Abstract:
A flood barrier system for windows for inhibiting a water breach into a residential or commercial structure. The flood barrier is adapted to fit within a retaining wall cavity using a sealing mechanism that expands so as to stop water intrusion. The barrier operates with an extruded frame having vertical reveal members and high strength glass. A sealing joint is fitted about the retaining wall and the flood barrier&#39;s vertical reveal members for inhibition of flood seepage. The sealing joint, having at least two surfaces forming an open end and a tapered end, is anchored at the bottom wall of the extruded frame member and about the glass flood barrier&#39;s vertical reveal members at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation level.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to flood barriers and, more particularly, to an improvement in window construction that inhibits flood waters from entering a structure by mechanically sealing a properly constructed and engineered window frame to a retaining wall. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Floods are a common in areas that do not have adequate drainage to handle a high influx of water. Unfortunately, whether an area is susceptible to flooding may change from year to year due to drainage changes as a result of construction, forest growth, river silting, and the like. Further, climate change has made the possibility of a “100 year” flood an event that can now happen in any given year. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how much water a flooding event will produce, for the flooding may be caused by upriver snowmelt or rain, locally heavy rainfall, high winds, and similar events that cause water stacking, a drainage malfunction, or the like any of which may cause flood waters to breech a building structure. 
         [0003]    Flooding may not damage a building structure but it can be devastating on the contents within the building should water be allowed to enter the structure. The severity of the damage depends not only on the amount of water that accumulates within a building structure in a period of time, but also on the ability of the property owner to quickly remove the water within. Standing water of only an inch deep is sufficient to destroy the contents within the building structure should mold be allowed to take hold. 
         [0004]    Most buildings are designed to keep out rain, but they are not necessarily designed to keep out flood water. The news channels are filled with pictures of a community banding together to save the building structures, if not the entire town, by the use of sandbags to redirect flood waters. If the pressure is substantially high or the water level is high enough then loads of water will seep past the sandbags and flood the area. The pressure exerted by the flowing flood water is the difference in water volume. The bigger the difference between the water volume across an area, the greater the force of the movement. 
         [0005]    The potential for seepage within a building enclosure is so prevalent and difficult to prevent that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Chapter 7, Section 701.1.1 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‘Flood Proofing Regulations’ has specified standards of performance and workmanship in Type 2 Closures in which they allowed “slight seepage” during hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure flood conditions in a Special Flood Hazard Zone. 
         [0006]    The potential risks from a flood may be mitigated by taking the necessary steps such as causing the structure to resist the flooding. Flood proofing is a combination of adjustments and/or additions of features to individual buildings that are designed to eliminate or reduce the potential for flood damage. Flood proofing techniques can be classified on the basis of type of protection that is provided as follows: Type 1: permanent measures (always in-place, requires no action if flooding occurs); Type 2: contingent measures (requiring installation at the site when flooding occurs); and Type 3: emergency measures (improvised at the site when flooding occurs). 
         [0007]    Emergency flood proofing measures include techniques that can be initiated on relatively short notice. Emergency methods to prevent flooding include sandbag dikes, stop log barriers, and earth-fill crib retaining walls. The primary advantage of an emergency method is the relatively low implementation cost. The principle disadvantage of emergency measures is that sufficient advance warning is required to mobilize personnel and install emergency barriers. Most emergency flood proofing methods require extensive labor force, depend on the availability of heavy machinery and trained operators on short notice, and necessitate a large amount of storage space. Furthermore, if the magnitude or the rate of the rise of a flood is misjudged the emergency flood proofing techniques fail. Not to mention aesthetically any emergency flood proofing measure is difficult to bear if left for long periods of time. Another disadvantage is that emergency measures do not satisfy the minimum requirements for watertight flood proofing as set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program for the protection of an existing construction. 
