Device for preventing flood water from passing through an architectural opening

Abstract

 The invention relates to a device for preventing flood water from passing through an architectural opening, comprising: a holding means for holding a blocking member in a fixed position with respect to the architectural opening during use, the blocking member therein extending in a main plane intersecting the edges of the architectural opening and substantially blocking the opening; a pair of attachment members located opposite from each other with respect to the blocking member for attaching the holding means and/or the blocking member to opposing edges of the architectural opening, wherein the attachment members are provided with an actuation device for moving the attachment members from a first position, wherein the attachment members are disengaged from the opposing edges of the architectural opening, to a second position, wherein the attachment members are moved in the main plane in an engagement direction over an engagement distance to engage the opposing edges of the architectural opening in a watertight manner, wherein the blocking member and attachment members in combination prevent water from entering through the architectural opening.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for preventing flood water from passing through an architectural opening in a structure.

Background of the invention

[0002] It is known to block architectural openings for preventing flood water passing through such openings by simply positioning a plate or a similar type of barrier to obstruct the architectural opening when flood water approaches the opening. These types of constructions are positioned in or near the architectural opening i.e. a door or a window, and sometimes are accompanied by reinforcement means to provide additional strength to the barrier.

[0003] Another well-known solution is to block the architectural opening by using sandbags as a barrier. However, such a construction is bulky and sandbags are heavy and difficult to carry around. Therefore, placing sandbags is quite cumbersome.

[0004] Alternatively, the architectural opening can be covered with waterproof flexible sheets that can be attached to the sides of the architectural openings. However, such flexible sheets are often too fragile for stopping water from passing through the architectural opening, i.e. often unable to withstand high water pressures. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these structures depends on the skill level of the person installing them.

[0005] In GB 2369847, a device for preventing flood water passing through an architectural opening is shown, having holding means for holding a central locking element in a fixed position with respect to the architectural opening during use, a pair of attachment means in a form of side channels being opposed to each other and being connected to opposing edges of the architectural opening, wherein when in use, the holding means is attached in between the pair of side channels. The side channels comprise actuating device having a number of hinged rods for moving the side channels in a main plane from a first position to a second position in order to engage the opposing edges of the architectural opening in a watertight manner in combination with the central locking element for preventing water entering through the architectural opening. This device requires a relatively large force to be put into place.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for preventing flood water from passing through an architectural opening, the device being easy to install and/or removed by a non-skilled person.

Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the device according to the present invention comprises:

• a holding means for holding a blocking member in a fixed position with respect to the architectural opening during use, the blocking member therein extending in a main plane intersecting the edges of the architectural opening and substantially blocking the opening;
• a pair of attachment members located opposite from each other with respect to the blocking member for attaching the holding means and/or the blocking member to opposing edges of the architectural opening, wherein the attachment members are provided with an actuation device for moving the attachment members from a first position, wherein the attachment members are disengaged from the opposing edges of the architectural opening, to a second position, wherein the attachment members are moved in the main plane in an engagement direction over an engagement distance to engage the opposing edges of the architectural opening in a watertight manner, wherein the blocking member and attachment members in combination prevent water from entering through the architectural opening.

[0008] In this manner, a device is provided that can be easily fitted by a non-skilled person in any type of architectural opening.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the architectural opening is a door opening having a door frame and the opposing edges are formed by vertical members of the door frame.

[0010] It should be noted that the architectural opening could also relate to other types of openings, such as a window opening having a window frame.

[0011] Moreover, the outer dimensions of the device perpendicular to the opening or main plane can be so chosen that the device can be arranged in the door opening even when a door arranged in the door opening is in a closed position. Thus, the door may act as an additional barrier or reinforcement for the device.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuation device comprises a pair of connected actuation members substantially extending in the engagement direction and connecting the pair of attachment members, the actuation members comprising a first actuation member having a first portion hingeably connected to one attachment member in a first hinge point and a second portion hingeably connected to a first portion of a second actuation member in a second hinge point, the second actuation member having a second portion hingeably connected to the opposing attachment member in a third hinge point, wherein for the first, the second and the third hinge points, hingeability is established in the main plane, wherein the one attachment member can be moved away from the other attachment member in the engagement direction by rotating the first actuation member around the second hinging point until the one attachment member engages the one edge and the opposing attachment member engages the opposing edge.

