Patent Application
20250137276
The present disclosure is generally related to construction and, more particularly, is related to systems and methods of flood hinge.
Throughout history, humans have often settled near water sources, as water is essential for farming and drinking. Across the world, many communities have been established along rivers to take advantage of the nutrient-rich soils created by sediment deposited during seasonal floods. To protect against flood damage, people adapted their architectural designs, raising living spaces to higher elevations. This was done by building on higher ground or constructing structures on top of flood-resistant materials, such as masonry walls or pilings.
Today, it's estimated that over 20% of the world's population lives in river basins prone to frequent flooding, while another 40% resides in coastal areas. With the effects of global warming, extreme weather events have become more common, leading to rising sea levels and increased rainfall, which cause more flooding in river basins and coastal areas. As a result, over 60% of the world's population is now at risk of flooding.
By September in 2020, the Atlantic hurricane season had already produced 23 named storms, nearly double the long-term average for an entire season. For only the second time in history, the National Hurricane Center exhausted its regular list of 21 names and began using the Greek alphabet. In October, Hurricane Delta struck Southwest Louisiana, just six weeks after Hurricane Laura, which, with its Category 4 winds, caused over $10.1 billion in damage, making it the strongest hurricane on record to hit Louisiana. Nearly 90% of U.S. coastal zones along the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast were affected by tropical storm or hurricane advisories in 2020, with a record nine storms making landfall. Although flooding from these events is often brief, it typically results in significant damage before waters recede.
Unfortunately, structures that aren't resilient to flooding suffer devastating damage, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in losses each year. There are heretofore problems with the current state of disaster relief.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for flood hinge. Briefly described in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented by an object configured to separate from a foundation system when the object is acted upon by an external force; a stabilization system comprising: a tethering system configured to anchor the object to the foundation system; and a buoyancy system configured to: allow the object to vertically separate from the foundation system; allow the object to move asymmetrically until the external force subsides; and return the object to the foundation system; and a coil spring configured: to be pressed or pulled but return to its former shape when released, and to absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and separated object.
Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods for flood hinge. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving input parameters including at least one of soil conditions, anticipated water levels, water currents, wind loads, and resultant horizontal forces acting on an object; and selecting a coil spring and arrangement options for a stabilization system configured to allow the object to move asymmetrically until an external force subsides, the coil spring configured: to be pressed or pulled but return to its former shape when released, and to absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and separated object.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
The “Flood Hinge” offers a solution to many challenges posed by these weather events. This device enables structures to become amphibious, allowing them to float vertically with rising water, tilt to resist the forces of high winds and wave action, stay connected to underground utilities, and return safely to their original position as floodwaters recede.
Flood Hinge is a novel system that allows a building to remain on its foundation in its normal resting position, to vertically and asymmetrically separate from the foundation upon application of an external force, while remaining securely tethered to the foundation, only to be guided to return to its original resting position as the external force subsides or is removed. This is accomplished by use of multiple parallel strut systems, each arranged in opposing positions. Each of these systems are anchored to the foundation on one end, and to the building on the other, effectively tethering the building to its foundation. Separation movement of the building from its foundation is freely allowed along the Z axis, but restricted to a narrow movement cone in both the X and Y axes. This movement cone exists for each parallel strut system. Thus, with multiple systems, each independent point of connection to the building is limited to its own movement cone.
The allowable movement of one parallel strut system is influenced by the positioning of multiple such systems whose movement planes are set opposing to or angled to its movement plane. The result of an array of such opposing and angled systems is a narrow cone of possible movement for each strut connection to the building. This cone widens with the amount of vertical separation and narrows as the building approaches the foundation.
Multiple parallel strut systems will each have an independent point of connection to the building. The allowable movement of each point of connection is limited to its cone of movement. However, each point is independent, and the amount of vertical separation for each can vary from its neighboring systems. This allows for the width and length of the building to separate from the foundation unevenly, limited only by the allowable movement cones of each parallel strut connection to the building.
The points of connection to the foundation remain fixed relative to the foundation plane in the X, Y, and Z dimensions. The points of connection to the building remain fixed in the X, Y, and Z dimensions relative to the base of the building. For each parallel strut system, the points of connection between the foundation and the building may vary in the Z axis freely, while limited in movement in the X and Y axes by the allowable movement cone for its opposing strut system.
