GB2507648A

GB2507648A - Height adjustable hingedly connectable sectional flood barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2507648A
Application number: GB201316776A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Mulvihill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-23
Filing date: 2012-10-23
Publication date: 2014-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-23
Also published as: GB2507265B; GB201316776D0; GB201218990D0; GB2507265A; GB2507648B

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a liquid retention device comprising: a braced frame mountable on foundations in a plurality of locations, in which said device comprises a base section and at least one upstanding support, 5 and in which said brace further comprises height-adjusting means for adjusting the height of said frame, and in which said device further comprises a face supported by said frame, in which said face is inclined at an angle to the at least one upstanding support, wherein said face is covered by a least one detachable mat. The device can be assembled with a plurality of like devices to form a liquid retention system, adjacent devices are hingedly connected.

Description

A FLUID RETENTION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fluid retention device, more particularly but not exclusively a fluid retention device for flood waters.

Background

Flooding is a considerable risk to many places around the world. In particular as large amounts of housing have been built in areas previously designated as flood plains, creating large numbers of properties that are at considerable risk should there be a significant influx of water.

In addition to this weather extremes often mean that unprecedented events such as deluges of rain will happen at some point and some studies suggest such incidents are on the rise in the UK. Although a permanent flood prevention structure may not be necessary, temporary structures are required so as to be able to mitigate potential risks.

Traditionally sand bags are a common means of creating a reliable temporary barrier.

However, access to these may be limited and the amount available may not be sufficient for a sudden demand. Also if larger areas are to be protected such as riversides such means may not be practical.

Permanent structures such as barrier walls may be put in place, however such means are costly to input and typically are not wanted for potential risks such atypical year flood risks, but instead only for recurring and known risks.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with water defence systems and by providing a temporary quick to construct barrier that may be adjusted in situ.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted German patent DE 102 008 009 519 (KESSELS et al) discloses a barrier i.e. flood protective wall, that has multiple columns arranged in a longitudinal direction of the barrier in a distributed and spaced to each other manner, where the columns support a flexible waterproof membrane. The columns are anchored in earth. The membrane has an edge strip that extends over an entire length of the barrier. The edge strip is attached to the earth in a sealing and load-carrying manner. The columns are fixedly connected with the waterproof membrane and anchored in the earth about a swivel axis in a rotatable and articulated manner. The membrane is made of a plastic or natural rubber material such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber, where a reinforcement filler contains a glass fibre, plastic fibre! or metal wires.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 423 110 (DURRANCE) discloses a flood defence barrier comprising: a body having a convex surface for facing flood water and a concave surface for facing the interior of a building, the convex surface being bounded by a pair of generally parallel side edges; and a base in the form of a flange joined at its leading edge to the body and extended from the body in the direction towards the interior of the building.

Granted United States patent US 7 997 828 (RIJLAARSDAM) discloses a retaining wall device, comprising at least a first retaining wall member and a support for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge of the first retaining wall member is designed at least partially corresponding to the second longitudinal edge for connection by the tilting or rotary motion.

German patent application DE 3 527 100 (DER ERFINDER) discloses a device for protection against high-water consisting of a supporting frame anchored to the ground and at least one flexible material web holding back high-water, which flexible material web has a sealing strip at each of its longitudinal sides and is coated with a water-impermeable plastics coating. This coated material web consists of a woven or non-woven fabric provided with a layer of plastic or elastomer and has in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction a tear propagation resistance of at least 100 daN and a maximum tensile force of at least 600 daN/5 cm. As a result of these high values, folding at the edges and thus the formation of concentrated loads can be effectively suppressed.

In contrast the present invention provides a solid dependable and adaptable means of preventing movement of flood water in particular.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a liquid retention device comprising: a braced frame mountable on foundations in a plurality of locations, in which said device comprises a base section and at least one upstanding support, and in which said brace further comprises height-adjusting means for adjusting the height of said frame, and in which said device further comprises a face supported by said frame, in which said face is inclined at an angle to the at least one upstanding support, wherein said face is covered by a least one detachable mat.

More particularly the device forms part of a system comprising: a plurality of adjustable frames, each frame being arranged to accept at least one barrier, at least one barrier arranged to tit within a frame and arranged in use to extend into the ground; at least one adjustable brace to support the at least one barrier and the plurality of frames; a plurality of foundations arranged in use to secure the frames to the ground; at least one extendable mat; and a plurality of clamps arranged to secure the at least one extendable mat to a frame; wherein at least one frame is arranged to be interconnected to another frame by a hinge.

In preferred embodiments the foundations are spikes driven or screwed into the ground. Preferably the foundations are self-tapping screw-threads or augers that may be drilled into the ground so as to provide secure grounding for the frame without requirement for concrete or similar setting solution. Such augurs are ideally a designed to displace, compact and/or grip the ground as they are screwed, and consequently provide secure vertical foundations with disinclination to tip or move horizontally.

In other embodiments, such as where the ground is formed from hard solids such as rock, holes may be predrilled before insertion of the foundation.

