Flood Patents (Class 256/13)
  • Patent number: 11668062
    Abstract: A stowable flood barrier system comprising: first and second barrier modules each comprising a frame and a barrier panel pivotable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which deployed position a base of the barrier panel is sealed against the frame and a free edge of the barrier panel extends clear of the frame to present a barrier segment between lateral edges of the barrier panel, wherein the first and second barrier modules are sealable together in the deployed position along the lateral edges of their respective barrier panels to form a linked flood barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Flood Control International Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Lester Collingwood, Andrew Colin Yates, Keith Lee Stevens
  • Patent number: 11028548
    Abstract: A shoreline protection dike includes a plurality of juxtaposed protection devices each including a front face which is curved so as to deflect the water from each wave upwards and back in the direction of ebbing. The front face includes a concave curved shape formed by lines parallel to one another and extending between lower and upper edges of the front face, each line resting on a curved line which extends in a plane perpendicular to the lower and upper edges, the curved line including a first sector which forms a first arc and at least a second sector which forms a second arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Romain Chapron
  • Patent number: 9611670
    Abstract: A livestock fence assembly is provided for use across a waterway having a flow direction and a substantially horizontal bed surface. The fence assembly includes: a foundation having a bottom portion configured to be disposed parallel to and below the bed surface, a top portion configured to be disposed proximate the bed surface, and an interior region between the top portion and bottom portion; and a plurality of spaced apart poles, each having a proximal segment secured to the bottom portion of the foundation and secured to the top portion of the foundation, and having a distal segment extending upwardly in a plane which forms an angle ? between 30° and 75° relative to the flow direction, wherein the assembly is substantially devoid of any structure between distal segments of adjacent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jose A. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 9447554
    Abstract: The method of dissipating water wave energy includes using an array of vertically-extending breakwater walls for dissipating the energy of water waves in an area of interest. Each vertically-extending wall has a plurality of horizontally-extending slots formed therethrough. The areas and/or configurations of the horizontally-extending slots can be varied such that each vertically-extending wall can have a unique degree of porosity. Each vertically extending wall can be positioned in succession in front of a water-impregnable rear barrier. The slots of one vertically-extending wall can be staggered or nonaligned relative to the next vertically-extending wall in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KUWAIT INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Subramaniam Neelamani, Altaf Taqi, Khaled Al-Salem
  • Patent number: 8991792
    Abstract: A fence post which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post includes an engaging mechanism at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining mechanism at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Ian Hedley
  • Publication number: 20140306170
    Abstract: A floating barrier which includes a number of buoyant bodies (12) which are fixed to an axle (36) from which extend a downwardly directed counterweight (124) and upwardly directed supports (130) to which transverse chains or cables are fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: BIRMINGHAM BARBED TAPE LTD.
    Inventor: Ronald Smith
  • Publication number: 20140231734
    Abstract: A marine barrier gate includes a pleated row of buoyant panels movable between an expanded position where the panels have an angle therebetween, and a retracted position where the panels are substantially parallel. A first buoy is attached to a first end of the panel row, and a second buoy is remote from the panels when the panels are in the retracted position. The second buoy has a tow winch and cable attached to a second end opposite the first end, for moving the panels from the retracted position to the expanded position. The first buoy comprises a catenary winch and cable movably engagable with the panels and attached to the second buoy. When the panels are in the retracted position, the catenary winch sets a length or tension of the catenary cable such that it absorbs catenary loads on the barrier when the panels are moved to the expanded position by the tow winch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HALO Maritime Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin BISHOP
  • Patent number: 8695947
    Abstract: A security barrier system includes a security barrier unit including a first panel group, a second panel group, a connecting member for connecting the first panel group and the second panel group. The first and second panel groups are disposed substantially in parallel and face each other. Each of the first and second panel groups includes one or more sub-panel groups, each of which includes barrier panels arranged in line, intermediate members each disposed between adjacent barrier panels, rope tubes and ropes. Each barrier panel has a front face, a rear face and side faces and has channels passing through from one side face to another side face. The rope tubes are disposed in the channels, respectively, so that the rope tubes pass through the barrier panels and the intermediate members. The barrier panels and the intermediate members are connected by the ropes disposed in the rope tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halo Maritime Defense Systems
    Inventor: Justin Bishop
  • Patent number: 8678709
