flood barriers

Abstract

To provide flood barriers.SOLUTION: Between floating panels located at sides of a basement, a wall which does not obscure the view of the horizontal ground level is placed in the basement. The wall is configured to be passively rotated up from within the basement to an upright position by one or two of the panels located at sides when the panels rotate and float upward to form a barrier against water entering a location occupied by the wall, basement and panels. When flood waters subside, the wall passively descends and the horizontal ground level is no longer obscured. Provision is made for the removal of flood-caused debris from the basement, allowing the wall to be repeatedly operated after a reoccurrence of a flood.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to flood barriers for preventing flooding and improvements on land when water rises from an adjacent body of water. [Background technology]

[0002] New York City was built directly on the water's edge. It is a coastal city surrounded by water on all sides. With 578 miles of coastal waterfront, all of that waterfront poses New York City's greatest threat. This was particularly evident on October 29 and 30, 2012, when Tropical Storm Sandy stunned the city, pounding New York City, its suburbs, and Long Island. The storm surge, intensified by a storm surge, reached approximately 14 feet above mean low tide. It overtopped the seawalls and bulkheads that border Manhattan and other waterfront boroughs, flooding buildings, subway and car tunnels, damaging electrical equipment, killing at least 48 people, and effectively shutting down the city. The city was flooded with 1.2 billion gallons of water, including raw and partially treated sewage. The storm surge dumped 700,000 tons of debris on the city, making it the worst natural disaster in the city's history. Damage and economic losses across New York City are estimated at at least $33 billion.

[0003] Climate change will continue to raise sea levels throughout the century, making storms more intense. New York City is in hurricane zone, and the potential for other major storms is very high. So saltwater is inevitably coming.

[0004] Sandy flooded 51 square miles, or 17% of New York City. With sea levels predicted to rise 6 feet by the turn of the century, water 6 feet higher than what Sandy brought would cover 100 square miles, or one-third of the city, making parts of the city uninhabitable. This is not a local issue. New York City is a center of banking, finance, technology, arts, and media. It is home to more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere else on Earth. What happens in New York City has global implications.

[0005] New York City is not alone in facing this threat of flooding: other major coastal metropolitan areas, including Miami, Florida; London, England; Tokyo, Japan; and Shanghai, China, are also at high risk from rising sea levels, Miami at least from hurricanes, and Tokyo and Shanghai at least from typhoons.

[0006] Solutions for seawalls, such as the "Big-U" proposed for New York City, call for the permanent erection of high fabricated steel or concrete walls or levees along seawalls and bulkheads to prevent storm surges and other rising floodwaters. However, such erections could permanently block desirable ground-level views of the surrounding waterscape and impede access to the water. Such solutions are opposed by many citizens. Permanent walls and other fortress-style defensive barriers surrounding New York City could make the walled city feel more like a prison than a residential area. Furthermore, due at least in part to the zero-line roads and buildings constructed along the bulkheads and seawalls, surface and elevated roads and buildings along the seawalls or bulkheads may leave insufficient horizontal or vertical space for permanent fixed walls or levees. Even without zero-line structures, there may be no space to install levees. Levees are typically required to be twice as wide as they are high.

[0007] While New York and other similarly situated coastal cities undoubtedly need solutions to maintain their viability from the ocean, solutions that do not wall off the city and do not permanently obstruct the attractive water views provided by the surrounding waters are desirable. Such solutions have been proposed in the past. U.S. Patent No. 9,279,224, by the inventor of the present invention, describes a passive, self-erecting system that includes floating panels that rotate upward between adjacent permanent end walls across the coastline to form a flood barrier. Pieces of floating panels can be joined side-by-side to effectively form a single long panel, or a single long floating panel that is not formed from joined panel pieces can be used. If the row of joined panels is too long, or if the single panel between the end walls is too long, the panels will be subject to torsional torques exerted by varying water levels and tides from the action of water along the length of the panels, which can adversely affect the service life and effectiveness of the barrier. End walls adjacent to a series of connected panel pieces, or laterally adjacent to a single long panel not formed of connected panel pieces, are spaced apart so that the combined length of such panel pieces or the length of the single long panel is not sufficient to impart such torque forces to the panel. While these permanently erected end walls across the shoreline do not obstruct ground-level views of the water as much as surrounding permanent fabricated steel or concrete walls or dikes, the laterally permanently erected end walls of U.S. Patent No. 9,279,224 do not provide a complete avoidance of view obstruction.

