U.S. patent application number 13/188292 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for method and system for creating a flood barrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Norm Stinson. Invention is credited to Norm Stinson.
Application Number | 20130022404 13/188292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47555856 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130022404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stinson; Norm |
January 24, 2013 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING A FLOOD BARRIER
Abstract
A method and apparatus for compacting material in a unit. In one
embodiment the compacting apparatus comprises an attaching device,
a base coupled to the attaching device, and a head coupled to the
base, wherein the head comprises at least one sloping face. The
head is lowered within the unit to compact material within the
unit. As force is applied by the head, the sloping face distributes
the force in a direction normal to the slope of the face. This
compacts the material within the unit and prevents the formation of
voids within the unit.
Inventors: |
Stinson; Norm; (Alvarado,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stinson; Norm |
Alvarado |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47555856 |
Appl. No.: |
13/188292 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 17/18 20130101;
E02B 3/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/117 |
International
Class: |
E02B 7/02 20060101
E02B007/02 |
Claims
1. A compacting apparatus comprising: an attaching device; a base
coupled to said attaching device; a head coupled to said base;
wherein said head comprises four sloping faces.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said head comprises a top end
and a bottom end.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said top end comprises a
greater diameter than said bottom end.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said bottom end comprises a
point.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said head comprises a pyramidal
shape.
6. (canceled)
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vibrating
device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching device is
removeably coupled to a mechanical arm.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further
comprises a rotation table.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said rotation table is located
between said attaching device and said base.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said head is freely rotatable
beneath said rotation table.
12. A system for compacting a material, said system comprising: a
compacting apparatus comprising: an attaching device; a base
coupled to said attaching device; a head coupled to said base;
wherein said head comprises four sloping faces; a unit for holding
a material, wherein said unit comprises an opening.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said head is sized so as to fit
within said opening of said unit.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein said head has a similar shape as
does said opening of said unit.
15. A method of compacting a material, said method comprising the
steps of: a. affixing a compacting apparatus to a mechanical arm,
wherein said compacting apparatus comprises an attaching device
coupled to a base, and wherein said base is coupled to a head,
wherein said head comprises four sloping faces; b. positioning said
head above an opening in a unit, wherein said unit comprises a
material; c. lowering said head such that said head makes contact
with said material; d. compacting said material with said head.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said compacting of step d)
comprises applying a force upon said material.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said force comprises force
exerted by said arm onto said apparatus.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein said force comprises a
substantially downward force.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein said sloping face distributes
said force in a direction normal to said slope.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein said compacting of step d)
comprises compacting said material downward and outward to the
outer periphery of said unit.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein said compacting of step d)
reduces voids formed in said unit.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein said affixing comprises affixing
an apparatus comprising a head, wherein said head comprises a top
end and a bottom end.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said affixing further comprises
affixing a head wherein said top end comprises a shape which has a
similar shape to said unit.
24. The method of claim 15 wherein said compacting of step d)
further comprises vibrating said compacting apparatus.
25. The method of claim 15 wherein said positioning further
comprises rotating said apparatus along a substantially vertical
axis.
26. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of filling
said unit with said material, wherein said filling step occurs
prior to step b).
27. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of partially
filling said unit with said material prior to said compacting of
step d).
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising adding additional
material after said compacting of step d.)
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of further
compacting said material with said head after adding additional
material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for
creating a flood barrier. The barrier is a series of
interconnecting mesh and fabric, framed enclosures that are filled
with soil and compacted. The method of compacting the soil is
crucial to the stability and strength of the barrier system. In one
embodiment, a positionable, inverted pyramid head is used to force
the soil to the outermost vertices of each individual
enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flooding is a force of nature that yearly destroys billions
of dollars of property and needlessly kills people of all ages. The
force of moving water can carve through solid rock over time. It
can pull houses from their foundations and pull crops out of the
ground. Many of the major rivers in the United States have been
tamed through the use of dams and levees. The dams allow rapidly
rising water to fill a predetermined basin during heavy rains,
runoff and snow melts. That excess water can then be released over
a long period of time in a safe manner. Likewise, a levee is an
artificially raised river bank. If the river level rises, the levee
is designed to contain the swollen volume of running water.
[0003] The design of levees must take into account many factors,
including the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces exerted by the
flowing river. The US Army Corps of Engineers is the premier
designer of levees, and yet only a small percentage of the rivers
in this country have levees, whether partial or complete. If an
excessive amount of snow falls in the winter, then the melt from
that snow mass will exceed the containment capacity of the
downstream river banks and levees. When this happens, the water
overflows the banks and floods.
