Patent Description:
<CIT> teaches "a spill containment boom unit for deployment in ambient water, using water absorbing material, such as SAP, to encourage expansion of a chamber thereof. Some embodiments provide boom units which comprise one or more surfaces which form at least one hollow chamber, wherein at least one wall of the hollow chamber comprises at least one fillable compartment" (abstract).

Additional background art includes <CIT>.

Document <CIT>, which is regarded useful to understand the invention discloses a boom for containing floating material spilled in water comprising an elongated sheet an units attached to the sheet, designed to fold flat when packed, and to self-expand into a polygonal cross-sectional shape when deployed.

The invention is defined by independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

An aspect of
the present disclosure includes a boom for containing floating material spilled in water comprising: an elongated sheet comprising units and spaces between the units, each one of the units comprising a pair of floatation plates and a pair of ballast plates attached to the sheet, designed to fold flat during storage, and to self-expand into a polygonal cross-sectional shape when deployed, wherein for each the unit a floatation plate and a ballast plate define an angle therebetween; wherein each the unit has a first and second side and wherein an expander is positioned between the first and second sides of the unit, the expander configured to apply an angle-increasing force to at least one of the floatation plates and the ballast plates of the unit, to assist in setting a shape of the boom upon deployment; characterized in that the angle-increasing force is configured to increase an angle defined between a the floatation plate and a the ballast plate on each of the first and second sides of the unit.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the units comprises at least one plate including closed cell foam material.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the units comprises at least one plate having one or more sealed air cavities.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the units comprises at least one ballast plate having a higher specific density than water.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the boom further comprises a sponge attached to a unit between a floatation plate and a neighboring ballast plate, designed to expand in water and increase an angle between the floatation plate and the ballast plate.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the boom further comprises a strap attached to the floatation plate and to the ballast plate designed to limit the increase of the angle between the floatation and ballast plates upon deployment.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the expander is a material configured to expand to apply a force to the floatation and ballast plates to increase the angle to assist in setting a shape of the boom upon deployment.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the boom further comprises a strengthening strap along an entire length of the boom, the strengthening strap is attached along the elongated sheet from a first end of the boom to a second end of the boom.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the floatation and ballast plates are folded over each other in a zig-zag fashion, and wherein the boom is packaged in a moisture proof cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes a kit for containing floating material spilled in water comprising: a boom as recited in any one of claims <NUM>-<NUM>; and a boom deployment chute.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for limiting spread of a spill of a floating substance spilled into water, comprising: a) providing a first boom section which includes at least one foldable elongated sheet which includes foldable units, packed in a cartridge and designed to self-expand to a hollow shape when unpacked, each one of the units comprising a plurality of pairs of floatation and ballast plates attached to the sheet, designed to fold flat during storage, and to self-expand into a polygonal cross-sectional shape when deployed; wherein an expander is positioned between each pair of floatation and ballast plates, the expander configured to apply an angle-increasing force to the floatation and ballast plates of each pair upon deployment to assist in setting a shape of the boom; and b) using a deployment craft to navigate around the spill while unpacking and releasing the units of the first boom section, thereby deploying the first boom section around at least a portion of the spill, which limits spread of the spill; characterized in that the angle-increasing force is configured to increase an angle defined between a the floatation plate and a the ballast plate on each of the first and second sides of the unit.

In the following the term "embodiment" should be understood to mean "example".

It is further to be noted that the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and images. With specific reference now to the drawings and images in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings and images makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a spill containment boom and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a spill containment boom including collapsible units connected by flexible sheets, and also, but not exclusively, to an offshore boom.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes a spill containment boom for deployment in ambient water, including collapsible units which form hollow floating chambers, connected by flexible sheets. In some embodiments, the spill containment boom includes an elongated tube designed to fold flat when packed, and when unpacked, to self-expand into a hollow elongate shape.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes the boom being collapsible, optionally is foldable, to be compactly stored at locations where a spill may happen without taking up too much room. When a spill does happen, the boom may be deployed at the location, potentially saving transportation time and transportation expense at a time of need.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes the boom being light, in terms of weight per unit length. In some embodiments, the boom is light enough to be deployed by one person. In some embodiments, the boom is light enough for a sea anchor to pull out of a boat being driven away from the sea anchor. Prior art offshore booms are typically about <NUM>-<NUM> meters in height, and weigh about <NUM>-<NUM> kilograms per meter.

In some embodiments a length of the floating flexible boom can potentially prevent entrainment, which is a leaking of an oil spill beyond the boom. In some embodiments the flexible boom which follows vertical movement of water, such as waves, can potentially float on wave crests, preventing waves from transferring oil over the floating boom. In some embodiments the flexible boom which follows vertical movement of water, such as waves, can float inside wave troughs, preventing wave troughs from transferring oil beneath the floating boom.

Some potential advantages of a boom which is light and flexible are now listed:.

It is noted that an embodiment of the floating flexible boom was tested for entrainment under various wind conditions.

In typical booms, the higher the wind, the greater the likelihood of entrainment. Where standard oil spill containment booms typically prevent entrainment at winds up to <NUM> knots, an embodiment of the floating flexible boom prevented entrainment at winds up to <NUM> knots.

It is noted that an embodiment of the floating flexible boom was tested for oil spill containment, and a boom of <NUM> meters length surrounded and contained <NUM> tons of oil, which was a layer of <NUM> inches in depth.

Some potential advantages of a boom which is collapsible into a compact shape which can be stored at locations where a spill may happen without taking up too much room are now listed:.

Some potential advantages of a boom produced and deployed according to example embodiments of the invention include a resistance to being raised from the water by wind. Some properties of some example embodiments of the boom which potentially enable resistance to the wind include one or more of: a low height above the surface of the water; heavier than water components below surface of the water; flexible sheets in an open angle, optionally an upside-down V shape, with ends of the V shape below the surface of the water.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes a floating boom shaped as an elongated open tube, designed to fold flat when packed, and when unpacked, to self-expand into a floating sleeve.

In some embodiments, the sleeve has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, provided by rigid or semi-rigid plates attached to and extending along a portion of a length of the sleeve.

A section of the sleeve which includes plates is named, in the present specification and claims, a unit or a cell.

In some embodiments, a section of the boom includes many units, with the units flexibly connected to each other by the section of the boom being made of one or more long flexible sheets extending between the units. In some embodiments the sheet(s) optionally extend along an entire length of the section of the boom.

In some embodiments the boom incudes a connector at each end of a section of the boom. In the present specification and claims a section of a boom with a connector at each end is sometimes named a boom section, or a section of a boom. In some embodiments a boom includes several boom sections connected end-to-end, and a person skilled in the art will understand when the term boom is used to describe a single section, and when the term boom is used to describe a boom including several sections connected end-to-end.

In some embodiments, some of the plates, or some parts of the plates, are lighter than water, providing floatation. In some embodiments, the lighter than water plates are made of closed cell foam or include closed cell foam.

