The present invention relates to a fluid containment apparatus, in particular to a water barrier for use in flood defence and water containment applications.

Background to the Invention

Water-inflatable flood protection devices are well known in the prior art. Typically, water-fillable flood protection device comprises an expandable, impermeable, substantially sealed membrane erected by the introduction of water into said sealed membrane.

US 8, 8956, 077 discloses a portable, water-inflatable barrier that has shaping and internal partitions which create an overall structure, including an upper surface, similar to either a sandbag wall, or a three-dimensional triangle. .

CA 2299823 discloses a portable, internally partitioned water-fillable bladder having a base and an undulating sidewall defined by a series of elongate ribs that are formed in lateral cross-section as radially outward convex portions of the sidewall, the ribs providing the sidewall with a generally scalloped cross-sectional shape.

US 5, 865, 564 discloses a fluid-fillable barrier having a tubular, impermeable membrane, and an elongate tension member that extends longitudinally along the inside of the tubular membrane, wherein the tension member becomes taught when the tubular membrane is filled to maintain the shape of the tubular membrane and prevent it from rolling.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a fluid-containment barrier, the barrier having a ground-engaging portion and an upper portion, wherein the ground-engaging and upper portions are formed from a flexible, fluid- impermeable material, the ground-engaging and upper portions being sealingly joined along at least one peripheral edge of the upper portion to form an fluid-fillable member, wherein the upper portion has at least a portion thereof comprises a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile when the fluid-fillable member is filled.

Optionally, at least a portion of the upper portion maintains a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile when a fluid, for example flood water, impinges upon one side of the barrier in use.

Optionally, the fluid-fillable member defines a unitary fluid-containing chamber that is absent any internal partitions.

Optionally, a majority of the upper portion is configured to adopt a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile when filled with fluid.

Optionally, the barrier comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet is located proximate the apex of the upper portion.

Optionally, the fluid inlet is configured to enable complete evacuation of air from the fluid-containing chamber upon filling with fluid.

Advantageously therefore, the fluid-containing chamber can be filled fully in use without the formation of air pockets.

Optionally, the fluid outlet is located on the upper portion proximate the ground- engaging portion.

Optionally, the fluid-inflatable barrier is elongate.

Optionally, the fluid-inflatable barrier has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are substantially parallel.

Optionally, the fluid-inflatable barrier has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are arranged in non-parallel alignment when viewed in plan view. Optionally, the fluid-inflatable barrier includes a defined angle when viewed in plan view.

Optionally, the flexible, fluid-impermeable material is a resilient material.

Optionally, the flexible, fluid-impermeable material upper portion has shape-memory. Optionally, the upper portion has a uniform wall thickness.

Optionally, the upper portion has variable wall thickness.

Optionally, the peripheral sides of the upper portion are sealingly joined with the respective peripheral edges of the ground-engaging portion.

Optionally, one or more peripheral sides of the ground-engaging portion define one or more flaps that extend outwardly beyond one or more peripheral edges of the upper portion.

Optionally, the flap or flaps are defined by one or both longitudinal sides of the ground-engaging portion.

Optionally, the ground-engaging and upper portions are integrally formed.

Optionally, the ground-engaging and upper portions are separate components, sealingly joined along the peripheral edges of the upper portion by any suitable means, for example, but not limited to: adhesives, stitching, heating, ultrasonic welding,

Optionally, the upper portion includes one or more lifting formations, to enable engagement with a lifting means in order to raise said upper portion away from the ground-engaging portion, for example to mitigate the formation of air pockets during fluid filling.

Optionally, the upper portion includes a fastening means disposed at opposing end of the fluid-fillable member, the fastening means being adapted to detachably engage with complementary engagement means provided on a bridging strip in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the bridging strip configured to connect between the ends of adjacent fluid-fillable members.

Optionally, the fastening means comprises a plurality of push-fit fasteners.

