Fluid fillable multi-compartment bladder for flow and flood control

Abstract

A system for controlling fluid flow, such as floodwaters, includes a first bladder having a plurality of first compartments that define a plurality of first spaces therebetween and a second bladder including a plurality of second compartments that define a plurality of second spaces therebetween. At least some of the plurality of first compartments are received in the plurality of second spaces defined by the second bladder, and at least some of the plurality of second compartments are received in the plurality of first spaces defined by the second bladder. The first and second bladders are preferably formed from a water permeable material, and each of the plurality of compartments contains a quantity of a material that reacts with water or other fluid, such as a superabsorbant polymer material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/625,182, filed Nov. 5, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to barrier systems for controlling fluid flow. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for restraining the flow of water.

There are many situations in which it may be desirable to control the flow of a fluid, such as spill containment or flood control. In the case of flood control, there are many areas of the world that are subject to flooding. Any development of civilization that has occurred near rivers, oceans, and lakes is especially susceptible to flooding. In addition, any low-lying area that is geographically challenged is susceptible as well. These areas include, but are not limited to, construction sites, railroads, commercial and residential structures, streets, golf courses, underground parking garages, river banks, and areas exposed to water surges and to erosion.

Floodwater barrier systems utilizing a plurality of stacked bags to contain floodwaters are well known. Typically, in flood conditions, such containment barrier systems are constructed of sand filled bags. A typical sandbag has a volume of about six hundred cubic inches. The filling and stacking of the sandbags is labor intensive. Furthermore, the unstacking of the bags and the removal of the sand after the flood conditions have subsided is also labor intensive. These procedures may also employ expensive equipment. Additionally, the sand must be disposed of after the flood conditions have subsided. Traditionally, sand bags have been used in an attempt to abate the enormous damage to property and life often caused by flooding. The use of these and other known structures are often time-consuming, labor intensive, and sometimes impractical. It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved system for fluid flow control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to barrier systems for controlling fluid flow and specifically to a fluid fillable multi-compartment bladder for flow and flood control, and further to a system including the same. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system for controlling fluid flow, such as floodwaters, includes a first bladder having a plurality of first compartments that define a plurality of first spaces therebetween and a second bladder including a plurality of second compartments that define a plurality of second spaces therebetween. At least some of the plurality of first compartments are received in the plurality of second spaces defined by the second bladder, and at least some of the plurality of second compartments are received in the plurality of first spaces defined by the second bladder. The first and second bladders are preferably formed from a water permeable material, and each of the plurality of compartments contains a quantity of a material that reacts with water or other fluid, such as a superabsorbant polymer material.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view schematically illustrating a first embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view schematically illustrating a second embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view schematically illustrating a third embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view schematically illustrating a fourth embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a fifth embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a sixth embodiment of a flow and flood control system in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 is positioned on a support surface, such as an area of ground 11, to retard or prevent a fluid, such as a quantity of flood water 12, from flowing therethrough to a protected area 13. However, it will be appreciated that the system 10 of this invention can be used for any desired purpose.

The system 10 includes a plurality of bladders, each indicated generally at 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the bladders 20 includes a plurality of compartments 21 that extend generally horizontally relative to the ground 11. Each of the illustrated compartments 21 is generally oval in cross sectional shape. However, the compartments 21 may be formed having any other desired cross sectional shape or combination of cross sectional shapes. Each of the illustrated compartments 21 is also elongated in shape, extending generally horizontally relative to the ground 11 by a predetermined amount. For example, each of the illustrated compartments 21 may be approximately twenty-four by eighteen by six inches, although each of the compartments 21 may be of any suitable size and may differ in size with respect to one another. Thus, the volume of each of the compartments 21 would be approximately twenty six hundred cubic inches, which would be over four times the volume of the typical sandbag, which is about six hundred cubic inches.

The bladders 20 and their respective compartments 21 may be formed integrally from a single piece of material or individually from a plurality of separate pieces of material that are joined together in any conventional manner. The bladders 20 are preferably constructed of a relatively strong, nonporous flexible material, such as a plastic material. However, the bladders 20 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as waterproof canvas and the like. Additionally, each of the bladders 20 may be formed from a water permeable material.

As shown in FIG. 1, passageways 22 are formed through the portions of the bladders 20 that separate the adjacent compartments 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a single passageway 22 is formed through the portions of the bladders 20 that separate the adjacent compartments 21. However, a greater or lesser number of such passageways 22 may be provided if desired. The passageways 22 may be formed having any desired shape(s) or size(s). The passageways 22 allow for fluid communication between the adjacent compartments 21 of each of the bladders 20. As will be explained further below, the number, shapes, and sizes of the passageways 22 will determine the amount of fluid communication that is permitted between the adjacent compartments 21 of each of the bladders 20.

