GB2477578A

GB2477578A - A flood barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2477578A
Application number: GB1003287A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Byron Jenkins; Joseph O'brien; Steven Orchard
Original assignee: ADAPTAGLAZE Ltd; FUTURE DEV GROUP
Current assignee: FUTURE DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Priority date: 2010-02-09
Filing date: 2010-02-26
Publication date: 2011-08-10
Also published as: GB201003287D0; WO2011098152A1; IES20100065A2

Abstract

A flood barrier protection apparatus comprising at least one panel (1, 2 Fig 1) having a top portion (1b, 2b Fig 4), bottom portion (1a, 2a Fig 4) and two side portions (1c, 2c, 1d, 2d Fig 4) and a peripheral edge member extending around the top, bottom and side portions of the panel. The peripheral edge member is covered by a first sealing member (5) extending around at least the bottom portion (1a, 2a) and at least a section of each side portion (1c, 2c, 1d, 2d) of the panel (1, 2). The barrier apparatus further comprises at least two support means 70, each support means having panel receiving means in the form of a receiving channel 60 for receiving a side portion (1c, 2c, 1d, 2d) of the panel (1, 2), to form a fluid impregnable seal between the panel (1,2) and the panel receiving means (4). The channel 60 has two side walls 60b, a base wall 60c and a seam member 60d located between the edge of the side wall 60b and the base wall 60c. A channel cover 80 may be provided when the flood barrier is not in use. A method of assembling the barrier is also claimed.

Description

A BARRIER APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a barrier apparatus in particular an apparatus which is used to guard against flooding of buildings.

Floods are caused when areas of land become covered in water. Generally this occurs when a river overflows its banks. Rivers which are prone to flooding are often carefully managed. Defences such as levees, bunds, reservoirs and weirs are used to prevent such rivers from bursting their banks. Flooding can also occur at coastal areas due to a sea surge where the sea can overflow defences such as dykes, sand dunes and so forth. Unfortunately despite this sometimes when severe rainfall occurs these defences are unable to cope, consequently flooding can occur. One of the major physical effects of a flood is that buildings caught in the path of a flood are damaged by rising water levels and become uninhabitable until such a time as the flood waters recede. This in turn creates economical problems as people try to cope with the devastation a flood leaves behind.

Previously methods employed to prevent flood waters from entering buildings include blocking openings with sand bags. More often than not this proved to be an ineffective measure. Sand bags are awkward and heavy to manipulate into position.

Often people, in particular, elderly people are unable to manage these sand bags. If the sand bags are not sufficiently full or indeed if they are not correctly positioned the weight of water can cause them to shift, breaking the seal, thereby allowing water to enter the building. Regardless in most instances where pressurised water is a constant presence, it eventually seeps through the bags allowing water into the building.

GB021196 discloses a flood defence system which comprises a barrier panel adapted to be mounted across the lower part of an opening in a building such as a door or window. The barrier panel is fixed to the external surfaces of the building and is provided with pneumatically expandable means which expand to provide a seal with the opening.

This is a complicated structure that is cumbersome to install and limited to suit particular openings within a building. In effect this system is custom built. As a consequence of this it is expensive to purchase and install.

EP1455046 discloses a flood barrier for protecting an opening in a building. The barrier comprises a frame which supports a linked carrier with a protective disk to plug the opening. The weight of water against the frame presses the disk more firmly in place. A float acts on the linkage to press the disk home as the water rises. Alternatively a piston or cylinder is placed at the frame. The piston or cylinder is operated by a float controlled valve connected to a compressed air bottle which when activated press the disk firmly into place. This is also a complicated structure which is difficult to use in the presence of rising water levels. It is also relatively expensive to purchase and install.

GB 2 449 520 discloses a property guard comprising a curved structure to which a rubber seal is attached. The property guard is directly secured to a property using bolts to provide a barrier against the ingress of water. This system does not work efficiently, water is able to permeate and leak into the property around the rubber seal.

GB 2 381 552 and GB 2 305 453 both disclose a flood protection system comprising a u-shaped frame having side and bottom channels into which a protection screen or panel is placed. The u-shaped frame is permanently attached around at risk window and door frames. The protection screen or panel are placed into the channels only when there is a risk of flooding. GB 2 381 552 further discloses an internally sprung contractible locking bar which allows a user to press the protection screen or panel down towards the bottom channel of the u-shaped frame to achieve a better seal. One of the problems with this design is that the bottom channel of the u-shaped frame is a hazard for persons entering and leaving buildings when permanently attached to a structure during a period when there is no flood risk.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a barrier apparatus that will overcome the problems associated with known flood protection systems and/or barrier apparatus.

It is acknowledged that the term comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning that it may be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components. Accordingly, the term comprise' is to be attributed with as broad an interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when the terms comprised' and/or comprising' are used.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing

description which is given by way of example only.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier apparatus comprising at least one panel in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion, bottom portion and two side portions, the panel comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top portion, bottom portion and side portions of the panel between the opposing surfaces wherein the peripheral edge member is covered by a first sealing member extending around at least the bottom portion and at least a section of each side portion of the panel, the barrier apparatus further comprising at least two support means, each support means having panel receiving means, the panel receiving means comprising a channel form member having a base wall and two side walls and two seam members wherein a first seam member is positioned between a first edge of the base wall and a first edge of a side wall and a second seam member is positioned between a second edge of the base wall and a first edge of the second side wall wherein the second base wall edge opposes the first base wall edge, the channel form member thereby defining a receiving channel for a side portion of the panel, whereby the side portion of the panel engages with the base wall of the receiving channel to form a seal between the panel and the panel receiving means.

