BACKGROUND
Water infiltration—particularly from flooding and stormwater—is a multi-billion dollar per year problem. In many parts of the world, flooding is routine—occurring on regular cycles (e.g., during an annual rainy season). Elsewhere, flooding is more sporadic—occurring only during major storm events such as hurricanes. Many residential, commercial and industrial buildings—along with roads, bridges and other developed areas—are not designed to accommodate large water infiltration events. This often results in significant economic and human loss during such water infiltration events.
Traditionally, individuals combatted water infiltration by means of permanent structures such as walls or dikes. However, such structures are often unsightly, expensive and impracticable for many applications. Another traditional approach is the use of temporary structures comprised of heavy, bulky barrier systems such as the use of sandbags or aluminum structural barriers to create a temporary “wall” around buildings and other property. Such means have a number of setbacks; including the difficulty in transporting large quantities of sand, the time intensive, manual labor involved in bagging sand to create sandbags, manual labor involved in constructing a temporary sandbag “wall” and manual labor involved in deconstructing and disposing of a temporary sandbag “wall” after a water infiltration event has ended. Other traditional means—such as using interlocking aluminum or plastic barriers which can be filled with water or sand—have similar limitations.
More recently, individuals have combatted water infiltration by means of fabric flood barriers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,316 discloses a fabric flood barrier. However, this patent discloses the use of a ground skirt which is held in place by ballast bags.
SUMMARY
The present technology generally relates to an apparatus, a system of connectible apparatuses, and a method of using same which:
(i) Creates a temporary (i.e., a non-permanent) flood barrier system;
(ii) Creates a system which is easy to manufacture, install, deploy and store; and
(iii) readily attaches and detaches from both horizontal and vertical supports.
The System comprises:
(i) either:
- (a) at least one vertical support member (such as a Bollard); and/or
- (b) at least one vertical rigidity member and at least one reinforcement member;
(ii) a fabric barrier;
(iii) a magnetic lock assembly;
(iv) a ferrous base (e.g., made out of Grade 400 magnetic stainless steel); and
(v) (optionally) a support lock assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System.
FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Barrier having a plurality of Magnets.
FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Barrier having a uniform, flexible Magnetic Material.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System.
FIG. 5. depicts an enlarged perspective view of the same Fabric Flood Barrier System shown by FIG. 4.
FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System immediately before a water infiltration event.
FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System immediately before a water infiltration event.
FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System during a water infiltration event, i.e., FIG. 6C depicts the same Fabric Flood Barrier System as shown by FIG. 6A during a water infiltration event.
FIG. 7A depicts a frontal view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System.
FIG. 7B depicts a side view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System shown in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8A shows the deployment of a Fabric Flood Barrier System in a recessed building entranceway.
FIG. 8B shows a side view of the same Fabric Flood Barrier System depicted in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9 shows a Fabric Barrier attached to a plurality of bollards.
FIG. 10 shows a Fabric Barrier attached to a plurality of bollards.
FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System.
FIG. 12A shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bottom seal assembly.
FIG. 12B shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bottom seal assembly.
FIG. 12C shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bottom seal assembly.
FIG. 12D shows a sectional view of the same embodiment of the bottom seal assembly from FIG. 12C.
FIG. 13A depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 13B depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 13C depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 13D depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 14B depicts a perspective, exploded view of the support lock assembly embodiment shown by FIG. 14A.
FIGS. 14C, 14D and 14E depicts various views of one possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 15A depicts a cutaway view of one possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 15B depicts a cutaway view of one possible embodiment of a support lock assembly.
FIG. 16A depicts a cutaway view of an apparatus for joining together two separate Fabric Barriers called a “Linkage.
FIG. 16B shows an enlarged view of a Linkage.
FIG. 16C shows a top view of a Linkage.
FIG. 16D depicts a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a Linkage.
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DRAWING REFERENCE NUMBER KEY
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|
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100
Fabric Flood Barrier System
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101
Dry Side
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102
Wet Side
|
103
Bollard
|
105
Hem Cord
|
107
Fabric Barrier
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107a
Back Wall
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107b
Side Wall
|
108
Fabric Hole
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109
Deformation Area
|
111
Magnetic Lock Assembly
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112
Ferrous Base (Not Shown)
|
113
Bollard Bolt
|
115
Bollard Nut
|
117
Self-Ballasting Area
|
118
Sealing Material
|
119
Magnet
|
119a
Magnetic Material
|
121
Magnet Bolts
|
123
Flap
|
125
Stitch
|
127
Street Curb
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129
Tee
|
131
Cart
|
133
Reinforcement Cable
|
135
Water
|
137
Vertical Support Member
|
139
Support Lock Assembly
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141
Reinforcement Strap
|
143
Top End
|
145
Bottom End
|
146
Recessed Building
|
147
Body
|
148
Adhesive
|
149
Sealing Member
|
151
Cam Member
|
151a
Front Plate
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151b
Back Plate
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153
Rotatable Locking Member
|
155
Barrier Anchor
|
157
Pin Hole
|
158
Mounting Bolts
|
159
Mounting Holes
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159a
Ground Holes
|
160
Body Flange
|
161
Pin
|
163
Anchor Cavity
|
164
Arcuate Body Edge
|
165
Cam Channel
|
166
Arcuate Edge
|
167
Protrusion
|
168
Reinforcement Member
|
169
Weft Member
|
171
Warp Member
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173
Bollard Foundation
|
175
Design Flood Elevation
|
177
Predicted Flood Elevation
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179
Second Layer of Fabric
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181
Third Layer of Fabric
|
183
Reinforcement Belts
|
184
Pressure Diagram
|
185
Bottom Seal Assembly
|
187
Ground Surface
|
189
Right Angle Groove
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191
Angled Groove
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193
Gasket
|
195
Insert
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196
Ground Insert
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196a
Edge
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196b
Narrow Opening
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196c
First Gap
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196d
Second Gap
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197
Channel
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198
Locking Bolt Hole
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198a
Locking Bolt Hole Portion
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199
Locking Bolt
|
200
Storage Area
|
201
Linkage Member
|
203
Linkage Hole
|
205
Plate
|
207
Plate Hole
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209
Bolt
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211
Arm
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213
Fastener
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A system, devices, and method for preventing water infiltration are disclosed herein.
