Tube for preventing water from entering a basin

Abstract

A flexible, waterproof containment tube is in the basin to prevent objects from entering the basin.SOLUTION: An apparatus for preventing fluid from entering a basin, the apparatus comprising a containment tube configured to fit within the basin and to receive a fill fluid, the apparatus further comprising: a top portion spanning substantially all of a cross-section of an opening of the basin; a bottom portion partially assembled from a plurality of pieces of material and having waterproof seams connecting the plurality of pieces of material; a side portion connecting the top portion and the bottom portion; and a protective sleeve encompassing at least a portion of the containment tube, the protective sleeve comprised of a watertight material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preventing fluids from entering a basin and a method for making the containment tube. [Background technology]

[0002] Basins require temporary means to protect them while they are not in use. Basins include swimming pools, fracking pools, above-ground tanks, underground tanks, and other means for containing relatively large volumes of fluids. When empty, basins are susceptible to a variety of damages, including damage from debris, rain damage, flood damage, and damage from other natural disasters. Additionally, it is desirable to prevent humans and animals from accidentally falling into the basin when it is not in use.

[0003] Traditional methods, such as covers and liners, have several drawbacks. For example, traditional covers are often not strong enough to support the weight of animals, such as deer or children, or are otherwise made from expensive, strong materials. Furthermore, covers and liners provide little protection from flood damage and other natural disasters. Better, cost-effective means are needed to protect basins. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Designed to fit within the dimensions of the basin, the containment tube is filled with a fill fluid and fits within an otherwise empty basin. The containment tube is made of a flexible, watertight material and has fill and drain valves. When unfilled, the containment tube can be rolled up for convenient storage. When filled with a fill fluid, such as water or air, the containment tube assumes the shape of the basin and fits within the basin, preventing unwanted debris, animals, and other items or organisms from entering the basin or contaminating the containment fluid. A filled containment tube also prevents damage to the basin. A filled containment tube fits snugly against the basin walls, evenly distributing force through hoop stress. In some embodiments, the containment tube has a zipper for easy access to the interior of the tube for inspection or cleaning. Some embodiments include an external protective liner to protect the containment tube from punctures.

[0005] Filled containment tubes prevent objects from entering the basin. For example, filled containment tubes can support the weight of a small animal or child by distributing the weight throughout the tube, preventing accidental injury. Similarly, because the containment tubes fill the interior of the basin, they prevent debris from contacting the basin, protecting the basin from damage. The containment tubes also prevent unwanted fluids from filling and damaging the basin, such as flood damage or rain damage, because undesirable fluids cannot enter the watertight containment tube or seep through contact between the watertight containment tube and the basin wall. Containment tubes can be manufactured to fit basins of different shapes and sizes in a relatively cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the containment tubes are easy to assemble and fill, and can be easily drained and stored for storage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for a containment tube top or bottom according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for the top or bottom of a containment tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for the top or bottom of a containment tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for the sides of a containment tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for the sides of a containment tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of an assembly process for a containment tube including a top, a bottom, and sides, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic diagram of an assembly process for a containment tube including a top, a bottom, and a side, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a filled containment tube that fits within a basin, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process for assembling a containment tube according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The figures and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of example only. It should be noted that from the discussion below, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily apparent as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of the embodiments.

[0008] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It should be noted that wherever possible, like or similar reference numerals may be used among the figures to indicate like or similar functionality. The figures depict embodiments for illustrative purposes only.

[0009] Overview The containment tube is waterproof and has no open sides. It can be configured to accept a filler fluid, such as water, wet concrete, other fluids, or even any liquid substance, such as an expanding and hardening foam (e.g., polyurethane foam) or a gas of a specific configuration, which can be pumped into the tube. The containment tube is constructed from a waterproof and flexible material, such as vinyl-coated polyester, polyvisqueen, or other material that prevents fluid intrusion through its surface. In some embodiments, the polyvisqueen is between 5 and 15 millimeters thick. In some embodiments, the polyvisqueen is reinforced with an embedded webbing material, such as nylon strands (e.g., thread). The edges between the watertight materials can be sealed together with a seam using adhesives, presses, wedge welding, or other sealing methods.