The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa. Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non- essential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower and directions e.g. “up”, “down”, “vertical”, “horizontal” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee. Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section end elevation of an exemplary suspended fluid-fillable barrier in accordance with the invention prior to filling;

Figure 2a is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary fluid-fillable barrier in accordance with the invention and shown in a fluid-filled state;

Figure 2b is a schematic cross-section end elevation of the barrier of Figure 2a;

Figure 3 is a schematic front elevation of the respective end portions of adjacent fluid-filled barriers joined with a bridging strip in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view along section A-A of Figure 3;

Figures 5a and 5b are plan views of exemplary fluid-inflatable barriers having a defined angle between their first and second ends;

Figure 5c is a perspective view of the barrier of Figure 5b;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section end elevation of an exemplary barrier in a fluid- filled state and shown with fluid impinging on one side;

Figure 7 is a sectional side view along section A-A of Figure 6; and

Figures 8a and 8b are plan and cross-sectional views of joint arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Description

With reference to Figures 2a and 2b, there is shown an exemplary fluid-fillable barrier 1, the barrier comprising a ground-engaging portion 2 and an upper portion 3, wherein the ground-engaging 2 and upper 3 portions are formed from a flexible, fluid-impermeable material and are arranged to define a fluid-fillable member 10 wherein the upper portion 3 has at least a portion 32 thereof that adopts a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile when the fluid-fillable member is filled.

As shown by way of example in Figure 6, the ground-engaging 2 and upper portions 3 of the fluid-fillable barrier 1 may be formed from an elongate sheet that is folded back upon itself with the peripheral edges 31 of so-formed upper portion 3 being sealingly joined to the so-formed lower portion 2. Folding may take place over a suitable forming tool or mould. Forming may be assisted by application of heat to the sheet. At the region where the sheet is folded back upon itself there is formed an elongate rounded edge or rollover 35.

As shown by way of example in Figure 1 and 2a, the ground-engaging 2 and upper portions 3 of the fluid-fillable barrier 1 may be formed from separate sheets, sealingly joined along the peripheral edges 31 of the upper portion 3.

The sealed junction of the ground-engaging 2 and upper portions 3 may be effected by any suitable means, for example, but not limited to: gluing, bonding, stitching, heating, ultrasonic welding.

In examples, the ground-engaging 2 and upper portions 3 portions may be integrally formed, for example, but not limited to, extrusion, co-moulding, rotational moulding, blow moulding.

Advantageously, at least a portion 32 of the upper portion 3 maintains a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile when a fluid, for example flood water, impinges upon the barrier in use.

With reference to Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 6, the fluid-fillable members 10 in accordance with the examples defines a unitary fluid-containing chamber 11 that is free from internal partitioning. With reference to Figures 1 - 2b, a majority of the upper portion 3 may be configured to adopt a substantially parabolic arch cross-sectional profile fluid-fillable when fluid- fillable member 10 is filled. With reference to Figures 2a, 5a and 5b, fluid-fillable members 10 further comprise an inlet 12 for fluid filling and an outlet 13 for draining (Figure 2a), wherein the fluid inlet 12 is located proximate the apex of the upper portion 3. Fluid inlet 12 is configured to enable complete evacuation of air from the fluid-containing chamber 11 upon filling with fluid. For example, fluid inlet 12 may comprise an air pressure relief valve. Advantageously therefore, the fluid-containing chamber 11 can be filled fully without the formation of air pockets. As shown in Figure 2a, fluid outlet 13 may be located at position on the upper portion 3 proximate the ground-engaging portion 2.

In examples, the flexible, fluid-impermeable material is a resilient material. The flexible, fluid-impermeable material may be formed from suitable elastomers or plastomers. The flexible, fluid-impermeable material of the upper portion 3 may have shape-memory properties so that the said upper portion 3 is more readily disposed to adopting a parabolic profile 32 in use. The upper portion 3 may have a substantially uniform wall thickness, or may have a variable wall thickness, for example to provide additional reinforcement against penetration from objects impacting its outer surface in use. Optionally, the material comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polyester.

