Containment barrier section arrangement

Claim 2

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means substantially free of longitudinal resilient forces in said cavity extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means for providing an air passageway between said cavity and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 3

The arrangement defined in claim 1 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 4

The arrangement defined in claim 1 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a plurality of ring-like members in a spaced array between said first end and said second end of said tubular member.

Claim 5

The arrangement defined in claim 2 wherein: said connection means comprises a first connecting member coupled to said tubular member adjacent said first end thereof for connecting a first end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto and a second connecting member coupled to said tubular member adjacent said second end thereof for connecting a second end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto.

Claim 6

The arrangement defined in claim 4 wherein: said connection means comprises a plurality of third connecting members in spaced array coupled to said tubular member intermediate said first and second ends thereof for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said walls of said tubular member at predetermined locations.

Claim 7

The arrangement defined in claim 1 and further comprising: a plurality of barrier means in said cavity in a spaced apart relationship, and each of said barrier means extending transversely across said cavity for dividing said cavity into a plurality of compartments; and said vent means comprises means for venting each of said compartments to regions external said flotation means.

Claim 8

The arrangement defined in claim 6 wherein: each of said barrier means comprises a thin, flexible diaphragm-like member coupled to said internal surface of said walls of said tubular member substantially continuously around the periphery thereof in a substantially watertight sealing relationship: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means extends through each of said barrier means in a substantially watertight aperture therethrough.

Claim 9

The arrangement defined in claim 7 wherein: said vent means comprises wall portions defining an aperture in said walls of said tubular means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means in each of said plurality of compartments.

Claim 10

The arrangement defined in claim 6 wherein: said barrier means has a predetermined buoyance and comprises: a plurality of flotation discs having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and having a specific gravity less than 1.0.

Claim 11

The arrangement defined in claim 9 wherein: each of said plurality of flotation discs has said predetermined cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member and are bonded to said inner surface of said walls of said tubular member.

Claim 12

The arrangement defined in claim 10 wherein: said bonding of said flotation discs to said inner surface of said walls of said tubular member is substantially watertight and substantially continuous around the peripheries thereof; said vent means comprises wall portions in said walls of said tubular member defining an aperture therethrough in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means in each of said compartments.

Claim 13

The arrangement defined in claim 9 wherein: said vent means further comprises: aperture means in each of said flotation discs in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to provide an air passage between adjacent compartments.

Claim 14

The arrangement defined in claim 9 wherein: said predetermined buoyancy is selected to provide at least neutral buoyancy for the condition of each of said compartments substantially filled with the liquid.

Claim 15

The arrangement defined in claim 9 wherein: said predetermined buoyancy is selected to provide approximately 50% of the volume of said tubular member in said upper portion of said flotation means for the condition of said compartments substantially filled with said liquid.

Claim 16

The arrangement defined in claim 12 wherein said vent means further comprises: a first tubular vent member in said cavity having walls defining a first passageway and having a first end and a second end, and said first end coupled to said walls of said flotation means in said upper portions thereof and said second end in said upper portion of said flotation means in said cavity providing communications through said first passageway from said cavity to regions external said flotation means; and a second tubular vent member in said cavity having walls defining a second passageway and a first end of said second tubular vent member coupled to said walls of said flotation means in opposed relationship to said first end of said first tubular vent member and a second end thereof in said upper portion of said flotation means in said cavity providing communication between regions external said flotation means and said cavity.

Claim 17

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls having inner surfaces defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in said liner cavity extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member and bearing against internal surfaces of said walls of said liner means for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said liner means and said tubular member; connection means coupled to said liner means for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said liner means; and vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 18

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls having inner surfaces defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in said liner cavity extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member and bearing against internal surfaces of said walls of said liner means for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said liner means and said tubular member; connection means coupled to said liner means for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said liner means; and vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 19

The arrangement defined in claim 16 and further comprising: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity of said tubular member.

Claim 20

The arrangement defined in claim 16 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 21

The arrangement defined in claim 16 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a plurality of ring-like members in a spaced array between said first end and said second end of said tubular member.

