 10 millimeters. The tendon 33b is disposed in the angle of the wedge 33, extending from the front to the rear of the air chamber 30. The tendon 33b is provided to come to fit in tight support in the angle of the frame 3, in the protection configuration. The air chamber 30 also includes hooking elements 37, provided to cooperate with the complementary hooking elements 27 arranged in the frame 20, in order to hook the air chamber 30 on the frame 20. The elements 37 are fixed the side of the inner face 35. In the example of Figures 3 to 5 and 9, the elements 37 comprise a head 37a, an elongated body 37b and a foot 37c. The head 37a is intended to be fixed in the interior space 32 of the casing 31. Alternatively, the head 37a can be attached to the inner face 35 of the hose 31. The body 37b extends from the head 37a towards the opening 34 and the frame 20. The body 37a can be made of any suitable material, for example a rigid material such as steel, made of a flexible material such as nylon ( registered trademark) or of elastically deformable material such as an elastomer. The foot 37c is disposed at the end of the body 37b opposite the head 37a. When the body 37b is introduced into the slot 27c of a hooking element 27, the foot 37c abuts against the head 27b, between this head 27b and the bottom of the groove 24, thus preventing separation of the chamber air 30 relative to the frame 20.

The air chamber 30 also comprises a slide fastener 38 which extends on a front side of the hose 31, facing outwardly of the building 1 when the device 10 is positioned in the frame 3 of the glazed bay 2. Thus, the air chamber 30 can receive the cover 50, provided with a zipper 58 and a slider 59, as detailed below. The zipper 38 can be fixed over the hose 31 and any reinforcements 33a. The zipper 38 has a stop member 39 provided to receive the slider 59 in abutment. The two zipper strips 38 and 58 are provided to cooperate with each other to secure the air chamber 30 and the cover 50 in the protective configuration.

The expansion system 40 is formed by a valve positioned on the hose 31 of the air chamber 30. Preferably, the valve 40 is positioned on the rear side of the hose 31, facing the interior of the building 1 when the device 10 is positioned in the frame 3 of the bay window 2, to facilitate its access to the user. The valve 40 includes an outer portion 41, a duct 42 and an inner portion 43. The outer portion 41 is provided to receive air injection means to the inner space 32 of the casing 31, for example a pump actuated by the user. The duct 42 passes through the wall of the casing 31 by connecting the parts 41 and 43. The part 43 is designed to diffuse the air coming from the outer part 41 and the duct 42 into the interior space 32 of the casing 31. The valve 40 is configured to prevent air from coming out of the interior space 32 of the hose 31 when the device 10 is in protective configuration in the box 3. The valve 40 can be provided, in particular at its outer portion. 41, deflation means allowing the air outlet out of the casing, after actuation by the user. In other words, the valve 40 is a means for inflating and deflating the air chamber 30. Alternatively, the expansion system 40 may be of any type suitable for the present application.

In practice, the expansion system 40 allows the user to carry out the expansion of the air chamber 30, when the dimensions of the frame 20 are adjusted, that the air chamber 30 is positioned on the frame 20 and that the protection device 10 is positioned in the frame 3, towards the protective configuration in which the air chamber 30 bears tightly in the frame 3.

The cover 50 is provided to be mounted on the member 30 to close the opening 34 passing through the device 10 from front to rear. In other words, the cover 50 forms a means for closing the opening 34 of the device 10. The cover 50 comprises a flexible panel 51, made for example of synthetic waterproof fabric. The panel 51 is bordered by the zipper 58. The slider 59 is movable along this zipper 58. The zipper strips 38 and 58, the stop member 39 and the slider 59 form means securing the air chamber 30 and the cover 50 in the protection configuration. Within this zipper system, a part of the system including the elements 38 and 39 is disposed on the air chamber 30 and a part of the system including the elements 58 and 59 is disposed on the cover 50. Alternatively, the securing means may be of any type suitable for the present application. When the cover 50 is not installed, the user can pass through the opening 34, for example when he has just positioned the frame 20 and the air chamber 30 in the frame 3. When the opening 34 is closed by the cover 50, water or mud are prevented from passing the frame 3 at the opening 34.