One application of the disclosed system enables architecture in flood prone regions of the world to remain close to the ground resting on their foundations during normal circumstances, to rise in elevation with rising water and uneven waves; to remain tethered to their foundations; and to be guided to return to their original resting positions as waters recede. The house is to be outfitted with a buoyancy system, which allows the house to float in rising water, and the Flood Hinge tethering system, which allows the asymmetrical vertical movement expected during high water, waves, and high wind conditions, and safely return the house to its original resting position when those conditions recede.
High winds may occur independent of rising water, and are also capable of removing a house from its foundation. In these situations, the house is to be securely anchored to its foundation. A locking system of hold-downs anchors the house to the foundation to resist high wind forces that could overturn the structure. In the presence of rising water, the locking system disconnects the hold-down anchoring devices, allowing the building to move vertically and separate from the foundation. Locking systems can be released deliberately in anticipation of high water relying either on an attended lock release system, or passively using an unattended release system. An unattended lock release system reacts to the presence of rising water by relying upon a water sensor or a mechanical float to release the locking mechanism.
In an example embodiment, the float release lock assembly comprises a hold down strap that is anchored to the foundation and locks onto the house, preventing vertical separation. This lock may be released via removal of a connecting pin from the anchoring strap. Rising water will vertically lift a buoyant float attached to a lever arm outfitted with this connecting pin. The lever arm rotates as the float rises until fully extracting the pin and vertically releasing the house from the foundation. This same pin reinserts back into the strap when the house returns to its original resting position, again locking the house to the foundation until the next high-water event.
The foundation system resists all gravity loads of the house at rest, as well as the lateral forces of high winds and moving water pushing against the floating house. High winds will push against the house, resulting in a lateral force and an overturning force. The foundation resists both of these forces when the house is in its normal resting position. In rising water, this overturning force is absorbed by the buoyancy system. The house will sit deeper in the water on the leeward side. The uplifting force of the high wind acting on the windward side of the house may be counterbalanced by the increased buoyant force of the leeward side of the house sitting deeper.
The flood hinge system freely moves vertically and thus prevents the foundation from also having to resist these upward forces. In an example embodiment, the flood hinge system transfers these horizontal forces directly to the foundation as a lateral force. The parallel strut system reduces these lateral forces to compression or tension in each strut, and transfers this directly to the foundation laterally. The utility system connections ride up and down with the house as well as tilt with the house when experiencing high winds and/or the unlevel conditions of water waves.
In an example embodiment, utility system conduits configured as flexible coils allow for uninterrupted utility services during periods of high water. A platform foundation interface uses a coil spring for the impact dampening system to absorb the inertia impact shock of the object while transitioning from an object separated to an object at rest position, for example, on a pier system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. An impact dampening system is defined as a resilient device, typically a helical metal coil, that can be pressed or pulled but returns to its former shape when released, having the capacity to absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between an object at rest and an object separated. In some example embodiments, the impact dampening system is configured to minimize the impact shock to the supporting frame and object when transitioning between conditions of object separated and object at rest. In some example embodiments, if the impact dampening system is absent, then the object and the foundation system absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and object separated.
In some example embodiments, the impact dampening system may be positioned between the object and the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the impact dampening system comprises a coil spring. A coil spring is defined as a resilient device, typically a helical metal coil, that can be pressed or pulled but returns to its former shape when released, having the capacity to absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and object separated. In some example embodiments, the coil spring is configured to minimize the impact shock to the supporting frame and object when transitioning between conditions of object separated and object at rest. In some example embodiments, if the coil spring is absent then the object and the foundation system absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and object separated. In some example embodiments, the hull bottom sheathing is configured to support the buoyancy water displacement loads acting on either the sub flooring or on the hull sheathing and structurally span between members of the hull bottom framing. In some example embodiments, the hull bottom sheathing comprises sub flooring.