[0004] The 2009 Red River flood along the Red River of the North in
North Dakota and Minnesota in the United States and Manitoba in
Canada brought record flood levels to the Fargo-Moorhead area. The
flood was a result of saturated and frozen ground, Spring snowmelt
exacerbated by additional rain and snow storms, and virtually flat
terrain. Furthermore, the Red River of the North flows from the
United States into Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Unlike the
vast majority of rivers in the United States, it flows northward,
which means melting snow and river ice, as well as runoff from its
tributaries, often create ice dams, which cause the river to
overflow. The valley is essentially flat, leading to overland
flooding, with no high ground on which to take refuge.
[0005] Warnings for the 2009 flood occurred as early as March 9
when the National Weather Service warned that the Fargo-Moorhead
area could see a significant flood of between 35 feet (11 m) and 36
feet (11 m). As preparations began for the flooding on March 16,
North Dakota Governor John Hoeven declared a statewide disaster in
anticipation of flooding across the state. On March 19, the
National Weather Service raised the predicted flood level in the
Fargo area to between 37 feet (11 m) and 40 feet (12 m). The city
began filling sandbags on March 20. In anticipation of a rain and
snow storm, the predicted crest level was raised on March 22 to a
range from 39 feet (12 m) to 41 feet (12 m).
[0006] Volunteers continued preparing sandbags, with 560,000 bags
filled by late March 22, out of an expected 1.5 million to 2
million needed. By March 24, residents in Fargo-Moorhead had filled
over 1 million sandbags and were attempting to fill a total of 2
million by the 26th. A levee in Georgetown, Minn. was raised
another two feet, and emergency dikes were built in Fargo,
Moorhead, Harwood, Grafton and Richland County. And even with these
preparations, the predicted flood crest was raised again to 42
feet. In other words, there was a rapid and changing environment
that was difficult to anticipate. And even with volunteers, there
is a need for a mechanized method of preparing more substantial
barriers than sandbags.
[0007] One system for creating a temporary levee is made by Hesco
Bastion USA. Its Concertainer.RTM. units are a geotextile lined
unit for general use as an earth filled gabion. The units are
suitable for filling with earth, sand, gravel, crushed rock and
other granular materials. Referring to FIG. 1, the units 100 can be
placed on river bank 14 adjacent to the river 12. As the river 12
rises, the units 100 add a barrier that is capable of withstanding
the forces from the rising water. FIGS. 2 and 3 provide a more
detailed view of the units 100. Note that each unit 100 has a
number of individual compartments 102, 104, 106. Each of these
compartments is generally cubical in shape having an opening on the
top for receiving the fill material. The fill material is contained
within the compartment by a wire mesh frame 114 that lends form to
the geotextile material. Each unit 100 has at least one compartment
102. Units 100 can be linked together to form a barrier of any
desired length. For instance, in one embodiment, the unit 100 has
five compartments 102, each being three feet in width and depth and
four feet in height. The set of five compartments creates a barrier
of approximately 15 feet in length. Multiple units can be attached
to each other using a pin 118 to interlock the end vertices of the
unit. The units are usually filled by hand. As shown in FIG. 3,
soil is scooped into the units by hand and a person 20 actually
stands on top of it and moves the soil with a shovel 16 to
distribute soil within the unit. The worker 20 has only his weight
to compress the fill.
[0008] As useful as the Concertainer.RTM. units are, each must
still be properly filled with material to provide the weight and
stability required to withstand the turbulent currents produced in
floods. Specifically, the dirt or other fill material must be
properly packed into the bottom edges around the bottom perimeter
of each compartment. Failure to properly pack fill into those
spaces results in voids 18. The voids 18 can create a risk of the
compartment sagging and underwash. If the soil under the unit
begins to erode because flowing water has infiltrated between the
unit and the ground underneath it, the entire unit can collapse and
fail to act as a Barrier.
[0009] Therefore a need exists for an improved method of filling
and compacting barriers such as the Concertainer.RTM. units
described above. This improved method should allow for the rapid
deployment, filling and compaction of the soil inside the units
100. Such a method should also minimize the need of human labor to
accomplish the deployment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the apparatus and methods
of the present invention may be had by reference to the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a unit deployed on a river
bank;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a series of units deployed
on a river bank;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a person filling a unit;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the compacting apparatus in
one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compacting apparatus in
one embodiment comprising a rotation table.
[0016] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "top," "bottom," "first," "second," "upper," "lower,"
"height," "outer," "inner," "width," "length," "end," "side,"
"horizontal," "vertical," and similar terms are used herein, it
should be understood that these terms have reference only to the
structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate
describing the invention.
[0017] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional
proportions to conform to specific width, length, and similar
requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted,
like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout
all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably
may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the compacting apparatus 200
in one embodiment. In one embodiment the apparatus 200 comprises an
attaching device 206 which is coupled to a base 204 and a head 202
which is coupled to a base 204.
