Fixed shape retainer for absorbent material for storm drains

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a retainer assembly for anchoring environmental containment and remediation materials in a desired location. The retainer assembly includes a buoyant retainer structure and an anchor assembly attached thereto. The anchor assembly defines the limits of motion of the retainer in three dimensions with respect to a selected anchor point and permits the anchor assembly to float within these limits. The anchor assembly also includes an attachment mechanism to secure the remediation materials to the retainer structure.

1 . A retainer assembly comprising: 
 a retainer structure arranged to impart a desired shape to the retainer assembly;    an anchor assembly attached to the retainer structure and arranged to define the limits of motion of the retainer structure in three dimensions with respect to a selected anchor point; and    an attachment mechanism to secure one or more remediation materials to the retainer structure.    
   
   
       2 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer structure comprises a buoyant retainer structure.  
   
   
       3 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer structure is selectively positionable in a plurality of desired shapes.  
   
   
       4 . The retainer assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the retainer structure comprises a plurality of sections, wherein each section is moveably attached to at least one other section.  
   
   
       5 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer structure comprises plastic tubing, inflatable tubing, closed cell foam material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor assembly comprises a plurality of spoke members and at least one tether element, wherein each spoke member comprises a first end attached to a distinct location on the retainer structure and a second end in contact with the tether element.  
   
   
       7 . The retainer assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the spoke members comprise flexible elements.  
   
   
       8 . The retainer assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the flexible elements comprise cord, rope, cable or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The retainer assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the spoke members are releasably attached to the retainer structure.  
   
   
       10 . The retainer assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the tether element comprises a flexible element.  
   
   
       11 . The retainer assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the tether element comprises a substantially rigid shaft and each spoke member includes at least one hole disposed adjacent the second end and wherein the tether element extends through the spoke member holes such that each spoke member can move along the shaft.  
   
   
       12 . The retainer assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the spoke members and attachment mechanism comprise a unitary structure.  
   
   
       13 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is arranged to provide for releasable attachment of the remediation materials to the retainer structure.  
   
   
       14 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a slot and a cavity in the retainer structure sufficient to accept the remediation material.  
   
   
       15 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one tray member attached to the retainer structure and arranged to hold the remediation material.  
   
   
       16 . The retainer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the remediation materials comprises one or more tubular fabric structures comprising an oleophilic material.  
   
   
       17 . A retainer assembly comprising: 
 a buoyant retainer structure arranged to impart a desired shape to the retainer assembly;    an anchor assembly attached to the retainer structure and arranged to define the limits of motion of the retainer structure in three dimensions with respect to a selected anchor point, wherein the anchor assembly comprises a plurality of spoke members and at least one tether element and wherein each spoke member comprises a first end attached to a distinct location on the retainer structure and a second end in contact with the tether element; and    an attachment mechanism to secure one or more remediation materials to the retainer structure.    
   
   
       18 . The retainer assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the retainer structure comprises plastic tubing, inflatable tubing, a closed cell foam material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       19 . The retainer assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the remediation materials comprises one or more tubular fabric structures comprising an oleophilic material.