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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

Flooding and the devastation caused each year by rising waters costs society billions of dollars, loss of life and of irreplaceable personal property.

Unfortunately, many of those volunteers later report and / or file injury claims against the city of municipality for back, hand and shoulder injuries.

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.

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.

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