Method of mounting an inflatable chamber lock in a asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl, and / or lead contaminated building environment

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of mounting an inflatable chamber lock (100) in a asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building environment (120), the method comprising: sealing the asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building (120), ensuring a negative pressure in the building, inflating the chamber lock (100) from a first non-inflated position (P1) to a second inflated position (P2), positioning the chamber lock in an opening (110) of the building (120), and if necessary, adjusting the inflated chamber lock in the opening of the contaminated building. Further the invention relates to a chamber lock (100) adapted to be installed in an opening (110) in a contaminated building environment (120). The chamber lock comprises an inflatable frame (130) comprising a plurality of coherent, inflatable tubes, at least two flexible external walls (140) mounted on the inflatable frame

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a chamber lock in an opening in a contaminated building environment thereby securing asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building environments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Asbestos is a harmful mineral that poses a widespread problem in buildings and constructions around the world. With the increasing focus on asbestos in buildings and constructions, an increasing demand for remediation of building materials containing asbestos occurs.

[0003] Asbestos is highly heat-resistant i.e. it can effectively not burn and has therefore for centuries been used as a preferred building material. However, during the 1970ies it was widely recognized that there are significant health and safety hazards related to asbestos. Therefore, the use of asbestos is now illegal in many countries as building material, but many older buildings still have asbestos contamination and the problem is therefore still relevant today.

[0004] When working with asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, dust, which contains asbestos fibers, occur. The dust cannot be seen with the eyes of a human. Due to the structure of the asbestos fibers, the fibers can constantly split lengthwise and become very thin if they become mechanical affected. If inhaled, there is a danger that they will penetrate out into the very finest branches of the lungs, where they can deposit. Exposure to asbestos fibers poses a risk of development of asbestosis and various forms of asbestosis in pulmonary, pleural and gastrointestinal tract. Asbestos and tobacco smoking can reinforce each other harmful effect and thus increase the risk of the lung disease asbestosis and cancer.

[0005] To ensure that asbestos fibers and / or other harmful fibers are not dispersed from the contaminated area / buildings / environment to an outside not contaminated area, it is important that the contaminated area is only accessed through an access lock, preferably being a chamber lock.

[0006] Today doorways have been installed with wooden or partly wooden chamber locks to keep the asbestos within the contaminated building / construction. The wooden chamber locks normally being produced on site by carpenters. The chambers made today are thereby not moveable. The production of (partly) wooden chambers locks may typically last a day or more, and therefore delay the demolition or renovation of the building with e.g. asbestos contamination. The chamber locks known today are thereby relatively time-consuming, expensive and cannot be cleaned or reused and thus entails a huge material waste.

[0007] Hence, an improved chamber lock, an improved method for positioning such a chamber lock in an opening in a contaminated building environment and an improved method for cleaning the chamber lock after use, would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient, economically, flexible / movable, safe and / or reliable chamber lock would be advantageous. US5009685A discloses a method for positioning a chamber lock in an opening in a contaminated building environment with asbestos contamination.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the known prior art.

[0009] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a better method for sealing an opening in a contaminated building environment by a chamber lock, that solves the above mentioned problems of the prior art e.g. solves the problem of a (partly) wooden chamber lock used today.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Thus, the above described objects and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a method of mounting an inflatable chamber lock in an asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building environment, the method comprising: sealing (S1) the asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building, ensuring (S2) a negative pressure in the building, inflating (S3) the chamber lock from a first non-inflated position (P1) to a second inflated position (P2) positioning (S4) the chamber lock in an opening of the building, and if necessary, adjusting (S5) the inflated chamber lock in the opening of the contaminated building, wherein the steps can be performed in any order, subsequently and / or simultaneously.

[0011] This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous in that the method according to the present invention may provide a more efficient, economically and / or reliable method to mount a lock chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the aspect is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a method wherein the chamber lock is easily and very quickly to install and position, it may be ready to use within few minutes and is always prepared correct. Instead of having craftsmen building up a chamber lock of wood from the bottom there is no need of any craftsmen working with wooden locks. The only need for human interaction when installing the chamber lock is when the non-inflated chamber lock is being positioned in the opening of a building and when it, if needed, is adjusted after being inflated in the opening.

