U.S. patent application number 11/786230 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for water-filled flood bags for emergency flood control.
Invention is credited to Tim Richard Tyler.
Application Number | 20070243021 11/786230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38610375 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070243021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tyler; Tim Richard |
October 18, 2007 |
Water-filled flood bags for emergency flood control
Abstract
An emergency flood control apparatus is described that includes
a row of a plurality of vertically separated cells horizontally
arranged formed between at least two continuous sheets of
impermeable flexible material, a continuous horizontal tube formed
between the sheets and disposed at an end of the cells, and a
plurality of necks disposed perpendicularly between the tube and
the cells, the necks connecting each of the cells to the horizontal
tube in a manner such that the cells may be filled with fluid from
the tube at substantially the same time.
Inventors: |
Tyler; Tim Richard;
(Sacramento, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tim Richard Tyler
942 Mission Way
Sacramento
CA
95819
US
|
Family ID: |
38610375 |
Appl. No.: |
11/786230 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60791761 |
Apr 12, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/00 20130101; E02B
3/108 20130101; E02B 3/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/115 |
International
Class: |
E02B 7/02 20060101
E02B007/02 |
Claims
1. An emergency flood control apparatus comprising: a row of a
plurality of vertically separated cells horizontally arranged
formed between at least two continuous sheets of impermeable
flexible material; a continuous horizontal tube formed between said
sheets and disposed at an end of said cells; and a plurality of
necks disposed perpendicularly between said tube and said cells,
said necks connecting each of said cells to said horizontal tube in
a manner such that said cells may be filled with fluid from said
tube at substantially the same time.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for clamping ends of said tube.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, further comprising a second
row of cells disposed on an opposite side of said tube from said
row to form a first layer of tandem cells and said second row of
cell being connected to said tube by necks.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, further comprising
attachment flaps formed on said tube and on a top and bottom of
said sheet for attachment to other structures.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, further comprising holes in
said attachment flaps for providing means for attaching additional
layers of cells.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising holes in
said attachment flaps for attachment to a supporting structure.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising a second
layer of tandem cells stacked on top of said first layer and
attached to said supporting structure.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising a ground
cloth beneath said first layer and wrapped up the water-side of
said first and second layer to minimize punctures to said cells and
seepage between layers.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising a
plurality of layers of tandem cells stacked atop one another and
attached to said supporting structure.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, in which said supporting
structure is a pole.
11. An emergency flood control apparatus comprising: means for
forming a plurality of vertical cells horizontally arranged; means
for forming a horizontal tube adjacent to said cells; and means for
connecting said cells to said tube such that said cells may be
filled from fluid in said tube at substantially the same time.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising means
for clamping ends of said tube.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, further comprising means
for attachment to structures.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising means
for forming a plurality of layers of vertical cells.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising means
for minimizing punctures to said cells and seepage between
layers.
16. An emergency flood control apparatus comprising: two rows of a
plurality of vertically separated cells horizontally arranged
formed between at least two continuous sheets of impermeable
flexible material, said rows forming a tandem layer of cells; a
continuous horizontal tube formed between said sheets and disposed
between said rows; means for clamping ends of said tube; attachment
flaps formed on said tube and on a top and bottom of said sheet for
attachment to other structures; and a plurality of necks disposed
perpendicularly between said tube and said cells, said necks
connecting each of said cells to said horizontal tube in a manner
such that said cells may be filled with fluid from said tube at
substantially the same time.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising holes
in said attachment flaps for providing means for attaching
additional tandem layers of cells.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising holes
in said attachment flaps for attachment to a supporting
structure.
19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, further comprising a
plurality of tandem layers of cells stacked atop one another and
attached to said supporting structure.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, further comprising a
ground cloth beneath said first layer and wrapped up the water-side
of said layers to minimize punctures to said cells and seepage
between layers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Utility patent application claims priority
benefit of the [U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No.
60/791,761 filed on Apr. 12, 2006 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The
contents of this related provisional application are incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to various devices and
structures using water or air filled tubes, bladders, or other
containers or barriers for purposes of rapid response flood
control, to control and direct surface water flows, to form
temporary levees, to dam levee breaks, and to form temporary
enclosures for containment of liquids. More particularly, the
present invention relates to continuous-roll, water-filled plastic
"flood bags" as an inexpensive substitute for sand-bags
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Sand-filled bags using cloth and other fabrics have been
used for centuries for emergency flood control and to temporarily
control and direct surface water flows or to contain liquids to a
confined area. Typically sandbags are used with an impermeable
plastic sheet to stop surface water from flowing into the area to
be kept dry or from the area to be kept wet. However, the filling
and transporting of sand-filled bags to a flooded area is
time-consuming, labor intensive and often impractical for rapid
response in emergency situations.
[0007] Often there simply is not enough time to fill sandbags in an
emergency. Sandbags must be filled and moved one at a time. Also,
the soil in flooded areas may be too soft and muddy for filling
sandbags and sand may have to be trucked to the site from other
locations. In some cases the soil in the flooding area is too soft
to support heavy equipment and it simply becomes impossible to get
suitable sand to the necessary location.
[0008] Further, after sandbags have been used they are soggy, muddy
and saturated with floodwater that has often been contaminated with
sewage and toxic waste. Consequently, the removal of sandbags after
a flood can be a daunting waste removal task.
[0009] The need for relatively inexpensive, temporary, rapidly
deployable damming devices inflated with water that can be used as
a substitute for sandbags in emergencies has long been recognized
by numerous inventors.
[0010] One early proposal was a combination water/sand bag that
contained a moderate amount of sand for ballast but depended
primarily on a waterproof bladder that can be filled with
floodwater through a valve to increase the weight of the bags. The
bags are then stacked manually to form a flood barrier. While this
approach reduces the need for sand at the flood site, bags of this
type pose considerable expense and are still time-consuming and
labor intensive to deploy because each bag must be individually
filled and stacked.
[0011] Another idea that has been proposed is the use of blocks of
lightweight water absorbent material that soaks up floodwater to
form a flood barrier. Such devices are light and simple to put
quickly into place, and they automatically absorb floodwater to
form a heavy barrier. However, after these devices become soaked,
they cannot later be moved or removed feasibly for days or even
weeks. In addition, since these devices necessarily become soaked
with floodwaters that may be contaminated with sewage and toxic
waste, this results in a large quantity of contaminated material
that may pose a serious waste disposal problem.
