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Flexible Modular Liquid Dam Assembly Having a Magnetic Connection System

a flexible, modular technology, applied in the direction of foundation engineering, construction, marine site engineering, etc., can solve problems such as liquid passage, and achieve the effects of convenient assembly, sufficient weight, and sufficient width

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-03-05
HAPPY MICHAEL M +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a modular liquid dam assembly that can be easily assembled to form a temporary retainer or diverter of varying configurations and dimensions on a substrate surface. The dam members are made of a soft, compressible, flexible, non-rigid polymeric elastomer material that can conform to imperfections in the substrate to provide a better seal. The adjacent dam members are connected with a magnetic connection mechanism or system that maintains them in abutting relationship, which further enhances the connection in conjunction with a mechanical or frictional fit. The technical effect of this invention is an efficient and flexible tool for damming or directing liquid flow on a substrate surface.

Problems solved by technology

While such connection mechanisms may provide better security, they require extra time during assembly of the liquid dam, which may result in passage of liquid.

Method used

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  • Flexible Modular Liquid Dam Assembly Having a Magnetic Connection System
  • Flexible Modular Liquid Dam Assembly Having a Magnetic Connection System

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Embodiment Construction

[0014]The invention in various representative embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. In general the embodiments present a modular liquid dam, dike or barrier assembly comprising a plurality of individual elongated dam members or segments 11 having ends 12 such that multiple dam members 11 can be assembled or abutted in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary retainer or diverter to retain or direct liquid on a substrate surface. The configuration of the ends 12 may be generally flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as shown FIG. 3, or they may be curved or angled in corresponding manner, or they may be formed with interlocking or interfitting three-dimensional mating structures or configurations, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015]The dam members 11 are of sufficient weight and have a base or bottom surface 13, preferably planar, of sufficient width to preclude passage of liquid beneath the dam member 11 when placed onto the subst...

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Abstract

A modular liquid dam comprising a plurality of individual elongated members or segments that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with a magnetic connection system having a magnet disposed within or exposed on the end of at least one adjacent dam member, the other adjacent dam member having a second magnet or metal member disposed within or exposed on its end, such that when the two dam members are abutted, the magnetic connection system maintains the dam members in abutting relationship. Structural mating members providing a mechanical or frictional fit may also be provided in the ends of the dam members to further enhance the connection in conjunction with the magnetic connection mechanism.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 872,201, filed Aug. 30, 2013.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to temporary liquid dams, dikes or barriers to retain or divert liquids on a surface, and more particularly to liquid dam assemblies of modular flexible components.[0003]It is often desirable to retain or divert liquid flows of relatively small depth, such as a few inches, with liquid dams that can be quickly and easily installed as needed, such as for example when pipes burst, liquid containers leak or spills occur, especially indoors. It is well known to provide modular liquid dams that can be assembled as needed, the dams comprising elongated members formed of a generally soft or tacky polymer material (e.g., polyurethane or polyvinylchloride) such that the bottom of the dam members provide sufficient contact with the substrate surface to prevent passage of the liquid under the dam. It is pr...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E02B8/00E02B7/20
CPCE02B7/20E02B8/00E02D19/02
Inventor HAPPY, MICHAEL M.SHAW, MARK D.
Owner HAPPY MICHAEL M