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 showing both the Dry Side 101 and the Wet Side 102 of such Fabric Flood Barrier System 100. The Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 comprises: (i) a plurality of vertical supports (such as the Bollards 103 shown by FIG. 1) (preferably spaced apart at regular intervals); (ii) a fabric barrier 107; (iii) a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111; and (iv) a Ferrous Base 112 (not shown). When the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 is used to prevent water infiltration, a Deformation Area 109 will form. A Hem Cord 105 is sewn into a top area of the Fabric Barrier 107. The Hem Cord 105 further rigidifies and strengthens the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100.
In one embodiment, the Hem Cord 105 is sewn into the Fabric Barrier 107 such that the Hem Cord 105 includes a plurality of loops. Each loop is placed over a Bollard Bolt 113 and then compressed by tightening a Bollard Nut 115 onto each Bollard Bolt 113 thereby compressing the Hem Cord 105 and helping to lock the Hem Cord 105 in place. In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1, the top area of the Fabric Barrier 107 may be detachably affixed to each Bollard 103 by means of compression engagement. More specifically, the top area of the Fabric Barrier 107 is engaged to each Bollard 103 by tightening a Bollard Nut 115 onto a Bollard Bolt 113 thereby compressing the top area of the Fabric Barrier 107 which contains the sewn-in Hem Cord 105.
The bottom area of the Fabric Barrier 107 may be detachably affixed to the ground by means of magnetic engagement. More specifically, a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprised of one or more magnetized elements magnetically engages with a Ferrous Base 112 (not shown by FIG. 1) comprised of one or more ferrous elements. The entire Fabric Barrier 107 is made of material which is both: (a) impervious to water; and (b) is selected for its tensile strength in a given application. By way of illustration, the Fabric Barrier 107 could be constructed out of such high strength waterproof materials as nylon, polyester, or materials typically use for sail cloth such as Kevlar®, Technora®, Spectra®, Dyneema®, Vectran® or coated or laminated sailcloth.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 showing both the Dry Side 101 and the Wet Side 102 of such Fabric Flood Barrier System 100. FIG. 2 also shows a Self-Ballasting Area 117 of the Fabric Barrier 107. The underside of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 may optionally be coated in a Sealing Material 118 (not shown) such as rubber or silicone to improve sealing. As water initially comes into contact with the Wet Side 102 of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100, the magnetic force between the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 and the Ferrous Base 112 (not shown) will be sufficient to prevent water infiltration under the Fabric Barrier 107 and into the Dry Side 101. Rather, water will pool on top of the Self-Ballasting Area 117. As the volume of water increases, the hydrostatic pressure of the water pressing down on the Self-Ballasting Area 117 will linearly increase—creating a stronger and strong seal between the underside of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 and the ground.
FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Barrier 107 showing the “wet side” of the Fabric Barrier 107 while a corner of the Fabric Barrier 107 is turned over to show part of the “dry side” of the Fabric Barrier 107. A top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Hem Cord 105 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 is formed into the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 3A, this Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprises a plurality of Magnets 119 which are mounted on the “dry side” of the Fabric Barrier 107. Each Magnet 119 is detachably affixed to the Fabric Barrier 107 by means of Magnet Bolts 121 which connect into threaded holes in the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 of the Fabric Barrier 107. In the preferred embodiment, the Magnets 119 would be permanent, high-strength Neodymium bar magnets having two threaded bolt holes. Optionally, a gasket (not shown in FIG. 3A), e.g., a foam or rubber gasket—with a width of approximately ⅛ of an inch, could be attached to the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 in-between each of the Magnets 119.
FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Barrier 107 showing the “wet side” of the Fabric Barrier 107 while a corner of the Fabric Barrier 107 is turned over to show part of the “dry side” of the Fabric Barrier 107. A top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Hem Cord 105 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 is formed into the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 3B, this Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprises a uniform, flexible Magnetic Material 119a such as flexible magnetic tape. This Magnetic Material 119a is mounted on the “dry side” of the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. In the configuration shown by FIG. 4, the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 is deployed to prevent water infiltration from a street on the Wet Side 102 to the Dry Side 101. A Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprised of one or more magnetized elements magnetically engages with a Tee 129 made of a ferrous material which is permanently attached to a Street Curb 127. The Fabric Barrier 107 has a Self-Ballasting Area 117 (which is ballasted by the weight of flood water on top of a horizontal portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 on the ground).
