Abstract:
A modular flood wall assembly having a relatively flat base member having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The assembly further comprises a plurality of interconnectable blocks, with each block having a top surface with at least one hollow protuberance, at least one side wall, a hollow interior, and a bottom surface having at least one hollow cavity. The cavities on the bottom surface of the blocks are matable with the ribs on the base member. The protuberances on the top surface of the blocks are matable with the receptacles on the bottom surface of a corresponding block.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to mobile support structures and, more specifically, to mobile support structures to be used as break walls and flood walls. 
     During floods, storms and bad weather, it may be necessary to quickly construct and erect levees, dams or the like along river banks and other water sources to protect against flood damage. Similarly, during particularly rainy seasons or heavy spring thaws it may be necessary to construct a temporary flood wall or dam until the water levels subside. Conventionally, this has been done by stacking sand bags upon one another to form a wall or barrier. However, this can be an arduous and difficult process. Thus, artificial walls have been designed that are easier to assemble and construct. 
     Some contemplated structures have included inflatable walls. While these bladder-type walls do form a barrier to keep water away, the size of the formed dam cannot be easily adapted to accommodate different sized areas. Thus, if the area that needs to be dammed is larger than expected, it is not easy to stack such structures upon one another, thereby limiting their utility in emergencies. Similarly, such structures are generally space intensive, which is inhibitive for use by individuals. 
     Other structures have been designed that comprise interconnectable blocks that can be stacked to form a wall structure. As an example, Zetzsch, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,576, shows a mobile barrier that has blocks that can be connected using S-shaped block ends that fit together. The blocks form an airtight structure that stacks vertically upward. However, the blocks are not interconnectable horizontally, or side to side, which limits the efficiency of using the blocks for areas that do not correlate directly to the size of the blocks. If the length of the wall needs to be extended, the wall will not easily form a complete sealing structure. 
     Lefebvre, U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,705, discusses a modular flood wall that has interlocking blocks having hollow interiors that can be filled with material to give the wall added support. Thus, the wall is light-weight for transportation and assembly purposes, but will form a solid, sturdy structure when it becomes filled. Still, the modular blocks are not designed so that they can be stacked in an upwardly interlocking fashion, which limits the height of the wall. If it was necessary to stack the blocks upon one another, they would not necessarily form a tight seal, and it may be difficult to fill lower level blocks with material. 
     Arnett, U.S. Pat. No. 422,901, discusses the use of blocks that may be stacked upon one another to form a dam. However, the discussed blocks are not lightweight, which does not make the wall as useful as necessary in emergency situations. The system is not designed as a lightweight portable structure that may be easily erected in emergency situations. 
     Thus, it would be advantageous to devise a portable flood wall that provides adequate protection against flooding, while being easy to erect and transport. The wall should also evenly disperse the pressure that comes from the retained water pushing against the wall. A lightweight, yet durable wall that can be used to fix flood leaks of varying sizes is thus contemplated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises interlocking, stacking blocks having a hollow interior that can be easily filled with water so that the wall will have added strength and stability when holding back flood waters. Ideally, this modular flood wall structure will be used in place of sandbags that are commonly used to prevent flooding in those certain areas. 
     The invention comprises a base and a series of variously shaped modular building elements or blocks that fit together in much the same way as Legos™ blocks. One or more protuberances are formed in the upper surfaces of each block and one or more mating receptacles are formed on the lower surfaces. Alternatively, this arrangement could be spatially reversed. In order to act as a retaining wall, these blocks are actually hollow vessels that are filled with water in order to lend strength and stability to the wall structure itself. Ideally, the walls will themselves be watertight and, to that end, each of the blocks is provided a seal structure on its adjoining surfaces to prevent the passage of water therebetween. One such structure includes a series of interlocking ribs formed in the abutting surfaces of the blocks, though other types of structures may be envisioned. In addition, the present invention may be used alone or in conjunction with sandbags and/or watertight membranes to form a wall that will hold back floodwaters. 
     Each of the blocks comprises a hollow vessel having a generally cubic/rectangular shape in a first embodiment. The upper surface of each of the blocks is provided with a series of projections or protuberances that are constructed and arranged to be received within a series of complementary receptacles or receptacles formed into the bottom surfaces of the blocks. The base of the flood wall structure is essentially an elongate sheet having raised ribs formed on its edges. The elongate base is typically staked to the earth in a desired location and the blocks are placed thereon between the ridges on the base&#39;s edges. It is preferable to fill each course of blocks with water prior to placing a subsequent course of blocks thereover. In order to support the weight of the blocks and water, it is preferred to emplace various support structures within the blocks themselves. The support structures typically comprise a series of posts or columns disposed around the exterior edges of the interior walls of the blocks with at least one center support also being placed therein. Alternatively, the supporting structures or columns may be formed as a rigid structure exterior to the blocks themselves. 
