Flood defence barriers and methods of erecting flood defence barriers

Abstract

A temporary flood defense barrier suitable for at least partially surrounding a structure, the barrier comprises a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen being fixed to and extending from a surface of the base; wherein the barrier is formed by connecting at least two of said sections together along their adjacent edges; the number of sections being dependent on the size and shape of the structure to be surrounded.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United Kingdom National Patent Application Serial No. GB1502270.0, filed Feb. 11, 2015, for “Flood Defense Barriers and Methods of Erecting Flood Defense Barriers.”TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates generally to flood defense barriers and methods of erecting flood defense barriers, and in particular to temporary flood defense barriers and methods of erecting temporary flood defense barriers.BACKGROUND[0003]The closest prior art known to the applicant is the use of sandbags as a temporary flood defense system, wherein sandbags are arranged around the periphery of a building or are concentrated at the doorways of a property in order to prevent floodwater from reaching the interior of the property. A sandbag barrier is typically comprised of multiple bags made of plastics material which are filled with sand and arranged beside and on top of one another adjacent a property susceptible to flooding.[0004...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]This method is particularly advantageous because it provides a straightforward and quick method of erecting a flood defense barrier without the requirement for additional infrastructure. The substantially waterproof connections between each section prevent floodwater from contacting the exterior or interior of a structure. The method also improves the ease of use to a user so that the barrier can be assembled (and disassembled) without training or professional assistance.

Problems solved by technology

An improperly arranged sandbag barrier will only offer a minimal flood defense and will not ultimately prevent floodwater from entering a property.

This requires the time and effort of trained people such as the armed and / or emergency forces and therefore, where flooding is occurring in an area which isn't prepared and trained, the effectiveness of sandbags is minimal.

Moreover, the construction of a sandbag barrier requires someone with plenty of strength.

It is therefore difficult or impossible for the less able or elderly to protect their properties where flash-flooding is occurring or where help cannot be offered, i.e. in an emergency or remote location.

A further disadvantage of the closest prior art is that when floodwater comes into contact with the outer brickwork of a building, the brickwork can be damaged.

Therefore, even though sandbags will provide some protection to a building, lasting damage may still be incurred even where floodwater does reach the building's exterior and / or interior.

Furthermore, it can also be difficult to dispose of sandbags once they have been used.

First, the plastic used for the bags can be damaged by ultraviolet light once left out in the sun.

This can cause the bags to split, making the disposal of the contained sand difficult.

Additionally, if water has breached any of the bags, the bags could be contaminated by hazardous materials carried by the floodwater.

Improper disposal onto a garden or public area can, in extreme cases, increase the spread of illness and infection, for example, if contaminated sand enters an open wound.

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