[0013] In the context of the invention, a 'negative pressure gradient' may be understood as the pressure difference through the chamber lock is being negative. From the not contaminated area to the contaminated environment, the pressure is going from a higher pressure level to a lower pressure level thereby providing a negative pressure gradient through the chamber lock. In some countries, the negative pressure gradient is a requirement for asbestos demolition. In addition, some countries may have recognised standards, national regulation for working safety and safe environment, which this chamber lock may easily fulfil.

[0014] In the context of the present application, the term 'asbestos' may be broadly understood as naturally occurring silicate (silicon dioxide) minerals, typically in the form of long and thin fibrous crystals. Asbestos is highly heat-resistant i.e. it can effectively not burn, and has therefore for centuries been used as a preferred building material. However, during the 1970ies it was widely recognized that there are significant health and safety hazards related to asbestos for example the lung disease asbestosis and cancer. Therefore the use of asbestos is now illegal as building material, but many buildings still have asbestos and the problem is therefore still relevant.

[0015] In the context of the present application, the term 'polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)' may be broadly understood as an organic chlorine compound with the general chemical formula C 12 H 10-x Cl x . Polychlorinated biphenyls compound has unfortunately been widely used in building material (and other applications, such as electronics) from the period to 1950 to about 1980 throughout the world, and today represent a significant safety when renovating or demolishing such buildings.

[0016] Lead (Pb) is a chemical substance used in many kind of building materials, for example paints, due to its low cost and relative abundance. Previously the health hazards with lead were not fully recognized and therefore many older buildings have a significant level of lead contamination causing a safety hazard to the building workers in connection with renovating or demolishing such buildings.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure sensor measures the pressure of the inflated frame of the chamber lock, preferably the pressure sensor is connected to the inflatable frame.

[0018] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for controlling and monitoring the pressure within the frame. If the tubes of the frame do not comprise the necessary air, the air pressure within the tubes will be too little and the chamber lock will start deflating. This cannot happen, since that will lead to the contaminating air from within the contaminating building will flow out in the non-contaminated area.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, an alarm connected to the at least one pressure sensor is starting if one or more predetermined thresholds are reached or exceeded.

[0020] As described above, it is crucial that the air pressure within the tubes of the frame is within an acceptable threshold. Therefore providing an alarm connected to the sensor is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a secure system that sets alarm and / or call for assistance through the alarm, if the threshold is reach or exceeded, so that no contaminated air is leaking from the contaminated environment out onto the non-contaminated environment.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of attaching to the surroundings of the opening at least one mounting-piece positioned at the chamber-lock, after inflating and positioning the chamber-lock, by means for attachment.

[0022] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining an easy and reliable mounting of the chamber lock.

[0023] In the context of the invention, the term "mounting-pieces" may be understood as one or more extra pieces or flaps extending from the end frames or from near the end frames.

[0024] The mounting pieces is preferably made of the same material as the rest of the chamber lock.

[0025] When mounting the chamber-lock in an opening of a building, the chamber lock is to be inflated before the mounting pieces can be utilized. When said chamber lock is in an inflated position in an opening of a building, such as in a door frame / hole, the mounting pieces is a further securing of the mounting. The mounting piece may be fixed to the near surrounding of the building hole by means of: Glue, seams, screws, double-sided adhesive material or the like.

[0026] By fixating the mounting-pieces to the building the chamber-lock is mounted in an even more reliable and secure manner.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, an integrated air supply means of the chamber lock, preferably an integrated air pump, is providing air into the inflatable frame, preferably said integrated air supply means being arranged to provide air in response to a predetermined threshold according to claim 3 being reached or exceeded.

[0028] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for having an integrated part of the chamber lock, which provide the predetermined necessary air supply to the inflatable frame via one or more air tubes.

[0029] The pump may be mounted directly on the chamber lock, preferably on a frame-tube, or the pump might be a part of the chamber lock via an air-tube or the like. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprise the step of cleaning the chamber lock after use in a contaminated building.

[0030] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a chamber-lock that can be reused as many times a wanted, since the chamber lock can be cleaned after use.