[0012] Some other inventions have proposed temporary fabric dams
stretched perpendicular to flowing water so that the dams are
automatically inflated as they hang below floats. One such solution
proposes a horizontal tube inflated with air that suspends a
horizontal tube that inflates with water. Another solution proposes
a horizontal floating tube that suspends a V-shaped membrane that
likewise automatically inflates with water. Since these fabric dams
must be stretched perpendicularly across flowing water to work,
they appear to only be applicable to large-scale straight-line
situations and cannot be used to surround structures or form curved
flood control structures around obstacles.
[0013] A number of other inventions have been based on horizontal
water-filled tubes, bladders or pontoons depending on water
pressure for rigidity and without external supports. For example,
one invention suggests a single continuous plastic tube with a
circular cross-section that can be filled with water to encircle
and contain hazardous waste spills.
[0014] Other solutions are based on the use of fixed length linear
"pontoons" filled with water with various cross-sections for flood
control. One such solution suggests the use of two parallel
water-filled pontoons of equal length and circular cross-section,
sealed at each end and connected longitudinally by a membrane
running between them. It is proposed that such pairs of pontoons
can be stacked one upon the other in varying configurations to form
a dam or water barrier.
[0015] Another solution suggests a linear, water-filled "inflatable
dam" with a single tube with a triangular cross-section. Yet
another solution suggests a similar inflatable linear dam using
three horizontal water-filled pontoons with round cross-sections,
forming a triangular shape when one is stacked on and attached to
the two others. A similar idea uses several large pontoons filled
with water and strapped together in a pyramid formation.
[0016] A similar inflatable linear dam comprises a horizontal
pontoon filled with water and fitted with an internal longitudinal
baffle or membrane to produce an oval or figure-8 cross-section
that avoids rolling in crosscurrents. A very similar design with
the addition of a longitudinal "skirt" is known in the art. Pontoon
dams with somewhat different cross-section designs with various
longitudinal baffles or membranes are also known.
[0017] Recently a configuration of two or more linear, horizontal
water-filled pontoons or tubes, generally contained within an outer
sleeve has been suggested. The tubes can be sewn in various sizes,
diameters and shapes with longitudinal seams and baffles to form
dams, fish ladders, and breakwaters.
[0018] All of these approaches using stacked water-filled tubes,
bladders and pontoons have the advantage that they can be put in
place quickly and easily, attached to a water hose at a single
location and pumped full of water, abundant at the flood site, to
form a horizontal flood barrier many feet in length with very
little labor. One such tube can effectively replace a large number
of sandbags that would take much longer and much more labor to put
in place. But these approaches depend on water pressure to inflate
them to pre-determined lengths and circumferences, and this
necessarily produces stiff linear, horizontal cells of
predetermined length that are not well-adapted to small scale
applications, to curve around obstacles, or to turn sharp corners.
Consequently these approaches are more suited for large-scale,
relatively straight-line applications such as, but not limited to,
damming levee breaks.
[0019] Further, known methods utilizing horizontal water-filled
`tubes` or cells are configured such that any puncture or rupture
of the external membrane of the tube at any location necessarily
causes the entire linear segment to lose pressure and fail. In many
cases this causes failure of the entire flood control
structure.
[0020] Other inventions combine a horizontal linear tube or plastic
liner filled with water within an external supporting structure of
wood or metal. One such invention confines a water-filled tube with
a triangular cross-section within an A-shaped framework of wood or
metal vertical side supports placed approximately two feet apart.
An almost identical approach has an A-shaped framework with
horizontal side supports.
[0021] These external support designs also appear to be more
suitable for large-scale applications such as, but not limited to,
lining levees. These designs require more labor to put in place
than the "inflated tube" designs, but they have the same advantage
that once put in place they can be filled with water quickly and
easily from one or more locations, effectively eliminating the need
for hundreds of sandbags. But these designs necessarily require a
substantial investment in framing materials and associated storage
expense. And, as with the "inflated tube" designs, these designs
depend on a plastic membrane creating a single horizontal cell of
water so that any rupture or puncture of the external membrane or
any failure of an external support at any place along the length of
the dam will necessarily cause failure of the entire flood control
structure.
[0022] Other water-filled dam structures using multiple rigid or
semi-rigid containers filled with water are known in the art. An
early proposal suggests using rigid or semi-rigid collapsible
plastic containers that form water-filled cubes that can be stacked
and connected together to form dams and other structures. This same
approach using stacked containers filled with water and connected
to each other to form a dam is known in different versions. One
such approach uses large rigid sided boxes, and another approach
uses collapsible boxes bolted together. Similarly, another approach
proposes using connected rectangular water-filled boxes with
external supports to form temporary water barriers and containment
structures.
[0023] These proposals using rigid or semi-rigid containers filled
with water are much more labor intensive since each container must
be stacked, connected and filled separately. And as with the
designs using an external A-shaped framework, all of these
proposals using rigid or semi-rigid containers necessarily require
a substantial investment in framing materials and associated
storage expense.
[0024] A common feature of all "water-filled dams" and other
flood-control structures described above is that once put in place
and filled with water these structures are so heavy that they
cannot be moved or repositioned even a few inches. Further, these
structures are all large-scale proposals involving expense and
engineering far beyond the capabilities of the average individual,
for example, without limitation, homeowner, shopkeeper or farmer.
Consequently the average individual faced with a relatively
small-scale need, such as, but not limited to, quickly sealing off
a single doorway or stairwell from surface water intrusion or
protecting a hay barn from a few inches of rising floodwater, is
usually forced to rely on sandbags or other ad hoc measures despite
the inherent limitations these methods pose.
[0025] Currently known methods for the use of water-filled
structures for flood control require positive water pressure or
external framework to maintain vertical height. Further, known
methods generally cannot easily be used on a small scale, cannot be
used to easily negotiate turns, and often pose the danger that a
puncture in any cell at any place causes a loss of the entire cell
and possibly loss of structural integrity of the entire
flood-control structure.