In this way the seam members form an angular join member between the base wall and the side walls of the channel form member of the panel receiving means. In a further aspect of the invention, each seam member forms an angle of approximately 30° ± 5° between the base wall and each side wall. It is of course understood that the angle is not strictly 30° but can be within the range of approximately 10° to approximately 90°.

Advantageously the seam member can be formed from any suitable material known to the skilled person. In a preferred embodiment the seam members are integrally formed between the base wall and each side wall such that the components of the channel form member are contiguous to each other thereby forming the receiving channel for the side portion of the panel. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the seam members are welded between the base wall and the at least two side walls to form the angular join member. In yet a further embodiment of the invention the base wall and at least two side walls are joined directly to each other and the at least two seam members are applied over the join line between the base wall and seam members thereby forming the angular join member. Advantageously the seam member or angular join member is formed from any suitable material known to the person skilled in the art and can include for example neoprene®. The advantage of the seam member or angular join member is that an improved seal is formed when the side portion of the panel engages with the base wall of the receiving channel. When the panel is placed into the panel receiving means the sections of the first sealing member brought into contact with the seam member of the receiving channel are forced to compress further than the sections of the first sealing member positioned adjacent the base wall of the receiving member. Consequently a better seal is formed between the panel and the panel receiving means which prevents water from permeating through the sealing member and leaking into the property or dry area.

In a further aspect of the invention, the first sealing member comprises a sealing agent that is malleable which allows the first sealing means to adopt the shape of the surface onto which it is pressed. The advantage of this is that the first sealing member is able to mould itself about the shape of the surface such that it forms a tight seal around any unevenness on the surface thus enabling the first sealing member to form a fluid impregnable seal between the panel and the panel receiving means. Optionally the first sealing member is selected from a group of malleable sealing agents including for example, neoprene®. It is understood that the sealing member is not limited to this example and that any suitable sealing means known to a person skilled in the art could also be used. Conveniently when the first sealing member comprises a malleable seal it is possible for the barrier apparatus to overcome reveals, masonry, dashing and so forth which are often found around openings in buildings or adapt to varying levels on a ground surface.

Optionally in a further aspect of the invention, the barrier apparatus comprises a second sealing member wherein the second sealing member extends along at least a portion of side walls of the channel form members. Ideally the second sealing member also comprises a malleable sealing agent such as, for example, neoprene®.

Advantageously the first and second sealing members are not restricted to this type of sealing agent. Any material known to the person skilled in the art which can be used to form a fluid impregnable seal as required in the system of the invention is suitable for use.

Preferably the sealing members are attached as appropriate to the various component parts of the barrier apparatus to ensure that each sealing member is held securely in place and is fluid impregnable. Conveniently to achieve this in a first embodiment of the invention the sealing members further comprise an adhesive layer positioned on one surface of the sealing member which allows each sealing member to stick to the appropriate part of the system of the invention. Alternatively the sealing members can be held in position by means of a silicon based sealant. It is of course understood that the silicon based sealant can also be used in conjunction with an adhesive layer. Advantageously other means for securing the sealing members to the component parts of the barrier apparatus include fastening means such as, for example, screws.

In a further aspect of the invention the panel receiving means are integrally formed within the support means of the barrier apparatus. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the panel receiving means are mounted on the support means of the barrier apparatus.

In a further aspect of the invention the support means of the barrier apparatus further comprise a removable bracket. Ideally a third sealing member is attached to the side of the bracket remote from the support means. Optionally the removable bracket is securably mountable on an upright parameter of a building, for example, the walls of the building. Other upright parameters include, for example, door or window surrounds.

Preferably the removable bracket and support means have complimentary shaped interlocking portions which enable the support means and bracket to securely engage with each other in a first direction. Conveniently the complimentary shaped interlocking portions enable the removable bracket and support means to slideably engage with each other in a second direction. The advantage of this is that the support means can be easily attached to and removed from the bracket when the bracket is secured to a fixed structure. Preferably the bracket has at least one predrilled fixing hole drilled therein.

This allows a user to secure the bracket to an upright parameter of a building by placing and tightening a screw in position through the fixing hole. Advantageously as the screw is tightened the third sealing member is compressed to form a fluid impregnable seal between the upright parameter of the building and the removable bracket. Optionally, in this way the support means of the barrier apparatus can be permanently attached to an upright structure, for example, the wall of a building if so desired.

An advantage of the barrier apparatus of the invention is that it is readily adaptable to fit any sized opening. Conveniently it can be used to protect many openings in buildings such as windows and doors. A further advantage of the barrier apparatus is that it can be fitted to interior or exterior parameters of the building. Another advantage of the apparatus of the invention is that it is also adaptable to suit any surface.

In a further aspect of the invention, the support means comprises at least two panel receiving means. Advantageously this enables the barrier apparatus to turn corners or to extend the size of the area protected in front of a building. For example, in this way the barrier apparatus can be used to encase bay windows, large commercial doors and riverbanks as desired. Conveniently each panel receiving means on the support means are positioned at any desired angle between 10 and 350 relative to each other. It is preferable that position of each panel receiving means on a support means provides a deflection angle between two adjacent panels. The advantage of this is that it prevents flood water from rolling upwards along the panel and spilling over the top of the barrier system. It is of course understood that two or more panel receiving means can also be positioned perpendicularly to each other on the same support means. Alternatively the panel receiving means are positioned on opposing sides of the support means such that the panel receiving means are approximately 180 apart from each other thus each of the panel receiving means is facing in the opposite direction. Optionally the support means are formed from any suitable material known to a person skilled in the art that will provide sufficient resilience to high pressure fluids, for example aluminium or mild case steel. In a further aspect of the invention the support means further comprises one or more interstitial gaps within the structure of the support means in order to reduce the overall weight of the structure. This ensures that the support means is easy to carry and manipulate particularly for the elderly and infirm. It is of course understood that the number and size of the interstitial gaps is determined by the pressure that the structure must withstand in order for the barrier apparatus to work effectively.

