FLOOD WATER BARRIER

Abstract

A flood barrier protection system has a first barrier support member having a channel therein. A second barrier member spaced from the first support member having a channel therein. A barrier member disposed within both channels is sealingly engageable with one surface of each the support member. The barrier member has a rigid front wall and a rigid rear wall spaced across a gap form each other to form a hollow body open at at least one end. An upper engaging portion and a lower engaging portion each extend from the hollow body in opposite directions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for preventing flood water from reaching an entry point to a building, and in particular, to a system which utilizes the weight of the oncoming water to increase the impermeability of the system to the oncoming water.

Flood waters from torrential rains, hurricanes, rising rivers and high tides cause damage. They particularly cause damage if they approach or enter the doorways or ground level windows of a building.

A number of methods are known for reducing the risk of flood damage to a building. The most common of these methods is to stack sand bags against the particular entry point of the building. While this structure and method has been satisfactory, it suffers from the disadvantages that the creation of the sand bag wall is difficult, arduous and time consuming, requiring the lifting and maneuvering of heavy sand bags into position. Furthermore, even once the sand bag barrier has been constructed, it is not completely water tight and may allow water to seep either through the bag or through the space between adjacent bags. Additionally, once the flood situation has passed, then the bags, containing wet sand, must be removed and disposed of.

It is also known in the art to erect flood barriers made from flood panels which are often formed of metal sheets. Flood panels are disposed between a pair of U-shaped channels. The panels are dropped within the U-shaped channels and cooperate with the channels to form a barrier. A sealing material is often placed within the U-shaped channel and engage closely with the panel to provide a barrier seal. This prior art solution has been satisfactory in that it is more easily assembled and removed than the sand bag, however, due to the close engagement between the sealant in the U-shaped channel and the panel, it is difficult to push the panel into the barrier and often requires two or more people to lift the heavy panel and force it into to the channel. Furthermore, this activity often results in damage to the panel.

It is also known in the art to erect flood barriers in a manner in which it is not affixed to a wall but rather to the sidewalk. It is known from the prior art to utilize support structures extending diagonally from the barrier to the sidewalk. However, in addition to all the other issues with the prior art, this requires anchoring structure in the sidewalk or ground at two locations and substantially blocks off the area of a sidewalk formed by the triangle of the support member extending at an angle from the barrier wall.

Therefore, a flood barrier system which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A flood water barrier system includes a first support member and a second support member, the second support member being in spaced facing relationship with the first support member. The barrier member, being hollow and open ended so as to receive water therein, is receivably disposed within the first and second support members with a gap between a support member and at least one open end of the barrier member.

In one embodiment of the invention, a first gasket is disposed along a lower length of the barrier member. A second gasket is disposed within each of the first member and second member in facing relationship with a sidewall of the barrier member. Fasteners are provided to secure the support members to a fixed surface such as a building or the ground. The system may also include positioning members for positioning the barrier members within the support members against one of the first gasket and second gasket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the flood barrier system constructed in accordance with the invention

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the flood barrier system constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the flood barrier system at a single support member.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a barrier member constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a flood barrier system constructed in accordance with the second embodiment at a mid span of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the flood barrier system taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made to FIGS. 1-5 in which a flood barrier system, generally indicated as 10, is shown. Flood barrier system 10 includes a first support member 12a and second support member 12b which are spaced from each other in facing relationship. The structure of support 12b is the mirror image of support member 12a and therefore for ease of description only the structure of support 12b will be described below.

System 10 includes a first barrier member 20 which is receivably disposed between support members 12a, 12b. At least a second barrier member 30 is disposed in stacked relationship with first barrier member 20 between support members 12a, 12b to form a barrier wall.

As seen specifically in FIG. 3 support member 12b includes a front wall 14 and a rear wall 16 each extending from a backwall 15, and spaced across a gap b to have a substantially C-shaped (FIG. 4) channel formed therein

System 10, in one non-limiting embodiment, includes an embedded plate 80 which is affixed to a wall 50 of the building at either side of opening 52, opening 52 may be a door or a window. In this embodiment, backwall 16 is anchored to embedded plate 80, and in turn, wall 50 by a fastening device such as screws 54, studs, bolts, or anchors.

As is known in the art, embedded plate 80 may be affixed to wall 50 by mortar, grout, adhesive or the like. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is backwall 16 which may be directly affixed to wall 50 if one is not concerned with the ability to remove support members 12a, 12b between flood conditions.