Claim 22

The arrangement defined in claim 18 wherein: said connection means comprises a first connecting member coupled to said liner means adjacent said first end of said tubular member for connecting a first end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto and a second connecting member coupled to said liner means adjacent said second end of said tubular member for connecting a second end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto; and means for connecting said liner means to said tubular member.

Claim 23

The arrangement defined in claim 17 wherein: said flotation discs have a cross-sectional configuration at least partially corresponding to said predetermined cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member.

Claim 24

The arrangement defined in claim 21 wherein: at least a portion of said plurality of flotation discs are bonded to said inner surface of said walls of said liner means.

Claim 25

The arrangement defined in claim 22 wherein: said bonding of said flotation discs is substantially watertight and substantially continuous around the periphery thereof; said vent means comprises wall portions in said walls of said tubular member and said liner means defining an aperture therethrough in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means adjacent each of said liner compartments.

Claim 26

The arrangement defined in claim 21 wherein: at least a portion of said flotation discs have wall portions defining an aperture means therethrough in said upper portion of said flotation means to provide an airflow passage between adjacent liner compartments.

Claim 27

The arrangement defined in claim 22 and further comprising: a plurality of tension strap members positioned between said liner means and said tubular member and extending around each of said flotation discs to maintain said flotation discs in said predetermined spaced array.

Claim 28

The arrangement defined in claim 25 wherein: at least a portion of said flotation discs have wall portions defining an aperture means therethrough in said upper portion of said flotation means to provide an airflow passage between adjacent liner compartments.

Claim 29

The arrangement defined in claim 26 wherein: said liner means is coupled to said tubular member in regions adjacent said first and said second ends thereof; and said aperture means in said liner means is a substantially continuous aperture means between said first end and said second end of said tubular member and in regions adjacent said aperture means in said plurality of flotation discs.

Claim 30

The arrangement defined in claim 27 wherein said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 31

The arrangement defined in claim 16 wherein said vent means further comprises: a first tubular vent member in said liner cavity having walls defining a first passageway and having a first end and a second end, and said first end coupled to said walls of said flotation means in said upper portions thereof and said second end in said upper portion of said flotation means in said liner cavity providing communications through said first passageway from said liner cavity to regions external said flotation means; and a second tubular vent member in said liner cavity having walls defining a second passageway and a first end of said second tubular vent member coupled to said walls of said flotation means in opposed relationship to said first end of said first tubular vent member and a second end thereof in said upper portion of said flotation means in said liner cavity providing communication between regions external said flotation means and said liner cavity.

Claim 32

The arrangement defined in claim 17 and further comprising: fastener means for holding said flotation discs, said liner means and said tubular member in a predetermined relationship.

Claim 33

The arrangement defined in claim 16 wherein: said liner means is bonded to said walls of said tubular member at predetermined locations.

Claim 34

The arrangement defined in claim 17 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises: a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 35

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls having inner surfaces defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned intermediate said walls of said liner means and said walls of said tubular member for maintaining said tubular member in a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration in said storage and said deployed conditions; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 36

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls having inner surfaces defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned intermediate said walls of said liner means and said walls of said tubular member for maintaining said tubular member in a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration in said storage and said deployed conditions; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 37

The arrangement defined in claim 33 wherein: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity and said cavity of said tubular member; and said connection means comprises a first connecting member coupled to said tubular member adjacent said first end thereof for connecting a first end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto and a second connecting member coupled to said tubular member adjacent said second end thereof for connecting a second end of said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means thereto.

Claim 38

The arrangement defined in claim 34 wherein: at least a portion of said plurality of flotation discs are bonded to said inner surface of said walls of said liner means.

Claim 39

The arrangement defined in claim 35 wherein: said bonding of said flotation discs is substantially watertight and substantially continuous around the periphery thereof; said vent means comprises wall portions in said walls of said tubular member and said liner means defining an aperture therethrough in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means adjacent each of said liner compartments.

Claim 40

The arrangement defined in claim 36 wherein: at least a portion of said flotation discs have wall portions defining an aperture means therethrough in said upper portion of said flotation means to provide an airflow passage between adjacent liner compartments.

Claim 41

The arrangement defined in claim 35 wherein: a plurality of tension strap members positioned between said liner means and said tubular member and extending around each of said flotation discs to maintain said flotation discs in said predetermined spaced array.