[0020] The attaching device 206 can comprise any device which
couples the apparatus 200 to equipment. As shown the attaching
device 206 is coupled to a mechanical arm 300. As used herein a
"mechanical arm" refers to any piece of equipment which can
maneuver the compacting apparatus. The mechanical arm 300 can
comprise the arm of a tractor, back hoe, or any other equipment
which can be used to maneuver the apparatus 300. As depicted the
attaching device 206 attaches at two hinge points. In other
embodiments the attaching device 206 attaches at a single hinge
point, whereas in other embodiments the attaching device 206
comprises more than two hinge points. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the
attaching device 206 couples to the mechanical arm 300 in such a
way that the angle of the apparatus 200 can be controlled. Thus,
while the apparatus 200 is depicted as pointed downward, by
manipulating the mechanical arm 300, the apparatus 200 can be
pointed in any desired direction. As an example, if the unit 100 is
on an inclined surface, the apparatus 200 can be positioned so as
to enter the inclined unit 100. In one embodiment the attaching
device 206 is removeably coupled to the mechanical arm 300.
[0021] As noted the attaching device 206 is coupled to the base
204. The attaching device 206 can be welded, soldered, or attached
to the base 204 in any method known in the art. In one embodiment
the base 204 and the attaching device 206 comprise a single piece
and are thus integrally attached. The base 204 can comprise
virtually any shape. In one embodiment the base 204 comprises a
smaller diameter than the head 202. In one embodiment the base 204
serves to add weight to the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 can be
made from a variety of materials including steel, iron, etc.
[0022] The head 202 can be coupled to the base 204 in any of the
manners previously discussed. In one embodiment the head 202 is
sized so as to fit within the internal area of the unit 100. As
will be discussed, the head 202 is placed within the unit 100 to
compact material 16 loaded in the unit 100.
[0023] In one embodiment the head 202 comprises a top end 202a and
a bottom end 202b. In one embodiment the top end 202a comprises a
wider diameter than said bottom end 202b. In one embodiment the
bottom end 202b comprises a point. As depicted the top end 202a
comprises a rectangular shape whereas the bottom end 202b comprises
a point. As shown, the head 202 comprises a pyramidal shape. The
head 202 further comprises four sloping faces 202d which begin at
the top end 202a and angle downward to intersect at the bottom end
202b. A sloping face refers to any planar face which comprises a
slope. The angle at which the sloping faces 202d slopes depends
upon the height of the apparatus 200. Two sloping faces surfaces
202d intersect at an edge 202c. As depicted there are four edges
202c. In an embodiment wherein the top end 202a comprises a
triangular shape, there are three sloping faces 202d and three
edges 202c. Virtually any number of edges 202c can be utilized,
just as virtually any shape for the top end 202a and the bottom end
202b may be used. Likewise, virtually any number of sloping faces
202d can be utilized. In one embodiment wherein the top end 202a is
circular, the head 202 does not comprise any edges and consists of
a single sloping face 202d.
[0024] In one embodiment, as a force in the downward direction is
applied to the apparatus 200, the sloping face 202d distributes the
force in a direction normal to its slope. Referring back to FIG. 4,
as a downward force is applied to and/or by the apparatus 200, each
sloping face 202d distributes the force in a direction normal to
the slope of the face. Therefore, each sloping face 202d and each
edge 202c presses material 16 downward and outward to the outer
periphery of the unit 100. This causes the material 16 to compact.
If voids 18, such as those depicted in FIG. 3, exist, the downward
and outward force from the head 202 will cause these voids 18 to be
compacted. As noted, the sloping face 202d presses material 16
downward and outward. This causes the outermost vertices of the
unit 100 to be compacted. Therefore, the bottom corners of each
unit 100, which are susceptible to void formation, are also
compacted. Thus, the force distributing qualities of the head 202
decreases or eliminates voids 18. Decreasing or eliminating these
voids 18 significantly increases the stability and effectiveness of
the units 100 in preventing flooding. By having a stable base, via
the elimination of voids 18, flood water is preventing from eating
away at the voids 18 and thus compromising the unit 100.