     Alternatively, the assembled wall may also include blocks that are not composed of cubical or parallelepiped shaped blocks. Such an arrangement of blocks may be advantageous for constructing a wall on a sloped surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cut-away perspective view of a modular flood wall assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a support base according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is an elevated side view of the support base of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 2B  is an elevated side view of an alternate embodiment of a support base according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a building block according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the block of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the building block taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the building block taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 3  showing the internal support structures of the block. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of a building block showing an alternate internal support structure to that shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a partially cut-away view of the modular flood wall assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the flood wall assembly taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a building block and flood wall assembly used in the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of a block according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement of the modular flood wall assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate sized building block according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a building block according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an overhead view of a further embodiment of a building block according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an overhead view of a flood wall assembly using building blocks shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is another alternate flood wall assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is further flood wall assembly according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a modular wall assembly  10 . The assembly generally comprises a base member  12  and a plurality of stackable blocks  14 . Each of the blocks  14  has a plurality of protuberances  16 . The protuberances  16  are arranged so that the blocks  14  can be easily mated with one another in an interlocking fashion to form a solid wall. As shown, the blocks  14  can be of differing sizes from one another. The base member  12  preferably is secured to the ground or other external force with stakes, rods, or other possible securing devices (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A, and  2 B, the base member  12  also has a plurality of ribs  17 , designed similarly to the protuberances  16  located on the blocks  14 . The ribs  17  allow the blocks  14  to be secured upon the base member  12  to form the eventual wall assembly  10  (see  FIG. 8 ). The base member  12  is preferably an elongated sheet of flexible material, possibly a rubber, vinyl, or plastic material, but any other suitable materials, such as a lightweight tin or aluminum material, may be used. As previously stated, the base member  12  will be secured to the ground using stakes or other conventional securing devices. An extension  19  may be located on the base member  12 , preferably integral as one piece with the base, to prevent flood water from seeping under the base member  12 . The extension  19  will be angled downward, which will assist in preventing the water from eroding away the dirt underneath the base member  12 . Various designs can be seen as extension  19   a  ( FIG. 2A ), which has a curved or hook shape, and an extension  19   b  ( FIG. 2B ), having a shape designed for digging into the ground surface. Preferably, the base member  12  is long enough that it will accommodate several blocks  14 . As a way of example, the base member  12  may consist of a long length of pliable material that could then be sized accordingly, by folding or cutting, to the required size of the flood wall. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an individual block  14 . The block  14  has a top surface  18  and a bottom surface  20 . It should be understood that the use of a top surface and a bottom surface should not limit the blocks  14  to any specific spatial arrangement, but rather to distinguish one side from the other. The protuberances  16  extend outwardly from the top surface  18  of the block  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the block  14  is shown having a generally cubical arrangement with four identical sides  22 . However, the blocks  14  could be rectangular or another geometrical shape, provided that the blocks could be interlocked and stacked as described herein. As a comparison,  FIG. 1  shows blocks  14  having a more elongated rectangular shape compared to the cubical shape shown in  FIG. 3 . The symmetrical arrangement of the block  14  allows for easy orientation when erecting the wall assembly  10 . The protuberances  16  are hollow, thereby allowing access into the interior  24  of the block  14  (see  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A,  6 B and  8 ). This allows the block  14  to be filled with water when constructing the wall assembly  10 , which gives the wall additional strength and support when buttressing flood waters (see  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the block  14 . The bottom surface  20  also has a plurality of receptacles  26  located thereon. The receptacles  26  extend inwardly into the interior  24  of the block  14 , which provides an area for the protuberances  16  on the top surface  18  to mate with the receptacles  26  on the bottom surface  20  (see  FIG. 8 ). The receptacles  26  can generally be described as inverted protuberances  16 , which allows for a secure mating arrangement. The receptacles  26  and protuberances can be of any shape or size, provided they form a sufficient mating arrangement. As with the protuberances  16 , the receptacles  26  are also hollow, which allows access into the interior  24  of the block  14 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  can be viewed as showing an inverted embodiment of the block  14 , as well. That is,  FIG. 3  could be showing the bottom surface of a block, where the protuberances  16  are located on the bottom surface, and  FIG. 4  would then be depicting the top surface of a block, where the receptacles  26  are located on the top side. Alternatively, the