In a further aspect of the invention the barrier apparatus further comprises a closure member. Advantageously the closure member inserts into the channel form member of the panel receiving means when the panel receiving means are not in use thereby covering the channel form member. The closure member in effect disguises the function of the support means. The closure member also has the added advantage of protecting the channel form members of the panel receiving means from the ingress of dirt when the panel is not in position.

In a further aspect of the invention the support member of the barrier apparatus is provided with decorative capping portions. Conveniently a user can select one of many designs to provide a cap which is removably fixed to one end of the support member remote from the ground. Optionally the capping portion can include for example lighting such as solar lights.

In a further aspect of the invention the barrier apparatus comprises a chamber which is sized and shaped to accommodate a section of the support means. The advantage of this is that the chamber is inserted into the ground to form a ground insert portion which provides additional stability to the support means. In an alternative embodiment the ground insert portion can provide sufficient stability and support for the support means without attaching the support means to an upright structure. Conveniently the ground insert portion is placed either into an opening in the ground or alternatively is placed into a retaining structure such as concrete which is sufficiently deep to provide a secure foundation for the support means. In a preferred embodiment the ground insert portion is sized and shaped to provide a resistance fit to the support means thereby providing additional support to the support means. In use, the support means is inserted into the ground insert portion prior to mounting the panel into the panel receiving means.

Optionally the ground insert portion is provided with a cover which closes and protects the opening when the ground insert portion is not in use. Optionally the ground insert portion further comprises means for securing the support post within the ground insert portion thereby preventing unauthorised removal of the support means from the ground insert portion.

In a further aspect of the invention, the chamber or ground insert portion comprises an additional supporting arm. Preferably the supporting arm engages with a planar surface of the panel. Advantageously the supporting arm engages with a planar surface on the side of the panel removed from flood water thereby providing additional support against the pressure of the flood water in the event of a flood.

In a further aspect of the invention, the barrier apparatus comprises a locking mechanism in which the panel is removably secured within the panel receiving means.

Conveniently in one embodiment of the invention the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet system. Ideally both the panel receiving means and the panel further comprise a set of complimentary shaped angular projections in which the complimentary shaped angular projections engage with each other to allow movement in one direction only. It is preferable that the angular projections on either the panel receiving means or the panel are slightly biased towards the angular projections of either the panel receiving means or the panel as appropriate. The advantage of this is that the complimentary shaped angular projections fully engage with each other to provide a simple and secure locking mechanism. The complimentary shaped angular projections are easily disengaged from each other by releasing the bias by appropriate means known to a person skilled in the art. A further advantage of this locking mechanism is that the ratchet system is designed to place and keep downward pressures on the panel thus placing pressure on the first sealing member to form the fluid impregnable seal between the ground and the bottom of the panel.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin which is also designed to place and keep downward pressure on the bottom portion of the panel. Optionally the locking pin is provided with an enlarged gripping mechanism. An additional benefit of the locking pin is that it provides security to the owner/user of the barrier apparatus as it prevents the panels from being lifted out of the panel receiving members.

In a further aspect of the invention, the barrier apparatus comprises securing means wherein the panels and support means are readily adapted to accommodate the securing means. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing means comprises a planar plate member having a projecting arm wherein the projecting arm lies in the same plane as the planar plate member and an opening in the base wall of the channel form member, the planar plate member being resiliently movable within the top peripheral edge member of the panel such that the projecting arm is extendable beyond the edge of the top peripheral edge member to engage with the opening in the base wall of the channel form member. Ideally the top peripheral edge member of the panel is adapted to have an inverted T'-shaped channel into which the securing means can be placed wherein the securing means is resiliently movable within the inverted T'-shaped channel. When in use the planar plate member slides along the inverted T'-shaped channel until the projecting arm extends beyond the edge of the top peripheral edge member. Conveniently in this embodiment of the invention the first sealing member extending around the side portion of the panel has an opening through which the projecting arm of the securing means can extend. Preferably the base wall of the channel form member has an opening through which the projecting arm extends thereby securing the panel and the support means together. Optionally the securing means is fitted with a locking device that can lock the securing means into position.

In a further aspect of the invention, the projecting arm of the securing means and opening on the base wall of the channel form member are slightly offset such that the securing means only becomes aligned with the opening on the base wall of the channel form member when a downward pressure is placed on the top peripheral edge member of the panel. Conveniently when that pressure is removed the securing means and opening on the base wall of the channel form member return to the slightly offset position such that the securing means is retained in position by the pressure exerted by the panel.

Optionally the securing means is hidden from view. Optionally this is achieved by providing a covering for the top peripheral edge member.

In a further aspect of the invention the panels comprise two sizes 1000mm x 600mm and 1000mm x 300mm. Conveniently the structure of the panel is such that it is readily adaptable and easy to make any required size. Accordingly it is understood that the panels are not limited to the aforementioned sizes.

