# US 8,786,453 B2 · Alert system for detecting rising water levels

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- Number: US 8,786,453 B2
- Document ID: US8786453B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/586,565
- Filed: 2012-08-15
- Published: 2014-02-20
- Granted: 2014-07-22
- Earliest claimed: 2012-08-15
- Applicants: Belinda J. Walbert
- Inventors: Belinda J. Walbert
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8786453B2

## CPC

- G01F 23/64: of the free float type {without mechanical transmission elements}
- G08B 21/20: responsive to moisture
- G01F: MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G08B: SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS

## Abstract

A portable, self-contained flood alarm which alleviates the shortcomings of the alarms of the prior art and offers an easy-to-use and reliable flood and water level alarm which will adequately warn users of potential flood conditions and possibly save their personal belongings, equipment and lives.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An alert device for detecting rising water levels, the alert device comprising:
a weighted base plate;
at least one PVC coupling;
a grate located within the at least one PVC coupling;
a main body having an anterior end and a posterior end, a length therebetween and a hollow interior, the anterior end of the main body being connected to the at least one PVC coupling, the posterior end of the main body being attached to the base plate and positioned approximately vertically therefrom;
a stabilizing rod having an anterior end and a posterior end and a length therebetween, the posterior end of the stabilizing rod being attached to the base plate and extending approximately vertically therefrom into the interior of the main body;
a float, the float being moveably attached to the stabilizing rod smaller in diameter than the main body;
a water level rod having an anterior end and a posterior end and a length therebetween, the float being attached to the water level rod at or near its posterior end and the water level rod extending approximately vertically therefrom into the interior of the main body;
an alarm assembly located within the at least one PVC coupling, the alarm assembly having an activation mechanism; and
a cap, the cap sealing the interior of the main body and at least one PVC coupling.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The alert device of claim 1 wherein the main body is perforated.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The alert device of claim 1 wherein the posterior end of the main body is attached to the base plate via an attachment methodology that creates a space between the posterior end of the main body and the base plate, thereby allowing for rising flood waters to enter and leave the hollow interior of the main body.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The alert device of claim 1 wherein the water level rod is adjustably attached to the float.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The alert device of claim 1 wherein the activation mechanism of the alarm assembly is activated when rising water causes the float and the attached water level rod to rise approximately vertically along the path of the stabilizing rod within the main body until the anterior end of the water level rod comes into contact with the activation mechanism of the alarm assembly, thereby activating the alarm assembly.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The alarm assembly of claim 1 wherein the device is portable.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The alarm assembly of claim 2 wherein the device is further comprised of a handle, the handle being located somewhere on the external surface area of the device.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The alarm assembly of claim 1 further comprised of a door in the main body, the door allowing a user access to the hollow interior of the main body.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The alarm assembly of claim 1 wherein the device is permanent.