[0008] Other attempts have been made to prevent floodwater intrusion. U.S. Patent No. 4,377,352 describes a passive water containment barrier along a riverbank using flexible sheets laid in the water between floating supports. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,338,594 and 6,514,011 describe raising a floating wall from a basement where water is pumped, causing the wall to float vertically upward. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,725,326 and 7,744,310 describe using rising rainwater to fill a basement and cause the wall to float vertically upward over a dike or bulkhead. U.S. Patent No. 7,033,112 describes using a folded metal wall in a dike containment space that workers can unfold and lock into place. U.S. Patent Publication 2007 / 0189854 describes manually erecting balanced planks for flood protection, with gaps between the planks filled by boards inserted into channels on the sides of the planks. U.S. Patent Publication 2017 / 0175352 describes a board walkway for dual use as a flood control barrier, where the board walkway runs parallel to the coastline and can be erected by a motor acting on a geared hinge shaft to which the coast-most plank is attached. All of these latter solutions have structural and other engineering limitations that make them inapplicable to ground-level defenses on land to prevent flooding of large areas throughout a city.

[0009] Additionally, US Pat. No. 9,458,588 to the inventor of the present invention describes a system for actively lifting a floating panel. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The invention described herein provides a linear flood barrier solution that provides protection from dangerous urban storm surge flooding when floodwaters inevitably reach the coast, while ensuring unobstructed views of the waterscape. This solution can also be used in riverside cities and towns where melting snow or heavy rains flowing into the river can cause the river to overflow its banks and flood adjacent land.

[0011] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, in some embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which illustrate, by way of example, non-limiting embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. In the drawings and description, like or corresponding parts are designated throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, or variations of that numeral. Not all reference numerals appear in all drawings, so that drawings do not necessarily refer to the same elements in other drawings. At least one drawing includes a reference numeral to indicate an element. Certain features of the invention are illustrated in somewhat schematic form, and in some drawings, some details of elements shown in other drawings are omitted for clarity. The description will now be made with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a basement with raisable walls laterally bordered by connecting panels forming a single effective panel. The land to be protected from flooding is to the left of the observer, and the flood is coming from the right of the observer. [Figure 2] 2 is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the device of FIG. 1, this is the side from which the flood comes. [Figure 3] This is the same view as Figure 2, showing an example of a wall that is rising in a rotational fashion from the basement with floating connecting panels on one side of the wall rising against floodwater (water is not shown but is understood to be behind the rising panels). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing a further layer of detail of a wall that is pivotally raised from the basement by a floating connecting panel on one side of the wall. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a laterally adjacent panel that pivotally engages an extension of the elevatable wall and a moving wiper seal connected to a side portion of the panel that seals against the contact surface of the elevatable wall. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the left side of the rising wall of FIG. 3 with the left side of the basement removed to reveal the entire rising wall and the interior of the basement. [Figure 7] 1, showing the elevation of the connecting panels and walls shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 8] From a perspective view of FIG. 3, a wall is shown with the connecting panel fully raised and the wall on one side of the wall, with floodwaters behind the fully raised connecting panel. [Figure 9] From a perspective view in Figure 7, on one side of the wall, the connecting panels and wall are shown fully elevated, with the protected land to the observer's left in front of the elevated panels. [Figure 10] In the perspective views of Figures 3 and 8, the second connecting panel is shown rising and continuing to the wall already risen. [Figure 11] In the perspective views of FIGS. 1 and 7, the lifting of the second connecting panel is shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 4 shows the wall fully elevated and both fully elevated lateral adjacent connecting panels from the perspective view of FIG. 3. [Figure 13] 7 shows a fully elevated wall and both fully elevated lateral adjacent connecting panels from the perspective of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is the same perspective view as FIG. 3, showing the connecting panel being raised by the powered lifting mechanism on one side of the rising wall. [Figure 15] 4 is the same perspective view as FIG. 3, showing the connecting panel being raised by the powered lifting mechanism on the other side of the rising wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, a series of adjacent flood barrier assemblies are arrayed on land adjacent the waterfront shoreline to provide an unobstructed view to the water, and a continuous vertical barrier that is self-erecting, optionally mechanically erectable, and can extend over long distances against potential flooding storms to prevent flooding of land on the dry side of the barrier, thus eliminating the need for high, view-obstructing fabricated steel or concrete walls or embankments to provide flood protection against storm surges and other rising floodwaters.