[0010] A basin is a concave structure with a closed bottom and sides for holding fluids, such as swimming pools, fracking pools, above-ground tanks, underground tanks, and other means for containing relatively large volumes of fluid. A basin has a cross-sectional area and shape at both the bottom of the basin and the top opening of the basin. Some basins may have the same cross-sectional area and shape from the bottom to the top opening, while other basins may have a cross-section of a different shape or size at one end. A basin also has a depth, which is the distance from the top opening of the basin to the bottom of the basin.

[0011] Containment tube assembly and construction example 1A-1C show a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for the top or bottom portion of a containment tube according to one embodiment. For simplicity, this section will primarily refer to this portion as the top. The manufacturing process is used to construct the required bottom portion of the containment tube, as described in more detail below.

[0012] 1A shows a schematic diagram of a sheet 100 of flexible waterproofing material. The sheet 100 has a length 120 and a width 130, which are equal to or greater than the dimensions of the cross-section of the top opening of the basin (or, if associated with the bottom portion, the cross-section of the bottom of the basin). The sheet 100 can be assembled to the desired dimensions by sealing seams 110 from multiple sections of flexible waterproofing material. The piecewise assembly of the sheet 100 allows for less material waste, thereby reducing costs, while maintaining the desired watertightness.

[0013] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of the sheet 100 with the outline of the top portion 140 superimposed. The size and shape of the top portion 140 are determined based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the top opening of the basin. The top portion 140 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the top opening of the basin. The top portion 140 has dimensions slightly smaller than the cross-sectional size dimensions of the top opening of the basin so that the top of the containment tube fits within and spans substantially all of the cross-sectional area of ​​the top opening of the basin (see FIG. 4 for an example). For example, the schematic diagram of the top portion 140 shown in FIG. 1B is circular with a diameter 150, thereby for a basin having a cross-sectional top opening that is also circular and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter 150. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C shows a circular top portion intended for a circular cross-sectional top opening, it should be noted that the top portion and corresponding cross-sectional top opening can be any shape, including, but not limited to, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0014] Figure 1C shows a schematic diagram of top portion 140. Top portion 140 shown in Figure 1C is top portion 140 of Figure 1B cut from sheet 100. Top portion 140 has the sealed seams 110 of the larger sheet 100, and is waterproof and flexible even with the sealed seams 110.

[0015] Because the containment tube has both a top and a bottom, the manufacturing process described above must be performed to produce both sections. In some embodiments, the manufacturing process is repeated to produce a second section. In one embodiment, if the basin requires a tight fit for the containment tube, the manufacturing process is repeated with a different cross-sectional area or shape. For example, the basin may be a pool with sides that slope inward toward the bottom of the pool. Thus, the top is larger than the bottom. In another embodiment, where the top and bottom are the same shape and size, both sections can be manufactured simultaneously by overlapping two sheets of waterproofing material for cutting.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top portion has a first valve for filling the storage tube with fluid. Similarly, in some embodiments, the top portion has a second valve for draining the fluid contained within the storage tube. Exemplary fluid filling or draining devices can include pumps, hoses, or pipes, and the fluid can be supplied by a pump, gravity, or in the case of a gas, by a pressurized canister or compressor. In some embodiments, the top or bottom portion has fasteners for inspecting or cleaning the interior of the storage tube. These features can be added to the top and / or bottom portions after the assembly stage shown in FIG. 1C.

