WO2020234471A2

WO2020234471A2 - A flood barrier arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2020234471A2
Application number: PCT/EP2020/064333
Authority: WO
Inventors: McGurk JOHN
Original assignee: John Mcgurk
Priority date: 2019-05-23
Filing date: 2020-05-22
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: EP3999710B1; GB201907303D0; WO2020234471A3; EP3999710A2

Abstract

A flood barrier arrangement involving a flood barrier that is capable of passive deployment in the event of a flood. The flood barrier of the arrangement is anchorable to a surface and at least part of the flood barrier is substantially buoyant such that, in use, in the event of a flood at least part of the flood barrier floats upwards. The flood barrier arrangement further has a passive sealing arrangement that operates to draw the flood barrier towards at least one surface defining an opening in the event of a flood and to seal the flood barrier about the surface.

Description

A FLOOD BARRIER ARRANGEMENT

The present invention relates to a flood barrier arrangement and in particular to a passive deployment flood barrier arrangement.

Flooding is a global problem and can be periodic, with some regions experiencing some level of flood conditions every few years, or more regular, with some areas experiencing severe flooding on an annual basis. While infrastructure improvements in the form of drainage and flood retention measures can help to prevent floodwater reaching buildings, these measures can only do so much and once breached, there is often little between the oncoming floodwater and the buildings in its path. The UK environment agency predicts that approximately 500,000 UK homes are at significant risk of flooding with the possibility of this figure increasing due to rising sea levels. When flooding does occur, the cost to rectify the damage caused can amount to billions of pounds. The devastating UK floods of 2007 cost a total of £3.2 billion, including more than £2 billion in costs to homeowners and businesses. The total economic damages for England from the winter 2015 to 2016 floods were estimated to be between £1.3 billion and £1.9 billion, with a best estimate of £1.6 billion. Moreover, due to the increasing impact and cost of flooding, some homes in England and Wales are coming dangerously close to being labeled as uninsurable because of the risks involved.

Existing flood barrier solutions in infrastructure defenses and/or in homes include sandbags or purpose-built barriers which must be put in place by a user or deployed by activation of a switch in anticipation of a flood. While these devices may control the movement of floodwater, there is a reliance on a worker or homeowner to place the flood defenses or activate the flood barrier in a timely manner. This often means that the flood defenses are either not in place in time or are raised too late, and the movement of the floodwater is not successfully controlled.

Some passive deployment flood barriers are known, which rise in the event of a flood without any manual input. Many of these existing solutions require large reservoirs/retraction chambers to be dug to accommodate the flood barrier when it is not in use. One particular passive deployment solution designed for use in doorways involves the addition of vertical channels in the doorway which retain the flood barrier and act as a slidable guide to aid movement and the forming of a seal where the flood barrier meets the doorway. These solutions may be viable for a new build property as the reservoir and slidable guide channels can be created during construction, however retrofitting these devices to existing properties can be difficult, expensive, and detrimental to the aesthetic of the doorway area.

With the previously mentioned issues surrounding flooding of homes being considered a serious risk with regards to insurance, it will become increasingly important that individual building owners and occupants can find a better yet cost-effective means to protect their assets should a flood occur, and the infrastructure defenses be breached. Otherwise, these homes may become uninsurable, and as a result, potentially unmortgageable. In situations where insurance companies are willing to cover flood damage, the premium is often drastically inflated. A more desirable scenario for a homeowner would be to prevent floodwater ingress in the first instance. If a cost-effective barrier system was provided, that was easy to install with minimum modification to the property, the homeowner may even forgo flood damage insurance protection to save costs should this be desired. Furthermore, there is a constant pressure on governments to improve flood defense infrastructure to prevent floodwater from reaching homes.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems of flood defenses outlined above.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a flood defense barrier for openings in a building which can be retrofitted to an existing building with minimal adaptation of the existing structure and which can be activated in a timely manner ensuring erection of the flood barrier prior to floodwaters gaining access through the opening.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a flood barrier arrangement comprising a flood barrier that is capable of passive deployment in the event of a flood, the flood barrier being anchorable to a surface, at least part of the flood barrier being substantially buoyant such that, in use, in the event of a flood at least part of the flood barrier floats upwards, the flood barrier arrangement further comprising a passive sealing arrangement operable to draw the flood barrier towards at least one surface an opening in the event of a flood and to seal the flood barrier about the surface.

By passive deployment we mean the flood barrier deploys without the need of any manual input in the event of a flood. However, it should be noted that the barrier is also capable of being deployed manually. Advantageously, the buoyancy of the flood barrier causes the flood barrier to rise with rising floodwater and the flood barrier is thereby self-deployable. It is not required to manually raise the flood barrier before a flood. The passive sealing arrangement draws the flood barrier about the opening as it rises with the floodwater and it is not required for a person to mechanically seal the flood barrier to the opening. No manual input is required to raise the flood barrier and seal the flood barrier about an opening during a flood. Further advantageously, as the flood barrier itself is buoyant, it deploys without the need for additional buoyancy aids, for example, at the sides of the flood barrier. Such systems typically require guide rails for the buoyancy aids and this can lead to complications such as“crabbing” whereby one side rises faster than the other side and the buoyancy aids becomes jammed on the guide rail, thereby stalling deployment.

Ideally, in use, in the event of a flood at least part of the flood barrier floats upwards from the anchorage point.

Preferably, the flood barrier is anchorable at the base of an opening such as a doorway in a building or at the base of a fence or other structure having one or more openings where floodwater could pass through.

Advantageously, the flood barrier arrangement could be installed along a fence or other structure at the side of a river or at a coast, for example, with the passive sealing arrangement forming a part of the fence or other structure. In the event of a flood the flood barrier would rise and seal against the fence or other structure to control movement of floodwater.

Preferably, the flood barrier arrangement comprises a plurality of flood barriers.

Ideally, the plurality of flood barriers are arrangeable in a series to create a continuous flood barrier of desired length.

Ideally, the flood barrier is deployable without guided assistance such as guide rails defining an opening or being located at surfaces about an opening.

Preferably, no additional flotation aids are required to enable deployment of the flood barrier in the event of a flood.

Preferably, a majority of the flood barrier, most preferably all of the flood barrier, is buoyant.

In one embodiment, the flood barrier comprises a flotation arrangement to provide buoyancy to the flood barrier.

Preferably, the flood barrier comprising an anchoring portion that is anchorable to a surface.

Ideally, the flood barrier comprising a leading portion.

Ideally, the leading portion is at the opposite end of the flood barrier to the anchoring portion.

Preferably, the leading portion comprises a leading edge and/or the anchoring portion comprises an anchoring edge.