Moreover, a magnetic seal of the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 keeps the flood water from getting under the barrier. The underside of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 may optionally be coated in a Sealing Material 118 (not shown) such as rubber or silicone to improve sealing. As water initially comes into contact with the Wet Side 102 of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100, the magnetic force between the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 and a ferrous metal base (in the preferred embodiment, a Tee 129) will be sufficient to prevent water infiltration under the Fabric Barrier 107 and into the Dry Side 101. Rather, water will pool on top of the Self-Ballasting Area 117. As the volume of water increases, the hydrostatic pressure of the water pressing down on the Self-Ballasting Area 117 will linearly increase—creating a stronger and strong seal between the underside of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 and the ground. An optional deployment Cart 131 is also shown by FIG. 4—showing how the Fabric Barrier 107 can be readily rolled up and stored for future use.
FIG. 5. depicts an enlarged perspective view of the same Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 shown by FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 is comprised of a plurality of Magnets 119 which are mounted on the “dry side” of the Fabric Barrier 107. Each Magnet 119 is detachably affixed to the Fabric Barrier 107 by means of Magnet Bolts 121 which pass through holes in the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 of the Fabric Barrier 107. In the preferred embodiment, the Magnets 119 would be permanent, high-strength Neodymium bar magnets having two bolt holes. The Tee 129 is permanently attached to a Street Curb 127. As can be more closely seen in FIG. 5, the Tee 129 can either be formed into the Street Curb 127 at the time the Street Curb 127 is poured out of cement or the Tee 129 can be retrofitted to a pre-existing Street Curb 127 by cutting a channel into the Street Curb 127 and adhering the Tee 129 by using an adhesive such as mortar or epoxy. Alternatively, some streets are already made with ferrous metal curbs (e.g., steel curbing). In such applications, the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 would magnetically engage with the ferrous metal curb itself—eliminating the need for a Tee 129.
FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 immediately before a Water 135 infiltration event. A Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a plurality of Bollards 103. The bottom portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 has a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprised of one or more magnetized elements which magnetically engage with a Ferrous Base 112 (not shown by FIG. 6A) comprised of one or more ferrous elements. The edge of the Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a Vertical Support Member 137 by means of a Support Lock Assembly 139. A Self-Ballasting Area 117 is formed towards the bottom part of the Fabric Barrier 107. Additionally, the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 shown by FIG. 6A includes a plurality of optional Reinforcement Cables 133. Each Reinforcement Cable 133 is connected to the ground on one end and a Bollard 103 on the other end—helping to distribute the load placed on the Bollard 103 when Water 135 begins to push against the Fabric Barrier 107. Optionally, to anchor each Reinforcement Cable 133 to the ground, one end of each Cable could be attached to a screw in or driven earth anchor such as a DUCKBILL® earth anchor.
FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 immediately before a Water 135 infiltration event. A Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a plurality of Bollards 103. The bottom portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 has a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 comprised of one or more magnetized elements which magnetically engage with a Ferrous Base 112 (not shown by FIG. 6A) comprised of one or more ferrous elements. The edge of the Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a Vertical Support Member 137 by means of a Support Lock Assembly 139. A Self-Ballasting Area 117 is formed towards the bottom part of the Fabric Barrier 107. Additionally, the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 shown by FIG. 6B includes a plurality of optional Reinforcement Straps 141. Each Reinforcement Strap 141 has a Top End 143 and a Bottom End 145. The Top End 143 is attached to the top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 and the Bottom End 145 is attached to the Self-Ballasting Area 117 of the Fabric Barrier. The Reinforcement Straps 141 help distribute the load placed on the Bollards 103 when Water 135 begins to push against the Fabric Barrier 107. Indeed, in some configurations, the Reinforcement Straps 141 would bear all of the load from the Water 135. In such configurations, the load-bearing Bollards 103 could be replaced by other vertical supports (such as a thin, flexible rod) for the purpose of keeping the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 erect whenever there is no Water 135 pushing up against the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 during a Water 135 infiltration event, i.e., FIG. 6C depicts the same Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 as shown by FIG. 6A during a Water 135 infiltration event. A Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a plurality of Bollards 103. The bottom portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 has a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 (not shown by FIG. 6C) comprised of one or more magnetized elements which magnetically engage with a Ferrous Base 112 (not shown by FIG. 6C) comprised of one or more ferrous elements. The edge of the Fabric Barrier 107 is detachably affixed to a Vertical Support Member 137 by means of a Support Lock Assembly 139. A Self-Ballasting Area 117 (not shown by FIG. 6C) is formed towards the bottom part of the Fabric Barrier 107. Additionally, the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 shown by FIG. 6C includes a plurality of optional Reinforcement Cables 133. Each Reinforcement Cable 133 is connected to the ground on one end and a Bollard 103 on the other end—helping to distribute the load placed on the Bollard 103 when Water 135 begins to push against the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 7A depicts a frontal view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100. The Fabric Barrier 107 has a Self-Ballasting Area 117 and a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. The Self-Ballasting Area 117 forms a seal for the Fabric Barrier 107 when it is weighted down by Water 135 (not shown). An outer edge of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 comprises a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 7A, the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 further comprises a plurality of Magnets 119 (not shown) which are attached to the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 using Magnet Bolts 121. Two Support Lock Assemblies 139 are connected to the two vertical edges of the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 7B depicts a side view of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 shown in FIG. 7A. Here, the Magnets 119 and the Magnet Bolts 121 are clearly visible. Additionally, a Sealing Material 118 is shown on the underside of the Self-Ballasting Area 117.
