GB2389137A

GB2389137A - Flood defence device

Info

Publication number: GB2389137A
Application number: GB0212408A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Smith; Andrew Gough
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-29
Filing date: 2002-05-29
Publication date: 2003-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-29
Also published as: GB0212408D0; GB2389137B

Abstract

A flood barrier is disclosed comprising a frame 3 and a panel section 4. The frame 3 has a base portion and a pair of posts. The panel section 4 has a peripheral sealing element which forms a fluid tight seal between the panel section 4 and the frame 3 when the edge of the panel section 4 engages with the frame 3. The frame 3 may comprise more than a pair of posts with a base portion extending between each adjacent pair of posts. The barrier may be used to protect an aperture in a wall, in which case one of the posts may be attached in a fluid tight manner to the wall each side of the aperture. An alternative flood barrier is disclosed comprising a frame, a cover and an inflatable seal. The frame may be attached to a wall around a building aperture. The cover may be hingedly attached to the frame. A flood barrier for sealing open ended pipes and a method of sealing a toilet are also disclosed.

Description

( Patents Act 1977 2389 37 Agents ref: P16021GB-H/JCC/SJF/szl Title: " A

flood defence device" The present invention relates to a flood defence device which provides protection from flooding for apertures in buildings or the like.

Flooding of houses situated on flood plains is relatively common, particularly when there has been a sustained andJor heavy rainfall. Flooding of housing or business premises can be extremely damaging, both structurally and financially, and therefore a number of flood defence devices have been developed in an attempt to prevent accidental flooding and consequent damage to property.

GB2346646 discloses a flood barrier for doorways comprising a frame, permanently attached and sealed to the wall immediately surrounding a doorway or other opening, and a panel which can be fixed to the surface of the frame to form a fluid-tight barrier. A sealing means is provided between the panel and the frame to prevent seepage of water through the barrier, and hence through the doorway, in one embodiment, the sealing means is in the form of a continuous rubber strip and the panel incorporates latches which are used to compress-fit the panel against the frame, the panel pressing against the continuous rubber strip to form the required seal.

GB 2346648 discloses a similar arrangement, combining a frame permanently attached and sealed to the wall and floor around a door or an opening. A panel is provided which can be attached to the frame when flooding is imminent and the panel incorporates a sealing element which seals the joining surfaces of the panel and frame to prevent ingress of water and subsequent flooding. In one

embodiment, the panel is actually sealed directly to the wall and floor around the door using expandable foam and, in another embodiment, the barrier takes the form of a hinged gate with a seal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative flood defence device which is simple and effective and which can be deployed relatively quickly in the case of a flood warning.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flood defence device which can be adapted to fit across a wide varieW of doors, windows, patios or the like and, in particular, which can be adapted to fit across wide apertures yet can nevertheless be easily stored when not in use.

According to the present invention, there is provided a flood defence device comprising a Came and an impermeable panel section, said frame incorporating a base portion and two posts, the base portion extending substantially in a first plane, the posts extending substantially in a second plane angled with respect to the first plane, an edge of said panel section removably engaging with the two posts and base portion, the panel section also incorporating a peripheral sealing element adjacent said edge, wherein; when He panel section engages with said base portion and two posts, said peripheral sealing element forms a fluid tight seal between said panel section and both the base portion and said two posts.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a plurality of posts positioned on said track and a plurality of panel sections, a panel section removably engaging with each pair of adjacent posts which are connected by said track, said panel sections each incorporating a peripheral sealing element such that when said panel sections engage with said respective pair of adjacent

( posts, said peripheral sealing element forms a fluid tight seal between said panel section and both the base portion and said two adjacent posts.

In yet another a preferred embodiment, said two posts are attached in fluid tight manner to a wall incorporating an aperture to be protected, one post being positioned either side of said aperture, said base portion being in the form of a track projecting outwardly from said first post at a first position below the lower edge of said aperture and joining said second post at a second position below the lower edge of said aperture, an impermeable raft spanning the area enclosed by said track and wall, wherein; when the panel section engages with said track and posts, the panel section, track, impermeable raft and posts together form a fluid tight barrier preventing passage of fluid through said aperture from the side of the wall on which said device is located.

Conveniently, the device further comprises a plurality of posts positioned on said track and a plurality of panel sections, a panel section removably engaging with each pair of adjacent posts which are connected by said track, said panel sections each incorporating a peripheral sealing element, each peripheral sealing element conning a fluid tight seal between said respective panel section and said respective two adjacent posts, such that, when the panel sections are all engaged with said track and respective two adjacent posts the panel sections, track, impermeable raft and posts together form a fluid tight barrier preventing passage of fluid through said aperture from the side of the wall on which the device is located.

Conveniently, the track is in the form of a series of track segments attached to, and running between, said posts.

( In another preferred embodiment, the track is in the form of a single continuous track. Preferably, the track lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to said posts.

Preferably, the panel sections are in the form of separate panels.

Conveniently, two opposite edges of the panels slidably engage with grooves in said posts.

Preferably, a third edge of the panel is dimensioned to be retained in a groove in said track.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element is in the form of a peripheral, inflatable sealing element.

