Inflatable Collecting Container

Abstract

A collecting container ( 1 ) for the collection and removal of fluids from accidental spillage, for example oil, chemicals, or other hazardous waste, where the walls of the container ( 2 ) are inflatable and consequently form a contained area for the collection of the above stated possible spillage. The container is, if required, equipped with, and connected to, an inner, chemical resistant, container ( 12 ) that shares its drain, ( 14 ) and ( 14.2 ), with the outer collecting container. The collecting container is equipped with carrying handles ( 8 ) and lifting loops ( 9 ) for the lifting and transportation of the collected spillage. The collecting container is foldable and easily stored in, for example, the driver's cab of a heavy commercial vehicle. The container is thereby quickly available in the case of an emergency situation.

1 .- 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . An inflatable collecting container, the container comprising:
 at least one inflatable frame forming a fluid-containing space as a first container, wherein the container includes a bottom wall attached to a bottom portion of the at least one inflatable frame and an outer wall extending upwardly from an upper portion of the at least one inflatable frame;   at least one inflation valve secured to an area of the at least one inflatable frame for inflation of the at least one inflatable frame;   at least one exhaust valve secured to an area of the at least one inflatable frame for deflation of the at least one inflatable frame;   a drain valve connected to a portion of the bottom wall for draining fluids contained within the fluid-containing space of the first container;   a first detachable lid covering a first end of the drain valve;   a sealing fillet attached to an upper portion of the outer wall, wherein the sealing fillet includes a sealing member for the sealing fillet; and   at least one lifting member for lifting and transporting the first container.   
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11  further comprising a second container connected to and located within the first container, wherein the second container includes a bottom wall and an upper wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the second container further comprises a second drain valve connected to a portion of the bottom wall of the second container, wherein the second drain valve is connected to the first drain valve of the first container. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the second container is connected to the sealing fillet of the first container. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the lifting member is selected from the group consisting of lifting loops and handles. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the first container is comprised of an elastic polymer. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 16 , wherein the elastic polymer is a polyurethane laminate. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the second container is comprised of a chemically resistant polymer. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein the chemically resistant polymer is a fluoropolymer. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the first container further comprises a filter connected to the drain valve. 
   
   
       21 . The container of  claim 11  further comprising a line attached to the first detachable lid, wherein actuation of the line removes the first detachable lid from the first end of the drain valve. 
   
   
       22 . The container of  claim 11  further comprising a second detachable lid covering a second end of the drain valve. 
   
   
       23 . The container of  claim 22  further comprising a line attached to the second detachable lid, wherein actuation of the line attached to the second detachable lid removes the second detachable lid from the second end of the drain valve. 
   
   
       24 . An inflatable collecting container, the container comprising:
 a plurality of inflatable frames forming a fluid-containing space as a first container, wherein the container includes a bottom wall attached to a bottom portion of a first inflatable frame and an outer wall extending upwardly from an upper portion of a second inflatable frame;   at least one inflation valve secured to an area of the at least one of the inflatable frames for inflation of the at least one inflatable frame;   at least one exhaust valve secured to an area of the at least one of the inflatable frames for deflation of the at least one inflatable frame;   a drain valve connected to a portion of the bottom wall for draining fluids contained within the fluid-containing space of the first container;   a first detachable lid covering a first end of the drain valve;   a sealing fillet attached to an upper portion of the outer wall, wherein the sealing fillet includes a sealing member for the sealing fillet; and   at least one lifting member for lifting and transporting the first container.   
   
   
       25 . The container of  claim 24 , wherein air channels interconnect the inflatable frames of the first container. 
   
   
       26 . The container of  claim 24  further comprising a second container connected to and located within the first container, wherein the second container includes a bottom wall and an upper wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. 
   
   
       27 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the second container further comprises a second drain valve connected to a portion of the bottom wall of the second container, wherein the second drain valve is connected to the first drain valve of the first container. 
   
   
       28 . The container of  claim 24 , wherein the second container is connected to the sealing fillet of the first container. 
   
   
       29 . The container of  claim 23 , wherein the lifting member is selected from the group consisting of lifting loops and handles. 
   
   
       30 . The container of  claim 24  further comprising a line attached to the detachable lid, wherein actuation of the line removes the detachable lid from the drain valve.