Each of the bladders 20 also includes a portal 23 that is formed through the portions of the bladders 20 that define one of the compartments 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a single portal 23 is provided for each of the bladders 20. However, a greater or lesser number of such portals 23 may be provided if desired. The portals 23 may be formed having any desired shape(s) or size(s). The portals 23 allow for fluid communication from outside of the bladders 20 to the interior spaces defined within each of the compartments 21 of each of the bladders 20.

To install the system 10, the bladders 20 are initially filled with a fluid, such as water. To accomplish this, a conventional pump (not shown) or other apparatus may be used to inject such water or other fluid through the portals 23 into the interior spaces of the compartments 21 of the respective bladders 20. Thereafter, the passageways 22 formed through the portions of the bladders 20 that separate the adjacent compartments 21 allow the injected water to fill the interior spaces of each of the other compartments 21 of each of the bladders 20. If desired, a cap 23a or other closure structure may be provided on each of the portals 23 to prevent the fluid within the bladders 20 from escaping therefrom after being filled. Additionally, if desired, some or all of the compartments 21 may contain a material 23b, such as a polymer, for example, that will activate when exposed to water. For example, such material 23b may expand or harden when exposed to water.

When the bladders 20 are stacked to form the system 10, each bladder 20 essentially forms one horizontal layer in a dike. A plurality of such bladders 20 can be stacked horizontally one upon another to form the system 10. The bladders 20 are preferably filled separately starting from the ground 11 up, although such is not required. One or more fasteners (not shown) may be used to between adjacent ones of the bladders 20 to provide stability. The bladders 20 may or may not have a conduit (not shown) communicating between them that, if present, would allow all the bladders 20 to be filled successively from one portal 23, such as from the ground 11 up.

Each of the bladders 12 may be structured in a grid-like manner to define a horizontal plane. For example, the bladder 20 disposed adjacent to the ground 11 in FIG. 1 includes six compartments 21 extending in a first direction and may include twenty compartments 21 in a transverse direction, yielding a total of one hundred twenty compartments 21. All of such compartments 21 may be in fluid communication with one another by means of the passageways 23. The other bladders 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 have, successively, 21 five, four, and three compartments 21 in the first direction and may have the same or a similar decreasing number of compartments 21 in the second direction as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 110, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated system 110 is a single bladder 120 that is formed in a three dimensional array that, in the illustrated embodiment, is three compartments 121 wide, five compartments 121 high, and any suitable number of compartments 121 deep. The compartments 121 can be made in varying sizes is desired. The compartments 121 communicate with one another through a plurality of passageways 122 and, therefore, can be filled from a single portal 123.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 210, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated system 210 includes a pair of bladders 220, each having a plurality of spherically shaped compartments 221 that communicate with one another through respective pluralities of passageways 222 and, therefore, can each be filled from a single portal 223. The compartments 221 of the illustrated bladders 220 are staggered such that such compartments 221 mechanically nest or interlock. Additionally, fasteners 224 may be provided to secure adjacent ones of the compartments 221 together. The fasteners 224 may, for example, be embodied as conventional latch and strap arrangements, hook and loop fabrics, or any other suitable arrangement.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a fourth embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 310, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated system 310 includes a single bladder 320 that includes a plurality of generally rectangularly-shaped compartments 321. The compartments 321 communicate with one another through respective pluralities of passageways 322 and, therefore, can each be filled from a single portal 323. As shown, the compartments 321 are stepped compartments. The compartments 321 are integrated compartments, that is to say that several of the compartments 321 share a single wall with another compartment 321, as indicated at 324.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a fifth embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 410, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated system 410 includes a first bladder 420 that includes a plurality of generally cubic-shaped compartments 421. In this embodiment of the invention, the compartments 421 of the first bladder 420 are not in fluid communication with one another. Rather, the first bladder 420 is formed from a material that is permeable to water or other fluid. For example, the material may be a tightly woven, heavy gauge, polyester fabric material. The weave of the material may have a fineness in the range of from about five hundred denier to about one thousand denier. Preferably, the material is resistant to punctures and tears. However, the first bladder 420 may be formed from any desired material. The compartments 421 of the first bladder 420 are merely connected together in any conventional manner. For example, the compartments 421 of the first bladder 420 may be joined together by thread formed from a polyester or other desired material. Alternatively, the compartments 421 of the first bladder 420 may be joined together by thermal welding, mechanical grommets, or other known techniques. The illustrated compartments 421 are arranged in an alternating pattern, similar to a checkerboard. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the compartments 421 may be joined together by flat panels 42 la, although such is not required. However, the compartments 421 may be arranged in any desired pattern. Each of the compartments 421 contains a quantity of a material 422 that reacts with water or other fluid. For example, each of the compartments 421 may contain a quantity of a superabsorbant polymer material, such as 41K superabsorbant polymer material. The purpose for this material will be explained below.