In a further aspect of the invention the panels are formed from standard ribbed reinforced u-pvc. Optionally the panels can be reinforced with any suitable metal known to the person skilled in the art, for example, steel. Preferably the panel has an internal core interposed between the opposing planar surfaces such that the planar surfaces and peripheral edge surround and enclose the internal core. Conveniently in one embodiment of the invention the internal core comprises a lightweight packing material. In a further embodiment of the invention the opposing planar surfaces are composed of a shatterproof reinforced polymer such as for example, cross-linked poly-vinyl chloride (PVC). Optionally in further embodiments of the invention the panel is formed from any suitable material known to the person skilled in the art for example, glass, reinforced glass, transparent polymer materials. Conveniently the panel can have one or more transparent or decorated sections. This enables a user to select a panel of the appropriate type sympathetic to the building in which the barrier apparatus is being installed.

In a further aspect of the invention, the peripheral edge member at the top portion of the panel has a channel into which the sealing member covering the bottom portion of a second or further panel can be placed. Advantageously the channel is designed and shaped such that the sealing member can resiliently fit into the channel forming a water impregnable seal. Optionally the panels can be secured together using the ratchet system or alternatively by means of a pressure clamp.

In use the barrier system blocks an opening of a building when at least one panel is inserted between two support means. Advantageously further panels can be inserted between two support means effectively increasing the height of the panels or distance from ground level of the system used to protect the opening of the building.

In a further aspect of the invention, each bottom panel is fitted with a base fixing unit comprising an L-shaped bracket. Conveniently the L-shaped bracket is attached to the bottom portion of the panel such that the short leg of the bracket is parallel to the ground. Conveniently the short leg of the bracket has a plurality of openings into which securing means are placed. Preferably the securing means are inserted into the ground thereby securing the panel to the ground. The L-shaped bracket is designed to compress the first sealing means further ensuring a water impregnable seal between the first sealing means at the bottom of the panel and the ground. The L-shaped bracket provides further security to the owner/user of the barrier apparatus.

In a further aspect of the invention, the support means are readily adapted to attach to pre-existing fixed support posts such as bollards, fence support members and so forth. Conveniently in this way the panel of the barrier apparatus can be placed in between pre-existing support posts. Accordingly the barrier apparatus of the invention can be easily assembled to provide a protection system which will prevent fluids from entering a building or area. Thus the barrier apparatus can be used in the event of flooding and/or high winds such as hurricanes.

Ideally in a preferred embodiment of the invention the barrier apparatus is able to withstand pressure of at least 800KPa (lOOpsi).

There is also provided a method for assembling the barrier apparatus wherein the system comprises one panel, the method comprising the steps of; a) placing a first support means, comprising at least a first panel receiving channel in position and securing the support means in place, b) placing a first side member of the panel into the receiving channel of the panel receiving means of step a, c) placing a further support means comprising at least a second panel receiving channel in position ensuring that the opposing side member of the panel can placed in the second receiving channel such that the sealing member covering the first side member of the panel is in engagement with the base wall of the first receiving channel of the first support means and the second side member of the panel is in engagement with the base wall of the second receiving channel of the further support means thereby forming a fluid seal between the panel and each panel receiving means, d) removing the panel, e) securing the second support means in place; and f) placing one or more panels into the interstitial space between the panel receiving channel and the second panel receiving channel.

There is further provided a method for assembling the barrier apparatus wherein the system comprises further panels, the method comprising in addition to steps a to f outlined above, the further steps of; g) placing a first side member of a panel into a further receiving channel of the panel receiving means of step b or step c, h) placing a further support means comprising at least a further panel receiving channel in position ensuring that the opposing side member of the panel of step g is placed in the receiving channel of the further panel receiving means mounted on the further support means such that the sealing member covering each side portion of the panel of step g is in engagement with the base wall of each receiving channel thereby forming a seal between the panel of step g and the panel receiving means of step g and the further panel receiving means of step h, i) removing the panel of step h, j) securing the further support means in position and placing one or more panels into the interstitial space formed between the panel receiving means of step g and step h; and k) continuing steps g, h, i and j until a fluid impregnable seal surrounds the area to be protected by the barrier apparatus.

Preferably the sealing members of the panel and the support means are lubricated prior to or during fitting of the barrier apparatus. Optionally the sealing members of the panel and support means can be lubricated each time the barrier apparatus is used. The lubrication also acts as a further seal against ingress of water.

Advantageously the barrier apparatus is easily assembled and dismantled as required. Preferably the support means remain in position once the flood water has receded.

Conveniently the component parts of the panel and the support means are easily and readily replaceable in the event of damage or trauma.

In a further aspect of the invention the panel of the barrier apparatus can also be used to protect air vents. Ideally in this embodiment of the invention at least a portion of a first planar surface of the panel is covered with a sealing member. Preferably a plurality of openings on the opposing planar surface enables the panel to be secured in position by a number of masonry fixings which when tightened compress the sealing member to ensure a water impregnable seal around the air vent. Preferably, the panel protecting the air vent comprises a parallelepiped having a top portion, bottom portion and two side portions, the panel further comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top portion, bottom portion and side portions of the panel between the opposing surfaces wherein one opposing surface is covered by a sealing member.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example only, three embodiments of the barrier apparatus of the invention.

