Improvements in and relating to flood barriers

Abstract

A flood barrier (10) for a doorway comprising a main panel (12) for blocking at least a portion of a doorway when the panel is mounted therein, a compressible resilient seal (30) being provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the main panel (12) to extend at least along the bottom edge and opposed side edges of the panel to engage at least a lower portion of a doorway when the panel is fitted therein, and wherein the main panel (12) comprises at least one extendable panel (22,24) adapted to be moved outwardly and inwardly from the main panel to vary the overall width of the flood barrier; an actuating means being provided for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) towards and away from the main panel (12) to enable the flood barrier to be expanded in a transverse direction to allow the flood barrier to be fitted to a doorway with the seal (30) in tight contact with the bottom and at least a portion of the sides of the doorway, said seal (30) comprises at least one inflatable chamber whereby the seal may be inflated with air or another fluid to form a watertight seal against the doorway in which the barrier is fitted characterised in that the actuating means comprising a jacking mechanism (100) for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) inwardly toward the main panel (12) or outwardly from the main panel (12) characterised in that, the jacking mechanism comprises a lever (135) which is moveable between a first position in which the jacking mechanism (100) is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly and a second position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel (12) and wherein said jacking mechanism has an operating handle (110) for operating by a user.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FLOOD BARRIERS

[0001] This invention relates to an improved flood barrier for use in a doorway or opening of a building; and relates, in particular, to improvements concerning means for operating a flood barrier of the type with moveable side panels.

[0002] Many buildings are located in areas that are prone to flooding. Climate change is leading to increasing rain fall levels and rising sea levels. This is causing increasing numbers of properties to become at risk from flooding.

[0003] Flooding can lead to severe damage to the contents of a property and to the structure of the building. An increased incidence in flooding in recent years has resulted in increasing insurance premiums and, in areas that are particularly prone to flooding or which have previously been subject of an insurance claim for flood damage, a refusal by insurance companies to offer flood insurance. This can lead to difficulties in selling a property and a severe fall in property values.

[0004] Herein, we will refer to a doorway by way of example of an entrance to a property but it is to be understood that the flood protection barrier of the present invention can be used at any entrance to a property where flood waters could enter the property.

[0005] Traditionally, the action taken when flooding threatens a property has been to build a barrier of sandbags at each doorway. Even if the materials necessary for building a sandbag barrier are to hand, process of building such a barrier involves a lot of heavy lifting and is particularly time consuming. Often a warning of potential flooding may not be given in sufficient time to enable sufficient sandbags to be obtained and for barriers to be erected. A further disadvantage of traditional sandbag barriers is that sand is porous therefore, whilst it may provide temporary protection from flooding where the flooding lasts only a short time, such barriers are not effective when flooding persists for a long period of time.

[0006] Other attempts to provide a more permanent, reliable and easier to use barrier for preventing flood water from entering a property via a doorway have typically required the permanent fitment of a channels or guides to the doorway for receiving a gate or panel to provide a water tight barrier across at least a lower part of the doorway to provide an adequate seal around the doorway. Examples of such known barriers are shown in GB 2 114 199 and GB 2 254 639 . Such permanently fitted channels are prone to damage during normal use of the doorway, may create an undesirable barrier or lip around a lower region of the doorway and may be considered unsightly. Also, it is necessary to fit such channels and other barrier fittings to the doorway before a risk of flooding arises. Thereforethe fitting of such barrier requires considerable advance planning. US 2003 / 102637 , W02004 / 106692 and US 7523589 show examples of such prior art flood barriers.

[0007] The present invention relates to an improved flood barrier and in particular, an improved Flood barrier having an improved ratchet mechanism for use in the Flood barriers of the type disclosed in the Applicant’s granted European patent No.EP2607601 B1 and in the Applicant’s co-pending UK Patent Application No. GB 2316510.3 relating to an improved flood barrier and in the Applicant’s co-pending International Patent Application No. International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2024 / 080439 entitled “IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO A FLOOD PROTECTION BARRIER AND A FLOOD PROTECTION BARRIER MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM”.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] Features of the present invention are claimed in the appended Claims.

[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a flood barrier of the present invention, for use in a doorway or other opening in a building, as claimed in the appended Claims. The flood barrier includes a jacking mechanism according to the present invention wherein the jacking mechanism comprises a specifically designed ratchet including a lever (or the lever may also be considered as a switch) and the lever is moveable between a first position in which the ratchet is operable to extend extendable panels of the flood barrier and a second position in which the ratchet is operable to retract the extendable panels back in towards a central panel section of the flood barrier.

