U.S. patent application number 13/325979 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for rapid deployment, self-inflating, interlocking, modular flood-water barrier wall system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Clarence A. Cassidy. Invention is credited to Paul J. Bouchard, Robert S. Bouchard, Clarence A. Cassidy.
Application Number | 20120207545 13/325979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59061719 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120207545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouchard; Paul J. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2012 |
Rapid Deployment, Self-Inflating, Interlocking, Modular Flood-Water
Barrier Wall System
Abstract
The water barrier is comprised of a number of interconnected
modules, that contain expansive material (such as polymer powder).
Each module has inlets that allow rising water to enter the
interior volume of the module so that it inflates from a flattened
configuration to a four sided shape. The shape is wedge shaped and
the modules are alternated so that the narrow end of the module is
toward the rising water on one module and the wide end is next to
the rising water on the adjacent module, so that pressure from the
rising water is transferred to adjacent modules from module to
module and ultimately to an anchoring system.
Inventors: |
Bouchard; Paul J.; (Little
Rock, AR) ; Bouchard; Robert S.; (Little Rock,
AR) ; Cassidy; Clarence A.; (Escondido, CA) |
Assignee: |
Cassidy; Clarence A.
Escondido
CA
|
Family ID: |
59061719 |
Appl. No.: |
13/325979 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61442774 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/114 ;
405/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 11/066 20130101;
H04M 3/42059 20130101; E02B 7/02 20130101; E02B 3/108 20130101;
H04M 7/0024 20130101; H04M 2207/20 20130101; H04M 3/42102
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/114 ;
405/116 |
International
Class: |
E02B 7/02 20060101
E02B007/02; E02B 7/08 20060101 E02B007/08 |
Claims
1. A water barrier system comprising: A plurality of modules
arranged in at least one string of multiple modules, said modules
formed of sheet material forming an enclosed volume, expansive
material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a
three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength, at
least one water ingress opening in each module to admit rising
water and cause the module to incrementally increase in height as
the expansive material hydrates to form a structure with at least
three sides and a top and bottom, and an anchoring system which
transfers the stress tending to force the module away from the
rising water, to anchors on opposite ends of each string of
modules.
2. The water barrier system of claim 1, wherein, The modules have
at least four sides with one end being wider than the other, The
modules being arranged with the wider and narrower ends alternating
along the string of modules.
3. The water barrier system of claim 1, wherein, said modules are
wedge shaped in horizontal cross section with one end being
substantially larger than the opposite end.
4. The water barrier of claim 3, wherein, said modules are
trapezoidal in shape.
5. The water barrier of claim 1 wherein: The walls said module is
comprised of woven fabric material.
6. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, said module is comprised
of sheet plastic material.
7. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, the water egress opening
incorporates a one-way valve.
8. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, said one-way valve
prevents the outflow of water or of solidified expansive
material.
9. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, said expansive material
comprises cellulose.
10. The water barrier of claim 9, wherein, said expansive material
comprises a cross-linked polymer powder.
11. The water barrier of claim 10, wherein, said cross-linked
polymer comprises an acrylamide.
12. The water barrier of claim 10 wherein, said cross linked
polymer comprises an acrylate.
13. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, the enclosed volume of
the Inflation Module is 50 cubic feet or more.
14. The water barrier of claim 1 wherein, said linear element
comprises plastic coated steel cable.
15. The water barrier of claim 1 wherein, said linear element
comprises rope.
16. The water barrier of claim 1 wherein, said linear element
comprises web strapping.
17. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, webbing material is
attached to the exterior of said module and at least partial
surrounds the horizontal aspect of said module when it is inflated
by the hydration of the expansive material.
18. The water barrier of claim 1, wherein, there are a plurality of
vertically stacked egress openings to allow the egress of flood
waters to higher and higher levels as the expansive material
expands.
19. A water barrier system comprising: A plurality of modules
arranged in at least one string of multiple modules, said modules
formed of sheet material and forming an enclosed volume, expansive
material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a
three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength, at
least one water ingress opening in each module to admit rising
water and cause the module to incrementally increase in height as
the expansive material hydrates to form a structure with at least
three sides and a top and bottom, and an anchoring system
incorporating ground penetrating shafts on opposite ends of a
string of modules to which linear elements are attached to transfer
the stress tending to force the modules away from the rising water,
to anchors on opposite ends of each string of modules.