Conveniently, the posts are removable from said base portion.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one post further comprises a stabilising element. Preferably, the stabilizing element is in the form of a substantially rigid stabilising bar, said stabilising bar being attached at a first end to a position on said post, the opposite end of said stabilising bar abutting said wall.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

( According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flood defence device for sealing open ended pipes, comprising a barrier portion and a an elongate portion attached to and extending from the barrier portion, the barrier portion incorporating a peripheral sealing element; wherein the barrier portion and elongate portion can be inserted through the open end of a pipe and orientated within the pipe to allow said peripheral sealing element to form a fluid tight seal against the interior wall of the pipe.

Preferably, the sealing element is in the form of an inflatable, peripheral sealing element. Conveniently, the said elongate portion is hollow and at the end adjacent to said barrier portion, communicates with said inflatable sealing element such that the inflatable sealing element may be inflated by passing air or fluid down through said elongate portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier portion and elongate portion are formed integrally with one another.

Preferably, the elongate portion is hinged at a point along the length thereof.

Conveniently, the device further incorporates a retaining element which can be used to fix the orientation of the barrier portion and elongate portion within a pipe. According a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sealing the open end of a toilet using a flood defence device comprising a barrier portion and a substantially rigid elongate portion attached to and extending from the barrier portion, the barrier portion incorporating a

( peripheral sealing element; wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting the barrier portion and elongate portion through the open end of the toilet and orientating the barrier portion and elongate portion so as to allow said peripheral sealing element from a fluid tight seal against the interior wall of the toilet. Preferably, the device Farther incorporates a retaining element in the horn of a hook, the hook being engaged with the rim of the toilet so as to retain the device in the desired position to allow the peripheral sealing element to seal against the interior wall of the toilet.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flood defence device comprising a frame and a cover, the frame incorporating an aperture and being removably attached to the cover, the cover being dimensioned to span said aperture and incorporating an inflatable sealing element, wherein; when said cover is attached to said frame, said sealing element can be inflated to form a seal around said aperture and the cover and sealing element together form a fluid tight barrier preventing further flow of fluid passing through the aperture.

Preferably, said frame is attached in fluid tight manner to a wall incorporating an aperture to be protected, the frame forming a continuous track around said aperture wherein; when said cover is attached to said frame, said sealing element can be inflated to form a continuous seal between said frame and cover around the aperture in said wall, the cover, frame and sealing element together forming a fluid tight barrier to prevent further flow of fluid tending to pass through said aperture.

( Preferably, said frame and said cover are hingedly attached to one another, a retaining element being attached to a point on said wall to retain said cover when it is not attached to said frame.

FIGURE 1 shows a flood defence device embodying the present invention in its fully operational position surrounding a door.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the flame of the flood defence device shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 3 shows an exploded view of part of the frame of Figure 27 and shows in more detail one of the panel elements shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 4 shows an enlarged view of part of the frame of Figure 2.

FIGURE 5 shows a cross sectional view through the flood defence device according to the present invention, when in a deployed state.

FIGURE 6 shows a partial cross-section through an alternative embodiment of the flood defence device according to the present invention.

FIGURE 7 shows a partial cross-section of the flood defence device of Figure 6, in use.

FIGURE 8 shows an exploded view of a yet further embodiment of the flood defence device according to the present invention.

( FIGURE 9 shows a perspective view of part of the flood defence device of Figure 8.

Figure 1 shows a flood defence device installed around a doorway 2 in a building. The flood defence device 1 is composed of a frame 3 and panel sections, which are in the form of removable separate panels 4, as described below. Although Figure 1 shows the flood device of the present invention installed around a doorway, the device may equally be installed around windows or patios, as will be discussed below.

Referring now to Figure 2, the base frame 3 comprises base track portions SA, 5B and SC, front posts 6 and rear posts 7. The base track portions, front posts 6 and rear posts 7 are preferably made from a metal, such as galvanised steel, but may be made from any suitable material which is durable, impermeable and preferably corrosion resistant. Rear posts 7 and front posts 6 are mounted on rubber blocks 8 which are positioned at either end of the base track portions 5A, SB and 5C and which are mounted, along with the end section of each of the base track portions, on rear corner plates 9A and front corner plates 9B respectively. Each of base track portions 5 incorporates a groove 10 which runs along the centre line of its top surface, along the entire length thereof, such that each base track portion has a substantially U-shaped cross section as can be seen in Figure 3. In addition, rear posts 7 and front posts 6 have similar grooves 1 1 (of which two are labelled in Figure 2) running along the centre line of any face which meets an end face of one of the base track portions SA, SB or SC. Thus, rear posts 7 each have a single groove 11 which opens into groove 10 on base track portions 5A and SC respectively, and front posts 6 each have two grooves 11 opening up into the grooves on base track portions 5A, 5B and SC respectively. In addition, Dont posts 6 may incorporate a groove running along the centre line of the face opposite base track portion SB. As can be seen

( in Figure 2, the alignment and dimensions ofthe grooves 10 and I 1 is such that, together, they form three substantially U-shaped sockets of constant cross section between the four posts.

