Water Flow Diversion Apparatus

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/905,807 filed on Sep. 25, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

The present invention relates to a water flow diversion apparatus. More specifically, the present invention provides an installable apparatus for diverting water, such as flood waters, away from a desired area.

In many areas, it is common to experience large volume of rain, snow, or other precipitation. As rain falls and as snow melts, the result is a flow of running water from a higher ground level to a lower ground level. As running water flows, it can be destructive in numerous ways. For example, large volumes of water can accumulate and flow along loose gravel, unpaved and naturally formed roads and driveways, causing them to wash out or causing the formation of large ruts in these roadways. Steep driveways, in particular, are susceptible to washouts, as the water flow passing over them is higher than that of a less steep driveway.

Over time, the condition of these roads and driveways may diminish to the point where they are undrivable. In some cases, a vehicle could become stuck in the road or driveway, requiring the use of a tow truck or a winch to get out. In addition to the risks to vehicles traveling in the roads and driveways, the cost of repairing such damage can be significant. In some cases, the entire road section or driveway may need to be replaced to return the road or driveway to a drivable condition. Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art devices and methods for an improved apparatus for preventing water damage to roads and driveways that are particularly susceptible to such damage.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of water redirection devices and methods now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a water flow diversion apparatus wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when redirecting a running flow of water away from a desired area.

The present system comprises a planar base. The planar base is configured to secure to or below a ground surface. A barrier extends upward from the planar base. The barrier is perpendicular to the base, such that the barrier is maintained in a substantially vertical position. Furthermore, the barrier is configured to redirect a flow of water that comes into contact with the barrier, or the portion of the barrier that extends above the ground surface on which it is installed. The barrier comprises a pair of support braces on each side of the planar base. The support braces provide additional support to the barrier by spreading out the impact on the barrier amongst a greater area of the planar base.

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the water flow diversion apparatus. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. The water flow diversion apparatus 10 comprises a planar base 11. The planar base 11 is configured to secure to a ground surface or to be buried underneath a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar base 11 is rectangular, such as to provide a sufficiently large surface area for providing structural stability to the planar base 11 and the components in operable connection with the planar base 11. The planar base 11, as well as the other components of the water flow diversion apparatus 10, are made of any suitable material for use in water current redirection. For example, in some embodiments, the water flow diversion apparatus 10 may be made of a rubber material, such as recycled rubber.

A barrier 12 extends upward from the top surface 13 of the planar base 11. A lower portion 15 of the barrier 12 extends upward perpendicularly from the planar base 11 forming a joint 16 that is roughly 90 degrees. Structurally, the barrier 12 is of any suitable size, shape, or configuration for redirecting a water current exerted upon the barrier 12. In some embodiments, the barrier 12 is of a uniform thickness along the entire length and height of the barrier 12. However, in alternate embodiments, the thickness of the barrier may vary. For example, in the demonstrated embodiment, the barrier 12 is tapered, such that a greater thickness is provided at the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12 compared to the upper portion 17 of the barrier 12. As such, greater stability is provided to the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12, adjacent to the joint 16 and the planar base 11. Furthermore, in the demonstrated embodiment, each side of the planar base 11 tapers from the barrier 12 to a distal end of the planar base 11. As such, additional structural security is provided to the joint 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 12 and the planar base 11 are a single, unitary member, such as to reduce the risk of separation between the planar base 11 and the barrier 12 at the joint 16 thereof. In other embodiments, however, the barrier 12 can be separated from the planar base 11, such as to enable easier and more efficient storage and transport of the water flow diversion apparatus 10. Additionally, in some embodiments, the planar base 11 and the barrier 12 may be made of an identical material, while in other embodiments the planar base 11 and the barrier 12 may be made of different materials. For example, a heavier material may be utilized on the planar base 11 and a waterproof flexible material may be used for the barrier 12.