         [0008]    Contingent measures such as flood shields and flood walls are watertight barriers designed to prevent the passage of water through doors, windows, or any other opening in a building structure exposed to flooding. Flood shields are usually installed only when flooding is imminent. Normally some type of gasket or seal is required to ensure that the shield is water tight. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,832, “Flood or Storm Resistant Barriers for Doorways or Window Opening” discloses a frame having two parts, one of the frame parts having portions in telescopic engagement with the other frame part, and a manually operable jack mounted between the two frame parts and operable to move the two frame parts relative to one another to vary an external dimension of the frame and thereby enable the frame to be secured in a doorway or window opening by expansion of the frame into engagement with opposed surfaces of the doorway or window opening. However, the operable jack is exposed to the elements and susceptible to corrosion; this device requires proper maintenance to insure integrity. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,010 entitled “Pneumatically Sealable Flood Panel Assembly” discloses a flood panel assembly for installation in doorways to improve water-tight integrity under moderate flood conditions comprising of a conversion frame structure permanently installed into the access opening, and a removable panel arranged to be inserted in the conversion frame and arranged to establish a water-tight association with the conversion frame. The removable flood panel is provided about its edges with an inflatable sealing element, which is normally in a deflated condition. When the flood panel is installed in the conversion frame, it is initially locked in position and the sealing element is thereafter inflated, causing it to expand and provide a water-tight seal. Unfortunately, these flood shield devices are expensive, proper storage is required, and tools are needed for proper installation. 
         [0010]    Movable floodwalls consist of a flood barrier which is hinged along the bottom so that it can be lowered to a horizontal position to fit flush with existing ground or pavement. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,945 “Doorway Flood Barrier” discloses a doorway mounted flood barrier including a barrier wall having two opposite vertical side edges and a horizontal bottom edge, and retainer means disposed between the barrier wall and lower portion of the doorway for holding the barrier wall sealingly in the lower portion of the doorway. Again, movable floodwall devices are expensive and require proper maintenance. 
         [0011]    Permanent flood proofing measures include closures and sealants, and floodwalls and levees. Permanent floodwalls and levees measures are alternatives for protecting a large area or a number of structures, they can be a practical and economical flood proofing technique for protecting single or small groups of structures. 
         [0012]    Permanent closure and sealant measures basically involve filling an existing window or opening with some form of water-resistant material such as concrete or sealant. A sealant is a water proof coating that can be applied to the outside of an existing wall to eliminate the wall&#39;s permeability. This coating is generally an asphalt-based or polymeric compound that can be painted or sprayed onto the wall. For example, the amount of pressure exerted on a window pane during a flood may be a load the window pane cannot handle. The breached window pane provides a point of entry for wind or water whereby the water enters the building structure and causes severe damage to the infrastructure of the home, upholstery, and furniture and eventually causing sever molding. Therefore, it takes the entire window system to make a seal proof opening within the window cavity. The impact resistant window pane may provide protection from wind, missiles, debris, and water against the window pane but if the frame is not properly installed a load could hit the window pane and cause the entire frame to come off the retaining wall defining a window cavity. Aside from the window pane and frame being susceptible to being struck or blown in by flood water, the gap between the window frame and the retaining wall is especially vulnerable. Water seeping into the building structure through the area between the frame and retaining wall in which it was installed presents a glaring problem. Caulking, such as silicone, polyurethane, and polysulfide, is a sealant means in which the frame of the window frame is attached to the retaining wall, thereby filling the gap between the retaining wall and the window frame and attempting to eliminate permeability. However, caulking is brittle and cleaves easily due to exposure to UV light, which can lead to failure over time. Caulking is particularly susceptible to environmental temperature as it expands and contracts leaving potential openings within the gap. During a flood, water pressure builds up on the window frame and the caulking, if the caulking is brittle the water pressure may be such that it surges through the caulking and enters the building structure. 
         [0013]    While these prior art techniques may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they do not present a method of inhibiting flood water entry into a structure about a window frame. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The instant invention is a flood barrier system for window openings. The flood barrier comprises an improved window structure having an extruded frame, a high strength laminated glass panel, a mechanical seal, and an optional reinforcement member. The extruded frame includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a set of parallel sidewalls or reveal members, the inner surfaces of which define a viewing aperture on a horizontal plane. On the sidewalls on the extruded frame is attached the mechanical seal. The glass panel is attached to the front surface of the extruded frame by a gasket and sealant. And should the flood barrier system require further structural support a reinforcement member maybe positioned within the extruded frame member. The reinforcement member may extend from the top wall to the bottom wall and intersect the viewing aperture or may extend from one reveal member to the other and intersect the viewing aperture. 