20. The water barrier of claim 19, wherein, said linear elements
that are secured to each of said modules in a string of
modules.
21. The water barrier system of claim 20 wherein said modules have
attached strapping with openings through which said linear elements
are passed.
22. The water barrier of claim 21, wherein, said openings are
formed by webbing loops attached to said modules.
23. A water barrier system comprising: a plurality of modules
arranged in at least one string of multiple modules, said modules
formed of sheet material and forming an enclosed volume, expansive
material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a
three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength, said
modules being connected together by at least on high strength
linear element holding said modules in a side by side abutting
relationship.
24. A water barrier system according to claim 23, wherein: Said
modules having at least on vertically oriented seal attached to the
sides abutting adjacent modules.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the
priority benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/442,774, entitled Rapid Deployment, Self-Inflating,
Interlocking, Modular Flood-Water Barrier Wall System, filed Dec.
14, 2010 by the present inventors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The loss and devastation caused by the incursion of unwanted
or unexpected flood water into areas not designed or built to
survive such flooding is well known and documented.
[0003] Often in the spring, as the winter's snow and ice
accumulation melts (frequently exacerbated by seasonal rains), vast
areas including farms, towns and cities, are literally inundated,
often to the point the only the roofs of dwelling are visible above
the flood waters.
[0004] The frequency and severity of flooding is dependant on many
factors including weather patterns and cycles, proximity to rivers
and streams, adequacy of flood mitigation infrastructure, land use
and elevation, and sometimes the availability of people and
machines to intervene and construct temporary dikes and barriers,
especially in low-lying, flood prone areas.
[0005] Flooding and the devastation caused each year by rising
waters costs society billions of dollars, loss of life and of
irreplaceable personal property. Flooding and the resulting damage
and loss is not limited to third-world countries or economically
depressed areas. They can happen almost anytime and anywhere.
[0006] Occasionally the waters appear suddenly as with a flash
flood, dam or levee breach, etc. but normally flooding is
predictable and provides some time for evacuation or
preparation.
[0007] Often, thousands of people will turn out to serve as
volunteers to fill and place sandbags in hopes of keeping unwanted
water out of a downtown, a school, hospital or other critical
infrastructure such as telephone switch facilities or power
distribution sub-stations. Unfortunately, many of those volunteers
later report and/or file injury claims against the city of
municipality for back, hand and shoulder injuries.
[0008] To properly construct a sandbag wall five feet in height,
the US Army Corp of Engineers recommends using 9,000 filled
sandbags for each 100 feet of length. The same 9,000 bags require
100 cubic yards of sand which translates to 180 tons of sand! The
logistics of getting 180 tons of sand to, or near, the site where
the dike is a major impediment to the timely installation of the
dike. Even the largest dump trucks can only carry 18 tons of sand
so therefore over 10 large sand and gravel delivery trucks would be
required for 100 feet of protection.
[0009] Compounding the logistics can be challenges like wet, soft
ground and the inability to get the loose sand delivered close
enough to the bag filling areas. In such instances, multiple
front-end loaders with drivers are then required to move the sand
from the dump site to the bag filling site and then the filled bags
have to make their way to the site of the actual dike or wall
construction.
[0010] On average, the cost to fill and place a traditional sandbag
will run between $0.60 (bag and sand only, using all volunteer
labor) to $2.00+ per bag when filled and delivered by a commercial
provider using its own labor and machines.
[0011] As a result, a five foot high, 100 foot long `wall` of
sandbags can cost the town, city or private property owner up to
$18,000. One thousand linear feet could easily cost over $150,000.
Yet, there are several tens of thousands of miles of existing
earthen levees alone and tens of thousands more miles of rivers,
streams, lake fronts and ocean shoreline that can require
immediate, temporary and/or permanent barriers to mitigate flooding
and subsequent property damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The current invention provides a highly cost effective,
quickly deployed, interlocking, self-inflating and self-adjusting
height, flood water barrier system that will result in the
substantial savings in the cost of installation and in the
protection of lives, and property. The modules low initial weight
(approximately 35 lbs in a typical configuration) is one of the
features that makes the rapid deployment possible.