[0026] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved
method of emergency flood control that has minimal expense, is easy
to store, is easy to use, can be deployed rapidly, and can be
stacked to form floodwalls. Additionally, there is a need for
emergency flood control that has flexibility to form structures of
any shape, to turn corners, seal off entrances, encircle
structures, and curve around ground obstacles. It is also desired
of a water-filled, flood control structure that a puncture of any
one flood bag does not affect the integrity of any other bag in the
structure. It is also desired of a water-filled, flood control that
water can be quickly drained out of the flood bags and that the
flood bags can be rinsed off and returned to storage without the
need to dispose of large quantities of contaminated material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of two exemplary
hollow chambers or flood bags that are part of a continuous sheet
of such bags, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, and FIG. 2d illustrate side
elevation views of a single exemplary flood bag separated from a
continuous sheet of flood bags, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 2a shows the flood bag empty. FIG. 2b
shows the flood bag being filled with water. FIG. 2c shows a method
for clamping the flood bag after the flood bag is full of water.
FIG. 2d shows an alternate method for clamping the flood bag;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of how three exemplary flood
bags can be filled simultaneously, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of two exemplary flood bag
lines placed on the up-hill side of a structure and a roadway to
control and direct surface water flows away from the structure and
the roadway, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary flood bag
line placed around a stairwell and filled with water from a hose
bib to quickly prevent surface water from flooding into a below
grade area such as, but not limited to, a basement or subway, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of four exemplary
flood bags as part of a continuous series of such bags, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the flood bags, as
illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6, folded back on themselves
along the fill-tube to form two continuous rows of parallel, tandem
flood bags, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b show end-view elevations of two
exemplary tandem flood bags, formed as illustrated by way of
example in FIG. 7, after being filled with water through a
fill-tube, in accordance in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8b shows the flood bags tied off at the fill-tube;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of four exemplary
tandem flood bags with attachment flaps, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an end-view perspective of horizontally opposed
flood bags, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9, showing how
a single sheet of plastic fabric can be folded and sealed to create
the attachment flaps, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an end-view perspective showing how the flood
bags, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9, can be folded to
form two rows of tandem flood bags with two bags toward the front
and two bags to the rear, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a side perspective showing six exemplary flood
bags, three pairs of tandem bags, with attachment flaps, attached
to a vertical support, and being filled with water, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is an end-view elevation showing how two exemplary
layers of flood bags with attachment flaps can be filled with
water, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12, and stacked,
one atop the other, to form a flood wall, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall can be created from four separate lengths of flood
bags to protect structures, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall can also be created from two separate lengths of
flood bags to protect structures, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a top-view of an exemplary flood wall plan
showing how a floodwall constructed as shown by way of example in
FIG. 13 can be created using support poles on the inside of the
floodwall to completely surround a structure, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall constructed as shown by way of example in FIG. 13
can be created using support poles on the outside of the floodwall
to temporarily contain a body of water, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0045] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary floodwall plan
showing how two floodwalls can be attached to the side rails of a
bridge to prevent floodwaters from coming onto a roadway, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0047] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, water-filled flood bags for
emergency flood control is presented.
[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, an emergency flood
control apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a row of a
plurality of vertically separated cells horizontally arranged
formed between at least two continuous sheets of impermeable
flexible material, a continuous horizontal tube formed between the
sheets and disposed at an end of the cells, and a plurality of
necks disposed perpendicularly between the tube and the cells, the
necks connecting each of the cells to the horizontal tube in a
manner such that the cells may be filled with fluid from the tube
at substantially the same time. In other embodiments the apparatus
includes means for clamping ends of the tube, a second row of cells
disposed on an opposite side of the tube from the row to form a
first layer of tandem cells and the second row of cell being
connected to the tube by necks and attachment flaps formed on the
tube and on a top and bottom of the sheet for attachment to other
structures. Further embodiments include holes in the attachment
flaps for providing means for attaching additional layers of cells
and holes in the attachment flaps for attachment to a supporting
structure. Other embodiments include a second layer of tandem cells
stacked on top of the first layer and attached to the supporting
structure and a ground cloth beneath the first layer and wrapped up
the water-side of the first and second layer to minimize punctures
to the cells and seepage between layers. Further embodiment include
a plurality of layers of tandem cells stacked atop one another and
attached to the supporting structure and the supporting structure
is a pole.
[0049] In yet another embodiment of the invention an emergency
flood control apparatus is presented having means for forming a
plurality of vertical cells horizontally arranged, means for
forming a horizontal tube adjacent to the cells, and means for
connecting the cells to the tube such that the cells may be filled
from fluid in the tube at substantially the same time. Further
embodiments include means for clamping ends of the tube, means for
attachment to structures, means for forming a plurality of layers
of vertical cells, and means for minimizing punctures to the cells
and seepage between layers.
[0050] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an emergency
flood control apparatus includes two rows of a plurality of
vertically separated cells horizontally arranged formed between at
least two continuous sheets of impermeable flexible material, the
rows forming a tandem layer of cells, a continuous horizontal tube
formed between the sheets and disposed between the rows, means for
clamping ends of the tube, attachment flaps formed on the tube and
on a top and bottom of the sheet for attachment to other
structures, and a plurality of necks disposed perpendicularly
between the tube and the cells, the necks connecting each of the
cells to the horizontal tube in a manner such that the cells may be
filled with fluid from the tube at substantially the same time.
Further embodiments include holes in the attachment flaps for
providing means for attaching additional tandem layers of cells and
holes in the attachment flaps for attachment to a supporting
structure. Other embodiments include a plurality of tandem layers
of cells stacked atop one another and attached to the supporting
structure and a ground cloth beneath the first layer and wrapped up
the water-side of the layers to minimize punctures to the cells and
seepage between layers.
[0051] Other features, advantages, and object of the present
invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood
from the following detailed description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0053] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognized a
multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon
the needs of the particular application, to implement the
functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the
particular implementation choices in the following embodiments
described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and
variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but
that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular
words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as
feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternatives
embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually
exclusive.
[0054] It is to be understood that any exact
measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials
indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable
configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled
in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following
teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation
details.
[0055] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides
connected, water-filled flood bags that can be used as a rapid
substitute for sandbags for flood control and similar control and
containment of surface liquids. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, multiple individual flood bags may be filled with water
sequentially from a single hose connection so the bags can be
filled more rapidly and with less effort than sandbags can be
filled with sand. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the bags can be easily emptied and stored for reuse so
they eliminate the need for disposal of large quantities of sand or
other materials that are often contaminated with sewage and toxic
waste after a flood.