In some embodiments, some of the plates are designed to be as heavy as water, or heavier than water, designed to sink into water and to pull at least a portion of a circumference of the cross section of the boom under water. In some embodiments, the plates designed to be heavier than water are designed to be heavier than water only when deployed into water, and be lighter than water prior to deployment. In some embodiments, the plates designed to be heavier than water are made of open cell foam, which soaks up water when deployed in water, and becomes heavier.

In some embodiments the plates are made of rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, with cavities in the plate. In some embodiments a cavity opening is optionally sealed by an additional material such as a foam or a film, sealing the cavity with air inside, adding to floatation power of the plate and boom. In some embodiments the cavities are left open to fill with water. In some embodiments holes are produced in the sealing film or foam to allow water inside.

In some embodiments a plate is formed by joining two or more materials, for example a semi rigid plastic plate, optionally with open cavities as mentioned above, attached to a flat foam or plastic film material which adheres to the plate and seals the cavities like a lid.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes using one or more sponge(s) at corners of the plates, so that when the sleeve is deployed in water the sponge(s) absorb water, expand (up to <NUM> times their original compressed volume) and push the plates, expanding the boom into an open, optionally polygonal shape. In some embodiments there are one or more sponge(s) at internal corners of the polygonal shape, which absorb water and push plates of the boom away from each other, expanding the boom into a polygonal shape. In some embodiments there are one or more sponge(s) at external corners of the polygonal shape, which absorb water and push plates of the boom away from each other, expanding the boom into a polygonal shape.

In some embodiments, a boom section has at least one strengthening strap <NUM> (not shown) along its length. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is along an entire length of the boom section. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a material which is flexible and tear and/or cut and/or abrasion resistant. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a fabric material such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, Endumax, Kevlar, Nomex, Nylon and Cordura.

In some embodiments, the strap is also connected to a connector at an end of the boom section, so that when the connectors are connected to each other, the strap provides continuous strength to a boom which includes several boom sections.

In some embodiments, the strap is longer than a boom section, and extends beyond an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments, the strap is longer than a boom section, and extends beyond a connector at an end of the boom section.

In some embodiments, the elongated sleeve forms an additional flap along its length, the additional flap optionally including plates extending along at least a portion of a length of the sleeve, optionally also including portions designed to soak up water, to be heavier than water when soaked, to pull at least a portion of a circumference of the cross section of the sleeve under water. Further details are described with reference to <FIG> reference number 105a and equivalent components in other drawings.

In some embodiments, the boom forms more than one additional flap along its length. In some embodiments the additional flaps form an upside down V shape designed to soak up water, to be heavier than water when soaked, to pull at least a portion of a circumference of the cross section of the sleeve under water.

In some embodiments, the boom weighs less than <NUM> grams per meter length when not soaked in water. In some embodiments, the boom weighs in a range of <NUM> grams to <NUM> grams and/or even <NUM> grams per meter length when not soaked in water.

In some embodiments, a cartridge containing <NUM> meters of the boom weighs <NUM> kilograms including the cartridge.

In some embodiments, an area of the polygonal cross section of the boom is between <NUM> and <NUM> square centimeters.

In some embodiments, a boom section of <NUM> meter length is packaged in one package or cartridge. In some embodiments, a boom section of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or other custom lengths in a range between <NUM> meters and <NUM> meters is packaged in one package or cartridge.

In some embodiments, the boom has a buoyancy-to-weight ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. In some embodiments the boom has a buoyancy-to-weight ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> and intermediate values.

In some embodiments, the connectors designed to connect sections of the boom to each other are designed to connect with a simple motion, which can be performed by unskilled personnel under conditions of a wavy sea.

In some embodiments, the connectors include a magnet which guides the connectors to their closed position, potentially assisting connecting two connectors in a moving boat and/or a wavy sea, potentially making the connection easier, potentially reducing need for training personnel to connect sections of a boom.

In some embodiments, the connectors designed to connect sections of the boom to each other are designed to connect with a sea anchor. In some embodiments, the sea anchor is designed to include a connector for mating with a connector at an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments, the connectors designed to connect sections of the boom to each other are designed to connect with a connector on a ship, a pier or a buoy.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes a method of deployment of the boom. In some embodiments the boom is a foldable elongated tube which includes foldable units, packed in a cartridge and designed to self-expand to a hollow tube when being unpacked and deployed in water. The cartridge is optionally carried in a small vessel or boat, and deployed by unpacking and releasing the units of the elongated tube in the water while navigating the vessel around a spill.

In some embodiments, the boom is released at a large enough rate so that movement of the deployment vessel does not drag the boom.

In some embodiments, sections of the boom are connected to each other, to form a longer boom.

In some embodiments, one end of the boom is connected to another end of the boom, forming an encirclement of a spill.

In some embodiments, the boom floats freely, not anchored to a bottom of a body of water.

In some embodiments, the boom floats freely, not anchored to a boat.

In some embodiments, the boom floats freely, anchored to one or more sea anchor(s).

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed using a single deployment vessel.

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed using a lifeboat or a service boat.

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed using an inflatable dinghy. In some embodiments, the boom is deployed by a small boat.

In some embodiments, a sea anchor is used to anchor one end of the boom or an end of a section of the boom.

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed using no equipment other than one or more cartridges in which the boom is packaged.

In some embodiments the boom is optionally deployed by unskilled personnel, just by unpacking the boom and placing it on the water around a spill. In some embodiments, personnel which have had less than <NUM> minutes of training, optionally on how to deploy the boom without dragging over the water and/or on how to connect sections of the boom.

In some embodiments, the boom sections are connected to each other, using a connector which is designed to guide two sides of a connection to each other. In some embodiments, the boom sections are connected to each other, using a connector which is designed to two sides of the connections to each other.

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed by only one person on a deployment vessel.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes a method of packaging a section of the boom in a boom cartridge.

In some embodiments the boom is packaged in a box, termed a cartridge, as flat units connected to each other, for deployments as a flexible elongated tube.

In some embodiments the boom is packaged in a cartridge as flat units connected to each other at alternating sides of the cartridge, optionally for deployment from the cartridge in a zigzag fashion.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention includes a method of connecting sections of the boom to each other.

In some embodiments at least one end of a boom section is connected to the cartridge. Such a connection potentially prevents the boom section being pulled out of the cartridge and into water, causing an operator to lose control, at least temporarily, of the end of the boom section. In some embodiments the cartridge includes a connector corresponding to, or mating with, one or more connectors of an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments sections of the boom are connected to each other by a connector designed to guide two sides of the connector to each other.

In some embodiments sections of the boom are connected to each other by a connector designed to guide two sides of the connector to each other by sliding along specific guiding surfaces. In some embodiments sections of the boom are connected to each other by a connector designed to guide two sides of the connector to each other by magnets designed to pull the two sides of the connector to mate correctly. In some embodiments when the two sides mate correctly the connector is locked and cannot be opened by pulling the two sides of the connector away from each other. In some embodiments the connector can be unlocked by pulling the two sides away from each other in a direction perpendicular to a force which may be produced by pulling two sections of the boom away from each other. In some embodiments the connector can be unlocked by releasing a safety catch.