[0013] Depending upon the length and height of the desired barrier
wall, it is composed of the required number of Bags which are
hereafter referred to as Inflation Modules positioned to form a
vertical wall or barrier facing the approaching flood waters. The
system can be deployed in a fraction of the time needed to build a
traditional sand bag wall, and is especially valuable at sites not
easily accessible by heavy trucks and machinery or at locations
where there are insufficient labor resources (paid or
volunteer).
[0014] The system completely eliminates the need to purchase and
haul huge quantities of sand. When the flood threat is over the
barrier is easily dismantled, removed, stored and capable of
re-use.
[0015] The system uses a unique, self-inflating wedge shaped main
Inflation Module which, when combined with a flexible matrix of
linear elements such as cables, rope or webbing, it provides
exceptional blocking or barrier strength but with maximum
flexibility vis-a-vis height that can be selected, thickness of the
barrier, and the application to various construction surfaces. The
preferred wedge shape is trapezoidal.
[0016] The present invention is a modular Flood Barrier Wall or
dike system composed of a single (or multiple) row(s) of one or
multiple levels in height of large, self-inflating, wedge shaped,
woven or non-woven material preferably fabric creating an enclosed
volume. The Inflation Modules have up to 60 or more cubic feet of
volume in each such Module all of which partially or wholly use the
floodwater itself to hydrate expansive materials which preferably
are comprised of dry cellulose and/or powered cross linked
acrylamide or acrylate cross-linked polymers capable of absorbing
up to 500 or more times its own weight in water (salt or fresh)
contained inside the Module to then inflate, expand and completely
fill the interior cavity of the above described trapezoidal
Inflation Module.
[0017] The self-inflating feature of the flood barrier system
allows the entire structure to be extremely light weight before
hydration and can be deployed quickly with minimal labor and
without the aid of heavy machines. For example, prior to hydration
(from any source including the flood-waters themselves), a 50-60
cubic foot Inflation Module with a cellulose/polymer blend
typically weighs less than 35 lbs. Following complete hydration of
the super absorbent cellulose and cross-linked polymers, the same
Module weighs approximately 3,000 lbs.
[0018] While a traditional 5' high sandbag wall or dike would
require a continuous base width of at least 10' (front to back),
the current invention typically requires a base (or bottom)
footprint of less than 5'.
[0019] The height of the Modular Barrier Wall invention described
in this Application is variable based on several factors. The first
is determined by the height of the fully hydrated and inflated
Module itself. Inflation Modules can be produced in multiple
heights (typically 36'' and 60'') and stackable so the content
volumes and weights of the final configuration will vary
accordingly.
[0020] As an example, stacking 36'' high Modules on top of 60''
high Modules (aligning the seams in the lower or first row of
Modules with the center line of the bags comprising the second or
next row for added strength and leak resistance, a wall of
approximately 96'' or 8 feet in height can be built.
[0021] Whereas sandbag walls or dikes are built in a pyramid shape
(side view), the barrier wall system described herein is not. The
front-to-back (`z` axis) represents the thickness of the barrier
wall and will typically be the same at the base or bottom as it is
at the top of the same Module. This results from the extra
stability obtained through the use of the wedge shaped module.
[0022] The resistive or `blocking` strength or ability of the
barrier wall described herein to hold back `x` inches or feet of
encroaching flood water is a function of the combination of one or
more of the following unique features:
[0023] The geometric strength of the module is enhanced by a rigid
endoskeleton which include the rigid corner baffle system, and an
optional x-brace to maintain the integrity of the trapezoidal
shape.
[0024] The hydrated weight and mass of each Module itself
(typically 3,000 pounds or more and 50-60 cubic feet of semi-solid
expansive materials such as hydrated polymers completely filling
and pushing out against the outer fabric skin of the Module.
[0025] The connectivity of one Module to the other is via a high
tensile strength linear element. The linear element preferably may
be vinyl coated steel cable, rope or woven webbing (the rope and
webbing can made from natural or man-made fibers such as
polypropylene). These linear elements of which there are typically
two per row (or wall) of Modules, run through attachment
structures, preferably strap loops secured to each Inflation Module
The first linear element runs parallel to the ground with one along
the top `back` edge (the one furthest away from the approaching
flood waters) and the second along the bottom back edge of the
barrier wall structure. The linear elements are either pre-threaded
or field threaded through strap loops sewn or otherwise attached to
the outside fabric or skin of the Inflation Modules. A single pair
of these parallel connecting linear elements can be used to connect
up to twelve (12) Inflation Modules (the group of Modules so
connected are also referred to herein as a string) together
(totaling, for example, thirty linear feet). The ends of both
linear elements may then be secured to one or more ground anchors
which may be steel, of appropriate strength driven approximately
24''-36'' into the ground 4-6 feet past the first and last Module
connected into that particular string of Modules. The stakes
preferably are driven at angles leaning away from the direction of
the linear elements and at an angle ranging from 10.degree. to
90.degree. off the `X` axis or front of the barrier wall preferably
leaning in the direction of the approaching water. The linear
elements serve, in part, to hold the modules in side by side
abutting relationship.
