EXPANDING TAPE BARRIER

Abstract

An expandable liquid barrier having an expandable layer attached to an adhesive layer is disclosed. The barrier provides constant containment without restricting access or creating a hazard in an area. The barrier is generally low profile like a length of tape until contacted by a liquid. Once in contact with a liquid the barrier expands and provides containment of the liquid. One means for expanding the barrier in the presence of liquid is to provide an expandable fill, such as super absorbent polymer, between the layers. Other means for releasing expanding the barrier include using a water-soluble adhesive to hold a resilient expanding layer and providing contracting section which increases the profile of the barrier. The barrier may be used in combination with a switch to enable reaction to the spill.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a perspective view of an expanding liquid barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the low profile configuration of the barrier when liquid is not present and the expanded configuration when liquid contacts the barrier.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a cross-section of an expanding liquid barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the adhesive layer, expanding layer and expanding fill.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an expanding liquid barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the front and rear longitudinal edges and the permeable and impermeable sections of the expanding layer wherein apertures are provided to create permeability.

FIG. 4 illustrate a top view of an expanding liquid barrier according to another embodiment of the present invention showing the front and rear longitudinal edges and the permeable and impermeable sections of the expanding layer wherein the permeable section liquid pervious without apertures.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an expanding liquid barrier according to one embodiment of the present wherein the expanding layer is affixed to the adhesive layer at the rear longitudinal edge and the barrier is open at the front longitudinal edge.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the barrier shown in FIG. 5A further showing the expandable fill and flexible members.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the barrier shown in FIG. 5B showing the barrier's configuration when liquid is present.

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of the barrier shown in FIG. 5C.

FIG. 6A illustrates illustrate a cross-section of an expanding liquid barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention having a resilient expanding layer held in a low profile position by water soluble absorbent.

FIG. 6B illustrates the barrier of 6A when liquid is present.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a cross-section of an expanding liquid barrier having a contracting section which increases the profile of the expanding section when liquid is present according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates a cross-section of an expanding liquid barrier used in combination with a switch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the expandable liquid barrier may serve to divert a liquid to a receptacle or drain.

Claims

1. An expandable liquid barrier comprising: an adhesive layer attached to a base surface;an expanding layer attached to the adhesive layer; andan expandable fill disposed between the adhesive layer and the expanding layer,wherein liquid contact with the expandable fill causes the expandable fill to swell.

2. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the expandable fill is a super absorbent polymer.

3. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the expandable fill is a compressed sponge.

4. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the expandable fill is foam.

5. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer is a one-sided tape.

6. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein a separate adhesive secures the adhesive layer to the base surface.

7. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the barrier has a front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge, wherein the expanding layer is attached to the adhesive layer along the front longitudinal edge and the rear longitudinal edge.

8. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 1 wherein the barrier has a front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge, wherein the expanding layer is directly attached to the adhesive layer along the rear longitudinal edge, wherein the expanding layer is secured to the adhesive layer along front longitudinal edge by way of flexible members.

9. An expandable liquid barrier comprising: an adhesive layer attached to a base surface; andan expanding layer attached to the adhesive layer comprising a resilient material and soluble adhesive, the expanding layer folded upon itself and restrained in a low profile position by the water-soluble adhesive;whereby liquid contact with the barrier causes the soluble adhesive to dissolve releasing the resilient expanding layer.

10. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 9 wherein the liquid is water-based and the soluble adhesive is selected from the group consisting of cellulose ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl alcohol.

11. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 9 wherein the liquid is oil-based and the soluble adhesive is Ethoxylated nonylphenol or a Transition metal alkyl sulfonate.

12. An expandable liquid barrier comprising: an adhesive layer attached to a base surface;a contracting section connected to the adhesive layer and adjacent the base surface; andan expanding layer attached to the contracting section;whereby liquid contact with the contracting section causes the contracting section to shrink which bends and increases the profile of the expanding layer.

13. An expandable liquid barrier comprising: an adhesive layer attached to a base surface;an expanding layer attached to the adhesive layer; andmeans for expanding and heightening the barrier when the barrier is contacted by a liquid.

14. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 13 further comprising a switch in communication with the barrier, whereby the barrier activates a switch when liquid is present.

15. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 13 wherein the expandable liquid barrier provides containment of a liquid.

16. The expandable liquid barrier of claim 13 wherein the expandable liquid barrier diverts the liquid to a receptacle or drain.

17. A method for containing a leaking or spilled liquid comprising the steps of: providing an expandable, low profile barrier which expands upon contact with the spilled or leaking liquid; andaffixing the expandable, low profile barrier to a base surface.