Patent Publication Number: US-2016230362-A1

Title: Flood defence barriers and methods of erecting flood defence barriers

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United Kingdom National Patent Application Serial No. GB1502270.0, filed Feb. 11, 2015, for “Flood Defense Barriers and Methods of Erecting Flood Defense Barriers.” 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to flood defense barriers and methods of erecting flood defense barriers, and in particular to temporary flood defense barriers and methods of erecting temporary flood defense barriers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The closest prior art known to the applicant is the use of sandbags as a temporary flood defense system, wherein sandbags are arranged around the periphery of a building or are concentrated at the doorways of a property in order to prevent floodwater from reaching the interior of the property. A sandbag barrier is typically comprised of multiple bags made of plastics material which are filled with sand and arranged beside and on top of one another adjacent a property susceptible to flooding. 
     Sandbags are often preferred to other forms of flood defense barrier due to the availability of sand and therefore the inexpensive cost of producing sufficient sandbags to provide a flood defense barriers to a large number of properties in a town or city. Sandbags also provide a relatively effective makeshift flood defense means without the requirement for additional flood defense infrastructure. 
     However, for sandbags to be an effective form of flood defense they must be arranged properly. An improperly arranged sandbag barrier will only offer a minimal flood defense and will not ultimately prevent floodwater from entering a property. Training is often therefore required to show members of the public how to erect effective barriers. This requires the time and effort of trained people such as the armed and/or emergency forces and therefore, where flooding is occurring in an area which isn&#39;t prepared and trained, the effectiveness of sandbags is minimal. Moreover, the construction of a sandbag barrier requires someone with plenty of strength. It is therefore difficult or impossible for the less able or elderly to protect their properties where flash-flooding is occurring or where help cannot be offered, i.e. in an emergency or remote location. 
     A further disadvantage of the closest prior art is that when floodwater comes into contact with the outer brickwork of a building, the brickwork can be damaged. Therefore, even though sandbags will provide some protection to a building, lasting damage may still be incurred even where floodwater does reach the building&#39;s exterior and/or interior. 
     Furthermore, it can also be difficult to dispose of sandbags once they have been used. First, the plastic used for the bags can be damaged by ultraviolet light once left out in the sun. This can cause the bags to split, making the disposal of the contained sand difficult. Additionally, if water has breached any of the bags, the bags could be contaminated by hazardous materials carried by the floodwater. Therefore, the contained sand must be disposed of in an appropriate manner, such as at a waste and recycling center. Improper disposal onto a garden or public area can, in extreme cases, increase the spread of illness and infection, for example, if contaminated sand enters an open wound. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon current flood defense systems and barriers and to improve the speed, ease of assembly and effectiveness of flood defense systems and barriers, and in particular temporary flood defense systems for use in residential areas. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a temporary flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; each side edge being connectable to an adjacent side edge to form a substantially waterproof connection; whereby the barrier is formed by connecting at least two of said sections together along their adjacent side edges. 
     This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a flood defense barrier which is straightforward and quick to assemble without the requirement for additional infrastructure. The substantially waterproof connections between each section prevent floodwater from contacting the exterior or interior of a structure. The barrier also improves the ease of use to a user so that the barrier can be assembled and dismantled without training or professional assistance. 
     The flood defense barrier also provides an apparatus which can be reused and which does not have the potential to spill or leave hazardous material once floodwater has subsided. 
     Preferably, the barrier further comprises at least one attachment member which extends between the upper edge of the at least one section and a structure; whereby the attachment member holds the at least one section in a spaced apart position from the structure to which the barrier is attached. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it improves the security of the barrier. By holding each section in a spaced apart position from the structure, the outer surface (e.g. brickwork) of the structure is protected. The attachment member also minimises or prevents the risk of the screen from leaning towards the building as the floodwater level rises. 
     Preferably, the at least one section further comprises a beam located at said upper edge, whereby said attachment member extends between said beam and the structure. The provision of a beam at the upper edge of each section improves the strength of the barrier and also improves the ease with which the barrier is assembled. 
     Preferably, the at least one attachment member is integral with the at least one connectable section. An integrally formed attachment member further improves the strength of the barrier and reduces the number of components which are required to be assembled. This thereby improves the speed with which the barrier can be assembled, which is particularly advantageous in flash-flooding conditions. 