         [0015]    The mechanical seal is installed for inhibition of flood seepage. The mechanical seal has at least two surfaces forming an open end and a tapered end. The tapered end of the mechanical seal has two surfaces joined together forming some angle thereinbetween. A mechanical seal is anchored to each of the frame&#39;s sidewalls at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation level and abuts the window opening. And another mechanical seal is anchored to the frame&#39;s bottom wall and abuts a floor on the window opening. 
         [0016]    Expansion of the mechanical seal may occur upon a force being received within the open end of the mechanical seal and exerted on the tapered end of the mechanical seal. When the mechanical seal expands the mechanical seal wedges further between the window opening and the frame for inhibition of flood seepage. 
         [0017]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system for first floor windows where the property owner need not have to perform regular maintenance or perform manual labor in preparation for a disaster to protect the building contents. Alternatively, the flood barrier system may be installed from the ground floor for building structures in coastal areas erected on stilts. 
         [0018]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system for windows that is hydrostatic pressure resistant. The flood barrier conforms to the criteria for resisting lateral forces due to hydrostatic pressure from freestanding water as set forth by FEMA. 
         [0019]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system that is capable of resisting a 1000 lb. object at minimum velocity of 8 ft/sec as set forth by FEMA. 
         [0020]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system satisfying the flood certificate requirements set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program developed by FEMA for use in certification of non-residential flood proofing designs. 
         [0021]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system whereby the mechanical seal is memory shaped to expand when a force is introduced therethrough and return a substantially original position. 
         [0022]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system where the viewing aperture may contain a vertical or horizontal mullion structures or any combination thereof within the viewing aperture. The mullion structures form a grid-like pattern producing a plurality of viewing openings within the viewing aperture. 
         [0023]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a glass flood barrier system that can be adapted to any building opening comprising of existing slabs and walls openings capable of supporting a flood before the flood barrier system is installed. 
         [0024]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional top view of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional top view alternative embodiment of the viewing aperture the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the mechanical seal f the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the mechanical seal of the present invention; and 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6-9  are a top view of alternative embodiments of the securement of the mechanical seal to the frame of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , wherein like components are numbered consistently throughout, an improvement in window construction, herein known as a flood barrier system  1 . The system  1  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  comprises of a frame member  10  and a mechanical seal  30 . The flood barrier system  1  is constructed to adapt into a cavity or window opening  11  in a building structure. The frame  10  includes a top wall  12 , a bottom wall  14 , and two substantially parallel sidewalls  16  and  18 . The sidewalls  16  and  18  are typically known in the art as vertical reveal members  16  and  18 . The frame  10  further has an outer surface  20  sized for placement within a window opening  11  of a building structure and an inner surface  22  defining a viewing aperture  24 . The frame also includes a front surface  26  positioned toward an exterior of the building structure and a back surface  28  positioned toward an interior of the building structure. The viewing aperture  24  is on a horizontal plane therein between the inner surface  22  of the reveal members  16  and  18 , and the inner surfaces  22  of the top wall  12  and bottom wall  14 . Preferably, each member comprising the frame  10  (top wall  12 , bottom wall  14 , and reveal members  16  and  18 ) be constructed of extruded aluminum. However, to provide greater structural integrity rigid cross members maybe positioned therein the extruded members to provide structural support (not shown). 
         [0033]    Should the flood barrier require further structural support, a reinforcement member  60  may be positioned within the extruded frame  10 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the vertical reinforcement member  60  extends from the top wall  12  to the bottom wall  14  and intersects the viewing aperture  24 . More specifically, the vertical reinforcement member  60  is positioned between the reveal members  16  and  18  of the frame  10 , traversing the viewing aperture  24 , and intersecting the top wall  12  and bottom wall  14  of the frame  10 . The vertical reinforcement member  60  attaches to the inner surface  22  of the top wall  12  and the bottom wall  14  or the vertical reinforcement member  60  may traverse the top wall  12  and the bottom  14  up to the outer surface  20 . Alternatively, a horizontal reinforcement member  60  may be positioned within the extruded frame  10  extending from one reveal member  16  to an opposite reveal member  18  and intersecting the viewing aperture  24  (not shown). More specifically, the horizontal reinforcement member  60  is positioned between the top wall  12  and bottom wall  14  of the frame  10 , traversing the viewing aperture  24 , and intersecting the reveal member  16  and  18  of the frame  10 . The horizontal reinforcement member  60  attaches to the inner surfaces  22  of each reveal member  16 . Preferably, the reinforcement member  60  is constructed of extruded aluminum. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , along the front surface  26  of the frame  10  is attached a glass panel  25 . In the preferred embodiment, the glass panel  25  is a high impact glass and should be a minimum of 9/16 inches in thickness to provide sufficient impact resistance. The attachment means of the high strength glass  25  to the front surface  26  of the frame  10  includes a gasket  27  and a water resistant sealant  29 . Laminated high impact glass panel  25  is preferred because should the glass break, the laminate serves to keep the glass fragments in place, whereas when a single glass pane is used without a laminate and the glass breaks water penetrates within. The high strength laminated glass panel  25  must have the structural capacity to resist forces imposed by flood waters because the majority of the surface area of the flood barrier system  1  that resists the forces of the flood water is taken up by the high strength laminated glass panel  25 . 