Claim 42

The arrangement defined in claim 38 wherein: at least a portion of said flotation discs have wall portions defining an aperture means therethrough in said upper portion of said flotation means to provide an airflow passage between adjacent liner compartments.

Claim 43

The arrangement defined in claim 33 wherein: said transversely rigid and axially compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 44

The arrangement defined in claim 33 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a plurality of ring-like members in a spaced array between said first end and said second end of said tubular member.

Claim 45

The arrangement defined in claim 34 and further comprising: fastener means for holding said flotation discs, said liner means and said tubular member in a predetermined relationship.

Claim 46

The arrangement defined in claim 33 wherein: said liner means is bonded to said walls of said tubular member at predetermined locations.

Claim 47

The arrangement defined in claim 33 and further comprising: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity of said tubular member; said predetermined buoyancy is selected to provide at least neutral buoyancy for the condition of each of said compartments substantially filled with the liquid.

Claim 48

The arrangement defined in claim 33 and further comprising: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity of said tubular member; said predetermined buoyancy is selected to provide approximately 50% of the volume of said tubular member in said upper portion of said flotation means for the condition of said compartments substantially filled with said liquid.

Claim 49

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible generally tubular member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned in said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined, transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated conditions; vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member.

Claim 50

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible generally tubular member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned in said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined, transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated conditions; vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member.

Claim 51

The arrangement defined in claim 46 and further comprising: a plurality of barrier means in said cavity in a spaced apart relationship, and each of said barrier means extending transversely across said cavity for dividing said cavity into a plurality of compartments; and said vent means comprises means for venting each of said compartments to regions external said flotation means.

Claim 52

The arrangement defined in claim 47 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means compresses a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration; said barrier means has a predetermined buoyancy and comprises: a plurality of flotation discs having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and having a specific gravity less than 1.0.

Claim 53

The arrangement defined in claim 48 wherein: each of said plurality of flotation discs has said predetermined cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member and are bonded to said inner surface of said walls of said tubular member.

Claim 54

The arrangement defined in claim 47 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a plurality of ringlike members in a spaced array between said first end and said second end of said tubular member; said barrier means has a predetermined buoyancy and comprises: a plurality of flotation discs having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and having a specific gravity less than 1.0.

Claim 55

The arrangement defined in claim 33 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinal compressible-expandable means comprises: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity of said tubular member.

Claim 56

In an improved containment boom section the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned in said walls of said liner means for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 57

In an improved containment boom section the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular outer covering member having walls defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition and having a first degree of flexibility; a flexible liner means in said cavity and adjacent inner surfaces of said walls of said tubular member, and said liner means having walls defining a liner cavity substantially coextensive with said cavity of said tubular member, and said liner means having a second degree of flexibility; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means positioned in said walls of said liner means for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; vent means in said tubular member and said liner means in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means to allow passage of air into and out of said cavity of said tubular member and said liner cavity.

Claim 58

The arrangement defined in claim 52 and further comprising: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said liner cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said liner cavity into a plurality of liner compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said liner means having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said liner cavity and said cavity of said tubular member.

Claim 59

The arrangement defined in claim 53 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 60

The arrangement defined in claim 52 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a plurality of ring-like members in a spaced array between said first end and said second end of said tubular member.

Claim 61

The arrangement defined in claim 52 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises: a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 62

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in said cavity extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means for providing an air passageway between said cavity and regions external said flotation means, and said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said tubular member having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said cavity of said tubular member and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 63

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in said cavity extending substantially from said first end to said second end of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means for providing an air passageway between said cavity and regions external said flotation means, and said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said tubular member having first wall portions defining aperture means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said cavity of said tubular member and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 64

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition, and said walls of said tubular member bonded together at a plurality of spaced apart locations intermediate said first end and said second end to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in each of said compartments and extending between said bonded together locations of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said compartments of said cavity of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means for providing an air passageway between said compartments of said cavity and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 65

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition, and said walls of said tubular member bonded together at a plurality of spaced apart locations intermediate said first end and said second end to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in each of said compartments and extending between said bonded together locations of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said compartments of said cavity of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member in regions adjacent said upper portion of said flotation means for providing an air passageway between said compartments of said cavity and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 66

The arrangement defined in claim 58 and further comprising: a plurality of flotation discs in a predetermined spaced array having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and a predetermined buoyancy in said compartments of said cavity and extending transversely thereacross to divide said compartments into a plurality of sections, and said flotation discs having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and said tubular member having first wall portions defining aperture and tubular member means therethrough for providing airflow passageway means between said compartments and said sections of said tubular member and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 67

The arrangement defined in claim 59 wherein: said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means comprises a wire means extending from said first end to said second end of said tubular member in a generally helical configuration.

