Abstract:
A flood barrier device that includes a fluid-tight flexible chamber with front panel, a rear panel, opposite lateral sidewalls, top end walls, bottom end walls and an opening to allow the introduction of fluid into said chamber. The device includes a pair of support members that include a rigid spar connected to the chamber and having a bend at a medial position to orient a first section of the chamber in a first horizontal plane and a second section of said chamber into a second upright plane and a re-sealable waterproof seal device between the chamber and an adjacent fluid tight flexible chamber.

Description:
The Applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. No. 61/795,733 filed on Oct. 24, 2012. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a flood barrier system for the protection of structures using a number of bladders attached together. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Damage to structures caused by flooding are well known and over the years various devices have been developed to try to mitigate the damage. Since it is reported that a significant amount of flood damage in the U.S. is caused by flood having height in less than 1 meter of water, effective devices can be provided that protect against flood levels of only a few feet. 
     While there are a number of devices designs that form barriers using cylinders, sleeves or oblong chambers filled with water or air and placed on the earth in the path of water stream or around regions that require protection, the use of sandbags remains a popular and conventional response. While the materials used for sandbagging efforts are relatively inexpensive and effective, the filling of bags is labor intensive and, after the flood has subsided the bags present a significant disposal problem with respect to labor and space. 
     There have been many efforts to provide improvements over the sandbagging solution for flood protection. Such devices include those made from watertight tube-like sleeves chambers, balloons, and other members made from a flexible material such as synthetic resin and composites. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,928 to Lofton offers a mobile system that uses augers for fastening to the ground and a rigid flange that is integrated to inflatable cylinders (tubular sleeves) by means of netting positioned over tubular sleeve that is anchored on opposite sides of tubular sleeve by said augers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,392 to Taylor discloses a water filled structure used to construct temporary dikes. The device is directed to two identical elongated flattened cylinders which are sealed at opposite lateral ends to form a sealed, watertight chamber within a cylinder. The cylinders are joined by a flexible web. Several modules may be stacked in an interlocking structure of any desired height without the use of fastening elements. These blocks are the constructive “bricks” intended for forming a laterally interlocking structure and cannot form a continuous protective barrier. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,373 Jenkins J. T. describes a temporary flood control system comprising elongated flexible, inflatable, tubular members secured to each other and adapted to be disposed on the ground for anchoring a generally sheet like vertically extendable barrier wall or an inflatable tubular barrier sleeve disposed above and connected to the ballast members. These members are at least partly fillable with ballast, and may be inflated with pressurized air. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,362 to Carter et al describes a dike system consisting of two different tube-like sleeves that are fastened to each other. A skirt-cloth extends from the front side of the barrier abutting against the floodwaters to prevent water leakage under the dike. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,767 (Dooleafe, D, 1992) discloses a barrier formed from a pair of water filled elongate flexible chambers and that may incorporate additional flexible water filled bag in the ends thereof as anchors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,300 to Doolaege, discloses flexible sleeves including a zipper but the system lacks a rigid framing system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,329 to Clement discloses a barrier formed by a plurality of tube-like elongate flexible sleeves connected by straps. 
     The publication of Harry, 20020110424 discloses an elongated liquid-tight container filled with a liquid and includes an eyelets that receive stakes to secure the system to the ground. The patent to Baruh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,870 discloses an inflatable dike structure for protecting houses and roadways. 
     While there have been many devices directed at flood water barriers, there remains a need for an inexpensive device that can be rapidly implemented during imminent flood conditions, assembled without skilled labor using conventional tools. The present invention is thereby directed at an alternative flood protective system for structures that is inexpensive, reusable, effective and relatively easy to assemble, disassemble and store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a mobile and temporary barrier system for the protection against flood damages with respect to structures. As illustrated by the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the barrier can be rapidly assembled and implemented with simple tools. The system of the invention includes a series of elongate water-tight flexible chambers that can be filled with water and positioned against the side of structure so that hydrostatic flood water pressure holds the device in sealing engagement with the ground and the structure. 