A pair of support braces 14 are disposed on each side of the planar base 11. The pair of support braces 14 are in operable connection with the planar base 11 and with the barrier 12. As such, additional structural stability and strength are provided to the barrier 12 such that the barrier 12 will maintain position when subjected to the force of a high volume or high velocity water current. In the demonstrated embodiment, the pair of support braces 14 are of a greater thickness than the barrier 12. This allows for the pair of support braces 14 to strengthen the barrier 12 primarily at the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12, where due to leverage exerted on the joint 16 of the planar base 11 and the barrier 12, separation or tearing would be most likely to occur.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of support braces 14 are of an identical length as the barrier 12, as well as the planar base 11. However, in alternate embodiments, the planar base 11, the barrier 12, and the pair of support braces 14 may be of different lengths. For example, in one embodiment, the pair of support braces 14 may be of a lesser length than the length of the barrier 12 and of the planar base 11 in order to allow for a level of flexion or to allow the water flow diversion apparatus 10 to be curved. Additionally, in some embodiments, the barrier 12 and the planar base 11 are of an identical length, such as to provide a maximum surface area of the barrier 12 to redirect a water current.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top-down view of an embodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. A plurality of apertures 18a, 18b are disposed through the planar base 11. The plurality of apertures 18a, 18b are provided such as to assist in securing the water flow diversion apparatus to a ground surface or an underground surface. In the specific embodiment, the plurality of apertures 18a, 18b consists of a first row of apertures 18a disposed on a first side 20 of the planar base 11 and a second row of apertures 18b disposed on a second side 21 of the planar base 11. The first row of apertures 18a is offset from the second row of apertures 18b, such that the first row if apertures 18a and the second row of apertures 18b are staggered. As such, the securing force of the plurality of apertures 18a and 18b is more evenly dispersed amongst the surface area of the planar base 11.

Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures 18a, 18b are configured to be engaged by a plurality of fasteners 19. The plurality of fasteners 19 are configured to penetrate the planar base 11 via the plurality of apertures 18a, 18b and then to secure into the ground surface underneath the planar base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 19 comprises a plurality of anchor bolts. Alternatively, the plurality of fasteners 19 could comprise any other type of fastener that is capable of securing the planar base 11 to a ground surface through an aperture, such as a stake or a staple. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures 18a, 18b further comprises a plurality of washers 22. The plurality of washers 22 are configured to prevent damage to the planar base 11 that could result from over tightening of the plurality of fasteners 19. In some embodiments, the plurality of washers 22 are removable from the planar base 11. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of washers 22 are structurally integrated upon the planar base 11 around the plurality of apertures 18a, 18b.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a bottom-up view of an embodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. In the demonstrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 23 are disposed on a bottom surface 24 of the planar base 11. The plurality of protrusions 23 are configured to increase the level of friction between the planar base 11 and the ground surface upon which the water flow diversion apparatus 10 is installed. In the specific embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 23 consists of a pair of opposing groups of protrusions that are each in a parallel alignment. The plurality of protrusions 23 may be placed in parallel alignment, such as to enhance the friction and structural stability of the water flow diversion apparatus in a singular direction. However, in alternate embodiments, the plurality of protrusions may be non-linear, circular, or of any other shape or configuration for securing the planar base 11 to the ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. In use, the water flow diversion apparatus 10 may be placed in an area to prevent water from flowing upon that area. The planar base 11 is first secured to the ground surface. The planar base 11 may be secured by engaging the plurality of protrusions 23 with the ground surface, as well as by placing a plurality of fasteners 19 through the plurality of apertures 18. Additionally, in order to further stabilize the planar base 11, a weighted structure, such as a weight or a natural material like dirt, may be placed on the top surface of the planar base 11 in order to further anchor the water flow diversion apparatus 10 to the desired location.

Once the planar base 11 is properly positioned and secured, the barrier 12 will be presented in the desired location to block and redirect a water current. When a weighted object is placed onto the planar base 11 or the planar base 11 is buried underground to further secure the position of the water flow diversion apparatus 10, the barrier 12 may be entirely above ground, or may be partially underground. Ideally the barrier 12 should be provided to a height greater than the height of an expected water current. The water flow diversion apparatus 10 may be a permanent installation upon a desired surface or may be temporarily deployed in the event of flash floods or heavy rains.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.