AU2016201665B2

AU2016201665B2 - Containment Bag

Info

Publication number: AU2016201665B2
Application number: AU2016201665A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alan Michael Barr
Original assignee: Stella Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Stella Industrial Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2016-03-16
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-16
Also published as: AU2016201665A1

Abstract

The containment bag in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention is adapted to isolate surfaces to subject the surfaces to a particular surface finishing treatment. The treatment of the surfaces may include finishing process such as subjecting the surface to a flow of a particular material. The fact that the containment bag isolates the surface to be treated is particularly useful because it allows the finishing process to occur within a controlled environment. It also allows containment and collection, within the bag, of any residual material product of the finishing process. In this manner, the residual material is inhibited from entering the environment outside the bag; thus, pollution of the environment is avoided. Figure 1 3/6 324 20 34 12 14a 28 14c 42 Fig. 3

Description

3/6

324

20 34

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Fig. 3

CONTAINMENT BAG TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to surface finishing processes.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to systems for containment of the residues produced during surface finishing processes.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Surface finishing alters the surface of manufactured items to vary a certain property of the surface. For example, a surface may be subjected to surface finishing to improve the external appearance of the surface. Another reason to subject a surface to surface finishing is to improve the resistance of the surface to the atmospheric elements. This is particularly useful if items are located outdoors.

[0005] An example of a finishing process is abrasive blasting. Abrasive blasting comprises delivering a flow of abrasive material against a surface using, for example, compressed air, liquid, steam, among others.

[0006] During an abrasive blasting process several hazardous materials may be produced. For example, airborne contaminants such as dust, hazardous chemicals may be produced. Also, particulate matter such as small particles or pieces of the substrate or the blasting material may be delivered to the atmosphere.

[0007] These hazardous materials (or also referred to as residues of the finishing process) are harmful to the environment surrounding the area where the finishing process occurs and imply a health hazard to the operators as well as to communities and wildlife that are relatively close to the location where the finishing process occurs.

Thus, finishing processes should preferably be conducted in enclosed environments to avoid that the residues from the finishing process enter into the environment.

[0008] However, in many instances, the finishing process needs to be conducted outdoors. This is particularly true for treating surfaces of equipment located outdoors. For example, on occasions particular sections of pipelines located outdoors need to be treated. In these circumstances, the particular area of the pipeline to be treated requires encapsulation. Encapsulation allows containment and collection of the hazardous residues.

[0009] Currently, encapsulation is conducted by, for example, installing a scaffold framework including encapsulating material. Thus, the encapsulation process is cumbersome and typically takes time; this implies an increase in the costs of the finishing process.

[0010] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a bag for containment of residue generated during treatment of at least a first portion of an article, the bag comprising a body having a first chamber and a second chamber connected to the first chamber to permit transfer of matter from the first chamber to the second chamber, the first chamber being adapted to receive the first portion within the first chamber, and the second chamber being adapted to receive the residue generated during treatment of the article.

[0012] According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a bag for containment of residue generated during treatment of at least a first portion of an article, the bag comprising a body having a first chamber and a second chamber connected to the first chamber to permit transfer of matter from the first chamber to the second chamber, the first chamber being adapted to receive the first portion within the first chamber, and the second chamber being adapted to receive the residue generated during treatment of the article, the body is defined by at least one wall having an inner surface, wherein the bag further comprises lining material attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bag for containment of residue generated during treatment of at least a first portion of an article, the bag comprising a body having a first chamber and a second chamber connected to the first chamber to permit transfer of matter from the first chamber to the second chamber, the first chamber being adapted to receive the first portion within the first chamber, and the second chamber being adapted to receive the residue generated during treatment of the article, the body is defined by at least one wall having an inner surface, the bag further comprises lining material attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall, wherein the body comprises inflatable side walls configured as horse shoe shaped sheets.

[0014] Preferably, the body is defined by at least one wall having an inner surface.

[0015] Preferably, the bag further comprises a lining material releasably attached to the at least one wall.