     The system includes “L shaped” frame members that assist in the positioning of chambers in an upright position. Adjacent devices are connected together using waterproof zippers provided on the lateral sides of the devices. The device also includes opposite lateral fabric flaps that are designed to engage opposite lateral flaps that protect the zipper and can received a waterproof gel material that also serves as a barrier. After use, the barriers can be removed, emptied, collapsed and folded so they can be easy transported and stored. 
     The system described herein provides a relatively simple, inexpensive, reusable, and effective manner to protect property from damage from floods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A detailed description of embodiments of the present invention will follow by reference to the following drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective partially exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective partially exploded view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged front perspective view of the horizontal base section of the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the upright section of the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 5  that has been folded. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of a support member according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of a medial connection device that allows the spars to pivot with respect to one another. at 
         FIG. 9  is front elevation view of the medial connection device depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a fractional rear elevation view of the support member device depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is perspective vied of an alternative support member device. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a connector used in connection with the support member device depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is yet a further support member device that can be used in connection with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a fractional view of the upper section of a chamber in connection with a hose that shows the vent provided in an upper port used to fill the device. 
         FIG. 15  is a view of a plug in perspective that is received in the port and makes a watertight seal. 
         FIG. 16 . is system wherein two devices are attached to one another at the lateral sides and then positioned against a door of a structure 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment  101  of the invention includes a watertight flexible chamber  105  having “L-shaped” lateral support members  107 ,  109  and  111 . Support members  107 ,  109  and  111  are made from a relatively rigid material which, in a preferred embodiment, is PVC. Other suitable materials for the L shaped support members include other synthetic resins, fiberglass composites, metal, and wood. Flexible chamber  105  is attached to the members and the members thereby arrange the chamber into two planes, a bottom horizontal plane section  120  and an upright planar section  125 . 
     Chamber  105  includes a first re-sealable opening  130  that is sized to receive a conventional garden hose. In preferred embodiments the opening includes threads that can engage opposite threads on conventional garden hose and the filling operation can take place without constant supervision by the user. When the chamber is filled a vent allows for the overflow of water to be released. In preferred embodiments the vent directs water overflowing from chamber  105  in the direction towards the lower planar section  120 . The chamber has a second opening  132   
     The “L-Shaped” members  107 ,  109  and  111  orient the upright planar section  125  of the chamber  105  at an angle of a slightly more than 90 degrees with respect to the lower section  120 . Chamber  105  is mechanically attached to the “L Shaped” by flexile cloth loop extensions that extend from the chamber. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , fasteners  140 ,  141 ,  145  and  150  attach member  109  to the chamber  105 . In embodiments, a hook and loop fastener is used to attach the flexible cloth. In a contemplated alternative embodiment, tubular fabric sleeves are attached to the chamber and receive support members. As best seen in  FIG. 4 , chamber  105  includes a front panel  404  a rear panel  406 , opposite lateral sidewalls  408  and  410  and a top end wall  415 . 
     While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 . depicts three members  107 ,  109  and  111  to provide support to the chamber, other configuration including providing only two support member for each chamber, providing  4  support members for each chamber and other combinations are contemplated. Also shown in  FIG. 1  are lateral flaps  170  and  171 . Provided on lateral flap  170  is a zipper  175  for engagement of adjacent devices. To attached adjacent devices, the flaps are oriented to access the zippers. 
     In preferred embodiment, the zipper is a waterproof and the parts, including the zipper and sides of the flaps that engage one another are coated with a silicone gel. Waterproof zippers are available from Szip Zipper, Shanghai Zipper Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Jiading District, Shanghai, China and can be located at www.tizip.com and wwwazipper.com. Waterproof zippers are also available from YKK Corporation, 1, Kanda Izumi-Cho Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo, Japan. 
     In order to maintain the chambers in a stable position during flood conditions, connector rods  185 ,  186 ,  187  and  188  engage the ends of the L Shaped support members. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the connector rod are inserted into the ends of support members and maintained in place by a frictional engagement. For example, the diameter of opening  195  on the end of support member  107  is slightly larger than the diameter of the section  190  of connecting rod  188 . 
