US3861081A

US3861081A - Flood barrier

Info

Publication number: US3861081A
Application number: US399000A
Authority: US
Inventors: Stanley J Maskell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-09-20
Filing date: 1973-09-20
Publication date: 1975-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-21

Abstract

A flood barrier intended for use in conjunction with the doorways of homes. The barrier comprises a U-shaped channel structure, the legs of which are secured either to the walls of the home immediately adjacent to a door frame or to inner faces of the door opening, with the back of the U extending across the door sill. The bottoms and at least one side wall of the channels are lined with sealing strips. A panel of waterproof material has dimensions corresponding to those of the channel structure and is adapted to be fitted in the channel during flood conditions. When its use is not required, the panel is stored in an out of the way protective position, such as by being secured to the inner face of the door in the doorway which is to be protected.

Description

United States Patent 1 Maskell Jan. 21, 1975 FLOOD BARRIER [76] Inventor: Stanley J. Maskell, 30 W. Coolidge Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. 85013 22 Filed: Sept. 20, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 399,000

[52] US. Cl 49/70, 49/63, 49/463, 61/28 [51] Int. Cl E06b 7/00 [58] Field of Search 49/70, 61-63, 49/463466, 148, 501, 504, 505; 61/28, 29, 22 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 780,285 l/l905 Hammond 49/148 X 1,536,525 5/1925 Plath 49/466 X 1,699,079 1/1929 Ruchie 49/61 X 2,602,198 7/1952 Parker 49/463 2,635,304 4/1953 Peters 49/70 X 2,837,784 6/1958 Jannette 49/463 X 2,988,786 6/1961 Roos 49/61 3,257,758 6/1966 Johnson 49/463 Primary Examiner-Philip C. Kannan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John A. Robertson [57] ABSTRACT A flood barrier intended for use in conjunction with the doorways of homes. The barrier comprises a U- shaped channel structure, the legs of which are secured either to the walls of the home immediately adjacent to a door frame or to inner faces of the door opening, with the back of the U extending across the door sill. The bottoms and at least one side wall of the channels are lined with sealing strips. A panel of waterproof material has dimensions corresponding to those of the channel structure and is adapted to be fitted in the channel during flood conditions. When its use is not required, the panel is stored in an out of the way protective position, such as by being secured to the inner face of the door in the doorway which is to be protected.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED m 21 ms SHEHIIF 2 FIE-5 5 Vail FLOOD BARRIER The present invention relates to a flood barrier which is intended for use in areas where flood conditions do not create an excessive depth in the flood waters, and is concerned primarily with a flood barrier which is stored in a protected out of the way position when its use is not required, but which may be readily inserted into an effective position on the outside of a door frame when flood conditions arise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many inhabited areas which might be classified as generally flat, and when flood conditions arise in such areas, the flood waters are not of excessive depth. Thus, by way of example, it is noted that in June of 1972 Phoenix, Arizona was subjected to a flood in which the waters rose to a height of about 12 inches. Most of the homes in such flat areas are erected so that the doorways are fairly close to the ground surface, and under such a condition the flood waters will pass through the doorways, even though the doors are closed, and cause serious damage.

The present invention is founded on the basic concept of providing a flood barrier which is associated with each doorway of a home and which is readily available to be placed in effective position when a flood condition arises.

To provide the desired protective effects, the flood barrier must be susceptible of being placed in watertight relation with respect to the door frame or wall structure contiguous thereto and the sill of the doorway. Moreover, provision must be made for storing the panel which is the main element of the barrier in an out of the way protected position when its use is not required, and yet be readily available when its use is required.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing conditions in mind, the present invention has in view the following objectives:

1. To provide a flood barrier comprising a U-shaped channel structure including side legs and a bottom back, together with means for securing the channel structure to a door opening, and a waterproof panel which is removably positioned in the U-shaped channel structure.

2. To provide, in a flood barrier of the type noted, a U-shaped channel structure including side legs, having means for securing them to the front face of a wall in which a door frame is mounted and immediately adjacent to the door frame.