[0017] 2A-2B show a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process for the containment tube side 230. FIG. 2A is a two-dimensional schematic diagram of a sheet 200 that will be configured into the side 230. The sheet 200 is made of a waterproof, flexible material, such as that previously described in the overview section and in connection with FIG. 1A. The sheet 200 has a height 210 and a width 220. The height 210 and width 220 of the sheet 200 are determined according to the dimensions of the basin. The height 210 is determined to be slightly less than or equal to the depth of the basin so that the containment tube will fit within the basin when assembled. The length 220 is described with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional structure of the sheet 200 into the side 230. To form the side 230, the sheet 200 is positioned so that its vertical edges overlap and seal 240. Therefore, the length 220 of the sheet 200 must be long enough so that the sheet 200 can create the seal 240 and substantially fit within the basin while contacting the basin walls. In practice, the length 220 of the sheet 200 may be equal to or slightly longer than the perimeter (or maximum perimeter) of the basin, depending on the width of the overlap formed for the seal. Alternatively, the length 220 can be described as the perimeter of the side 230 being the same as the perimeters of the top and bottom when sealing 240 (or the larger of the two, if the top and bottom have different perimeters). For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the side has the same diameter 150 as the top 140 in FIGS. 1B-1C.

[0019] In some embodiments, the side portions 230 may be assembled in sections. That is, multiple flexible waterproof materials can be assembled in sections with waterproof seams to achieve the desired height 210 and width 220 of the sheet 200. In some embodiments, the sectioned assembly of the sheet 200 is similar to that of the sheet 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Additionally, after the side portions 230 are assembled from the sheet 200, the height of the side portions 230 can be increased by stacking a second assembled side portion 230 on top and attaching waterproof seams around the perimeter of the two side portions 230.

[0020] 3A-3B show a schematic diagram of the assembly process for containment tube 320, including top portion 140a, bottom portion 140b, and side portion 230. Top portion 140a and bottom portion 140b represent two physically distinct portions assembled by the process described with respect to FIGS.

[0021] 3A shows alignment 300 of top portion 140a, bottom portion 140b, and side portion 230. Top portion 140a is aligned over one opening in side portion 230, and bottom portion 140b is aligned under another opening in side portion 230 opposite top portion 140a.

[0022] 3B shows containment tube 320 configured when top 140a and bottom 140b are attached to side 230. Top 140a and bottom 140b are attached to the edges of side 230 by seal 320 according to alignment 300 shown in FIG. 3A. Seal 320 is watertight. In some embodiments, seal 320 is airtight. Seal 320 can be formed by the methods described in the Overview.

[0023] In one embodiment, after assembly of the containment tube 320, the containment tube 320 may be subjected to various tests before use in the basin. For example, the containment tube 320 may be filled with a filler fluid to ensure that the seal 320 is tight and does not leak. To test the watertightness of the seal, the containment tube 320 is filled with water or another liquid. To test the airtightness of the seal, the containment tube is filled with air or another gas.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a filled storage tube 400 housed within a basin 410. The storage tube 400 may be identical to or similar to the storage tube 320. As shown in FIG. 4, the basin 410 is an above-ground swimming pool having a circular top opening and bottom. The storage tube 400 has a circular top portion that fits inside and spans substantially the entire cross-sectional top opening of the basin 410. That is, the storage tube 400 fits within the basin 410 such that the side portions of the storage tube 400 contact the side walls of the basin 410, and the top and bottom portions of the storage tube 400 are sealed to the side portions and may or may not be in direct contact with the walls of the basin 410. The seal between the sides and top thus allows the storage tube 400 to span the entire opening of the basin 410 and prohibits objects from entering the basin 410. Thus, while the top itself may or may not span the entire cross-sectional top opening of basin 410, the top spans substantially all of the top opening to allow sealing with the sides and to allow containment tube 400 to inhibit the ingress of objects into basin 410. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, basin 410 and containment tube 400 are both circular in cross-sectional shape, however, basin 410 and containment tube 400 can take on other cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0025] The top of the storage tube 400 has a first valve 420 and a second valve 430. The first valve 420 is configured to receive fill fluid. The second valve 430 is configured to exhaust fill fluid. In some embodiments, the storage tube 400 may have only one valve configured to receive and exhaust fill fluid. In other embodiments, the first valve 420 or the second valve 430 may be located elsewhere on the storage tube, such as on the side or bottom.