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of two exemplary
hollow chambers or flood bags 11 and 12 that are part of a
continuous sheet of such bags, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The present embodiment, Embodiment 1,
comprises two flood bags 11 and 12 that are shown as part of a
continuous series of such bags that can be wound into a roll or
coil or folded similar to an accordion. Flood bags 11 and 12 are
formed between two layers 13 and 14 of plastic sheeting. The
material anticipated for use is polyethylene but other types of
impermeable plastic fabric or sheeting may be substituted such as,
but not limited to, rubberized cloth or canvas. Plastic layers 13
and 14 may be separate sheets of plastic or a single sheet of
plastic folded along an edge 15 to form layers 13 and 14. The
fabric used to form flood bags 11 and 12 is thick enough to be
somewhat puncture resistant such as, but not limited to, 10-mil
polyethylene sheeting. However, when in use bags 11 and 12 may also
be placed on and wrapped with other fabric materials such as, but
not limited to, plastic sheeting or polypropylene tarps to protect
bags 11 and 12 from being punctured. In the present embodiment,
layers 13 and 14 are made of the same type and thickness material,
but in alternate embodiments, layers 13 and 14 may vary in
thickness or be made of different types of materials. The bags,
represented by flood bags 11 and 12, being formed from continuous
sheets of plastic material, may be coiled into continuous rolls or
folded for storage. When needed, these sheets of flood bags can be
uncoiled, cut to any length, and filled from any water source.
Consequently, flood bags, according to the present embodiment, are
cheaper to manufacture, easier to store, and easier to deploy to a
flood site than sandbags and the sand necessary to fill the
sandbags.
[0057] In FIG. 1 layers 13 and 14 of plastic sheeting are sealed to
each other everywhere except along a strip near edge 15 that
creates a fill-tube 16 at the top of the bags, at necks 17 and 18,
and at the bodies of flood bags 11 and 12. Flood bags 11 and 12,
respectively, are connected perpendicularly to fill-tube 16 by
necks 17 and 18. Necks 17 and 18 are offset to one side of each
flood bag 11 and 12 to facilitate emptying water from the bags
after use. In alternate embodiments necks 17 and 18 may be centered
on each flood bag instead of offset. Some embodiments may also
include emptying valves or holes in the flood bags to make emptying
the bags faster. These valves or holes are able to be closed with a
watertight seal when the bags are full to prevent leakage. In the
present embodiment, fill-tube 16 sequentially connects all of the
flood bags in the continuous sheet together and enables the flood
bags to be inflated simultaneously with water entering from a
single hose connection at one end of fill-tube 16. Alternately, the
flood bags may be separated from each other and filled with water
separately, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. When
needed for flood control, flood bags in a continuous sheet are
uncoiled and cut to any length desired and stacked to form a wall
of any required length or shape. Also, the flood bags may be filled
with water completely or only partially as necessary to fit a given
space or need.
[0058] In the present embodiment flood bags 11 and 12 are designed
with fill-tube 16 running lengthwise along the top so a roll of
such bags could be unrolled in lengths for example, without
limitation, along the top of a levee or around a house to be
protected and filled simultaneously from a single hose connection,
creating a flood-control barrier much faster than the use of
sandbags. Once filled, water is held in each bag by gravity
creating vertical height without dependence on water pressure.
Since flood bags 11 and 12 are designed as separate cells, holding
water by gravity and not water pressure, a puncture of any cell or
bag will not cause the other cells or bags to lose water, unlike
flood-control methods using horizontal water-filled tubes or
pontoons. As a result, each pocket of water is totally
self-contained and a puncture of any one bag would not cause any
other bag to lose water or shape. Consequently, a puncture of one
flood bag has little or no detrimental effect on any other flood
bag in the structure. Also, flood bags 11 and 12 are designed as
separate cells so flood bags 11 and 12 can be cut to any needed
length and curved around structures and obstacles. Further, since
the height of flood bags 11 and 12 is created by gravity pulling
water to the bottom of each bag, not water pressure pushing the bag
upward, flood bags 11 and 12 require no external skeleton or
framework to hold them in place and can be articulated in series to
form any horizontal shape including walls that turn corners and
"S-curves" to easily avoid ground obstacles.
[0059] In the present embodiment, layers 13 and 14 are sealed or
adhered to each other using heat or some other common sealing
method such as, but not limited to, welding, gluing or stitching,
which may vary depending on the type of plastic fabric or sheeting
used to form the bags. In the present embodiment, flood bags 11 and
12 can be separated from the continuous series by cutting along
dotted lines 19 to form a single flood bag, as shown by way of
example in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the continuous series could
be perforated along dotted lines 19 to facilitate separation.
[0060] FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, and FIG. 2d illustrate side
elevation views of a single exemplary flood bag 11 separated from a
continuous sheet of flood bags, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 2a shows flood bag 11, from FIG. 1,
when empty. FIG. 2b shows flood bag 11 being filled with water.
FIG. 2c shows a method for clamping flood bag 11 after flood bag 11
is full of water. FIG. 2d shows an alternate method for clamping
flood bag 11.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates that fill-tube 16 runs horizontally
across the top of the bag and is connected to the body of bag 11
through neck 17 into the body of the bag, 20. Note that in the
present embodiment both sides of flood bag 11 are cut on an angle
at points 22 to create a tab of fill-tube 16 at a point 21 that can
be folded to seal off one end of fill-tube 16 during and after
filling of the bag.
[0062] FIG. 2b illustrates how flood bag 11, from FIG. 1 and FIG.
2a, is filled with water. The tab-end of fill-tube 16 is clamped
shut at a point 21 with a clamp 25, while a water hose 24 is
inserted into the other end of fill-tube 16 at a point 23 to fill
flood bag 11 through neck 17 into the body of the bag, 20. The
closed end of fill-tube 16 at point 21 may be clamped with any sort
clamping means such as, but not limited to, a spring clip, twine
tie or plastic zip-tie, etc.
[0063] FIG. 2c illustrates that after flood bag 11 is filled with
water as shown by way of example in FIG. 2b flood bag 11 may be
sealed for use by making a short cut 26 in the plastic fabric in
the side of neck 17 and then clamping each end of fill-tube 16 with
clamping means 25, such as, but not limited to, a spring clip, a
zip-tie, a twist-tie, twine or other fastener. Clamping both ends
of fill-tube 16 creates a single sealed bag of water for use
anywhere. In some embodiments, flood bag 11 may be perforated at
cut 26 to facilitate this. In alternate embodiments, the ends of
fill-tube 16 may include means for sealing so that clamps are not
required to seal flood bag 11. For example, without limitation, one
embodiment may comprise an interlocking closure that can be pinched
or zipped shut to seal the ends of fill-tube 16 similar to a
reclosable sandwich bag. Another embodiment may include adhesive
tabs spaced along fill-tube 16 between flood bags that can hold the
ends of fill-tube 16 in place when folded over. In yet another
embodiment, neck 17 may comprise sealing means such as, but not
limited to, an interlocking closure to enable flood bag 11 to be
easily sealed.