Rear posts 7 are fixed to base track portions SA and 5C respectively, and are preferably glued or cemented, so that a fluid tight sea] is formed between the contacting faces of the rear posts and base track portions.

Referring now to Figure 3, the base track portion 5B is fitted at each end to a respective corner plate 9B via a screw (not shown) which passes from below the corner plate 9B, up through a clearance hole 24 and into a tapped hole (not shown) drilled into the underside of base track portion SB. Projecting elements or stand-offs 12 are positioned on each corner plate, one element 12 on either side of each of three (in the arrangement shown) clearance holes 24 in the corner plate. Two stand-offs 12 fit into respective bores (not shown) on the underside of the base track portion 5B and two more fit into corresponding bores in the underside of adjoining base track portion 5A. These stand-offs help locate the corner plate in the desired position relative to the base track portion. Each block 8 is fixedly attached to a respective corner plate 9B, preferably by gluing or cementing. The distance between the tapped holes in base track portion 5B and the end face 13 of base track portion 5B may be sufficiently large so that, when a corner plate 9B is screwed onto the underside of the base track portion 5B, the rubber block 8 is slightly compressed in a direction along the longitudinal axis of base track portion 5B, thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the end face 13 and the rubber block 8. However, preferably, base track portion 5B is glued to rubber block 8 so as to form a fluid tight seal therebetween. Preferably, the upper surface of the mounting block 8 and the floor of groove 10 should be flush with one another. Any suitable glue may be used, for example, an epoxy resin, provided it can provide a fluid tight

seal when cured. Although Figure 3 only shows base track portion SB and corner plate 9B, it will be immediately obvious to the person skilled in the art that the same arrangement and procedures may be employed to connect the other ends of base track portions SA, 5C and 5B to their respective rear corner plates 9A or front corner plates 9B, as appropriate. Thus, when the base track portions 5A, 5B and 5C are fixed to the corner plates 9A and 9B and rubber blocks 8 as described above, a rigid base track is formed which is strong and fluid tight up to the level of the top surface of mounting blocks 8.

In the preferred embodiment, front corner plates 9B are configured so that up to three base traclc portions may be simultaneously secured to the corner plate' surrounding the mounting block 8 on three sides. As can be seen in Figure 3, the corner plates 9B are preferably of T-shape, incorporating three clearance holes 24, each clearance hole allowing attachment of a respective base track portion to the corner plate 9B, using a respective screw (not shown) as aforesaid. Preferably, projecting elements 12 are also provided either side of each clearance hole 24 to aid in locating the respective base track as appropriate. It will be appreciated that, provided that a sufficient number of plates 9B are used, any number of base track portions may be joined together, in a modular fashion, to create a wide variety of base frames of different lengths. It is envisaged that, in such a case, each plate 9B would have an associated mounting block 8 and front post 6, though, as will be appreciated, in such an arrangement not every plate 9B will be situated on an actual corner of the base frame, for some will instead be positioned at some length along the base of the frame, between the two "end" front posts, each intermediate plate 9B supporting a respective intermediate front post. However, regardless of the number of front posts 6 which are employed, it will be appreciated that the number of rear posts 7 is fixed, it only being necessary to provide a single rear post on each side of the aperture to be protected.

( The corner plates 9B which are situated at the actual corners of the base frame might be of L-shaped configuration, allowing only two base track portions to be joined together, at right-angles to one another, as required. However, it is preferable that even these corner plates are of the T-shaped varieW shown in Figure 3, in which case a very short base track portion (not shown) can be attached to the corner plate, on the side opposite the base track portion SB, to help maintain the front post in position and provide further rigidity to the frame as a whole.

By increasing the number of corner plates and correspondingly increasing the number of front posts 6 and panels 4, frames can be formed spanning a wide variety of different apertures such as doorways, windows, patio windows, garage doors or the like.

Referring now to Figure 4, the posts 6, 7 (of which only one is shown in Figure 4) are rigidly attached to the base track portions (of which base track portion 5B is shown in Figure 4) by corner brackets 14. Each corner bracket 14 is shaped to fit the right-angle formed by post 6,7 and an adjoining base track portion and is attached to both the front post and base track portion via screws 15 (only one shown) which pass through clearance holes 16 in the corner bracket and are screwed into tapped holes in the base track portion and post respectively. The corner bracket is preferably formed from mild steel. Although only one corner bracket 14 is shown in Figure 4, different numbers of corner brackets may be used, depending upon the required rigidity of the structure. Specifically, a corner bracket may be fitted at every point where a post meets a base track portion. Thus, for example, referring to Figure 2, a total of 12 corner brackets may be employed, four on each of the front posts and two on each of the rear posts. In the case of rear posts 7, the use of corner brackets may not be

necessary because the base track portions SA and 5C are fixedly glued to the front wall of rear posts 7, however two or four corner brackets may be employed at the right angle between the rear post 7 and base track portions 5A and 5C if maximum rigidity is required.