A gasket 18 is disposed along an interior surface of wall 16 of support member 12b, the interior surface of the channel which is closest to wall 50. Gasket 18 is made of a compressible material which, when compressed, forms a water tight seal between interior surface of wall 16 and the object compressing gasket 18 such as barrier member 20.

It should be understood, that each of barrier members 20, 30 have a slightly different construction as a function of the seals which must be formed by the respective flood barrier member. By way of example, flood barrier member 20 is a bottom barrier member and forms a seal with the floor, and with the barrier member 30 which is disposed in stacking relationship above barrier member 20. In contrast thereto, barrier member 30 does not contact the floor and does not require gaskets.

Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that barrier member 20 has a hollow body section 22. An upper engaging portion 24 and a lower engaging portion 26 extending in opposite direction from hollow body section 22. The upper and lower engaging portions 24, 26 run the length of body 22. A support member 28 may in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, be disposed within hollow body portion 22 to provide additional structural integrity to barrier member 20.

Lower engaging portion 27 has first projecting finger 28a and second projecting finger 28b forming a substantially T-shaped receiving section. A gasket 40 extends along the length of barrier member 20 and has a shape configured to be received by lower panel engaging portion 26 in a tension fit; sufficiently tight to prevent movement of gasket 40 during use, while allowing gasket 40 to be fed through lower engaging portion 26. In a preferred embodiment, gasket 40 has a T-shaped head 42 sized to fill the T-shaped receiving portion of lower engaging portion 26, a waist portion 44 sized to receive fingers 28a, 28b, and a compression body 46 having a width substantially the width of hollow body 22. Again, gasket 46 is formed of a material which is compressible and forms a water tight seal between barrier member 20 and the structure against which it is compressed; the floor in this instance.

Similarly, upper engaging portion 24 has two projecting fingers 29a, 29b which form a receiving slot 27 within upper engaging portion 24. Upper engaging portion 24 is also formed with a chamfered surface 25a, 25b which extend from a respective wall of hollow body portion 22 to fingers 29a, 29b.

As with gasket 40, a gasket 90 is sized and shaped to be received within upper engaging portion 24. A tension fit between gasket 90 and upper engaging portion 24 is sufficient to prevent movement of gasket 90 during use, but allow the feeding of gasket 90 along the length of flood barrier member 20. Gasket 90 also extends the length of barrier member 20.

As can be readily seen from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, barrier member 20 has a first wall 21 and a second wall 23 forming a hollow body 22. There are no side walls so that barrier member 20 is open ended.

Gasket 90, in a preferred non-limiting embodiment, includes a T-shaped body 92 to be received by fingers 29a, 29b and extends by a waist 94 into an upper body portion 96. Body portion 96 has a main body and two arms extending downward to overlay and substantially match chamfered surfaces 25a, 25b of upper engaging portion 24.

Barrier member 30 as seen in FIG. 3 is similar in structure to barrier member 20, the primary difference being that for reasons discussed below, barrier 30 does not include gaskets. Therefore like numerals are utilized to indicate like structures. Barrier 30 has an open ended hollow body portion 22 with a support member 28 therein. Hollow body 22 is formed by a first outer wall 21 and a rear facing wall 23.

Barrier member 30 include a lower engaging portion 26 having fingers 28a, 28b which have angled outer facing surfaces 32a, 32b like those show in FIG. 5. Similarly, barrier member 30 includes an upper engaging portion 24 shaped like upper engaging portion 24 of barrier member 20 having fingers 25a, 25b.

It should be noted, that the dimensions of each barrier 20, 30 are relative to the support members 12a, 12b. In particular, the length of each barrier member 20, 30 is less than the distance between the backwall 15 of one support member 12a and the back wall 15 of the opposing support member 12b. Furthermore, the width of support member 30, i.e., the distance between walls 21, 23 is less than the distance between walls 14, 16. In this way, there is always a gap between at least one of the walls 21, 23 and the interior surface of 14, 16 of support members 12a, 12b. Additionally, a gap (see FIG. 4) between at least one open end of barrier members 20, 30 and a respective support member 12a, 12b.

In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a respective compression member 60 may be selectably disposed within wall 14 of each of support members 12a, 12b. When inserted into support members 12a, 12b compression member 60 compress flood barrier members 20, 30 against gaskets 18. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, compression members 60 are threaded bolts which cooperate with threaded openings within wall 14 of respective support members 12a, 12b so as to be selectively movable between a first position for compression of barrier members 20, 30 and a second position for releasing barrier members.