    Abstract: According to the invention, a security net can be erected in or on water or on the ground and is provided with a net or net-like structure (1) manufactured substantially from wire material, rope material, strand material or plastics material (2). The net (1) is bent together and forms longitudinal flanks (3, 4) and at least one arched region (5). The overlapping longitudinal flanks (3, 4) can be connected together and several stabilizers (8) are associated with the net (1). In cross-section, the net (1) is constructed similarly to a teardrop, with the arched region (5) lying on or at least partially in the water. In this way, a largely double-walled security system is obtained, which is able to intercept impacting objects reliably and moreover gently, because the net and the three-dimensional protective net structure is deformable due to the relative flexibility thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Geobrugg AG
    Inventors: Peter Utz, Stephan Wartmann
  • Patent number: 8313265
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to barriers for managing and/or controlling water. In an embodiment, a barrier may include a hollow body at least partially defined by a front wall, a back wall, a top portion and a bottom portion. An elongated connection member may be connected to the first end. The connection member may have a tapered free end portion substantially adjacent said top portion and a lower free end portion substantially adjacent said bottom portion of said hollow body such that the connection member virtually extends the entire length of the first end. A connection recess may be formed in the second end. The connection recess may be sized and configured to generally correspond to at least a portion of the connection member. The barrier may further include a foot member attached to the bottom portion, and a fill port and a drain port in fluid communication with the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Muscle Wall, LLC
    Inventor: Jaren Taylor
  • Patent number: 8020836
    Abstract: A security barrier for use in a water location includes a plurality of barrier units, each having a plurality of individual panels; toppers attached between the barrier units for connecting the barrier units to one another and for disengaging the barrier units from one another when an impact occurs on the security barrier; butt plates attached between the toppers; a rope and a tube containing the rope for connecting individual panels; and a vertical pin for engaging the toppers and the butt plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Bishop
  • Patent number: 7997828
    Abstract: Retaining wall device, comprising at least one first retaining wall member (5) and a support (3, 4) for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge (8) of the first retaining wall member is designed corresponding to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges can be provided with stop surfaces for limiting the tilting motion to mutual abutment of the first and second longitudinal edges in a retaining position of the first retaining wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Cornelis Elizabeth Rijlaarsdam
  • Patent number: 7972081
    Abstract: A sea wall system incorporated into a continuous and foundation supported structure, including a plurality of panels which are displaced in either of vertical or horizontal fashion from interior locations associated with the foundation structure. The panels are each constructed of a lightweight and fluid resistant material and are each displaceable from a first retracted position to an extended position, whereby the components collectively establish a heightened water barrier. A fluid communicating opening is defined in the foundation support and, in response to a rising water level, vertically displaces the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 7712998
    Abstract: A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bernard Salemie
  • Patent number: 7140599
    Abstract: A marine barrier system comprising first and second barrier sections and a coupler system. The first and second barrier sections comprise first and second main flotation members, respectively, and each main flotation member contains buoyant material. The coupler system is arranged at the juncture of the first and second barrier sections. The coupler system is arranged such that the first and second main flotation members may be placed in a storage configuration and in a deployed configuration. In the storage configuration, the first and second main flotation members are arranged in a parallel, side by side arrangement. In the deployed configuration, the first and second main flotation members are arranged end to end to define a barrier line in a body of water across which movement is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Spink
  • Patent number: 7037031
    Abstract: An automatic barricade includes a trench across a road that is covered by a grate allowing vehicular traffic during normal dry weather. Inside the trench is a series of barricade elements, each of which includes a float. When rising water fills the trench to a predetermined level, each float rises and elevates the elements above the road. The barricade elements are sufficiently robust and intimidating to deter motorists from driving over them but are spaced apart to be light enough to be easily actuated by the float. The barricade elements are sufficiently close together that vehicles cannot pass between them. In another embodiment, a sensor is adjacent the trench to detect rising water and communicates with a motor connected to the barricade elements for raising them to a traffic blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Mark D. Haynie
  • Patent number: 6955505
    Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Novus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Winters, Steve M. Ghormley, Roger D. Oldigs
  • Patent number: 6935809
    Abstract: A method for making an embankment in areas and forming a barrier against water with the help of supports. For this purpose, corrugated steel sheets or corrugated panels of some other material, such as plastic or aluminum, are folded across their longitudinal direction along perforations in the sheets so that sections of the sheet extend at an angle to one another, and the aforementioned folded formed barrier supports are caused to be positioned on a supporting surface so that a folded section of each sheet forms a barrier support (16) that faces towards the intended damming area. The barrier support is formed laterally by a number of mutually overlapping folded corrugated sheets. An arrangement for the execution of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Gerhard Svensson