     Preferably, said barrier further comprises a bracket which is fixable to a structure; whereby the bracket facilitates attachment of the at least one attachment member to the structure. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the minimal amount of attachment to a structure so that the exterior of the structure is not damaged by the barrier. This is particularly useful where flooding may only occur once or twice in a year, as large permanent fixings are not required to be fixed to a structure. 
     Preferably, the barrier further comprises a number of supporting members which are positioned in the space fainted by the at least one attachment member; wherein the supporting members span at least partially across the length and/or width of each section. The supporting members minimise or prevent the risk of the screen from bulging inwards as the level of floodwater rises. The supporting members therefore increase the strength of the barrier and reduce the risk of flooding or damage to a protected structure. 
     Preferably, the barrier is collapsible. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the size of the barrier when it is not in use so that it may be easily stored by a user. It also allows a large number of barriers to be swiftly transported to flood-threatened structures in an emergency. 
     Preferably, the or each substantially waterproof connection comprises at least one clasp locker connection. A claps locker connection, more commonly known as a zip, provides an easy to use and substantially waterproof connection between sections. A clasp locker connection also ensures that the barrier has sufficient strength at the side edges of each section so that the barrier does not rupture under the pressure of floodwater. 
     Preferably, the base comprises a fillable container. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the barrier to be light and therefore easy to carry when it is not in use, but provides the barrier with sufficient weight and strength to withstand floodwater when the container is filled in use. 
     Preferably, the base and screen are formed of a flexible plastics material. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces the size and weight of the barrier when not in use. It also improves the adaptability of the barrier to the varying configurations of structures which are protected. 
     Preferably, the base further comprises a skirt which extends laterally across an outwardly facing surface of said base and between said outwardly facing surface and the ground on which the barrier is located. The skirt reduces the risk of floodwater seeping underneath the base of each section. It also therefore reduces the risk of movement of the barrier once it has been assembled, which might otherwise cause damage to a property. 
     Preferably, the base of at least one section incorporates a fluid entry and exit point. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be filled with a fluid or material with fluid-like properties. 
     Preferably, an entry and exit point is incorporated in the base of each section for allowing fluid or a material with fluid-like properties to fill each respective base. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be swiftly filled. 
     Preferably, the base of each connectable section is in fluid connection with the base of an adjacent section once the barrier is formed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be swiftly filled via a fluid entry and exit point of another base. 
     Preferably, the barrier further comprises a pump for facilitating the entry of fluid or a material with fluid-like properties into each base. A pump increases the speed with which the base of each section can be filled. This is particularly advantageous in flash-flooding situations. 
     Preferably, the screen of at least one of said connectable sections further comprises a doorway or window. A doorway or window allows people or objects to enter and exit the barrier once it has been assembled. A doorway or window also improves the ventilation around a structure once the barrier has been assembled so that an increase in moisture levels does not damage the exterior of the structure. 
     Preferably, the barrier further comprises a supporting frame, and said doorway or window is reinforced by a supporting frame. A reinforcing supporting frame ensures that the provision of a doorway or window does not reduce the strength of the barrier. 
     Preferably, the screen of the at least one section is transparent or translucent. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows people within a structure such as a house to see outside the barrier when the barrier is assembled. This improves the awareness of those inside to dangers which might approach when floodwater has risen. 
     Preferably, the barrier further comprises an anchor for rooting said barrier to the ground. This improves the rigidity of the barrier and minimises the risk of floodwater or strong winds shifting the barrier from its intended position. 
     In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of erecting a temporary flood defense barrier, comprising the steps of: 
     providing a flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; and 
     connecting at least two sections together along their adjacent side edges to foil a substantially waterproof connection. 
     This method is particularly advantageous because it provides a straightforward and quick method of erecting a flood defense barrier without the requirement for additional infrastructure. The substantially waterproof connections between each section prevent floodwater from contacting the exterior or interior of a structure. The method also improves the ease of use to a user so that the barrier can be assembled (and disassembled) without training or professional assistance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a flood defense system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a corner portion of a flood defense system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the end of a section of a flood defense system. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a section of a flood defense system. 
         FIG. 5  shows a front view of a supporting structure of a flood defense system. 
         FIG. 6 a    shows a cross-sectional view of a flood defense system shown a number of supporting struts. 
         FIG. 6 b    shows a cross-sectional view from above of part of a supporting frame of a flood defense system. 