         [0035]    Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 2  the viewing aperture  24  may contain at least one mullion member  50 . The mullion members  50  are vertical structures  52  and horizontal structures  54  that divide the viewing aperture  24  into smaller viewing opening  56  forming a grid-like pattern. The vertical mullion structures  52  extend from the inner surface  22  of the top wall  12  to the inner surface  22  of the bottom wall  14  on the frame  10 . The horizontal mullion structures  54  extend from the inner surface of one reveal member  16  to the inner surface of an opposite reveal member  18 . If a vertical reinforcement member  60  is used with the flood barrier system  1  then the horizontal mullion structure  54  extends from the inner surface  22  of a reveal member  16  and  18  on the frame  10  to an outer surface of a sidewall on the reinforcement member  60  (not shown). If a horizontal reinforcement member  60  is used with the flood barrier system  1  then the vertical mullion structure  52  extends from the inner surface  22  of the top wall  12  or the bottom wall  14  on the frame  10  to an outer surface of a sidewall on the reinforcement member  60  (not shown). 
         [0036]    Because of building tolerances and imperfections there are typically gaps  8  left thereinbetween the frame  10  and the window opening  11 . To inhibit a breach within the gaps  8  a mechanical seal  30  is positioned at the bottom wall  14  of the frame  10  and the floor  9  of the window opening  11 , and about the frame&#39;s reveal members  16  and  18 , up to 12 inches above the base flood elevation level as set forth by FEMA and the window opening  11 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The window opening  11  generally consists of two sets of substantially parallel structures, known herein as retaining walls. Abutting the uppermost parallel structure on the window opening  11  is the top wall  15  of the frame  14 , abutting the lowermost parallel structure (or floor  9 ) on the window opening  11  is a horizontally oriented mechanical seal  30 , and abutting the two remaining parallel structures  7  on the window opening  11  are vertically oriented mechanical seals  30 . The mechanical seals  30  inhibit the passage of wind, missiles, debris, and water into the building structure. For installation purposes, the glass panel  25  and mechanical seals  30  are anchored to the frame  10  before the flood barrier system  1  is placed within the window opening  11 . 
         [0037]    Each vertically oriented mechanical seal  30  extends to a height of up to 12 inches above the base flood elevation level as set forth by FEMA. The base flood elevation level is defined as the elevation (normally measured in feet above sea level) that the base flood is expected to reach as determined by FEMA. The vertically oriented mechanical seal  30  is secured to the outer surface  20  of the reveal members  16  and  18 . The horizontally oriented mechanical seal  30  extends along the floor  9  of the window opening  11  from one retaining wall  7  on the window opening  11  to the opposite retaining wall  7  on the window opening  11 . The horizontally oriented mechanical seal is secured to the bottom wall  16  of the frame  14  (not shown). 