In the drawings; Figure 1 is a front view of the barrier apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective front view of a second embodiment of the barrier apparatus of the invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the second embodiment of the barrier apparatus of Figure 2; Figures 4 and 5 are front views of the panels of the barrier apparatus of the invention; Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view of the support means of the barrier apparatus of Figure 2 without the closure member in position; Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of the support means of Figure 6 with the closure member in position; Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of the support means of the barrier apparatus of Figure 2 with the closure member in position; Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view of the support means of Figure 8 without the closure member in position; Figure 10 is a sectional perspective view of the support means of Figures 8 and 9 with the bracket in position; Figure 11 is an exploded sectional perspective view of the support means of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a sectional perspective view of the closure member of Figures 7, 8, 10 and 11; Figure 13 is a sectional perspective view of the support means of Figure 10 with a decorative cap in position; Figure 14 is a sectional perspective view of a further embodiment of an enlarged barrier apparatus; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a ground insert portion of the second embodiment of the barrier apparatus of the invention; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the support means of the invention; Figure 17 is a partial front view of the barrier apparatus of the invention in position in front of a pre-existing fence; Figure 18 is a partial front view of two panels of the invention secured together by means of a clip mechanism; Figure 19 is an enlarged front view of the clip mechanism of figure 18; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the panel of the invention; Figure 21 is a front view of the second embodiment of the panel of the invention with the slip bolt of the invention; Figure 22 is cross-sectional top view of the slip bolt of the invention in position with the panel and in the support means of the invention; Figure 23 is a front view of the support means of the barrier apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional top view of the support means of Figure 1; Figure 25 is a side view of the support means and panel of the barrier apparatus of figure 1; Figure 26 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the support means of the invention; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the ratchet system of the invention; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the ratchet system of Figure 27; Figure 29 is a perspective view of a first section of the ratchet system of Figure 27; and Figure 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the ratchet system of Figure 27 with a spreader in position in between the first and second sections of the ratchet system.

Referring now to the drawings and specifically to Figures 1, 4, 5 and 23 to 25, in Figure 1 there is shown a first embodiment of the barrier apparatus 10 of the invention.

The barrier apparatus 10 is protecting a door 3 and comprises a first panel 1 and a second panel 2 which are held in place by two support means 7 positioned on opposing sides of the panels 1 and 2. In this embodiment of the invention the first and second panel 1 and 2 are two different sizes; the first panel 1 is 1000mm x 300mm and the second panel 2 is 1000mm x 600mm. The panels 1 and 2 are formed from standard ribbed reinforced u-PVC. Each panel 1, 2 has an internal core (not seen) interposed between the opposing planar surfaces such that the planar surfaces and peripheral edge surround and enclose the internal core. The internal core is composed of a lightweight packing material. The opposing planar surfaces are composed of a shatterproof reinforced polymer such as cross-linked poly-vinyl chloride (PVC).

Each panel has a first sealing memberS attached to the bottom portion la and 2a respectively. Sealing member 5 is also attached to each side portion ic, 2c, id and 2d respectively of the panels 1 and 2.

The door 3 of figure 1 is blocked when the second panel 2 is inserted between two panel receiving means 4. The area blocked by the barrier apparatus 10 is increased by inserting the first panel 1 into the panel receiving means 4 so that it sits on top of the second panel 2. The top portion 2b of panel 2 has a channel (not shown) into which sealing member 5 is placed. The channel is designed and shaped such that sealing member 5 resiliently fits into the channel forming a fluid impregnable seal. The sealing members 5 of the panel and the panel receiving means 4 are lubricated prior to and if necessary during fitting of the barrier apparatus 10.

In this embodiment of the invention each panel receiving means 4 comprises a channel form member 6 mounted on support means 7, the channel form member having two side walls 6a and 6b extending perpendicularly from a base wall 6c positioned intermediate the two side walls 6a and 6b. The channel form member 6 defines a receiving channel which receives the side portion of panel 1 such that sealing member 5 engages with the base wall 6c of the channel form member 6 to form a fluid impregnable seal. The panel receiving means 4 further comprises a second and third sealing member 8 and 9 respectively. The second sealing member 8 extends along at least a portion of an inner surface of each side wall 6a and 6b providing an additional fluid impermeable sealing layer between the panel receiving means 4 and the panels 1 and 2. The third sealing member 9 is attached to support means 7 remote from the channel form member 6. The third sealing member 9 provides a fluid impermeable barrier between the support means 7 and the fixture to which the support means 7 are attached, in this example the wall 3b surrounding door 3. Each of the sealing members 5, 8 and 9 are neoprene® rubber seals.

Panel receiving means 4 has at least one predrilled fixing hole drilled through support means 7. In use the panel receiving means 4 are positioned against a support such as the wall 3b and are secured in place by placing and tightening a screw in position through the pre-drilled fixing hole. As the screw is tightened the third sealing member 9 is compressed to form a fluid impregnable seal between the support means 7 and the wall 3b of the building. The third sealing member 9 is sufficiently malleable to overcome reveals 10, 11 projecting from the surface of the wall 3b.

The panel receiving means 4 are also fitted with a locking pin 12 which is designed to place and keep downward pressure on the bottom portion 2a of the panel 2 which in turn places pressure on the portion of the first sealing member 5 covering the bottom portion 2a of the panel 2 thereby ensuring there is a fluid impregnable seal between the ground and the bottom of the panel 2a. Although the locking pin 12 is shown in use with panel 2 it is understood that the locking pin 12 could be used with any panel. An additional benefit of locking pin 12 is that it is removable from the system and thus provides security to the owner/user of the barrier apparatus 10 as once activated it prevents the panels 1, 2 from being lifted out of the panel receiving means 4.

Panel 2 is further fitted with an L-shaped bracket 13. Conveniently the L-shaped bracket 13 is attached to the bottom portion 2a of the panel 2 such that the short leg 1 3a of the bracket 13 is parallel to the ground. The short leg 13a of the bracket 13 has a plurality of openings (not seen) into which screws are placed to secure the panel 2 to the ground. The L-shaped bracket 13 is designed to compress the first sealing means 5 thereby further ensuring a fluid impregnable seal between the first sealing means 5 at the bottom of the panel 2a and the ground.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a further embodiment 100 of the invention, wherein the barrier apparatus 100 is extended and enlarged to surround features of a building to provide a dry area between the door 3 and the barrier apparatus 100. The panel receiving means 60 are integrally formed within the support means 70.