Most preferably the frame has a square or rectangular shaped base section. The foundations may be included at each coiner. It is envisaged that the size of the foundations is proportional to the device size, and potential amount of liquid to be held or retained.

Ideally each foundation includes a bracket that is secured to the frame once the foundation has been positioned in the ground wherein at least one, preferably two, aftachment means for example screws or pins are used to connect the bracket to the frame. Preferably the frame may include pre-drilled holes to accept the attachment means for example screws or pins.

In some embodiments a plurality of pre-drilled holes for brackets may be provided by the frame so that the frame may be adjusted in use after the foundations have been positioned in the ground, by repositioning where the bracket attaches to the brace, for example if the water level rises.

In preferred embodiments the frame has a generally square or rectangular cross-section. The frame may have a base section with upstanding supports extending from the base section. The upstanding supports may provide a generally square or rectangular support section. The height of the frame, for example the height of the upstanding supports, may be adjustable so as to provide the water defence system relevant to anticipated water level. Jacking and/or telescopic parts may be provided.

Preferably the frame is formed from a strong, durable, load bearing material such as metal, for example steel. Ideally the metal is treated so as to prevent corrosion for example the frame may be galvanised.

In preferred embodiments the frame is formed of two layers, for example the upstanding supports of the frame may be formed of two layers, a front support and a back support so that the frame, for example the upstanding supports of the frame, provide at least one channel shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the barrier. The barrier may be slotted between the frame layers so that the frame supports the barrier. For example, the edges of the barrier may be slofted into the channels provided by the upstanding supports of the frame so that the frame supports the barrier. Typically the two layers are similar or identical being joined parallel to one another with a slot to accept the barriers. The frame thereby in preferred embodiments enables a multi-layer, flexible arrangement adaptable for accommodation of flowing water, able to be arranged to accommodate and limit flow through the device and a plurality of said devices. The frames in plural combination provide further flexibility with parts arrangeable to prevent flow of water even between frames.

Ideally the barriers slots between the front and back layers. The barrier is preferably planar and traverses the frame's height, extending into the ground, thereby providing structural strength against the fluid or flood water. Such barriers may also be used between frames.

Typically the barriers are formed from strong, durable materials such as synthetic plastics such as high density polyethylene (HDEP), sheet material, Larsen piles or treated timber. Ideally the barrier are interlocking so as to make the device water resistant or impermeable. Preferably the barriers may link by tongue and groove means thereby allowing the barriers to be slotted in alongside one another between the layers.

Insertion of the barriers into the frame creates the device, that will assist in preventing passage of water. In some embodiments the tongue and groove portion of the foundations may include a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicone so reduce likelihood of water ingress.

Preferably the frame base section and upstanding supports are comprised from square tubular portions. This enables the barrier(s) to fit flush to the frame when slotted into the frame. The height of the upstanding supports may be adjusted by a height adjustment means as necessary depending on the depth of the water the device is to retain. Ideally the frame upstanding supports are screw jack poles that may be extended and retracted to alter frame height. Preferably the device height is variable being variable from not less than 1 m and to typically no greater than 1 3m.

In preferred embodiments the frame is variably or adjustably supported by a brace so as to enable the device to bear weight on the face. Preferably the brace includes a strut extending parallel to the frame base and in which the strut cooperates with an angled portion so as to join the horizontal strut to the frame upstanding supports or face, thereby forming a triangular arrangement.

Ideally the strut joins the angled portion by means of a hinge and/or the triangular arrangement and wherein in addition or the alternative both the strut and portion are adjustable, typically such as being screw jack poles. Both said strut and said angled portion are ideally provided with structurally strengthened internal or external screwthread adjustment means.

Ideally the brace includes a stress bearing section which acts to improve load bearing properties of the brace enabling dimensions of the brace and frame to be adjusted without requirement for additional parts.

Preferably such stress bearing section is an inverted triangle or triangular shaped arrangement in use, positioned between the frame upstanding supports or face and the angled portion and combining with the strut so as to typically form the brace. The stress bearing section has two weight bearing plates leading from the strut and angled portion and supporting the frame and brace with a link joining both plates to form and join the triangle.

Advantageously so as to provide adjustment or variation of the frame the stress bearing section may be adjustable, wherein the two plates may be hinged together so as to alter plate angles. In order to accommodate altered angles the third link is adjustable in length wherein the link has a plurality of settings so that length may be changed to accommodate altered angles.

Typically length of the third link may be changed by repositioning where on the third link the link attaches to the plates. Preferably the link is formed of two strips, attached to each side of the plates. The strips may be fixedly attached by a pivot one end and removably attached to the strips' distal end. Ideally each strip includes a plurality of apertures which may be aligned with an aperture on the plate side and then held in position by a pin.

Preferably only the plate accepting the angled portion is adjustable so as to allow the angled portion to always be accepted perpendicular to the platform, yet permit the strut to be at different heights.