FIG. 8A shows the deployment of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 in a Recessed Building Entranceway 146. The Fabric Barrier 107 has a Back Wall 107a, two Side Walls 107b, a Self-Ballasting Area 117 and a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. Each Side Wall 107b is attached to part of the Recessed Building Entranceway 146 (which part functions as a Vertical Support Member 137) by a Support Lock Assembly 139. The Self-Ballasting Area 117 forms a seal for the Fabric Barrier 107 when it is weighted down by Water 135. An outer edge of the Self-Ballasting Area 117 comprises a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 8A, the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 further comprises a plurality of Magnets 119 (not shown) which are attached to the Magnetic Lock Assembly 111 using Magnet Bolts 121.
FIG. 8B shows a side view of the same Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 depicted in FIG. 8A. The pressure of the Water 135 at a given depth d is shown as Pd. Such pressure, Pa, is uniform in all directions at the depth d. Thus, the corresponding force exerted on the Back Wall 107a and each Side Wall 107b at a given depth d is uniform. This causes the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 to “fill out” (i.e., expand) to seal itself against the walls of the Recessed Building Entranceway 146. Similarly, the pressure of the Water 135 at the bottom of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 is shown as PBottom. Such pressure, PBottom, is uniform in all directions at the bottom of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100. Thus, the corresponding force exerted on the Back Wall 107a and each Side Wall 107b at the bottom of the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 is uniform. The pressure exerted on the Fabric Barrier 107 increases linearly as the depth of Water 135 increases.
FIG. 9 shows a Fabric Barrier 107 with a height h1 attached to a plurality of Bollards 103. The Fabric Barrier 107 has a plurality of integral Reinforcement Members 168 comprising vertical Weft Members 169 and horizontal Warp Members 171. To increase the strength of the Fabric Barrier 107, the Weft Members 169 and Warp Members 171 are ideally woven and sewn together. The concentration of Reinforcement Members 168 varies with the height of the Fabric Barrier 107. Thus, the greater the height of the Fabric Barrier 107, the greater force the Fabric Barrier 107 can withstand. This is important inasmuch as the force exerted by Water 135 (not shown by FIG. 9) increases linearly with depth.
The Warp Members 171 near the top of the Fabric Barrier 107 have a diameter d1 while the Warp Members 171 near the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107 have a diameter d2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, d1 and d2 are equal, i.e., the same diameter Warp Members 171 are used throughout the Fabric Barrier 107. However, in alternative embodiments, the diameter of the Warp Members 171 can vary. For example, d2, could be greater than d1 to help the Warp Members 171 near the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107 handle an increased load as Water 135 (not shown by FIG. 9) is applied to the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 10 shows a Fabric Barrier 107 (having a top and a bottom) attached to a plurality of Bollards 103. Each Bollard 103 has a Bollard Foundation 173 which anchors the Bollards 103 into the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10: (i) there is a uniform distribution of vertical Weft Members 169 from the top to the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107; and (ii) the distribution of horizontal Warp Members 171 increases from the top to the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107. More specifically, the horizontal Warp Members 171 are spaced apart with a distance of hA between a height h1 to a height h2 of the Fabric Barrier 107. Then, the horizontal Warp Members 171 are spaced apart a distance of hB from a height h2 to a height h3 of the Fabric Barrier 107. Finally, the horizontal Warp Members 171 are spaced apart a distance of hc from a height h3 to the bottom of the Fabric Barrier 107.
FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 having a Fabric Barrier 107 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. A quantity of Water 135 is present on the Wet Side 102 and has a Predicted Flood Elevation 177 (i.e., the maximum recommended height of Water 135 in connection with which this Fabric Barrier 107 is rated for use) and a Design Flood Elevation 175 (i.e., the maximum height of Water 135 in connection with which this Fabric Barrier 107 is designed for use) which represents the Predicted Flood Elevation 177 plus a reasonable safety factor (such at 10%).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the Fabric Barrier 107 is reinforced with a Second Layer of Fabric 179 a Third Layer of Fabric 181 and a plurality of Reinforcement Belts 183. A Pressure Diagram 184 is shown immediately adjacent to the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 and showing the linear increase in pressure exerted by the Water 135 on the Fabric Barrier 107 as the depth of the Water 135 increases. At a depth d1, there is a corresponding pressure P1, at a depth d2, there is a corresponding pressure P2 and a depth d3 there is a corresponding pressure P3 and at the ground level there is a pressure PMax. P1 is the maximum pressure which the Fabric Barrier 107 alone could sustain. Thus, the Second Layer of Fabric 179 begins above a depth of d1. So too, P2 is the maximum pressure which the Fabric Barrier 107 and the Second Layer of Fabric 179 together could sustain. Thus, the Third Layer of Fabric 181 begins above a depth of d2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the Reinforcement Belts 183 begin providing extra load bearing support at a depth of d3 (which corresponds to a pressure of P3).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 also has a Bottom Seal Assembly 185 which is located near the end of a Self-Ballasting Area 117 formed by the ground skirting of the Fabric Barrier 107, i.e., when the Fabric Barrier 107 lays on the ground and is compressed onto the ground by a force exerted by the pressure PMax of the Water 135.
FIG. 12A shows an embodiment of a Bottom Seal Assembly 185. The Bottom Seal Assembly 185 includes a Tee 129 which is made out of a ferrous material. The Tee 129 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. The Tee 129 magnetically engages with a Magnet 119 (or, alternatively, a Magnetic Material 119a (not shown in FIG. 12A)). The Magnet 119 is connected to a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111.