[0031] The inventive method uses a chamber lock adapted to be installed in an opening in an associated contaminated building environment, the chamber lock being further adapted to form a sealed lock with said opening, the chamber lock comprising: an inflatable frame comprising a plurality of coherent, inflatable tubes, at least two flexible external walls mounted on the inflatable frame, at least a flexible bottom part and a flexible top part mounted on the frame, at least two flexible external doors mounted directly on the inflatable frame and / or positioned in the flexible walls, said doors allowing persons to pass through the chamber lock, wherein the chamber lock is adapted to take two main positions: a first position being a non-inflated position, a second position being an inflated position, wherein, when being in the inflated position, the chamber lock provides a sealed lock system between a contaminated building environment and a non-contaminated environment outside said contaminated building environment, and wherein, when being in the inflated position, the external doors further allowing a controllable flow of air inwards through the external doors thereby providing a negative pressure gradient within the chamber lock ensuring that the air flow through the external doors remains directed inwards to the contaminated building environment. Such inflatable chamber locks are already known in the art from US8365804B1, WO2012 / 025453A1 and GB2104569A. However, these inflatable chamber locks are used in different environments than the method of this invention.

[0032] The aspect is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a more efficient, economically, flexible / movable, safe and / or reliable lock chamber. Furthermore, such an inflatable chamber lock is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a chamber lock being easy and very quick to install and position, it may be ready to use within few minutes and is always positioned correct due to the easy installation.

[0033] Instead of having craftsmen building up a chamber lock of wood from the bottom there is no need of any craftsmen when constructing the chamber lock. The only need for human interaction when installing the chamber lock is when the non-inflated chamber lock is being positioned in the opening of a building and when it, if needed, is adjusted after being inflated in the opening. In addition, an operator should start the pump inflating the chamber lock. This can be done e.g. by physically push a start bottom on the pump or through an app controlling the pump.

[0034] The aspect also provides a safe chamber lock that meets all safety requirement there might be for chamber locks for operating in a contaminated building environment.

[0035] In the context of the example given, a 'frame' may be understood as the part of the chamber lock having the load capacity and being the stabilizing element(s) of the chamber lock - thereby securing the chamber lock is standing correctly when being in the inflated position. The frame might also be defined as the skeleton of the chamber lock.

[0036] In the context of the invention, a 'controllable flow of air' may be understood as a "controllable leaking" of a small amount of air through a gap between doors and wall / frames of the chamber lock.

[0037] The controllable flow of air can be performed in several ways, e.g. by: Positioning weights in pockets of the doors - the more weight the less air flow. Providing a door closure with a hook-and-loop fastener, such as the Velcro fastener - the more Velcro the less air flow. Mechanical control - In some countries there is a limited restriction by mechanical fastening / securing / confining the gap between flexible door and corresponding frame / wall. Also, other types of flow control can be performed within the scope of the invention.

[0038] These type of air control can be combined within one and the same chamber lock.

[0039] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises at least one pressure sensor, preferably connected to the inflatable frame.

[0040] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for controlling and monitoring the pressure within the frame. If the tubes of the frame do not comprise the necessary air, the air pressure within the tubes will be too little and the chamber lock will start deflating. This cannot happen, since that will lead to the contaminating air from within the contaminating building will flow out in the non-contaminated area.

[0041] In an embodiment of the inventive method, at least one pressure sensor is connected to an alarm, the alarm being adapted to start if one or more predetermined thresholds are reached or exceeded.

[0042] As described above, it is crucial that the air pressure within the tubes of the frame is within an acceptable threshold. Therefore providing an alarm connected to the sensor is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a secure system that sets alarm and / or call for assistance through the alarm, if the threshold is reach or exceeded, so that no contaminated air is leaking from the contaminated environment out onto the non-contaminated environment.

[0043] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises at least one non-return valve mounted on the inflatable frame.

[0044] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a one way opening or hole or the like, wherefrom air can be pumped into the frame of the chamber, but not allowing air to flow out of the frame during pumping or after pumping.

[0045] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises at least one integrated air supply means, preferably an integrated air pump, for providing air into the inflatable frame, preferably said integrated air supply means being arranged to provide air in response to a predetermined threshold being reached or exceeded.

