GB2451286A - Inflatable flood defence system - Google Patents

Abstract

The inflatable flood defence system is an easily portable tubular system for commercial and domestic use. Designed in different heights, depths and weights, the tubes can be easily laid in any flood situation to protect life, property and/or re-direct the water flow. The system is laid in position in a deflated flat pack style in the location that is required to be protected, using a mechanical reel from the back of a truck for commercial use, or by hand in domestic situations. Once in place, and where required, attachments such as 90-degree bends and T-joints are connected to allow the barrier to be shaped around obstacles. Once laid in place the tubes are sealed and inflated by pumping water into them to form the flood barrier. The cross section of each tube has a flat base to allow efficient sealing with the surface on which the barrier is located. Because the system uses natural sources of water for inflation, and when deflated the water can be expelled back into the rivers or storm drains, it is environmentally friendly.

Description

Description

Inflatable Flood Defence System (known as IFoD) This invention was designed after flooding problems in the United Kingdom in recent years, and evolved around a concept of an easy to use, operate and practical system for the commercial and private sectors.

The IF0D is a flexible system that solves the problem of protecting towns and properties from floods, and assists in re-directing flood water away from these areas.

The system uses inflatable tubes of varying sizes, which are laid out along the areas prone to flooding from a mechanical tube laying reel on the back of a flat bed truck in a deflated flat pack condition for large systems, or by hand for private dwelling systems. If the tubes need to be extended, or needs to go around a 90 degree angle, or needs to branch out in a T junction, then adaptors and other tubes can be fitted by a strong industrial size zip. These would all be connected before inflation Once they are in place, the tubes are then inflated by pumping water into them, using the natural sources from the areas that are likely to flood. The weight of the water then holds the tubes in position to form a line of defence. The bottom of the tube is flat and therefore will form a seal to the ground, moulding itself to the contours of its base The different sizes of tube are necessary as there will be different flood depths in different areas. The deeper the water the higher the tube will be required, likewise the stronger the current from a river the wider the tube will be required to hold the pressure.

Once the floods have subsided, and it has been decided that there is no further risk, then the tubes can be deflated by releasing the water back into the rivers, canals or drainage systems. The tubes are then mechanically wound back onto the reels on the trucks for storage.

If the tubes are used to secure homes, then these can be rolled up and stored by hand as they would be considerably smaller that the industrial size tubes. * 4 2.

Drawings Drawing One: Single Tube (will vary in height and width) This shows a cross section of a tube. You will see the flat bottom, and the inlet I outlet vatve.

The flat bottom Will allow stability of the tube, and allow it to mould itself to the terrain of the ground, forming a seal.

The inlet I outlet tube is where the water wit I be pumped in and out to inflate and deflate tubes. * *.* * * en. S... * S S...

* S S... * S *5 5 * S. * S.

S * S5 * *. 3.

Drawings Drawing Two: Double Tube (will vary in height and width) This drawing shows a sample of a tube where the height is necessary because of the predicted depth of flood.

The bottom tube is bigger to give stability.

The flat bottom will allow stability of the tube, and aNow it to mould itself to the terrain of the ground, formIng a seal.

The inlet I outlet tube is where the water will be pumped in and out to inflate and deflate the tube. S. * . * SSS *.*. * S S... S... * . I...

S 5.... * S

IS S * 5I * S. S. * * S. I S. 4.

Drawings Drawing Three: Showing joint of two tubes This shows the method of how two tubes are connected together using an industrial style zip (figure 1) This also shows a 90-degree angle attached to a tube either side (figure 2) This also shows a T Joint attached to tubes at each junction (figure 3) *1 * *I* I... * * * **. **** * * I... * * ** * * ** * S. ** S * S. * *s S.

Drawings Drawing four: Showing laying of system in commercial use.

This diagram shows how the tubes would be laid In commercial use, for

example: Councils.

You will see that a tiuck is used to Jay it our before inflation and it would collect it after use. The mechanical reel could be place on any flat back truck.

(figure 1) * **. 0*S* * * S... * S S.,.

S

* S.. .5 * 5 0

S S. S * I. * S. S. * * I. $ ..

Drawings Drawing Five: Showing an aerial view of how tubes can be used to protect a river bank and divert water away from a protected area, in this case a house.

(figure 1) Drawing Six: Showing how the system can be used to fully protect a dwelling.

(figure 2) * .** *... ***1 **** * S �SIS

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* S SSSS * * S. S * S. * 55 S. S * .. S. Claim

Claims (1)

1. Inflatable Ftood Defence System (known as IF0D) The Inflatable Flood Defence System is a portable strong protective system against floodwater.

   The main features of this system are: It is made of strong hardwearing, long lasting, flexible canvas type material It is portable and can be used in different locations.

   It can be quickly and easy positioned when required in an emergency.

   It can be connected to make longer lengths and can go around different angles.

   It uses the natural source of the potential flood (water) to inflate.

   When deflating the water can be expelled into rivers or drains, making it environmentally friendly.

   The different sizes allow this to be used on different size floods (commercial I private) Can be used to protect property and life.

   Can be used to direct water away from endangered locations.