Framed and quick-leveling liquid collection device

Abstract

A liquid collection apparatus includes a flexible frame configured to lie substantially in a plane when the apparatus is deployed, the frame being flexible in directions that are substantially in the plane and rigid in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane; a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; a drain in the flexible barrier material; and a plurality of openings positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A liquid collection apparatus comprising:
 a flexible frame configured to lie substantially in a plane when the apparatus is deployed, the frame being flexible in directions lying substantially in the plane and rigid in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane;   a flexible barrier material connected to the frame;   a drain in the flexible barrier material; and   a plurality of openings positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the openings are structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through two of the openings, and for a second cord to pass through two of the openings, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords. 
     
     
         3 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the openings are structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through first and second ones of the openings, and for a second cord to pass through the first opening and a third one of the openings, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords. 
     
     
         4 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises:
 a strip of material having a thicker dimension in the directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane than in the directions that are substantially in the plane.   
     
     
         5 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein ends of the strip of material are coupled to each other by a sleeve to form a loop. 
     
     
         6 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is positioned in a pocket adjacent to an edge of the flexible barrier material. 
     
     
         7 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises:
 spring steel.   
     
     
         8 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the spring steel comprises:
 SAE type 1095, having a thickness of about 0.05 inches and a width of about 0.25 inches.   
     
     
         9 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the frame is coated with a rust resistant coating. 
     
     
         10 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the rust resistant coating comprises at least one of:
 paint, a powder coated polymer, bluing, metal plating, oil, grease, or a sleeve of rust resistant material.   
     
     
         11 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the sleeve of rust resistant material comprises:
 a heat shrunk polymer sleeve.   
     
     
         12 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the heat shrunk polymer sleeve comprises:
 a polyolefin or synthetic rubber.   
     
     
         13 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of grommets positioned at the openings.   
     
     
         14 . A liquid collection apparatus comprising:
 a flexible barrier material;   a drain in the flexible barrier material;   a frame coupled to the flexible barrier material, wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through two of the openings and a first portion of the frame, and for a second cord to pass through two of the openings and a second portion of the frame, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords.   
     
     
         15 . The liquid collection apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the frame is positioned in a pocket adjacent to an edge of the flexible barrier material. 
     
     
         16 . A method of collecting a liquid comprising:
 providing a liquid collection apparatus including a frame configured to lie substantially in a horizontal plane when the apparatus is deployed under a liquid source, and a flexible barrier material connected to the frame;   running a first cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame;   running a second cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame;   attaching the first and second cords to support points; and   sliding the liquid collection apparatus on the cords to level the frame of the liquid collection apparatus.