[0016] Preferably, the first chamber comprises at least one first fitting adapted to allow access into the upper chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the first fitting comprises a first sleeve section extending outward from the body.

[0018] Preferably, the first sleeve section is adapted to define a seal.

[0019] Preferably, there are a plurality of fittings.

[0020] Preferably, there are a first fittings and a second fitting of the plurality of fittings arranged opposite to each other.

[0021] Preferably, the first chamber comprises at least one opening for receiving the first portion of the article.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one opening comprises a second sleeve section extending outward from the body.

[0023] Preferably, the second sleeve section comprises means for defining a seal and fastening of a second portion of the article to the second sleeve section.

[0024] Preferably, there are a plurality of openings.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of openings are arranged opposite to each other.

[0026] Preferably, the body comprises a plurality of handles arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other around the upper portion of the body.

[0027] Preferably, the handles comprise loops adapted to attach fastening means such as ropes, strapping or wires.

[0028] Preferably, the body comprises at least one beam extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body.

[0029] Preferably, the body comprises side walls.

[0030] Preferably, the side walls are configured as horse-shoe shaped sheets.

[0031] Preferably, the side walls are inflatable.

[0032] Preferably, each side wall comprise an inner core fitted into a sleeve.

[0033] Preferably, the body is adapted to wrap around the article to include the first portion of the article to be treated within the body.

[0034] Preferably, the body comprises an upper access between the first and second chambers permitting selective displacement of the body between an open and a closed condition.

[0035] Preferably, the first and second chambers are at least partially separated with respect to each other to allow locating the article between the first and second chamber.

[0036] Preferably, the second sleeve sections of the openings are adapted to be selectively displaced between an open condition and a closed condition.

[0037] Preferably, the second sleeves comprise a cut extending longitudinally along the sleeves permitting opening of the sleeves along their longitudinal axis.

[0038] Preferably, the second sleeves comprises fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners or zippers.

[0039] Preferably, the second chamber comprises a storage area for collecting the residue.

[0040] Preferably, the storage area is connected to the second chamber to allow transport of fluid and/or particulate matter from the first chamber to the storage area for collection thereof in the storage area.

[0041] Preferably, the storage area comprises a conical cross section.

[0042] Preferably, the storage area comprises a lower access that is adapted to be selectively displaced between an opened and a closed condition.

[0043] Preferably, the lower access is located at a lower portion of the storage area.

[0044] Preferably, the second chamber comprises a plurality of fittings.

[0045] Preferably, at least one second fitting of the plurality of fittings comprises a pocket adapted to be selectively displaced between an open and a closed condition to, respectively, allow or imped exit of fluid from the second chamber.

[0046] Preferably, the body comprises filtration means for capturing residue generated during treatment of the article.

[0047] Preferably, the filtration means comprises at least one filter.

[0048] Preferably, the pocket of the second fitting comprises the filter.

[0049] Preferably, at least one third fitting of the plurality of fittings is adapted to receive means for delivering treatment material into the body.

[0050] Preferably, the means for delivering treatment material into the body comprises a nozzle or hose.

[0051] Alternatively, the third fitting is adapted to insert tools into the body.

[0052] In a further alternative arrangement, the third fitting is adapted to receive hose systems to allow the body to be connected to machinery such as vacuum apparatus.

[0053] Preferably, the second chamber comprises the storage area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0055] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a containment bag in accordance with a present embodiment of the invention in use.

[0056] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the containment bag shown in figure 1 in use;

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the containment bag shown in figure 1;

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the containment bag shown in figure 1;

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the containment bag shown in figure 1;

[0060] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a containment bag shown in figure 1 in use;

[0061] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a containment bag shown in figure 1; and

[0062] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the filter means of the containment bag shown in figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0063] The containment bag 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention is adapted to isolate surfaces to subject the surfaces to a particular treatment. The treatment of the surfaces may include finishing process such as subjecting the surface to a flow of a particular material. For example, the surface may be subject to a flow of abrasive material for, for example, cleaning of the surface prior to conducting a finishing process.