Enlargement of the area protected by the barrier apparatus 100 is achieved using support means 70 together with a further embodiment of the support means 72, wherein support means 72 have two panel receiving means 60 positioned at an angle relative to each other and are supported by a ground insert 15 (not shown). The position of the panel receiving means 60 relative to each other within support means 72 is carefully chosen in order to provide an adequate deflection angle between two adjacent panels 2. In doing this flood water are prevented from rolling upwards along the panel 2 and spilling over the top of the barrier system 100. The extended version of the barrier apparatus 100 of the invention can also be adapted to surround larger commercial buildings, river banks and so forth.

Referring now specifically to Figures 6 to 13, the panel receiving means 60 are integrally formed within the support means 70. The panel receiving means 60 or channel form member 60 has two seam members 60d positioned between the base wall 60c and the side walls 60a and 60b thereby forming an angular join member between the base wall 60c and the respective side walls 60a and 60b. In this embodiment a first seam member 60d is positioned between a first edge 601 of the base wall 60c and a first edge 603 of side wall 60a. The second seam member 60d is positioned between a second edge 602 of the base wall 60c and a first edge 604 of the second side wall 60b. The seam members 60d form an angle of approximately 30° ± 5° between the base wall 60c and each side wall 60a and 60b. The angular join member or seam member 60d cause the outermost longitudinal edges of the first sealing member 5 to compress further than the inner sections of the first sealing member 5. The inner sections of the first sealing member 5 are defined as the sections of the first sealing member 5 in between the outermost longitudinal edges which are not in contact with the seam members 60d.

Compression of the outermost longitudinal edges of the first sealing member 5 by the seal members 60d provides an improved seal when the side portions ic, 2c, id and 2d of the panel 1 and 2 engages with the base wall 60c of the receiving channel 60.

Also shown Figures 7, 8 and 9a, 9b and 10 is a closure member 80. Closure member 80 inserts into the channel form member of the panel receiving means 60 when the panel receiving means are not in use thereby covering the channel form member. The closure member 80 protects the channel form members of the panel receiving means 60 from the ingress of dirt when the panel 2 is not in position.

Support means 70 further comprises a removable bracket 90. Removable bracket is securably mountable on any suitable upright parameter, for example, the walls of the building. Removable bracket 90 comprises a base portion 90a which has an outwardly projecting portion 91. Support means 70 has a complimentary shaped inwardly projecting portion 92 which is adapted to receive outwardly projecting portion 91. Complimentary shaped portions 91 and 92 each have chamfered edges 91a and 92a which are shaped to allow mutual interconnection of outwardly projecting portion 91 and inwardly projecting portion 92. The complimentary shaped interlocking portions 91 and 92 enable support means 70 and bracket 90 to engage with each other by sliding the inwardly projecting portion 92 of support means 70 over the outwardly projecting portion 91 of the bracket 90.

The advantage of this is that the support means can be easily attached to and removed from the bracket 90 when the bracket 90 is secured to a fixed structure. The support means 70 cannot be removed from the bracket 90 in any other direction.

Support means 70 has a plurality of interstitial gaps 73 within the structure to reduce the overall weight of the structure. This ensures that the barrier apparatus is easy to carry and manipulate particularly for the elderly and infirm. Cap 94 is provided to cover the support means 70 when all of the component parts are in place, for example when the support means 70 is mounted on bracket 90 and either the cover 80 or panels 1 or 2 are in position. Cap 94 is secured to the support means 70 to prevent unauthorised persons from removing any of the component parts. Figure 13 shows an alternate cap 95 for the support means 70 of the invention.

Figure 14 is a partial section of an enlarged barrier apparatus wherein different embodiments of the support means 4, 17, 17d, 17e and 17f are used to extend the area protected by the barrier apparatus of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, where an elongate support means which inserts into an opening in the ground is used to support the panels. A chamber or ground insert portion 15 is positioned within an opening in the ground, an elongate portion of the support means 17 subsequently is placed into the ground insert 15. The ground insert 15 comprises a receptacle having a collar portion, wherein the receptacle is sized and shaped to provide maximum support to the support means 17. The ground insert 15 is provided with a cover 16 which closes and protects the opening when not in use. The collar portion can be secured to the ground by conventional means. In this embodiment of the invention, the support means 17 is provided with a handle 18 to enable the user/operator to manipulate the support means 17 with relative ease. Ground insert portion 15 is also provided with a support arm (not shown) whereby the supporting arm engages with the planar surface of panels 1, 2 to provide additional support to the panel 1, 2.

Figure 17 shows a further embodiment of the invention wherein the support means 5 are readily adapted to attach to pre-existing fixed fence support members 300.

Conveniently the panel 2 of the barrier apparatus is placed in between pre-existing support posts in front of the fence members 301.

Referring now to figures 18 and 19, panels 1 and 2 can also be secured by means of a clamping mechanism 14. Clamping mechanism 14 comprises two sections 14a and 14b, the first section 14a attaches to the first panel 1 whilst the second section 14b attaches to the second panel 2. The sections 14a and 14b are secured and locked together by means of a key inserted into lock 14c.