[0013] By providing the above embodiment, a foldable and easily installable structure is obtained. This also allows the device to be fitted in a wide range of door openings. It should be noted that the engagement between the pair of attachment members and the vertical members of the door frame can be effected by the user in an intuitive manner and that no skill is needed to perform such an operation.

[0014] In an embodiment, upon engagement of the attachment members with their respective opposing edges, the first and second actuation members are aligned. This provides improved stiffness of the device in the engagement direction to provide a firm fit of the device between the opposing edges. The attachment members will be in a locked position until an external force actuates the first actuation member as to remove the device from the door opening.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first and/or second actuation members are provided with a travel limiter for preventing hinging of the second actuation member past the point wherein the first and second actuation members are aligned. In this manner, the movement of the actuation members is controlled and limited by the travel limiter, as to keep the actuating members in the aligned position.

[0016] Therein, the first and second actuation members may have an L-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the main plane, wherein both L-shapes have the same spatial orientation in the plane of the cross-section, wherein the L-shapes both have a projecting leg projecting in a direction perpendicular to the main plane, wherein the travel limiter is formed by the projecting leg of one actuating member being moved towards the projecting leg of the other actuating member upon rotation of the first actuation member until the projecting legs engage and adjoin each other when the actuating members are aligned. In this manner, no additional parts are needed to create a simple and effective travel limiter.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the first and second hinging points is 1-15 cm, preferably 3-12 cm, more preferably 5-10 cm. Advantageously, this enables the device to be installed in a wider range of openings, especially openings having varying distances between the opposing edges. At the same time, the stroke needed to engage the respective edge near the first hinge point remains relatively small.

[0018] An embodiment relates to the attachment members comprising a U-shaped cross-section when seen in a viewing direction parallel to the main plane, wherein the blocking means is moveably arranged in the engagement direction in the concave part of the U-shapes, wherein at least one of the U-shapes' legs overlaps the blocking means over a distance at least equal to the engagement distance to prevent water from passing through the attachment member and the blocking means. Thus, effective prevention of flooding can be realized for a wide range of openings having a variety of widths.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the holding means and the attachment members are integrally formed, i.e. one or more of the attachment members and the holdings means constitute a single piece. This provides a cost effective production of those parts, while reducing the amount of material needed.

[0020] An embodiment related to the above mentioned device, wherein the holding means and/or attachment members comprise a support member in a lower portion thereof, extending in a direction perpendicular to the main plane, for supporting the blocking means. By providing the support member at a low position, the effectiveness of the water barrier remains uncompromised, and proper support of the blocking means is established. Also, moveability of the blocking means in the engagement direction, such as through sliding over the support member can be achieved.

[0021] In an embodiment, the blocking means is slideably arranged in the space between the U-shaped attachment members, wherein the blocking means can be slid downwardly from above until it is supported by the support member. This provides easy installation of the blocking means in the U-shaped members to achieve a fool-proof seal of the architectural opening.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention an assembly of an architectural structure, such as a house, having an architectural opening, and the flood abovementioned device is provided, the device being arranged in the architectural opening.

[0023] Other aspects, features and details of the present invention will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Detail description of the embodiments

[0024] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to one or more embodiments by means of figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a device for preventing flooding according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a back view of an embodiment of a device for preventing flooding according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a corner of an embodiment of a device for preventing flooding according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of a device for preventing flooding having attachment members provided with an actuation device according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 1 shows a front view of a device for preventing flooding 1 according to the present invention as viewed from the exterior side of an architectural opening 2 when the device for preventing flooding 1 is attached to opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening 2 such that water is prevented from entering through the architectural opening 1.