In some embodiments, the connectors are designed to self-align when placed next to each other. In some embodiments, the connectors are designed to self-align when placed parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the connectors are designed with one or more ridge(s) or a profile which guides the connectors to each other.

In some embodiments an end of the boom is attached to a rigid plate, and one or more connectors are attached to the rigid plate.

In some embodiments all the connectors of a first rigid plate can be connected to all the connectors of a second rigid plate in one movement of placing the two rigid plates correctly next to each other.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a portion of a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a portion of a boom <NUM> spread out as if deployed.

The boom <NUM> includes units 101a 101c connected to each other by flexible sections 101b including a flexible sheet <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the boom <NUM> as if floating on wavy water with the section 101b including the flexible sheet <NUM> bending with the waves.

In some embodiments, the sections 101b are longer than the units 101a 101c. In some embodiments, the sections 101b are a same length as the units 101a 101c. In some embodiments, the sections 101b are shorter than the units 101a 101c.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> is flexible, able to float on wavy water and bend with the waves in an up and down direction.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> is flexible, able to float on wavy water and bend with the waves in a side to side direction.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> is flexible, able to float on wavy water and bend with the waves in all directions, and specifically both in in an up and down direction and in a side to side direction.

In some embodiments a unit101a 101c of a shape shown in the example embodiment of <FIG> is optionally made of plates 102a 102b 103a 103b and optionally also additional plates 104a 104b. In some embodiments a shape formed by four plates 102a 102b 103a 103b is optionally of a square, or a rectangle, or a rhombus, or a rhomboid.

In some embodiments the plates 102a 102b 103a 103b 104a 104b are flat.

In some embodiments the upper plates 102a 102b are made of a closed cell foam material, to be light, optionally lighter than water.

In some embodiments the upper plates 102a 102b are made of a closed cell foam material attached to rigid plates, optionally attached to rigid plastic plates. In some embodiments the upper plates 102a 102b are made of a closed cell foam material attached on an outer side of a unit 101a to the rigid plates.

In some embodiments the rigid plates are made by vacuum forming plastic plates. In some embodiments the rigid plates include ridges and troughs, so that when the boom <NUM> is folded flat, with the plates against each other, the ridges and troughs interleave, and a resulting thickness of the folded boom <NUM> is reduced.

In some embodiments lower plates 103a 103b are made of an open cell foam material, to be light, yet when immersed in water, to soak up the water and become heavier, optionally as heavy as or heavier than water.

In some embodiments the cell foam material is made by vacuum forming cell foam material. In some embodiments the cell foam shape include ridges and troughs, so that when the boom <NUM> is folded flat, with the plates against each other, the ridges and troughs interleave, and a resulting thickness of the folded boom <NUM> is reduced.

In some embodiments optional additional plates 104a 104b are attached at a vertex made by a meeting of the lower plates 103a 103b.

In some embodiments the additional plates 104a 104b are made of an open cell foam material, to be light, yet when immersed in water, to soak up the water and become heavier, optionally heavier than water.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is continuous along a section of a boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is shaped as a tube. In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is shaped as a tube with one or more additional flap(s) 105a, optionally attached to one or more additional plates 104a 104b.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is attached to the units 101a 101c, forming, when expanded, a tube corresponding to the form shaped by the plates 102a 102b 103a 103b.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM>105a is also attached to the additional plates 104a 104b, forming a tube with one or more additional flap(s) 105a below the tube.

In some embodiments the plates are optionally shaped to include ridges alternately arranged relative to a neighboring plate. When a unit is packaged, the ridges fit into valleys between the ridges of a neighboring plate, potentially enabling to package a unit while taking up less height in a package/cartridge.

By way of a non-limiting example, the top plates 102a 102b optionally have ridges placed opposite valleys between ridges in the lower plates 103a 103b, so that when packaged, the alternating ridges and valleys fit into each other, interleaving the ridges.

By way of another non-limiting example, the lower plates 103a 103b optionally have ridges placed opposite valleys between ridges in the additional plates 104a 104b, so that when packaged, the alternating ridges and valleys fit into each other, interleaving the ridges.

In some embodiments a thickness of a unit, when packaged with the plates against each other is <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments a thickness of a unit, when packaged with the plates against each other is in a range between <NUM> millimeters and <NUM> and even <NUM> millimeters.

In some embodiments, the sheet <NUM><NUM>(a) has at least one strengthening strap (not shown in <FIG>, shown as reference <NUM> in <FIG>) along its length. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a material which is flexible and tear and/or cut and/or abrasion resistant. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a fabric material such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, Endumax, Kevlar, Nomex, and Cordura.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> optionally includes a radar reflector such as a foil strip or strips attached to the boom <NUM>, to enable detecting the boom <NUM> by reflection of a radar signal.

When deployed, part of the boom <NUM> juts above water, potentially preventing small waves breaking over the boom <NUM> and carrying oil with them. In some embodiments the boom <NUM> protrudes <NUM> inches, or <NUM> centimeters above the water. In some embodiments the boom <NUM> protrudes above water a height in a range of <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches above the water.

When deployed, part of the boom <NUM> lies under water, potentially preventing oil from passing underneath the boom <NUM>. In some embodiments the boom <NUM> reaches <NUM> inches, or <NUM> centimeters below the surface of the water. In some embodiments the boom reaches under water a depth in a range of <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches below the surface of the water.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a boom <NUM> made of units <NUM> connected to each other by spaces <NUM> where a flexible sheet connects the units <NUM>.

In some embodiments the flexible sheet is a continuous sheet along a section of the boom <NUM>, connecting several units <NUM> and spanning several spaces <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> includes a large number of units <NUM> and spaces <NUM>.

In some embodiments one or both ends of the boom <NUM> include a connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> may be used to connect an end of the boom <NUM> to an end of another boom <NUM>, thereby constructing a longer boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> may be used to connect an end of the boom <NUM> to an anchoring device, in order to hold one end of the boom <NUM> in place while the boom is being deployed. The anchoring device may be, by way of some non-limiting examples: a sea anchor; a boat; a ship; a pier; a quay; an oil rig; and a real, non-sea anchor.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> optionally includes a continuous strap <NUM> along the section of the boom <NUM>, connecting one end of the section of the boom <NUM>, optionally one connecting plate <NUM>, to another end of the section of the boom <NUM>, optionally another connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> optionally includes a hook or a loop which may be used to grasp or to hook or gaff an end of the boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> optionally includes a ring <NUM> or a hook <NUM> for attaching an end of the boom <NUM> to another end of the same or another boom <NUM>, thereby completing an encirclement of a material spill.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> and/or the anchoring device optionally includes one or more of: a GPS component and a transmitter for transmitting a location of the boom <NUM>; a homing transmitter; one or more emergency light(s); and a radar reflector such as foil and/or a corner reflector.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> may be used to connect an end of the boom <NUM> to another end of the boom <NUM>, thereby completing an encirclement of a material spill.

