Containment device

Abstract

A containment device for personnel, animals or objects to be transported in a vehicle so as to avoid cross-contamination, and comprising an envelope ( 11 ) having a size and shape approximating to, for example, the rear seating area of a vehicle and having one or more closable panels ( 12 ) for access to and removal from the envelope. The flexible envelope ( 11 ) is readily transformable between a collapsed and compact condition for storage and an expanded condition for deployment within a vehicle, thus to be readily usable, and in some cases re-usable, and avoiding the conventional method of wrapping the interior surfaces of the vehicle in impermeable sheeting.

1 . A containment device for personnel, animals or objects for use in a vehicle, the device comprising a flexible envelope having a size and shape approximating to a free space within a vehicle such as the rear seating area, means for transforming the envelope from a collapsed storage condition to an expanded condition in which it is configured substantially to fill the entirety of said free space within a vehicle and to form a lining for the free space, means for maintaining the envelope in its expanded condition, means enabling it to assume a considerably reduced size in its collapsed condition and means enabling personnel to gain ready access to and egress from the envelope when in its expanded condition. 
   
   
       2 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible envelope is of a non air-permeable material. 
   
   
       3 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for transforming the envelope between its collapsed and expanded conditions is a collapsible framework. 
   
   
       4 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible framework comprises one or more lengths of coilable but naturally straightening rod. 
   
   
       5 . A containment device according to  claim 4 , wherein the or each length of rod is retained within a tubular sleeve attached to the material of the envelope at two opposed ends thereof. 
   
   
       6 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for maintaining the envelope in its expanded condition is, or is enhanced by, one or more fasteners to attach at least a part of the envelope to an object or surface within a vehicle. 
   
   
       7 . A containment device according to  claim 6 , wherein the or each fastener is a strip of hook and loop fastener attachable removably to a part of the roof lining of a vehicle. 
   
   
       8 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means to enable access to and egress from the envelope is a panel in the wall of the envelope, which may be opened and closed by one or more fasteners. 
   
   
       9 . A containment device according to  claim 8 , wherein the or each fastener to open and close the access and egress panel is a sliding clasp fastener. 
   
   
       10 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the envelope incorporates a window of at least semi-transparent material. 
   
   
       11 . A containment device according to  claim 10 , wherein the window is of a polyester mesh. 
   
   
       12 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , including an access port in the wall of the envelope to enable objects to be passed into and out of the envelope. 
   
   
       13 . A containment device according to  claim 3 , wherein the collapsible framework includes a portion of increased stiffness adapted to become secured to a part of a vehicle to maintain a correct position of the envelope within the vehicle. 
   
   
       14 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means to maintain the envelope in an expanded condition comprises one or more inflatable tubes adapted to assume a semi-rigid state when inflated. 
   
   
       15 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means to maintain the envelope in an expanded condition is a plurality of straight rods joined end to end by deformable members. 
   
   
       16 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible envelope is of a material which is selected as non-permeable to specified contaminants such as chemical substances. 
   
   
       17 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible envelope is of a synthetic spun-bonded polyolefin of the kind known by the registered trade mark TYVEK. 
   
   
       18 . A containment device according to  claim 1 , including at least one slot in the wall of the envelope for the passage of a seat belt. 
   
   
       19 . A containment device according to  claim 18 , including a flap for closure of said slot around a seat belt. 
   
   
       20 . A containment device for personnel, animals or objects for use in a vehicle, the device comprising a flexible envelope having a size and shape approximating to a free space within a vehicle such as the rear seating area, means for transforming the envelope from a collapsed storage condition to an expanded condition in which it is configured substantially to fill the entirety of said free space within a vehicle and to form a lining for the free space, means for maintaining the envelope in its expanded condition, means enabling it to assume a considerably reduced size in its collapsed condition and means enabling personnel to gain ready access to and egress from the envelope when in its expanded condition, wherein the collapsible framework comprises one or more lengths of coilable but naturally straightening rod, which rod is retained within a tubular sleeve attached to the material of the envelope at two opposed ends thereof, wherein at least one slot is formed in the wall of the envelope for the passage of a seat belt, said slot including a flap for closure of said slot around a seat belt.