Additionally, a compression plate 70 having a threaded hole therein 72 is disposed across the top of C-shaped support member 12a, 12b. A threaded bolt 74 is insertable through hole 70 and extends to be received between fingers 25a, 25b of upper barrier member 30 for positioning and compressing the stacked barrier members 20, 30 in a direction substantially orthogonal (downward) as compared to the direction of compression members 60.

During operation, barrier support members 12a, 12b are affixed to embedded plates 80, and in turn, wall 50 across an opening 52 to be protected. First barrier member 20 is slid into position between support members 12a, 12b. Because there is a gap between either end of barrier member 20 and support members 12a, 12b and at least one side (end) of barrier member 20 and support members 12a, 12b barrier member 20 is easily slid into place. Because barrier member 20 is hollow, it is relatively light weight and easily maneuvered.

It should be noted, that for low level flooding, a single barrier member 20 may be sufficient. However, in most flood regions, a stack of at least two or more barrier members are utilized. Therefore, a second barrier member 30 is placed between barrier support members 12a, 12b. As is readily noted from the drawings, lower engaging portion 26 of upper barrier member 30, and in particular, fingers 28a, 28b have chamfered lower (outwardly facing) surfaces which mate with gasket 90 when in stacked relation. Therefore, barrier member 30 applies a downward force to barrier member 20, gasket 90 compresses as does gasket 40 creating seals.

As water pushes against system 10 it will push barrier members 20, 30 against gasket 18 forming a water tight seal and creating a water flow path within support members 12a, 12b within gaps a, b. Water will enter gap a between ends of panel 20, 30 and flow into the open ends of panels 20, 30 filling respective hollow bodies 22, adding weight to each barrier member 20, 30 as the flood waters rise. This added weight pushes down on gaskets 40, 90 below the respective panel 20, 30 creating a water tight seal between the surface below the gasket and the respective panel 20, 30.

To provide additional compression, and initial positioning, compression bolts 60, 70 may be inserted into system 10 to push barrier members 20, 30 down against bottom gasket 40 and against gasket 18 forcing the seal.

When the flood subsides, the water drains from system 10 releasing the pressure on the respective gaskets 40, 90 and 18. In this way, the hollow barrier members 20, 30 become lightweight again and are easily removed.

By providing a lightweight easy to assemble barrier system which makes use of the weight of the water itself during the flood activity, the issues of assembly and creating of the barrier found in the prior art are overcome.

It should be noted, that in the embodiments shown, a two barrier stack is shown by way of example only. Multiple barrier stacks of three or more may be created as needed. However, it should be noted that each intermediary barrier member would include a gasket in the upper engaging portion to mate with the lower engaging portion of the higher stacked barrier member. Additionally, what is required is that the barrier members fill with water which works best if both ends of the barrier member are spaced from the support member, but still works if only a single end is spaced from the support member. Furthermore, it should be noted that as a result of the construction, barrier members 20, 30 may be extruded; both the body portions as well as the gaskets.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7 in which flood barrier system, generally indicated as 100, constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is provided. Like numerals are utilized to indicate like parts for ease of description. The primary difference between flood barrier system 10 and flood barrier system 100 being that flood barrier system 100 is not affixed to a wall.

System 100 includes a support member 212 which in this embodiment is a substantially H-shaped mid span section. An H-shaped vertical post 220 extends from a base plate 104. Vertical post 220 includes a first wall 222 and an opposed wall 224 separated by a gap and joined by a center support 226 to form the H-shape with distinct channels 228, 230 on either side of support 226. A respective gasket 218a, 218b is disposed along at least one wall (224 in this non-limiting embodiment) within each chamber 228, 230.

Gusset plates 202a-202d extend from respective outer surfaces of walls 220, 224, to base plate 104 to vertical post 222. Gusset plates 202a, 202b are spaced apart from each other so that each one is positioned adjacent a respective one of channels 228, 230. Similarly, gusset plates 202c, 202d are spaced from each other so as to be adjacent respective one of chambers 228, 230.

System 100 includes an embedded support plate 106 which is embedded into the floor of the surface, the sidewalk, surrounding grounds or the like in situ of the flood barrier system. Fasteners such as studs 111a, 111b, anchoring screws, threaded bolts or the like affix base plate 104 to embedded support plate 106. In a preferred embodiment, embedded plate 106 is a steel plate formed in the concrete surface of a sidewalk or the like. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a gasket material 108 is disposed between embedded plate 106 and base plate 104 which is compressed by securing studs 110a, 110b anchored into the ground and connected with a machine bolt 111a, 111b respectively.