[0014] The specific details described herein, including those set forth in the Abstract, are in all cases non-limiting descriptions and illustrations of embodiments that represent specific ways in which the inventive concepts may be practiced. This serves to teach those skilled in the art how to use the present invention in substantially any appropriately detailed system, structure, or method consistent with these concepts. References throughout this specification to an "exemplary embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the use of the phrase "exemplary embodiment" or similar language in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions to the specific described embodiments and the details of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, as may be useful according to a particular application, one or more elements shown in the drawings may further be implemented in a separate or integrated manner, or removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases. It should be understood that many different embodiments may be constructed within the scope of the inventive concepts described herein and in the exemplary embodiments detailed herein, and that this detail is to be construed as illustrative and not as limiting the invention to that shown and described herein.

[0015] The various directions used in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, such as "upper," "lower," "rear," "front," "normal," "vertical," "upright," "horizontal," "length," "lateral," "proximal," and "distal," are defined solely for ease of explanation in connection with the drawings. The concepts of the present invention are embodied in the exemplary embodiments detailed herein, and components may be oriented in different positions while performing the same function and achieving the same results. Such terms should not be understood as limiting the concepts exemplified by the embodiments. The terms "horizontal" or "horizontally" include, but are not limited to, literal horizontality and generally mean not deviating from level with respect to the adjacent, generally level ground to an extent that would not significantly adversely affect the function of the element described as horizontal. Similarly, the terms "vertical" or "upright" include, but are not limited to, literal verticality and generally mean a substantial degree of elevation or elevation relative to the immediately adjacent ground that would not significantly adversely affect the function of the element described as vertical or upright.

[0016] As used herein, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," "having," "having" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, an apparatus containing a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." That is, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "or" is generally intended to mean "and / or." For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A being present and B not being present; A being absent and B being present; and both A and B being present.

[0017] As used herein, the use of the terms "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprises" (or its equivalents "having" or "including") in the claims and / or specification may mean "one," but is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," or "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the terms "connected to" or "connected to" mean connected either directly or through intermediate elements.

[0018] Unlike the permanently standing wall of U.S. Patent No. 9,279,224, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a wall placed in a lowered position between laterally adjacent, rising panels that does not obstruct the view of the horizontal ground level. The wall is configured to be passively rotated up from the lowered position to an upright position by one or both of the laterally adjacent panels as the panels rotate upward to form a barrier against floodwaters entering the area where the wall and panels are located. When the floodwaters recede, the wall passively lowers, once again providing an unobstructed view of the horizontal ground level.

[0019] More specifically, one or more walls rotate about an axis and rise from a lowered position to an upright position. Each of the one or more walls is located between a pair of laterally adjacent flood barrier panels that are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the wall and riseable from a lowered position to an upright position. The laterally adjacent panels may be multiple panel pieces connected to effectively form a single long panel, or may be a single long panel that is not formed of connected panel pieces. The one or more walls are configured to be raised by one or both laterally adjacent panels in the same direction as the panel rises when one or both of the laterally adjacent panels rise, and to be lowered after the last of the laterally adjacent panels lowers. In the lowered position, the one or more walls and panels do not obstruct a view of the horizontal ground level.

[0020] "One or more" as a descriptor of an elevatable wall laterally adjacent to a panel means at least a single unit of elevatable wall laterally adjacent to the panel, or a plurality of units including a single elevatable wall laterally adjacent to the panel. In such a plurality, a panel laterally adjacent to an elevatable wall may be laterally adjacent to another elevatable wall. That is, a single panel (multiple panel pieces joined to effectively form a single long panel, or alternatively, a single long panel not formed by joined panels) may be interspersed between two spaced apart elevatable walls and elevate both walls.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a basement for each of the one or more walls, each basement receiving a razor wall rotated to a lowered position. In an exemplary embodiment of such a basement, the basement includes spaced apart, parallel vertical side walls connected by at least a rear end portion and a bottom end portion, with an opening above the side walls through which the wall rises, and a volume below the opening and between the basement side walls above the bottom end portion to receive the lowered wall.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, the laterally adjacent panels are buoyant and rise with an increase in water level. Optionally, or as a supplement, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus include a panel lifting mechanism operatively associated with each panel.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, each laterally adjacent panel carries a seal that seals against an adjacent contact surface of one of the one or more walls as and after the one or more walls are raised. The seal continues to seal between one of the one or more walls and the panel while the one or more walls are lowered. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the seal is a moving seal. The seal may allow differential movement between the panel and the wall. One embodiment of the seal includes a wiper seal. In an embodiment of the apparatus, each of the one or more upstanding walls has a contact surface that has the same height, and optionally the same width, as the upstanding panel adjacent to the wall.