Ideally, the buoyancy of the barrier is non-uniform.

Preferably, the flotation arrangement is non-uniform such that the buoyancy of the flood barrier is non-uniform.

Advantageously, the manufacturer can create a bespoke flotation arrangement to alter the flotation pattern of the flood barrier such that certain parts of the flood barrier rise sooner than other parts and/or sit higher in the floodwater than other parts.

Preferably, the buoyancy of the flood barrier is lowest at or about the anchoring portion and greatest at or about the leading portion. Ideally, the flotation arrangement being arranged such that the buoyancy of the flood barrier is lowest at or about the anchoring portion and greatest at or about the leading portion.

Advantageously, the leading portion is the most prone to floating and the flood barrier is therefore drawn upwards primarily by the leading portion in the event of a flood and rising water levels. Further advantageously, the portion of the flood barrier adjacent the anchoring portion will be the first to deploy and seal about the opening and the leading portion will be the last portion to deploy. By arranging the flood barrier such that the leading portion is more buoyant than the anchoring portion, the undeployed portion of the flood barrier remains buoyant throughout rising floodwaters.

Preferably, the flood barrier comprises sides.

Preferably, the sides extend between the anchoring portion and leading portion.

Ideally, the buoyancy of the flood barrier at a location between the sides is different than that of the buoyancy at one or both sides.

Preferably, the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location between the sides.

Ideally, the flotation arrangement is arranged such that the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location between the sides.

Preferably, the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location equidistant or approximately equidistance from either side.

Ideally, the flotation arrangement is arranged such that the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location equidistant or approximately equidistance from either side.

Advantageously, in the event of a flood and rising water levels, the flood barrier is drawn upwards primarily by a portion of the flood barrier between the sides of the flood barrier. This results in a more even deployment of the flood barrier when compared to a barrier which is raised primarily at either side or both sides of the flood barrier, or even a barrier which has a uniform buoyancy at or about the leading portion thereby avoiding crabbing.

Ideally, the flood barrier comprises a flood-facing surface and a rear surface, the rear surface being behind the flood-facing surface in use.

Ideally, the flood-facing surface is an uneven surface.

Preferably, the flood-facing surface comprises one or more ridges or contours, or is a corrugated surface.

Advantageously, the ridges or contours of the flood facing surface break the incoming wave and dissipate the impact of the wave. This reduces the potential pulling force an outgoing wave can have and mitigates the possibility of an outgoing wave pulling the flood barrier away from the opening. Ideally, the uneven surface, ridges or contours, or corrugated surface is provided, at least in part, by the flotation arrangement.

In one embodiment, the flood barrier comprises a structural means, the flotation arrangement being arranged with the structural means.

Preferably, the flotation arrangement is arranged on the flood-facing surface.

Ideally, the structural means is arranged on the rear facing surface.

It will be understood that the structural means and the flotation arrangement may be at least partially integrally formed, wherein at least part of the structural means is additionally part of the flotation arrangement.

Ideally, the flood barrier has a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

Preferably, the flood barrier is foldable/rollable/furlable, most preferably, the flood barrier can be folded/rolled/furled from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration and unfolded/unrolled/unfurled from the stowed configuration into the deployed configuration.

Advantageously, in contrast to non-folding/rolling/furling barriers, the overall space occupied by the flood barrier in the stowed configuration is minimised by folding/rolling/furling the flood barrier.

Preferably, in the stowed configuration the flood-facing surface is folded/rolled/furled in on itself.

Advantageously, in the stowed configuration the bulk of the barrier is located above the leading portion of the barrier. By having the leading portion being the most buoyant portion of the barrier, this encourages unfurling of the barrier from the stowed configuration in the event of a flood, the leading portion urging the barrier upwards on the floodwater surface.

Ideally, in the stowed configuration, a portion of the flood-facing surface is mutually opposing another portion of the flood-facing surface.

Ideally, in the stowed configuration, a portion of the flood-facing surface is mutually opposing, and is in contact with, another portion of the flood-facing surface.

Ideally, the flood barrier comprises an anchoring means.

Ideally, the anchoring means is disposed at or about the anchoring portion of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the anchoring means is adapted to be fixed to a surface.

Preferably, the anchoring means comprises an anchoring hinge.

Advantageously, the flood barrier can pivot about the hinge and therefore, in use, the flood barrier can pivot about the anchorage point. In use, the flood barrier can therefore pivot towards the opening as the flood barrier is raised by the floodwater.

Ideally, the flotation arrangement is fixed to the structural means.

Ideally, the flood barrier, most preferably the structural means, comprises a plurality of segments wherein two adjacent segments are joined by at least one flexible joint. The movable nature of the segments relative to each other results in a barrier that can be folded/rolled/furled to a shape which is easily storable in a small compartment. This is advantageous over prior art barriers that require substantial excavation works to accommodate a rigid barrier underneath the ground when not in use.

Preferably, the segments comprise a panel portion.

Ideally, the panel portion comprising a planar portion.

Preferably, the planar portion forming a rear surface of the segment.

Ideally, at least part of each segment is adherable to a surface about an opening to seal the flood barrier over the opening, each segment in turn being capable of forming a watertight seal with the surface proximal to the opening as the flood barrier is deployed from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

Ideally, the flotation arrangement is arranged on the segments.

Ideally, the flotation arrangement and the segments are integrally formed.

Alternatively, the flotation arrangement and the segments are separate components that are connected.

The flood barrier may comprise some segments that are integrally formed with the flotation arrangement and some segments that are separate components to the flotation arrangement but that are connected to the flotation arrangement.

Preferably, the buoyancy of each segment is unique compared to any other segment of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the buoyancy of each segment, as at least partially defined by the flotation arrangement, is unique compared to any other segment of the flood barrier.

Ideally, the segment at the anchoring portion of the flood barrier is the least buoyant segment and buoyancy increases across the segments in a direction from the anchoring portion to the leading portion with the segment at the leading portion being the most buoyant segment.

Preferably, the flood barrier being adapted for subterranean storage.

Ideally, the flood barrier arrangement comprising a stowing compartment, the stowing compartment being sized to contain the flood barrier at least when in the stowed configuration.

Preferably, the stowing compartment is open and/or permeable to water such that in the event of a flood, floodwater can enter the stowing compartment.

Ideally, the stowing compartment comprises a cover.

Advantageously, the cover conceals the flood barrier when in the stowed configuration.

Ideally, the stowing compartment, most preferably the cover, comprises a grate arranged to allow water to enter the stowing compartment. Ideally, the stowing compartment comprises a means for controlling the entry of water into the stowing compartment such that substantial quantities of water will not contact the flood barrier unless a predetermined amount of water has entered the stowing compartment.