FIG. 12B shows an embodiment of a Bottom Seal Assembly 185. The Bottom Seal Assembly 185 includes a Tee 129 which is made out of a ferrous material. The Tee 129 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. The Tee 129 also has a Right Angle Groove 189. The Right Angle Groove 189 is dimensionally sized to accommodate a Magnet 119 (or, alternatively, a Magnetic Material 119a (not shown in FIG. 12A)). The Magnet 119 is connected to a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. Thus, the Tee 129 is engaged to the Magnet 119 through both: (i) magnetic engagement; and (ii) abutting engagement.
FIG. 12C shows an embodiment of a Bottom Seal Assembly 185. The Bottom Seal Assembly 185 includes a Tee 129 which is made out of a ferrous material. The Tee 129 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. The Tee 129 also has an Angled Groove 191 having two edges. Both edges of the Angled Groove 191 have a Gasket 193 made out of a water-impervious material such as rubber or silicone. Each Gasket 193 may be readily attached and detached from the Angled Groove 191—allowing easy replacement as the Gaskets 193 wear out over time. The Angle Groove 189 is dimensionally sized to accommodate a Magnet 119 (or, alternatively, a Magnetic Material 119a (not shown in FIG. 12A)) in-between the two Gaskets 193 which, in turn, are compressed by the Magnet 119. The Magnet 119 is connected to a Magnetic Lock Assembly 111. Thus, the Tee 129 is engaged to the Magnet 119 through: (i) magnetic engagement; (ii) abutting engagement; and (iii) compression engagement.
FIG. 12D shows the same embodiment of the Bottom Seal Assembly 185 from FIG. 12C. In FIG. 12D, an Insert 195 is placed into the Angled Groove 191. Ideally, the Insert 195 is dimensionally sized to lie flush with the Ground Surface 187. This Insert 195 helps keep the Angled Groove 191 from filling with debris whenever the Bottom Seal Assembly 185 is not in use with a Fabric Flood Barrier System 100 (not shown by FIG. 12D).
FIG. 13A depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139 used to detachably affix a Fabric Barrier 107 to the ground with the Fabric Barrier 107 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. The Fabric Barrier 107 is connected to a Barrier Anchor 155. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. In the ideal embodiment, a top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Barrier Anchor 155 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Ground Insert 196 is installed into the ground such that the Ground Insert 196 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. A Channel 197 is formed in the Ground Insert 196. An Anchor Cavity 163 is also formed in a side of the Ground Insert 196. The Anchor Cavity 163 is dimensionally sized to accommodate the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly. A Cam Member 151 may be inserted into the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 is dimensionally sized to fit inside of the Channel 197 and abut against the Fabric Barrier 107—locking the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly into place inside of the Anchor Cavity 163.
FIG. 13B depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139 used to detachably affix a Fabric Barrier 107 to the ground with the Fabric Barrier 107 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. The Fabric Barrier 107 is connected to a Barrier Anchor 155. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. In the ideal embodiment, a top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Barrier Anchor 155 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Ground Insert 196 is installed into the ground such that the Ground Insert 196 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. A Channel 197 is formed in the Ground Insert 196. A first Sealing Member 149 is affixed to the Ground Insert 196 by an Adhesive 148. As the Sealing Member 149 wears out, it can be replaced by using a solvent to remove the old Adhesive 148, then reapplying the Adhesive 148 and using a replacement Sealing Member 149.
A Rotatable Locking Member 153 is connected to the Ground Insert 196 by a Pin 161 (not shown) which passes through a Pin Hole 157 in the Ground Insert 196. The Rotatable Locking Member 153 is able to rotate about an axis defined by the Pin 161. An Anchor Cavity 163 is partially formed in a side of the Ground Insert 196 and partially formed in the Rotatable Locking Member 153. The Anchor Cavity 163 is dimensionally sized to accommodate the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly.
A Cam Member 151 may be inserted into the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 is dimensionally sized to fit inside of the Channel 197 and abut against the Fabric Barrier 107—locking the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly into place inside of the Anchor Cavity 163. The Cam Member 151 has a Front Plate 151a and a Back Plate 151b. A second Sealing Member 149 is affixed to the underside of the Front Plate 151a. Optionally, the Front Plate 151a and the Back Plate 151b can include Mounting Holes 159 which align with Ground Holes 159a—enabling the Cam Member 151 to be anchored to the ground using fasteners such as bolts.
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 operates as follows when the Support Lock Assembly 139 is in a closed position and the Barrier Anchor 155 has not yet been placed into the Anchor Cavity 163:
- (i) Step One: the Cam Member 151 is removed from the Channel 197;
- (ii) Step Two: the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is rotated from an engaged position (i.e., at an angle of approximately ninety degrees relative to the Channel 197) to an open position (i.e., at an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the Channel 197);
- (iii) Step Three: a Barrier Anchor 155 connected to a Fabric Barrier 107 is inserted into a part of the Anchor Cavity 163 formed in the Ground Insert 196;
- (iv) Step Four: the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is rotated from the open position to the engaged position—locking the Barrier Anchor 155 into the Anchor Cavity 163 and bringing the Fabric Barrier 107 into contact with the first Sealing Member 149;
- (v) Step Five: the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Channel 197 locking the Rotatable Locking Member 153 into place and bringing the Fabric Barrier 107 into contact with the second Sealing Member 149; and
- (vi) (Optionally) Step Six: fasteners are inserted into the Mounting Holes 159 and the Ground Holes 159a to anchor the Cam Member 151 to the ground.