[0064] FIG. 2d shows a side view of flood bag 11 after the body of
the bag, 20, has been filled with water as shown by way of example
in FIG. 2b illustrating an alternative method of sealing flood bag
11 by rolling fill-tube 16 and neck 17 down and clamping this roll
with a single clamp or fastener 25. Clamp or fastener 25 may be any
clamping means, such as, but not limited to, a spring clip, a
zip-tie, a twist-tie, twine, adhesive tab, or other fastener.
[0065] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of how three exemplary flood
bags 31, 32 and 33 can be filled simultaneously, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Flood bags 31, 32 and 33,
separated from a continuous sheet of flood bags, are filled from a
single hose 34 connected at an open end of fill-tube 16 after a
closed end 35 of fill-tube 16 has been sealed with clamp 25 or
other sealing means. After bags 31, 32 and 33 are filled, the open
end of fill-tube 16 is also clamped or otherwise sealed to seal all
three bags, flood bags 31, 32 and 33.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of two exemplary flood bag
lines 41 and 42 placed on the up-hill side of a structure 43 and a
roadway 44 to control and direct surface water flows away from
structure 43 and roadway 44, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. When filled with water as illustrated by way
of example in FIG. 3, flood bag lines 41 and 42 rapidly protect
structure 43 and roadway 44 from water and mudflows 45 caused by
occurrences such as, but not limited to, rain or snowmelt. To give
additional protection from puncture and prevent water 45 from
running under flood bag lines 41 and 42, flood bag lines 41 and 42
may be placed on a ground-cloth 46 made of an impermeable material
such as, but not limited to, plastic sheeting, plastic foam or
fabric woven from some material such as, but not limited to,
polypropylene.
[0067] Sandbags are often used for the purposes illustrated in FIG.
4, but sandbags must be filled with sand first and then carried up
the steep hillside. Then when the sandbags are no longer needed,
the sandbags must be carried down the hillside full of sand or else
the sand must be dumped in place, which creates more debris that
may eventually flow downhill onto structure 43 or roadway 44 with
future rains or snowmelts. Consequently, using sandbags for this
purpose is both labor intensive and somewhat self-defeating. The
use of flood bags lines 41 and 42 enables a user to quickly and
easily deploy the lengths of flood bag lines 41 and 42 on the
hillside while empty and then fill flood bag lines 41 and 42 with
water while in place using a hose connected to the uphill end of
each length. The ends of flood bag lines 41 and 42 are then sealed,
and flood bag lines 41 and 42 remain in place until structure 43
and roadway 44 are no longer threatened by water and mudflows 45.
When flood bag lines 41 and 42 are no longer needed, the water in
the bags can be easily drained by removing the clamps or alternate
sealing means at the bottom ends of flood bag lines 41 and 42 and
laying the bags on their sides. When the bags are laid on their
sides the water in flood bag line 41 and 42 drains out the bottom
end of each line. After flood bag lines 41 and 42 are drained, the
empty flood bags can be rolled into coils or folded and placed in
storage for future use.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary flood bag
line 51 placed around a stairwell 52 and filled with water from a
hose bib 53 to quickly prevent surface water from flooding into a
below grade area such as, but not limited to a basement or subway,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the
present example, flood bag line 51 is placed on a ground cloth 54
that may be made from an impermeable material such as, but not
limited to, plastic foam or sheeting to protect the bags in flood
bag line 51 from puncture and also to prevent seepage of ground
water under flood bag line 51. After the danger of flooding has
passed, flood bag line 51 can be easily laid over on its side,
unclamped or otherwise unsealed and drained. When empty, flood bag
line 51 can be rolled o folded up and stored for future use.
[0069] While FIGS. 1-5 depict Embodiment 1 of the present
invention, using bags formed with straight, vertical sides and
relatively flat bottoms that form cells in the shape of cylinders,
this is not necessarily the only shape that is suitable for the
bags. For example, without limitation, the bags might also be
formed with sloping sides forming cells in the shape of cones, or
the bags might be formed with pleated bottoms so they stand up by
themselves more easily when filled with water. Those skilled in the
art, in light of the present teaching, will recognize multiple
alternative shapes for the flood bags, such as, but not limited to,
cubes, spheres, or pyramids. In some embodiments, the entire body
of the bags may have pleating or extra fabric that enables the
sides of the bags to expand and create shapes such as, but not
limited to, rounded shapes. These three-dimensional embodiments may
still be rolled up or folded for easy storage when empty because of
the flexible nature of the fabric used for their construction. In
yet other embodiments, bags may be separated into sub cells by
seams in various locations in the bodies of the bags. Depending on
the particular use to which the flood bags may be put, each design
may have its advantages.
[0070] A second embodiment of the present invention, Embodiment 2,
is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of four
exemplary flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64 as part of a continuous
series of such bags, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In the present embodiment, flood bags 61, 62,
63, and 64 are formed in horizontally opposed pairs from two layers
65 and 66 of waterproof material such as, but not limited to,
plastic sheeting or plastic fabric. As with Embodiment 1 shown by
way of example in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, layers 65 and 66 may be
separate sheets or a single sheet folded back on itself at an edge
67. Also as with Embodiment 1 shown by way of example in FIG. 1
through FIG. 5, layers 65 and 66 are sealed to each other
everywhere except along a strip near the middle of the sheet to
form a fill-tube 68 between flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64, at necks
69 connecting each bag to fill-tube 68, and at flood bags 61, 62,
63 and 64 to form the body of each of the flood bags. In the
present embodiment, fill-tube 68 is formed perpendicularly to flood
bags 61, 62, 63, and 64 in the middle of each opposing pair of
bags. The neck of each bag, 69, is offset to one side of each bag
to facilitate draining after use. In alternate embodiments the neck
of each bag may be centered instead of offset. As with FIG. 1,
layers 65 and 66 in the present embodiment are sealed or adhered to
each other using heat or some other common sealing method, such as
but not limited to, welding, glue or stitching, that may vary
depending on the type of plastic fabric or sheeting used to form
the bags.