Advantageously, this ensures that the flood barrier does not begin deploying prematurely.

Preferably, the entry of water is controlled by the stowing compartment having a front chamber and a rear chamber wherein water will not move from the front chamber to the rear chamber until the front chamber has filled by a predetermined amount.

Ideally, the flood barrier is stowed in the rear chamber

Ideally, the cover covers the rear chamber but leaves at least part of the front chamber open to the ingress of water.

Advantageously, water entry into the rear chamber is restricted by the cover.

Preferably, the front chamber and the rear chamber are separated by a wall extending from the base of the stowing compartment, the wall being semipermeable and/or having an opening to allow transfer of water therebetween.

Preferably, the wall having an opening located away from base of the stowing compartment.

Advantageously, water will not substantially enter the rear chamber until the front chamber is sufficiently filled such that water pours through the opening into the rear chamber.

Preferably, the stowing compartment comprises a means for determining the orientation of the stowing compartment relative to the direction of gravity.

Ideally, the means for determining orientation comprises a spirit level or other levelling instrument.

Preferably, the means for determining orientation is disposed within the stowing compartment, most preferably, within the rear chamber.

Ideally, the means for determining orientation is disposed on the base of the rear chamber, most preferably, being fixed at the base of the rear chamber.

Ideally, the stowing compartment comprises a means for elevating the flood barrier off the base of the stowing compartment.

Ideally, the stowing compartment comprises a means for elevating the flotation arrangement off the base of the stowing compartment.

Advantageously, the elevating means retains the flood barrier above the base of the stowing compartment and this further prevents premature deployment of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the elevating means comprises one or more upstands arranged within the stowing compartment, most preferably extending up from the base of the stowing compartment.

Ideally, the one or more upstands are shaped to accommodate the flood barrier. Preferably, the passive sealing arrangement comprises one or more sealing members arrangeable on surfaces about an opening and operable to form a seal with the flood barrier.

Ideally, the sealing member(s) are arrangeable on surfaces about an opening in a building.

Preferably, the sealing member(s) are arrangeable on or about a fence or other structure having one or more openings, or can form a part of a fence or other structure having one or more openings.

Ideally, the sealing member(s) may be arranged spaced apart defining an opening therebetween.

Preferably, the sealing member(s) is/are magnetic or are formed at least partially from a magnetic material.

Ideally, the sealing member is fixable to a surface.

Advantageously, the sealing member can be fixed about an opening, such as a doorway or openings in a fence or other structure.

Ideally, the sealing member comprises a means for fixing to a surface.

Preferably, the sealing member comprises one or more apertures to receive a fixing means such as a screw or bolt thereby fixing the sealing member to a surface.

Ideally, the sealing member comprises iron.

Preferably, the sealing member is formed from steel.

Ideally, the passive sealing arrangement involves the sealing member and the flood barrier, most preferably the segments of the flood barrier, being magnetically attracted to one another.

Ideally, the passive sealing arrangement involves at least part of the flood barrier being magnetic.

Preferably, the flood barrier comprises one or more magnets, most preferably neodymium magnets.

Advantageously, magnets are operable when wet and require no additional manual input to operate.

Ideally, the magnets are secured on the flood barrier, most preferably on the segments.

Preferably, the magnets are most preferably secured on the flood barrier by water- resistant adhesive.

Ideally, the one or more magnets are arranged on the flood barrier at a location that enables the one or more magnets to engage with the sealing member(s) when the barrier is at least partially deployed.

Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment where the sealing members are magnetized, the flood barrier may be at least partially formed from magnetic material such that the flood barrier is drawn to the sealing member(s). Ideally, in use, the flood barrier is raised towards the sealing members by rising floodwaters interacting with the flotation arrangement.

Advantageously, as the flood barrier is raised it is brought towards the sealing members and the magnetic force between the flood barrier and the sealing members is sufficient to draw the flood barrier towards the sealing members and seal the flood barrier thereto.

Ideally, the segment of the flood barrier closest to the anchoring portion is the first segment to be drawn towards the sealing member(s) forming a seal therewith.

Ideally, in use, when the first segment forms a seal with the sealing member(s) it brings the next segment of the flood barrier closer to the sealing member(s) such that as the floodwater rises the next segment is moved towards the sealing member(s) and is drawn thereto by the magnetic forces.

Preferably, as floodwater rises, each segment in turn is brought closer to the sealing member(s) such that the magnetic force between the segment and the sealing member(s) can draw the segment towards the sealing member(s) thereby forming a seal.

Ideally, the one or more magnets are arranged proximal the rear surface of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the one or more magnets are arranged along or proximal to the sides of the flood barrier.

Ideally, each segment of the flood barrier comprises one or more magnets.

Preferably, the passive sealing arrangement comprises a compressible sealing material.

Ideally, the compressible sealing material is located at or about the rear surface of the flood barrier.

In one embodiment, the one or more magnets are located on the rear surface of the flood barrier, the compressible sealing material covering the one or more magnets such that in use the compressible sealing material is located between the one or more magnets and the one or more sealing member(s).

In another embodiment, the one or more magnets are located on the rear surface of the flood barrier, the compressible sealing material extending around the one or more magnets but not covering the one or more magnets.

Advantageously, this arrangement provides a greater seal as there is no compressible sealing material providing a barrier between the one or more magnets and the one or more sealing member(s) in use, which could weaken the strength of the attraction between the magnet and sealing member. As the magnet(s) is/are drawn towards the sealing member(s), the sealing material around the magnet(s) is urged and compressed against the sealing member(s) forming a seal.

Preferably, the compressible sealing material is rubber. Ideally, the one or more magnets are located embedded within one or more segments, most preferably, each segment.

Ideally, the one or more magnets are disposed within the segment(s) such that the surface of the magnet is flush or near flush with the surrounding surface and/or is coplanar with the planar portion of the segment.

Preferably, the flotation arrangement comprises at least one, most preferably a plurality of, flotation elements.

Ideally, each segment of the flood barrier comprises at least one flotation element.

Ideally, each flotation element spans the width of the segment.

Preferably, at least a portion of each flotation element has a wide base which narrows in a direction extending away from the base.

Preferably, at least a portion of each flotation element has a wide base which narrows to a tip.

Ideally, the base of the flotation element is arranged at the panel portion of the segment.

Ideally, each flotation element protrudes from the panel portion.

Advantageously, when deployed, the segmented protruding profile of the flood-facing surface and flotation arrangement aids in breaking a wave. This reduces undertow effect and mitigates suction forces exerted by the wave action of the floodwater on the flood barrier. Therefore, the flood barrier is less likely to be pulled away from the sealing members from any suction forces from the motion of the floodwater.