[0026] In some embodiments, there is a protective sleeve between the storage tube 400 and the basin 410. The protective sleeve is a flexible material, such as nylon. The protective sleeve protects the storage tube 400 from punctures, abrasions, or other damage that may be caused by the interior of the basin 410. Damage may be caused by sharp edges or imperfections in the walls or bottom of the basin 410, or by debris that falls into the basin 410 prior to insertion of the storage tube 400. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve covers the sides of the storage tube 400. In another embodiment, the protective sleeve covers the bottom of the storage tube 400. In another embodiment, the protective sleeve covers both the sides and bottom of the storage tube 400.

[0027] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process 500 for making a containment tube. A top portion is made from a flexible and waterproof material (510), the top portion fitting within the top opening of the basin. A bottom portion is made from a flexible and waterproof material (520), the bottom portion fitting within the bottom of the basin. Side portions are made from a flexible and waterproof material (530). The top portion is sealed to a first side of the side portion (540). The bottom portion is sealed to a second side of the side portion (550), the second side of the side portion being substantially opposite the first side of the side portion. Substantially opposite indicates that the top and bottom portions are opposite each other, but not necessarily parallel, and separated by the sides.

[0028] (Further considerations) Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate still additional structural and functional design alternatives through the disclosed principles of the embodiments. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the exact construction and components disclosed herein, and that various modifications, changes, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art can be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A device for preventing fluid from entering a basin, comprising: a containment tube configured to fit within the basin and receive a fill fluid; further comprising: an upper portion that spans substantially the entire cross section of the opening of the basin; a bottom portion partially assembled from a plurality of pieces of material and having waterproof seams connecting the plurality of pieces of material; a side portion connecting the top and bottom; a protective sleeve that encompasses at least a portion of the containment tube, the protective sleeve being constructed from a watertight material; 1. An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the protective sleeve encompasses the sides of the containment tube.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the protective sleeve provides a protective barrier between one or more walls of the basin and the containment tube.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the protective sleeve encompasses the bottom of the containment tube.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the protective sleeve provides a protective barrier between one or more walls of the basin and the containment tube.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the top portion comprises a first valve configured to receive the fill fluid.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the top portion comprises a second valve configured to vent the fill fluid.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the side contacts a portion of one or more walls of the basin.

9. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom are circular and the containment tube is cylindrical when filled with the fill fluid.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basin is an empty fracking pool.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the basin is an empty swimming pool.

12. 1. A method for making a watertight containment tube, comprising: creating an upper portion spanning substantially all of the cross section of the opening of the basin; creating a bottom partially assembled from a plurality of flexible, waterproof pieces of material having waterproof seams connecting said pieces of material; constructing the sides from a third flexible waterproof material; sealing the top to a first side of the side; sealing the bottom to a second side of the side; enclosing at least a portion of the containment tube in a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve being constructed from a watertight material; A method comprising:

13. placing the watertight containment tube within the basin; filling the watertight containment tube with a fill fluid so that a portion of the side contacts a portion of one or more walls of the basin; 13. The method of claim 12, comprising:

14. filling the watertight containment tube with a fill fluid before placing the watertight containment tube in the basin; testing the seal for leaks; fully or partially ejecting the storage tube; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

15. the protective sleeve encompassing the sides of the containment tube and providing a protective barrier between one or more walls of the basin and the watertight containment tube; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

16. the protective sleeve encompassing the bottom of the watertight containment tube and providing a protective barrier between one or more walls of the basin and the watertight containment tube; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

17. further comprising creating the top portion, creating the bottom portion, or creating the side portion; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the portion is cut from a sheet of flexible waterproof material.

18. The upper portion is a first valve configured to receive the fill fluid; and a second valve configured to exhaust the fill fluid; and The method of claim 12 further comprising:

19. the plurality of pieces of flexible waterproof material and the third flexible waterproof material are the same flexible waterproof material; The method of claim 12.

20. The method of claim 12 , wherein the side portion contacts a portion of one or more walls of the basin.

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