[0046] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for having an integrated part of the chamber lock, which provide the predetermined necessary air supply to the inflatable frame via one or more air tubes.

[0047] The pump may be mounted directly on the chamber lock, preferably on a frame-tube, or the pump might be a part of the chamber lock via an air-tube or the like.

[0048] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises two end-frames having a substantially rectangular form when being in the inflated position, the two end-frames being connected with a plurality of inflatable longitudinal tubes along the length of the chamber.

[0049] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a chamber lock with a shape that is optimal for positioning within an opening of a building e.g. a rectangular doorway.

[0050] Furthermore, the shape of the chamber provides a resilient and stable chamber lock.

[0051] Also, the shape provides a chamber lock, which allow a person to easily move around, e.g. when changing clothes, such as a protective suit or coveralls and / or pass through the chamber lock.

[0052] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the two end-frames each comprises one external door respectively and wherein one or more gaps in the mounting or fixation of the external doors are partly air permeable so that said air flow through the external doors remains directed inwards to the contaminated building environment.

[0053] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a controllable flow of air that may be understood as a "controllable leaking" of a small amount of air though a gap between doors and wall / frames of the chamber lock.

[0054] Also the embodiment provides safety. A slightly lower pressure inside the building is in some countries around the world a safety requirement. This negative pressure gradient towards the contaminated building may be provided via dedicated pumps inside the building running during demolition. The negative pressure difference towards the contaminated building allow the inwards going airflow. The pressure difference may be around 0.001 bar, which may be somewhat difficult to measure on a building site, but in an indirect manner the existence of inward pressure difference may be recognized, e.g. by the fluttering or small displacement of light plastic parts at the building sites etc.

[0055] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises a plurality of inner chambers, preferably three inner chambers, and preferably the chambers are divided by internal flexible doors.

[0056] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for ensuring that asbestos fibres are not dispersed from the contaminated area to non-contaminated areas outside. The construction of the chamber lock may consist of three inner chambers divided by internal doors so as to form separate chambers within one chamber lock. The skilled person will readily understand that the present invention may be implemented with a plurality of inner chambers, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or higher number of inner chambers. The separation of chambers is preferably performed with plastic doors of loosely hanging plastic foil with lath pieces mounted at the bottom as weights. Hinged doors can also be used.

[0057] The preferred three chambers may be divided as: one chamber for changing everyday clothes and one chamber for changing working clothes - The two changing chambers preferably being separated of one chamber in the middle for cleaning facilities e.g. shower facilities.

[0058] More internal chambers can possibly be made if there is a need for any further separate internal chambers within the chamber lock.

[0059] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises at least one mounting-piece positioned at or near at least one of the end-frames.

[0060] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining an easy and reliable mounting of the chamber lock.

[0061] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises a transparent or a light-coloured roof.

[0062] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a chamber-lock wherein lightning from the surroundings can enter the chamber lock.

[0063] A chamber lock without the need of extra lightning within the chamber-lock is thereby obtained.

[0064] The light-coloured roof can be in any desired light colour allowing light to enter through the roof. However, a white roof or a transparent is preferred.

[0065] The light-coloured roof has the advantages that people from outside the chamber lock will not be allowed to look into the chamber lock from above, thereby increase the privacy.

[0066] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock comprises cleaning facilities, such as shower / washing facilities, suction / vacuum cleaning facilities, and / or ventilation / blowing / blasting facilities.

[0067] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing an optimal cleaning of e.g. the humans / workers and / or their clothing that has been within the contaminated building and is going out to the non-contaminated area. The dust of asbestos can hide anywhere on the clothing and on the body / hair of a human and therefore a cleaning facility within the chamber lock will be an optimal prevention from bringing asbestos out in a non-contaminated area.

[0068] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock is reusable.

[0069] The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for saving material as the chamber lock of the invention can be used many times and does not have to be thrown out after one-time use. This is contrary to e.g. (partly) wooden chamber locks, which cannot be reused as they cannot be cleaned due to the absorption of asbestos dust into the wood material.

