Flexible Modular Liquid Dam Assembly Having a Magnetic Connection System

Abstract

A modular liquid dam comprising a plurality of individual elongated members or segments that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with a magnetic connection system having a magnet disposed within or exposed on the end of at least one adjacent dam member, the other adjacent dam member having a second magnet or metal member disposed within or exposed on its end, such that when the two dam members are abutted, the magnetic connection system maintains the dam members in abutting relationship. Structural mating members providing a mechanical or frictional fit may also be provided in the ends of the dam members to further enhance the connection in conjunction with the magnetic connection mechanism.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A modular dam assembly comprising a plurality of dam members adapted to be assembled in end-to-end relation and a magnetic connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members;
 each of said dam members having ends adapted to abut with the ends of adjacent said dam members in a manner that precludes passage of liquid between said dam members;   wherein each of said dam members comprises a first magnet disposed on or adjacent one said end and a second magnet or a metal member disposed on or adjacent the other said end;   wherein the combination of said first magnet member of one said dam member with said second magnet or metal member of an adjacent other said dam member define said magnetic connection system.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first magnet and either said second magnet or said metal member are covered by a thin layer of polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said magnets further comprise anchoring members. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said metal members further comprise anchoring members. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 3 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said structural connection system comprises the combination of a post and socket. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said anchoring member comprises a shaft of increased diameter. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said anchoring member comprises a plate member. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said anchoring member comprises a threaded rod. 
     
     
         13 . A modular dam assembly comprising a plurality of dam members adapted to be assembled in end-to-end relation;
 each of said dam members having ends adapted to abut with the ends of adjacent said dam members in a manner that precludes passage of liquid between said dam members;   wherein each of said dam members comprises a first magnet disposed on or adjacent one said end and a second magnet or a metal member disposed on or adjacent the other said end;   wherein the combination of said first magnet member of one said dam member with said second magnet or metal member of an adjacent other said dam member connects said dam members.   
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said first magnet and either said second magnet or said metal member are covered by a thin layer of polymer. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said magnets further comprise anchoring members. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein said metal members further comprise anchoring members. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising a structural connection system adapted to temporarily connect adjacent said dam members in a mechanical interlocking manner. 
     
     
         19 . A method of assembling a modular dam assembly comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of dam members; each of said dam members having ends adapted to abut with the ends of adjacent said dam members in a manner that precludes passage of liquid between said dam members; wherein each of said dam members comprises a first magnet disposed on or adjacent one said end and a second magnet or a metal member disposed on or adjacent the other said end; and wherein the combination of said first magnet member of one said dam member with said second magnet or metal member of an adjacent other said dam member connects said dam members;   positioning two of said dam members in end-to-end abutting relation such that said first magnets of one said dam member magnetically connect with said second magnet or said metal member or an adjacent said dam member; and   connecting additional dam members in like manner as required to complete said modular dam assembly.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said step of providing a plurality of dam members comprises providing dam members comprising structural connection systems adapted to connect adjacent said dam members in mechanical interlocking manner; and
 wherein said step of positioning two of said dam members and said step of connecting additional dam members comprises interlocking adjacent said dam members.