The illustrated system 410 also includes a second bladder 430 that includes a plurality of generally cubic-shaped compartments 431. In this embodiment of the invention, the compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 are not in fluid communication with one another. Rather, the second bladder 430 is formed from a material that is permeable to water or other fluid. For example, the material may be a tightly woven, heavy gauge, polyester fabric material. The weave of the material may have a fineness in the range of from about five hundred denier to about one thousand denier. Preferably, the material is resistant to punctures and tears. However, the second bladder 430 may be formed from any desired material. The compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 are merely connected together in any conventional manner. For example, the compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 may be joined together by thread formed from a polyester or other desired material. Alternatively, the compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 may be joined together by thermal welding or other similar techniques. The illustrated compartments 431 are arranged in an alternating pattern, similar to a checkerboard. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the compartments 431 may be joined together by flat panels 431a, although such is not required. However, the compartments 431 may be arranged in any desired pattern. Each of the compartments 431 contains a quantity of a material 432 that reacts with water or other fluid. For example, each of the compartments 431 may contain a quantity of a superabsorbant polymer material, such as 41K superabsorbant polymer material. The purpose for this material will be explained below.

The system 410 is assembled by initially disposing the first bladder 420 on a support surface, such as the ground 11. Then, water or other fluid is sprayed or otherwise applied to the first bladder 420. Alternatively, if the system 410 is to be used as a barrier in a flooding condition, then the floodwater may applied directly to the first bladder 420. As mentioned above, the first bladder 420 is preferably formed from a water permeable material. Thus, the water penetrates through the material of the first bladder 420 and contacts the material 422 contained in each of the compartments 421. As a result, the material expands, filling each of the compartments 421 and thereby providing rigidity thereto. Next, the second bladder 430 is moved over the first bladder 420 such that at least some of the compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 are received in at least some of the spaces defined between the compartments 421 of the first bladder 420. As before, water or other fluid is sprayed or otherwise applied to the second bladder 430, including the application of floodwater as described above. As mentioned above, the second bladder 430 is preferably formed from a water permeable material. Thus, the water penetrates through the material of the second bladder 430 and contacts the material 432 contained in each of the compartments 431. As a result, the material expands, filling each of the compartments 431 and thereby providing rigidity thereto. This nesting of the first and second bladders 420 and 430 provides a mechanical interlock that prevents relative movement therebetween. Once assembled, the first and second bladders 420 and 430 form the system 410. It will be appreciated that the first and second bladders 420 and 430 can be formed having any desired size and can have any desired number of compartments 421 and 431 having any desired sizes or shapes.

Alternatively, the system 410 can be assembled by initially disposing the first bladder 420 on a support surface, such as the ground 11, and the second bladder 430 on the first bladder 420. In this preliminary step, the second bladder 430 is positioned over the first bladder 420 such that the compartments 431 of the second bladder 430 are received in the spaces defined between the compartments 421 of the first bladder 420. Then, as described above, water or other fluid is sprayed or otherwise applied, including the application of floodwater as described above, to both the first bladder 420 and the second bladder 430 essentially simultaneously. In the same manner as described above, the water penetrates through the materials of the first bladder 420 and the second bladder 430 and contacts the materials 422 and 432 contained in each of the compartments 421 and 431, respectively. As a result, the materials 421 and 431 expand, filling each of the compartments 421 and 431. If desired, additional systems 410 can be disposed on top of the system 410 described above to increase the vertical height thereof.