[0070] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the chamber lock is preferably made of a strong plastic foil being airtight, such as PVC tarpaulin for the frame and such as Oxford fabric for the top, bottom, walls and doors. The frame is preferably made in 0.6mm PVC tarpaulin and the doors, walls, bottom and top is preferably made of 420D Oxford fabric. Sides and external doors are preferably sewn onto the frame, and internal doors are preferably sewn between chambers as tightly as required.

[0071] In an embodiment of the inventive method, the contaminated building has suction units installed, the suction units being with filters for asbestos and other sources of contamination, for example dust like lead, fumes like PCB etc.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0072] The methods according to the invention and the chamber lock used therein will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set. Figure 1a and 1b schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock. Figure 2 schematically illustrate a cross-section of an inflatable chamber lock with three chambers. Figure 3a and 3b schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock with one chamber. Figure 4 schematically illustrate a non-inflated chamber lock. Figure 5a schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock mounted in an opening of a building. Figure 5b illustrate a flow-chart of a mounting / positioning method according to the invention. Figure 6 schematically illustrate the inside of an inflatable chamber lock with three chambers. Figure 7 schematically illustrate a flexible door of an inflatable chamber. Figure 8 schematically illustrate an internal wall of an inflatable chamber. Figure 9 schematically illustrate a non-return valve mounted on a frame of an inflatable chamber. FIG. 10 illustrate a flow-chart of a cleaning method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0073] In the following, the present invention will be described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments thereof and with references to the accompanying figures.

[0074] Figure 1a and 1b schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock 100 according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. The chamber lock illustrated in FIG. 1a and 1b is adapted to be installed in an opening 110 in an associated contaminated building environment 120, and the chamber lock being further adapted to form a sealed lock with said opening (shown in FIG. 5), also the chamber lock is reusable. The chamber lock shown in FIG. 1 comprises: An inflatable frame 130 comprising a plurality of coherent, inflatable tubes 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136. A plurality of flexible external walls 140 mounted on the inflatable frame 130. The external walls on the sides of the chamber lock can be one large side-wall as illustrated in Fig. 1b or a plurality of smaller side-wall acting as one wall as illustrated in Fig. 1a. A flexible bottom part 150 (not directly shown in FIG. 1 but visible in FIG. 2, 6-8). A flexible top part 160 mounted on the frame. Two flexible external doors 170, 171 mounted on the inflatable frame, though only one of the external door 170 is shown in FIG. 1a, and one external door 171 in FIG. 1b. The doors allowing a person to pass through the chamber lock. The front of the external door illustrated in FIG. 1 has a warning mark 172 clearly illustrating that entering and passing through the chamber will lead one to a contaminated environment 120 and thereby that anyone entering the chamber lock 100 should take any precautions and follow any safety rules there might be. The flexible external doors 170, 171 are mounted directly on the inflatable frame 130, but the doors could also in alternative embodiments be positioned in / on flexible walls 140. A non-return valve 180 mounted on the inflatable frame 130, there could be more than one valve. An embodiment of the valve is shown in more detail in FIG. 9. At least one pressure sensor connected to the inflatable frame, though such sensor is not illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, the at least one pressure sensor is connected to an alarm, also not shown in FIG. 1, the alarm being adapted to start if one or more predetermined thresholds are reached or exceeded.

[0075] The chamber lock 100 is adapted to take two main positions: A first position P1 being a non-inflated position (shown in FIG. 4), A second position P2 being an inflated position as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0076] The chamber lock 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may preferably comprise at least one integrated air supply means 190, preferably an integrated air pump, for providing air into the inflatable frame (the air supply means 190 is not shown in FIG. 1, but shown in FIG. 4), preferably said integrated air supply means being arranged to provide air in response to a predetermined threshold.

[0077] The pump may be mounted directly on the chamber lock, preferably on a frame-tube, or the pump might be a part of the chamber lock via an air-tube or the like (as illustrated in FIG. 4).

[0078] The chamber lock illustrated in FIG.1 may comprise cleaning facilities, such as shower / washing facilities, suction / vacuum cleaning facilities, and / or ventilation / blowing / blasting facilities, though not shown in FIG. 1.