[0064] The fact that the containment bag 10 isolates the surface to be treated is particularly useful because it allows the finishing process to occur within a controlled environment. It also allows to contain and collect, within the bag 10, any residual material product of the finishing process. In this manner, the residual material is inhibited from entering the environment outside the bag 10; thus, pollution of the environment is avoided.

[0065] The bag 10 may be manufactured of any solid or flexible materials such as plastics, canvas, metals, fiberglass. The bag 10 may be adapted to be inflatable.

[0066] In accordance with a particular arrangement of the present embodiment the bag 10 comprises a plurality of walls having an outer surface and inner surface. The inner surface may comprise a lining material. The inner lining material may cover the entire inner surface. Alternatively, particular areas of the inner surface of the walls of the bag 10; for example, particular areas of the walls of the bag 10, that are more prone to wear, may be covered with a portion of the lining material.

[0067] Further, the lining material may be releasable attached to the inner surface of the side walls of the bag 10. In this manner, a lining material or a particular portion of the lining material may be detached and replaced with a new lining material or a new portion of the lining material.

[0068] The inclusion of lining material as described above abutting the inner surface of the walls of the bag 10 is particularly advantageous because it extends the lifespan of the bag 10. This is because, the lining material impedes the residue produced during the finishing process to impact the inner surface of the material that makes up the bag; instead, the residue impacts the lining material which once worn out may be replaced with another lining material.

[0069] Further, the bag 10 may be made out of translucent material to allow operators to view the surface to be treated while the surface is contained within the bag 10.

[0070] Figures 1 and 2 show a particular arrangement of the containment bag 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention in use.

[0071] As is shown in figures 1 and 2, the surface to be treated comprises a pipe section 11. The bag 10 isolates the pipe section 11 from the exterior forming a controlled environment. Sealing of the interior of the bag 10 is accomplished via sealing means 16. The sealing means 16 may also act as means for securing the bag 10 to the pipe section 11. The bag 10 also comprises a plurality of fittings 14 that permit access to the interior of the bag 10.

[0072] We refer now to figures 3 to 5. Figures 3 to 5 depict a particular arrangement of the containment bag 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention.

[0073] The bag 10 comprises a body 12 comprising a first chamber 20 (the upper chamber) for receiving the surface to be treated and a second chamber 22 (the lower chamber) for, for example storage of the residue produced during treatment of the surface.

[0074] The body 12 comprises a plurality of fittings 14. As shown in figure 5, there are a first fitting 14a and a second fitting 14b. However, other arrangements of the bag may incorporate more than two fittings 14. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 4, the fittings 14a and 14b are located opposite to each other. The first fitting 14a is located in the front face of the body 12; a second fitting 14b is located at the rear face of the body 12.

[0075] As mentioned earlier, the fittings 14 allow access to the interior of the bag 10. In particular, the first and second fittings 14a and 14b allow access of, for example, a hand of an operator for manipulating of the surface to be treated. It is particular useful, that the fittings 14a and 14b are arranged opposite to each other because it allows simultaneously introducing two hands within the bag 10 allowing an operator to manipulate the surface to be treated with both hands.

[0076] Further, the fittings 14a and 14b include first sleeve sections 24 extending outward from the body 10. The first sleeve sections 24 are adapted to define a seal to impede treatment material to exit the bag 10 through the fittings 14a and 14b while operator's hands are manipulating the surface to be treated. The sleeve sections 24 may include elastic bands to secure a section of the sleeve sections 24 to a section of the operator's hands while handling the surface to be treated.

[0077] As mentioned before, the bag 10 is adapted to receive a surface for treatment thereof. For this, the body 12 of the bag 10 comprises openings 26. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the openings 26 are located on each side of the body 12 opposite to each other. This particular arrangement allows that a pipe 20 traverses the body 12 so that the section 11 of the pipe 20 is located inside the body 10 (see figure 1).

[0078] The openings 26 comprise second sleeve sections 28. The sleeve sections 28 are adapted to define a seal to impede exit of the treatment material from the body 12. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the seal is defined by straps 30 surrounding the sleeve sections 28. The straps 30 can be ropes, tie down straps, adhesive tapes, hook and loop fasteners or buckles, among others.