[0026] The entire barrier wall itself may advantageously be placed
in a shallow (approximately 6'' to 8'') deep, by up to
approximately 60'' wide trench. The trench is cut, scrapped or dug
in earth such as by a small tractor or a front-end loader. In an
ideal implementation, and subject to time and availability of
materials, the above described trench would receive 1'' of sand in
the bottom from one side to the other and for the entire length of
the trench. If sand is not available, various thick, non-woven
geo-textiles or erosion mats can be placed in the trench. Whatever
material is used, it will serve to help create a water seal between
the bottom of the Inflation Module and the bottom of the trough on
which the Modules rest. This seal inhibits the flow of water under
the Inflation Module and avoids the accompanying erosion. In
applications where the barrier wall will be built on concrete or
asphalt levee, a courser, thicker and a higher friction matting or
pad is used under the Modules. The rear portion of the barrier wall
will typically be placed along the rear wall or lip of the shallow
trench so that the Modules are held in position by the back edge of
the recessed trench for added stability of the barrier wall.
[0027] In some applications it may be necessary or prudent to place
an additional row or partial row of Inflation Modules behind the
main barrier wall staggered so that the center of the wide end of
the trapezoid overlaps the joints created between three of the
Modules on the front row of the barrier wall.
[0028] When the flood waters reach the Inflation Modules, each
Module hydrates and its expansive materials fill the interior space
of the Module, the Module itself will fill and `plump up` and its
sides will bow outwardly. Therefore two adjacent Modules will bow
against each other and eliminate any space between them that
existed prior to the hydration process. This action will close the
space between the Modules and restrict water seepage. To further
enhance and assure the sealing of the space between Modules, there
may be attached to the exterior side walls and across the bottom of
each Inflation Module and running the full height of each Module
two, parallel 3-6'' wide strips of thick natural or man-made fabric
(including foam rubber) seals or alternatively pliable rubber rib
seals, also running the full height of each Module (beginning at
the bottom-most edge or corner of the Module and running straight
up to the top edge or corner of the Module. These horizontal and
vertical and bottom `seals` will be positioned so that when two
Modules are placed side by side, the vertical seals are either side
by side or, alternatively butting up against one another if a
thicker seal is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a typical line, String or section of the
barrier wall with individual Inflation Modules set side-by-side
(alternating front-back-front-back) and connected to one another
with two parallel ropes or cables. The Figure further illustrates
the placement of the barrier wall in a shallow trough or trench
lined with a geo-textile fabric material) to serve as additional
water sealing between the bottom of the Inflation Modules and the
ground or (in some cases, not illustrated here), a hard surface
such as concrete or asphalt.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an isometric perspective from the right corner of
the exterior of a single Inflation Module showing the top, and one
wide ends of a typical Module. The widest end and is always
directly opposite the shortest end of the trapezoid, Visible in the
upper center portion of the wide end are the water inlet ports
described hereinafter. In the illustrated embodiment `Y` is
typically 42-48'' and `N` is up to 96'' though in the illustrated
embodiment, it is 48-72''.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an isometric perspective from the exterior right
`rear` corner of a single Inflation Module. Running vertically down
both sides (as well as across the bottom and, in some embodiments,
also across the top) are the thick fabric, foam or rubber water
seals that assist in blocking the water from flowing between two
Modules or under them. If multiple rows of Inflation Modules are
stacked on top of one another similar water seals will be attached
to the top panel either across it to align with the vertical seals
attached to the sides or around the entire perimeter of the
top.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a straight-on, `eye-level` view or elevation of
the exterior front of a single Inflation Module showing the ropes
or cables passing through the Module's straps as well as the
external portion of the water inlet port system.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a straight-on, `eye-level` view or elevation of
the exterior back or rear portion of a single Inflation Module with
portions of the two exterior side sections also seen. This
perspective also shows the passage of the connector rope or cable)
through the Module's straps as well as the external portion of the
water inlet system and the two vertical side seals on each of the
side panels.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a straight-on, eye-level view of the bottom
exterior of a typical Inflation Module showing the externally
attached water seals which are typically extensions of the side
seals across the bottom of the Module.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a `look-down` isometric view of the interior (with
the rear of the Module at the bottom of the drawing and the front
at the top of the drawing) of the preferred embodiment of a typical
Module showing the front and rear interior portion of the water
inlet port system and mechanical back-flow valves.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a look-down isometric view of the interior (with
the rear of the Module at the top of the drawing) of the Module
with the preferred embodiment of the water egress structure in the
form of water inlet port and valve systems. Also depicted are the
rigid interior endoskeleton reinforcement and which includes corner
shaping baffles. Not shown but which may be included in the
interior skeletal support system is an optional `X` brace that
snaps into the four triangular corner posts and provides shape
rigidity just below the top exterior skin of the Inflation
Module.