[0010] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides flood barrier (10) for a doorway comprising a main panel (12) for blocking at least a portion of a doorway when the panel is mounted therein, a compressible resilient seal (30) being provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the main panel (12) to extend at least along the bottom edge and opposed side edges of the panel to engage at least a lower portion of a doorway when the panel is fitted therein, and wherein the main panel (12) comprises at least one extendable panel (22,24) adapted to be moved outwardly and inwardly from the main panel to vary the overall width of the flood barrier; an actuating means being provided for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) towards and away from the main panel (12) to enable the flood barrier to be expanded in a transverse direction to allow the flood barrier to be fitted to a doorway with the seal (30) in tight contact with the bottom and at least a portion of the sides of the doorway, said seal (30) comprises at least one inflatable chamber whereby the seal may be inflated with air or another fluid to form a watertight seal against the doorway in which the barrier is fitted characterised in that the actuating means comprising a jacking mechanism for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24)inwardly toward the main panel (12) or outwardly from the main panel (12) characterised in that the jacking mechanism comprises a lever which is moveable between a first position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly and a second position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel (12) and wherein said jacking mechanism has an operating handle (110) for operating by a user.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention has the advantage that it provides an improved jacking mechanism for telescopically extending at least one extendable panel out of the main / central panel member so as to fit the flood barrier into a doorway or window opening in a sealing engagement.

[0012] Preferably, the jacking mechanism is mounted on the central panel section between the first and second side panel sections of the barrier and is configured for telescopically extending the first and second side panel sections out of the central panel section to fit the barrier into a doorway or window opening in a sealing engagement within the doorway or window opening.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier includes a pump for inflating said at least one inflatable chamber of the seal. Preferably said pump is mounted on the barrier, preferably to be located behind a front or outer skin of the panel. A pressure gauge may be provided for displaying the pressure of air or liquid contained within the seal.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, said at least one inflatable chamber comprises an inflatable tube or elongate member located within a channel formed around at least the bottom and opposed side edges of the panel whereby inflation of the seal causes the seal to extend from said channel to engage the sides of the doorway within which the barrier is fitted.

[0015] In one embodiment the seal further comprises a layer of conformable material, such as silicone rubber or other suitably malleable material, provided around an outermost side of the at least one inflatable chamber to be located between the at least one inflatable chamber and the doorway, such layer readily conforming to the shape of the sides of the doorway when the at least one inflatable chamber is inflated to provide an enhanced water tight seal, particularly when the barrier is fitted within a doorway having an uneven surface, such as brickwork. Preferably said conformable material comprises a relatively soft elastic material, such material being urged into contact with the sides of a doorway when the at least one inflatable chamber is inflated, said material returning to its original size and shape once the at least one inflatable chamber is deflated.

[0016] Preferably, the panel comprises at least two parts adapted to be moved towards and away from each other to vary the overall width of the panel, an actuating means being provided for moving said panel parts towards and away from each other to enable the panel to be expanded in a transverse direction to allow the panel to be fitted to a doorway with the seal in tight contact with the bottom and at least a portion of the sides of the doorway. In a preferred embodiment, said panel comprises a central section and first and second side sections extending from opposite sides of the central section. Preferably said central section is defined by front and rear skins, said first and second sections being telescopically mounted between said front and rear skins of the central section. A waterproof seal, such as an elastomeric gasket, may be provided between each of the first and second side sections and the central section to prevent leakage therebetween.