<FIG> shows a boom <NUM> made of units <NUM> connected to each other by spaces <NUM> where a flexible sheet connects the units <NUM>. In some embodiments the flexible sheet is a continuous sheet along a section of the boom <NUM>, connecting several units <NUM> and spanning several spaces <NUM>. In some embodiments the boom <NUM> includes a large number of units <NUM> and spaces <NUM>.

In some embodiments one or both ends of the boom <NUM> include a connecting plate <NUM>. In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> may be used to connect an end of the boom <NUM> to an end of another boom <NUM>, thereby constructing a longer boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> optionally includes a continuous strap <NUM> along the section of the boom <NUM>, connecting one end of the section of the boom <NUM>, optionally one connecting plate <NUM>, to another end of the section of the boom <NUM>, optionally another connecting plate <NUM>. In some embodiments the strap <NUM> extends beyond an end of the end plate <NUM>. In some embodiments the strap <NUM> is longer than the boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> optionally includes a hook, a loop, or a ring which may be used to grasp or to hook or gaff an end of the boom <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a unit of a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a unit200 of a boom expanded in a shape as if deployed.

The shape of the unit <NUM> corresponds to the shape of the units 101a 101c of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a unit <NUM> of a boom expanded in a shape as if deployed.

In some embodiments the bottom plate <NUM> is a flexible sheet, optionally part of a lengthy sheet such as the sheet <NUM> of <FIG>. in some embodiments a flexible sheet for a boom formed by the units of <FIG> forms a shape of a hollow tube, optionally with additional flaps attached to the additional plates 213a 213b.

It is noted that example embodiments of a boom using plates such as the plates shown in <FIG>, <FIG> can form various shapes when expanded, depending on various numbers of plates per unit, various sizes, optionally forming polygonal shapes.

<FIG> shows a portion of a boom <NUM> with units 301a 301c in the shape of the example embodiment shown in <FIG>. <FIG> also show the units 301a 301c connected to each other by flexible sections 301b including a flexible sheet <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the portion of the boom <NUM> spread out as if deployed. <FIG> is intended to demonstrate an example embodiment of the boom <NUM> deployed vertically in water (the water is not shown in <FIG>).

The boom <NUM> includes the units 301a 301c connected to each other by a flexible sheet <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the boom <NUM> as if floating on wavy water with the flexible sheet <NUM> bending with the waves.

In some embodiments a unit 301a 301c of a shape shown in the example embodiment of <FIG> is optionally made of plates 302a 302b 303a 303b and optionally also additional plates 304a 304b.

In some embodiments a bottom plate <NUM> connects the two lower plates 303a 303b. In some embodiments a flexible sheet <NUM> connect the two lower plates 303a 303b.

In some embodiments the plates 302a 302b 303a 303b 304a 304b and optionally <NUM> are flat.

In some embodiments the upper plates 302a 302b are made of a light material optionally the upper plates 302a 302b are lighter than water.

In some embodiments the upper plates 302a 302b are made of a closed cell foam material, to be light, optionally lighter than water.

In some embodiments the upper plates 302a 302b are made of a closed cell foam material attached to rigid plates. In some embodiments the closed cell foam material is attached to an outer side of the rigid plates.

In some embodiments the upper plates 302a 302b include floating sections with air locked inside. The floating sections optionally function both as a structural component and as a floating component of the boom.

In some embodiments lower plates 303a 303b are made of an open cell foam material, to be light, yet when immersed in water, to soak up the water and become heavier, optionally heavier than water.

In some embodiments optional additional plates 304a 304b are attached to edges of the lower plates 303a 303b. In some embodiments the additional plates 304a 304b are made of an open cell foam material, to be light, yet when immersed in water, to soak up the water and become heavier, optionally heavier than water.

In some embodiments the lower plates 303a 303b and the optional additional plates 304a 304b are under a surface of the water when deployed, and the upper plates 302a 302b are partly or entirely above the surface of the water.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is continuous along the section of the boom <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is shaped as a tube. In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is shaped as a tube with one or more additional flap(s) 305a, optionally attached to the one or more additional plates 304a 304b.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM> is attached to the units 301a 301c, forming, when expanded, a tube corresponding to the form shaped by the plates 302a 302b 303a 303b.

In some embodiments the sheet <NUM>305a is also attached to the additional plates 304a 304b, forming a tube with one or more additional flap(s) 305a below the tube.

In some embodiments, the sheet <NUM><NUM>(a) has at least one strengthening strap (not shown) along its length. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a material which is flexible and tear and/or cut and/or abrasion resistant. In some embodiments the strengthening strap is made of a fabric material such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, Endumax, Kevlar, Nomex, and Cordura.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a first boom section connected to a second boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a first section of a boom 300a with units 301a 301c in the shape of the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, connected by a first connecting section 310a which is attached to an end of the first section of the boom 300a, to a second connecting section 310b attached to an end of a second section of the boom 300b.

<FIG> is intended to demonstrate an example embodiment of the boom sections 300a 300b deployed vertically in water (the water is not shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> shows the sections of the boom 300a 300b spread out as if deployed.

The boom sections 300a 300b each includes the components described with reference to <FIG>, that is, units 301a 301c connected to each other by a flexible sheet <NUM>. In some embodiments the unit301a 301c are optionally made of plates 302a 302b 303a 303b and optionally also additional plates 304a 304b. In some embodiments a bottom plate <NUM> connects the two lower plates 303a 303b. in some embodiments a flexible sheet <NUM> connect the two lower plates 303a 303b.

In some embodiments each section of a boom 300a 300b ends in a connecting section 310a 310b respectively.

<FIG> shows the boom sections 300a 300b standing vertically in the water (the water is not shown in <FIG>), and the connection sections 310a 310b also standing vertically in the water.

<FIG> shows the connections sections 310a 310b connected to each other by connectors <NUM> attached to each one of the connections sections 310a 310b, as will be described in more detail further below, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows that a connection <NUM> between the connecting sections 310a 310b can optionally be closed, without an opening for spilled oil to pass through the connection <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a unit <NUM> of a boom expanded in a shape as if deployed, and an example embodiment of a mechanism for expanding the unit <NUM> when deployed.

<FIG> also shows an example embodiment of a mechanism for expanding the unit <NUM> when deployed.

<FIG> shows a sponge 405a attached to the unit <NUM> at an inner vertex between the top plate 401a and the lower plate 402a.

In some embodiments, when the unit <NUM> is packaged, the sponge 405a is compressed between the top plate 401a and the lower plate 402a. When the unit <NUM> is deployed from a packaged state, the sponge 405a optionally expands, opening an angle between the top plate 401a and the lower plate 402a, optionally forming the expanded shape of the unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments a corresponding sponge 405b (not shown) is also attached to the unit <NUM> at an inner vertex between the top plate 401b and the lower plate 402b.

<FIG> also shows a sponge 406b attached to the unit <NUM> at an outer vertex between the lower plate 402b and the additional plate 403b.