[0079] Furthermore, a plurality of handles 34 may be arranged in a spaced apart relationship around the upper portion of the body 12. The handles 34 facilitate handling of the bag 10 for transport, installation, fitting and removal of the bag 10 onto the article on which the bag 10 is mounted. The handles 34 may be loops that permit attachment of ropes, strapping or wires among others.

[0080] In a particular arrangement, the body 12 comprises at its upper end at least one beam 32 extending from one side of the body 12 to the opposite side of the body 12 - see figure 3. The beam 32 provides support to the body 12 of the bag 10.

[0081] Also, in a particular arrangement, the bag 10 may incorporate side support walls 36 - see figure 2. The side walls 36 are horse-shoe shaped to permit accessing of the openings 26 by the pipe 20. The side walls 26 may be manufactured of any material such as plastics, metal, cardboard, fibreglass, among others. In an arrangement, the side walls 36 may be inflatable. In a further arrangement, the side walls 36 may be defined by sleeves filled by an inner core.

[0082] It was mentioned before that the body 12 comprises an upper chamber 20 and a lower chamber 22. The upper chamber 20 defines the treatment area containing the surface to be treated. The lower chamber 24 comprises the storage area 23 of the residue produced during treatment of the particular surface (to be treated) included in the bag 10.

[0083] As can be seen in figure 1, the body 12 is adapted to be wrapped around the pipe 28 such the pipe 28 traverses the body 12 to locate the surface to be treated within the bag 10.

[0084] Between the upper and lower chambers 20 and 22 there is provided an upper access to the interior of the bag 10. This upper access allows introducing the surface to be treated into the bag 10. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the upper access is defined by an opening extending from one side of the body 12 to the other side of the body 12.

[0085] To illustrate how the surface to be treated is introduced in the bag 10 we refer to figure 1. As can be seen in figure 1, the body 12 is wrapped around the pipe 20 such that the pipe 20 traverses the body 12 to locate the surface to be treated within the bag 10. Wrapping of the body 12 around the pipe 20 is accomplished by (1) opening the upper access, (2) partially separating the lower and upper chambers 20 and 22, and (3) locating the pipe 20 between the lower and upper chambers 22 and 20.

[0086] Further, as seen in figure 3, the second sleeve sections 28 are adapted to be opened along their longitudinal axis permitting the outer portions of the pipe 20 (that extend out of the body 12) to be inserted in the opened sleeve sections 28. After having located (1) the inner pipe section between the lower and upper chambers 20 and 22 and (2) the outer pipe portions within the opened sleeve sections 28, the lower and upper chambers 22 and 20 are joined together to close the upper access. At this stage, the sleeve sections 28 are wrapped around the outer pipe portions and sealed via straps 30.

[0087] The upper access is sealed by joining together the upper and lower chambers 20 and 22. The upper access as well as the second sleeve sections 28 may be sealed via zippers, loop and hook fasteners, magnets, adhesive tapes, among others.

[0088] Furthermore, the body 12 is adapted to collect the residue produced during treatment of the surface. For this, the body 12 comprises a storage area 23 for collecting the residue.

[0089] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the lower chamber 22 comprises the storage area 23 for collecting the residue generated during treatment of the surface. The storage area 23 comprises a conical cross section. This can be best seen in figure 5. The fact that the storage area 23 has a conical cross section is particularly useful because it facilities the disposal of the residue that has been collected in the storage area 23 during treatment of the surface; this is because the conical-like shape of the storage area 23 aids in disposing the residue through the lower end of the bag 10.

[0090] The size and shape of the storage area 23 may be configured in accordance with the particular application that will be given to the bag 10. Also, the location of the storage area 23 (within the body 12 or in relation to the body 12) may be chosen depending on, for example, the type of surface to be treated or the type of treatment that will applied to the surface, among others.