[0017] Where the seal comprises at least one inflatable chamber, movement of the at least two parts of the panel away from one another may cause the side portions of the seal adjacent the sides of the doorway to be compressed, increasing the pressure within the at least one inflatable chamber and causing the lower portion of the seal to expand and / or press against the bottom of the doorway to enhance the seal between the barrier and the doorway. Where the seal comprises more than one inflatable chamber preferably all of the inflatable chambers are linked so that air or fluid can pass between said chambers.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flood protection barrier for use in an entrance to a property, for example, a doorway, the flood protection barrier comprising: a body panel having at least one edge for engaging a portion of an entrance to a property; at least one extension panel extending from said body panel and having at least one edge for engaging another portion of said entrance; at least one inflatable seal extending around said portions of said body panel and said extension panel that engage the entrance; at least one inflation device for inflating said inflatable seal with a fluid to provide, in use, an inflated seal for sealing the flood protection barrier in the entrance; at least one pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of said fluid in said inflated seal and for generating pressure data; and at least one data transmitter for periodically transmitting said pressure data to a remote receiver having an associated alarm system for alerting a user to a drop in pressure in said inflatable seal below a predetermined pressure level characterised in that the flood barrier comprises an actuating means comprising a jacking mechanism for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) outwardly from the main panel (12) and inwardly toward themain panel (12) characterised in that the jacking mechanism comprises a lever which is moveable between a first position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly and a second position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel (12).Preferably, the jacking mechanism comprises an operating handle (110) for operating by a user.In a preferred embodiment, the jacking mechanism comprises a ratchet including a ratchet mechanism having teeth and the lever is engageable with the teeth. Preferably, the lever is moveable between a first position in which the ratchet is operable to extend extendable panels of the flood barrier and a second position in which the ratchet is operable to retract the extendable panels back in towards a central panel section of the flood barrier and when the lever is in the first position, the lever engages with the teeth to lock the lever in the first position and similarly, when the lever is in the second position, the lever engages with the teeth of the ratchet mechanism to lock the lever in the second position, whereby in the first position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier outwardly to extend the extendable side panels outwardly and whereby in the second position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier inwardly to retract the extendable side panels inwardly towards the central panel of the flood barrier.

[0019] Preferably, the fluid comprises a gas and more preferably, the gas may comprise a combination of gases, wherein most preferably, the gas comprise air. However, the gas may also comprise a gas such as carbon dioxide.

[0020] The flood protection barrier of the present invention comprising a transmitter, which transmits data regarding the pressure of the inflatable seal, offers several advantages. By transmitting the pressure of the seal, the user will be made aware of a risk that the flood barrier is at risk of allowing water into the premises / building if there is a decrease in pressure in the inflated seal indicating that the seal is beginning to deflate.The user can, therefore, take prompt action and reinflate the seal, reinforcing the barrier between the building and the flood waters before any flood related damage could occur.

[0021] When a building has multiple entrances, the user will have to provide a flood protection barrier at each entrance which would require installing multiple flood barriers at times of risk from flooding or during a flood. The transmitter will be able to provide realtime updates on the pressure status of all the flood protection barriers of the present invention, while in operation. Thus, eliminating the need for the user to periodically inspect each barrier and ensure that the pressure remains at the required level. Furthermore, inthe event that a user needs to evacuate a building equipped with flood protection barriers, they can do so without the necessity of returning to the site or navigating through potentially hazardous conditions. Additionally, the inclusion of the transmitter simplifies the continuing management of flood protection but also ensures that user can exit the flooded area and move to safety.

[0022] In addition, the real-time pressure monitoring system and transmitter offers a secondary benefit of maintaining a comprehensive log of the usage of each respective flood protection barrier. This log of data provides users with a historical record of when the flood barriers have been deployed. By having a detailed log, the user can supply data including when the barriers were deployed in a house or business during a flood. This data may be required for example, by an insurance company. The data would be used to verify that a property owner or business had invested in a flood barrier protective device and that it was used during a particular storm or flood. This verification could benefit the user by gaining a potential reduction in their insurance costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flood barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the side panels are in a fully extended configuration;

[0025] Figure 1a is a further perspective view of the flood barrier of Figure 1 (in which the side panels are in a fully extended configuration) but with the rear panel removed so as to show the improved jacking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the improved jacking mechanism in use on the Flood barrier of Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 is a further perspective view of the improved jacking mechanism in use on the Flood barrier of Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the improved jacking mechanism in use on the Flood barrier of Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the jacking mechanism, shown by itself, removed from the flood barrier and showing the lever of the jacking mechanism in the downward position, in which the jacking mechanism is configured for moving the panels inwards into the retracted position (out of the extended position of the panels which is shown in Figure 1):

[0030] Figure 6 is a side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a further side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 5;

[0032] Figure 8 is a plan view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 5;

[0033] Figure 9 is a side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 5;

[0034] Figure 10 is plan view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 5;

[0035] Figure 11 is a plan view from above of the jacking mechanism;

[0036] Figure 12 is a plan view from below of the jacking mechanism;

[0037] Figure 13 a perspective view of the jacking mechanism showing the lever of the jacking mechanism in the up position in which with the jacking mechanism is configured for moving the panels outwardly into the extended position as shown in Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 14 is a side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0039] Figure 15 is a further side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0040] Figure 16 is a plan view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0041] Figure 17 is a side view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0042] Figure 18 is plan view of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0043] Figure 19 is a plan view from above of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0044] Figure 20 is a plan view from below of the jacking mechanism of Figure 13;

[0045] Figure 21 is a cross sectional enlarged view of the encircled portion A shown in Figure 21a and showing the jacking mechanism including rod 46 showing a first rod member and a second rod member with a gap separating the first rod member and the second rod member; and with the first rod member and second rod member secured within the ratchet head functioning as a housing within which the respective ends of the first rod member and second rod member are enclosed; and

[0046] Figure 21 a is a cross sectional view of the jacking mechanism along the line A-A;

[0047] Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the jacking mechanism; and

[0048] Figure 23 is an exploded view of the ratchet including handle of the jacking mechanism shown in Figure 22.