3. To provide, in a floor barrier of the character aforesaid, a U-shaped channel structure which is adapted to be fitted inside the opening of a wall which receives a door frame.

4. To provide, in a floor barrier of the kind described, a U-shaped channel structure, the bottom walls of which are lined by sealing strips, together with sealing strips lining at least one side wall of each channel.

5. To provide, in a flood barrier of the type noted, a filler strip that normally fills the bottom back channel so as to obviate the possibility of dirt and foreign matter collecting therein.

6. To provide a door with which the flood barrier of this invention is associated, with means for removably positioning the panel of the barrier on the inner face of the door.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention, such as arise in connection with carrying out the above ideas in a practical embodiment will, in part, become apparent and, in part, be hereafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects are achieved by providing a flood barrier for the lower portion of a doorway, including a door frame that is mounted in an opening in the wall of a home, and a sill extending across the bottom of said opening, with the door adapted to assume either open or closed positions.

The flood barrier comprises a U-shaped channel structure having side legs and a bottom back. The channels of the side legs open inwardly and the channels of the bottom back open upwardly. In one embodiment, the side legs carry outwardly extending tabs which constitute means for securing them to the outer face of the wall inwhich the door frame receiving opening is formed. In a second embodiment, the side legs have bottom walls formed with openings which receive screws which secure them to the inner confronting surfaces of the wall which define the door opening.

The bottom wall of each element of the channel structure is provided with a sealing strip, while at least one side wall of the channels is also provided with a sealing strip.

A waterproof panel is dimensioned to be snugly received within the U-shaped channel structure by being slid thereinto with a downward movement. Means is provided on the inner face of the door which is mounted on the door frame for removably supporting a panel thereon in a protected out of the way position when its use is not required. During periods of non-use of the panel, a filler strip fills the channel of the bottom back of the U-shaped structure to prevent the collection of dirt or foreign matter therein.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective looking from the outside at a portion of a home having a doorway, with the flood barrier of this invention associated therewith and in effective position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective looking at the inside of the door depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of a modified embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section through the structure of FIG. 1 being taken on the plane of the line 44 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal section through the structure of FIG. 3 being taken on the plane of the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective on an enlarged scale illustrating one type of seal which may be employed in conjunction with the channel structure;

FIG. 7 is a detail section taken on the plane of the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detail section similar to FIG. 7, depicting the sealing device of FIGS. 6 and 7 as applied to the embodiment of FIG. 3, and

FIG. 9 is a detail perspective on an enlarged scale illustrating another sealing arrangement and the filler strip.

Before entering into a detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is noted that the present invention is described as being associated with a doorway in which a door is hingedly mounted. However, it is to be clearly understood that the flood barrier of this invention is also susceptible of being operatively associated with sliding doors, such as those of the patio type commonly known as arcadia doors. The only substantial difference between the two applications resides in the manner in which the panel of the barrier is stored in an out of the way protective positron.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding elements throughout the several views, and first more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4, a portion of the wall of a home is designated 10 and presents an outer face 11. Wall 10 is formed with a doorway defined by inner confronting side faces 12, a bottom sill l3, and a top surface 14. Mounted in this doorway is a door frame including side struts l and between which is hingedly mounted a door 16 presenting an outer face 17 and an inner face 18.

A U-shaped channel structure is referred to generally at 19. It comprises a bottom back 20 which overlies sill 13 and upstanding side legs 21. The channel of back 20 opens upwardly, while the channels of side legs 21 open inwardly. As shown more clearly in FIG. 9, each

channel element

20 and 21 comprises a bottom wall 22, an inner side wall 23 and an outer side wall 24. Channel structure 19 is of any appropriate metal, with aluminum being indicated as the preferred material.