As shown in Figure 1, the frame 3 (minus the front posts 6) is positioned, in use, such that the rear posts 7 are located either side of the aperture to be protected, such as a doorway (Figure 1). The rear posts 7 are fixedly attached to the wall either side of the aperture to be protected, preferably by gluing or cementing. When it is desired to install the device, initially a shallow trench is excavated adjacent to the wall of the building at a point in front of the aperture to be protected. The trench (not shown) must cover an area at least equal to the base area of the base frame 3 as measured from the inside walls of base track portions SA, 5B and 5C, and should preferably be slightly larger than the base area of the frame 3 as measured from the outer walls of base track portions SA, 5B and 5C. The depth of the trench should be at least equal to the height of the base track portions SA, SB and SC, and should preferably be considerably deeper than the height of the base track portions. It is envisaged that the trench will be at least 4" deep. Following excavation of the trench as aforesaid, Me base frame 3 is positioned within the trench such that the upper surface of base Back portions SA, 5B and 5C are level with the surface of the surrounding ground. In the preferred embodiment, the frame is positioned such that the upper surfaces of the base track portions are recessed slightly below the level of the surrounding ground. It will be appreciated that, in the preferred case where the trench is significantly deeper than the height of the base track portions, there will be a gap between the underside of the frame 3 and the bottom of the trench. Levelling spikes (not shown) are provided on the underside of base track portions 5A, 5B and 5C which are at least long enough to span the gap between the underside of the frame 3 and bottom of the trench and are

preferably partially inserted into the ground forming the bottom of the trench to maintain the frame 3 in position within the trench.

Upon positioning of the frame 3 within the trench, via the levelling spikes, concrete is then poured into the trench along and under the frame 3, but not into the space above the mounting blocks 8. The concrete fills the trench at least up to the level of the upper surfaces of the base track portions. In the preferred embodiment, where the upper surfaces of the base track portions is recessed slightly below the level of the surrounding ground, the concrete preferably fills the trench up to the level of the surrounding ground i.e. slightly above the level of the upper surface of the base track portions. Techniques well known in the art can be used to ensure that the upper surfaces of the base track portions and mounting blocks 8 are nevertheless left uncovered by the concrete, as is necessary for deployment of the device. Upon setting, the concrete forms a "raft" 18 (Figure 5) of equal area to the area of the trench which, in the preferred embodiment, has an upper surface which stands slightly proud of the upper surface of the base track portions and is flush with the upper surface of the surrounding ground. Vertical recesses are situated in the concrete ran 18 above the positions of, and stretching down to, the mounting blocks 8. Rear posts 7 may be fixedly attached to the wall of the building as aforesaid either prior to or after the introduction of concrete, or indeed at any suitable point

during the above process. In the preferred embodiment, base track portions 5A, 5B and SC are provided with projections on their surface which help to adhere the concrete to the frame.

it will be appreciated that, with the concrete raft 18 in place, only the upper surface of base track portions SA, 5B and 5C will be visible, with the side walls being completely submerged in concrete.

( Upon warning of a possible flood, the flood defence device can be rapidly deployed as follows. Firstly, front posts 6 are inserted into the recesses from above mounting blocks 8 so that the lower end face of the posts seals against the upper surface of mounting blocks 8. The front posts 6 are then rigidly fixed to the base track portions 5A, 5B and SC via corner brackets 14 as described above. Preferably, when the corner brackets 14 are fully secured, the mounting blocks 8 are slightly compressed between posts 6 and plates 9B. This ensures a good seal between the lower end face of the front posts 6 and upper faces of the mounting blocks 8, improving the integrity of seal between the mounting block and front post 6.

Once the front posts 6 are rigidly fixed in place, three panels 4 are slideably inserted into the grooves 10 and 11 to form a battier between the two front posts and the front and rear posts respectively (Figure 1). Finally, the inflatable sealing element 17 on each of the panels 4 is inflated, for example using a bicycle pump. It can be seen from Figure 3 that, upon inflation to the required level, inflatable sealing element 17 seals against the outer walls 19 and 20 of grooves 10 and 11 respectively, thereby forming a fluid tight seal between th panel and the relevant posts and base track portion.

It will be appreciated, upon referring to Figures 1 and 3, that when the flood defence device is in a deployed state with the inflatable sealing element 17 inflated, the concrete raft 18, frame 3, rear posts 7, front posts 6, panels 4 and inflatable sealing elements 17 together form a fluid tight structure in the form of an open top box, which surrounds the aperture to be protected. Groundwater is prevented from entering the aperture to be protected by concrete ran 18 and surface water is prevented from entering the aperture to be protected by the seal

( formed between panels 4 and the base track portions 5A, SB, 5C, rear posts 7 and front posts 6 as appropriate.

In the preferred embodiment, removable caps 26 (Figure 2) may be provided which fit to the upper end 27 of front posts 6. The caps are preferably attached to the front posts 6 by means of wing bolts 28 which engage in respective tapped holes 29 in the upper ends 27. The caps help to maintain the panels 4 in place when the device is in use and may be formed from any durable material, such as galvanised steel.