In an example embodiment, a coiled sewer conduit is configured in a spiral of a diameter corresponding with the diameter of the conduit such that when coiled and at rest, the resultant slope inside the conduit is at least ¼ inch per foot of run. This minimum slope is provided at bottom most spiral by a wedged slope block located on top of the grade. The utility service connection device connecting the coiled sewer conduit to the house may be configured to rotate in the X axis on one end and in the Y axis at the other end. This will prevent any potential binding forces from being transmitted to the coiled sewer conduit from any asymmetrical movement of the house due to wave or wind action. The utility service connection device at the on the grade location also allows for a similar free rotation of its connection to the hard connection to the underground service, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
In some example embodiments, the coiled sewer conduit is configured to provide the utility services of a sewer to the object during the absence of rising water, provide the utility services of a sewer to the object during the presence of rising water, have at resting position a sufficient diameter that when coiled to result in a drain slope of ¼ inch per foot, remain connected to the underground service of a sewer, remain connected to the object, allow the object to separate from the foundation system and allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the coiled sewer conduit comprises a slope block or minimum drain slope. In some example embodiments, the slope block is configured to elevate one end of the coiled sewer conduit when at resting position to result in a drain slope of ¼ inch per foot. In some example embodiments, the minimum drain slope may be configured to have at resting position a sufficient diameter that when coiled to result in a drain slope of ¼ inch per foot. In some example embodiments, the utility service connection is configured to connect utility services to the object. In some example embodiments, the utility service connection comprises a conduit system. In some example embodiments, the underground service is configured to supply utility services from a location removed from the object through an underground conduit system.
In an example embodiment, a coiled utility conduit is configured in a spiral of a diameter corresponding with the diameter of the conduit such that when coiled and at rest, the resultant slope inside the conduit is at least ¼ inch per foot of run. This minimum slope is provided at the bottom most spiral by a wedged slope block located on top of the grade. The utility service connection device connecting the coiled sewer conduit to the house is configured to rotate in the X axis on one end and in the Y axis at the other end. This will prevent any potential binding forces from being transmitted to the coiled sewer conduit from a tilting angle due to asymmetrical movement of the house caused by wave or wind action. The utility service connection device at the grade location also allows for the free rotation of its connection to the hard connection to the underground service, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an example embodiment, a tilting angle of a floating house results from asymmetrical movements due to wave or wind action. The utility service connection from the house is connected to the utility service connection conduit connection device, which connects to the coiled sewer conduit, acting as a flexible gooseneck joint. Rotation between the two conduits occurs in the device in lieu of transferring these rotational forces between conduits. The coiled sewer conduit is configured to extend up and down following the vertical rise and fall of the house. The utility service connection device on the grade allows for a similar free rotation of its connections between the coiled sewer conduit and the hard connection to the underground service. Using coiled utility conduits allows for uninterrupted utility services to continue serving the house during flooding events, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, the coiled sewer conduit is configured to provide the utility services of sewer to the object during the absence of rising water, provide the utility services of sewer to the object during the presence of rising water, have at resting position a sufficient diameter that when coiled to result in a drain slope of ¼ inch per foot, remain connected to the underground service of sewer, remain connected to the object, allow the object to separate from the foundation system and allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, the conduit system may be configured to deliver one or more utility services to the object.
In an example embodiment, a coiled utility conduit attaches to gooseneck connection devices at each end. Using coiled utility conduits allows for uninterrupted utility services to continue serving the house during flooding events, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, the coiled conduit is configured to allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system, allow the object to separate from the foundation system, remain connected to the object, remain connected to the underground service, provide one or more utility services to the object during the presence of rising water and deliver one or more utility services to the object during the absence of rising water. In some example embodiments, the coiled conduit comprises coiled sewer conduit or coiled utility conduit.
In an example embodiment, a coiled utility conduit is attached to gooseneck connection devices at each end. Using coiled utility conduits allows for uninterrupted utility services to continue serving the house during flooding events, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, the coiled conduit is configured to allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system, allow the object to separate from the foundation system, remain connected to the object, remain connected to the underground service, provide one or more utility services to the object during the presence of rising water and deliver one or more utility services to the object during the absence of rising water. In some example embodiments, the coiled conduit comprises utility connection manifold or protective sheath.
