Spill containment system and soft crossing device

Abstract

A reusable liquid containment system to capture and control spills or run-offs of hazardous liquids. The containment system consists of a reusable berm device which forms a perimeter dimension and conforms to various terrain elevations. The berm device consists of uniform elongated rectangular shaped foam units having an elastic memory, a rigid base, all encased in a fluid resistant protective cover with grommet protected openings to provide for horizontal and vertical connection. The berm devices are positioned in a single or multiple course to achieve appropriate elevation, with tapered berm devices to address varying topographic elevations. The containment system also consists of a draped containment liner or woven, knitted or braided fabric, or thermo-plastic material. The containment system allows wheeled vehicles and related equipment to cross without compromising the integrity of the perimeter berm and liner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A soft crossing device for use in creating an on site installed spill containment area for surrounding and containing hazardous materials comprising:
 a) an elongated rectangular shaped foam core having a first end and a second end with an elastic memory for placement on the ground at the site to create a containment barrier;   b) a rigid base attached to the foam core to enable support and secure contact with the ground;   c) said foam core and rigid base wrapped in a fluid and abrasion resistant cover to protect from contact with the elements;   d) said wrapped foam core and rigid base being connected end-to-end to form a free standing perimeter berm wall to define the containment area;   e) said wrapped foam core and rigid base being flexible in an upright configuration to contain the hazardous liquids and a deformed configuration enabling wheeled vehicles and equipment to pass over said device wall to enter and exit said containment area;   f) a containment area base sheet to provide a fluid impervious floor and wall liner to insure that the hazardous liquids will not permeate into the ground, or escape through the perimeter berm wall structure   
     
     
         2 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including at least one wrapped foam core and rigid base tapered horizontally beginning at the first end and ending at the second end to provide for a bottom angle to provide for ground elevation changes at the site. 
     
     
         3 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including a cover wrap material constructed from a continuous liquid impervious sheet material consisting of a woven, knitted or braided fabric, or thermo-plastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including a cover wrap material which contains end, top, or side surface openings each protected by grommets, 
     
     
         5 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices end-to-end. 
     
     
         6 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including wrapped foam core and rigid base units stacked and aligned horizontally in multi-run courses end-to-end 
     
     
         7 . The soft crossing device of  claim 1  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices horizontally when stacked into multiple courses. 
     
     
         8 . A containment system which may be configured on site for surrounding and containing hazardous materials comprising;
 a) an elongated rectangular shaped foam core having a first end and a second end with an elastic memory for placement on the ground at the site to create a containment barrier;   b) a rigid base attached to the foam core to enable support and secure contact with the ground;   c) said foam core and rigid base wrapped in a fluid and abrasion resistant cover to protect from contact with the elements;   d) said wrapped foam core and rigid base being connected end-to-end to form a free standing perimeter berm wall to define the containment area;   e) said wrapped foam core and rigid base being flexible in an upright configuration to contain the hazardous liquids and a deformed configuration enabling wheeled vehicles and equipment to pass over said device wall to enter and exit said containment area;   f) a containment area base sheet to provide a fluid impervious floor and wall liner to insure that the hazardous liquids will not permeate into the ground, or escape through the perimeter berm wall structure   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  including at least one wrapped foam core and rigid base tapered horizontally beginning at the first end and ending at the second end to provide for a bottom angle to provide for ground elevation changes at the site. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  including a cover wrap material constructed from a continuous liquid impervious sheet material consisting of a woven, knitted or braided fabric, or thermo-plastic material. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8  including a cover wrap material which contains end, top, or side surface openings each protected by grommets, 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices end-to-end. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8  including wrapped foam core and rigid base units stacked and aligned horizontally in multi-run courses end-to-end 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices horizontally when stacked into multiple courses. 
     
     
         15 . A method for forming a containment area from soft crossing devices connected on site to form the periphery of the containment area at a desired size for surrounding and containing hazardous materials comprising;
 a) providing a free standing berm wall constructed of said soft crossing devices extending upward and longitudinally along said base creating said containment barrier;   b) connecting said soft crossing devices end to end to prevent movement;   c) providing a free standing berm wall constructed of said soft crossing device being flexible in an upright configuration to contain the hazardous liquid and a deformed configuration enabling wheeled vehicles and equipment to pass over said berm wall to enter and exit said containment area;   d) providing a containment base sheet and wall liner formed from a continuous seamless sheet material;   e) connecting said containing base sheet to said free standing berm wall;   f) forming a secure and continuous liquid containment unit.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  including at least one wrapped foam core and rigid base tapered horizontally beginning at the first end and ending at the second end to provide for a bottom angle to provide for ground elevation changes at the site. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  including a cover wrap material constructed from a continuous liquid impervious sheet material consisting of a woven, knitted or braided fabric, or thermo-plastic material. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  including a cover wrap material which contains end, top, or side surface openings each protected by grommets, 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices end-to-end. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  including wrapped foam core and rigid base units stacked and aligned horizontally in multi-run courses end-to-end 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15  including the use of zip-ties, wire ties, or other similar connecting devices to join the soft crossing devices horizontally when stacked into multiple courses.