top surface  18  and the bottom surface  20  could have protuberances and receptacles located on each respective side. An example of such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 11 . The block  214  has both protuberances  16  and receptacles  26  on each side of the block  214 . Provided that the arrangement of the protuberances  16  and receptacles  26  on the top and bottom surfaces will allow an individual block to mate with a corresponding block, the arrangement would fall within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  provides a cross-sectional view of the block  14 . The block  14  has a center support  28  that extends from the bottom surface  20  to the top surface  18 . The block also has a plurality of side supports  30  that are preferably symmetrically arranged for further stability of the block  14 . The supports  28  and  30  add stability and rigidity to the blocks  14  without significantly increasing the mass of the empty blocks  14  and without preventing the flow of water throughout the interior  24  of the blocks  14  when filling the blocks  14  with water. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a cross-sectional view of the block  14  taken along line  6 A- 6 A of the block  14  of  FIG. 3 . As previously stated, the center support  28  extends from the bottom surface  20  to the top surface  18 . The side supports  30  reinforce the strength in the corner of the blocks  14 , without adding significant weight to the blocks  14 . It is understood that depending on the size of the blocks  14 , there may be more or fewer supports located within the interior  24  of the block  14 . As can also be seen in  FIG. 6A  (and  FIG. 6B ), the hollow design of the protuberances  16  and the receptacles  26  will allow water to pass through the interior to a block located below the block  14 . This will be more evident with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 6B  shows an alternate arrangement for a center support  128  and side supports  130 . The supports  128  and  130  are designed of angled braces  132 , which provide a structural support for the block  14 , but will be lighter. This may be advantageous in moving and arranging larger sized blocks. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3-5 , the sides  22  of the block  14  further comprise coupling areas  32 . The coupling areas  32  allows side by side blocks to be connected to one another, thereby strengthening the wall and further preventing leaking in between the individual blocks  14 . The coupling areas  32  can be of any size or shape that will allow side by side blocks  14  to be joined together. Each side  22  preferably has a coupling area  32 . As shown, the coupling areas  32  preferably have a simple, symmetrical shape, with both a male area  34  and a female area  36  within each coupling area  32 . The coupling areas  32  are designed with sufficient depth and interconnectability to prevent water from seeping between two blocks  14 . Having a coupling area on each side of the block  14  provides for an overall easier construction of the assembly  10 , since the blocks  14  can be connected or locked together with an adjacent block  14  from any side  22 . It is also possible to design the blocks  14  with only one set of opposing sides having coupling areas  32 . Preferably, the coupling areas  32  are formed of a material that is flexible enough so that the blocks will seal easily when filled with water. 
       FIG. 7  shows a partially cut-away view of the wall assembly  10 . The interior  24  of the blocks  14  are shown containing water, which gives the wall assembly  10  added strength and stability. The blocks  14  are also stacked with each tier of blocks  14  alternating in alignment so that the blocks  14  in one tier overlap the blocks  14  in the tier above and below that tier. This provides further stability for the wall assembly  10 . Also, because of the hollow protuberances  16  and receptacles  26 , the staggered arrangement allows all of the blocks  14  in a tier to be evenly filled with water in a simple fashion. Essentially, the arrangement allows the individual interiors  24  of each of the blocks  14  to act as a single interior, which makes filling with water a straightforward process and, also, evenly distributes weight within the wall. Because the water will evenly flow through the blocks  14 , weight will be evenly dispersed throughout the wall. Prior art modular structures that do have hollow interiors may not be filled with water quickly and efficiently as can be accomplished in the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional cut-away view of the assembly of  FIG. 7 . Because the receptacles  26  and the protuberances  16  are open, water may flow between the blocks  14 , which allows for each tier of the blocks  14  to be evenly filled. The blocks  14  are depicted as being symmetrical, with the protuberances  16  and the cavities  26  being vertically aligned with one another on each block  14 , which also allows for vertical alignment of the protuberances and cavities  26  on corresponding blocks  14 . The open water way consisting of the interiors  24  of the blocks  14  provides a much easier and more efficient arrangement for filling the wall assembly with water or other fluid than prior art arrangements. While it is understood that all of the protuberances  16  and receptacles  26  are preferably hollow, it is understood that in some embodiments some of the protuberances and/or receptacles may be sealed. The bottom protuberances  26   a  are preferably sealed so that water will not flow between the base member  12  and the bottom row of blocks  14 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another embodiment  110  of the present invention. The wall assembly  110  is similar to the assembly  10 , except that blocks  114  do not have a parallelepiped shape or cubical shape. A side wall  122   a  is not parallel to a side wall  122   b . Because the ground or other external surface that the wall  110  is situated between may be sloped, a wall using only square blocks  14  would not allow for even stacking of successive rows. Preferably, a top surface  118  is parallel to a bottom surface  120 . The blocks  114  allow a wall to be erected quickly on a variety of surface contours while still providing for a vertical wall assembly  110 . The shape of the blocks  114  could be designed for any shape necessary for a respective area of ground. The angle θ formed between the side wall  122   b  and the bottom surface  120  may be any desired angle. The remaining area of the assembly  10  would use blocks  14 , as previously discussed. 