[0049] As illustrated in the drawings, a flood barrier 10 including the jacking mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention is shown, the flood barrier 10 comprises a generally rectangular panel forming a barrier in the bottom part of an openingor entrance or doorway or window to prevent the ingress of floodwater into a building. The jacking mechanism of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 100 and is included in the flood barrier 10.

[0050] The barrier 10 comprises a central panel section 12 defined by front and rear skins 14,16 and upper and lower side portions 18,20, between which is telescopically mounted first and second side panel sections 22,24 extending from opposite sides of the central panel section 12. There is at least one extendable side panel (22, 24) - in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , there are two extendable side panels, namely, a first and second side panels 22,24 and the main panel 12. The main panel 12 may be made from plastic, metal or any other suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second extendable panels and the inner and outer skins of the main / central panel section are formed from injection moulded plastics material.

[0051] In order to provide a watertight seal between the first and second side panel sections and the central panel section of the barrier, elastomeric gaskets 26,28 are provided in recesses formed in the faces of the first and second side panel sections 22,24 to engage respective inner faces of the central panel section 12.

[0052] The lower sides of the central panel section 12 and first and second side panel sections 22,24 of the barrier 10 and the outer sides of the first and second side panel sections 22,24 of the barrier 10 are provided with a continuous elongate channel within which is received an inflatable tubular seal 30, whereby the tubular seal 30 can be inflated to push the outer surfaces thereof into contact with the sides of a doorway or window opening within which the barrier 10 is located to define a watertight seal between the barrier 10 and the sides of the doorway or window opening.

[0053] The distal ends of the tubular seal 30 are secured to respective upper ends of the channels on the outer sides of the first and second panel sections 22,24 via clamping blocks 32,34 secured to an upper end of each channel, each end of the tubular seal 30 being clamped between a respective clamping block 32,34 and the respective channel within which it is located.

[0054] The tubular seal 30 is inflatable by means of a hand pump 36 mounted on the central panel section 12 of the barrier 10. A pressure gauge 38 is provided on a rear skin 16 of the central panel section 12 for displaying the pressure within the tubular seal 30. A handle 40 extends from the upper side 18 of the central panel section 12, whereby the handle 40 can be reciprocally pumped up and down to inflate the tubular seal 30. As shown in Figure 12 , a filler pipe 42 is provided at a lower central region of the tubular seal 30 coupled to the pump 36. A pressure release valve 44 is provided alongside the pressure gauge 38 to allow the tubular seal 30 to be deflated when desired.

[0055] The first and second side panel sections 22,24 of the barrier 10 are slidably mounted within the central panel section 12 to be telescopically movable towards and away from each other to vary the width of the barrier 10 to allow the barrier 10 to be fitted to doorways of different width and to press the inflated tubular seal 30 into close contact with the sides of the doorway.

[0056] Referring now in particular, to Figures 5 -20, and the cross sectional views in Figures 21 and 21a, a jacking mechanism indicated generally by reference numeral 100 is mounted on the main / central panel 12 of the barrier 10 for telescopically extending the at least one side extendable panel (22 or 24) outwardly from the central panel section 12 to fit the barrier into a doorway or window opening for sealing engagement, in use; and inwardly towards the main / central panel 12 as desired when the flood barrier is not in use. The actuating means comprising the jacking mechanism (100) for moving the at least one extendable panel (22 or 24) inwardly toward the main panel (12) or outwardly from the main panel (12) and the jacking mechanism (100) comprises a lever (135) which is moveable between a first position as shown in Figures 5 to 12, in which the jacking mechanism (100) is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly and a second position, as shown in Figures 13 to 20, in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel (12) and wherein said jacking mechanism has an operating handle (110) for operating by a user.