In a variant that is not shown, the device 10 does not have a cover 50. In this case, the water or the mud are prevented from passing the frame 3 at the external face 36 of the air chamber 30, but not at the level of the opening 34. Such an embodiment is sufficient when the water level remains low.

In Figures 1 1 to 27 are shown different variants of protection devices according to the invention.

In the embodiments described below, certain constituent elements of the device 10 are comparable to those of the first embodiment described above and, for the sake of simplification, bear the same reference numerals. Only the constituent elements and accessories having functional differences with the first embodiment carry new numerical references.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show a frame 20 and an air chamber 30 adapted to form an elongated protective device, provided for example to equip a door. FIG. 11 shows the frame 20, while FIG. 12 shows, on a smaller scale, the air chamber 30 intended to be mounted on the frame 20. FIGS. 1 1 and 13 show a shutter panel 150 intended to be fixed on the frame 20 to close the opening 34. In other words, the panel 150 forms a means for closing the opening 34, which can be used alternatively or in addition to the cover 50 shown in FIG. Panel 150 comprises a rigid plate 151 of rectangular shape, preferably made of metal or plastic. The panel 150 also comprises gripping handles 152 and upper fastening members 153 and 154 integral with the plate 151. The members 153 and 154 are designed to be introduced into members 165 secured to the frame 20 in order to secure the panel 150 to the frame 20. The panel 150 makes it possible to stop the drifting elements that can abut the device in the event of a flood. .

Figures 15 to 18 show a frame 20, an air chamber 30, a panel 150 and a cover 50 adapted to form a protective device of rounded shape in the upper part, provided to equip a corresponding shaped frame. The upper amount 20B of the frame 20 has a rounded shape. Similarly, the air chamber 30, the panel 150 and the cover 50 have a rounded shape at the top. The lateral uprights 20A and 20D may or may not have adjustable dimensions. FIG. 15 shows the frame 20 in a non-parallel perspective, while FIG. 16 shows, on a smaller scale, the air chamber 30 intended to be mounted on the frame 20.

Figures 19 and 20 show in front view a device 10 of small dimensions, intended to equip a window or a window. The frame 20 has fixed dimensions. A rigid panel 170 is housed in the frame 20. This panel 170 has a central opening 176. The sealing panel 150 also comprises a central opening 156, designed to come opposite the opening 176 when the panel 150 is positioned in front of the frame 20 and the air chamber 30. A maneuvering system 180, partially shown in the form of a bar articulated in FIG. 20, is then housed in the openings 156 and 176 for securing the panel 150 to the panel 170, and thus with 20. The panel 150 may have the same external dimensions as the air chamber 30 or, alternatively, only the frame 20.

Figures 21 and 22 show a device 10 similar to that of Figures 19 and 20, with a longer elongated rectangular shape.

Figures 23 and 24 show a device 10 similar to that of Figures 19 to 22, with a circular shape. This device 10 is adapted to equip a window or a window of circular shape. Figure 25 shows a frame 20 and several panels 150 adapted to form a large device, provided for example to equip a garage door, hangar or warehouse. A stiffening bar 190 extends transversely in front of the frame 20 and the panels 150, which have hooks 191 provided to receive the bar 190.

Figure 26 shows another frame 20 adapted to form a large device. This frame 20 comprises two upper uprights 20B and two lower uprights 20D, and an intermediate upright 20E. For their assembly, the upright 20E comprises members 121, while the uprights 20B and 20D comprise complementary members 122 intended to receive the members 122. The stiffening bar 190 is disposed resting on the intermediate upright and the lateral uprights 20A and 20C. The presence of one or more intermediate uprights 20E on a frame 20 makes it possible to form a device of large dimensions having sufficient strength, by reducing the risk of bending of the horizontal uprights.