[0026] In figure 1, the device for preventing flooding 1 comprises a pair of attachment members 5 spaced apart from each other and being connected by means of an actuation device 7. The attachment members 5 are intended to connect the device for preventing flooding 1 to the architectural opening 2 via its opposing edges 3. Each of the attachment members 5 comprises a U-shaped profile (when seen from above) having a space 18 between the U-shaped profile that is best seen in figure 3. The actuation device 7 comprises a pair of actuation members 8 extending transversally with respect to the vertical extension direction of the attachment members 5.

[0027] Each of the actuation members 8 comprises hingeable joints 11, 12 connected to one of the attachment members 5. A first actuation member 9 comprises a first portion hingeably connected to the one of the attachment members 5 in a first hinge point 11. A second actuation member 10 comprises a first portion hingeably connected to the one of the attachment members 5 in a second hinge point 12, while the second actuation member 10 comprises a second portion hingeably connected to the other attachment member 5 in a third hinge point 13.

[0028] As shown, the distance between the first and second hinge points 11, 12 is smaller than the distance between the second and third hinge points 12, 13. The illustrated embodiment in figure 1 shows the distance between the first and second hinge points 11, 12 is about 1/10 - 1/3 of the distance between the second and third hinge points 12, 13. By having the first and second hinge points 11, 12 closer together than the second and third hinge points 12, 13, the stroke needed to engage a respective edge near the first hinge point is relatively small.

[0029] The device for preventing flooding 1 comprises a blocking member 6 which may have a rectangular or squared shape and is retained in between the attachment members 5 in a fashion that will be explained in detail hereafter. The blocking member 6 is made of a waterproof material, such as aluminium.

[0030] It should be noted that the blocking member 6 as here illustrated comprises a reinforcement element 28, preferably in a form of a L-, C- or O-shaped profile being provided along the main plane of the blocking member 6 and which extends from side to side of said blocking member 6. The reinforcement member 28 provides additional strength to the blocking member 6, such that it will not easily deform or become damaged by the pressure of the oncoming water, or any other object that could be floating in the water, possibly hitting the blocking member 6 to damage it.

[0031] As illustrated in figure 1, a base edge 21 of the device for preventing flooding 1, and more particularly the base edge 21 of the blocking member 6, rests against a base edge 20 of the architectural opening thereby completely sealing the space between the device and the base edge 20 of the opening.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a back view of the device for preventing flooding 1 according to the present invention as viewed from the interior side of the architectural opening 2. As illustrated, the attachment members 5 are attached to opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening 2, while the blocking member 6 is retained in between the attachment members 5. A pair of clamping means 22 are installed next to the side top edges of the blocking member 6. The clamping means 22 clamp together the blocking member 6 with each of the attachment members 5.

[0033] In figure 2, the base edge 21 is preferably provided with sealing members 19 (such as made of rubber) along the outer surface of the base edge 21. These sealing members 19 are used for properly sealing the gap between the device 1 and e.g. a door stone. It should be noted that the attachment members 5 can also be provided with sealing members 19 to properly seal the small gap that can be present between the attachment members 5 and the edges 3. The sealing members 19 can be made of any suitable rubber-like material such as Polyurethane, Silicone Rubber, Nitrile Rubber, Highly Saturated Nitrile Rubber, etc. In other words, the materials used for the sealing members are preferably materials that have excellent impact strength, good resilience, tensile strength and high abrasion resistance. All these seals are to be made waterproof.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a view of a corner of an embodiment of a device for preventing flooding 1, wherein it can be seen that one of the attachment members has a U-shaped cross-section having a pair of legs 5', 5" and a base part defining a space 18 in the U-shaped attachment member 5. As illustrated, the side edge of the blocking member 6 is located at a distance from the base part of the U-shaped attachment member 5. However, this is only for illustration purposes, as the blocking member 6 could also be adjacent to the base part or attached to the attachment members 5 within the space 18. The legs 5', 5" of the attachment members 5 can have the same length or different lengths. As here illustrated, one of the legs 5" preferably overlaps the blocking means 6 over a distance at least equal to the engagement distance. The clamping means 22 clamps over the leg 5" as to securely retain the blocking member 6 in a position when in use, to prevent water from passing through.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the attachment members 5 being connected to the actuation members 8, 9, 10 in a hingeable manner. As illustrated, the lower part of the attachment members 5 comprise a support member 29, such as a bent plate. The actuation members 8 as shown are nearly in their most extended/aligned position, i.e. the attachment members 5 are at their most spaced-apart position.