[0024] A problem with any basement is the gradual accumulation of debris within the basement. Often, the barrier wall and panel assembly blocks dirty mud and debris-laden water on one side of the barrier. When the water recedes, mud and other debris from the ground can remain at the foot of the assembly. The mud and other debris can enter the basement while the wall is being raised or when the wall is lowered. Debris buildup can interfere with the rotational movement of the wall into and out of the basement. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the basement opening is laterally adjacent to a seal to prevent debris from entering the basement. The effectiveness of the seal laterally adjacent to the opening is not affected by the accumulation of debris below it, but too much debris in the basement below the wall can prevent the wall from fully lowering into the basement. In an exemplary embodiment, provisions are made to flush debris from the basement and clean the basement after floodwaters recede, allowing the wall to be lowered into the basement without nuisance. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) an inlet adjacent the basement, a conduit from the inlet to the basement for receiving wash water from the inlet, and (b) a basement outlet located separate from the inlet, which flows into a conduit terminating in a discharge outlet and empties the wash water toward a waste discharge area. In an exemplary embodiment, the wash discharge is accomplished with a vacuum assist at the discharge outlet.

[0025] In an embodiment of the device, one or more rotationally liftable and lowerable walls have vertical sides and a top end with an extension that extends beyond the sides. A panel laterally adjacent to the wall is engageable with the extension to rotate and lift the wall when at least one panel is rotated and lifted. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall extension is above the basement opening when the wall is in the basement. The vertical sides of the one or more walls have a shape that fits within the basement, such as a square or a square with one corner removed (partial triangle). However, preferably, the side of the one or more walls has a shape, from top to bottom, that describes at least a plane of space through which the side edges of the laterally adjacent panels that are elevated traverse. More specifically, the side of the one or more walls has a shape that describes at least a plane through which the side edges of the panels pass. In one embodiment, this shape is any shape that is a quadrant or larger. In other words, the shape of the vertical side of the wall can be any shape as long as it at least covers the arc traveled by the moving lateral edge of the panel.

[0026] Referring first to Figures 1-15, an exemplary apparatus includes a flood barrier assembly 12 for installation on land adjacent the shoreline of a waterfront. In Figure 1, the waterfront side of the land (the "wet side") is designated by reference numeral 11, and the side of the land to be protected from flooding (the "dry side") is designated by reference numeral 13.

[0027] Each assembly 12 includes a vault 14 located below the land surface 15. Each vault has vertical, spaced, parallel sidewalls 16 aligned at an imaginary projected intersecting angle to the coastline. The sidewalls 16 are connected at a rear end portion 18 and a bottom end portion 20. The vault has an opening 22 above the laterally adjacent sidewall with a seal 23 to prevent surface debris from entering the vault 14. A plurality of support pans 24 are located in or above the ground on either side of the opening 22 in the vault 14.

[0028] The embodiment shown in the drawings refers to multiple panel pieces 25 connected by fastening connectors 27, such that in this connected state, the multiple panel members effectively operate as a single unit panel 26. Alternatively, a single panel 26 may be a very long panel, e.g., 100 feet (approximately 30.5 m), and rather than being formed of multiple connected panel pieces 25, may be the only panel between spaced apart basements 14 and between the liftable walls 64 contained within the basements 14. While the drawings show only connected panels functioning together as a single panel 26, the use of the term panel also contemplates a single, very long panel 26.

[0029] The plurality of rotatably liftable and lowerable panels 26 includes interlocking panel segments 25 each positioned in a lowered position on the support basin 24. Each panel segment 25 includes a top surface 28, a bottom surface 30, a front end 32, a rear end 34, and side segments 36, which are aligned at an imaginary projected intersection angle with the coastline that is substantially the same as the imaginary angle of the sidewall 16 of the basement 14. The panel segments 25 have an overall length extending from the rear panel segment end 34 to the front panel segment end 32. Each panel segment 25, i.e., each active panel 26, is hingedly rotatable at the rear panel end 34 about a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation 38 to rotate upward from the support basin 24 to an upright, raised position. When the connected panel pieces 25 are in a lowered position within their support pans 24, the upper surface 28 of each active panel 26 may be disposed approximately horizontally relative to the ground surface of the land, and may optionally provide an over-trafficking surface when the panel 26 is within the support pan 24.