[0037] FIG. 9 depicts the preferred embodiment water egress
structure is a filter/inlet and valve system in which is a
wind-sock shaped flexible nozzle. The nozzle may non-permeable with
both ends open, or permeable with the interior end open or closed,
is fitted on the interior stubs of the inlet pipes. These flexible
fabric (woven, non-woven or a combination of woven and non-woven)
or soft rubber socks allow the passage of water into the Inflation
Module (e.g. from the rising flood water itself) but restrict the
backflow of hydrated or un-hydrated cellulose/polymers out through
the ports to the outside of the Module when they become folded
either from gravity in the case of the un-hydrated Module contents
as a result of the socks weight and length or from the pressure of
the expanding cellulose/polymer gel caused by absorption of the
water inside the Inflation Module. The socks are effective simple
mechanical valves allowing the one-way passage of liquid or
semi-solids while restricting the out-flow of any material (dry or
liquid) from the Inflation Module.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an isometric, look-down perspective of the
interior of an alternative embodiment of an Inflation Module. In
this view, the rear of the Module is at the bottom of the drawing
and the front of the Module is at the top of the drawing. In this
Figure, the various internal components the comprise the
endoskeleton and systems are shown in an alternative embodiment
including the front corner baffles, the rear interior baffle system
and water hydration inlet system. The majority of the interior
components and systems are formed or cast from various rigid
plastic and/or rubber combinations to provide the proper balance
between strength and flexibility.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a look-down, isometric perspective of the
interior of an alternative embodiment of an Inflation Module with
the front of the Module at the bottom of the view and the rear
(shortest side of the trapezoid) at the top of the Module. This
perspective shows in some detail, the endoskeleton components and
structures used to maintain shape and rigidity of the Module.
[0040] FIG. 12 depicts specific detail of the alternative
embodiment of the interior portion of the water inlet port system.
It is composed of three (3) sub-components: A) the primary back
plate which has a number of circular and hollow `pipes` that extend
through the outer shell or skin of the Module and with the other
end of the pipes extending into the interior space of the Module
approximately 1-2''. B) the semi-permeable filter material
(typically a thin but strong non-woven man-made fabric) that allows
water to enter the Inflation Module but helps keep mud and debris
out, as well as the hydrated cellulose/polymers inside the
Inflation Module; C) is the snap-on frame that serves to hold the
filter/barrier material in place across the row of inlet ports.
This system allows the filter/barrier material to be replaced
between uses.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a `look-down` top view of a typical string of
Inflation Modules in a deployed configuration. In this embodiment,
additional single Inflation Modules (used for reinforcement) have
been placed (and connected via cable to provide additional support
(weight and volume) at select intervals behind the barrier wall.
These additional reinforcing Modules are fully hydrated with water
prior to the arrival of the flood waters to the front edge of the
barrier wall. In this depiction, the flood water would be
approaching from the bottom of the drawing. Each reinforcement
module is designed to overlap all or portions of three (3) of the
main or front row Inflation Modules to take maximum advantage of
the trapezoidal shape of the wall structure itself.
[0042] FIG. 14 depicts a section of what a complete barrier wall
might look like when deployed for the purpose of protecting a
building from approaching flood waters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated in FIGS.