In some embodiments, when the unit <NUM> is packaged, the sponge 406b is compressed between the lower plate 402b and the additional plate 403b. When the unit <NUM> is deployed from a packaged state, the sponge 406b optionally expands, opening an angle between the lower plate 402b and the additional plate 403b, optionally forming the expanded shape of the unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments a corresponding sponge 406a (not shown) is also attached to the unit <NUM> at an outer vertex between the lower plate 402a and the additional plate 403a.

In some embodiments, the foam plates have one or more space(s) in ridges corresponding to a shape and location of the sponge(s) 405a 406a, so that when the unit <NUM> is compressed, the sponge(s) 405a 406a are compressed into the space(s), potentially enabling packaging of the unit <NUM> under less compression force, and/or without adding to a thickness of the unit <NUM> when packaged.

In some embodiments, the foam plates have one or more hollows or depression(s) corresponding to a shape and location of the sponge(s) 405a 406a, so that when the unit <NUM> is compressed, the sponge(s) 405a 406a contained within the depression(s), potentially enabling packaging of the unit <NUM> under less or no compression force, and/or without adding to a thickness of the unit when packaged.

In some embodiments, the sponge(s) 405a 406a are optionally attached to the plates by passing (plastic) ties 409a 409b or cords 409a 409b or strings 409a 409b through holes in the plates to which the sponge(s) 405a 406a are attached. In some embodiments the ties 409a 409b go through the sponge(s) 405a 406a. In some embodiments the ties 409a 409b go around the sponge(s) 405a 406a. In some embodiments the cord or string is a plastic cord or string.

In some embodiments the ties 409a 409b limit an expansion of the sponge(s) so that pressure from the sponge(s) forms a desired angle between the plates, and forms a desired shape of the boom.

In some embodiments the ties 409a 409b are connected to the plates by drilling a hole through the plates.

In some embodiments, the sponge(s) 405a 406a are optionally attached to the plates by glue and/or by double sided tape.

It is noted that <FIG> does not show the flexible sheet connecting instances of the unit <NUM> to each other, as a matter of convenience.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified illustrations of the unit of <FIG> according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the unit <NUM> of <FIG>, showing the top plates 401a 401b, the lower plates 402a 402b, and the sponges 405a 405b between the top plates 401a 401b and the lower plates 402a 402b.

<FIG> also shows the optional additional plates 403a 403b and the optional sponges 406a 406b between the lower plates 402a 402b and the optional additional plates 403a 403b.

In some embodiments an optional cord or string 408a 408b is attached to the top plates 401a 401b and the lower plates 402a 402b, so as to limit how far an angle between the top plates 401a 401b and the lower plates 402a 402b can open.

In some embodiments an optional cord or string 409a 409b is attached to the lower plates 402a 402b and the additional plates 403a 403b, so as to limit how far an angle between the lower plates 402a 402b and the additional plates 403a 403b can open.

<FIG> is a side view of the unit <NUM> of <FIG>, showing the top plate 401b, the lower plate 402b, the optional additional plate 403b, the sponge 406b between the lower plate 402b and the optional additional plate 403b, and the optional cord or string 409b.

<FIG> is a top view of the unit <NUM> of <FIG>, showing the top plates 401a 401b.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified illustrations of a portion of the unit <NUM> of <FIG> according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of plates <NUM><NUM> similar to the plates described with reference to <FIG>, showing the plates <NUM><NUM> folded against each other in a manner used for packaging an example embodiment of a boom.

<FIG> also shows a sponge <NUM> between the plates <NUM><NUM>, and a tie <NUM> optionally passing through the plates <NUM><NUM> and around the sponge <NUM>. As described above, the sponge <NUM> is optionally compressed, and optionally partially within a hollow in the plates <NUM><NUM>, to enable the plates to lie flat against each other, optionally even to interleave ridges in one plate into hollows in another plate.

<FIG> also shows cross section of a sheet <NUM> which optionally connects the plates <NUM><NUM>, and optionally extends along a boom section.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the plates <NUM><NUM>, the sponge <NUM>, the tie <NUM> and the sheet <NUM> when the boom is deployed, the sponge <NUM> expands, and the plates <NUM><NUM> are forced away from each other by the sponge <NUM>. In some embodiments a length of the tie <NUM> limits an angle which the sponge can open between the plates <NUM><NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a unit <NUM> of a boom, showing top plates 431a 431b, lower plates 432a 432b, and sponges 435a 435b between the top plates 431a 431b and the lower plates 432a 432b. In some embodiments the top plates 431a 431b and/or the lower plates 432a 432b include a second layer 431c 431d. In some embodiments the second layer 431c 43d may be a continuous layer, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> also shows optional additional plates 433a 433b and optional sponges 436a 436b between the lower plates 432a 432b and the optional additional plates 433a 433b. In some embodiments the optional additional plates 433a 433b include a second layer 433c 433d. In some embodiments the second layer 431c 43d may be a continuous layer, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> also shows the lower plates 432a 432b connected to each other by a bottom plate <NUM> or flexible sheet <NUM>.

In some embodiments an optional cord or string 438a 438b is attached to the top plates 431a 431b and the lower plates 432a 432b, so as to limit how far an angle between the top plates 431a 431b and the lower plates 432a 432b can open.

In some embodiments an optional cord or string 439a 439b is attached to the lower plates 432a 432b and the additional plates 433a 433b, so as to limit how far an angle between the lower plates 432a 432b and the additional plates 433a 433b can open.

In some embodiments an angle <NUM> between the additional plates 433a 433b is optionally an obtuse angle, that is, greater than <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments that angle <NUM> is optionally larger than <NUM> degrees, larger than <NUM> degrees, larger than <NUM> degrees and even larger than <NUM> degrees, up to <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a unit <NUM> of a boom.

<FIG> shows top plates 451a 451b, lower plates 452a 452b, and additional plates 453a 453b.

<FIG> also shows the top plates 451a 451b and the lower plates 452a 452b including an optional additional layer 457a. In some embodiments the additional layer <NUM> extends along all of the area of the top plates 451a 451b and the lower plates 452a 452b. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the additional layer 457a extends along only part of the top plates 451a 451b and the lower plates 452a 452b.

In some embodiments the top plates 451a 451b include slots 458a 458b. In some embodiments the slots 458a 458b are sealed, potentially lightening weight of the top plates 451a 451b. In some embodiments the reference numbers 458a 458b pertain to sealed air-filled ridges rather than slots, potentially adding to floatation of the top plates 451a 451b.

In some embodiments the lower plates 452a 452b optionally include an additional layer 459a 459b with optional slots. In some embodiments the slots of the additional layer 459a 459b are sealed, potentially lightening weight of the lower plates 452a 452b. In some embodiments the slots of the additional layer 459a 459b are not sealed, potentially lightening weight of the lower plates 452a 452b while at the same time not adding to floatation power of the lower plates 452a 452b, which are optionally intended to lie inside the water.

In some embodiments (not shown in <FIG>) the slots of the additional layer 459a 459b are parallel to ridges 458a 458b of the top plates 451a 451b.

