Patent ID: 8613171
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
1. A flood barrier system in combination with window structures having a frame constructed and arranged for placement within an opening of a structure, said frame having a first and a second sidewall, a top wall and a bottom wall with an impact resistant laminated glass secured thereto, said flood barrier system comprising: a substantially vertically oriented mechanical seal fastened to an outer surface of each said sidewall of said frame, said substantially vertically oriented mechanical seal having a first surface secured to said frame, a second surface, and a third surface, said third surface being secured to structural walls of said structure, said first and said third surfaces being substantially parallel to each other, said second surface secured to both said first and said third surfaces and spanning a gap formed between said frame and structural walls of the opening of the structure, said first surface, said second surface, and said third surface of said substantially vertically oriented mechanical seal forming a cavity therebetween; a substantially horizontally oriented mechanical seal fastened to an outer surface of said bottom wall of said frame said substantially horizontally oriented mechanical seal having a first surface secured to said bottom wall of said frame, a second surface, and a third surface, said third surface being secured to a bottom structural wall of said structure, said first and said third surfaces being substantially parallel to each other, said second surface secured to both said first and said third surfaces and spanning a gap formed between said frame and structural walls of the opening of the structure, said first surface, said second surface, and said third surface of said substantially horizontally oriented mechanical seal forming a cavity therebetween; each said substantially vertically oriented mechanical seal being sealed to said substantially horizontally oriented seal in a watertight manner, thereby forming a water barrier around said window structures; and an expansion element secured within each said cavity of said substantially vertically oriented and substantially horizontally oriented mechanical seals, wherein said expansion elements expand upon the presence of flood waters and seal said frame to said building to prevent the passage of the flood waters, said mechanical seal maintaining said expansion element in a predetermined position when flood waters and the attendant water pressure is present.