In an example embodiment, a protective sheath secures together a collective of coiled utility conduit into a single continuous coiled unit and armors against possible external damage. Examples of the protective sheath may include a conduit, a tube, an armored tube, and wrapping. In some example embodiments, the protective sheath is configured to deliver one or more utility services to the object during the absence of rising water, protect the coiled conduit for one or more utility services from external damage, house the coiled conduit for one or more utility services, remain connected to the object, allow the object to separate from the foundation system and allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system. If the protective sheath is absent, then each coiled conduit moves independently. In some example embodiments, the protective sheath is configured to protect each coiled conduit from possible external damage from debris, affix two or more coiled utility conduit together to move up and down as a single coiled conduit, and reduce the possibility of entangled coiled utility conduit. In some example embodiments, the potable water may be configured to provide potable water to the object.
In an example embodiment, the lower end of a coiled utility conduit contains multiple utility services connected to a utility connection manifold through a connection device that can rotate both horizontally and vertically in gooseneck like movements. The utility connection manifold may be located at or below the grade and provides access to the utility service connection for each utility type. Clustering multiple services reduces the exposure to damaged conduits and subsequent service interruption caused from the potential of moving submerged debris during a flooding event, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, utility connection manifold is configured as a chamber receiving the conduit system from one or more utility services and contains the individual utility service connection for each of the utility services that are contained in the coiled conduit connected to the object.
In some example embodiments, the utility connection manifold is configured to provide an accessible terminal vessel for the connection of multiple utility services to each connected respective coiled conduit, allowing one or more of: vertical movement in the coiled utility conduit for the object to separate from the foundation system; providing an accessible terminal vessel for the connection of each utility coiled conduit to the respective utility services; remaining connected to one or more utility services and their respective coiled conduit; remaining connected to one or more utility services; and remaining connected to the protective sheath.
In an example embodiment, a protective sheath is wrapped over a coiled utility conduit containing multiple utility conduits. Wrapping the collection of conduits with an armored protective sheath fortifies the system to resist impact damage and subsequent service interruption caused from the potential of moving and submerged debris during a flooding event. In an example embodiment, a coiled utility conduit is a flexible and waterproof conduit system appropriate for delivering gas to the object. In some example embodiments, the coiled utility conduit is configured to perform one or more of: allow the object to return to its original static position on the foundation system; allow the object to separate from the foundation system; remain connected to the object; remain connected to the underground service; provide multiple utility services to the object in a single conduit during the presence of rising water; and provide multiple utility services to the object in a single conduit during the absence of rising water. Coiled utility conduit may be configured as a flexible and waterproof conduit system appropriate for delivering potable water to the object. Coiled utility conduit may be configured as a flexible and waterproof conduit system appropriate for delivering electrical service to the object. Coiled utility conduit may be configured as a flexible and waterproof conduit system appropriate for delivering communications to the object.
In an example embodiment, a float activated system is outfitted with a buoyant float anchored to a lever arm that is attached to a lever arm hinge. A strap pin is anchored to the lever arm. The float rises with rising water and rotates the lever arm about the lever arm hinge, retracting the strap pin from the strap pin hole and disconnecting the object from the hold down system, releasing the object and allowing it to separate from the foundation system and rise with the level of rising water. The strap may be configured to re-insert the strap pin into the strap pinhole and reestablish the hold down system once the water recedes. In an example embodiment, hold down system is configured as a device for securing the object or object platform system to the foundation system. Examples of the hold down system may include anchor rod, anchor bolt, and hold down, among others. In some example embodiments, the hold down system is configured for one or more of: automatically re-anchor the object to the foundation system; release the object from the foundation system; anchor the object to the foundation system; and remain anchored to the foundation system. In some example embodiments, if the hold down system is absent then the object or the object platform system will not be anchored to the foundation system.
In some example embodiments, the hold down system is configured to be of sufficient strength to resist the external force pressures tending to separate the object from the foundation system, contain a strap pinhole and anchor to the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the hold down system is one or more of: positioned below the object, below the object platform system, fixed to the grade beam, fixed to the foundation support system, below the locking system, or fixed to the pier system. In some example embodiments, the hold down system is coupled with the foundation support system. In some example embodiments, the hold down system interacts with the strap pin. In some example embodiments, the hold down system comprises strap pinhole, strap, and/or strap anchoring system. In some example embodiments, the lock assembly cleat is configured to remain anchored to the object and anchor the lever arm hinge. In some example embodiments, the lock assembly cleat comprises a lock assembly mounting plate and/or a lock assembly anchor.