Referring now to Figures 20 to 22, there is shown an embodiment of the securing means 200 of the invention. Slip bolt comprises a planar plate member 201 having a projecting arm 202 wherein the projecting arm 202 lies in the same plane as the planar plate member 201. The top peripheral edge member 2b of the panel 2 is adapted to have an inverted T'-shaped channel 203 into which the slip bolt 200 is placed. The slip bolt is resiliently slidably movable within the inverted T'-shaped channel 203. In use, the planar plate member 201 slides along the inverted T'-shaped channel 203 until the projecting arm 202 extends beyond the edge of the top peripheral edge member 2b. The first sealing member 5 extending around the side portion 2c of the panel 2 has an opening through which the projecting arm 202 of the slip bolt can extend. The base wall 6c of the channel form member 6 has an opening through which the projecting arm 202 extends thereby securing the panel 2 and the support means 5 together. Slip bolt is fitted with a locking device (not shown) that can lock the slip bolt into position. In one embodiment of the invention the projecting arm 202 of the slip bolt and opening on the base wall 6c of the channel form member 6 are slightly offset such that the slip bolt only becomes aligned with the opening on the base wall 6c of the channel form member when a downward pressure is placed on the top peripheral edge member 2b of the panel 2. When pressure is removed the slip bolt and opening on the base wall of the channel form member 6 return to the slightly offset position such that the slip bolt and opening on the base wall 6c of the channel form member 6 return to the slightly offset position such that the slip bolt is retained in position by the pressure exerted by the panel 2. The slip bolt is easily hidden from view by disguising the top peripheral edge member 26 with a cover (not shown).

Figure 26 shows a further embodiment of the invention wherein the channel form member 60 of the panel receiving means 40 comprises two seam members 60d in between the base wall 60c and the side walls 60a and 60b. The seam members 60d form an angular join member between the base wall 60c and each side wall 60a and 60b wherein the angle is of approximately 30° ± 5° between the base wall and each side wall.

Also shown is a T-member 62 attached to the base wall 60c remote from the side into which panel is placed. The T-member provides anchorage for the panel receiving means in the event that the panel receiving means are placed in the ground.