       FIG. 10  shows the block  14  having an inlet  38  containing a plug  40 . The inlet  38  allows for an alternate place to fill the blocks  14  with water. The inlet  38  may be located anywhere on the side  22  and may be of any design, such as a spigot that could be coupled to a hose. The inlet  38  would make draining of the blocks  14  quicker once the wall assembly  10  is no longer needed. Also, the protuberances  116  have a circular shape, compared to the square protuberances  16  previously depicted. The protuberances  116  demonstrate that any shaped protuberance (and cavity) will fall within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an alternate wall assembly  310 . The assembly  310  is essential as the assembly  10  previously discussed, except the assembly  310  is shown forming a corner. Because of the symmetrical arrangement and design of the protuberances  16  and the coupling areas  32  on the blocks  14 , a corner is easily formed, while still providing sealing arrangement. The design of the blocks  14  would allow for a wall arrangement having a T-shaped or L-shaped arrangement. 
       FIG. 13  shows an alternate block  414 . The block  414  demonstrates that the blocks can be designed of any size depending on specific needs. Because the blocks are of lightweight material, the blocks may be designed of larger sizes than prior art blocks. For example, the block  414  may be easily constructed as 4′×4′×4′ blocks, and still be easy to move and construct. While the size of the blocks may be designed of any dimensions, symmetrical blocks as discussed would be most advantageous for manufacturing and wall assembly purposes. 
       FIG. 14  shows a yet further embodiment of a block  514 . The block  514  is similar to the previous embodiments except that protuberances  16  are located on the side wall  22  as well as on the top surface  18 . Receptacles  26  (not shown) would be located on the opposing side wall  22  to mate with the protuberances  16  in the same fashion as previously described with respect to the previous figures and blocks. The use of the protuberances  16  further allows water to flow through the blocks  514  so that water within the blocks  514  will be evenly distributed throughout the blocks  514 , similarly to the description of the wall assembly  10  in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The blocks  514  are shown with a coupling area  32 . However, because the protuberances  16  and the receptacles  26  will further secure and seal the block  514  to a corresponding block  514 , the coupling area  32  could be optional, and the protuberances  16  and the receptacles  26  would act as a coupling area. Also, the protuberances  16  could be placed in other places on the side walls  22 , such as centrally located where the coupling area  32  is shown in  FIG. 14 . When the blocks  514  are used to construct a wall, it is preferable that the protuberances  16  located on the outermost blocks either be sealed, or the outermost side walls  22  could be designed without protuberances  16  (as in blocks  14 ), to prevent leaking. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  depict blocks  614  having a different protuberance  616  and receptacle  626  (shown in phantom) arrangement. Previously, the protuberances  16  and receptacles  26  (see  FIG. 8 ) were of relatively the same size, so that they would have a tight fitting relationship. While the mating principles are similar to those previously discussed, the protuberances  616  are designed to be of a smaller diameter/cross-sectional area than the corresponding receptacles  626 , so that an upper row of blocks  14  can be arced or turned, to adjust for the need of a curved wall. The difference in the area of the protuberances  616  and the receptacles can be varied as necessary. However, it is preferable that the differences in the areas of the protuberances  616  and the receptacles  626  are not too great, to still allow the wall to form an adequate retention structure. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  provide alternate designs that provide curved or arced walls. In  FIG. 17  a corner block  714  allows the wall to be angled. In the row or tier of blocks below the corner block  714  are mating angled blocks  714   a  and  714   b  (shown in phantom) to allow the corner block  714  to fit upon the angled blocks  714   a  and  714   b . The angle or angles of the blocks  714 ,  714   a , and  714   b  can be of any desired angle. The remaining blocks can be of the structure as previously described in the preceding Figures.  FIG. 18  provides a similar arrangement to that of  FIG. 17  except a curved block  814  is used in place of the block  714 . Likewise, curved angled mating blocks  814   a  and  814   b  (shown in phantom) are used in place of blocks  714   a  and  714   b . Provided that a wall having an internal water pathway is formed as described, the angles and shapes of the blocks should not limit the scope of the present invention. The mating principles for the protuberances  16  and the receptacles  26 , to allow flow of water through the interiors  24  of the blocks, are the same as previously discussed. 
     Preferably the blocks are filled with water after each layer of blocks is laid down for support purposes. However, because of the fact that all of the individual interiors  24  are preferably open to one another, it may also be possible to fill the blocks after the wall is completed. This flexibility further enhances the novelty of the present invention. As the wall is filled with water, the weight of the water will not only provide extra stability to the wall, but will also assist in the necessary sealing between adjacent blocks. 
     It is preferred that the blocks be fabricated from a plastic material as by injection molding or blow molding or other known molding procedures. Rotational molding may also be used for forming the blocks. Given the size of these blocks, and given the need to emplace support structures therein, one process of constructing the individual blocks is to form the block in two halves and thereafter weld the halves together with known plastic welding techniques. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.