In an example embodiment, a buoyant float displaces a sufficient volume of rising water when attached to the lever arm to lift the lever arm to rotate on the lever arm hinge and extract the strap pin from the strap pinhole. Examples of the buoyant float include a pontoon, a cork, a bladder, an air cell, and a bobber, among others. In some example embodiments, the buoyant float displaces a sufficient volume of rising water that is a greater weight than the combined weight of the lever arm, the buoyant float, and the additional force used to extract the strap pin from the strap pin hole while remaining anchored to the lever arm. In some example embodiments, the buoyant float displaces a sufficient volume of rising water to lift the lever arm to rotate on the lever arm hinge and extract the strap pin from the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, the buoyant float is coupled with the lever arm. In some example embodiments, the buoyant float interacts in one or more of: interacting with rising water and interacting with the lever arm.
In an example embodiment, a strap secures the object or object platform system to the foundation system. Examples of the strap include anchor rod, anchor bolt, and hold down, among others. In some example embodiments, the strap is configured to anchor to the foundation system and contain the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, if the strap is absent, then the object or the object platform system will not be anchored to the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the strap is configured to anchor to the foundation system, contain a strap pinhole and be of sufficient strength to resist the external force pressures tending to separate the object from the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the strap is fixed to the grade beam, fixed to the pier system, fixed to the foundation support system, below the object, below the object platform system, and/or below the locking system. In some example embodiments, the strap couples with foundation support system. In some example embodiments, the strap interacts with the strap pin. In some example embodiments, the strap comprises stainless steel. In some example embodiments, the strap is shaped as a flat rectangle extrusion. In an example embodiment, a strap anchoring system is configured with the strap end inserted in the grade beam or shaft fill material intended to prevent pull-out of the strap. In some example embodiments, the strap anchoring system is configured to anchor the strap to the foundation system and remain anchored to the foundation system.
In an example embodiment, a lever arm is a rigid bar attached to a lever arm hinge that is used to remove the strap pin from the strap pinhole. Examples of the lever arm may include wand, staff, and stick. In some example embodiments, the lever arm rotates about the lever arm hinge, anchors the strap pin in alignment with the strap pinhole, remains anchored to the lever arm hinge, and anchors the buoyant float. In some example embodiments, the lever arm anchors the strap pin, pivots on the lever arm hinge, and anchors to the buoyant float. In some example embodiments, the lever arm is positioned below the lever arm hinge or above the buoyant float. In some example embodiments, the lever arm is coupled with the lever arm hinge, the strap pin, or the buoyant float. In some example embodiments, the lever arm interacts with rising water. In some example embodiments, the lever arm is shaped as a round extrusion. In an example embodiment, the lever arm hinge allows the lever arm to rotate around a transverse axis. Examples of the lever arm hinge includes a pivot, an axle, and a joint, among others. In some example embodiments, the lever arm hinge is configured to anchor the lever arm, allow the lever arm to have planar rotation, and remain anchored to the lock assembly cleat.
In an example embodiment, a strap pin is configured to fasten, support, or attach things. Examples of the strap pin include a post, a rod, a tongue, a spike, and a tab, among others. In some example embodiments, the strap pin is configured to resist a designated portion of the overturning force on the object from high velocity wind, extract from the strap pinhole, insert into the strap pinhole, and remain anchored to the lever arm. In some example embodiments, the strap pin is configured to be inserted inside the strap pinhole and anchor to the lever arm. In some example embodiments, the strap pin is attached to the lever arm and/or aligned with the strap pin hole. In some example embodiments, the strap pin is coupled with the lever arm and/or anchor the strap when the strap pin is inserted in the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, the strap pin interacts in one or more ways: it interacts with the strap; it interacts with the strap pin hole; and/or it interacts with the lever arm. In some example embodiments, the strap pin comprises stainless steel. In some example embodiments, the strap is cylinder shaped. In some example embodiments, if the strap pin is absent then the lock system will not prevent the object in an object at rest position from transitioning to an object separated position.
