Liquid containment tool

Abstract

Devices and methods for deploying a continuous liquid containment tool is described. The barrier is made up of multiple units that can be connected together. Each unit comprises a long sleeve that contains superabsorbent polymers. When dry, the units are very compact and can lay flat, making it easily storable either in stacks or wound up on a reel. The liquid containment tool is used to prevent water from moving into certain areas by creating a barrier through which water cannot pass. The liquid containment tool can be deployed quickly, continuously, and easily by a single person.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A liquid containment tool comprising:
 a plurality of connectable units, each unit comprising a liquid permeable sleeve having a continuous length that defines a lumen;   at least one container within the lumen; and   a plurality of superabsorbent polymers in the at least one container.   
     
     
         2 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one container is stitched in a pattern designed to hinder uneven distribution of the superabsorbent polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the pattern creates a tortuous pathway. 
     
     
         4 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid permeable sleeve is stitched to the container to prevent the container from shifting relative to the sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , further comprising an expanding absorbent material. 
     
     
         6 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one container has elastic qualities. 
     
     
         7 . The liquid containment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one container is made from a loose fibrous material matrix. 
     
     
         8 . A liquid containment tool storage system comprising:
 a storage unit comprising at least one of a cage, a reel, or a rack; and   the liquid containment tool of  claim 1  stored in the storage unit.   
     
     
         9 . The reel of  claim 8 , whereby the liquid containment tool of  claim 1  is stored by winding it around a central axis of the reel. 
     
     
         10 . The rack of  claim 8 , whereby the liquid containment tool of  claim 1  is stored in a folded configuration within at least one of the rack and the cage. 
     
     
         11 . A method of deploying a modular liquid containment tool comprising the steps of:
 removing a first unit of the tool from a first storage unit;   laying the first unit of the tool along a barrier path;   removing a second unit of the tool from a second storage unit;   connecting an end of the second unit to an end of the first unit; and   laying the second unit along the barrier path;   wherein each unit comprises:
 a liquid permeable sleeve having a continuous length that defines a lumen; 
 at least one container within the lumen; and 
 a plurality of superabsorbent polymers in the at least one container. 
   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the storage unit comprises at least one of a reel, a rack, and a cage. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of removing the first unit from the first storage unit comprises one of unwinding and unfolding.