[0025] As noted, virtually any shaped head 202 can be utilized. In
one embodiment the shape of the top end 202a of the head 202
substantially conforms with the shape of the unit 100 to be
compacted. For example, if the unit 100 is in the shape of a
pentagon, in one embodiment the top end 202a of the head 202 is
also in the shape of a pentagon. In such an embodiment the force
distributing properties of the sloping faces 202d compact material
16 in a direction normal to the slope, thus preventing and
eliminating any voids. Likewise, in one embodiment wherein the unit
100 is in the shape of a rectangle, the head top end 202a also
comprises the shape of a rectangle. In one embodiment the top end
202a of the head 202 comprises a smaller diameter than the inner
diameter of the unit 100. This ensures the top end 202a of the head
202 is able to enter into the unit 100 and compact material 16. In
one embodiment the top end 202a substantially conforms to the area
of the opening. In one such embodiment the top end 202a fills from
about 70% to about 95% of the available area of the opening of the
unit 100. In one embodiment the largest diameter of the apparatus
is less than the inner diameter of the unit 100. As used herein
"diameter" refers to the greatest distance between two points on an
object that lie in the same plane. Thus, the diameter of the top
end 202a of the head 202 is the distance from the bottom left
corner to the top right corner in FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compacting apparatus in
one embodiment comprising a rotation table 400. The rotation table
400 allows the apparatus 200 to rotate. In one embodiment the
rotation table 400 allows the apparatus 200 to rotate along a
substantially vertical axis. The rotation table 400, in one
embodiment, allows the apparatus 200 to freely rotate. Such an
embodiment provides flexibility as the operator need only position
the apparatus 200 over the unit 100 and the freely rotating
apparatus 200 will automatically align itself into the proper
position. The rotation table 400 can comprise ball bearings or
other such friction reducing devices to allow the apparatus to
rotate. In other embodiments the rotation provided by the rotation
table 400 can be controlled. For example, in one embodiment an
operator can manually rotate the apparatus 200 along the rotation
table 400. This can be accomplished using hydraulics, drive shafts,
gears, actuators, or other methods known in the art. One advantage
in having an apparatus 200 which can rotate is that the equipment,
for example, a backhoe, can remain in one location while compacting
many different units. Referring back to FIG. 2, a single backhoe
could compact the adjacent compartments 102, 104, 106 without
having to move. Instead, the mechanical arm 300 approaches each
unit, compacts the material, and then moves to the next unit.
Because the apparatus 200 can rotate, the apparatus 200 can align
itself to match the proper orientation of the unit. This increases
the speed with which the apparatus 200 can compact units. The
rotation table 400 can be located anywhere above the head 202. In
one embodiment the rotation table 400 is located above the base
204, as depicted, whereas in other embodiments the rotation table
is located below the base.
[0027] In one embodiment the apparatus 200 further comprises a
vibrating device. The vibrating device can be located at any
location on the apparatus 200. In one embodiment the vibrating
device is located on the base 204, whereas in other embodiments the
vibrating device is located on the attaching device 206. In still
another embodiment the mechanical arm 300 comprises a vibrating
device. Vibrating the material 16 in the unit promotes compaction
of the material 16.
[0028] While a compacting apparatus has been described, now a
method of compacting will be discussed. First is the step of
affixing a compacting apparatus 200 to a mechanical arm, wherein
said compacting apparatus 200 comprises an attaching device 206
coupled to a base 204, and wherein said base 204 is coupled to a
head 202, wherein said head 202 comprises at least one sloping
face. Next, the head 202 is positioned above an opening in a unit
100, wherein said unit 100 comprises a material 16. Thereafter the
head 202 is lowered such that said head 202 makes contact with said
material 16. Finally, the material 16 is compacted with the head
202. The compacting step can use the weight of the apparatus 200 to
compact the material 16. In another embodiment force is applied by
the equipment. In one embodiment the force applied comprises a
substantially downward force. As noted above, in one embodiment the
sloping force distributes the applied force in a direction normal
to the slope of the sloping face.
[0029] In one embodiment the compacting step comprises compacting
said material 16 downward and outward to the outer periphery of
said unit 100. In one embodiment the compacting step reduces voids
18 formed in the unit 100. In another embodiment the compacting
further comprises vibrating said apparatus 200 which further helps
compact the material 16. As noted above, in one embodiment the
apparatus 200 can be rotated along a substantially vertical
axis.
[0030] In one embodiment the method of compacting further comprises
the step of filling said unit 100 with said material 16. The unit
100 can be filled any time prior to the compacting step. In one
embodiment the material 16 comprises dirt, soil, sand, and/or
combinations thereof. The material 16 can comprise virtually any
substance which can fill the unit 100. In one embodiment the entire
unit 100 is filled with material 16 before compaction begins. In
yet another embodiment the unit 100 is only partially filled with
material 16 before compaction begins. In such an embodiment the
unit 100 is filled at between about 30 and about 60% capacity and
the material 16 is compacted as previously discussed. Thereafter,
additional material 16 is added to the unit. In one embodiment,
after additional material 16 has been added, the material 16 is
compacted as previously discussed.
[0031] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following clauses are offered as further description of
the disclosed invention.
* * * * *