In an example embodiment, a float activated comprises a buoyant float anchored to a lever arm to unfasten the lock system and release the object from the foundation system during conditions of rising water. In some example embodiments, the float activated system is configured to re-anchor the lock assembly cleat to the hold down system in the absence of rising water, release the lock assembly cleat from the hold down system in the presence of rising water, release the lock assembly cleat from the hold down system, anchor the lock assembly cleat to the hold down system, and be anchored to the object. In some example embodiments, if the float activated system is absent, then an alternative water detection system, a physical release system, or a remote release system can be employed to release the locking system and allow the object to transition from an object at rest position to an object separated position. In some example embodiments, the float activated system may interact in one or more ways: interacting with rising water; interacting with the strap pin; and interacting with the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, the float activated system comprises a lock system, a buoyant float, a lever arm hinge, and/or a lever arm.
In an example embodiment, a locking system automatically reacts to the presence of rising water by unfastening the lock system to allow the object to transition from a position at rest to a separated position. In some example embodiments, the locking system is configured to anchor the object to the foundation system and release the object from the foundation system. In some example embodiments, the locking system comprises a rising water lock release activation system. In an example embodiment, a lock system prevents the object from separating from the foundation system when the strap pin remains inserted in the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, the lock system allows insertion of the strap pin into the strap pinhole and allows extraction of the strap pin from the strap pinhole. In some example embodiments, if the lock system is absent, then the lock system will not prevent the object at rest position from transitioning to a separated position. In some example embodiments, the lock system comprises a strap pin. In some example embodiments, the lock assembly anchor anchors the lock assembly mounting plate to the object. In some example embodiments, the lock assembly mounting plate is configured to receive the lock assembly anchor and anchor the lever arm hinge.
In an example embodiment, a rising water lock release activation system in the object platform system separates from the foundation. The buoyant float rises with the rising water and forces the lever arm to rotate about the lever arm hinge, causing the strap pin to exit its locking position inside the strap pin hole, unlocking the hold down system and allowing the object to vertically separate from the foundation and float in the rising water. Configuring the hold down system to automatically release in the presence of flood waters provides a level of flood damage protection without monitoring or physically releasing in times of flooding. In the absence of flooding, the hold down system is a Building Code requirement to prevent high velocity wind forces from shifting or overturning a house from its foundation.
In an example embodiment, a strap pinhole is an opening in the strap configured to receive the strap pin. Examples of the strap pinhole may include socket, pocket, recess, and cavity, among others. In some example embodiments, the strap pinhole is configured to one or more of: release the strap pin, automatically receive and re-anchor the strap pin, and be integral to the strap. In some example embodiments, the strap pinhole is configured to receive the strap pin and allow the strap pin to withdraw. In some example embodiments, the strap pin hole is positioned to align with the strap pin when the object or object platform system are in an at rest position or on the strap. In some example embodiments, the strap pinhole is coupled with the strap. In some example embodiments, the strap pinhole interacts with the strap pin. In some example embodiments, the strap pinhole is round.
In an example embodiment, a rising water lock release activation system reacts to the presence of rising water by unfastening the lock system to allow the object to transition from an at rest position to a separated position. In some example embodiments, the rising water lock release activation system is configured to release the object from the foundation system in the presence of rising water, re-anchor the object to the foundation system in the absence of rising water, release the object from the foundation system, and anchor the object to the foundation system. In some example embodiments, if the rising water lock release activation system is absent, then an alternative water detection system, a physical release system, a remote release system, or other system is employed to release the locking system and allow the object to transition from an at rest position to a separated position. In some example embodiments, the rising water lock release activation system comprises a float activated system, a hold down system, and/or a lock assembly cleat.
Vehicles may be outfitted with one or more flood hinges as permanent connections that can be deployed and anchored prior to flooding events, or connected to anchored flood hinges. So attached, these vehicles can be either made buoyant or outfitted with a deployable buoyancy system. Equipping vehicles of any size and kind would prevent or greatly lessen their damage due to flood waters. Separated building 103 is defined as building 100 removed from foundation system 200. Tilting angle 10900 is defined as the angle building 100 is tilted relative to a level plane. Tilting building 401 is defined as building 100 that is tilted relative to a level plane. Building at rest 301 is defined as house 100 resting on foundation system 200. Water waves 501 is defined as transverse and longitudinal deformations to the level surface of rising water 1202. Examples of rising water 1202 include storm surge, tide and flash flood, among others. Examples of the high velocity wind 4000 include hurricane winds and wind gusts, among others. Examples of external force 500 include wind, gravity, flooding, high velocity wind 4000, water waves 501, human force 13400 and mechanical force 13300, among others.