[0036] The rotational angle between the first and second actuation members 9, 10 is limited by the overlapping of the actuation members 8 and more especially by a travel limiter 14. The travel limiter 14 is formed by an L-shaped cross-section of each of the actuation members 8. The travel limiter 14 is provided for preventing hinging of the second actuation member 10, as best seen in figure 4, past the point wherein the actuation members 9, 10 are aligned.

[0037] In the first position the attachment members 5 are moved away or disengaged from the opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening. In a second position the attachment members 5 engage the opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening by moving the attachment members 5 away from each other by rotating the first actuation member 9 with respect to the second actuation member 10 around hinge point 12. The same applies to the lower actuating members 8. It should be noted that the actual distance between the attachment members 5 in the second position will depend on the total length of the actuation members 8. The total length of each of the actuation members 8 may be about 50-250 cm, preferably 60-150 cm and more preferably about 75-100 cm.

[0038] As stated, the first position can be reached by pivoting the first actuation member 9 around the second hinge point 12 until the second position is reached, wherein the attachment members 5 engage the opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening 1. The blocking member 6 can be horizontally slid in between the space between the U-shaped attachment members 5. Once the blocking member 6 is in full working position, i.e. the device 1 having its base edge 21 connected to the base edge 20 of the architectural opening 2 and the attachment members 5 to the edges 3, the clamping means 22 can be installed as to clamp together the blocking member 6 with each of the attachment members 5.

[0039] If needed, before installing the clamping means, the distance between the attachment members 5 and the opposing edges 3 of the architectural opening 1 can be re-adjusted by simply adjusting the rotational position of the first actuating member 9 and thus the attachment members 5. Moreover, it should be noted that when the base edge 20 of the architectural opening 1 has a small angle with respect to the main plane, the attachment members 5 can be adjusted accordingly to a final adjustment state by pivoting the attachment members 5 or actuation members 8 with respect the first, second or third hinge points 11, 12, 13.

[0040] When the flood danger has passed, the device 1 may be returned to a stowed configuration by disengaging the clamping means 22 and carrying out the aforementioned steps in reverse order.

[0041] Thus, the invention has been described by reference to the embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

[0042] It is especially to be noted that the device can be provided in all sorts of architectural openings, such as main entrance doors, windows, sliding doors, cellar doors, et cetera.

Reference numerals:

[0043] 

1. Device for preventing flooding

2. Architectural opening

3. Opposing edges of the architectural opening

4.-

5. Attachment members

5'. First leg of the attachment members

5". Second leg of the attachment members

6. Blocking member

7. Actuation device

8. Actuation members

9. First actuation member

10. Second actuation member

11. First hinge point

12. Second hinge point

13. Third hinge point

14. Travel limiter

15. Projecting leg of the actuation member

16. Support member of the holding member

17. Support member of the attachment member

18. Space between the U-shaped attachment members

19. Sealing members

20. Base edge of the architectural opening

21. Base edge of the blocking member

22. Clamping means

23. -

24. -

25. -

26. -

27. -

28. Reinforcement element of the blocking member

29. Support member

Claims

1. Device for preventing flood (1) water from passing through an architectural opening (2), comprising:

- a holding means for holding a blocking member (6) in a fixed position with respect to the architectural opening (2) during use, the blocking member (6) therein extending in a main plane intersecting the edges of the architectural opening (2) and substantially blocking the opening;