[0071] While FIG. 6 shows flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64 on each
side of fill-tube 68 as perfect mirror images, for example, without
limitation, flood bag 61 is a mirror image of flood bag 63, this is
not necessary. In some embodiments flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64
may be formed with an offset so that the seam between flood bags 61
and 62 is not exactly opposite the seam between flood bags 63 and
64. And although FIG. 6 shows each flood bag 61, 62, 63 and 64 as
single cells, in some embodiments, it is equally feasible to
partially subdivide the bags into two or more sub-cells by means of
seams as indicated by, but not limited to, a dotted line 60. In
some embodiments the opposing flood bags may be shaped differently
from each other to create different shapes when filled. For
example, without limitation, in one such embodiment one line of
bags is designed to have a flat outer surface when full while the
opposing line of bags is designed to have a slanted outer surface.
An exemplary use for this embodiment is to create a wedge-shaped
flood barrier to be placed against a flat surface such as, but not
limited to a wall or fence.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of flood bags 61, 62,
63, and 64, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6, folded back
onto themselves along fill-tube 68 to form two continuous rows of
parallel, tandem flood bags, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. In the present embodiment, flood bags 61 and
62 make up the near row and flood bags 63 and 64 make up the far
row. Flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64 are each connected to central
fill-tube 68 at the top of each bag by way of the neck to each bag,
69. Flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64 may be filled simultaneously from
a single hose connection at an end 71 of fill-tube 68 after an end
70 of fill-tube 68 has been clamped shut similar to the manner that
was illustrated in FIG. 3 for the prior Embodiment 1 of the present
invention. As with Embodiment 1, alternate means for closing the
ends of fill-tube 68 may be used such as, but not limited to,
interlocking closures or adhesive tabs. A flood wall formed from
flood bags 61, 62, 63, and 64, according to the present embodiment,
has two tandem but self-contained water-filled cells at each
section along the wall instead of only one cell, as illustrated by
way of example in Embodiment 1, and four layers of fabric instead
of only two layers of fabric. Consequently, if one flood bag were
accidentally punctured the other flood bags would not lose their
integrity.
[0073] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b show end-view elevations of two
exemplary tandem flood bags 81 and 82, formed as illustrated by way
of example in FIG. 7, after being filled with water through
fill-tube 83, in accordance in an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 8b shows flood bags 81 and 82 tied off at fill-tube
83. In the present embodiment one of the two tandem flood bags 81
or 82 may be punctured without affecting the integrity of the other
tandem flood bag. For example, without limitation, if flood bag 81
is punctured and completely drained of water, flood bag 82 will
remain filled. Therefore, if a floating object or other object
causes one of the tandem bags 81 or 82 to be punctured, the other
tandem cell remains filled and the integrity of the entire flood
containment structure is maintained.
[0074] FIG. 8b is an end-view elevation of tandem flood bags 81 and
82, as shown by way of example in FIG. 8a, tied at the top with a
rope 84. Tandem flood bags 81 and 82 may be tied in this manner
with other means such as, but not limited to, twine, a zip-tie,
strapping, a twist tie or any other fastener to seal the bags.
Flood bags 81 and 82 might also be suspended on rope 84 in this
manner to create a temporary weight to hold down objects such as,
but not limited to, tarps, ground cloths, awnings, other fabric
structures, and other lightweight objects in place of sandbags.
[0075] A third embodiment of the invention, Embodiment 3, is
illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of
four exemplary tandem flood bags 91, 92, 93 and 94 with attachment
flaps 96a, 96b, 97a, and 97b, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. In the present embodiment, flood bags 91,
92, 93 and 94 are formed between two layers of fabric in the same
manner as shown by way of example in FIG. 6. Flood bags 91, 92, 93
and 94 are all connected to a center fill-tube 95. In the present
embodiment two extra flaps of plastic fabric 96a and 96b are formed
along the top of fill-tube 95 and two extra flaps 97a and 97b of
plastic fabric are formed at the bottom of each flood bag. Flaps
96a, 96b, 97a and 97b are constructed of the same material as the
body of flood bags 91, 92, 93 and 94. This may be any waterproof
material such as, but not limited to, plastic fabric or plastic
sheeting. In alternate embodiments, flaps 96a, 96b, 97a, and 97b
may be constructed of a different material than the body of the
flood bags 91, 92, 93, and 94 or may be reinforced or coated to
resist tearing. In the present embodiment, flaps 96a, 96b, 97a and
97b comprises holes 98 to allow flood bags 91, 92, 93 and 94 to be
attached to each other or to supporting structures such as, but not
limited to stakes, fences, etc.
[0076] As is the case with Embodiment 2 illustrated by way of
example in FIG. 6, flood bags on each side of fill-tube 95 do not
have to be exact mirror images, and, in some embodiments, flood
bags 91 and 92 can be offset from flood bags 93 and 94 so that the
seam between flood bags 91 and 92 is offset from the seam between
flood bags 93 and 94. Also as with Embodiment 2, opposing flood
bags may have different shapes from one another. For example,
without limitation, flood bags 91 and 92 may be shaped differently
from flood bags 93 and 94. Further, in some embodiments, flood bags
91, 92, 93 and 94 may be subdivided by vertical seams as
illustrated by, but not limited to, a dotted line 99.
[0077] FIG. 10 is an end-view perspective of horizontally opposed
flood bags, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9, showing how
a single sheet of plastic fabric can be folded and sealed to create
attachment flaps 96a, 96b, 97a, and 97b, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The present example describes
the use of plastic fabric; however other suitable materials such
as, but not limited to, plastic sheeting, etc. may be folded and
sealed in the same manner to create flood bags according to the
present embodiment. Alternatively the bags may be made of
rubberized canvas or rubberized polypropylene fabric with sewn
seams. Starting at a point 101 a single layer of plastic fabric is
laid flat to the edge of center fill-tube 95 at a point 102. From
point 102 the plastic fabric is extended to a point 103 to form the
bottom of fill-tube 95. From point 103 the plastic fabric is
extended to a point 104 to complete the bottom layer of the flood
bags. From point 104 the plastic fabric is folded back onto itself
and sealed to itself from point 104 to a point 105 forming end flap
97a and flood bags on the far side of fill-tube 95. From point 105
the plastic fabric is extended to a point 106 to form a side
section of fill-tube 95. From point 106 the plastic fabric is
extended to a point 107 and folded back and sealed to itself at a
point 108 to form top flap 96a. From point 108 the fabric is
extended to a point 109 forming the top of fill-tube 95. From point
109 the plastic fabric is extended to a point 110 and folded back
on itself and sealed to itself at a point 111 to form second top
flap 96b. From point 111 the plastic fabric curves down to a point
112 to form the rest of fill-tube 95. Then from point 112 the
plastic fabric is sealed to the bottom layer back to a point 113 to
form the flood bags on the near side of fill-tube 95 and end flap
97b.