As shown in FIG. 1, each side leg 21 carries a plurality of tabs 25 which project outwardly therefrom. One of these tabs is shown more clearly in FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate that each tab 25 lies in the plane of inner channel wall 23 and thus constitutes an extension thereof. Each tab 25 is formed with a counter-sunk opening 26 through which passes a headed screw 27 which is used in anchoring the U-shaped channel structure 19 in position, with walls 23 of side legs 21 engaging outer face 11 of wall 10.

At this point it is deemed advisable to describe an alternate positioning of the U-shaped channel structure by reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 8. In this embodiment of the invention, a U-shaped channel structure 19 which is substantially the same as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 is employed, with the notable exception that the bottom back 20 is somewhat shorter in the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 5 and 8 as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 4, and the tabs 25 are omitted. Upon referring to FIG. 8, it will be noted that bottom wall 22 of each side leg 21 is formed with a countersunk opening 28. With the U-shaped structure positioned in the doorway opening, bottom walls 22 of side legs 21 engage the inner surfaces 12 of the door opening and headed screws 29 pass through openings 28 and are embedded in the wall to secure the U-shaped structure 19 in the position illustrated. In this position, it will be noted that outer walls 24 of channel elements are flush with the outer surface 11 of wall 10.

In each of the embodiments the bottom wall 22 of each channel element and 2] is lined by a sealing strip 30 which may be of any material commonly used in the production of sealing strips, with foam rubber or plastic indicated as the preferred material. In each of the embodiments, another sealing strip 31 lines the inner surface of inner wall 23.

A panel is designated 32 and may be of any appropriate rigid waterproof material, such as wood, metal or plastic. It should be sufficiently rigid to withstand the water pressure of a flood condition. Panel 32 will have a length substantially equal to the distance between the bottom walls 22 of side legs 21, less the thickness of the sealing strips 30. It will have a height substantially equal to the height of side legs 21, which will range from 12 inches to 30 inches depending on the particular locality in which the flood barrier is intended to be installed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of outer wall 24 of each channel element is lined by a sealing strip 33. In this embodiment, the panel 32 is slid downwardly between the sealing strips 31 and 33 with a tight fit, which results in a compression of the sealing strips to achieve a watertight seal. As the panel is forced home into its ultimate position, the lower edge thereof engages sealing strip 30 in bottom back 20 to complete the sealing effects.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the sealing strip 33 which lines the front wall 24 is omitted.

' Front wall 24 is formed with a plurality of threaded openings 34 which receive headed screws 35. The inner ends of these screws 35 carry pads 36 which engage panel 32 to clamp the latter against the sealing strips 31 which line the inner walls, thereby achieving a watertight seal. A filler strip 38 of an appropriate material, such as foam rubber or plastic, fills the channel of bottom back 20 during periods of non-use to inhibit the collection of dirt and foreign matter in this channel.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the inner face 18 of door 16 is provided with three brackets 37 which removably receive and position panel 32 during periods of non-use. In this connection, it is important to note that certain factors and conditions must be satisfied in storing panel 32 during periods of non-use. In the first place, the panel must be conveniently available to the doorway when flood conditions arise. It would be highly undesirable to store it at a remote place, whereby difficulty might be encountered in retrieving it for use. Secondly, the panel must be stored in a place where it is protected from the weather, including moisture conditions or sunlight which might warp the panel and render it unfit for use when required. And, flnally, it should not be stored in a place where there is a likelihood that it would be struck by a person or object with resulting damage.

FIG. 2 illustrates a convenient manner in which to store the panel in association with the hingedly mounted door. When so assembled, it is deemed desirable and practical that the exposed face of the panel carry a decorative design or pattern which would add to the appearance of the home at this location. When the flood barrier is associated with an arcadia door, the panel could be clamped against the eaves immediately adjacent to the patio door to satisfy the above conditions.