[0030] The panel pieces 25 may be formed from a plurality of repeating unit assemblies, each comprising a hollow tube 40, such as a straight-section tube, welded together along its entire length, e.g., by stitch welding. The panel pieces 25, i.e., panels 26, are held vertically against the hydrostatic pressure of water at the bottom surface 30 of the panel 26 by a tension member 80. The tension member 80 includes a foldable tension member retaining arm 42 pivotally attached to a panel anchor plate 44. The retaining arm 42 is anchored to a dish anchor plate 46 at the bottom of the support dish 24. The retaining arm 42 has a single upper portion with a slot formed below the upper portion and two lower portions connected to the upper portion by pins that pass through the slots in the upper portion. A plurality of support beams 48 are secured to the bottom surface 30 of each panel piece 25 from the rear end 34 to the front end 32. The support beams 48 stiffen the panel pieces 25 or panels 26 and help the panels 26 withstand vertical weight when in a horizontal position within the support pan 24. This allows the panels to optionally perform an over-trafficking function, such as allowing pedestrians or vehicles to pass over the panels 26. The support pan 24 includes a pan drain leading to an exit 52.

[0031] In FIGS. 1-15, the panels are buoyant and passively rotate upward about first axis of rotation 38 to float when the water level rises above the surface of the land on the wet side 11 where the support basin 24 is located. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the panels 26 may include a panel lifting mechanism, generally designated 54, operatively associated with each panel. More specifically, a lifting arm 56 having a rear and a front portion is disposed beneath each panel perpendicular to the panel's first axis of rotation 38 and is pivotally supported above the support basin 24 from a substantially horizontal third axis of rotation 58 parallel to the first axis of rotation 38. A powered drive 60 is fixedly attached to the support basin 24. A driven member 62 has a base connected to the drive 60 and a distal end connected to the rear of the lifting arm 56. When the drives 60 are actuated, the rear of the lifting arm 56 is pulled forward and the front of the lifting arm 56 rotates upward about the third pivot 58, thereby rotating and lifting the panel 26 upward about the first pivot 38 to a raised, upright position. A control for the drives 60 of each panel 26 operates that panel's drive in a predetermined configuration.

[0032] 14 and 15, the front ends of the lifting arms 56 are not connected to the bottom surface 30 of the panel 26. The front ends of the lifting arms 56 have a low-friction scraping surface 63 secured thereto, and the bottom surface 30 of the panel 26, where the front ends of the lifting arms 56 contact the panel during lifting, has a low-friction scraping surface 63 secured thereto. The scraping surface reduces frictional contact between the front ends of the lifting arms 56 and the bottom surface 30 of the panel, thereby facilitating lifting while protecting the bottom surface 30 of the panel from being damaged by the unconnected front ends of the lifting arms 56.

[0033] In the event of a power loss that disables the lifting mechanism 54 that actively raises the panel, the panel can still be passively raised. The floating configuration is particularly helpful if a power loss occurs when the panel is partially, but not fully, raised. The water contained behind the partially raised panel causes the pan to float and hydrostatically continues the lift, closing the panel in its fully upright position. This closure is possible because the front of the lifting arm 56 is not connected to the bottom surface 30 of the panel 26. If the panel 26 were connected to the front of the lifting arm 56, this connection would hold the unpowered panel at less than the full lift position, preventing full lift and / or hydrostatic lift.

[0034] The rotatably raisable and lowerable wall 64 has vertical side surfaces 66 with exposed contact surfaces 68, a top end 70 with horizontal extensions 72, 72' extending beyond the side surfaces 66, and a rear end 74. The wall 64 is in the lowered position within the basement 14. The wall 64 is hingedly rotatable about a substantially horizontal second axis of rotation 76 adjacent the rear end 74 of the wall 64 and the top of the rear end portion 18 of the basement 14. The second axis of rotation 76 is substantially parallel (including strictly parallel and / or essentially or strictly coincident) with the first axis of rotation 38. The wall 64 is rotatable about the second axis of rotation 76 through the opening 22 to an upright, raised position. The basement opening 22 is laterally adjacent a seal 23 to prevent debris from entering the basement.