[0079] Figure 2 schematically illustrate a cross-section of an inflatable chamber lock 100 with three chambers 101, 102, 103. The chamber lock comprises two end-frames 131, 132 having a substantially rectangular form when being in the inflated position, the two end-frames being connected with a plurality of inflatable longitudinal tubes 133, 134, 135, 136 along the length of the chamber (more visibly shown in FIG. 3). The two end-frames each comprises one external door 170, 171 respectively. The two external doors allowing one or more gaps in the closure of the external doors, so that they are partly air permeable allowing an air flow through the external doors directed inwards to the contaminated building environment 120.

[0080] Furthermore, Figure 2 illustrate a chamber lock 100 comprising a plurality of inner chambers 101, 102, 103 - In the figure three inner chambers are shown. The number of inner chambers is not restricted to three, but could be one, two, four or even more. The inner chambers are as illustrated divided by internal flexible doors 175, 176. The internal doors also allowing one or more gaps in the closure of the doors, so that they are partly air permeable allowing an air flow through the internal doors directed inwards to the contaminated building environment 120.

[0081] Moreover, Figure 2 illustrate dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the chamber lock 100. The width of the chamber lock may preferably be 90 cm as this may be fitting into a doorway 110 of a building, or other suitable openings of a building. The length of 270 cm allows the three inner chambers 101, 102, 103 to be in a size, where it is possible for a person to "move around" e.g. when changing clothes.

[0082] These dimensions should not be seen as restricting the scope of the invention, but only illustrate a preferred embodiment.

[0083] Figure 3a and 3b schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock 100 with one chamber 101. The chamber lock illustrated has, when seen from above, a substantially square-shaped cross-section - This is only one embodiment. The cross-section, when seen from above, could also be rectangular or any other preferred shapes.

[0084] The chamber lock comprises two end-frames 131, 132 having a substantially rectangular form when being in the inflated position, the two end-frames being connected with a plurality of inflatable longitudinal tubes 133, 134, 135, 136 along the length of the chamber.

[0085] The dimensions illustrated in FIG. 3b in cm is only to give an example of dimensions. These dimensions should not be seen as restricting the scope of the invention, but only illustrate one embodiment.

[0086] Figure 4 schematically illustrate a non-inflated chamber lock 100. The chamber lock is adapted to take two main positions: A first position P1 being a non-inflated position, as illustrated in FIG. 4 A second position P2 being an inflated position (shown for example in FIG. 1)

[0087] The non-inflated position of the chamber lock allows the chamber lock to be packed and thereby easily moved around and transported e.g. when it should be transported for cleaning or when transported to a new location. As the chamber lock is cleanable, the chamber lock is also reusable. So the chamber lock may be transported to many different locations (after being cleaned).

[0088] The rings 200 mounted on the top of the chamber lock may be used for easily carry the non-inflated chamber lock. These rings is only one embodiment of carrying means, it could be any other preferred means for easing the carry of the chamber.

[0089] Also, the rings 200 may act as guy ropes, preventing the chamber lock to move / fly away from the sealed position in an opening 110.

[0090] The dimension of the width illustrated in FIG. 4 is only to give an example of a width. The dimension of 80 cm may fit to a doorway 110. This dimension should not be seen as restricting the scope of the invention, but only illustrate one embodiment.

[0091] Furthermore, Figure 4 illustrate an air pump 190. The chamber lock may comprise at least one integrated air supply means 190, preferably an integrated air pump 190, for providing air into the inflatable frame 130, preferably said integrated air supply means being arranged to provide air in response to a predetermined threshold. The pump may be mounted directly on the chamber lock 100 (not shown), preferably on the frame 130, or the pump might be a part of the chamber lock via an air-pipe or the like as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0092] Also, the pump could within the scope of the invention be an associated air pump not integrated in the chamber lock.

[0093] Figure 5a schematically illustrate an inflatable chamber lock 100 mounted in a doorway 110. The opening 110, wherein the chamber lock is mounted, could be any opening of a construction, also e.g. a cavity made only for the purpose of mounting a chamber lock. However, in most cases it would be suitable to use an already existing opening 110 for mounting the chamber lock e.g. a doorway. As a preferred use of the chamber lock is for building demolitions it is expected that the most buildings have some kind of doorway as illustrated in the figure. The chamber lock 100, when mounted in an opening, is very suitable for the use of securing asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building environments.