Moreover, the protection device 10 may be shaped differently from FIGS. 2 to 26 without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the frame 20, the expandable member 30, the expansion means 40 and the closure means 50 or 150 may be of any type suitable for the present application.

In practice, the invention may also be in the form of a building protection kit 1, adapted to form at least one protective device 10 as described above. The protection kit comprises at least one frame 20, at least one expandable member 30 adjustable on the frame or frames 20, means 40 for expanding the at least one expandable member 30 and, preferably, sealing means 50 and / or 150 adapted to close the protection device 10 in the protection configuration. Preferably, the kit comprises several uprights 20A-20D, adjustable lengths or not, adapted to form one or more frames 20. Thus, the invention can adapt to different situations, including different types of frames 3.

Figure 27 shows various components and accessories intended to be integrated in such a protection kit and can be assembled by screwing, welding, gluing or any other suitable means.

In addition, the technical features of the various embodiments may be, in whole or in part, combined with each other. Thus, the device and the protection kit can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Building protection device (10) (1), characterized in that the protective device (10) comprises:

a frame (20) adapted to be housed in a frame (3) of the building (1); an expandable member (30), for example of the air chamber type, adjustable around the frame (20); and

means (40) for expanding the expansible member (30), when the expandable member (30) is fitted to the frame (20) and the protection device (10) is positioned in the frame (3). ), to a protective configuration in which the expandable member (30) is sealingly supported in the frame (3).

Protective device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (20) has dimensions adjustable according to the dimensions of the frame (3) of the building (1).

Protective device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expandable member (30) has an opening (34) for receiving the frame (20), and that the protective device (10) ) also comprises means (50; 150) for sealing the opening (34) in the protection configuration, these sealing means (50; 150) comprising for example a flexible cover (50) or a rigid panel ( 150).

Protective device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protection device (10) comprises means (38, 39, 58, 59; 153, 154, 165) for securing the closure means (50; 1 50) with the expandable member (30) and / or the frame (20) in the protective configuration, for example a slide fastener system including a portion (38, 39) of the system disposed on the expandable member (30) and a portion (58, 59) of the system disposed on a flexible cover (50) belonging to the closure means, or for example a fastening system including a portion (165) of the system disposed on the frame (20). ) and a portion (153, 154) of the system disposed on a rigid panel (150) belonging to the closure means.

5. Protective device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expandable member (30) has an inner face (35) adjustable around the frame (20) and an outer face (36) adjustable in the frame (3) in the protection configuration.

6. Protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expandable member (30) comprises corners (33) each provided with a reinforcing member (33a) and / or a tendon (33b). 7. Protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (20) comprises four lateral uprights (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D), with in particular at least two lateral columns two by two opposite (20A, 20C, 20B, 20D) having adjustable dimensions. 8. Protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (20) comprises sliders (21, 22) nested one inside the other, including sliders configured in U and delimiting a groove (24) facing the expandable member (30) on the periphery of the frame (20), with complementary hooking elements (27, 37) arranged in the groove (24) of the frame (20) and on the expandable member (30).

Building protection kit (1), characterized in that the protection kit is adapted to form at least one protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and in that the protection kit comprises at least:

a frame (20), including uprights (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) adapted to form the frame (20);

an expandable member (30) adjustable on the frame (20);

expansion means (40) of the expandable member (30); and

preferably, means (50; 150) for sealing the protective device

(10), in the protection configuration.

10. A method of implementing a protection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the method comprises the following successive steps:

- Select a frame (20) whose dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the frame (3) of the building, if necessary adjust the frame dimensions (20) according to the dimensions of this frame (3);

positioning the expandable member (30) around the frame (20);

position the protective device (10) in the frame (3);

- Implementing means (40) for expanding the expandable member (30) to a protective configuration in which the expandable member (30) is sealingly abutting in the frame (3);

preferably, closing the protection device (1 0) by means of closure means (50; 150).