[0057] Referring to Figures 5 to 20, the jacking mechanism 100 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a bar 46 extending between the extendable panel and the main panel; the extendable panel is preferably comprising the first and second side panel sections 22,24 of the barrier 10 and the bar 46 extends also through an aperture in a central region of the main / central panel section 12, wherein the bar 46 has oppositely handed threaded ends. Each threaded end of the bar 46 is received in a correspondingly threaded aperture 48,50 in the at least one extendable side panel (22 or 24) which, in a preferred embodiment, comprise the respective first and second extendable side panels 22,24. The jacking mechanism 100 includes the handle 110 and the jacking mechanism 100 is adapted to be mounted on a central portion of the bar 46. The handle 110 is adapted so that reciprocating movement of the handle 110 is converted into rotational movement of the bar 42 in a desired direction to move the at least one extendable side panel which may comprise the first and second side panel sections 22,24 towards and away from the main panel 12 to vary the width of the barrier.

[0058] In more detail, the jacking mechanism 100 also comprises an annular member that extends through the head / housing 120 of the ratchet 100 of the jacking mechanism and the annular member comprises extending portions 132, 133 that extend beyond thehead 120 of the jacking mechanism 100. The jacking mechanism 100 also comprises an elongate portion 115 that connects the handle 110 to the head 120 of the jacking mechanism 100.

[0059] The jacking mechanism 100 comprises a lever 135 that is moveable between a first position (as shown in Figures 5 and 6 and Figures 7 to 12), which may be an UP position in which position the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly from the main panel 12 so that the panel 22 or 24 is moved outwardly when the handle 110 is operated; and a second position which may be a DOWN position, (shown in Figs 13 and 14 and Figs 15-20) in which position the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel 12 so that the panel 22 or 24 is moved inwardly when the handle 110 is operated.

[0060] As shown in Figures 13 and 14 and Figures 15-20, and in the cross sectional views in Figures 21 and 21a, the lever 135 is moveable in a track defined by the slot 130 formed in the head / housing 120 of the ratchet, between a first position for the lever 135 ( shown as the UP position in the figures) in which position the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly from the main panel 12 so that the panel 22 or 24 is moved outwardly when the handle 110 is operated; and the second position for the lever 135 in the slot 130 (shown as the DOWN position in the figures) in which position the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly from the main panel 12 so that the panel 22 or 24 is moved inwards when the handle 110 is operated.

[0061] Referring now in particular to Figures 21 and 21a, the rod 46 comprises a first rod member 46(1) and a second rod member 46(2) having respective ends that are separated apart and define a gap 461 separating the first rod member 46(1) and the second rod member 46(2); and with the first rod member and second rod member secured within the ratchet head 120 functioning as a housing within which the respective ends of the first rod member 46(1) and second rod member 46(2) are housed. The first rod member 46(1) and second rod member 46(2) are secured to the ratchet head 120 by respective screws 465.

[0062] The inclusion of the ratchet and jacking mechanism 100 including lever 135 in the jacking mechanism has the advantage that the operation of the jacking mechanism is much smoother and can be operated more rapidly to achieve the outwards movement of the extendable panel or extendable panels into the in use position and also to subsequently, retract the extendable panel or panels into the storage position in which the extendable panels are retracted. This is achieved by moving the lever 135 in the slot 130 so that the lever 135 engages with the teeth of the ratchet so that the torque is operable tomove the extendable panels outwards when the lever 135 is pushed into a first position ( for instance, the UP position) and similarly, when the lever 135 is moved into the second position (for instance, the DOWN position), the extendable panels can be moved inwardly by operating the ratchet handle 110.

[0063] As can be seen in Figs 21 and 21a, the jacking mechanism comprises a ratchet including a ratchet mechanism having teeth and the lever is engageable with the teeth. The lever 135 is moveable between a first position in which the ratchet is operable to extend extendable panels of the flood barrier and a second position in which the ratchet is operable to retract the extendable panels back in towards a central panel section of the flood barrier and when the lever is in the first position, the lever engages with the teeth to lock the lever in the first position and similarly, when the lever is in the second position, the lever engages with the teeth of the ratchet mechanism to lock the lever in the second position, whereby in the first position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier outwardly to extend the extendable side panels outwardly and whereby in the second position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier inwardly to retract the extendable side panels inwardly towards the central panel of the flood barrier.