In the case where the frame 3 is adapted to fit across a wide aperture, such as a patio window, stabilising elements, in the form of stabilising bars 20 (Figure 5), may be provided to support those front posts which are not positioned opposite a corresponding rear post. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 5, each stabilising bar is removably attached to a point on the face of a respective front post 6 facing the building and extends downwardly in a direction toward the foot of the wall of the building. Each stabilising bar terminates, at the end adjacent the building, in a 'foot' 21 and the opposite end of the stabilising bar preferably terminates in a flattened portion 22, which is rigidly attached to the front post 6 by bolt 23. Alternatively, a barrel (not shown) may be rigidly attached to the front post 6 and the end of the stabilising bar opposite the foot 21 may be inserted into a hole drilled into the barrel, maintaining the stabilising bar in a fixed position. Any number of stabilising bars may be provided, depending upon the required rigidity and strength of the device, but preferably there should be at least one stabilising bar for each of the front posts 6 which is not opposite a rear post 7. Referring to Figure S. it will be appreciated that, in use, the stabilising bars offer support for the front posts 6 against the force of water pressure acting on the outside of panels 4. The stabilising bars may be formed from any suitable material which has sufficient compressive strength to

- resist the imposed force due to water pressure, such as, for example, galvanised steel. When the flood defence device is not in use, removable covers (not shown) may be mounted upon the base track portions, covering the base track portions and recesses above mounting block 8 so as to protect them from abrasion and corrosion. In the preferred embodiment, where the base track portions are recessed slightly below the level of the concrete raft 18, the covers sit flush with the upper surface of the concrete and the surrounding ground. If desired, narrower removable covers 25 may be fitted to the base track portions when the device is fully deployed, as shown in Figure 3, to protect the inflatable sealing element from damage due to mechanical impact, for example. The removable covers are preferably attached to the base track portions via wing bolts 30 (Figure 3) which screw down into threaded holes 31 (of which two are shown in Figure 3) in the base track portion. Narrow removable covers 32 may also be provided to fit front posts 6, as shown in Figure 3, and offer protection for the vertical sections of the inflatable sealing element 17.

In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the rear posts 7 may be formed continuously with base track portions SA and SC, in which case the rear corner plates 9A and rear mounting blocks 8 would not be required.

In yet another preferred embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that the rear posts 7 and all three base track portions 5A, 5B and 5C may be formedas one integral base frame, having a single continuous groove positioned therein, which is set in a concrete raft and attached to the building as aforesaid. In such an embodiment, all three panels 4 may be integrated into a single panel comprising panels sections in the form of a front wall and two side walls, extending perpendicular to the front wall. In the event of a flood warning, the

single panel can then be slotted into the groove formed within the continuous frame and a single inflatable sealing element inflated so as to seal the panel against the frame as required. It will be appreciated that, in such an embodiment, where the panel is provided as a one-piece integral rigid panel, there is no requirement for any front posts to support separate panels, simplifying the design and reducing the deployment time in the event of a flood warning. Referring now to Figure 6, a further embodiment of the flood defence device is shown, which is specifically adapted for blocking open ended pipes. Wherein the present specification the term "pipe" is intended to cover any conduit

defining a flow path there through, and is particularly intended to cover the waste pipe or bowl of a toilet. The device comprises an elongate portion, preferably in the form of a rigid, straight arm 33 (Figure 6), incorporating, at one end, a handle 34 and terminating at the opposite end in a screw threaded portion 38. A first plate 37 is fixedly attached, at its centre, to the arm 33, preferably by welding, at a point along the length of the arm which is proximal to the screw threaded portion 38 and spaced from handle 34. The plate 37 is preferably of circular cross section and extends radially outwards from the arm 33 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the arm. The arm extends from plate 37 through a clearance hole in the centre of a spacing layer 35 and, in turn through a clearance hole in the centre of a second plate 36. The spacing layer 35 and second plate 36 are likewise preferably of circular cross section and extend radially outwards from the arm 33 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the arm. A cap 39 engages with the screw threaded portion 38 of the arm 33 and abuts against second plate 36 so as to clarrp the spacing layer 35 between the first plate 36 and the second plate 37 (Figure 6).

( Preferably, the spacing layer is formed of a slightly resilient material so that, as the cap 39 is tightened on screw threaded portion 38, second rigid plate 36 slightly compresses the spacing layer 35 against the second rigid plate 37. The compression of spacing layer 35 between the plates 36 and 37 forms a fluid tight seal along the respective contact surfaces of the plates and spacing layer so that, in combination, the cap 39, first plate 37, spacing layer 35 and second plate 36 form a fluid tight barrier portion, shown generally at 42.

An O-ring 40 is received in a circular recess in the surface of second plate 36 on the opposite side to the spacing layer 35 so that, on tightening on screw threaded portion 38, the cap 39 compresses the O-ring 40 so as to form a fluid tight seal between the cap 39 and the first rigid plate 36. Such a fluid tight seal prevents seepage of water into the space defined by the clearance hole in spacing layer 35 and prevents possible degradation of the material forming the spacing layer and consequent loss of seal between the spacing- layer and plates 36 and 37. The cap may alternatively be in the form of a wing nut, as shown in figure 7, whereby seepage of water in between the threaded surfaces of the wing nut and arm would be prevented by the mating engagement of those threaded surfaces. Barrier portion 42 further incorporates a peripheral sealing element which is preferably in the form of an inflatable toroidal member 43 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spacing member and being positioned so as to form a continuous ring around the periphery of the spacing member 35. Inflatable member 43 incorporates an elongate tube 44 which passes through a clearance hole (not shown) in first plate 37 and which terminates in a valve 45. Preferably, the elongate tube 44 is fixedly attached to the arm 33 by means of a fixing member 46 which is preferably in the form of a semicircular rigid loop fixed at either end to the arm 33 as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 7 shows the device in operation to block a toilet, shown generally at 47.