As described above and shown by way of example in Figure 2a, 2b and 6, in examples, the upper portion 3 is sealingly joined along at least one of its elongate peripheral edges 31 with the ground-engaging portion 2. In Figures 2a and 2b both elongate peripheral edges 31 of the upper portion 3 are sealingly joined with the ground-engaging portion 2. In Figure 6, in which the sheet defining the barrier member is folded back upon itself, one elongate edge 31 is sealingly joined with the ground-engaging portion 2. As shown by way of example in Figure 1 and 2a, in a possible arrangement, the peripheral edge or edges 31 of the upper portion 3 are sealingly joined with the respective peripheral edge or edges 21 of the ground- engaging portion 2. In an alternative arrangement, as shown by way of example in Figures 2b and 6, rather than being attached along one or more respective upper and ground-engaging portion peripheral edges 31, 21, the upper portion 3 may attach to the ground-engaging portion 2 at a location or locations 22 that is/are spaced apart, or in-board, from an adjacent peripheral edge 21 of the ground- engaging portion.. In this way, one or more peripheral sides of the ground-engaging portion 2 may define one or more elongate ground-engaging side flaps 23 that extend outwardly beyond one (e.g. Figure 6) or more (e.g. Figure 2b) peripheral edges of the upper portion 31. Side flaps are also indicated schematically by the dashed lines in Figure 2a.

Optionally, the flap or flaps 23 is/are defined by one or both longitudinal sides of the ground-engaging portion 2. Optionally, as shown by way of example by the dashed line in Figure 2a, a flap 23 may extend continuously around the periphery of the water-fillable member 10,

With reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, in examples, a fluid-inflatable barrier 10 may be formed having an angle (0) such that its opposing ends are arranged in non parallel alignment when viewed in plan view. Optionally, such barriers may be formed having standardized angles (0), for example, but not limited to, approximately 22.5 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees. The provision of a defined angle along its length provides fluid-inflatable barrier members suitable for use as corner barriers, whereby a series of elongate and engaged barriers in accordance with the invention can be arranged in series to encircle an area for flood protection, or to provide an elongate, non-linear flood defence.

Optionally, the upper portion 3 includes one or more lifting formations 33, adapted for engagement with a lifting means, or example a hook 40 attached to a crane, in order to raise said upper portion 3 away from the ground-engaging portion 2, for example to mitigate the formation of air pockets during fluid filling.

With reference to Figures 2a and 3 to 5b, upper portion 3 may include a fastening means, for example a plurality of fasteners 34, adapted to detachably engage with complementary fastening means 51 provided on a complementary bridging strip 50 (Figures 3 and 4) of the barriers in accordance with the invention. Ideally, fasteners 34 are disposed towards opposing ends of the fluid-fillable member 10 as shown in Figure 2b and 3. Figures 2a and 3 to 5b, fasteners 34 may be stud or press-fit fasteners. Bridging strip 50 is a flexible, fluid-impermeable strip comprising spaced apart rows of fasteners and is configured to connect across the ends of adjacent fluid-fillable members. Advantageously, the pressure of floodwater impinging against the bridging strip 50 seals said bridging strip against the respective surfaces of adjacent water-fillable members 10 to provide a fluid barrier across any gap therebetween.

With reference to Figures 8a and 8b, in alternative arrangement, fluid-fillable members 10 may be provided with a plurality of fixing loops 83 adapted to releasably engage with suitable complementary couplers 81 provided on straps 82 extending from a bridging strip in the form of a skirt 80. Straps 82 are each provided with a tensioner 84. Skirt 80 is provided with compressible member or members 85 arranged on its underside that is/are adapted to engage the upper surface of adjacent barriers 10 when the skirt is spanningly connected between said adjacent barriers in use. Adjustment of tensioners 83 tensions the skirt 80 which in turn compresses members 85 as it is drawn tightly against the adjacent barrier members thereby sealing any gaps between the ends of adjacent fluid-filled members.