1-7, Inflation Modules 100. These Modules are the primary building
blocks of the barrier wall and are made from a flexible container
or bag. These bags are preferably are made of woven natural or
man-made materials such as polypropylene. In the illustrated
embodiment, the material is 6-9 oz. tightly woven polypropylene
treated for a minimum of 1,600 hours of UV resistance and produced
in solid black with orange web strapping and side seals. The Module
measures approximately 48'' across the front, 12'' across the back
and with equal sides measuring approximately 48''. The Module has a
carrying capacity ranging from 3,000 lbs. to 6,000 lbs. with as
much as a 500% safety factor. Depending upon the selected outside
dimensions of the Module, the typical bag will hold between 40 and
60 cubic feet of hydrated cellulose/polymers.
[0044] Typically a single string of Modules arranged side by side,
and placed alternating front-back and back front for a virtually
unlimited total length. Additional Modules may be placed on top of
the bottom string to increase the height of the wall. Additional
individual Modules may also be placed at random or fixed intervals
along the rear of the main barrier wall to provide additional
weight and mass to the main wall in cases where the flood waters
are either rising very fast or are expected to exert additional
forces against the wall from currents or large objects that may be
carried along with the flood waters and could impact and weaken the
main wall.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 8, Reinforcement Module 100A can be
identical to all the other Inflation Modules 100 except for its
deployment and hydration. These Modules 100A can be placed at
various intervals behind the barrier wall depending on local,
real-time conditions (speed and volume of approaching water,
likelihood of heavy objects (e.g. tree limbs) floating in the flood
waters, etc). They also differ in that they are fully hydrated at
the time of placement and not dependant on the flood waters
themselves to hydrate any portion of this category of Module. Water
Inlet Port/Valve System.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, Parts 101A, 101B, 101C and 101D
collectively comprise the inlet port system. Each such inlet port
penetrates from the inside through the outer wall of the Inflation
Module 100 and allows water to enter the Inflation Module 100.
Where desired the inlet port system may incorporate a filter which
may be a semi-permeable membrane, mesh filter, or woven
rubber/latex material that allows the free flow of water through
and inward, but restricts the back flow of either dry or hydrated
expansive material located on the inside of the Module prior to
hydration. The inlet port system may desirably be made of UV
treated, non-toxic, bio-degradable plastic or hard rubber.
[0047] The external portion 101A of the inlet port penetrates the
outer skin or fabric of the Inflation Module.
[0048] A groove 101B is provided in the inlet port 101A on the
interior side of the inlet port. The groove provides a recess 101B
for the rubber or elastic band 101C. The one-way valve 101D is held
in place by the rubber of elastic band 101C which seats in the
grove 101B so that the one-way valve 101D will not slip off.
[0049] The rubber or elastic band 101C in its original
circumference, is approximately 20% smaller than the port 101A's
circumference that it the band 101C will encircle. The size
difference assures it will fit tightly around the port.
[0050] The wind-sock shaped rubber or fabric one-way valve 101D is
attached around the inlet port system, inside the Inflation Module
100. The circumference of the sock at the large end is slightly
more than the circumference of the inlet port itself to allow the
sock to be slipped on easily but relatively snuggly and then
secured by the elastic band 101C. Both ends of the sock are open
with the non-connected (dangling) end typically somewhat smaller
than the connected end. When the Inflation Module is dry and
un-hydrated, the sock hangs vertically. When water in entering
through the inlet pipe or port from outside the Module, the
pressure and volume of that water causes the sock to move to the
horizontal allowing the inflowing water to enter freely. When the
interior of the Inflation Module fills with expansive material,
that material pushes against the sock causing it to bend in one
direction or another, thus shutting off (blocking) either the
entrance of additional water into the Module, or the exit or
seepage of hydrated expansive material back out through the inlet
ports.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 10, externally mounted cable straps 101
and 102 are typically made from man-made fibers (such as
polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene) and are tightly woven into
web-like straps measuring up to five (5) inches wide and two or
more times the thickness of an automobile seatbelt strap. The
straps are attached to the Module by sewing, stapling, heat bonding
or riveting one to the other. The straps may extend 18'' or more
down the sides or across the top or bottom of the Module. In some
embodiments, the straps run down (or up) the sides and across the
top (or bottom) in one continuous length. The straps provide
strength and reinforcement to the Module itself as well as serve to
provide attachment loops through which the connecting cables or
ropes may be threaded and passed.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 12 the linear element 103 may be of
approximately 1/2 "diameter nylon or similarly high-strength rope,
web strapping or vinyl coated steel cable (typically 1/2''). The
linear element 103 will typically connect 12-15 Modules in a string
of Modules which is secured at both ends to a Ground Stake 103A.