         FIG. 7  shows perspective and side on view of a bracket and supporting structure of a flood defense system. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side on view of a flood defense barrier incorporating an anchor. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a flood defense barrier, incorporating an anchor, adjacent a river bank. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of a temporary flood defense barrier, referenced generally as  10 , which comprises a number of connectable sections, such as  11 ,  12  and  13 . Each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  comprises a base  14 ,  15 ,  16  and a screen  17 ,  18 ,  19 . The screen  17 ,  18 ,  19  of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  extends from the base  14 ,  15 ,  16 . Each section  11  also incorporates an upper edge  20 , and first  21  and second  22  side edges. Each of the side edges is connectable, in use, to an adjacent side edge  23  of an adjacent section  12  to form a substantially waterproof connection. The barrier  10  is formed by connecting two or more of the sections  11 ,  12  and  13  together along their adjacent side edges. 
     In use, the barrier  10  is formed around a structure  24  to be protected by connecting two or more sections  11 ,  12  and  13  together along their adjacent edges to partially or entirely surround the structure  24 . The structure  24  may be a building such as a house or another object such as a vehicle. The number of sections used to surround the structure  24  will depend on the size of an individual section and the size and shape of the structure  24  and whether or not the structure  24  can be or needs to be entirely surrounded. For instance, where the protection of a terraced house is required, a first option would be to connect a number of sections together such that the front and rear sides of a single terraced house are protected. Alternatively, a number of sections may be connected to surround multiple houses, such as a row of terraced houses. The sections  11 ,  12 ,  13  may either be elongate “side” sections or angled “corner” sections (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) so that a structure  24  can be surrounded without bending and negatively affecting the performance of the flood defense barrier  10 . To improve the ease of use of the barrier  10 , the sections are preferably substantially rectangular with side edges which are substantially straight so that connection of two adjacent sections is straightforward and to ensure that any two sections can be joined together. However, in an alternative embodiment, each section may have a ‘zigzag’ to increase the strength of the substantially waterproof connection between two adjacent sections. 
     The width and length of an individual section may be any size suitable to allow a user to swiftly and straightforwardly assemble the barrier  10 . The height of the barrier  10  will also depend on the height sufficient to minimise floodwater flowing over the top of the barrier  10 . 
     The screen  17  of each section  11  is preferably a substantially flat plastic curtain and the base  14  of each section  11  is preferably substantially cylindrical. To minimise the risk of floodwater flowing underneath the barrier  10  when the barrier  10  is assembled, the base  14  preferably has a flat, bottom surface (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the base  14  is prism shaped in cross-section. In either embodiment, the surface area of the base  14  which is in contact with the ground is increased. 
     The screen and base of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  are preferably integrally formed or are permanently fixed to one another. However, in an alternative embodiment, they may be releasably fixable to one another using any type of fastener or sealant known to the skilled person. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the barrier  10  further comprises a number of attachment members, such as  25 , which extend between the upper edge  20  of the or each section  11  and the structure  24 . In use, the attachment members  25  hold the sections  11  in a spaced apart position from the structure  24  so that the exterior of the structure  24  is kept dry. Preferably, the attachment members  25  are integral with the upper edges of each screen  17 ,  18 ,  19 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the attachment members  25  are releasably fixable to both the sections of the barrier  10  and the structure  24 . By holding each section in a spaced apart position from the structure  24 , the outer surface (such as brickwork) of the structure  24  is protected. The attachment member  25  also minimises or prevents the risk of the screen of each section from leaning towards the structure  24  as the floodwater level rises. 
     The attachment member  25  may comprise a rod or cross-piece comprised of a rigid plastics or metal material so that the attachment member  25  does not bend or break as pressure is applied to each section of the barrier  10 . In use, the attachment member  25  prevents or minimises the risk of the screen of each section from leaning inwards as floodwater rises against the barrier  10 . 
     In a further preferred embodiment, each section of the barrier  10  comprises a beam, such as  26 , which is located at the upper edge of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13 . In this embodiment, the attachment member  25  extends between the beam  26  and the structure  24 . The beam  26  improves the strength of the barrier  10  as it provides a rigid structure from which the attachment member  25  can be fixed. In this embodiment, the attachment member  25  preferably incorporates a hook  36  at the end proximal to the section such that the beam  26  is cradled by the attachment member  25 . This configuration allows the beam to be straightforwardly placed on the attachment member  25  once the attachment member  25  has been attached to the structure  24 . 