         [0038]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the mechanical seal  30 . The mechanical seal  30  has a tapered end  32  and an open end  34 . The open end  34  is facing the exterior of the building structure and the tapered end  32  is facing the interior of the building structure as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . The mechanical seal  30  shown is substantially V-shaped; however, it is contemplated that the mechanical seal may be U-shaped or J-shaped. The mechanical seal  30  comprises of three surfaces. The first surface  36  of the vertically oriented mechanical seal  30  abuts each outer surface  20  of the reveal member  16  and  18  and the first surface  36  horizontally oriented mechanical seal  30  abuts the outer surface  20  of the frame&#39;s bottom wall  14 . The first surface  36  has one end terminating at the open end  34  and opposite end terminating at the tapered end  32  and connecting to a second surface endpoint  42 . The third surface  38  of the vertically oriented mechanical seal  30  abuts the vertical parallel structures  7  on the window opening  11  and the third surface  38  on the horizontally oriented mechanical seal  30  abuts the floor  9  on the window opening  11 . The third surface  38  has one end terminating at the open end  34  and opposite end of the third surface  38  connecting to a second surface endpoint  44 . The first surface  36  and third surface  38  are substantially parallel to each other forming an original position. The second surface  40  has two endpoints,  42  and  44 . The first endpoint  42  terminates at the opposite end of the first surface  36 . This intersection of the first and second surface is the tapered end  32  of the joint  30 . The first surface  36  and the second surface  40  form an angle thereinbetween. The second endpoint  44  of the second surface  40  terminates at the opposite end of the third surface  38 . The third surface  38  does not extend beyond the length of the first surface  36 . 
         [0039]    To secure the mechanical seal  30  to the frame  10  various methods may be employed, as shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . The following methods are exemplary and should not be held as limiting. One method of securement includes water resistant sealant, such as caulking, on the exterior surface  46  of the mechanical seal  30  between the first surface  36  of the mechanical seal  30  and reveal members  16  and  18 . Another method for securement of the mechanical seal  30  to the frame  10  includes fasteners such as rivets, stainless steel metal screws, or the like. Also contemplated are securement means such as an extruded raceway  70 , a snap lock fastener  80 , or a wedge ramp lock. As shown in FIG.  7 ,an extruded raceway  70  allows for slidable engagement of the mechanical seal  30  into the frame  10  or slidable engagement of the frame  10  into the mechanical seal  30  using a stem  72  and a corresponding extruded raceway  70 . The extruded raceway  70  is formed integral with the frame  10 , more particularly the outer surface  20  of the reveal member  16  and  18 , allowing slidable engagement of the mechanical seal  30  having a stem  72 . The stem  72  is slidably insertable into the extruded raceway  70  on the frame  10 . Or as shown in  FIG. 6 , the extruded raceway  70  is formed integral with the mechanical seal  30  allowing slidable engagement of the frame  10 , more particularly the outer surface  20  of the reveal member  16  and  18 , having a stem  72 . The stem  72  is slidably insertable into the extruded raceway on the mechanical seal  30 . The snap-lock fasteners includes various embodiments, and should not be limited to the embodiment described, such as a self-locking standing seams  80  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , whereby the frame  10  has a seam  82  for receiving the locking stem  84  on the mechanical seal  30 , or where the mechanical seal  30  has a seam  82  for receiving the locking stem  84  on the frame  10 . Although the methods described above are for securement of the mechanical seal  30  to the frame  10 , it is contemplated that the same may be used to secure the mechanical seal  30  to the window opening  11 . 
         [0040]    Upon the occurrence of a disaster, a force is exerted upon the mechanical seal  30 . The force is received within the open end  34  of the mechanical joint  30  until it reaches the tapered end  32 . If the force is substantial the joint  30  will expand nominally. Thus the first surface  36  and the third surface  38  will no longer be substantially parallel. However, there will not be a breach because the first surface  36  and the third surface  38  remain abutting the outer surface  20  of the reveal members  16  and  18  or the outer surface of the bottom wall  14  of the frame  10  and the window opening  11 , respectively. The mechanical seal  30  is memory shaped and is thus constructed of spring steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like. The mechanical seal  30  is memory shaped so that when a force is not longer acting the mechanical seal  30  it may substantially return to an original position whereby the first surface  36  and third surface  38  are substantially parallel. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , another water resistant sealant means  31  is position at the open end  34  of the sealing joint  30 . Other water resistant sealant means such as silicone, etha-foam rod, expanded foam, rubber, closed cell foam, foam filler, or the like may be used. Additionally, between the terminating edge of the high strength glass panel  26  and the window opening  11  another water resistant sealant means  31  is applied. 
         [0042]    Although aluminum is preferred material of construction, it is contemplated that the frame  14 , and reinforcement member  60 , and mullion structures  50  may be constructed of composite materials, fiberglass, steel, plastics (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like), or other suitable materials. 
         [0043]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0044]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0045]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.