In some embodiments the slots of the additional layer 459a 459b are optionally parallel and staggered relative to the ridges 458a 458b of the top plates 451a 451b, so that when the boom is packaged, the ridges fit into the slots, and the boom can potentially be packaged taking up less volume, or less thickness.

In some embodiments the lower plates 452a 452b are optionally connected to each other by a bottom plate <NUM> or flexible sheet <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments the bottom plate <NUM> or flexible sheet <NUM> includes slots <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments the slots <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM> are not sealed, potentially lightening weight of the bottom plate <NUM>, while at the same time not adding to floatation power of the bottom plate <NUM>, which is optionally intended to lie inside the water.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of units of a boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> is a bottom view of several units 471a of a boom connected to each other by flexible sections 471b.

<FIG> shows the units including additional plates <NUM> and bottom plates <NUM> which include slots and/or ridges.

In some embodiments the slots and ridges are optionally staggered so that the additional plates <NUM> and/or bottom plates <NUM> can be packaged taking up less space.

<FIG> also shows sponges <NUM> for opening up and keeping the additional plates <NUM> at an angle such as the angle <NUM> of <FIG>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of an end of a boom section and connector(s) to another boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows at an end of a boom section a flexible sheet <NUM>, similar to, by way of a non-limiting example, the flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> also shows one or more connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d attached to the flexible sheet <NUM>. The connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d are designed to mate with corresponding connectors attached to a corresponding flexible sheet at an end of an additional boom section, enabling an option of connecting boom sections together to make a longer boom.

In some embodiments the connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d optionally connect to corresponding connectors attached to an object, like a pylon of an oil rig, a quay, a pier, and so on, enabling to attach a boom end to such an object.

<FIG> shows an optional end plate <NUM> attached to the flexible sheet <NUM>.

In some embodiments the optional end plate <NUM> is made of a material which is rigid. A rigid end plate <NUM> potentially enables a user to align multiple connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d to multiple mating connectors, and connect the connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d faster and/or under a movement which can be expected in a floating vessel at sea.

In some embodiments the optional end plate <NUM> is made of two plates sandwiching the flexible sheet <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d are attached to the flexible sheet <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments the connector(s) 502a 502b 502c 502d are attached to the end plate <NUM> (not as shown in <FIG>).

In some embodiments the optional strap <NUM> is implemented as an optional strap <NUM>, optionally having a length approximately similar to a height of a deployed boom, and a width in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters.

In some embodiments the optional strap <NUM> is made of a material which is flexible and tear and/or cut and/or abrasion resistant. In some embodiments the optional strap <NUM> is made of a fabric material such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, Endumax Kevlar, Nomex, and Cordura.

In some embodiments a strengthening strap <NUM> such as the strengthening strap <NUM> described (but not shown) with reference to <FIG> is attached along the flexible sheet <NUM> all the way from one end of a boom section to another.

In some embodiments the strengthening strap <NUM> is optionally attached to the optional strap <NUM>, whether in a flexible embodiment of the optional strap <NUM> or in an embodiment of the optional end plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments the strengthening strap <NUM> optionally includes a handle <NUM> (not shown).

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of two ends of two boom sections connected to each other according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows at an end of a first boom section a flexible sheet 511a, similar to, by way of a non-limiting example, the flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG>, and at an end of a second boom section a flexible sheet 511b, also similar to, by way of a non-limiting example, the flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> also shows one or more connector(s) 512a 512b 512c 512d attached to the flexible sheet 511a, and one or more connector(s) 515a 515b 515c 515d attached to the flexible sheet 511b. The connector(s) 512a 512b 512c 512d are designed to mate with corresponding connector(s) 515a 515b 515c 515d attached to the flexible sheet 511b, enabling an option of connecting boom sections together to make a longer boom.

<FIG> shows an optional end plate 514a attached to the flexible sheet 511a, and an optional end plate 514b attached to the flexible sheet 511b.

<FIG> shows an optional strap 513a attached to the flexible sheet 511a, and an optional strap 513b attached to the flexible sheet 511b.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified line drawing illustrations of compactly packaging units of a boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a first example embodiment of an arrangement of packaging units <NUM> and flexible sheets <NUM> which connect the units <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, a length of the flexible sheet <NUM> between units <NUM> is short relative to a length of the unit <NUM>, and the boom section is packaged so that the connecting flexible sheets <NUM> appear at alternating sides of a package or cartridge <NUM> packaging the boom section.

<FIG> shows a second example embodiment of an arrangement of packaging units <NUM> and flexible sheets <NUM> which connect the units <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, a length of the flexible sheet <NUM> between units <NUM> is at least as long as a length of the unit <NUM>, and the boom section is packaged so that the connecting flexible sheets <NUM> connect to a unit <NUM> at one side, pass between the units <NUM>, and connect to a next unit <NUM> at an opposite side of a package or cartridge <NUM> packaging the boom section.

<FIG> shows a third example embodiment of an arrangement of packaging units <NUM> and flexible sheets <NUM> which connect the units <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, a length of the flexible sheet <NUM> between units <NUM> is longer than a length of the unit <NUM>. The boom section is packaged so that the connecting flexible sheets <NUM> connect to a unit <NUM> at one side, pass between the units <NUM>, optionally folded as one or more layers, and connect to a next unit <NUM> at an opposite side of a package or cartridge <NUM> packaging the boom section.

<FIG> shows a fourth example embodiment of an arrangement of packaging units <NUM> and flexible sheets <NUM> which connect the units <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, the boom section is packaged so that the connecting flexible sheets <NUM> connect to a unit <NUM> at one side, are inserted between the units <NUM>, optionally folded as one or more layers, and connect to a next unit <NUM> at a same side of a package or cartridge <NUM> packaging the boom section.

Various other ways of packaging flat units and flexible sheets which may be derived from the above examples by a person skilled in the art are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, a cartridge containing a boom section contains a boom section in a length of <NUM> to <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

In some embodiments a boom section is packaged in a carton.

In some embodiments a boom section is packaged in a water soluble cartridge.

In some embodiments a boom section is packaged in a cartridge, and one or more cartridges are optionally packaged into a pod.

In some embodiments a cartridge is waterproof, keeping the foam and/or sponges from taking up moisture, gaining weight and/or expanding when within the cartridge.

In some embodiments a connector plate loop, ring, or hook which is attached to one end of a boom section is also attached to the cartridge and/or to the pod, optionally assisting deployment of the boom by preventing an end of a boom section slipping out of the cartridge or the pod.

In some embodiments a user is provided with an opportunity to manually detach the loop/ring/hook from the cartridge/pod and attach the end of the boom section to an end of a next boom section, by virtue of the end of the boom section being prevented from slipping out of the cartridge or the pod.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified line drawing illustration of a sea anchor attached to a boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a boom section <NUM> made of units <NUM> connected to each other by spaces <NUM> where a flexible sheet connects the units <NUM>. In some embodiments the flexible sheet is a continuous sheet along the boom section <NUM>, connecting several units <NUM> and spanning several spaces <NUM>. In some embodiments one or both ends of the boom section <NUM> include a connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> may be used to connect an end of the boom section <NUM> to a sea anchor <NUM>.