[0078] Additional seams may then be made in the areas between
points 101 and 102 and 103 and 104 to form the bodies and necks of
the flood bags. The number and shapes of these seams depend on the
particular shape of flood bag being implemented by the particular
embodiment, for example, without limitation, cylindrical or
triangular. Further, additional seams may be included in the body
of the bags to create separate cells within the bags. In some
embodiments, the flood bags may have seams along dotted lines 115
and 116 to separate flaps 97a and 97b from the bodies of the bags.
In other embodiments the bottom seams of the bodies of the bags
create the separation between the bodies of the bags and flaps 97a
and 97b or the plastic fabric may be completely sealed onto itself
below the bottom of the bodies of the bags to create flaps 97a and
97b. Furthermore, embodiments with attachment flaps are not
required to be constructed as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 merely
illustrates one exemplary method of constructing flood bags with
attachment flaps, and those skilled in the art in light of the
present teachings will recognize that various alternate methods may
be used.
[0079] While FIG. 10 illustrates that it is possible to create
flood bags according to Embodiment 3 from a single folded sheet of
plastic fabric, it is not necessary to do so, and flood bags
according to Embodiment 3 can be created from two sheets of plastic
fabric each with the same or a different thickness. For example,
without limitation, it is possible that the bottom layer of fabric
from points 101 through points 102 and 103 to 104 might be made of
6-mil polyethylene while the top layer running from point 104
through points 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, and 112 to 113
could be 10-mil polyethylene.
[0080] FIG. 11 is an end-view perspective showing how flood bags
91, 92, 93, and 94, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9, can
be folded to form two rows of tandem flood bags with bags 91 and 92
toward the front and bags 93 and 94 partially obscured to the rear,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This is
similar to the method in which two rows of tandem bags are formed
in Embodiment 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8a, 8b and 8c.
However, in the present embodiment, bottom flaps 97a and 97b are
sealed to each other longitudinally along a centerline 1110, by a
method such as, but not limited to gluing, welding, or stitching,
so that each row of flood bags is attached to the other at
fill-tube 95 at the top and at centerline 1110 at the bottom. By
allowing extra slack in a bottom panel 1120 a connecting membrane
is created between the bottoms of flood bags 91, 92, 93 and 94
allowing the bags to spread somewhat apart to form an "A-frame"
structure that can stand unassisted and be stacked, one row atop
the other. In some applications a user may weigh down the flood
bags by placing objects such as, but not limited to, rocks or
weights on bottom panel 1120 between the rows of flood bags. If two
separate sheets of plastic of different thickness are used to form
tandem flood bags as illustrated by way of example in the present
embodiment, the thicker sheet of plastic is most likely used to
form an outside layer 1130 to maximize puncture resistance.
[0081] FIG. 12 is a side perspective showing six exemplary flood
bags, three pairs of tandem bags, with flaps 96b and 97b attached
to a vertical support pole, 121, and being filled with water, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flood
bags are attached to vertical pole 121, which is threaded through
top flap 96b at a hole 122 and through bottom flap 97b at a hole
123 and then driven into the ground to form a supporting structure.
At a point 124 one end of fill-tube 95 is clamped with clamp 25, or
sealed by alternate means, and the flood bags are filled from a
hose 125 inserted into the other end of fill-tube 95. In the
present embodiment, top flap 96b is free to slide up and down pole
121 at hole 122 so the vertical height of the wall formed from such
bags increases as the bags are filled with water. When the bags are
filled to the desired height, hose 125 is removed and fill-tube 95
is sealed to hold in the water.
[0082] FIG. 13 is an end-view elevation showing how two exemplary
layers of tandem flood bags with attachment flaps 96b and 97b can
be filled with water, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12,
and stacked, one atop the other, to form a floodwall 138, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first
layer consists of tandem bags 131 and 132 filled and attached to
supporting pole 121 in the same manner as illustrated by way of
example in FIG. 12. Supporting pole 121 is inserted through hole
123 in bottom flap 97b and through top flap 96b at hole 122.
Supporting pole 121 is then driven into the ground. Supporting pole
121 is braced diagonally with a brace 135 for additional lateral
support in the present example; however, in some applications brace
135 may not be needed. A second layer of flood bags 133 and 134 is
then laid on top of the first layer and attached to supporting pole
121 in an identical manner at the bottom at a hole 124 and the top
through a hole 136. A flood wall of this type would typically be
laid on a ground cloth 137 of an impermeable material such as, but
not limited to, polyethylene sheeting to prevent puncture damage to
the bottom layer, to prevent punctures from floating debris, and to
prevent seepage between the layers of flood bags. Ground cloth 137
is wrapped up the water-side of floodwall 138 and secured at the
top of floodwall 138. FIG. 13 illustrates an advantage of
Embodiment 3 over Embodiment 2 in that the bottom of each layer of
tandem bags can be spread somewhat apart producing an "A-frame"
shape that adds stability. Bags 133 and 134 partially straddle the
top of bags 131 and 132 on the bottom layer yet they are still held
together and cannot split completely apart.
[0083] In the present embodiment illustrated in FIG.13, top flap
96b of the bottom layer at hole 122, the bottom flap of the top
layer at hole 124, and the top flap of the top layer at hole 136
are all free to slide up and down supporting pole 121 so that
floodwall 138 increases in height vertically as the bags in each
layer are filled with water. A floodwall similar to floodwall 138
may also be formed by attaching flood bags 131, 132, 133, and 134
to an existing chain-link fence or another existing structure, such
as, but not limited to a wooden fence or a wall. In this example
flap 97b is secured to the bottom of the structure and the upper
flap, 96b, is attached to the structure after all bags are filled
with water, expanding the floodwall to its full height. The flaps
may be secured to the structure with various means such as, but not
limited to being tied with ropes or twine, plastic zip-ties, clips,
or nails. FIG. 13 illustrates a basic advantage of this flood bag
design over alternative approaches using "external frameworks" or
"A-frame" structures. External framework approaches generally
cannot be stacked in any manner so the floodwalls they create are
of a fixed height that cannot be increased by any means.