[0094] Figure 5a furthermore illustrate that the chamber lock 100 is adapted to be installed in an opening 110 in an associated contaminated building environment 120 (the contaminated area being behind the wall of the building illustrated in FIG. 5a) to form a sealed lock 115 with said opening. Meaning, when the chamber lock is being in the inflated position and positioned in an opening, the chamber lock provides a sealed lock 115 system between a contaminated building environment 120 and a non-contaminated environment 125 outside said contaminated building environment.

[0095] The chamber lock may in some cases fit more or less perfectly into the opening and by it-self form a sealed lock with the opening, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In other cases, the chamber lock is not fitting accurately but just approximately to the opening 110 and the sealing 115 between the opening 110 and the chamber lock 100 will be made of additional material, such as plastic coverage, thereby securing the sealable installation.

[0096] Figure 5b illustrate a flow-chart of a mounting / positioning method of an inflatable chamber lock 100, according to the invention, in a contaminated building environment 120, is comprising: Sealing S1 the building 120 with negative pressure in the building Inflating S2 the chamber lock 100 from the first non-inflated position P1 to the second inflated position P2, Positioning S3 a chamber lock in an opening 110 of a building 120, and If necessary, adjusting S4 the inflated chamber lock in the opening of the contaminated building,

[0097] The above method according to the invention may be performed in this order, or in another order, possibly one or more steps may be combined as the skilled person will readily understand. Also, the steps might be performed subsequently and / or simultaneously.

[0098] Figure 6 schematically illustrate the inside of an inflatable chamber 100 lock with three chambers 101, 102, 103. It is shown that the external doors 170 as well as the internal doors 175, 176 are flexible and that they are mounted from their top on the frame 130. Also, it is illustrated that the doors 170, 171, 175, 176 may comprise pockets 177, 178, 179 for performing a 'controllable flow of air' of a small amount of air through a gap between doors and wall 145 or frames 130 of the chamber lock 100. Preferably the pockets are positioned in the bottom of the doors.

[0099] The controllable flow of air can be performed in several ways, e.g. by: Positioning weight in pockets 177, 178, 179 of the doors - the more weight the less air flow. Providing a door closure with Velcro 173 or the like - the more Velcro the less air flow. Mechanical control - In some countries there is a limited restriction by mechanical fastening / securing / confining the gap between flexible door and corresponding frame / wall. Also, other types of flow control can be performed within the scope of the invention.

[0100] These type of air control can be combined within one same chamber lock 100, e.g. one chamber lock having flexible doors 170, 171, 175, 176 with pockets 177, 178, 179 and Velcro 173, cf. FIG. 7.

[0101] The controllable flow of air must always be inwards, thereby providing a negative pressure gradient (not shown) in the chamber lock ensuring that the air flow through the doors remains directed inwards to the contaminated building environment.

[0102] Figure 7 schematically illustrate a flexible door 170, 171, 175, 176 of an inflatable chamber 100. The door illustrated may be an internal door 175, 176 or an external door 170, 171. The flexible door is freely hanging from the top of the chamber, where it is mounted e.g. sewn or glued to the frame 130. As shown, it covers substantially the entire opening when hanging. The door is attached on the sides to the inflatable frame 130 via Velcro 173 or the like. The Velcro is placed in one way on the frame in FIG. 7, but within the scope of the invention, more or less Velcro 173 can be used and the Velcro can be positioned anywhere on the frame 130 and corresponding on the doors 170, 171, 175, 176. The Velcro is one way of providing a door closure - the more Velcro the less air flow through the door. Some other alternatives for providing a door closure with controllable flow of air are described according to FIG. 6 above.

[0103] Figure 8 schematically illustrate an internal wall 145 of an inflatable chamber lock 100. The internal wall has an opening in the centre of the wall, as a person may pass through the wall, when going from one internal chamber 101 to another 102. An internal or external flexible door (not shown) is to be hanging freely from the top of the frame, where it should be mounted and preferably cover substantially the entire opening. The door is to be attached to the internal wall 145 via Velcro 173 or the like. The Velcro is placed in one way on the wall in FIG. 8, but within the scope of the invention, more or less Velcro can be used and the Velcro can be positioned anywhere on the internal wall and corresponding on the doors. The Velcro is one way of providing a door closure - the more Velcro the less air flow through the door. Some other alternatives for providing a door closure with controllable flow of air are described according to FIG. 6 above.