Preferably, each segment differs in buoyancy as provided by the flotation elements.

Ideally, the flotation elements differ in buoyancy and/or shape.

Preferably, the flotation elements on each segment differ in buoyancy and/or shape.

Preferably, the flotation elements increase in buoyancy from the anchoring portion segment to the leading portion segment.

Ideally, the flotation elements increase in size from the anchoring portion segment to the leading portion segment.

Ideally, the flood barrier comprises a bulk portion, the bulk portion being buoyant.

Preferably, the bulk portion is located at or about the leading portion of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the flotation element on the leading portion segment comprises a bulk portion.

Preferably, the bulk portion is an enlarged part of the flotation element.

Ideally, the bulk portion is centrally located between the sides of the flood barrier.

Preferably, the flotation elements other than the leading portion segment flotation element comprise a recess, cavity or spacing to accommodate the bulk portion when the flood barrier is in the stowed configuration. Ideally, the flotation elements have a roughly triangular cross-section in at least a part of the flotation element.

Ideally, the uneven surface, ridges or contours, or corrugated surface of the flood facing surface is provided, at least in part, by one or more of the flotation elements.

Ideally, the flood barrier can be folded/rolled/furled such that the leading portion is proximal to, most preferably abutting, the anchoring portion.

Ideally, the flood barrier, most preferably the structural means, comprises between 1 and 20 segments.

Preferably, the flood barrier, most preferably the structural means, comprises between 3 and 15 segments.

Preferably, the flood barrier, most preferably the structural means, comprises 8 segments.

Ideally, when in the stowed configuration, the flood barrier forms a polygonal cross section.

Ideally, each side of the polygon as defined by the flood barrier in the stowed configuration has an equal length, as defined by the segments.

Alternatively, it is possible that the sides of the polygon as defined by the flood barrier in the stowed configuration may have unequal lengths, as defined by the segments.

Preferably, in the stowed configuration the flood barrier has an octagonal cross section. Ideally, each flotation element is shaped to accommodate adjacent and/or opposing flotation elements when in the stowed configuration.

Ideally, one or more of the flotation elements have a peak defining the farthest point of the flotation element from the base that is offset relative to the axis of the base of the one or more flotation elements.

Ideally, one or more of the flotation elements have sides extending from the base towards a peak.

Preferably, one of the sides of the flotation element is steeper than the other.

Preferably, the flotation arrangement is formed from plastic, most preferably polypropylene.

Ideally, each flotation element is formed from plastic, most preferably, polypropylene.

Ideally, each segment has a means for retaining the flotation arrangement, most preferably the flotation elements, thereon.

Preferably, the means for retaining the flotation arrangement comprises mechanical and/or adhesive retaining means.

Preferably, the means for retaining the flotation arrangement comprises one or more protrusions, the flotation element(s) comprising one or more recesses corresponding to the one or more protrusions such that the flotation ele ent(s) is fitted over the one or more protrusions thereby retaining the flotation element(s) on the flood barrier.

Ideally, one or more segments have one or more protrusions for retaining the flotation element on the segment.

Ideally, the retaining protrusion or protrusions extend from the planar portion.

Preferably, at least one retaining protrusion extends perpendicular to the plane of the planar portion.

Ideally, each segment comprises a large retaining protrusion and one or more smaller retaining protrusions.

Preferably, one or all of the retaining protrusions extend lengthwise along the length of the planar portion for each segment.

Ideally, each segment comprises a central large retaining protrusion and two smaller retaining protrusions spaced apart from the central large protrusion at either side thereof.

Ideally, the segments and/or flotation elements comprise locating means to locate the segments/flotation elements relative to adjacent segments/flotation elements.

Ideally, the locating means comprises abutment protrusions

Most preferably, the locating means comprises each segment having one or more abutment protrusions that abut against adjacent segments at least when the flood barrier is in the stowed configuration.

Preferably, each abutment protrusion is adapted to abut an adjacent abutment protrusion.

Ideally, the abutment protrusion is functional additionally as a retaining protrusion that aids in retaining the flotational element on the segment.

Ideally, the abutment protrusion extends lengthwise along the planar portion of the panel.

Preferably, the abutment protrusion extends from the planar portion of the panel, most preferably at an acute angle to the planar portion of the panel.

Ideally, the acute angle being about half of the angle between adjacent sides of the polygonal cross-section of the flood barrier in the stowed configuration.

Preferably, each segment comprises two abutment protrusions.

Advantageously, the arrangement of the abutment protrusions prevents a deformation of the flood barrier as it moves into the stowed configuration. The abutment protrusions of neighbouring segments abut together as the segments are hinged towards one another. This prevents the angle between neighbouring segments of the structural means from decreasing beyond a certain pre-determined limit as defined by the angle between the abutment protrusions and the planar portion of the segments. Preferably, the locating means comprises magnets on the flotation elements to locate the flotation elements relative to one another.

Ideally, each flotation element comprising at least one locating magnet that is positioned in a location corresponding to the position of a locating magnet in the adjacent flotation element.

Preferably, each flotation element comprising a plurality of locating magnets.

Ideally, the locating magnets of each flotation element being arranged in a series, most preferably a linear series, along the surface of each flotation element.

Advantageously, as the flood barrier moves towards the stowed configuration the position of the location magnets aid in urging the flotation elements and thereby the segments into a predetermined location. This prevents a deformation of the flood barrier as it furls. The locating magnets further aid in preventing premature deployment of the flood barrier.

Ideally, the flood barrier is re-usable and can be returned to the stowed configuration after use.

Preferably, for larger openings, reinforcement means are insertable behind the flood barrier to support the barrier.

Advantageously, where the opening spanned by the flood barrier is a width that would result in bowing of the segments under the hydrostatic pressure, reinforcement means provide support to counteract this bowing effect.

Ideally, the reinforcement means are blocks formed for insertion between the flood barrier and the door or other structure.

In one embodiment, the flood barrier arrangement comprising a support means for supporting the flood barrier when it is at least partially deployed.

Ideally, the sealing member(s) being located on and/or being integrally formed with the support means.

Preferably, the support means being suitable for use as a fence or other structure along a river or coast or anywhere where flood defences are desired.

Ideally, the support means is adapted to be sealably connected to an adjacent support means.

Preferably, the flood barrier arrangement comprises a plurality of connected support means.

Ideally, the flood barrier arrangement comprises a gasket disposed between adjacent support means to create a seal.

Preferably, the gasket being formed from a compressible sealing material.

Ideally, the adjacent support means being fixed together by bolts or other suitable fixing means. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a flood barrier capable of passive deployment in the event of a flood, the flood barrier being anchorable to a surface, at least part of the flood barrier being substantially buoyant such that, in use, in the event of a flood at least part of the flood barrier floats upwards from the anchorage point.