     In a yet further preferred embodiment, the barrier  10  further comprises a number of supporting members, such as  27  and  28 , which are positioned in the space formed by the attachment member  25 . In use, the supporting members  27 ,  28  comprise a series of struts and joists which span at least partially across the length and/or width of each connectable section  11 ,  12 ,  13 . The supporting members  27 ,  28  are preferably collapsible and are attachable to the attachment member  25  once the barrier  10  has been erected. The size of the supporting members  27 ,  28  depends on the size of the barrier sections. 
     The supporting members  27 ,  28 , shown in cross-section in  FIG. 6 a    and from above in  FIG. 6 b   , preferably comprise of a rigid plastics or metal material to provide sufficient strength to withstand floodwater as it rises against the screen of each section. The supporting members  27 ,  28  are also preferably waterproof so that any water which comes into contact with the supporting members  27 ,  28  does not cause the supporting members  27 ,  28  to rust or rot. To minimise or prevent the risk of the screens bulging as floodwater rises, the supporting members  27 ,  28  are preferably positioned such that they are proximal to the sections of the barrier  10 . 
       FIG. 6 b    shows the hooks  36  which are preferably provided on each supporting member  27 ,  28  for holding the beam  26  of each section  11 ,  12   13  when the barrier  10  is assembled. A further attachment member  42  is preferably provided, which extends between the supporting member  27  and the structure (not shown). 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting members  27 ,  28  further comprise a number of shelf portions, such as  37 , for holding additional joists to further improve the strength of the barrier  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment each section is collapsible such that the barrier  10  can be straightforwardly dismantled and stored when not in use. The sections may be collapsible whilst still connected to one another or once each section has been disconnected from its adjacent sections. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the substantially waterproof connection between adjacent sections  11 ,  12 ,  13  comprises one or more clasp locker (zip) connections  29  which run down the side edge, around the base and back up the side edge of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13 . A zip connection  29  provides the join between two adjacent sections with a waterproof connection with sufficient strength to withstand floodwater as it rises against each section  11 ,  12 ,  13 . Preferably, more than one clasp locker connection is provided to improve the waterproofing and strength of the barrier  10 . In alternative embodiments, other forms of connection are provided, such as waterproof seals or fasteners between adjacent sections. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be provided. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  14 ,  15 ,  16  of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  comprises a fillable container, which can be filled with a fluid or material with fluid-like properties when the barrier  10  is assembled. However, in an alternative embodiment, the base of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  may comprise a solid or hollow sealed unit which does not need to be filled to be functional. The provision of a fillable container allows the barrier  10  to be lightweight when not in use so that it can be transported and stored easily, but also allows the barrier  10  to gain weight and sturdiness when in use in order to prevent or minimise the risk of floodwater reaching a protected structure. 
     Preferably, the base  14 ,  15 ,  16  of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  further comprises a fluid entry and exit point  31 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  so that each base  14 ,  15 ,  16  can be swiftly filled and emptied in use. The fluid entry and exit point  31  of each base  14 ,  15 ,  16  may incorporate a non-return valve (not shown) such that fluid may enter each base  14 ,  15 ,  16  until the base is full, but fluid may not exit the base  14 ,  15 ,  16 . This ensures that the base  14 ,  15 ,  16  of each section remains sturdy enough to prevent the flow of floodwater beyond the barrier  10 . Even more preferably, the base  14  of each section is in fluid connection with the base  15  of an adjacent section once the barrier  10  is formed so that fluid can fill each base  14 ,  15  in a formed barrier  10  from a single fluid entry and exit point  31 . 
     Even more preferably, the barrier  10  further comprises a pump (not shown) for facilitating the entry and/or exit of fluid from each base  14 . The pump may be an automatic or a manual pump. If the pump is an electric automatic pump, the pump will be encased in a waterproof casing to minimise danger to the user. 
     In a preferred embodiment the base  14 ,  15 ,  16  and screen  17 ,  18 ,  19  of each section  11 ,  12 ,  13  are formed of a flexible plastics material such as polypropylene or neoprene to further improve the transportability and storability of the barrier  10  when not in use. In this embodiment, the screen of each section is lifted and attached to the attachment member  25  during assembly such that the screen hangs from the attachment member  25  to protect the structure  24  from floodwater. 