When the need for using the system 410 described above has ended, it is desirable to facilitate the disassembly thereof. Toward that end, the first and second bladders 420 and 430 can be treated with a second material that disassociates the absorbed water from the material 422 and 432 contained within the compartments 421 and 431. For example, the first and second bladders 420 and 430 can be treated with magnesium sulfate to de-hydrate the first and second bladders 420 and 430. The water that was previously absorbed by the material 422 and 432 contained within the compartments 421 and 431 flows outwardly from the first and second bladders 420 and 430 because of the water-permeable nature of the material used to form same. When such water has been removed, the first and second bladders 420 and 430 can be folded up into relatively compact spaces and discarded.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a sixth embodiment of a flow and flood control system, indicated generally at 510, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated system 510 includes a first bladder 520 that includes a plurality of elongated compartments 521. In this embodiment of the invention, the compartments 521 of the first bladder 520 are not in fluid communication with one another. Rather, the first bladder 520 is formed from a material that is permeable to water or other fluid. For example, the material may be a tightly woven, heavy gauge, polyester fabric material. The weave of the material may have a fineness in the range of from about five hundred denier to about one thousand denier. Preferably, the material is resistant to punctures and tears. However, the first bladder 520 may be formed from any desired material. The illustrated compartments 521 are arranged so as to extend transversely relative to the quantity of flood water 12 (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the compartments 421 may be joined together by flat panels 521a, although such is not required. However, the compartments 521 may be arranged in any desired pattern. Each of the compartments 521 contains a quantity of a material 522 that reacts with water or other fluid. For example, each of the compartments 521 may contain a quantity of a superabsorbant polymer material, such as 41K superabsorbant polymer material. The purpose for this material is the same as described above in connection with the system 410.

Similarly, the illustrated system 510 also includes a second bladder 530 that includes a plurality of elongated compartments 531. In this embodiment of the invention, the compartments 531 of the second bladder 530 are not in fluid communication with one another. Rather, the second bladder 530 is formed from a material that is permeable to water or other fluid. For example, the material may be a tightly woven, heavy gauge, polyester fabric material. The weave of the material may have a fineness in the range of from about five hundred denier to about one thousand denier. Preferably, the material is resistant to punctures and tears. However, the second bladder 530 may be formed from any desired material. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the compartments 531 may be joined together by flat panels 531a, although such is not required. Each of the compartments 531 contains a quantity of a material 532 that reacts with water or other fluid. For example, each of the compartments 531 may contain a quantity of a superabsorbant polymer material, such as 41K superabsorbant polymer material. The purpose for this material is also the same as described above in connection with the system 410.

The system 510 is assembled in essentially the same manner as described above, wherein the compartments 521 and 531 of the first and second bladders 520 and 530 are nested together to provide a mechanical interlock that prevents relative movement therebetween. Once assembled, the first and second bladders 520 and 530 form the system 510. It will be appreciated that the first and second bladders 520 and 530 can be formed having any desired size and can have any desired number of compartments 521 and 531 having any desired sizes or shapes.

The systems described above are intended to illustrate systems in accordance with the invention that are cost effective in that they are not labor intensive, as compared to the use of traditional sandbags, and can be easily filled at the site, for example, with the present source of floodwaters, i.e. water pumped from the flood site. Additionally, the systems described above may be filled from fire hydrants, fire department tanker trucks, or any other suitable source of appropriate fluid. Generally, the systems described are lightweight, easily stored, and transported to any site. Preferably, the systems are reusable and can be erected on short notice in a short time. As such, there would be no disposal costs and no need for expensive construction equipment. For example, the systems described above may be deployed about storefronts and homes or any other area where property damage is of concern as a method to protect against water damage from surging or flooding, to protect against damage for toxic spills, or for any other situation where it may be desired to control the flow of a fluid.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A system for controlling fluid flow comprising:

a first bladder including a plurality of first compartments that define a plurality of first spaces therebetween; and

a second bladder including a plurality of second compartments that define a plurality of second spaces therebetween, at least some of said plurality of first compartments being received in said plurality of second spaces defined by said second bladder and at least some of said plurality of second compartments being received in said plurality of first spaces defined by said second bladder.

2. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said first bladder is formed from a water permeable material.

3. The system defined in claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of first compartments contains a quantity of a material that reacts with water or other fluid.

4. The system defined in claim 3 wherein said material is a superabsorbant polymer material.

5. The system defined in claim 4 wherein said first bladder is formed from a water permeable material.

6. The system defined in claim 5 wherein each of said plurality of first compartments contains a quantity of a material that reacts with water or other fluid.

7. The system defined in claim 6 wherein said material is a superabsorbant polymer material.

8. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of first compartments is arranged in an alternating pattern.

9. The system defined in claim 8 wherein said plurality of second compartments is arranged in an alternating pattern.

10. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said first bladder is formed from a polyester fabric material.

11. The system defined in claim 10 wherein said second bladder is formed from a polyester fabric material.

12. The system defined in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of first compartments is elongated in shape.

13. The system defined in claim 12 wherein each of said plurality of second compartments is elongated in shape, said second compartments being nested between said first compartments.