  • Patent number: 6851889
    Abstract: A system of composite panels comprised of resin impregnated carbon fiber sheets, on opposing sides of a fiberglass core, having structural values directly related to the thickness of the core and the amount of carbon fiber incorporated, to be used in marine conditions to resist scour or erosion while retaining soil materials behind the panel and resisting hydrostatic loads. Each panel will have high-density polyethylene (HDPE) interlocks on opposite edges allowing the panels to slide together allowing a series of joined panels to form a continuous wall. Additionally the preformed HDPE interlocks may be field-installed and removed allowing the carbon fiber panels to be cut to a specific dimension as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Gregory J. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6830411
    Abstract: A method of making artificial barrier islands or break waters. The method consists of driving a series of piles in the shape of the island, attaching a number of wire mesh sections, to form a fence around the perimeter of the piles, connecting the tops of the piles with cables, and then filling the formed enclosure with riprap (rock) material. Once the rock has reached the water surface, it is covered with suitable soil and vegetation to create the island. The piles and mesh are hidden below the water surface and the formed island takes on a natural appearance. In this way, the artificial island is a barrier to storms, thus protecting the shoreline and wetlands from erosion. Moreover, the artificial island creates an ideal habitat for birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. In certain environments one island can protect approximately 10 times the amount of shoreline that lies behind it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dominick Amari
  • Patent number: 6732479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a movable defensive apparatus in which a dedicated source of power for driving a relatively heavy defensive wall and an installation space are not required, whereby entry of a mob, a runaway vehicle, and the like, can be prevented, the entry of rainwater, and the like, can also be prevented to some extent. The movable defensive apparatus includes a defensive wall (2) disposed in the vicinity of a doorway (O•I) of a site (G), such as a house, and an installation in the vicinity of a doorway (O•I), a window or the like, of a building for preventing rainwater and undesirable entry of objects, such as a mob or a runaway vehicle from entering the site (g) or a building. Also described is a piston cylinder unit (20, 20) which is operated by running water for driving the defensive wall (2) from a machine room (M•R) to a predetermined upper position along a guide device (10, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nomura, Kazuo Yano
  • Publication number: 20040052583
    Abstract: A barrier device includes a first containment chamber and a second containment chamber. The first containment chamber is secured to the second containment chamber by a connector. A barrier wall includes a first barrier device having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber and is positioned in overlying relationship to the connector. A barrier wall is built by positioning a first barrier device, having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector on a support surface. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber of the first barrier device and overlying the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard C. Davis, Matthew Anthony Davis, Andrew Clinton Davis
  • Patent number: 6692188
    Abstract: A rapid emergency dam is disclosed. During adverse weather conditions heavy rain can lead to rivers breaking their banks and lakes overflowing causing flooding to the surrounding countryside. Coastline defenses can also be breached by increased sea swell and large waves. A fluid barrier section (1) of the present invention comprises an elongate rectangular fluid barrier sheet 2, an apron 4 extending from the lowermost edge 6 of the fluid barrier (2), an elongate rectangular front panel (7) and support means in the form of a plurality of support ribs (8). The fluid barrier sheet (2) is of a flexible fluid impermeable material such as plastics, rubber, waterproof canvas, nylons or any other suitable natural or man made material. A preferred material for the barrier sheet (2) is a fluid impermeable tear resistant flexible foil. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the lowermost edge (6) of the fluid barrier is bonded to one edge of the apron (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroscience Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Gordon Walker, Nicholas Edward Ward
  • Patent number: 6679654
    Abstract: A flood control system including a substantially rigid exterior shell and a flexible bladder having one or more valves for introducing and removing a desired amount of fluid, the shell including opposite first and second rigid sides hingedly connected to one another to permit the shell to be positioned in a desired orientation exterior to and substantially overlying the flexible bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aqua Levee Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Donn Wittenberg, Charles T. Shankles, Bruce A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 6626611
    Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Novus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Winters, Steve M. Ghormley, Roger D. Oldigs
  • Patent number: 6443655
    Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Patent number: 6390730