Using arm 33, the device is manually inserted through the bowl 48 of the toilet 47 and into the waste pipe 49. The arm 33 incorporates a hinge 50, located between the mid point of arm 33 and the barrier portion 42, which facilitates easy insertion of the device into the waste pipe 49 of the toilet 47 and, furthermore, allows the barrier portion 42 to be orientated so that it is generally coaxial with the waste pipe 49. Upon correct orientation of the barrier portion 42, the inflatable sealing element 43 can be inflated by injecting fluid, preferably air, through the insertion valve 45 along the elongate tube 44 and into the material volume defined by the inflatable sealing element 43. Upon a sufficient degree of inflation, the inflatable sealing element 43 forms a fluid tight seal against the interior walls of the waste pipe 49, thereby preventing the flow of water through waste pipe 49 into the bowl region 48 of the toilet 47.

The device may additionally be provided with a retaining member preferably in the form of a hook 51 which engages with the under side of the toilet rim 52 so as to prevent any axial movement of the barrier portion 42 along the waste pipe 49 due to the pressure of water, indicated schematically at 53.

It will be appreciated that the precise construction of the barrier portion 42 may take on various forms. Indeed, the only constraints on the construction of the barrier portion are that the resulting structure must be impermeable and the cross-sectional area of the barrier portion, including the inflatable sealing element in its deflated state, must necessarily be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the pipe to be sealed. Specifically, it is envisaged that the first plate 37 need not be integrally formed with the arm 33 but may be in the form of a separate plate having a clearance hole, similar to the second plate 36, through which the arm 33 passes. In such an arrangement, the arm 33 would incorporate a first screw threaded portion and cap arrangement

( positioned as shown in Figure 6, along with a second screw threaded portion positioned on the arm 33 adjacent to the first plate 37 on the side opposite to the spacing layer 35, the second screw threaded portion engaging with a nut, preferably in the form of a wing nut. It will be appreciated in such an arrangement that, upon engagement of the cap and wing nut with the respective screw threaded portions on arm 33, the first plate 36 and second plate 37 would be moved towards each other so as to compress the spacing layer there between, forming a suitable seal between the spacing layer and plates 36 and 37 as described above. Preferably, in such an alternative arrangement, a second O-

ring (not shown) would be positioned in between the abutment surfaces of the first plate and the wing nut (not shown), in a similar fashion to the O-ring 40, to prevent seepage of water from the side of the barrier portion opposite the cap 39 into the space defined by the clearance hole in spacing layer 35 as described above, the mating engagement of the threaded surfaces of the wing nut and arm being sufficient to prevent seepage of water in between these surfaces. The inflatable sealing element in such an arrangement may simply be of the same form as that shown in the arrangement of Figure 6.

In another embodiment, the arm 33 may be hollow and the elongate tube 44 may pass through the arm 33 and project out of the outer end of the handle 34, so as to ensure that the inflation valve 45 is never in contact with the contents of the toilet bowl 48.

In the embodiments discussed thus far, the barrier portion is positioned with respect to the elongate arm 33 such that the angle 0 (Figure 6) between one half of the second plate 37 and the ann 33 is approximately 90 . However, in a further contemplated embodiment, the barrier portion as a whole may be angled with respect to the aim 33 so that 0 O 0 0 90 or 90 O 0 0 180 . By altering

the angle [] in such a way, it will be appreciated that, for a given diameter of waste pipe, a barrier portion with a larger surface area may be used, thereby increasing the incident area of the barrier portion and thus reducing the pressure on the barrier portion due to flood water when the device is in operation blocking a waste pipe or the like. It will be appreciated that, when choosing A, a balance must be struck between, on the one hand, reducing the incident pressure on the barrier portion in use and, on the other hand, ensuring that the inflatable sealing element forms an effective seal between the barrier portion and the interior walls of the pipe to be sealed.

A wide variety of retaining elements may be employed instead of the rigid hook 51 shown in Figure 7. For example, the retaining element may be in the form of a suction pad, such as those which are known in the art, and may be slidably mounted upon the arm 33 so as to accommodate for different toilet dimensions.

In order to fit for pipes of different dimensions, the device may be provided with a range of barrier portions which are of different sizes and are interchangeable with another.

Turning now to Figure 8, a yet farther embodiment of a flood defence device is shown which is specifically adapted for sealing apertures in buildings, such as air vents or the like. The device comprises a frame portion, shown generally at 53, and a cover portion, shown generally at 54. The frame portion is preferably in the form of a planar, rigid continuous frame 55 which is dimensioned to surround the aperture to be protected and which incorporates a central strut 56 The central strut 56 runs parallel to two sides of the frame SS and preferably bisects the frame 55 so as to form two apertures 57 and 58 within the frame.