As discussed above, barrier members 20, 30 are then loaded, dropped into place, within the channel formed within respective channels 228, 230 of support member 222 with spacing at either end of barrier members 20, 30 and between at least one wall of support member 212 to allow for the movement of water within system 100 and in particular into the interior hollow body members 22 of panels 20, 30.

Again, additional compression may be provided by compression member 60 which when inserted into either channel 228, 230 of support member 212 may be selectively moved to enter the channel formed by interior of support member 212 at a variety of lengths to contact and compress the barrier members 20, 30 against gaskets 218a, 218b extending along an interior wall of support member. In this embodiment, a compression plate 170 is affixed to front wall of support member 212 and held in place by a fastening bolt 174. Again, a threaded screw extends through a threaded hole in support plate 170 to allow a compression member 176 to be selectably moveable between a compression position in which it applies a downward force to the uppermost barrier member 30 and a release position. As a result, for additional compression and positioning at an orientation essentially ninety degrees to compression member 60 is provided. It should be noted that the downward compression members may have different shapes such as the threaded bolt 74 received between fingers 25a, 25b (FIG. 3) and a fastening bolt 174 which is formed to press down on fingers 25a, 25b on the intervening gasket 90 (FIG. 7).

Assembly is similar to that described above, respective barrier members 20a, 20b and 30a, 30b are arranged in stacked relation as discussed above in a substantially siamese configuration. They may be compressed against respective gaskets 218a, 218b by compression elements 60 and downwardly by compression numbers 172.

Again, as water enters flood barrier system 100, it enters the open ends of each barrier member 20, 30 as the water level rises adding weight to the respective panels 20, 30 compressing the intermediate gaskets 90 creating the water tight seal. Again, as the water level recedes, the water drains from flood barrier system 100 in the direction from which it came and barrier members 20, 30 return to their lightweight state.

By utilizing hollow, lightweight open-ended components as the barrier members, and allowing the weight of the water to provide the necessary weight and center of gravity sufficient to compress gaskets and withstand an oncoming flood, a flood water barrier system which is easy to assemble, easy to transport, and increases the resistance to flood water leak is provided. Furthermore, by utilizing an embedding plate, and anchoring systems to that embedding plate, the entire support system becomes less cumbersome, makes more of the structure removable between flood conditions, and is easier to assemble.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the invention.

Claims

1. A barrier member for preventing a flood comprising:

a solid front wall, a rear wall spaced from the front wall to form a hollow body having at least one open end;

an upper engaging portion extending from an upper portion of the hollow body; and

a lower engaging portion extending from a lower portion of the hollow body.

2. The barrier member of claim 1, wherein the lower engaging portion includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion, each finger having a chamfered surface facing away from the hollow body portion.

3. The barrier member of claim 1, further comprising a gasket extending along a length of the hollow body and disposed within the lower engaging portion.

4. The barrier member of claim 3, wherein the lower engaging portion includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion, each finger having a chamfered surface facing away from the hollow body portion; the first finger and second finger form a receiving portion, the gasket having a body and a waist, the body being received within the receiving portion, and the waist receiving the fingers therein.

5. The barrier member of claim 1, wherein the upper engaging portion includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion and being in facing relationship with the first finger.

6. The barrier member of claim 5, wherein the first finger has a chamfered outer surface and the second finger has a second chamfered outer surface.

7. The barrier member of claim 6, wherein the first finger and second finger define a receiving portion, and further comprising a gasket, the gasket being disposed in part in the receiving portion, and extending along the chamfered surface of the first finger and the chamfered surface of the second finger.

8. The barrier member of claim 7, wherein said gasket member has a first chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the first finger and a second chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the second finger.

9. The barrier member of claim 3, wherein the upper engaging portion includes a first upper engaging finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second upper engaging finger extending from the hollow body portion and being in facing relationship with the first upper engaging finger.

10. The barrier member of claim 9, wherein the first upper engaging finger has a chamfered outer surface and the second upper engaging finger has a chamfered outer surface.

11. The barrier member of claim 10, wherein the first upper engaging finger and second upper engaging finger define a receiving portion, and further comprising a second gasket, the second gasket being disposed in part in the receiving portion; and extending along the chamfered surface of the first upper engaging finger and the chamfered surface of the second upper engaging finger.