- a pair of attachment members (5) located opposite from each other with respect to the blocking member (6) for attaching the holding means and/or the blocking member (6) to opposing edges of the architectural opening, wherein the attachment members are provided with an actuation device (7) for moving the attachment members from a
first position, wherein the attachment members (5) are disengaged from the opposing edges (3) of the architectural opening (2), to a
second position, wherein the attachment members (5) are moved in the main plane in an engagement direction over an engagement distance to engage the opposing edges (3) of the architectural opening (2) in a watertight manner, wherein the blocking member (6) and attachment members (5) in combination prevent water from entering through the architectural opening (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the architectural opening (2) is a door opening having a door frame and the opposing edges (3) are formed by vertical members of the door frame.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein outer dimensions of the device (1) perpendicular to the opening are so chosen that the device can be arranged in the door opening (2) even when a door arranged in the door opening is in a closed position.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation device (7) comprises a pair of connected actuation members (9, 10) substantially extending in the engagement direction and connecting the pair of attachment members (5), the actuation members (9, 10) comprising a
first actuation member (9) having a first portion hingeably connected to one attachment member (5) in a first hinge point (11) and a second portion hingeably connected to a first portion of a
second actuation member (10) in a second hinge point (12), the second actuation member (10) having a second portion hingeably connected to the opposing attachment member (5) in a third hinge point (13),
wherein for the first, the second and the third hinge points (11, 12, 13), hingeability is established in the main plane,
wherein the one attachment member (5) can be moved away from the other attachment member (5) in the engagement direction by rotating the first actuation member (9) around the second hinging point (12) until the one attachment member (5) engages the one edge and the opposing attachment member (5) engages the opposing edge.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein upon engagement of the attachment members (5) with their respective edges, the first and second actuation members (9, 10) are aligned.

6. Device according claim 5, wherein the first and/or second actuation members (9, 10) are provided with a travel limiter (14) for preventing hinging of the second actuation member (10) past the point wherein the first and second actuation members (9, 10) are aligned.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein both the first and second actuation members (9, 10) have an L-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the main plane, wherein both L-shapes have the same spatial orientation in the plane of the cross-section, wherein the L-shapes both have a projecting leg projecting in a direction perpendicular to the main plane, wherein the travel limiter (14) is formed by the projecting leg of one actuating member (9, 10) being moved towards the projecting leg of the other actuating member upon rotation of the first actuation member (9) until the projecting legs engage and adjoin each other when the actuating members (9, 10)are aligned.

8. Device according to any one of the claims 4-7, wherein the distance between the first and second hinging points (11, 12) is 1-15 cm, preferably 3-12 cm, more preferably 5-10 cm.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment members (5) comprise a U-shaped cross-section when seen in a viewing direction parallel to the main plane, wherein the blocking member (6) is moveably arranged in the engagement direction in the concave part of the U-shapes, wherein at least one of the U-shapes' legs (5', 5") overlaps the blocking member (6) over a distance at least equal to the engagement distance to prevent water from passing through the attachment member (5) and the blocking member (6).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (4) and the attachment members (5) are integrally formed.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (4) and/or attachment members (5) comprise a support member (29) in a lower portion thereof, extending in a direction perpendicular to the main plane, for supporting the blocking member (6).

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the blocking member (6) is slideably arranged in the space between the U-shaped attachment members (5), wherein the blocking member can be slid downwardly from above until it is supported by the support member (29).

13. Assembly of an architectural structure, having an architectural opening (2), and the device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device with the blocking member (6) being arranged in the architectural opening (2).

Drawing