Claim 68

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means substantially free of longitudinal resilient forces in said cavity for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; and vent means in said tubular member for providing an air passageway between said cavity and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 69

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means substantially free of longitudinal resilient forces in said cavity for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; and vent means in said tubular member for providing an air passageway between said cavity and regions external said flotation means.

Claim 70

The arrangement defined in claim 61 wherein: said vent means comprises a buoyancy section, and said buoyancy section comprising: a buoyancy member in said cavity of said tubular member having a predetermined longitudinal length and a preselected specific gravity less than 1.0, and said buoyancy member having: a base portion in said lower portion of said flotation means and extending at least partially into said upper portion of said flotation means; a longitudinal extending divider portion coupled to said base portion and extending in said upper portion of said cavity of said tubular member a predetermined distance above said base portion to divide said cavity in said upper portion of said flotation means in regions adjacent said buoyancy member into two longitudinally extending chambers, each of said chambers communicating with said cavity; said tubular member having vent walls defining a vent aperture means therethrough for providing an airflow passageway between said two longitudinal chambers and regions external said flotation means and above the surface level of the liquid body; and said tubular member having drainhole walls defining drain apertures therethrough for providing the liquid flow passageway from said longitudinal chambers to regions external said flotation means.

Claim 71

The arrangement defined in claim 62 wherein: said vent means is intermediate said first end and said second end of said flotation means.

Claim 72

The arrangement defined in claim 62 wherein: said vent means is adjacent at least a first end of said flotation means.

Claim 73

The arrangement defined in claim 64 wherein: said tubular member and said buoyancy member are longitudinally tapered at said first end of said flotation means and adjacent at least said first end of said tubular member.

Claim 74

The arrangement defined in claim 65 wherein: said tubular member is rigid walled in regions adjacent said first end.

Claim 75

The arrangement defined in claim 66 and further comprising: interconnection means for connecting said vent means to said tubular member.

Claim 76

The arrangement defined in claim 65 wherein: said tubular member having drawstring walls therethrough in said upper portions of said flotation means in regions adjacent one of said first and said second ends thereof; and further comprising: a flexible drawstring means having a first end extending from regions external said flotation means through said drawstring aperture, and said drawstring means extending through at least one of said longitudinal chambers and through said cavity of said tubular member, and having a second end coupled to said tubular member at a predetermined location.

Claim 77

The arrangement defined in claim 67 wherein: said interconnection means further comprises: a first rigid walled hollow generally cylindrical section flotation disc in said tubular member; a second rigid walled hollow cylindrical flotation disc in said vent means; and interlocking means mounted on said first and said second flotation discs to provide a detachable coupling therebetween.

Claim 78

The arrangement defined in claim 1 wherein: said tubular member having drawstring walls therethrough in said upper portions of said flotation means in regions adjacent one of said first and said second ends thereof; and further comprising: a flexible drawstring means having a first end extending from regions external said flotation means through said drawstring aperture, and said drawstring means extending through at least one of said longitudinal chambers and through said cavity of said tubular member, and having a second end coupled to said tubular member at the other of said first and said second end thereof.

Claim 79

The arrangement defined in claim 9 wherein said flotation discs further comprise: a rigid walled generally hollow section.

Claim 80

The arrangement defined in claim 16 wherein: said tubular member and said liner means each having drawstring walls therein defining a drawstring aperture therethrough in said upper portions of said flotation means in regions adjacent one of said first and said second ends thereof; and further comprising: a flexible drawstring means having a first end extending from regions external said flotation means through said drawstring apertures, and said drawstring means extending through at least one of said longitudinal chambers and through said liner cavity of said liner means, and having a second end coupled to said tubular member at a predetermined location.