Operation While the manner in which the subject flood barrier is installed and used is believed to be obvious from the illustration of the drawings and description of parts set forth above it may be briefly described as follows:

The U-shaped channel structure 19 is permanently installed in the position of either FIGS. 1 and 4 on one hand, or FIGS. 3 and 5 on the other. The panel 32 is removably positioned on the inner face 18 of door 16 or clamped to the eaves above a patio door. When a flood condition arises, the panel 32 is removed from its stored position, filler strip 38 removed and the panel is inserted into the U-shaped channel structure 19 by presenting its lower edge to the upper open edges of the channels of side legs 21 and forcing the panel downwardly until its lower end engages the sealing strip 30 on the bottom of back 20. If the sealing arrangement depicted in FIG. 9 is included in the channel structure, this downward movement is all that is required to establish the watertight seal. However, if the seal arrangement of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is employed, upon the completion of such downward movement, screws 35 are tightened to clamp each portion of the panel against the sealing strips 31 which line the inner walls 23.

While preferred specific embodiments are herein disclosed, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions, materials and devices illustrated and described because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice.

What is claimed is:

1. For use with the doorway formed in the wall of a home, said wall having an outer surface and inner surfaces defining the doorway, together with a door having inner and outer surfaces and movable into open or closed positions relative to said doorway, a flood barrier comprising:

a. a U-shaped channel structure including side legs and a bottom back, the channels of said side legs opening inwardly and the channel of said back opening upwardly;

b. means for permanently mounting said U-shaped channel structure at the lower portion of said doorway;

c. a waterproof panel dimensioned to be snugly received in said U-shaped channel structure;

d. sealing means for creating a watertight seal between edge portions of said panel and said U- shaped channel structure;

e. a filler strip filling the back of said channel structure during periods of non-use, and

f. means for storing said panel in an out of the way protected position, conveniently available to said doorway during periods of non-use.

2. The flood barrier of claim I in which the U-shaped channel structure is of metal and the means for permanently mounting the channel structure at said doorway takes the form of tabs formed integrally with and extending from the side legs of said channel structure, each of said tabs having an opening therein, together with screws passing through said openings to clamp the Ushaped channel structure against the outer face of said wall.

3. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which each of the side legs of the U-shaped channel structure includes a bottom wall, and the means for mounting the U-shaped channel structure at the bottom of said doorway takes the form of openings formed in said bottom walls, together with screws which pass through said openings and are embedded in the home wall to clamp said side legs against the inner faces defining the doorway.

4. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which each of the side legs and bottom back includes a bottom wall, an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and the sealing means comprises a sealing strip lining each of said bottom walls and sealing strips lining said inner and outer side walls.

5. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which each of said side legs and bottom back includes a bottom wall, an inner side wall, an outer side wall, a sealing strip lining each of said bottom walls, and a sealing strip lining each of said inner side walls, together with screws threadedly mounted in openings in the outer side walls of said side legs to clamp the panel against the sealing strips lining the inner side walls.

6. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which the panel is removably mounted on the inner face of the door by brackets.

7. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which the U-shaped channel structure is of aluminum.

8. The flood barrier of claim 4 in which the sealing strips are of a foam material.

9. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which the filler strip

Claims

1. For use with the doorway formed in the wall of a home, said wall having an outer surface and inner surfaces defining the doorway, together with a door having inner and outer surfaces and movable into open or closed positions relative to said doorway, a flood barrier comprising: a. a U-shaped channel structure including side legs and a bottom back, the channels of said side legs opening inwardly and the channel of said back opening upwardly; b. means for permanently mounting said U-shaped channel structure at the lower portion of said doorway; c. a waterproof panel dimensioned to be snugly received in said U-shaped channel structure; d. sealing means for creating a watertight seal between edge portions of said panel and said U-shaped channel structure; e. a filler strip filling the back of said channel structure during periods of non-use, and f. means for storing said panel in an out of the way protected position, conveniently available to said doorway during periods of non-use.

2. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which the U-shaped channel structure is of metal and the means for permanently mounting the channel structure at said doorway takes the form of tabs formed integrally with and extending from the side legs of said channel structure, each of said tabs having an opening therein, together with screws passing through said openings to clamp the U-shaped channel structure against the outer face of said wall.

9. The flood barrier of claim 1 in which the filler strip is of foam rubber.