Preferably, the flood barrier having at least part of a passive sealing arrangement, the passive sealing arrangement being operable to draw the flood barrier towards an opening in the event of a flood and to seal the flood barrier about the opening.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only two embodiments of apparatuses in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flood barrier arrangement according to the invention, showing the flood barrier as it is beginning to deploy;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 1 further along the deployment process;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 2 partially deployed;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 3 in a further state of deployment;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 4 in a further state of deployment;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 5 in a further state of deployment;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 6 in a further state of deployment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 7 in a further state of deployment;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the flood barrier arrangement of Figure 8 fully deployed;

Figure 10 is an expanded perspective view of a side of the flood barrier arrangement when fully deployed;

Figure 11 is a front elevation expanded view of the flood barrier arrangement when fully deployed;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional expanded view of the flood barrier arrangement in the stowed configuration; Figure 13 a cross-sectional perspective view of the flood barrier in the stowed configuration;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a flood barrier arrangement.

In the drawings, there is shown a flood barrier arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The arrangement 1 is illustrated as being installed at the bottom of a doorway 3, traversing the opening 4 of the doorway 3. The arrangement 1 has a barrier 2 that is capable of passive deployment in the event of a flood. The flood barrier 2 is hingedly anchored, by hinges 55, below the opening 4 of the doorway 3, as shown in Figure 12. The flood barrier 2 is buoyant such that, in use, in the event of a flood the flood barrier 2 floats upwards and away from the anchorage point. The stages of deployment are illustrated in Figures 1 to 9. The flood barrier arrangement 1 also has a passive sealing arrangement 5 operable to draw the flood barrier 2 towards the surfaces about the opening 4 as the flood barrier 2 is deployed and to seal the flood barrier 2 at the surfaces about the opening 4.

The flood barrier 2 has a flotation arrangement 6 which provides buoyancy to the flood barrier 2. The flood barrier 2 has an anchoring edge 7, anchorable at the base of an opening such as a doorway in a building, as shown in the drawings, and a leading edge 8 opposing the anchoring edge 7. The buoyancy of the flood barrier 2, as provided by the flotation arrangement 6, is lowest at the anchoring edge 7 and increases to the leading edge 8. The part of the flood barrier 2 adjacent to the anchoring edge 7 is the first to deploy and the part at the leading edge 8 is last to deploy. By having the buoyancy gradually increase from the anchoring edge 7 to the leading edge 8, this ensures that any undeployed part of the flood barrier 2 during a flood event is largely buoyant.

The flood barrier further has sides 9, 10 extending between the anchoring edge 7 and leading edge 8, the sides 9, 10 and anchoring edge 7 and leading edge 8 defining a rectangular form when deployed. At the leading edge 8 of the flood barrier 2, the buoyancy is greatest at a central portion of the flood barrier between the sides 9, 10. In contrast, in the sections of the flood barrier 2 at or about the anchoring edge 7, the buoyancy of the flood barrier is greatest at the sides. This buoyancy pattern ensures that, in a flood event, the flood barrier 2 is raised upwards, and sits atop the floodwater, via the mid-portion of the leading edge 8. This provides for an even deployment of the flood barrier 2 whereby the sides 9, 10 are approximately at the same height relative to the floodwater during deployment.

The flood barrier 2 has a flood-facing surface 1 1 and a rear surface 12 located behind the flood-facing surface 1 1. The flotation arrangement 6 largely forms the flood-facing surface 11 of the flood barrier 2. The flood barrier 2 has a stowed configuration, as shown in Figure 12 and a deployed configuration as shown in Figure 10 and the flood barrier 2 moves from the stowed configuration towards the deployed configuration during a flood event and upon contact with floodwater. Where the flood is a low-level flood, the flood barrier 2 need only be partially deployed such that it is functionally effective as a flood barrier, as shown in Figures 3 to 8, for example. The flood barrier 2 is Tollable between the stowed and deployed configurations. When the flood barrier 2 is furled into the stowed configuration, the flood-facing surface 11 of the flood barrier 2 is rolled in on itself such that parts of the flood-facing surface 1 1 are mutually opposing.

The flood barrier 2 has eight, equally-sized, GRP, rectangular panel segments 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h. However, in alternative embodiments, the flood barrier may be formed from less than eight segments, or more than eight segments, the segments need not be formed from GRP, nor be equally sized, and their shape is not limited to being rectangular. The segments 13a-h are joined by a membrane 14 which defines the rear surface 12. The membrane 14 is flexible and waterproof and in the illustrated embodiment it is formed from rubber. The flotation arrangement 6 has eight flotation elements 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, 15h, one being arranged per each segment 13a-h. In this embodiment, the flotation elements 15a-h are formed from polypropylene. The flood-facing surface 1 1 is uneven and, more specifically, comprises a series of ridges 40 when deployed. The ridges 40 are provided by the flotation elements 15a-h. Each segment 13a-h is adapted to retain a flotation element thereon. In the embodiment shown, each segment 13a-h has three, parallel, spaced-apart, elongate, planar retaining protrusions 16a, 16b, 16c, for retaining the flotation elements 15a-h on the segments 13a-h. The retaining protrusions 16a-c extend for the length of each panel 13a-h, perpendicular to a planar portion 65 of the panel 13a-h. The middle protrusion 16b of each panel 13a-h, which is centrally located width wise along the panel 13a-h, is larger than the two other protrusions 16a, 16c of each segment 13a-h, located at either side of the middle protrusion 16b. The two non-central protrusions 16a, 16c have equal size dimensions to one another. Each segment 13a-h further has abutment protrusions 66a, 66b arranged extending along opposing longitudinal edges of the planar portion 65 of the segments 13a-h. The abutment protrusions 66a, 66b extend at an angle inwards towards the centre of the segments 13a-h. The abutment protrusions 66a, 66b extend at about 67.5° to the planar portion 65 of each segment 13a-h. When the flood barrier 2 is moved into the stowed configuration, the abutment protrusions 66a, 66b of neighbouring segments 13a-h abut. The angle is set such that in the stowed configuration an octagonal cross-section is formed as shown in Figure 12.