[0084] FIG. 14 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall can be created from four separate lengths 141, 142,
143 and 144 of flood bags to protect structures 145 and 146, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each
section of flood bags is wrapped around two supporting poles 148
and doubled back on itself to create a wall four cells thick. The
floodwall can easily curve around a ground obstacle 147. As with
the embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 13 the floodwalls
may be laid on a ground cloth of a continuous sheet of polyethylene
or other impermeable material that wraps up the flood-side of the
floodwall to both minimize punctures to the flood bags and prevent
seepage through the floodwall.
[0085] FIG. 15 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall can also be created from two separate lengths of
flood bags 151 and 152 to protect structures 145 and 146, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As was
illustrated by way of example in FIG. 14, the floodwall can easily
curve around ground obstacle 147. Each length of flood bags 151 and
152 is laid alongside a series of supporting poles 148 creating a
floodwall four cells thick. As with the embodiments shown by way of
example in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 the floodwall may be laid on a
ground cloth of an impermeable material such as, but not limited
to, a continuous sheet of polyethylene that wraps up the flood-side
of the floodwall to both minimize punctures to the flood bags and
prevent seepage through the floodwall.
[0086] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate two basic advantages of the
flood bag design over prior art using inflated "tubes" or
"pontoons". In these figures the floodwall is easily built to curve
around ground obstacle 147. The "tube" or "pontoon" approaches
require positive water pressure to attain and maintain vertical
height. As a result, the pontoons become rigid, forming
straight-line structures that cannot be easily curved around ground
obstacles as shown in these figures. Further, if there is any
puncture in any tube or pontoon at any place, the entire structure
may fail. In contrast a floodwall composed of flood bags as
illustrated here can be erected in any shape, and a puncture of any
one cell has little or no effect on the integrity of the entire
structure.
[0087] FIG. 16 is a top-view of an exemplary flood wall plan
showing how a floodwall 161 constructed as shown by way of example
in FIG. 13 can be created using support poles 148 on the inside of
floodwall 161 to completely surround a structure 145, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Floodwall 161 is
comprised of a length of flood bags 163, two cells thick; however,
two or more lengths of flood bags may be laid to create a thicker
wall. As with prior figures floodwall 161 may be laid on a ground
cloth made of an impermeable material, for example, without
limitation, a continuous sheet of polyethylene that wraps up the
flood-side of floodwall 161 to both minimize punctures to the flood
bags and prevent seepage through floodwall 161. If structure 145 is
surrounded by an existing chain link fence, floodwall 161 can be
quickly formed around the outside of the fence by simply attaching
the layers of flood bags to the existing fence with means such as,
but not limited to, rope, twine, zip-ties, or twist ties in the
manner shown by way of example in FIG. 13.
[0088] FIG. 17 is a top-view of an exemplary floodwall plan showing
how a floodwall 171 constructed as shown by way of example in FIG.
13 can be created using support poles 148 around the outside of
floodwall 171 to temporarily contain a body of water, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. This method is
possibly useful for agricultural purposes such as, but not limited
to, irrigation around trees in orchards or as a holding pond for
irrigation water. As with the example shown in FIG. 16 a wall of
only one length of flood bags, two cells thick, is illustrated
however two or more lengths of flood bags may be laid to create a
thicker wall. The bottom of the structure may be lined with an
impermeable material such as, but not limited to, polyethylene
sheeting to form a temporary storage tank.
[0089] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary floodwall plan
showing how two floodwalls 181 and 182 can be attached to the side
rails of a bridge 183 to prevent floodwaters 184 from coming onto a
roadway 185, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. This may be done for example, without limitation, to
secure an evacuation route. In this case, any existing water on
roadway 185 may be pumped out so vehicles can evacuate across the
bridge.
[0090] In each embodiment shown above gravity keeps water in the
flood bags after the flood bags are filled as long as the flood
bags are kept upright, and if the fill-tubes or necks of the bags
are clamped or otherwise sealed the flood bags can be laid on their
sides without loss of water. When the flood bags are no longer
needed, the flood bags can be drained by simply laying the flood
bags on their sides and unclamping or otherwise unsealing the
fill-tubes. The flood bags drain by gravity flow and once they are
drained they can be coiled or folded and stored for future use.
This illustrates a basic advantage of the flood bag approach over
much of the prior art using rigid or semi-rigid containers or water
absorbing materials. Structures based on those approaches require
far greater expense and storage requirements. And after use many
prior art devices are harder to drain, and some are impossible to
drain if water-absorbing materials are used. As previously
described some embodiments of the present invention may also
comprise valves or drainage holes in the flood bags to decrease the
drainage time.
[0091] The feasible height of a wall of flood bags stacked on top
of each other obviously increases with the thickness and strength
of the plastic fabric used to form the flood bags and the strength
of the seams that form the cells within the flood bags.
[0092] There are many possible uses for these flood bags. For
example, without limitation, these flood bags may be of interest to
entities such as, but not limited to, homeowners, farmers,
shopkeepers, maintenance workers, highway departments, transit
authorities, flood control agencies, fire departments and other
emergency agencies for various purposes. Some exemplary uses
include, without limitation, to create temporary levees, line the
tops of existing levees to temporarily increase their height, to
seal off doorways, stairwells, and subway entrances, to protect
houses and barns, to channel surface runoffs away from structures
and roadways, and to line bridges to prevent flood waters from
sweeping over them. Furthermore, those skilled in the art, in light
of the present teaching, will recognize other alternative uses for
these flood bags.
[0093] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative continuous-sheet
water-filled flood bags according to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, without
limitation, some embodiments may have weighted bottoms to keep the
flood bags in place. One such embodiment has one or more weighted
objects such as, but not limited to, metal disks, plates or balls
attached to the bottom portions of the flood bags. In another such
embodiment, the bottoms of the flood bags comprise a pouch that
holds an amount of material such as, but not limited to, sand or
ball bearings to weigh down the flood bags. This embodiment enables
the weighted bottoms of the flood bags to conform to the surface on
which the flood bags are being placed. The invention has been
described above by way of illustration, and the specific
embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to
the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the following claims.
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