FIG. 13C depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139 used to detachably affix a Fabric Barrier 107 to the ground with the Fabric Barrier 107 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. The Fabric Barrier 107 is connected to a Barrier Anchor 155. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. In the ideal embodiment, a top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Barrier Anchor 155 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Ground Insert 196 is installed into the ground such that the Ground Insert 196 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. A Channel 197 is formed in the Ground Insert 196. A first Sealing Member 149 is affixed to the Ground Insert 196 by an Adhesive 148. As the Sealing Member 149 wears out, it can be replaced by using a solvent to remove the old Adhesive 148, then reapplying the Adhesive 148 and using a replacement Sealing Member 149.
An Anchor Cavity 163 is formed in a portion of the Ground Insert 196. The Anchor Cavity 163 is dimensionally sized to accommodate the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly. A Cam Member 151 may be inserted into the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 is dimensionally sized to fit inside of the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 has a Front Plate 151a and a Back Plate 151b with such Back Plate 151b having an underside. A second Sealing Member 149 is affixed to the underside of the Front Plate 151a—forming a First Gap 196c between the first and second Sealing Members 149.
The Ground Insert 196 has a protruding Edge 196a—forming a Narrow Opening 196b between the underside of the Back Plate 151b and the Edge 196a. The Fabric Barrier 107 passes through the Narrow Opening 196b, around the underside of the Cam Member 151, through the First Gap 196c and out of the Support Lock Assembly 139 through a Second Gap 196d formed between the Cam Member 151 and the Ground Surface 187. The Channel 197 also contains a Storage Area 200 which can be used to store the Fabric Barrier 107 when it is rolled up for storage as shown in FIG. 13C.
Optionally, the Front Plate 151a and the Back Plate 151b can include Mounting Holes 159 which align with Ground Holes 159a—enabling the Cam Member 151 to be anchored to the ground using fasteners such as bolts.
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 operates as follows when the Support Lock Assembly 139 is in a closed position and the Barrier Anchor 155 has not yet been placed into the Anchor Cavity 163:
- (i) Step One: the Cam Member 151 is removed from the Channel 197;
- (ii) Step Two: a Barrier Anchor 155 connected to a Fabric Barrier 107 is inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163;
- (iii) Step Three: the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over the Edge 196a and the first Sealing Member 149;
- (iv) Step Four: the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Channel 197 locking the Barrier Anchor 155/Fabric Barrier 107 assembly into place and bringing the Fabric Barrier 107 into contact with the second Sealing Member 149; and
- (v) (Optionally) Step Five: fasteners are inserted into the Mounting Holes 159 and the Ground Holes 159a to anchor the Cam Member 151 to the ground.
FIG. 13D depicts a cutaway view of a possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139 used to detachably affix a Fabric Barrier 107 to the ground with the Fabric Barrier 107 having a Dry Side 101 and a Wet Side 102. The Fabric Barrier 107 is connected to a Barrier Anchor 155. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. In the ideal embodiment, a top portion of the Fabric Barrier 107 is rolled over to create a Flap 123. A Stitch 125 is then used to seal the Flap 123 thereby creating a “pocket” for the Barrier Anchor 155 to pass through the Fabric Barrier 107. A Ground Insert 196 is installed into the ground such that the Ground Insert 196 is flush with a Ground Surface 187. A Channel 197 is formed in the Ground Insert 196. A Sealing Member 149 is affixed to the Ground Insert 196 by an Adhesive 148. As the Sealing Member 149 wears out, it can be replaced by using a solvent to remove the old Adhesive 148, then reapplying the Adhesive 148 and using a replacement Sealing Member 149.
A Cam Member 151 may be inserted into the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 is dimensionally sized to fit inside of the Channel 197. The Cam Member 151 has a Front Plate 151a and a Back Plate 151b. When the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Channel 197, an underside of the Front Plate 151a comes into close proximity to the Sealing Member 149 creating a First Gap 196c. An Anchor Cavity 163 is formed in a side of the Cam Member 151 such that the Anchor Cavity 163 forms a crescent, “C” shaped notch in the side of the Cam Member 151. The Anchor Cavity 163 is dimensionally sized to accommodate the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly.
The Fabric Barrier 107 passes around the underside of the Cam Member 151, through the First Gap 196c and out of the Support Lock Assembly 139 through a Second Gap 196d formed between the Cam Member 151 and the Ground Surface 187. The Channel 197 also contains a Storage Area 200 which can be used to store the Fabric Barrier 107 when it is rolled up for storage as shown in FIG. 13C.
Optionally, the Front Plate 151a and the Back Plate 151b can include Mounting Holes 159 which align with Ground Holes 159a—enabling the Cam Member 151 to be anchored to the ground using fasteners such as bolts.
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 operates as follows when the Support Lock Assembly 139 is in a closed position and the Barrier Anchor 155 has not yet been placed into the Anchor Cavity 163:
- (i) Step One: the Cam Member 151 is removed from the Channel 197;
- (ii) Step Two: a Barrier Anchor 155 connected to a Fabric Barrier 107 is inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163;
- (iii) Step Three: the Fabric Barrier 107 is placed over the Edge 196a and the first Sealing Member 149;
- (iv) Step Four: the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Channel 197 locking the Barrier Anchor 155/Fabric Barrier 107 assembly into place through the abutting engagement and the compression engagement of the Barrier Anchor 155 between the Cam Member 151 and the Ground Insert 196; and
- (v) (Optionally) Step Five: fasteners are inserted into the Mounting Holes 159 and the Ground Holes 159a to anchor the Cam Member 151 to the ground.
FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139. The Support Lock Assembly 139 comprises: (i) a Body 147; (ii) a Sealing Member 149; (iii) a Cam Member 151; (iv) a Rotatable Locking Member 153; and (v) a Pin 161 (not shown by FIG. 14A). The Rotatable Locking Member 153 is connected to the Body 147 by the Pin 161 which passes through two Pin Holes 157 in opposite sides of the Body 147. The Sealing Member 149 is connected to the Body 147 on the Dry Side 101 of the Body 147. The Rotatable Locking Member 153 is able to rotate about an axis defined by the Pin 161. An Anchor Cavity 163 is defined by an opening partially formed in the Body 147 and partially formed in the Rotatable Locking Member 153. In FIG. 14A, a Barrier Anchor 155 is shown inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. The Barrier Anchor 155 is connected to a Fabric Barrier 107 (which is not shown by FIG. 14A). A plurality of Mounting Holes 159 are shown on a Body Flange 160 which protrudes from the Body 147. In alternative embodiments, the Body 147 could be made without a Body Flange 160. In such embodiments, the Mounting Holes 159 would be located within the Body 147 proper. A Cam Channel 165 is formed in the Body 147 and both the Rotatable Locking Member 153 and the Cam Member 151 fit within the Cam Channel 165. The Cam Channel 165 is also dimensionally sized to allow the Rotatable Locking Member 153 to rotate approximately ninety (90°) degrees from an “engaged” position (as shown by FIG. 13A) to an “open” position (not shown).
FIG. 14B depicts a perspective, exploded view of the Support Lock Assembly 139 embodiment shown by FIG. 14A having a Wet Side 102 and a Dry Side 101. In FIG. 13B, the Cam Channel 165 formed in the Body 147 may be readily observed. The Cam Member 151 may optionally have an Arcuate Edge 166. This Arcuate Edge 166 allows the Cam Member 151 to more easily be placed into the Cam Channel 165 between the Rotatable Locking Member 153 and the Body 147.
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 shown by FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B operates as follows when the Support Lock Assembly 139 is in a closed position and a Barrier Anchor 155 has not yet been placed into an Anchor Cavity 163:
- (i) Step One: the Cam Member 151 is removed from the Cam Channel 165;
- (ii) Step Two: the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is rotated from an engaged position (i.e., at an angle of approximately ninety degrees relative to the Cam Channel 165) to an open position (i.e., at an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the Cam Channel 165);
- (iii) Step Three: a Barrier Anchor 155 connected to a Fabric Barrier 107 is inserted into a part of the Anchor Cavity 163 formed in the Body 147;
- (iv) Step Four: the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is rotated from the open position to the engaged position—locking the Barrier Anchor 155 into the Anchor Cavity 163 with the Fabric Barrier 107 coming into contact with a Sealing Member 149; and
- (v) Step Five: the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Cam Channel 165 locking the Rotatable Locking Member 153 into place.
After the steps outlined above, the Fabric Barrier 107 will become pressed against the Sealing Member 149 once the weight of Water 135 (not shown) presses the Fabric Barrier 107 against the Sealing Member 149. Thus, the Wet Side 102 of the Support Lock Assembly 139 will be exposed to Water 135 while the Dry Side 101 will not be exposed to Water 135 after the Fabric Barrier 107/Barrier Anchor 155 assembly is locked into the Support Lock Assembly 139.
FIGS. 14C, 14D and 14E depict various views of one possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139. The Support Lock Assembly 139 comprises: (i) a Body 147; and a Cam Member 151. This Support Lock Assembly 139 has the advantage of having zero moving parts. The Body 147 of the Support Lock Assembly 139 further includes an Anchor Cavity 163 and a Cam Channel 165. The Anchor Cavity 163 is dimensionally sided to accommodate a Barrier Anchor 155 with such Barrier Anchor 155 connected to a Fabric Barrier 107. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. A portion of the Body 147 above the Anchor Cavity 163 is curved; creating a Arcuate Body Edge 164. In certain embodiments, the Arcuate Body Edge 164 could comprise a sealing material such as rubber or silicone. The Body 147 also has a Protrusion 167 located above the Cam Channel 165. The Protrusion 167 and the remainder of the Body 147 form a void which void is dimensionally sized to accommodate the Cam Member 151. Finally, the Body 147 includes at least one Mounting Hole 159 (which can be used to mount the Support Lock Assembly 139 using Mounting Bolts 158 (not shown).
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 shown by FIGS. 14C, 14D and 14E operates as follows:
- (i) Step One: the Barrier Anchor 155 connected to the Fabric Barrier 107 is inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163; and
- (ii) Step Two: the Cam Member 151 is inserted into the Cam Channel 165 locking the Barrier Anchor 155 into place.