[0064] Referring now to Figures 22 and 23, an alternative embodiment of the jacking mechanism for a flood barrier of the type described herein is shown with the jacking mechanism comprising first rod member 46(1) and second rod member 46(2) and respective first washer 150 and second washer 150 where the first rod member 46(1) and second rod member 46(2) are adapted to be engageable with the connector 133’ and 132’ extending through the ratchet head 120. The jacking mechanism comprises handle 110 and teeth 140 that are adapted for engagement with the lever moveable between a first position and a second position, whereby in the first position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier outwardly to extend the extendable side panels outwardly and whereby in the second position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier inwardly to retract the extendable side panels inwardly towards the central panel of the flood barrier.

[0065] As can be seen in Figs 22 and 23, the jacking mechanism comprises a ratchet including a ratchet mechanism having teeth and the lever is engageable with the teeth. The lever 135 is moveable between a first position in which the ratchet isoperable to extend extendable panels of the flood barrier and a second position in which the ratchet is operable to retract the extendable panels back in towards a central panel section of the flood barrier and when the lever is in the first position, the lever engages with the teeth 140 to lock the lever 135 in the first position and similarly, when the lever is in the second position, the lever engages with the teeth 140 of the ratchet mechanism to lock the lever in the second position, whereby in the first position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier outwardly to extend the extendable side panels outwardly and whereby in the second position, in use, the handle of the ratchet is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier inwardly to retract the extendable side panels inwardly towards the central panel of the flood barrier.

[0066] Referring now to the flood barrier shown Figure 1 , the elasticity of the tubular seal 30 allows the seal 30 to stretch as the first and second side panel sections 22,24 are extended from the central panel section 12.

[0067] In use, the barrier 10 is located in a doorway or window opening and the jacking mechanism indicated generally by reference numeral 100 on Figures 5 to 20 including a ratchet handle 110 is operated to rotate the bar 46 and extend the at least one extendable panel outwardly from the main / central panel section 12 and into contact with the sides of the doorway. The at least one extendable panel, in one embodiment, may comprise a first panel section 22 and a second panel sections 24. The flood barrier 10 is oriented within the doorway or window opening such that the ratchet handle 110 and pressure gauge 38 are located on an inner side of the barrier 10. Therefore, the jacking mechanism 100 comprising the ratchet handle 110 can be operated from behind the barrier 10 and are protected from tampering once the barrier 10 has been installed due to their location behind the barrier 10. The release valve 44 can also be operated from behind the flood barrier 10 and are protected from tampering once the barrier 10 has been installed due to their location behind the barrier 10.

[0068] The hand pump 36 is then operated to inflate the tubular seal 30 to compress the seal 30 into contact with the sides and bottom of the doorway such that the soft rubber sealing seal 30 conforms to the shape of the doorway or window opening's surfaces to form a watertight seal around the barrier 10.

[0069] Once the flooding has subsided the air can be released from the tubular seal 30 by opening the release valve 44 and ratchet handle 110 can be operated to rotate the bar 46 and retract the first and second side panel sections 22,24 to enable the barrier 10 to be removed from the doorway or window opening.

[0070] The flood barrier 10 may be constructed in any suitable dimensions to suit the dimensions of the doorway or window opening in which it is to be fitted. Due to the ability of the width of the barrier 10 to be adjusted, the barrier 10 may fit a range of different sized doorways or window openings. For example, in one version the barrier 10 may be constructed to vary in width between approximately 800mm and 1200mm. Other versions may be made to suit doorways or window openings having a width falling within a smaller or larger range of sizes.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the ratchet handle 110 for rotating the bar 46 of the jacking mechanism may be replaced by an electric motor. Alternatively the jacking mechanism may be replaced by a hydraulic or pneumatic ram for extending and retracting the first and second panel sections 22,24 with respect to the central panel section 12.

[0072] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0073] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flood barrier (10) for a doorway comprising a main panel (12) for blocking at least a portion of a doorway when the panel is mounted therein, a compressible resilient seal (30) being provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the main panel (12) to extend at least along the bottom edge and opposed side edges of the panel to engage at least a lower portion of a doorway when the panel is fitted therein, and wherein the main panel (12) comprises at least one extendable panel (22,24) adapted to be moved outwardly and inwardly from the main panel to vary the overall width of the flood barrier; an actuating means being provided for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) towards and away from the main panel (12) to enable the flood barrier to be expanded in a transverse direction to allow the flood barrier to be fitted to a doorway with the seal (30) in tight contact with the bottom and at least a portion of the sides of the doorway, said seal (30) comprises at least one inflatable chamber whereby the seal may be inflated with air or another fluid to form a watertight seal against the doorway in which the barrier is fitted characterised in that the actuating means comprising a jacking mechanism for moving the at least one extendable panel (22,24) outwardly from the main panel (12) and inwardly towards the main panel (12) characterised in that the jacking mechanism comprises a lever which is moveable between a first position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel outwardly and a second position in which the jacking mechanism is operable to move the at least one extendable panel inwardly towards the main panel (12).

