This website was translated using DeepL
This website was translated using DeepL
(Patent) The foldable flood barrier that you can unfold by compressing its gaskets—even with just ONE finger—and when you remove it, it leaves no trace whatsoever—not even a frame or a mounting hole—thus preserving the appearance and original width of the opening.
L - Custom width.
H - Available fixed heights: 32/42/52/62/72/82/92
NOTE: To achieve greater widths or to use lighter flood protection devices, purchase the removable Union Post, which can be positioned as needed, allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices—even different models—to form linear barriers: straight, angular, or perimeter barriers.
IMPORTANT: Check the horizontal seal at the corners, and if it does not fit flush against the surfaces, reposition it by gently pressing it into place with your finger.
For corner support, lightweight locking, easy locking, secure locking, safety locking, internal and external locking, locking above the flood level, and scratch resistance.
A rust-free lightweight alloy with excellent resistance to galvanic corrosion when in contact with water, but only during periods of emergency (approximately 10 days a year in Venice).
Our patented system applies sealing pressure by compressing the gaskets against the side reveals in a smooth movement, potentially using just ONE finger, without unnecessary effort. The barrier widens gradually to the correct extended width without contracting again.
Because there are no protrusions on the side of the room to be protected, the flood barrier can be mounted on any external frame of the existing window or door, even if the frame is flush with the sash or threshold profile
The operating lever handle has an ergonomic grip for improved hold and better force distribution. It can also be extended to help people with less strength, or where the vertical gasket is thicker within manufacturing tolerances, or the side reveals are irregular. It is intended for opening and closing from the outside; skilled users can also use it from the inside.
The patented OPTIONAL Top Handle makes it easier to open the barrier from inside and outside. It also prevents the security-head screw of the padlock kit from being unscrewed, increasing security.
Its four special patented sliders, located at the four corners of the flood barrier, rest against the frame of the existing window or door without causing irreparable damage to its finish—whether paint or otherwise—while also protecting the skin from scratches and cuts caused by the sharp edges of the profiles.
We designed the device with numerous anti-pinch features incorporated into the mechanisms and various moving parts.
It is also designed to prevent fingers from getting crushed during the closing process and to prevent the flood barrier from bending outward in the event of strong winds or improper positioning.
Full contact against the side reveals and straight cuts to the bottom gasket improve watertightness. Replacement gaskets are always available.
Thanks to our patent, we have managed to ensure that the gasket stretches by less than 60% only on the outer edge, ensuring long-lasting durability without premature cracking.
A padlock beneath the removable handle could have its keyhole blocked after flooding with muddy or salt water. The use of jaws or other components to insert the padlock posed a serious risk of crushing or cutting fingers, even severing them. A rivet fixing did not prevent the component being drilled out and removed, allowing the system to open while the padlock remained locked.
Our QR code, engraved directly on the flood barrier, links you to our website www.rapid.sm, where you can download the user and maintenance manual—available in 5 languages—before each use. The QR code also provides direct contact with the supplier in case the Partner is unavailable.
This identification number, which only RAPID has been issuing since 2017, contains the entire history of your flood protection device, ensuring seamless after-sales support—from locating replacement parts to handling any recalls.
The MODERNA flood barrier could be inserted in a folded position between the two jambs and diagonally, crossing the frame of the outer window or door to rest against the inner frame. This problem can also be solved by attaching a single square tubular profile to one jamb and adding an L-shaped sealing profile to hold the flood barrier in place against water pressure.
The folded flood barrier is inserted between the side reveals and extended, compressing the lateral gaskets. About halfway through, resistance opposes the force the user applies to the operating handle. Overcoming it requires additional force, causing a sudden, rapid snap into the closed position.
The dead-centre resistance and snap action are caused by the eccentricity of the hinge connecting the two halves of the barrier. This makes the barrier EXPAND EXCESSIVELY beyond the width needed for a secure watertight seal. It then CONTRACTS abruptly as the over-compressed elastic side gaskets return it to the correct sealing width.
This dead-centre resistance provides no benefit for watertightness or the user. It simply restricts use to someone with enough strength to overcome it. During an emergency, a person of working age may be away at work: will the person at home have enough strength to deploy the barrier?
Because of the resistance described above, users with less strength may be unable to deploy the flood protection device, with a consequent risk of flooding.
It also increases with the height of the flood barrier, irregular side reveals and/or an opening that is not at right angles, conditions that can occur in building openings.
It prevents the barrier from resting against a door or window whose frame is flush with the leaf, obstructing full extension and correct positioning. This support is needed to reproduce the conditions of the certification body’s safety test.
Although the exact timing is uncertain, a crack formed in the seal lip at the point where the flood protection device bends, on the outer side, because theoretically it should stretch up to 800%, but with an eccentric hinge, it must stretch up to 6,500% (from 1 mm to 65 mm), resulting in a crack in the seal lip.
We carried out a crushing test with a medium-density carrot between the fixed-width barrier half, where the operating lever handle is inserted, and the variable-width half. The result was a kind of carrot purée.
A padlock beneath the removable handle could have its keyhole blocked after flooding with muddy or salt water. The use of jaws or other components to insert the padlock posed a serious risk of crushing or cutting fingers, even severing them. A rivet fixing did not prevent the component being drilled out and removed, allowing the system to open while the padlock remained locked.
Since it does not conform to the shape of the hands, it does not offer the same ergonomic benefits.
The standard handle may be insufficient, particularly for users with less strength. Without the optional extension, the user cannot benefit from the additional leverage needed when an irregular opening prevents smooth extension, causing resistance followed by a hard, abrupt snap.
Non-rectangular gaskets have less contact with the side-reveal surfaces or cannot be properly compressed as the device is extended and unfolded. They also do not guide the scissors for a straight, flush cut of the bottom horizontal gasket.
The sharp edges and rough edges of aluminium profiles can scratch the mounting frames and may also accidentally injure your hands.
DISCLAIMER: WARNING! If the opening is a designated safety exit, a safety plan must approve the use of another suitable exit before the flood barrier is fitted. Otherwise, the space to be protected must contain no people or anything else that could be put at risk. Dripping is within the permitted sealing tolerance, although it does not necessarily occur. Additional protective measures are recommended when the device protects hazardous areas.