It will be understood from the above that the purpose of the fluid-inflatable barrier 1 is to prevent the flow of water from one area to another area. It will be understood that the term fluid-inflatable refers to filling the barrier with a fluid, as distinct from inflating the barrier with air or other gas. A barrier in accordance with the invention may have any size or suitable dimensions. The proportions of a barrier’s height to its width may be determined by a flood impact assessment of a particular site, which indicates the probable depth of flooding that can be expected. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the fluid-filled member has a width (w) to height (h) ratio of 3:1. The fluid-inflatable barrier is preformed with an upper portion that includes an allowance for deformation during filling so that the water-fillable member takes up the desired parabolic shape when water filled. In use, barrier members can be laid out in sections in an unfilled condition along a profile route that prevents floodwater from entering the protected area. In its unfilled or deflated state, a barrier member may be raised so that the upper portion reaches it design height, and is then filled with water through inlet 12 until the interior of the fluid-fillable member 10 is filled, at which stage the inlet is sealed and the barrier member can be lowered to rest on the ground at a desired location. It will be understood that when filled, the fluid-inflatable barrier 1 provides a barrier to flood water. It is not necessary to pressurize the fluid- inflatable barrier. Conveniently, flexible ground-engaging portion 2 requires the minimum of ground preparation whilst yielding high frictional characteristics so that sliding stability between the barrier member 1 and the ground surface is achieved with an adequate factor of safety.

Advantageously, rotational stability of the barrier is achieved by the shape and weight of the water mass contained within the chamber 11 defined by the water- fillable member 10, with the surcharge pressure on the ground-engaging portion 2 resulting in an adequate factor of safety.

With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a schematic cross-section end elevation of a barrier 10 in which chamber 11 is fluid-filled state and wherein an external fluid, for example flood water, is impinging on one side of said barrier. The barrier is arranged so that flap 23 is located at the flood water engaging side of the barrier. At the opposing side of the fluid filled barrier is provided with an elongate rounded edge 35 where the ground engaging portion 2 transitions into the upper portion 3. Figure 2a provides a perspective view of such a barrier. In use, the weight of the impinging water causes flap 23 to press onto the ground and thus augments anchorage of the barrier to said ground. The force of the impinging water on the barrier tends to cause the upper parts of the barrier to roll in the direction of the applied force. In this event, the rounded edge 35 tends to dig into the ground thereby further preventing the barrier from sliding away from the impinging water.

With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the filled shape of the barrier having at least a portion 32 in the form of a parabolic arch (Figure 6) results in a upper surface 3 that is always inclined to the pressures created by the impinging water. These pressures are linear from zero at the apex 12 of the upper portion to a maximum at the bottom of the upper portion 3 proximate the base 2.

These water pressures are always horizontal in direction and when resulting forces are resolved they can be resolved in two directions, one along the plane of the upper portion 3 and the other perpendicular to the upper portion 3. In both instances these forces are resisted by surface tensile forces induced in the inner surface of the upper portion by the basal restraint at the base 2 of the barrier and reactionary forces at the it returns back down to be secured at the base of the device. Figure 6 also indicates tension on the base 2 as well as water pressure on the base.

The height (h) of the fluid-inflatable barrier as shown in Figure 1 indicates the maximum design depth of flooding for the barrier to function. The barrier will operate to prevent water passage at any depth up to and including the maximum design depth of flooding, provided the chamber 11 is fully water filled and the fluid inlet 12 and fluid outlet 13 are closed. Optionally, the width of the upper portion is three times its height (h).

The material stresses upon filling of the barrier is in effect a self-test of the barrier to establish that the material stresses can be safely sustained both during its filled status alone, and its filled status with external surcharge.

As described above, the vertical joints between adjacent barrier members can be sealed by a bridging strip of highly flexible material part studded to the upper portion and held thereafter by hydrostatic pressure of the external charging water. Other than the external profile, no internal structure is required for the barrier to function.

By its nature, the barrier of the present invention a standalone device.

It will be understood that utilising skin tension over a parabolic arch profile to effect water containment and create a water barrier is novel to this device and represents a departure from prior art techniques for creating a barrier to the flow of water.

The barrier uniquely uses both the weight of the enclosed water mass within the water-fillable member, and the water pressure of the surcharge in establishing a flood barrier that is stable at all stages of its operation.

Advantageously, a barrier member in accordance with the invention having a surface area of 38 m ² has a dry weight of approximately 34 kg and so is readily transportable and easily handled for fluid filling.