Any number of strings can be placed end to end to form a barrier
wall of any desired length.
[0053] Ground stake 103A secures the cable or rope and provides
additional resistance against the rising flood waters pressing
against the barrier wall. Such ground stakes will typically be made
of steel, iron or wood and driven a minimum of 30'' into the ground
at a slight angle away from the Barrier Wall and toward the
approaching water. An auger-style stake may also be used to secure
the cable or rope.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, absorptive seals 104 are thick,
felt-like strips of dense, non-woven fabric or foam rubber sewn or
otherwise attached to selected outside surfaces of the Module. In
the illustrated embodiment, the seals run vertically up the sides
between the Modules and across the bottom, and parallel to the
front of the barrier wall. The strips are typically 2-4'' wide and
average 1/4'' in thickness (dry). They will absorb a certain amount
of water (depending upon the type of material used) and swell up to
50% or more of their original `dry` thickness. The seals fill in
the space between the Modules (sides, tops or bottoms) and block
the passage of water between the Module and whatever is adjacent to
a particular seal for example other Inflation Modules, or the base
on which the wall is being built. The Seals are attached to the
Modules in either a staggered placement (so that they will not
overlap one another); or exactly in the same location on each
Module so that the seals from two adjacent Modules are stacked
(doubled up) to provide a thicker seal between adjacent
Modules.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 12, access ports 105 are shown as being
located in the top section of the Inflation Module are mechanically
re-sealable openings in the Module that allow the placement and
removal of the superabsorbent cellulose/polymers mix and/or the
filter or valve materials located within the interior of the
Module. A single access port 105 will typically be 18'' in length.
If multiple ports are used, the length of each could be as little
as 12''. These ports also serve the purpose of removing the
de-hydrated cellulose/polymer from a Module after its use if so
desired.
[0056] Referring again to FIG. 1, restraining trench 106A is a
shallow (typically approximately 6'') trench that measures up to
60'' wide and extends the full length of the intended barrier wall
formed by the string of Modules. This trench is typically lined
with a 1/2'' of sand or alternatively a geo-textile fabric material
that can serve several purposes. The most effective prevention of
water seepage and erosion under the wall of Inflation Modules is to
provide a dense yet soft surface on which the Inflation Modules sit
to allow their individual weight (averaging 3,000 pounds each or
more) to seat into the underlayment material. The underlayment
material is helpful to create as much friction between the bottom
of each Module and the surface on or in which it is sitting in
order to keep the wall parts from moving as a result of the water
pressure against them.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 12 and alternative embodiment
is illustrated, in the alternative embodiment, there are interior
bracing plates 107 and corner angle baffles 107A placed in each
corner and running the entire height of the Module. In the
illustrated embodiment they are sewn directly into the `skin` or
fabric of the Module. In alternative embodiments they may be welded
(ultrasonically or by radio frequency), or attached with rivets
(made desirably of plastic). The baffles may also be attached using
adhesives preferable of non-toxic and bio-degradable materials. Not
shown but included in the interior `skeletal` support system is an
optional `X` brace that snaps into the four triangular corner posts
and provides shape rigidity just below the top exterior `skin` of
the Inflation Module.
[0058] The interior facing surface 107A may, as illustrated, have
large holes or ports for improving structural rigidity and/or
allowing the passage of hydrated cellulose into the space created
by the triangular baffle.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 12 the alternative embodiment of the Water
Inlet/Barrier System design is a three part system composed of a
back plate that includes the ports 108E and 108D; a semi-permeable
woven or non-woven fabric or filter material (not shown) that
allows the inflow of water but prevents the outflow of un-hydrated
or hydrated expansive material back out through the ports; and the
`snap-on` frame 108C with pegs 108E and receptacles 108B that hold
the fabric/filter material in place.
[0060] The frame 108C snaps into receptacles (not shown) and holds
the filter/fabric tightly in place across the inlet ports.
[0061] 108D depicts the interior portion of the inlet port or pipe
through which water may enter the Module
[0062] 108E depicts the male and female snap mechanism that allows
the frame to attach to the back plate 108A.
* * * * *