2. The flood barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the jacking mechanism (100) comprises a bar (46) extending between the at least one extendable panel (22, 24) and the main panel (12).

3. The flood barrier according to claim 2, wherein the at least one extendable panel comprises first and second extendable side panel sections (22, 24), and wherein the bar (46) extends through an aperture formed in a central region of the main panel (12).

4. The flood barrier according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the bar (46) comprises oppositely handed threaded ends.

5. The flood barrier according to claim 4, wherein each oppositely handed threaded end of the bar (46) is received in a correspondingly threaded aperture (48, 50) provided in a respective one of the first and second extendable side panel sections (22, 24).

6. The flood barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the jacking mechanism (100) includes a handle (110) mounted on a central portion of the bar (46).

7. The flood barrier according to claim 6, wherein the handle (110) is configured such that reciprocating movement of the handle (110) is converted into rotational movement of the bar (46).

8. The flood barrier according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein rotation of the bar (46) causes simultaneous movement of the first and second extendable side panel sections (22, 24) towards or away from the main panel (12) to vary the width of the flood barrier (10).

9. A flood barrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein the jacking mechanism comprising a ratchet and pawl or a scissor jack or similar manually operable linear actuator.

10. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claimwherein the jacking mechanism is located on a rear side of the barrier behind the main panel (12).11 . A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating means comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator or an electrically driven actuating mechanism.

12. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the jacking mechanism comprises a ratchet including a ratchet mechanism having teeth and the lever is engageable with the teeth whereby the lever is moveable between a first position in which the ratchet is operable to extend the at least one extendable panel of the flood barrier and a second position in which the ratchet is operable to retract the at least one extendable panel back in towards the main panel of the flood barrier such that when the lever is in the first position, the lever engages with the teeth to lock the lever in the first position and when the lever is in the second position, the lever engages with the teeth of the ratchet mechanism to lock the lever in the second position, whereby in the first position, in use, the jacking mechanism is operable to move the extendable panels of the flood barrier outwardly to extend the extendable side panels outwardly and whereby in the second position, in use, the jacking mechanism is16 operable to move the at least one extendable panel of the flood barrier inwardly to retract the extendable side panels inwardly towards the main panel of the flood barrier.

13. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the barrier includes a pump (36) for inflating said at least one inflatable chamber of the seal (30).

14. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said at least one inflatable chamber comprises an inflatable tube or elongate member located within a channel formed around at least the bottom and opposed side edges of the panel (12), whereby inflation of the seal (30) causes the seal to extend from said channel to engage the sides of the doorway within which the barrier is fitted.

15. A flood barrier as claimed in claim 14, wherein the seal (30) further comprises a layer of conformable material provided around an outermost side of the at least one inflatable chamber to be located between the at least one inflatable chamber and the doorway, such layer readily conforming to the shape of the sides of the doorway when the at least one inflatable chamber is inflated to provide an enhanced water tight seal.

16. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said at least one extendable panel comprises a first panel section (22) and a second panel sections (24) wherein the first and second extendable side sections (22,24) are arranged extending from opposite sides of the main / central panel section (12).

17. A flood barrier as claimed in claim 16, wherein said central section (12) is defined by front and rear skins (14,16), said first and second sections (22,24) being telescopically mounted between said front and rear skins (14,16) of the central section.

18. A flood barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seal (30) comprises at least one inflatable chamber, movement of the at least two parts of the panel away from one another causing the side portions of the seal (30) adjacent the sides of the doorway to be compressed, increasing the pressure within the at least one inflatable chamber and causing the lower portion of the seal to expand and / or press against the bottom of the doorway to enhance the seal between the barrier and the doorway.

19. A flood protection barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, for use in an entrance to a property for example, a doorway, the flood protection barrier comprising: a body panel having at least one edge for engaging a portion of an entrance to a property; at least one extension panel extending from said body panel and having at least one edge for engaging another portion of said entrance; at least one inflatable seal extending around said portions of said body panel and said extension panel that engage the entrance;17 said at least one inflatable seal being adapted for inflation of the seal for forming a seal between the flood protection barrier and the entrance, when the flood protection barriers is in use; means for inflating said seal with a fluid to form an inflated seal for forming a seal between the flood protection barrier and the entrance, when the flood protection barriers is in use; at least one pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of said gas in said inflated seal and generating pressure data; and at least one data transmitter for periodically transmitting said pressure data to a remote receiver associated with an alarm system for alerting a user to a drop in pressure in said inflatable seal below a predetermined level.