Referring now to Figures 27 to 29, there is shown an example of the ratchet system 40 of the invention. The ratchet system 40 of the invention provides a method of securing the panels 1, 2 within the barrier apparatus 10, 100. The ratchet system 40 also provides a simple and effective method of compressing or placing a downward pressure on the panels 1, 2 to ensure that a good seal is formed between the panel and the ground by the first sealing member 5. Ratchet system 40 comprises a pair of opposing sections 42 and 44 which are respectively attached to the panel receiving means 60 and the panel 1 or 2 (not shown). Each opposing section 42 and 44 comprises a set of shaped angular projections 46. Each opposing section 42 and 44 are arranged such that when sections 42 and 44 are brought into contact with each other the angular projections 46 engage with each other to allow movement in one direction only. Section 44 is provided with flex joints 47 which bias the angular projections 46 on section 44 towards the angular projections 46 on section 42. The advantage of this is that the complimentary shaped angular projections fully engage with each other to provide a simple and secure locking mechanism. The complimentary shaped angular projections 46 are disengaged from each other by releasing the bias. One of the methods by which the complimentary shaped angular projections 46 are disengaged from each other is by inserting a spreading mechanism 48 into channel 49 on section 42. Spreading mechanism 48 forces the angular projections 46 on each of the sections 42 and 44 to disengage with each other which then allows a user to withdraw the panel 1 or 2 from the panel receiving means 60.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A barrier apparatus (10,100) comprising at least one panel (1,2) in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion (ib, 2b), bottom portion (la, 2a) and two side portions (lc,2cld,2d), the panel comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top portion, bottom portion and side portions of the panel between the opposing surfaces wherein the peripheral edge member is covered by a first sealing member (5) extending around at least the bottom portion and at least a section of each side portion of the panel, the barrier apparatus further comprising at least two support means (7, 17, 70, 72), each support means having panel receiving means (4), the panel receiving means comprising a channel form member (6, 60) having a base wall (6c, 60c) and two side walls (6a, 60a, 6b, 60b) and two seam members (60d) wherein a first seam member (60d) is positioned between a first edge of the base wall (601) and a first edge of a side wall (603) and a second seam member is positioned between a second edge of the base wall (602) and a first edge of the second side wall (604) wherein the second base wall edge opposes the first base wall edge, the channel form member (6, 60) thereby defining a receiving channel for a side portion (ic, 2c id, 2d) of the panel, whereby the side portion (ic, 2c id, 2d),of the panel engages with the base wall (6c, 60c) of the receiving channel to form a seal between the panel (1,2) and the panel receiving means (4).
2. A barrier apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each seam member (60d) forms an angle within a range of approximately 10 to approximately 90 and preferably forms an angle of approximately 30° ± 5° between the base wall and each side wall.
3. A barrier apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein each seam member (60d) is integrally formed between the base wall (60c) and each side wall (60a, 60b) such that the components of the channel form member are contiguous to each other thereby forming the receiving channel for the side portion of the panel (1 c, 2c 1 d, 2d).
4. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the barrier apparatus comprises a second sealing member (8) extending along at least a portion of the side walls (6a, 6b) of the panel receiving means, optionally each of the sealing members comprises a malleable sealing agent which allows each of the sealing member (5, 6) to adopt the shape of the surface onto which it is pressed.
5. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the panel receiving means (60) are integrally formed within the support means (70) of the barrier apparatus.
6. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel receiving means (6) are mounted on the support means (7) of the barrier apparatus.
7. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the support means of the barrier apparatus further comprises a removable bracket (90), optionally the removable bracket further comprises a third sealing member (9) wherein the third sealing member is attached to the side of the bracket remote from the support means (7, 70), optionally the removable bracket (90) and support means (70) have complimentary shaped interlocking portions (91, 92) which enable the support means (70) and bracket (90) to securely engage with each other in a first direction and to slideably engage with each other in a second direction.
8. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the support means (72) comprises at least two panel receiving means (60), optionally the panel receiving means (60) are positioned at any desired angle between 10 and 350 relative to each other such that the position of two panel receiving means (60) on the same support means (72) provides a deflection angle between two adjacent panels (2).
9. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the barrier apparatus further comprises a closure member (80), optionally the support member of the barrier apparatus is provided with decorative capping portions (94, 95).
10. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the barrier apparatus further comprises a chamber (15) which is sized and shaped to accommodate a section of the support means (17), optionally the chamber (15) is sized and shaped to provide a resistance fit to the support means (17) thereby providing additional support to the support means, optionally the chamber (15) further comprises a cover (16), optionally the chamber further comprises a supporting arm whereby the supporting arm engages with a planar surface of the panel (1, 2) thereby providing additional support tothe panel.
11. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the barrier apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism (12, 14, 40) in which the panel is removably secured within the panel receiving means, optionally the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet system (40) wherein the panel receiving means and the panel further comprise a set (42, 44) of complimentary shaped angular projections (46) in which the complimentary shaped angular projections engage with each other to allow movement in one direction only.
12. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims, wherein the barrier apparatus further comprises securing means (200) comprising a planar plate member (201) having a projecting arm (202) wherein the projecting arm lies in the same plane as the planar plate member (201) and an opening in the base wall (6c) of the channel form member, the planar plate member being resiliently movable within the top peripheral edge member (2b) of the panel such that the projecting arm (202) is extendable beyond the edge of the top peripheral edge member to engage with the opening in the base wall of the channel form member, optionally the securing means is fitted with a locking device that can lock the securing means into position, optionally the projecting arm (202) of the planar plate member (201) and opening on the base wall (6c) of the channel form member are slightly offset such that the securing means (200) only becomes aligned with the opening on the base wall (6c) of the channel form member (6) when a downward pressure is placed on the top peripheral edge member of the panel (2).
13. A barrier apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the panels (1,2) are formed from any one of the group comprising standard ribbed reinforced u-pvc, suitable metals, glass, reinforced glass, shatterproof reinforced polymer materials, transparent polymer materials, optionally the panel has an internal core interposed between the opposing planar surfaces such that the planar surfaces and peripheral edge surround and enclose the internal core, optionally the internal core comprises a lightweight packing material, optionally the panel is fitted with a base fixing unit comprising an L-shaped bracket (13).
14. A method for assembling a barrier apparatus comprising at least one panel (1,2) in the form of a parallelepiped having a top portion (1 b, 2b), bottom portion (1 a, 2a) and two side portions (ic, 2c id, 2d), the panel comprising two opposing planar surfaces and a peripheral edge member extending around the top portion, bottom portion and side portions of the panel between the opposing surfaces wherein the peripheral edge member is covered by a first sealing member (5) extending around at least the bottom portion and at least a section of each side portion of the panel, the barrier apparatus further comprising at least two support means (7, 17, 70, 72), each support means having panel receiving means (4), the panel receiving means comprising a channel form member (6, 60) having a base wall (6c, 60c) and two side walls (6a, 60a, 6b, 60b) thereby defining a receiving channel for a side portion (ic, 2c id, 2d) of the panel, whereby the side portion (ic, 2c id, 2d),of the panel engages with the base wall (6c, 60c) of the receiving channel to form a seal between the panel (1,2) and the panel receiving means (4), the method comprising the steps of; a) placing a first support means (7, 17, 70, 72), comprising at least a first panel receiving channel (6, 60) in position and securing the support means in place(7, 17, 70, 72); b) placing a first side member (ic, 2c) of the panel into the receiving channel of the panel receiving means of step a, c) placing a further support means (7, 17, 70, 72), comprising at least a second panel receiving channel in position ensuring that the opposing side member (1 d, 2d) of the panel can placed in the second receiving channel such that the sealing member covering the first side member of the panel is in engagement with the base wall of the first receiving channel of the first support means and the second side member of the panel is in engagement with the base wall of the second receiving channel of the further support means thereby forming a fluid seal between the panel and each panel receiving means, d) removing the panel (1, 2) e) securing the second support means in place; and f) placing one or more panels into the interstitial space between the panel receiving channel (6, 60) and the second panel receiving channel (6, 60)
15. A method for assembling a barrier apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 comprising the further steps of; g) placing a first side member of a panel into a further receiving channel of the panel receiving means of step b or step c, h) placing a further support means comprising at least a further panel receiving channel (6, 60) in position ensuring that the opposing side member of the panel of step g is placed in the receiving channel of the further panel receiving means mounted on the further support means such that the sealing member covering each side portion of the panel of step g is in engagement with the base wall of each receiving channel thereby forming a seal between the panel of step g and the panel receiving means of step g and the further panel receiving means of step h, i) removing the panel (1, 2) of step h, j) securing the further support means in position and placing one or more panels into the interstitial space formed between the panel receiving means of step g and step h; and k) continuing steps g, h, i and j until a fluid impregnable seal surrounds the area to be protected by the barrier apparatus, optionally the sealing members of the panel and the support means are lubricated prior to or during assembly of the barrier apparatus.
16. A barrier apparatus as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
17. A method for assembling a barrier apparatus as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.