( The central strut 56 incorporates a threaded hole 59 which is positioned in the centre of the frame at the mid point of the strut 56.

Referring specifically now to Figure 9, the cover portion 54 is in the form of a box member 60, preferably having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the frame portion 53. The box member 60 incorporates an secondary interior wall 61 which extends from the base wall 62 of the box member 60 and which runs concentrically with the four remaining walls of box member 60 so as to define a peripheral recess 63. A sealing element, which is preferably in the form of an inflatable sealing element 64, is positioned within the recess 63 and may be inflated by means of a valve 65 which extends through a valve hole 66 in the box member 60. A clearance hole 67 is positioned within the centre of the base wall 62.

Referring to Figure 8, the frame portion 53 is permanently fixed in fluid tight manner to a wall surrounding an aperture to be protected, preferably by a combination of gluing and by means of screws 68. In the event of a flood threat, the cover portion is positioned over the frame portion so that the recess 63 is located above the periphery of the frame 55 and the clearance hole 67 in the box member is positioned directly opposite the threaded hole 59 in the central strut 56. Once the box member has been positioned in front of the frame member as described, a securing means is used to fix the two portions to one another. The securing means are preferably in the form of a wing bolt 68 which is inserted through the clearance hole 67 in the box member 60 and, in turn, engages with the threaded hole 59 in the frame 55 so as to fixedly attach the box member to the frame portion 55.

Once the cover portion 54 and frame portion 53 are attached in the above described manner, the inflatable sealing element 64 is then inflated by means of

injection of fluid, preferably air, through the inflation valve 65 into the interior volume of the inflatable sealing element 64. Upon inflation, the inflatable sealing element 64 seals against the surface of the frame 55 so as to form a fluid tight seal between the frame portion and the cover portion thereby preventing the flow of water through the apertures 57 and 58 and into the interior of the building.

In order to prevent seepage of water through the clearance hole 67 when the device is deployed, an O-ring 69 is located in a recess 70 within the external surface of the base wall 62 and the wing bolt further incorporates a clamping rim 71, when the wing bolt 68 is engaged in screw threaded hole 59, abuts against the O-ring 69 to form a fluid tight seal around the clearance hole 67.

It will be appreciated that the frame portion need not be restricted to the form shown in figures 8 and 9. Indeed, the only restriction on the structure of the frame portion is that it presents a continuous sealing surface surrounding the aperture to be protected. In particular, the frame portion may define a plurality of apertures, such as apertures 57 and 58 in figure 8, and incorporate a plurality of threaded holes, each threaded hole corresponding to a clearance hole in the box member of the cover portion and receiving a respective wing bolt. The inclusion of a plurality of threaded holes and wing bolts would serve to ensure that the cover portion was more securely fixed to the frame portion.

Similarly, the cover portion can take on any number of forms, provided that it represents an impermeable barrier which closes off the aperture to be protected and incorporates means for securing the cover portion to the frame portion and means for holding the inflatable sealing element in the desired position so as to ensure a good seal between the cover portion and frame portion

( It is envisaged that a wide variety of securing means may be used to attach the cover portion to the frame portion such as, for example, a latch arrangement (not shown) provided always that the securing means was sufficiently strong to ensure that the inflatable sealing element did not come away from the sealing surface on the frame during operation.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is envisaged that the cover portion is hingedly connected to the frame portion at all times so that, when it was required to deploy the device, the cover portion could merely be swung into position covering the aperture and then secured to the frame in the above described manner. In such an arrangement, retaining means could be attached to the wall surrounding the aperture to be protected so as to retain the cover portion in a fixed position when not in use.

In a yet further contemplated embodiment (not shown), the cover portion may be composed of a series of vertical or near vertical sections, hingedly attached to one another in a "concertina" fashion, the peripheral inflatable sealing element likewise comprising a series of corresponding folds. In such an arrangement, one edge of the cover portion may be hingedly fixed to an edge of the frame portion and the opposite edge of the cover may be slidably mounted, with respect to the frame portion, on a pair of runners so that, when the cover portion was not in use, the slidably mounted edge of the cover may be slid towards the hinged edge of the cover portion and the vertical sections simultaneously folded so as to store the cover portion along one edge of the Dame portion. Alternatively, the entire cover portion may be slidably mounted with respect to the flame portion to allow it to slide between a first position, covering the aperture to be protected, to a second position wherein the aperture

to be protected was unobstructed, Again, a retaining member may be attached to the wall to fix the cover portion in the aforementioned second position.

It is envisaged that the frame portion may be supplied as a kit of parts comprising a series of separate inter-connectable frame sections, allowing a large number of frames of different sizes and shapes to be constructed to suit a wide variety of different apertures to be protected. The separate frame sections may be fixed together in fluid tight manner using glue for example, though other attachment means will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art.

In the present specification "comprises" means "includes or consists of' and

"comprising" means "including or consisting of".

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or

the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A flood defence device comprising a frame and an impermeable panel section, said frame incorporating a base portion and two posts, the base portion extending substantially in a first plane, the posts extending substantially in a second plane angled with respect to the first plane, an edge of said panel section removably engaging with the two posts and base portion, the panel section also incorporating a peripheral sealing element adjacent said edge, wherein; when the panel section engages with said base portion and two posts, said peripheral sealing element forms a fluid tight seal between said panel section and both the base portion and said two posts.