FIG. 15A depicts a cutaway view of one possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139. The Support Lock Assembly 139 comprises a Body 147, a Rotatable Locking Member 153 and a Pin 161. The Rotatable Locking Member 153 rotates about an axis defined by the Pin 161 in a space defined by the “L” shape of the Body 147. The Rotatable Locking Member 153 has an upper portion through which there is a threaded Locking Bolt Hole 198. A Locking Bolt 199 is dimensionally sized to fit into the Locking Bolt Hole 198. An Anchor Cavity 163 is defined by an opening partially formed in the Body 147 and partially formed in the Rotatable Locking Member 153. A threaded Locking Bolt Hole Portion 198a is also located in the Body 147 such that the Locking Bolt Hole 198 and the Locking Bolt Hole Portion 198a align when the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is in an engaged position (i.e., at an angle of approximately zero degrees relative to the Fabric Barrier 107). A Barrier Anchor 155 is connected to a Fabric Barrier 107. The Barrier Anchor 155 could be a Hem Cord 105 or some other reinforcement attached to the Fabric Barrier 107. The Barrier Anchor 155/Fabric Barrier 107 assembly may be inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163. The Body 147 optionally includes at least one Mounting Hole 159 in connection with which a Mounting Bolt 158 can be used to attach the Body 147 to a support (not shown).
In operation, the Support Lock Assembly 139 shown by FIG. 15A operates as follows:
- (i) Step One: the Barrier Anchor 155/Fabric Barrier 107 assembly is inserted into the Anchor Cavity 163;
- (ii) Step Two: the Rotatable Locking Member 153 is rotated from an open position (i.e., from an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the Fabric Barrier 107) to an engaged position—locking the Barrier Anchor 155/Fabric Barrier 107 assembly into place; and
- (iii) Step Three: the Locking Bolt 199 is threaded into the Locking Bolt Hole 198 and the Locking Bolt Hole Portion 198a—detachably affixing the Rotatable Locking Member 153 to the Body 147.
FIG. 15B depicts a cutaway view of one possible embodiment of a Support Lock Assembly 139 which generally functions in the same way as the Support Lock Assembly 139 depicted in FIGS. 14C, 14D and 14E. Additionally, a Sealing Member 149 (such as a resilient gasket) is attached to part of the Body 147. This Sealing Member 149 is positioned such that it comes into contact with the Fabric Barrier 107. As Water 135 pushes the Fabric Barrier 107 onto the Sealing Member 149, the force exerted by the Water 135 helps further seal the Fabric Barrier 107 to the Sealing Member 149. FIG. 15B also shows a cutaway of a Cam Member 151 having a generally rectangular cross section.
FIG. 16A depicts a cutaway view of an apparatus for joining together two separate Fabric Barriers 107 called a “Linkage.” FIG. 16B shows an enlarged view of this same Linkage while FIG. 16C shows a top view of this same Linkage. In the embodiment show in FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, a Linkage Member 201 is shown as having an approximately circular cross section (and, thus, no sharp angles which could apply greater pressure on the Fabric Barriers 107). The Linkage Member 201 has a Linkage Hole 203. The Linkage Hole 203 is dimensionally sided to accommodate a Bolt 209. In one embodiment, the Linkage Hole 203 could be threaded to allow the Bolt 209 to screw into Linkage Hole 203. In another embodiment, a Fastener 213 (not shown) could attach to the Bolt 209 on the inside of the Linkage Member 201. A Plate 205 has a Plate Hole 207 which Plate Hole 207 is also dimensionally sized to accommodate the Bolt 209. Each of the Fabric Barriers 107 have a Hem Cord 105 and a Fabric Hole 108. Such Fabric Holes 108 could optionally be reinforced by a grommet (not shown). The Fabric Holes 108 are also dimensionally sized to accommodate the Bolt 209.
To use this Linkage, a user passes the Bolt 209 through the Plate 205 and through the two Fabric Holes 108. This should be done such that: (i) the two Fabric Barriers 107 protrude in opposite directions with respect to the Bolt 209; and (ii) the two Hem Cords 105 are on opposite sides of the Bolt 209. The Bolt 209 is also passed through the Linkage Hole 203 in the Linkage Member 201. As the Bolt 209 is tightened down, the Plate 205 and the Linkage Member 201 are compressed together—compression fitting the two Fabric Barriers 107 and the two Hem Cords 105 in-between the Linkage Member 201 and the Plate 205. Thus, the load applied to the Fabric Barriers 107 is taken by the Hem Cords 105 and not by the Fabric Holes 108. FIG. 16C also shows a plurality of Linkage Holes 203 spaced along the length of the linkage.
FIG. 16D depicts a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a Linkage for joining together two separate Fabric Barriers 107. In this embodiment, the Linkage comprises: (i) a Plate 205 having an Arm 211; and (ii) a Fastener 213 (such as a nut, wingnut, etc.). The Arm 211 detachably engages with the Plate 205. In one embodiment, this is done by means of having threading on the Arm 211 which screws into a threaded hole in the Plate 205. Each of the Fabric Barriers 107 have a Hem Cord 105 and a Fabric Hole 108. Such Fabric Holes 108 could optionally be reinforced by a grommet (not shown). The Fabric Holes 108 are dimensionally sized to accommodate the Arm 211.
To use this Linkage, a user passes the Arm 211 through the two Fabric Holes 108. This should be done such that: (i) the two Fabric Barriers 107 protrude in opposite directions with respect to the Bolt 209; and (ii) the two Hem Cords 105 are on opposite sides of the Bolt 209. The Arm 211 is then detachably affixed to the Plate 205. Finally, the Fastener 213 is tightened down—compression fitting together the two Fabric Barriers 107 between the Fastener 213 and the Plate 205. Thus, the load applied to the Fabric Barriers 107 is taken by the Hem Cords 105 and not by the Fabric Holes 108.
Patent Application
20210301489