     In an even further preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6   a , the barrier  10  further comprises a skirt  30  which runs along each base and extends between each base and the ground on which the barrier  10  is located. The skirt  30  provides an additional protective means by minimising the risk of floodwater seeping underneath the barrier  10 . The skirt  30  preferably comprises a rubber or plastics material which is sufficiently pliable to conform to the contours of the ground on which the barrier  10  is located. 
       FIG. 4  shows a further embodiment wherein a section  40  of the barrier  10  whose first or second side edge  41  is adjacent a wall of a structure (not shown) comprises a brace or clamp  35  for fixing the barrier  10  to the wall. Fixing a section  40  adjacent a wall to the wall with the brace or clamp  35  minimises the risk of floodwater flowing past the barrier  10  between the barrier  10  and a structure. 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment where the screen  17  of the barrier  10  incorporates a doorway or window  32 . The doorway/window  32  allows people or objects to enter and exit the barrier  10  once the barrier  10  has been assembled. The doorway/window  32  also improves the ventilation around the structure  24  once the barrier  10  has been assembled so that an increase in moisture levels does not damage the exterior of the structure  24 . The doorway/window  32  may be formed from a flap of screen material which is closable via a clasp locker connection or an alternative connection and/or fastener. In order to prevent a weakening of the barrier  10 , each doorway/window  32  is reinforced by a supporting frame  33 . The supporting frame  33 , which preferably comprises a wire lattice, holds the structure of the barrier  10  together to ensure that the barrier  10  is not weakened by the opening of the doorway/window  32 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the screen of each section is transparent or translucent to allow users to see through the barrier  10  whilst inside the barrier  10 . This improves the awareness of users to potential dangers which might threaten the protected structure  24 , such as large or fast-flowing objects. 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 , a bracket  34  is provided on an outer surface  38  of the structure  24  to facilitate attachment of the attachment member  25  to the structure  24 . In this embodiment, the attachment member  25  comprises an L-shaped protrusion and the bracket  34  comprises a recess corresponding to the attachment member  25  such that the attachment member can be placed into the bracket  34 . In embodiments alternative to that shown in  FIG. 7 , the bracket  34  comprises a metal plate incorporating a number of screw holes for fixing the attachment member  25  to the structure  24 . Attachment of the attachment member  25  to the structure  24  may take the form of any known attachment means known to the skilled person. 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment wherein the barrier  10  further comprises an anchor  43  which is placed in the ground on which the barrier  10  is assembled. An anchor  43  is preferably integrally formed with each supporting member  27 ,  28  so that in use, when the barrier  10  has been assembled, the harrier  10  is prevented from shifting, This is particularly useful where strong winds, or the force of floodwater, might otherwise force the barrier  10  from its intended position. Alternatively, each supporting member  27 ,  28  comprises an opening (not shown) through which the anchor  43  can be placed to secure the barrier  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the anchor  43  comprises a socket  44  which is placed into the ground in a location where the barrier  10  is to be erected, and an insert  45  which is attached to the supporting member  27  and inserted into the socket  44  when the barrier  10  is assembled. In alternative embodiments, the anchor  43  may comprise a large screw which is screwed into the ground without the need for a socket, or a similarly a peg with an upper portion comprising a lip (not shown) may be provided to secure the barrier  10  in place. 
       FIG. 9  shows a barrier  100  comprising a number of sections  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  which are positioned adjacent a riverbank in order to minimise the risk of flooding. The barrier  100  may alternatively be positioned adjacent any other waterway or adjacent any area susceptible to flooding from a given direction. 
     The barrier  100  of  FIG. 9  comprises a number of sections  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  which are arranged as a substantially straight line adjacent the riverbank. A number of supporting members  105 ,  106 ,  107  at spaced apart points along the barrier  100 . These may either be connected to a single section  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  each or at a connection between two adjacent sections, e.g. supporting member  106  at sections  102  and  103 . In an alternative embodiment a supporting member is provided for each section which is part of the barrier. In this embodiment, an anchor  43  is provided with each supporting member  105 ,  106 ,  107  to fix the barrier  100  in place. This minimises the risk of floodwater or strong winds shifting the barrier. In this embodiment, a number of additional joists are provided which extend at spaced apart positions along the length of the connected sections. The joists may be inserted prior to connection of adjacent sections or once each of the sections has been connected together, i.e. a single joist spans the length of the entire barrier  100 .