2. The flood defence device according to Claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of posts positioned on said track and a plurality of panel sections, a panel section removably engaging with each pair of adjacent posts which are connected by said track, said panel sections each incorporating a peripheral sealing element such that when said panel sections engage with said respective pair of adjacent posts, said peripheral sealing element forms a fluid tight seal between said panel section and both the base portion and said two adjacent posts.

3. The flood defence device according to claim 1, wherein said two posts are attached in fluid tight manner to a wall incorporating an aperture to be protected, one post being positioned either side of said aperture, said base portion being in the form of a track projecting outwardly from said first post at a first position below the lower edge of said aperture and joining said second post at a second position below the lower edge of said aperture, an impermeable raft spanning the area enclosed by said track and wall, wherein; when the panel section engages with said track and posts, the panel

section, track, impermeable raft and posts together form a fluid tight barrier preventing passage of fluid through said aperture from the side of the wall on which said device is located.

4. The flood defence device according to claim 3, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of posts positioned on said track and a plurality of panel sections, a panel section removably engaging with each pair of adjacent posts which are connected by said track, said panel sections each incorporating a peripheral sealing element, each peripheral sealing element forming a fluid tight seal between said respective panel section and said respective two adjacent posts, such that, when the panel sections are all engaged with said track and respective two adjacent posts the panel sections, track, impermeable raft and posts together form a fluid tight barrier preventing passage of fluid through said aperture from the side of the wall on which the device is located.

5. The flood defence device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the track is in the boron of a series of track segments attached to, and running between, said posts.

6. The flood defence device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the track is in the fonn of a single continuous track.

7. The flood defence device of any preceding claim, wherein the track lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to said posts.

8. The flood defence device according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel sections are in the form of separate panels.

9. The flood defence device according to claim 8, wherein two opposite edges of said panels slidably engage with grooves in said posts.

1 O. The flood defence device according to claim 9, wherein a third edge of said panel is dimensioned to be retained in a groove in said track.

11. The flood defence device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing element is in the form of a peripheral, inflatable sealing element.

12. The flood defence device according to any preceding claim, wherein Me posts are removable from said base portion.

13. The flood defence device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one post further comprises a stabilising element.

14. The flood defence device according to claim 13, wherein the stabilising element is in the form of a substantially rigid stabilising bar, said stabilising bar being attached at a first end to a position on said post, the opposite end of said stabilising bar abutting said wall.

15. A flood defence device for sealing open ended pipes, comprising a barrier portion and a an elongate portion attached to and extending from the barrier portion, the barrier portion incorporating a peripheral sealing element; wherein the barrier portion and elongate portion can be inserted through the open end of a pipe and orientated within We pipe to allow said peripheral sealing element to form a fluid tight seal against the interior wall of the pipe.

(

16. A flood defence device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is in the form of an inflatable, peripheral sealing element.

17. A flood defence device according to claim 15, wherein the said elongate portion is hollow and, at the end adjacent to said barrier portion, communicates with said inflatable sealing element such that the inflatable sealing element may be inflated by passing air or fluid down through said elongate portion.

18. A flood defence device according to any preceding claim wherein the barrier portion and elongate portion are formed integrally with one another.

19. A flood defence device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate portion is hinged at a point along the length thereof.

20. A flood defence device according to any preceding claim wherein the device further incorporates a retaining element which can be used to fix the orientation of the barrier portion and elongate portion within a pipe.

21. A method of sealing the open end of a toilet using a flood defence device comprising a barrier portion and a substantially rigid elongate portion attached to and extending from the barrier portion, the barrier portion incorporating a peripheral sealing element; wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting the barrier portion and elongate portion through the open end of the toilet and orientating the barrier portion and elongate portion so as to allow said peripheral sealing element from a fluid tight seal against the interior wall of the toilet. 21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the device further incorporates a retaining element in the form of a hook, the hook being engaged with the rim of

! the toilet so as to retain the device in the desired position to allow the peripheral sealing element to seal against the interior wall of the toilet.

22. A flood defence device comprising a frame and a cover, the frame incorporating an aperture and being removably attached to the cover, the cover being dimensioned to span said aperture and incorporating an inflatable sealing element, wherein; when said cover is attached to said frame, said sealing element can be inflated to form a seal around said aperture and the cover and sealing element together form a fluid tight barrier preventing further flow of fluid passing through the aperture. i

23. The flood defence device according to claim 22, wherein said frame is attached in fluid tight manner to a wall incorporating an aperture to be protected, the frame forming a continuous track around said aperture wherein; when said cover is attached to said frame, said sealing element can be inflated to form a continuous seal between said frame and cover around the aperture in said wall, the cover, frame and sealing element together forming a fluid tight barrier to prevent further flow of fluid tending to pass through said aperture.

24. A flood defence device according to claims 22 and 23, wherein said frame and said cover are hingedly attached to one another, a retaining element being attached to a point on said wall to retain said cover when it is not attached to said frame.

25. A flood defence device as disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.