12. The barrier member of claim 11, wherein said second gasket has a first chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the first upper engaging finger and a second chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the second upper engaging finger.

13. A flood water barrier system comprising:

a first barrier support member having a channel formed therein;

a second barrier support member having a channel formed therein; and

a barrier member sealingly engageable with the first support member and the second support member, the barrier member having a solid front wall and a rear wall spaced from the front wall to form a hollow body having at least one open end; an upper engaging portion extending from the hollow body and a lower engaging portion extending from the hollow body; the barrier member engaging the first support member and the second support member to create a seal against water intrusion;

a first gap formed between at least the first support member and at least one open end to allow water to enter the hollow body during a flood; and

a second gap between the front wall of the first barrier member and the first barrier support member to allow water to enter the first gap.

14. The flood barrier system of claim 13, comprising at least a second barrier member sealingly engaged with the first support member and the second support member, the second barrier member having a front wall and a rear wall spaced from the rigid front wall to form a hollow body having at least one open end; an upper engaging portion extending from the hollow body and a lower engaging portion extending from the hollow body; and a second gap formed between at least the first support member and at least one open end of the at least second barrier member to allow water to enter the hollow body of the at least second barrier member during a flood.

15. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first barrier support member and second barrier support member has a substantially C-shape.

16. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first barrier support member and the second barrier support member has a substantially H-shape.

17. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, further comprising fasteners for fastening the first barrier support member and second barrier support member to a wall.

18. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, further comprising a first gasket disposed within the channel of the first barrier support member and a second gasket disposed within the channel of the second barrier support member.

19. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, wherein at least the first barrier support member has a first wall and a second wall, and a bottom plate, a first gusset plate extending from an exterior surface of the first wall to the bottom plate and at least a second gusset plate extending from an exterior surface of the second wall to the bottom plate.

20. (canceled)

21. The flood water barrier system of claim 14, further comprising a third gap between at least one of the front wall and rear wall of the second barrier member and the first barrier support member.

22. (canceled)

23. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, further comprising a compression member adjustably extending into the channel of the first barrier support member and moveable between a first position for compressing the barrier member against the first barrier support member and a second position for releasing the barrier member from the first barrier support member.

24. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, further comprising a compression member for compressing the barrier member in a direction along the channel of the first barrier support member.

25. The flood water barrier system of claim 24, further comprising a second compression member for compressing the barrier member in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the compression member compresses the first barrier member.

26. The flood water barrier system of claim 19, further comprising an embedded plate and a gasket disposed between the embedded plate and the bottom plate; and a fastener for fastening the bottom plate to the embedded plate.

27. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, wherein the lower engaging portion includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion, each finger having a chamfered surface facing away from the hollow body portion.

28. The flood water barrier system of claim 27, wherein the first finger and second finger form a receiving portion, and further comprising a gasket, the gasket extending along the upper body portion having a body and a waist, the body being received within the receiving portion, and the waist receiving the fingers therein.

29. The flood water barrier system of claim 13, wherein the upper engaging portion includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion and being in facing relationship with the first finger.

30. The flood water barrier system of claim 29, wherein the first finger has a chamfered outer surface and the second finger has a chamfered outer surface.

31. The flood water barrier system of claim 30, wherein the first finger and second finger define a receiving portion, and further comprising a gasket, the gasket being disposed in the receiving portion, and extending along the chamfered surface of the first finger and the chamfered surface of the second finger.

32. The flood water barrier system of claim 31, wherein said gasket has a first chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the first finger and a second chamfered surface substantially overlying the chamfered surface of the second finger.

33. The flood water barrier system of claim 31, comprising at least a second barrier member sealingly engaged with the first support member and the second support member, the second barrier member having a front wall and a rear wall spaced from the front wall to form a hollow body having at least one open end; an upper engaging portion extending from the hollow body and a lower engaging portion extending from the hollow body; and a second gap formed between at least the first support member and at least one open end of the at least second barrier member to allow water to enter the hollow body of the at least second barrier member during a flood, wherein the lower engaging portion of the second barrier member includes a first finger extending from the hollow body portion and a second finger extending from the hollow body portion, each finger having a chamfered surface facing away from the hollow body portion, each finger of the second barrier member engaging the gasket of the first barrier member.

34. The flood water barrier system of claim 33, further comprising a third gap between at least one of the front wall and rear wall of the first barrier member and the first barrier support member.

35. The flood water barrier system of claim 34, further comprising a second gap between at least one of the front wall and rear wall of the second barrier member and the first barrier support member.