[0091] Further, the lower chamber 22 comprises a lower access 40 at the lower end of the body 12 - see figure 5. The lower access 40 may be configured as a flap that may be selectively displaced between an opened and a closed condition. The lower access may be sealed via zippers, loop and hook fasteners, magnets, adhesive tapes, among others. The lower access 40 allows disposal of the residue generated during treatment of the surface.

[0092] We refer now to figures 7 and 8.

[0093] It was mentioned before that the bag 10 is adapted to provide treatment material through the fittings 14a and 14b using, for example, compressed air for treating of the particular surface included in the bag 10. The body 12 of the bag 10 comprises a fitting comprising a pocket 42 that allows fluid (for example air) to exit the bag 10 during delivery of the treatment material into the bag 10 through a fitting 14a and/or 14b.

[0094] The pocket 42 may comprise filtration means. The filtration means allows exit of the fluid such as air but impedes exit of the residue produced due to the treatment process. In a particular arrangement, the pocket 42 is adapted to receive one or more filters. The pocket 42 is also adapted to allow periodic replacement of the filters.

[0095] In a particular arrangement, the pocket 42 comprises a flap 44 that may be selectively displaced between a closed and an opened condition. This arrangement is particular useful because it allows sealing the bag 10 in instances, for example, where it is desired to create a particular environment within the bag 10.

[0096] Furthermore, as described before, the bag 10 may include fittings 14 for delivery of the treatment material. As shown in figure 7, the lower chamber 22 comprises a third fitting 14c. The fitting 14c is adapted to receive a nozzle, hose, tools among others. This allows delivery of the treatment material. Alternatively, the fitting 14c may be adapted to receive hose systems to allow the bag 10 to be connected to machinery such as, for example, vacuum apparatus for forming a vacuum within the bag 10 or compressed air sources for inflation of the bag 10.

[0097] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. For example, the bag 10 may be adapted to control parameters surrounding the surface (included in the bag 10) to be treated. These parameters may be temperature, humidity and electromagnetic radiation irradiating the surface to be treated.

[0099] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A bag for containment of residue generated during treatment of at least a first portion of an article, the bag comprising a body having a first chamber and a second chamber connected to the first chamber to permit transfer of matter from the first chamber to the second chamber, the first chamber being adapted to receive the first portion within the first chamber, and the second chamber being adapted to receive residue generated during treatment of the article, the body is defined by at least one wall having an inner surface, the bag further comprises lining material attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall, wherein the body comprises inflatable side walls configured as horse-shoe shaped sheets.

2. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the lining material covers either the entire surface of the wall or particular areas of the inner surface of the wall.

3. A bag according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the lining material is releasably attached to the inner surface of the wall.

4. A bag according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each side wall comprise an inner core fitted into a sleeve.

5. A bag according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first chamber comprises at least one first fitting adapted to allow access into the first chamber.

6. A bag according to claim 5 wherein the first fitting comprises a first sleeve section extending outward from the body.

7. A bag according to claim 6 wherein the first sleeve section is adapted to define a seal.

8. A bag according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein there are a plurality of fittings, each fitting comprising a sleeve section adapted to define a seal.

9. A bag according to claim 8 wherein there are a first fitting and a second fitting of the plurality of fittings arranged opposite to each other.

10. A bag according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the first chamber comprises at least one opening for receiving the first portion of the article.

11. A bag according claim 10 wherein there are a plurality of openings for receiving portions of the article.

12. A bag according to claim 11 wherein the plurality of openings are arranged opposite to each other.

13. A bag according to claims 11 or 12 wherein each opening comprises a sleeve section extending outward from the body.

14. A bag according to claim 13 wherein the sleeve section comprises means for defining a seal and for fastening of the portions of the article to the second sleeve section.

15. A bag according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a plurality of handles arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other around the upper portion of the body.

16. A bag according to claim 15 wherein the handles comprise loops adapted to attach fastening means such as ropes, strapping or wires.

17. A bag according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises at least one beam extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body.

18. A bag according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second chamber comprises a storage area for collecting the residue, wherein the storage area comprises a conical cross section.