The retaining protrusions 16a-c embed into the flotation elements 15a-h thereby retaining the flotation elements 15a-h on the segments 13a-h. The abutment protrusions 66a, 66b further function to retain the flotation elements 15a-15h on the segments 13a-h. Each flotation element 15a-h has at least one magnet to assist in locating the flotation elements 15a- h relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each flotation element 15a-h has two linear rows of thirteen magnets 70 extending longitudinally between the sides 9, 10 of the flood barrier 2. In other embodiments, more or less than thirteen magnets may be used and they need not be arranged in two linear rows, but can be arranged in any suitable arrangement. The magnets 70 are positioned such that they correspond to the row of magnets 70 on the adjacent segment flotation element 15a-h. These magnets 70 assist in locating the flotation elements 15a-h in the correct orientation relative to one another when the flood barrier 2 is moved into the stowed configuration. The magnets 70 also assist in prevent premature deployment of the barrier but are not overly powerful such that the barrier 2 is prevented from deploying in the event of a flood.

The leading edge 8 of the flood barrier is defined by the uppermost segment 13h when fully deployed. The flotation arrangement 6 has a bulk portion 17 which, in this embodiment, is provided by flotation element 15h of the leading edge segment 13h. Flotation element 15h is the largest flotation element and has a central bulk portion 17 which is unique to this flotation element 15h. The central bulk 17 is flanked by two smaller/less-buoyant side portions 18h, 19h. The side portions 18h, 19h are proportioned equally such that flotation element 15h is symmetrical. Each of the other flotation elements 15a-g have a recess 20a-f sized to accommodate the central bulk 17 of flotation element 15h when the flood barrier 2 is in the stowed configuration. The recesses 20a-f increases in width from flotation element 15g which is adjacent to the central bulk 17 when deployed, to anchoring edge flotation element 15a. The recess 20a-f of each flotation element 15a-f is flanked by two equally proportioned side portions 18a-f, 19a-f which increase in size from the anchoring edge 7 to leading edge 8. Each flotation element 15a-h is shaped to sit neatly against adjacent floats when the flood barrier 2 is in the stowed position, with the recesses 20a-f accommodating the bulk portion 17 of flotation element 15h. The side portions 18a-h, 19a-h of each float are widest at the base where the flotation element 15a-h meets the segment 13a-h and narrows to a peak. The peak of each flotation element 15a-h defines the farthest point of the flotation element from the base. The peak is offset relative to the axis of the base, thereby resulting in one side of the flotation element being steeper than the other. The flotation elements 15a-h are shaped and arranged such that the mass of each flotation elements 15a-h is closer to the leading portion 8 than the anchoring portion 7 when deployed. This further enables the flotation elements 15a-h to be arranged in increasing size order from the anchoring portion 7 to the leading portion 8, as shown in Figure 12.

The cross-sectional area of the side portions 18a-h, 19a-h increase from the anchoring edge segment 13a to the leading-edge segment 13h. This arrangement ensures that even as the flood barrier 2 is deploying or is partially deployed, the bulk of the flotation arrangement 6 remains free moving and is therefore free to continue drawing the flood barrier 2 upwards atop the floodwater for further deployment as required. The passive sealing arrangement 5 utilises magnetism to draw the flood barrier 2 towards and about the opening 4 thereby sealing the opening 4 from rising floodwaters. In the first embodiment shown, the passive sealing arrangement 5 has two steel, elongate panels 26a, 26b that are fixed at either side of the opening 4 of the doorway 3. In other embodiments, the panels may be formed from a material other than steel, provided it is magnetic, and they can be of any shape provided they are set at either side of an opening, or alternatively a continuous sealing member could be arranged extending around the entirety of an opening. The flood barrier 2 is arranged having magnets. In the embodiment shown, each segment 13a- h of the flood barrier 2 has countersunk magnets 27 arranged proximal to the sides 9, 10 of the flood barrier 2 such that as the flood barrier 2 is deploying the magnets 27 are brought closer to the steel panels 26a, 26b by the flotation arrangement 6 until they are close enough to be pulled towards the steel panels 26a, 26b by the magnetic force of the magnets 27 thereby creating a seal and furthering the deployment of the flood barrier 2. The magnets 27 are countersunk in the segments 13a-h and are disposed between the waterproof membrane 14 and the steel panels 26a, 26b. In an alternative arrangement, the portion of the waterproof membrane 14 that extends over the magnets 27 is removed, leaving the magnets exposed. This can create an improved seal as the membrane 14 is not located between the magnets 27 and the panels 26a, 26b. When the magnets 27 are engaged with the panels 26a, 26b the waterproof membrane 14 forms a seal therewith as it is forced by the magnets 27 towards the panels 26a, 26b. The waterproof membrane 14 is formed from a compressible material, in this embodiment closed cell foam rubber, and is compressed by the magnets 27 thereby enhancing the seal formed by the passive sealing arrangement 5.

The flood barrier arrangement 1 has a stowing compartment 30 sized to stow the flood barrier 2 when in the stowed configuration. The stowing compartment 30 has a main compartment 31 and a cover 32 hinged thereto. The cover 32 has a grating 33 to allow the passage of water into the main compartment 31 even when the stowing compartment 30 is closed. In alternative embodiments, there is no grating in the cover, but simply an opening. The stowing compartment 30 is arranged to control the entry of floodwater into the compartment 30 such that floodwater only contacts the flotation arrangement 6 when a predetermined amount of water has entered the stowing compartment 30. The compartment 30 is divided into a front chamber 34 and a rear chamber 35, divided by a wall 36 which extends from the base 37 of the stowing compartment 30. The wall 36 has an opening 38 to permit passage of water between the chambers 34, 35. In this embodiment, the opening 38 is arranged at a third of the height of the wall 35 from the base 37 of the stowing compartment 30. The flood barrier 2 is disposed in the rear chamber 35. When the cover 32 of the stowing compartment 30 is closed, the grating 33 is positioned above the front chamber 34 but does not extend over the rear chamber 35. Floodwater thereby primarily enters the rear chamber 35 via the opening 38 in the wall 36 but only after the front chamber 34 has sufficiently filled such that water can pour through the opening 38. The stowing compartment 30 further has an upstand 39 located at the base 37 of the compartment 30. The upstand 39 supports the flood barrier 2 off the base 37 of the stowing compartment 30 thereby acting as a further measure to prevent premature deployment, as the water level must rise over the upstand 39 before it contacts the flotation arrangement 6. The stowing compartment 30 further has a spirit level 50 which is fixed to the base of the rear chamber 35. This helps determine that the stowing compartment 30 is level during installation of the stowing compartment 30. Levelling instruments other than a spirit level may be used to ensure that the stowing compartment 30 is installed level.

In use, the flood barrier arrangement 1 is installed about an opening by first hollowing out a portion of the ground at the base of an opening such as a doorway. The two steel sealing panels 26a, 26b are then fitted at either side of the opening as shown in Figure 1 , for example. The stowing compartment 30 with upstand 39 is then installed in the hollowed-out portion of the ground and the flood barrier 2 is anchored within the rear chamber 35 of the stowing compartment 30. The flood barrier 2 is anchored by three hinges 55 at a position below the opening 4 and the flood barrier 2 is hingedly moved onto the upstand 39 in the stowed configuration. The cover 32 of the stowing compartment 30 can then be closed and is ideally fitted such that the cover 32 is flush with the surface of the surrounding ground.