     Additional connector rods can be used to attach adjacent members together and maintain the respective support members a predetermined and fixed distance apart from one another. The embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  also includes surface mounting pin  160 ,  163  and  165 . Pins  160   163  and  165  can receive additional rigid rod members (not shown) to maintain the distance between adjacent rod member and tie adjacent devices together. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-4  the connecting rods are solid steel rods that are bent on opposite ends in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The ends engage apertures provided on the ends of the “L Shaped” support members. Also depicted in  FIG. 1  is water drainage opening  132  provided on end wall  420  of lower chamber region  120 . A front panel  404  spans lower chamber region  120  and upper planar region  125 . 
     It is apparent that the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  uses three support members to maintain the chamber in the desired position. Now referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment of a barrier device  505  is depicted that includes flexible watertight chamber  510  that includes horizontal section  514  and upright section  515 . Like the embodiment described above, the device includes lateral flaps  520  and  521  that extend from the lateral sidewalls of the chamber and which are that include zipper parts, such as  527 , for attachment to adjacent panels. Upright section  515  is maintained in position by spar members  530  and  531 . Spar member  530  is pivotally attached to connection device  535  to allow the member to move with respect to member  540 . In embodiment the attachment of upright spar member may be a locking hinge device that restricts movement, or a pin that allows for rotation. Stop members may be provide don member  535  to restrict the motion of the spars with respect to the member  535 . For example, a spring biased stop members (not shown) may be pushed in to allow a top spar member to pivot to a folded position. In other embodiments, the spar may be positioned in a first position wherein a spring biased member is provided on the spar and can pass through an aperture position on the connection member and lock the spar in place. To unlock the spar, pressure is exerted on the stop member until it passes though the top surface of the connection member thereby allowing the member to pivot in the member on a pivot pin. These spring biased stop members are commonly provided on portable canopies. Like the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the device includes rigid connecting members  561  and  562  to maintain a fixed distance between adjacent support members. Support member spar  530  is attached to the upper section  514  of the chamber  510  by fabric straps  570 ,  571 . The lower spar  540  is attached to base section  514  of chamber  510  by straps  572  and  573 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 , the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  is depicted in a folded position. As such the ability of the support member to pivot about connector  535  allows the this embodiment to be folded and easily stored, wherein spar  530  is position adjacent and in line with spar member  540  and member  531  is positioned adjacent to member  541 .  FIG. 6  also depicts the zipper structure  595  on the bottom of flap  521  that extends from the lateral side of chamber. 
       FIG. 7  depicts the support member that includes the connector part  535 , base support member  540  and upright spar support member  530 . The ends of the spar member include apertures  599  to receive connecting rods. As best seen in  FIG. 8  connecting member includes apertures  805  and  806  to receive pins on which the support spar members can pivot. As best seen in  FIG. 9 , the connector member includes stop member  907  and  908  that restricts free movement of the spars.  FIG. 10  depicts spar member  540  and  530  attached to connecting member  535 . The members are attached to the connector  535  using pins  910  and  909  that permit pivotal motion. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an alternative embodiment of a support member wherein the upright section  1105  is a fixed position with respect to the lower section  1107 . Section  1105  is attached with connection device  1101 . As seen in  FIG. 12  the connection device  1101  includes extensions  115  and  1120  that are received in the ends of the tubular support members. 
       FIG. 13  depicts yet another embodiment of a support member wherein the upright support member  1301  is attached to the lower member  1302  with a flexible bellows connector  1315  that allows the members to be positioned to one another at variable angles. 
     As discussed above and now referring to  FIG. 14 , in an embodiment of the invention, a port  1405  is adapted to receive the end  107  of a conventional garden hose  1410 . A vent  1420  allows air to escape from chamber  1401  during the filling operation and when the chamber has been filled will vent excess water.  FIG. 15  depicts a plug that can be inserted into port which seals the opening including the vent. 
     Now referred to  FIG. 16 , an exemplary system is depicted wherein a plurality of devices  1601  and  1602  are attached to one another at the lateral sides and then positioned against a door  1650  of a structure  1655  to protect the structure from flood damage. The devices can be secured in place by mechanically affixing the devices to the structures that are intended to be protected. For example, the user can nail or staple through the flap region adjacent to the upright portion of the chamber to secure the device. In addition, the support members can be provided with weights to help secure the devices in place. For example, a hollow support member may can be filed with rebar or, alternatively, the support member can be made of steel. 
     It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described above can be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.