Building 100 is defined as anything that is visible or tangible and is relatively stable in form, which may be in building position 107, or of building type 300, among others. Examples of building 100 include house, mobile home, chicken coop, animal shelter, animal, human, storage building, motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, farm vehicle, boat, platform, walkway, roadway, machine and container, among others. Building position 107 is defined as the location of building 100 relative to foundation system 200 and a level plane.
Examples of the communications include telephone, cable and internet, among others. Electrical service is defined as means for supplying uninterrupted electricity to building 100, among others. Sewer is defined as means for receiving sewer waste from building 100. Utility services is defined as a means to provide utility services during the presence of rising water 1202, a means to provide gas service to building 100, a means to provide potable water to building 100, a means to provide sewer service to building 100, a means to provide electrical service to building 100, and a means to provide communications service to building 100, among others. Examples of the utility services include sewer, gas, communications, potable water, and electrical service, among others. Examples of the safety disconnect include plug and shut off valve, among others. Examples of the hard connection include wired connection and pipe connection. Examples of the gas include piped gas service and refillable tanks, among others.
This disclosure references the appended figures representing example embodiments.
Examples of building platform system 1500 include platform sill 1003 system that supports platform joists. In some example embodiments, supporting frame 101C is configured to maintain a rigid shape and support building 100. In some example embodiments, as shown in
In some example embodiments, first strut system 104A is configured to tether building 100 to foundation system 200, allow the building 100 to separate from foundation system 200 and guide building 100 to return to its original position on foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, the first strut system 104A is positioned below building 100 or above foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, first strut system 104A is coupled with foundation system 200 or building 100. In some example embodiments, first strut system 104A comprises upper strut 702, lower strut 703, building hinge 2200, elbow hinge 700, and foundation hinge 1800. The strut attachment system determines the size, strength, manner, and configuration of connections between struts, and between struts and the building and between struts and the foundation.
In some example embodiments, pier on gradebeam system 202 is configured to support building 100, elevate building 100 above grade 106, remain connected to either grade beam 201, spot footing, and/or slab foundation 12000 of
In an example embodiment, stabilization system 108 is defined as the system which anchors building 100 to foundation system 200 while under select conditions allowing building 100 to separate from foundation system 200 while remaining anchored to foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 is configured for one or more of anchoring building 100 to foundation system 200; anchoring to building 100; anchoring to foundation system 200; guiding building 100 to return to its resting position on foundation system 200; allowing building 100 to separate from foundation system 200; and allowing building 100, while floating, to tilt and follow the asymmetrical movements of water waves 501.
In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 is configured for one or more of allowing building 100 to separate from foundation system 200; anchoring building 100 to foundation system 200; and guiding building 100, separated from the foundation system 200, to return to its original position before separation. In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 is positioned between building 100 and foundation system 200.
In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 is coupled with building 100 or foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 interacts in one or more ways: interacting with high velocity wind 4000 while keeping building 100 anchored to foundation system 200; interacting with rising water 1202 while releasing building 100 from foundation system 200; and interacting with building position 107 to move with the undulating surface of water waves 501. In some example embodiments, stabilization system 108 comprises tethering system 9000, foundation system 200 and/or buoyancy system 1200.
In some example embodiments, flood hinge system 109 comprises layout system, installation system, and/or a stabilization system. In some example embodiments, second strut system 104B is configured to tether building 100 to foundation system 200, thereby allowing building 100 to separate from foundation system 200 and guide building 100 to return to its original position on foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, second strut system 104B is positioned such that folding strut movement plane 3700 of second strut system 104B is angled to oppose to folding strut movement plane 3700 of one or more first strut system 104A assemblies, and either below building 100 or above foundation system 200. In some example embodiments, second strut system 104B is configured to result in creating opposing strut allowable movement 1700 for each building hinge 2200. In some example embodiments, second strut system 104B comprises platform movement system 8000 of
By anchoring to the same rigid building platform system 1500 (
The position of platform 8700 of
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/505,595, filed on Oct. 19, 2021, and issued under U.S. Pat. No. 12,173,528 on Dec. 24, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17505595 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Child | 19001404 | US |