    Abstract: The invention concerns a protective element (1) comprising a plate (2) with a first longitudinal edge (3) and a second longitudinal edge (4) spaced by a distance (D) from each other, and a pivot bearing (5, 5′) arranged substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge and/or the second longitudinal edge, designed for transferring forces, whereby the plate (2) is arranged mobile on a substructure (6) to absorb the forces exerted on the protective element, in particular on a protection system against floods and avalanches, and capable of being arranged mobile relative to said substructure (6), in a pivot zone (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus Wolfgang Scheibe
  • Patent number: 6357184
    Abstract: A device capable of being attached to a roof as part of a snowguard system to prevent snow or ice from falling off the roof. The snowguard system includes a plurality of mounting brackets each having a bracket portion with at least one bore defining at least one cutout region therethrough. This cutout region has a first circumferential shape. At least one pipe is slidably inserted through one of the bores in each of the bracket portions. Each pipe has a circumferential shape substantially similar to that of each cutout region to thereby prevent rotation of the pipe with respect to the bracket. At least one flag is provided for attachment to the pipe. Each flag has an interior which is substantially geometrically similar to at least a portion of the circumferential shape of the pipe, thereby allowing the interior portion of the flag to lockingly engage the exterior of one of the pipes such that the flag does not rotate with respect to the pipe to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6279858
    Abstract: A wire netting, preferably used as a gravel screen or for protecting a soil surface layer is woven from corrosion-resistant wires and either fitted on the soil surface or secured in an almost upright position on a slope or something similar. The wires in the wire netting are manufactured from heavy-duty steel, which has a nominal strength in the region of 1000 to 2200 N/mm2 and steel wire may be used for this for stranded wires or spring steel wire. The wire netting is manufactured from rectangular, diagonal netting and it has a three-dimensional, mattress-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Fatzer AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Eicher
  • Patent number: 6142704
    Abstract: A wave barrier for protecting users and their possessions at a beach location close to the water from becoming wet from waves crashing into their location. The wave barrier includes a flexible wall sheet with a plurality of spaced apart elongate poles coupled thereto. The lower ends of the poles are downwardly extended from a bottom edge of the wall sheet. The proximal edge of a ground sheet is coupled to the wall sheet along the bottom edge of the wall sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jon Coyne
  • Patent number: 5301925
    Abstract: A fence for a depressed waterway has a pair of anchor posts normally located on opposite sides of the waterway. At least one ground anchor is positioned between the anchor posts in the bottom of the waterway. A wire fence extends between the anchor posts and over the ground anchor. A vertical post is secured to the wire and is suspended by the wire above the ground anchor. The vertical post has a lower end detachably secured to the ground anchor so that the lower end of the vertical posts will disengage the ground anchor and will tilt on said wires in a downstream direction when encountered by debris under flooded conditions. The method of use of a waterway fence comprises placing opposite fence anchor posts on opposite sides of the waterway. At least one ground anchor is placed in the waterway below the normal vertical plane of the fence to be built. The fence wire extends between the anchor posts and over the waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Eric Carlson
  • Patent number: 5197717
    Abstract: A safety device for protecting personnel against falling from a platform of a printing press having a handrail anchored to the printing press, and a kneerail located below the handrail, including devices for swiveling the kneerail and devices for releasably locking the kneerail both in an inwardly swiveled position wherein it blocks access to the platform, and in a normal position wherein it is disposed below the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Michael Gund
  • Patent number: 5114270
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein individual lock members include interconnecting right and left end walls, with spikes directed through the top and botttom wall for positioning and securement of the barriers to an underlying support or to one another. A fabric flap is mounted to a forward planar wall of each of the blocks for enhanced mounting of the blocks to an underlying surface to minimize cantilevering of the blocks in use. Further, positioning blocks are selectively securable to a top surface of each block and cooperative with rectangular recesses within opposed bottom surfaces of further blocks to provide vertical mounting of the blocks together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: James J. Riddle
  • Patent number: 4921373
    Abstract: A fluid containing barrier having a frame with a plurality of legs and a flexible container supported by the frame. The flexible container has a high point vent and a low point drain. The flexible container is capable of holding a fluid. A series of individual frames and flexible containers interlock to form a wall or flood barrier which is used as a dam structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Robert C. Coffey
  • Patent number: 4692060
    Abstract: A water-bag dam or dike comprises elongate tubes adapted to be filled with water. The tubes have three equal sides and are supported by longitudinal and lateral support members so that, when filled with water, they assume the shape of a substantially equilateral, triangular prism. The tubes can be stacked to make a dam or dike twice as tall and wide on the individual tubes. The tubes and support members can be transported to a flood situs and there be erected into an effective dam or dike just by filling the tubes with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: James G. Jackson, III