In some embodiments one or more sea anchors may optionally serve to float together with and act as a floating anchor(s) to a deployed boom.

In some embodiments the sea anchor <NUM> optionally serves to anchor and/or drag one end of a boom section <NUM> while it is being deployed.

In some embodiments the boom section <NUM> optionally includes a continuous strap <NUM> along the boom section <NUM>, connecting one end of the boom section <NUM>, optionally one connecting plate <NUM>, to another end of the boom section <NUM>, optionally to another connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sea anchor is optionally connected to the strap <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sea anchor is optionally connected to the connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connecting plate <NUM> optionally includes a hook <NUM> and/or a loop or ring <NUM> which may be used to grasp or to hook or gaff an end of the boom <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for packaging a containment boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified illustrations of a small vessel for deploying a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> show a small vessel <NUM> suitable for deploying a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

Example embodiments of the boom are designed to be lightweight, and suitable for compact packaging, as described above with reference to <FIG>. Example embodiments of the boom are suitable for deployment from small vessels. Such small vessels are more likely to be easily found everywhere, sometimes even as lifeboats on oil rigs and/or larger vessels.

The vessel <NUM> drawn in <FIG> is a typical inflatable dinghy.

<FIG> show the vessel <NUM> with one or more cartridge(s) <NUM> which contain an example embodiment of a boom section.

In some embodiments, the vessel <NUM> also contains an optional device <NUM> for assisting deployment of the boom by sliding the boom into the water between guide rails 606a 606b.

In some embodiments, an end of a boom section is optionally tied to the vessel <NUM>, the cartridge <NUM>, the deployment assisting device <NUM> or the guide rails 606a 606b, in order to prevent potentially sliding into the water away from person deploying the boom.

In some embodiments one or more of the vessel <NUM>, the cartridge <NUM>, the deployment assisting device <NUM> and/or the guide rails 606a 606b includes a connector corresponding to, or mating with, one or more connectors of an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments a width <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> may be a width of a cartridge plus room for an operator to stand or sit next to the cartridge. In some embodiments a width <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> may be <NUM> meters.

In some embodiments a length <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> may be approximately a length of a cartridge. In some embodiments a length <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> may be <NUM> meters. In some embodiments a length <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> may be in a range of <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters and more. Despite the above description that a small vessel is suitable for deployment of an example embodiment of the boom, it is noted that a large vessel may also be used to deploy an example embodiment of the boom.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a vessel <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a top view of the vessel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the vessel <NUM> next to a pier, on which there are one or more cartridge(s) <NUM>, each one of which contains an example embodiment of a boom section.

<FIG> show the vessel <NUM> suitable for deploying a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention. The vessel <NUM> shown in <FIG> is, by way of a non-limiting example, a typical inflatable dinghy.

In some embodiments, an optional device <NUM> for assisting deployment of the boom by sliding the boom into the water is placed on the vessel <NUM>, attached to the vessel <NUM>, or even built onto the vessel <NUM>.

In some embodiments the device <NUM> includes a slide or one or more guide rails which guide the boom into the water.

In some embodiments the device <NUM> is placed in the vessel <NUM> so that a first end 705a of the device <NUM> is optionally under water and/or approximately at and/or near the surface of the water,, and s second end 705b of the device <NUM> optionally fits over an edge of the vessel <NUM> and guides the boom deployment so that units slide over the edge or the gunwale of the vessel <NUM>.

In some embodiment the device <NUM> is a perforated slide, potentially presenting less water resistance in a portion of the slide which is inside the water.

In some embodiments, the vessel <NUM> also contains one or more optional housing(s) <NUM> for housing one or more cartridge(s) <NUM> on the vessel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an end of a boom section is optionally tied to one or more of the vessel <NUM>, the device <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>, in order to prevent potentially sliding into the water away from the vessel <NUM>.

<FIG> show the boom deployment device <NUM>, also termed a boom deployment chute <NUM> or a slide <NUM>, including a first end 705a for deploying under water, and/or at a surface of the water and/or near the surface of the water, and a second end 705b for guiding the boom deployment over an edge of the vessel <NUM>. In some embodiments the boom deployment assistance device <NUM> has a shape of a slide leading over the edge of the vessel <NUM> toward and optionally into the water. In some embodiments the boom deployment assistance device <NUM> has a shape of a tube leading over the edge of the vessel <NUM> toward and optionally into the water.

In some embodiments the slide <NUM> is perforated, potentially exerting less drag on the vessel <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom deployment assistance device <NUM> has a shape of a slide leading over the edge of the vessel <NUM> into the water, and two facing edges of the slide <NUM> are shaped so as to accept edges of plates of the boom and guide then along the device <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified isometric illustration of a small vessel for deploying a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a vessel <NUM>, showing a housing <NUM> for one or more boom section cartridge(s) <NUM> on the vessel <NUM>, and a device <NUM> for deploying the boom.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a small vessel for deploying a boom according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a vessel <NUM> next to a pier, on which there are one or more cartridge(s) <NUM>, each one of which contains an example embodiment of a boom section.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified isometric view of a housing for boom section cartridges and a device for deploying boom sections according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a housing <NUM> with an on-board end <NUM> or door <NUM> open, to allow loading a boom section cartridge <NUM> into the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows how in some embodiments, a device <NUM> for deploying boom sections, such as a slide, is optionally aligned with a deployment end of the housing <NUM>, and/or attached to the deployment end of the housing <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified cut-away view of some parts of a housing for boom section cartridges and some boom section cartridges according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows an on-board end <NUM> or door <NUM> of a housing and a deployment end <NUM> or door of a housing, and several boom section cartridges <NUM> arranged between the on-board end <NUM> of the housing and the deployment end <NUM> of the housing. In some embodiments, more than one cartridge <NUM> is loaded into a housing.

In some embodiments one or more cartridges <NUM> are kept protected inside the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, for deployment, a housing <NUM> door <NUM> is optionally opened, to expose a cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is optionally opened and the boom is optionally pulled away from the cartridge <NUM> and optionally fed into a deployment chute such as the deployment chute <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified isometric view of a cartridge for packaging a boom section according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a cartridge <NUM> similar to, by way of some non-limiting example, the package described with reference to <FIG>, the cartridges <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and the cartridges <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

In some embodiments the cartridge <NUM> is moisture proof, optionally weather proof. In some embodiments, a humidity sensor or a humidity indicator is provided inside a cartridge <NUM>. In some embodiments a humidity indicator is packaged inside a transparent packaging of the cartridge <NUM>, so that it is possible to see an indication of moisture has reached inside the cartridge <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom is deployed by releasing the boom into the water approximately as fast as the vessel advances, that is, releasing into the water a length of boom approximately as long as a distance the vessel moves forward during the time it takes to pull out and release the boom.