In a flood event, floodwater enters the stowing compartment 30 via the grating 33. The front chamber 34 fills and if the water level reaches the opening 38, water begins to pour into the rear chamber 35. Once the water level rises above the upstand 39 the flotation arrangement 6 causes the flood barrier 2 to begin to deploy as shown in Figure 1. As the flood barrier 2 rises it presses against the cover 32 and the cover hinges up and away from the opening 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As the flood barrier 2 rises, the anchoring edge 7 pivots about the hinges 55, moving the magnets 27 of the anchoring edge segment 13a towards the steel panels 26a, 26b. When the magnets 27 of the anchoring edge segment 13a are substantially proximal the panels 26a, 26b, the magnetic force acting between the magnets 27 and the panels 26a, 26b will be substantially large enough to pull the flood barrier 2 towards the panels 26a, 26b. This forms a seal between the anchoring edge segment 13a and the panels 26a, 26b, with the flexible rubber membrane been pressed onto the panels 26a, 26b via the magnetic force of the magnets 27 (as shown in Figure 3). Floodwater is thereby prevented from entering into the opening 4 of the doorway 3. As floodwater continues to rise, the next segment 13b is pivoted about the anchoring edge segment 13a towards the opening 4 until the magnets 27 of the segment 13b are drawn towards the steel panels 26a, 26b, as shown in Figure 4. This occurs for each subsequent segment 13c-h until the flood barrier is fully deployed as shown in Figures 5 to 9. When the floodwaters have receded, the flood barrier 2 can be pulled away from the steel panels 26a, 26b and furled back into the stowed configuration, and the cover 32 can be placed over the stowing compartment 30. When rolling the flood barrier 2 into the stowed configuration, the abutment protrusions 66a, 66b will abut against each other and the magnets 70 of the flotation elements 15a-h will be drawn towards those of adjacent floats to locate each segment relative to one another in a predetermined position, forming an octagonal cross section.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14 there is a flood barrier arrangement 101 with six flood barriers 102a-f arranged in a linear series side by side at the base of a structural support, the structural support forming/defining a fence 160. The passive sealing arrangement 105 of the second embodiment utilises magnetism to draw the flood barriers 102a-f towards and about the structural-support/fence 160 thereby preventing floodwater from passing through openings in the structural-support/fence 160 in the event of a flood. The structural-support/fence 160 could be placed alongside a river or at a coast, or anywhere where flood defences are required. While the displayed embodiment has only six flood barriers, any number of flood barriers could be arranged together to create a continuous flood barrier of desired length. The passive sealing arrangement 105 for the fence embodiment involves the structural-support/fence 160 being shaped such that the magnets 127 of the flood barriers 102a-f can move towards and sit against the structural-support/fence 160 forming a watertight seal. The structural-support/fence 160 is formed from a plurality of frames 161 a-f, one for each flood barrier 102a-f. The frames 161a-f are formed from sheet steel and have a base 163 and an upstand 139 to support the flood barriers 102a-f in their stowed configurations. The flood barriers 102a-f are anchored to the frames 161a-f below the location of openings 164 in the frames 161a-f. Between each frame 161 a-f is a rubber gasket 162. The fifth frame 161e is shown set apart from adjacent frames in the illustration in Figure 14 to show the location of the rubber gaskets 162 within the structural-support/fence 160. During manufacture the gasket 162 is positioned between two frames and the frames are bolted together forming a seal between the frames. Unlike the first embodiment described above, this second embodiment involves the flood barriers 161 a-f being located above ground in their stowed configuration. This has the advantage of a quicker installation time as no excavation work is required. However, the below-ground stowed configuration described above could be used in conjunction with a fence or other structure if desired. In the event of a flood the floodwater will contact the flood barriers 102a-f causing them to unfurl and to form a seal against the fence frames 161 a-f. This prevents floodwater from passing through the fence openings 164. When the floodwater recedes the flood barriers 102a-f can be furled into the stowed configuration.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, anchoring means other than hinges 55 could be used; the anchoring edge segment 13a could be directly bolted on to a surface such that it does not pivot relative to the surface. The segments 13a-h of the flood barrier 2 need not be formed from GRP but any suitable, waterproof material may be used. The panel segments 13a-h are not limited to any shape or size. In the embodiment shown the panel segments 13a-h are formed as each having the same dimensions. This simplifies the manufacturing process, but it is feasible that alternative arrangements could be made; for example, the anchoring edge segment could be formed as the smallest segment and the leading-edge segment formed as the largest such that they can be compactly furled into a stowed configuration. The flotation arrangement 6 could be integrally formed with the segments 13a-h as opposed to being separable components. The shape and orientation of the flotation arrangement 6 is also variable. The manufacturer can adjust the flotation arrangement 6 to create various buoyancy profiles which alter the rate of deployment or movement of the flood barrier 2 through floodwater and/or to alter the shape of the flood barrier 2 when in the stowed configuration. If desired, buoyancy aids and/or other means could be used to assist in the deployment of the barrier 2, however ideally these would not be required.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flood barrier arrangement comprising a flood barrier that is capable of passive deployment in the event of a flood, the flood barrier being anchorable to a surface, at least part of the flood barrier being substantially buoyant such that, in use, in the event of a flood at least part of the flood barrier floats upwards, the flood barrier arrangement further comprising a passive sealing arrangement operable to draw the flood barrier towards at least one surface defining an opening in the event of a flood and to seal the flood barrier about the surface, and wherein the flood barrier comprises an anchoring portion that is anchorable to a surface, and a leading portion, the leading portion being at the opposite end of the flood barrier to the anchoring portion, and wherein buoyancy of the flood barrier is lowest at or about the anchoring portion and greatest at or about the leading portion.

2. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flood barrier has a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and wherein the flood barrier is foldable, Tollable or furlable and wherein the flood barrier can be folded, rolled or furled from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration and unfolded, unrolled or unfurled from the stowed configuration into the deployed configuration.

3. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein the flood barrier comprises sides, the sides extending between the anchoring portion and leading portion, and wherein the buoyancy of the flood barrier at a location between the sides is different than that of the buoyancy at one or both sides.

4. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location between the sides.

5. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein the buoyancy at or about the leading portion is greatest at a location approximately equidistance from either side.

6. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flood barrier comprises an anchoring means, the anchoring means being disposed at or about the anchoring portion of the flood barrier.

7. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the anchoring means is adapted to be fixed to a surface and comprises an anchoring hinge.

8. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flood barrier comprises a plurality of segments wherein two adjacent segments are joined by at least one flexible joint.

9. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least part of each segment is adherable to a surface about an opening to seal the flood barrier over the opening, each segment in turn being capable of forming a watertight seal with the surface proximal to the opening as the flood barrier is deployed from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

10. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein the flood barrier comprises 8 segments.

11. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flood barrier comprises a flotation arrangement to provide buoyancy to the flood barrier.

12. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 11 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the flotation arrangement is arranged on the segments or the flotation arrangement and segments are integrally formed.

13. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein the buoyancy of each segment is unique compared to any other segment of the flood barrier.

14. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the segment at the anchoring portion of the flood barrier is the least buoyant segment and buoyancy increases across the segments in a direction from the anchoring portion to the leading portion with the segment at the leading portion being the most buoyant segment.

15. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein the flood barrier arrangement comprises a stowing compartment, the stowing compartment being sized to contain the flood barrier at least when in the stowed configuration.

16. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 15 wherein the stowing compartment is open and/or permeable to water such that in the event of a flood, floodwater can enter the stowing compartment.

17. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the stowing compartment comprises a cover.

18. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 17 wherein the stowing compartment cover comprises a grate arranged to allow water to enter the stowing compartment.

19. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the stowing compartment comprises a means for controlling the entry of water into the stowing compartment such that substantial quantities of water will not contact the flood barrier unless a predetermined amount of water has entered the stowing compartment.

20. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 19 wherein the entry of water is controlled by the stowing compartment having a front chamber and a rear chamber wherein water will not move from the front chamber to the rear chamber until the front chamber has filled by a predetermined amount and wherein the flood barrier is stowed in the rear chamber.

21. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 20 wherein the cover covers the rear chamber but leaves at least part of the front chamber open to the ingress of water.

22. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the front chamber and the rear chamber are separated by a wall extending from the base of the stowing compartment, the wall being semipermeable and/or having an opening to allow transfer of water therebetween.

23. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein the wall has an opening located away from base of the stowing compartment.

24. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 15 wherein the stowing compartment comprises a means for determining the orientation of the stowing compartment relative to the direction of gravity.

25. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 15 wherein the stowing compartment comprises a means for elevating the flood barrier off the base of the stowing compartment.

26. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the passive sealing arrangement comprises one or more sealing members arrangeable on at least one surface about an opening and operable to form a seal with the flood barrier and wherein the passive sealing arrangement involves the sealing member and the flood barrier being magnetically attracted to one another.

27. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 26 wherein the flood barrier comprises one or more magnets.

28. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 26 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the segment of the flood barrier closest to the anchoring portion is the first segment to be drawn towards the sealing member(s) forming a seal therewith.

29. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 28 wherein the segments are magnetically attracted to the sealing member and wherein, as floodwater rises, each segment in turn is brought closer to the sealing member(s) such that the magnetic force between the segment and the sealing member(s) can draw the segment towards the sealing member(s) thereby forming a seal.

30. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flood barrier comprises a flood-facing surface and a rear surface, the rear surface being behind the flood-facing surface in use.

31. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 30 wherein the flood-facing surface is an uneven surface.

32. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 31 wherein the flood-facing surface comprises one or more ridges or contours, or is a corrugated surface.

33. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 30 when dependent on claim 2 wherein in the stowed configuration the flood-facing surface is folded/rolled/furled in on itself.

34. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 30 when dependent on claim 27 wherein the one or more magnets are arranged proximal the rear surface of the flood barrier.

35. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 34 wherein the passive sealing arrangement comprises a compressible sealing material located at or about the rear surface of the flood barrier.

36. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 35 wherein the one or more magnets are located on the rear surface of the flood barrier, the compressible sealing material covering the one or more magnets such that in use the compressible sealing material is located between the one or more magnets and the one or more sealing member(s).

37. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 35 wherein the one or more magnets are located on the rear surface of the flood barrier, the compressible sealing material extending around the one or more magnets but not covering the one or more magnets.

38. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein the flotation arrangement comprises a plurality of flotation elements and wherein each segment of the flood barrier comprises at least one flotation element.

39. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 38 wherein at least a portion of each flotation element has a wide base which narrows in a direction extending away from the base.

40. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 38 wherein each segment differs in buoyancy as provided by the flotation elements.

41. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 40 wherein the flotation elements on each segment differ in buoyancy and/or shape.

42. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 41 wherein the flotation elements increase in buoyancy from the anchoring portion segment to the leading portion segment.

43. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein the flotation element on the leading portion segment comprises a bulk portion.

44. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 43 wherein the flotation elements other than the leading portion segment flotation element comprise a recess, cavity or spacing to accommodate the bulk portion when the flood barrier is in the stowed configuration.

45. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 38 wherein each flotation element is shaped to accommodate adjacent and/or opposing flotation elements when in the stowed configuration.

46. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 38 wherein each segment has a means for retaining the flotation elements thereon, the means for retaining the flotation arrangement comprises mechanical and/or adhesive retaining means.

47. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 46 wherein the means for retaining the flotation arrangement comprises one or more protrusions, the flotation element(s) comprising one or more recesses corresponding to the one or more protrusions such that the flotation element(s) is fitted over the one or more protrusions thereby retaining the flotation element(s) on the flood barrier.

48. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 47 wherein each segment comprises a central large retaining protrusion and two smaller retaining protrusions spaced apart from the central large protrusion at either side thereof.

49. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 38 wherein the segments comprise locating means to locate the segments relative to adjacent segments.

50. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 49 wherein the locating means comprises each segment having one or more abutment protrusions that abut against adjacent segments at least when the flood barrier is in the stowed configuration.

51. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 50 wherein the segments comprise a panel portion, the panel portion comprising a planar portion, wherein the planar portion forms a rear surface of the segment.

52. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 51 wherein the abutment protrusion extends lengthwise along the planar portion of the panel and wherein the abutment protrusion extends from the planar portion of the panel at an acute angle to the planar portion of the panel.

53. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 49 wherein the locating means comprises magnets on the flotation elements to locate the flotation elements relative to one another, wherein each flotation element comprises at least one locating magnet that is positioned in a location corresponding to the position of a locating magnet in the adjacent flotation element.

54. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flood barrier arrangement comprises a support means for supporting the flood barrier when it is at least partially deployed, the support means being suitable for use as a fence or other structure along a river or coast or anywhere where flood defences are desired.

55. A flood barrier arrangement as claimed in claim 54 wherein the support means is adapted to be sealably connected to an adjacent support means.