In some embodiments the stress-bearing section may be a hinged block attached to the frame upstanding supports that may pivot so as to accept the brace or remainder of the brace at various angles.

It is envisaged that the location of the stress-bearing section may be changed. For example, in some embodiments the stress-bearing section may be positioned between the horizontal strut and angled portion.

In preferred embodiments the frame upstanding supports may include a plurality of projections that are dimensioned to be received within apertures in the mat. The mats are preferably flexible! durable heavy duty rubber sheets typically sized to cover the wall frame thereby providing a continuous shield over the device or frame.

The apertures in the mat enable it to be positioned over the projections of the frame and hung over the device so as to form a shield. It is envisaged there may be a holding system so as to hold the mat in place on the projection, preventing the mat from lifting off such as a cap or cross section bolt that may be screwed into the projection.

Preferably the frame may also house clamps which assist in holding the piles in position and may also act to receive a secondary flexible cover along the frame length preventing lifting of the cover. In particular where one frame may be joined to another creating a corner the clamps may shape and secure the cover so as create a watertight seal.

Ideally one cover may distally attach to another so as to increasing the length of the mailing if the frame height is increased, It is envisaged that the covers may include tongue and grooved areas so as to join one mat to another either side by side or in parallel to increase length.

Preferably one frame may join to another frame by means of hinges thereby enabling creation of a longer device, for example to span a river wall and wherein the extendable plates may span gaps between the frames. Alternatively the device may be connected at angles so as to form a closed unit to hold water, for example a pond or pool.

It is envisaged that the system may be available in numerous sizes depending upon volume of water to be held back. Ideally all parts may be scaled up or down so as to accommodate situations and/or locations where the system may be used.

Biief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device from rear; Figure 2 shows a view from beneath of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view from behind of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a view from a side of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a view from in front of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a detail view of a preferred embodiment of a stress-bearing section; Figures 9 show rear views of a system of more than one of the frames as shown in Figure 1; And Figure 10 shows a rear view of the system of Figure 9.

Detailed Description of Ficiures

The pictured embodiment as shown in Figure 1 has a liquid retention device comprising: a braced frame comprising a base section and upstanding supports. The frame is mountable on foundations 2 in a plurality of locations. The height of the frame is arranged to be adjusted by height-adjusting means. The device further comprises a face 8 supported by said frame. The face 8 is inclined at an angle to the upstanding supports. The face 8 is covered by a detachable mat 7.

The upstanding supports of the frame provide channels arranged to receive barrier 5.

The mat 7provides apertures dimensioned to receive and engage fastener studs 11.

The mat 7 is fastened to the face 8 by fastener studs 11 which pass through apertures in the mat 7.

The face 8 is braced by the brace 3, which comprises an adjustable angled portion 4, and adjustable strut 9.

In the pictured embodiment the adjustable angled portion 4 ends at a plate 12 which combines with the link 13 and plate 12 to form the stress-bearing section 10, which is in direct communication with the face 8. In other embodiments a second strut 9 may be intermediate between the face 8 and angled portion 4.

The angled portion 4 interfaces with the strut 9 at a hinge 6.

With reference to Figure 9 the cover 14 includes a flexible bottom portion 15 and intermediate extenders 16 and is formed in rubber or flexible plastics.

With reference to Figure 10 the cover 14 sits in the channels 50 for the barriers 5.

Said channel 50 includes a plurality of grips to hold both the barriers and cover 14.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A liquid retention device comprising: a braced frame mountable on foundations in a plurality of locations, in which said device comprises a base section and at least one upstanding support, and in which said brace further comprises height-adjusting means for adjusting the height of said frame, and in which said device further comprises a face supported by said frame, in which said face is inclined at an angle to the at least one upstanding support, wherein said face is covered by a least one detachable mat.
2. A liquid retention device according to claim 1 wherein the frame is variably or adjustably supported by a brace so as to enable the device to bear weight on the face.
3. A liquid retention device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a stress bearing section with a cross sectional profile of an inverted triangle is positioned between the face and an angled portion so as to form the brace.
4. A liquid retention device with reference to the figures.
5. A system of retaining flood waters using a plurality of devices according to the preceding claims. -12Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A liquid retention system comprising: a plurality of liquid retention devices each comprising a braced frame supporting a detachable mat (7) covering a face (6) supported by the frame to bear the weight of liquid and an angled portion (4) to brace the frame and a base section from which extends at least one extendable upstanding support so that the braced frame is height-adjustable, wherein the braced frame is mountable on foundations (2) in a plurality of locations and joined to another braced frame by a hinge.2. A liquid retention system according to claim I wherein the liquid devices are connected to create a long wall.3. A liquid retention system according to claim I wherein the liquid retention devices are connected at angles so as to form a closed unit to hold a pool of the liquid.4. A liquid retention system according to any preceding claim comprising a flexible cover secured where the braced frames are joined so as to form a watertight cover.5. A liquid retention system according to any preceding claim wherein the foundations (2) are concrete free. * . * * *.* ** ** * * S * * ** * * * S 0 0