[0104] Figure 9 schematically illustrate a non-return valve 180 mounted on a frame 130 of an inflatable chamber 100. The valve 180 provides an entry for air that can be pumped into the frame of the chamber, but not allowing air to flow out of the frame during pumping or after pumping. The pump 190 is not shown in FIG. 9, but is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0105] Also, pockets 177, 178 of the flexible external doors 170, for controlling the air flow, are illustrated.

[0106] FIG. 10 illustrate a flow-chart of a method according to the invention for a method for cleaning an inflatable chamber lock 100 (shown in fig. 1), the method comprises: C1 Sealing external doors 170, 171 of a chamber lock 100 being in a second inflated position P2. C2 Deflating the chamber lock 100 to a first non-inflated position P1. C3 Moving the non-inflated chamber lock 100 to a dedicated cleaning environment, preferably a container. C4 Inflating the chamber lock 100 to the second inflated position P2 in the dedicated cleaning environment C5 Cleaning the chamber lock 100, preferably with air and / or water, which may comprise cleaning detergents

[0107] The above method according to the invention may be performed in this order, or in another order, possibly one or more steps may be combined as the skilled person will readily understand.

[0108] The invention makes use of a chamber lock 100 for use in an opening 110 in a contaminated building environment 120. The chamber lock is forming a sealed lock with the opening. The chamber lock comprises an inflatable frame 130 with inflatable tubes, at least two flexible external walls 140 mounted on the inflatable frame, and at least two flexible external doors 170, 171 mounted on the inflatable frame. When being in an inflated position P2, the external doors of the chamber lock allows a controllable flow of air inwards through the external doors thereby providing a negative pressure gradient within the chamber lock ensuring that the air flow through the external doors remains directed inwards to the contaminated building environment. The invention has the advantage that the inflatable chamber lock is very quick to install and position in e.g. a doorway of a building; i.e. it is ready to use within few minutes and is always positioned correctly. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of mounting an inflatable chamber lock (100) in a asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building environment (120), the method comprising: - sealing (S1) the asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and / or lead contaminated building (120), - ensuring (S2) a negative pressure in the building, - inflating (S3) the chamber lock (100) from a first non-inflated position (P1) to a second inflated position (P2) - positioning (S4) the chamber lock in an opening (110) of the building (120), and - if necessary, adjusting (S5) the inflated chamber lock in the opening of the contaminated building, wherein the steps can be performed in any order, subsequently and / or simultaneously.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one pressure sensor measures the pressure of the inflated frame of the chamber lock (100), preferably the pressure sensor is connected to the inflatable frame.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein an alarm connected to the at least one pressure sensor is starting if one or more predetermined thresholds are reached or exceeded.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method step further comprise the step of; attaching to the surroundings of the opening (120) at least one mounting-piece positioned at the chamber-lock (100), after inflating and positioning the chamber-lock (100), by means for attachment.

5. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein an integrated air supply means (190) of the chamber lock (100), preferably an integrated air pump, is providing air into the inflatable frame (130), preferably said integrated air supply means being arranged to provide air in response to a predetermined threshold according to claim 3 being reached or exceeded.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the chamber-lock comprises two end-frames (131, 132) each comprises one external door (170) respectively and wherein one or more gaps in the mounting or fixation of the external doors are partly air permeable so that said air flow through the external doors remains directed inwards to the contaminated building environment (120).

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable lock (100) comprises two end-frames (131, 132) having a substantially rectangular form when being in the inflated position (P2), the two end-frames being connected with a plurality of inflatable longitudinal tubes (133, 134, 135, 136) along the length of the chamber.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one mounting-piece positioned at or near at least one of the end-frames of the chamber-lock (100) is attached at or near the building (120) by means for attachment.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the chamber-lock comprises a transparent or a light-coloured roof.

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