In some embodiments the boom is deployed by a person pulling out a portion of the boom and releasing the portion of the boom into the water approximately as fast as the vessel advances, that is, the person releasing into the water a length of boom approximately as long as a distance the vessel moves forward during the time it takes to pull out and release the boom portion.

In some embodiments an end of the boom is deployed into water, and friction between the water and the boom is enough to pull the boom out of a cartridge as a deployment vessel moves forward. In some embodiments the boom is potentially pulled out of the cartridge at a speed of the deployment vessel.

In some embodiments, the boom is deployed by first attaching one end of a boom section to a sea anchor located at a first location, then navigating a vessel with a boom section cartridge away from the sea anchor while deploying the boom.

In some embodiments the boom is deployed by being dragged out of the boom section cartridge by the sea anchor pulling on the boom.

In some embodiments the boom is deployed by being dragged out of the boom section cartridge by the anchor pulling on the boom, the dragging out optionally performed via a boom deployment assistance device such as the boom deployment assistance devices <NUM><NUM><NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

In some embodiments a boom is made to be longer than a single boom section by connecting an additional boom section to and end of an existing boom section.

In some embodiments a boom is deployed by one vessel using an anchor to hold one end of the boom approximately in place on the water while navigating a course for laying the boom.

In some embodiments a boom is deployed by two vessels, a first vessel acting as an anchor to hold one end of the boom approximately in place on the water while the other vessel navigates a course for laying the boom.

In some embodiments a boom is deployed by two vessels, both vessels laying the boom while navigating a course around a spill.

In some embodiments the above-mentioned anchor is a fixed object, such as a pier. In some embodiments the anchor is a floating sea anchor. In some embodiments the anchor is a boat. In some embodiments the boom is attached to a metal boat or to a metal plate by a magnet at an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments a floating sea anchor is deployed once per boom sections, connected to an end of a boom section. In some embodiments a floating sea anchor is deployed once per several boom sections, connected to an end of a boom section.

In some embodiments the deployment vessel is an unmanned vessel. In some embodiments the deployment vessel is an unmanned vessel, optionally radio controlled from a nearby oil rig, pier, or jetty, or from an aircraft above, or remote controlled by satellite communications.

In some embodiments a boom is deployed in an open U shape floating on water, with a spill in the middle of the U. In some embodiments a boom is deployed in an open J shape floating on water, with a spill in the middle of the J. In some embodiments a boom is deployed in a closed shape floating on water surrounding a spill.

In some embodiments the boom floats and moves with the water, fully or partially surrounding the spill and moving with the spill.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are a simplified illustration of two boom section cartridges on a deployment vessel according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> is an isometric view, <FIG> is a top view, and <FIG> is a side view.

<FIG> show a deployment vessel <NUM> on which two boom section cartridges 824A 824B are arranged positioned so that a deployment device <NUM> such as a slide <NUM> may optionally include a ramp <NUM>. The ramp <NUM> can provide boom sections from at least two boom section cartridges 824A 824B to slide into the water via the slide <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified block diagram illustrations of boom deployment according to example embodiments of the invention.

<FIG> shows a boom <NUM> deployed, completely surrounding a spill <NUM>. It is noted that the boom <NUM>, even when completely surrounding the spill <NUM>, does not necessarily have to be circular, that is just a shape of the deployed boom <NUM> in <FIG>. It is noted that a width of the boom <NUM> is not necessarily drawn to scale relative to an area of the spill <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM> is optionally made of one or more boom sections such as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments the boom sections are optionally made of units <NUM> connected to each other by spaces <NUM> where a flexible sheet connects the units <NUM>, and optionally includes one or more optional connector plates <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a boom <NUM> deployed, in a J shape around a spill <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a boom <NUM> deployed, in a U shape around a spill <NUM>.

In some embodiments the boom <NUM><NUM><NUM> is optionally deployed close to the oil spill <NUM>, and the oil spill optionally contacts the boom <NUM><NUM><NUM>, potentially using the oil spill <NUM> to shape the shape of the boom <NUM><NUM><NUM> by pushing on the boom <NUM><NUM><NUM>. Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for preventing or limiting spread of a spill of a floating substance spilled into water according to an example embodiment of the invention.

thereby deploying the first boom around at least a portion of the spill, which limits spread of the spill.

In some embodiments, the unpacking and releasing the units of the first boom optionally includes deploying a sea anchor attached to the first boom.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for preventing or limiting spread of a spill of a floating substance spilled into water according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments, the boom cartridge is optionally stored in a vessel planned for potential boom deployment, and the action of optionally placing a boom cartridge in the deployment vessel is not necessary.

In some embodiments, more than one boom cartridge is optionally placed in the deployment vessel.

In some embodiments, more than one boom section is deployed, optionally connected end to end.

In some embodiments, the first end of the boom is optionally connected to a fixed object, such as a ship, an oil rig, a pier or an anchor.

In some embodiments, the first end of the boom is optionally connected to a floating object, such as a ship or a sea anchor.

In some embodiments, the boom is optionally placed freely floating with the oil spill.

As described above, some embodiments of the invention are lightweight, which potentially enables deployment from small craft, such as are easily found around bodies of water. Some non-limiting examples of small craft suitable for carrying and/or deploying a boom according to example embodiments include inflatable dinghies, lifeboats, small motor boats, and so on. On the other hand, such a boom may be deployed from larger vessels with no limitation to size.

In some embodiments a vessel which can carry one cartridge of one boom section, can be any vessel which can carry a cartridge weighing <NUM> kilograms and one person.

In some embodiments a vessel which can carry one cartridge of one boom section, can be any vessel which can carry a cartridge weighing <NUM> kilograms and two persons.

In some embodiments one or more person(s) can deploy an example embodiment of the boom from a float of a seaplane.

As described above, some embodiments of the invention require little or no training to deploy, needing at a minimum to be pulled out of a carton and placed in the water, or to be placed into a boom deployment assistance device such as the boom deployment assistance device <NUM> of <FIG>.

A potential benefit of using an untrained or less trained crew and lighter boom is that the boom can be stowed on-site in more locations, and deployed by people at hand instead of waiting for a trained deployment crew. Quicker deployment can mean less spread of the floating oil, possibly a thicker oil layer, potentially lowering evaporation of fumes.

In some embodiments there is no need for compressors, pumps, compressed air cartridge(s), generators or machinery or tools in order to deploy the boom, such as are widely used while deploying a traditional boom.

As used herein the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to ± <NUM> %.

The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of" is intended to mean "including and limited to".

For example, the term "a unit" or "at least one unit" may include a plurality of units, including combinations thereof.

The words "example" and "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as an "example or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from <NUM> to <NUM> should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM> etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A boom (<NUM>) for containing floating material spilled in water comprising:
an elongated sheet (<NUM>) comprising units (<NUM>) and spaces between the units, each one of the units comprising at least one lighter than water plate (401a, 401b) and at least one heavier than water plate (402a, 402b) attached to the sheet, designed to fold flat when packed, and to self-expand into a polygonal cross-sectional shape when deployed.