20. A flood protection barrier as claimed in claim 19 wherein the means for inflating said seal with a fluid comprises at least one inflation device.21 . A flood protection barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one inflation device comprises a hand-operated pump.

22. A flood protection barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one inflation device comprises a hand-operated pump that is integrally formed in the flood protection barrier to provide a primary inflation means.

23. A flood protection barrier as claimed in claim 22 wherein a second inflation device is provided to provide an alternative inflation means to the primary inflation means or the second inflation device provides a secondary, back-up, inflation means for the primary inflation means in the event of failure of the primary inflation means.

24. A flood protection barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fluid comprises a gas.

25. A flood protection barrier as claimed in any of claims 20 to 24 further comprising at least one electricity generator for generating electricity from the action of said inflation device and at least one battery for storing said electricity for powering said pressure sensor and transmitter.

26. A flood protection barrier according to any of claims 21 to 25 wherein said electricity is generated by an air turbine pneumatically connected to said pump.

27. A flood protection barrier according to claims 25 to 26 wherein said electricity is generated by a dynamo connected to a reciprocating member of said hand-operated pump.1828. A flood protection barrier according to any preceding claim further comprising a pair of extension panels extending in opposite directions from said body panel.

29. A flood protection barrier according to any preceding claims wherein said data transmitter transmits and logs a date and a time when said barrier is in use.

30. A flood protection barrier according to any preceding claim further comprising an app downloadable onto a device wherein said data transmitter transits to said device and said data is stored on said app.

31. A system for monitoring and controlling a flood protection barrier as claimed in claim 11 using sensors to detect parameters, including air pressure in the inflatable seal, temperature, barrier alignment, and battery status.

32. A system as claimed in claim 31 comprising a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured for collecting data from the sensors and transmit it periodically to a cloud-based monitoring platform via a GSM / GPRS module.

33. A system as claimed in claim 31 or 32 wherein the system is configured to operate in a sleep mode and in a wake-mode whereby the system is configured to move from the sleep mode to the wake mode periodically and is configured to collect and transmit data in the wake mode.

34. A system as claimed in any of claims 31- 33 comprising an adaptive alerting mechanism that allows users to set customized thresholds for various parameters, such as air pressure and battery capacity; and configured to detect when these thresholds are breached, the system is configured to send notifications through the cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and maintenance of the gate.

35. A flood protection barrier monitoring system as claimed in any of claims 31- 34, comprising:• A pressure sensor configured to measure the air pressure in the inflatable seal of the flood protection barrier; and any one or more of the following:• A temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature;• An accelerometer configured to measure the angle of the barrier relative to a floor;• A battery monitoring circuit configured to measure the voltage of a battery;• A GPS module configured to provide geographic coordinates of the barrier;• A microcontroller unit (MCU) operatively connected to the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, battery monitoring circuit, and GPS module,19 said MCU being further configured to enter a low-power sleep mode and periodically wake to collect sensor data;• A GSM / GPRS module operatively connected to the MCU, configured to transmit the sensor data to a cloud-based platform; and• A unique identifier derived from the GSM module’s IMEI code for identifying the barrier within the cloud platform.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the MCU is configured to compile the sensor data into a data packet formatted in JSON and transmit said packet to the cloud-based platform.

37. The system of claim 35, further comprising a power management system configured to extend battery life by placing the microcontroller unit (MCU) into deep sleep mode when the system is not actively collecting or transmitting data.

38. A kit of parts comprising a flood protection barrier of claim 19 and a T-connector adapted to connect with the inflation means for inflating the inflatable seal, whereby the T-connector is connectable to a secondary pump for inflating the inflatable seal.

39. A kit of parts comprising a flood protection barrier of claim 19 and a corner adaptor, wherein the corner adaptor is configured to be removably engaged with the flood protection barrier to provide an additional seal in the corner regions of the flood protection barrier, in use in an entrance to a building.

40. A kit of parts comprising a flood protection barrier of claim 19 and a wall bracket which is adapted to be connected, in use, to a wall at an entrance to a building and to provide a smooth surface at the wall for engaging with the inflatable seal of the flood protection barrier, when in use whereby the inflatable seal is inflated and forms a sealing surface when the inflated seal abuts against the wall bracket.

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