[0035] Panels 26 adjacent to wall 64 engage extensions 72 and / or 72' on top end 70 of wall 64, causing wall 64 to rotate and lift when at least one panel 26 rotates and lifts off at least one support basin 24. Referring to FIG. 5, which shows an exemplary embodiment of one means for engaging panel 26 with extension 72 or 72' (extension 72 in the illustrated example), attachment member 67 attaches a moving wiper seal 78 to panel 26. Moving wiper seal 78 provides sealing contact with contact surface 68 of wall 64. As panel 26 lifts, attachment member 67 further engages extension 72, causing wall 26 to lift from its position within basement 14. In other embodiments, attachment member 67 may be further down on side portion 36 of panel 26, and extensions 72, 72' may extend across top surface 28 of panel 26. The configuration of structures on the side portion 36 or top surface 28 of the panel 26 that engage the extensions 72 and / or 72' may be different for other types (sizes / mounting groups, etc.) of panels.

[0036] 5, the wiper seal 78 has a forward wiping side 79 and a rear pressure side 81. Hydrostatic pressure from water trapped behind the bottom surface 30 of the panel 26 presses the rear pressure side 81 of the wiper seal 78 against the contact surface 68 (69) of the wall 64, thereby providing a positive seal against inundated floodwaters that might otherwise infiltrate between the panel 26 and the wall 64.

[0037] The contact surface 68 of the upstanding raised wall 64 has a shape from an apex 70 to an aft end 74 that describes at least a plane in the space intersected by adjacent panels. In the embodiment of Figures 1-15, this shape is a quadrant.

[0038] When the panels 26 and walls 64 are raised to their upright, raised position, the multiple flood barrier assemblies 12 combine to provide a continuous water barrier that prevents flooding on the dry side 13 of land facing the top surfaces 28 of the panels 26. Flooded water is contained behind the bottom surfaces 30 of the panels 26 on the wet side 11 of land.

[0039] Means are provided in basement 14 for flushing debris into the basement as the walls pivot in and out of the basement. An inlet 82 is located adjacent front side 21 of basement 14. In the exemplary embodiment, inlet 82 is covered by a lid 84. A passageway 86 (corresponding to a conduit) extends from inlet 82 to front side 21 of basement 14, and lid 84 is opened to drain flush water directed to inlet 82. A bottom outlet 88 at rear end portion 18 of basement 14 opens into an upwardly extending passageway 90 (corresponding to a conduit), which terminates in a top outlet 92 (corresponding to a discharge outlet) adjacent above rear end portion 18 of basement 14 for drainage of flush water from the basement. In the exemplary embodiment, cover 94 is placed over top outlet 92, and drainage occurs when cover 94 is opened. In the exemplary embodiment, the upwardly extending passage 90 is curved in cross section to improve thorough cleaning, as corners are difficult to thoroughly clean. The passage 86 widens toward the basement 14, and the outlet 88 narrows toward the upwardly extending passage 90, exerting even greater scrubbing force. To further increase scrubbing force, the basement may be installed with a vacuum (vacuum assisted) at the top outlet 92.

[0040] The disclosed subject matter is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention. The present invention is not limited or restricted in terms of the above detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, but rather is to be determined in the broadest scope permitted by law and with the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[Claim 1] An apparatus comprising a plurality of flood barrier assemblies arranged on land adjacent to a waterfront shoreline, each assembly including one or more walls, each of said walls including vertical sides having an intersection angle when imaginarily projected onto said coastline, said walls being rotatable about an axis and being liftable from a lowered position to an upright position; each of the one or more walls is located between a pair of laterally adjacent flood barrier panels and is not attached to the pair of laterally adjacent flood barrier panels, the pair of laterally adjacent flood barrier panels being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the side portions of the wall and liftable from a lowered position to an upright position; one or more of the walls are configured to be raised by one or both of the laterally adjacent panels in the same direction as the panel is raised when one or both of the laterally adjacent panels are raised, and to be lowered after the last of the laterally adjacent panels is lowered; The apparatus, wherein each panel carries a seal that seals against adjacent contacting surfaces of one or more of the walls to provide a seal between the panel and one or more of the walls.

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