Claim 81

The arrangement defined in claim 17 wherein said flotation discs further comprise: a rigid walled generally hollow section.

Claim 82

The arrangement defined in claim 46 wherein: said tubular member having drawstring walls therethrough in said upper portions of said flotation means in regions adjacent one of said first and said second ends thereof; and further comprising: a flexible drawstring means having a first end extending from regions external said flotation means through said drawstring aperture, and said drawstring means extending through at least one of said longitudinal chambers and through said cavity of said tubular member, and having a second end coupled to said tubular member at a predetermined location.

Claim 83

The arrangement defined in claim 47 wherein said barrier means has a predetermined buoyancy and comprises: a plurality of flotation discs having a predetermined longitudinal thickness and having a specific gravity less than 1.0, and at least a first portion of said flotation discs comprising a rigid walled hollow member.

Claim 84

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition, and said walls of said tubular member bonded together at a plurality of spaced apart locations intermediate said first end and said second end to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in each of said compartments and extending between said bonded together locations of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said compartments of said cavity of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member for providing an air passageway between said compartments of said cavity and regions external said flotation means, said vent means comprising the buoyance section comprising: a buoyancy member in said cavity of said tubular member having a predetermined longitudinal length and a preselected specific gravity less than 1.0, and said buoyancy member having: a base portion in said lower portion of said flotation means and extending at least partially into said upper portion of said flotation means; a longitudinal extending divider portion coupled to said base portion and extending in said upper portion of said cavity of said tubular member a predetermined distance above said base portion to divide said cavity in said upper portion of said flotation means in regions adjacent said buoyancy member into two longitudinally extending chambers, each of said chambers communicating with said cavity; said tubular member having vent walls defining a vent aperture means therethrough for providing an airflow passageway between said two longitudinal chambers and regions external said flotation means and above the surface level of the liquid body; and said tubular member having drainhole walls defining drain apertures therethrough for providing the liquid flow passageway from said longitudinal chambers to regions external said flotation means.

Claim 85

In an improved containment boom section, the improvement comprising, in combination: flotation means having a predetermined buoyancy to provide upper portions thereof above the surface level of a liquid body for the condition of the boom section in the liquid body, and a lower portion below the surface level; said flotation means comprising: an elongated, flexible, generally tubular member having walls having internal surfaces defining an internal cavity and having a first end and a second end, and longitudinally compressible-expandable between a compressed, storage condition and an elongated, deployed condition, and said walls of said tubular member bonded together at a plurality of spaced apart locations intermediate said first end and said second end to divide said cavity into a plurality of compartments; a transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means in each of said compartments and extending between said bonded together locations of said tubular member and bearing against said internal surfaces of said walls of said tubular member for maintaining a predetermined transverse cross-sectional configuration of said compartments of said cavity of said tubular member in said compressed and said elongated condition; connection means coupled to said tubular member for connecting said transversely rigid and longitudinally compressible-expandable means to said tubular member; and vent means in said tubular member for providing an air passageway between said compartments of said cavity and regions external said flotation means, said vent means comprising the buoyance section comprising: a buoyancy member in said cavity of said tubular member having a predetermined longitudinal length and a preselected specific gravity less than 1.0, and said buoyancy member having: a base portion in said lower portion of said flotation means and extending at least partially into said upper portion of said flotation means; a longitudinal extending divider portion coupled to said base portion and extending in said upper portion of said cavity of said tubular member a predetermined distance above said base portion to divide said cavity in said upper portion of said flotation means in regions adjacent said buoyancy member into two longitudinally extending chambers, each of said chambers communicating with said cavity; said tubular member having vent walls defining a vent aperture means therethrough for providing an airflow passageway between said two longitudinal chambers and regions external said flotation means and above the surface level of the liquid body; and said tubular member having drainhole walls defining drain apertures therethrough for providing the liquid flow passageway from said longitudinal chambers to regions external said flotation means.

Claim 86

The arrangement defined in claim 53 wherein: said flotation discs have wall portions defining apertures therethrough in said upper portions of said flotation means to provide an air flow passage between adjacent liner compartments.

Claim 87

The arrangement defined in claim 52 and further comprising: connection means for connecting said liner means to said tubular member.