FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for containing waste, such as sandblasting debris, that is created during a maintenance operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Metallic surfaces such as decks, tanks and hulls of maritime vessels are often exposed to a corrosive environment resulting in rust that requires maintenance on the surface. One such form of maintenance is sandblasting, in which a jet of sand is driven onto the surface by compressed air or steam to roughen or clean the surface. Sandblasting and other maintenance actions create debris or other hazardous environments that are difficult to contain. One conventional technology includes the installation and use of a temporary containment, but such solutions are labor-intense, costly, and not always effective. In addition, they are generally only suitable for one-time use. Another solution for a maritime vessel is to place the vessel into a dry dock in a shipyard and then blast and coat the corroded surfaces. This requires the acquisition of appropriate permits and is very costly.

[0003] These and other shortcomings are addressed by aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus for containing waste from a maintenance operation on a target surface, the apparatus including: an enclosure including an enclosed volume for containing waste from the maintenance operation; a mating surface for sealing the enclosure to the target surface; a vacuum nozzle port configured to be attached to a vacuum system which creates a vacuum within the enclosure to remove waste from the maintenance operation; and at least one sealable port for receiving a maintenance tool. Methods for operating the apparatus are further described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed in the present document.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of a waste containment apparatus according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of a waste containment apparatus according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of a waste containment apparatus according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of piping and mating surface with air gap for an apparatus according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of a waste containment apparatus including a blast glove according to aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the Examples included therein. In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for containing waste from a maintenance operation on a target surface, the apparatus including: an enclosure including an enclosed volume for containing waste from the maintenance operation; a mating surface for sealing the enclosure to the target surface; a vacuum nozzle port configured to be attached to a vacuum system which creates a vacuum within the enclosure to remove waste from the maintenance operation; and at least one sealable port for receiving a maintenance tool.

[0012] Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim. [0014] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0015] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

Definitions

[0016] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0017] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” includes aspects having more than one opening.

[0018] As used herein, the term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, and the like.

[0019] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first value) to another value (second value). When such a range is expressed, the range includes in some aspects one or both of the first value and the second value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the designated value, approximately the designated value, or about the same as the designated value. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect at the time of filing this application.

[0022] Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.

[0023] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

Waste Containment Apparatus

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus 100 for containing waste from a maintenance operation on a target surface, the apparatus 100 including: an enclosure 110 including an enclosed volume 120 for containing waste from the maintenance operation; a mating surface 130 for sealing the enclosure 110 to the target surface; a vacuum nozzle port 140 configured to be attached to a vacuum system 300 which creates a vacuum within the enclosure 110 to remove waste from the maintenance operation; and at least one sealable port 150 for receiving a maintenance tool.

[0025] The mating surface 130 includes in some aspects an air gap 160. The vacuum nozzle port 140 is attached to the air gap 160, with for example piping 170. Air is removed from the air gap 160 through the vacuum nozzle port 140 to create the vacuum within the enclosure 110. The vacuum is created by the vacuum system 300 which may be attached to the vacuum nozzle port 140. In some aspects the vacuum nozzle port 140 includes a release 180 with an opening that opens into the enclosure 110. Operating the release 180 breaks the seal between the vacuum system 300 and the air gap 160, removing the vacuum from the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 can then, e.g., be moved to another location on the target surface or removed altogether if the maintenance operation is complete.

[0026] In some aspects an air filtration system 400 may be used in conjunction with the apparatus 100. For example, the apparatus 100 may include an air filtration system 400 attached to an outlet of the vacuum nozzle port 140 between the vacuum nozzle port and the vacuum system 300. In this manner, air exiting the enclosure 110 of the apparatus 100 may be cleaned before being passed through the vacuum system 300 and exhausted to the atmosphere. The vacuum system 300 and air filtration system 400 are conventional systems. In a particular aspect the air filtration system 400 is a high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) system.

[0027] The apparatus 100 is portable in some aspects. In other words, the apparatus 100 is small and light enough to be easily set-up, operated and moved by one person. In particular aspects the apparatus weighs less than about 50 pounds.

[0028] As discussed the apparatus 100 includes at least one sealable port 150 for receiving a maintenance tool. Any suitable tool that could be useful when performing maintenance on a target surface may be included, such as but not limited to a sandblasting containment unit, a blast hose, or a combination thereof. Exemplary target surfaces for which the apparatus 100 may be suitable include a deck, tank or hull of a maritime vessel. In certain aspects the apparatus 100 includes a plurality of sealable ports 150 for allowing one or more maintenance tools to be inserted into the enclosure 110 at a plurality of locations on the enclosure 110. In further aspects the at least one sealable port 150 includes a perforated gasket through which the maintenance tool can be inserted.

[0029] In some aspects the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation, a grinding operation, a painting operation, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation.

[0030] Any type of waste may be removed by the apparatus 100, including but not limited to rust, paint, lead, dirt, oil, grease, or a combination thereof. The waste may include Hazmat (hazardous materials). In specific aspects the apparatus allows zero escapement of waste to the exterior atmosphere during operation. As a result, the apparatus may satisfy Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) and Marine Chemist requirements for use on oil tankers and gasoline barges.

[0031] In some aspects the apparatus 100 includes at least one glove port 190 for receiving a blast hose glove 200. The blast hose glove 200 allows a user to insert their hand into the enclosure 110 and operate the one or more maintenance tools, while also protecting the user’s hand from the environment within the enclosure 110. The blast hose glove 200 may be easily replaceable when necessary.

[0032] In further aspects (not illustrated) the apparatus 100 includes a lighting unit located within the enclosure. The lighting unit may be an explosion-proof lighting unit to prevent a fire or explosion from waste generated within the enclosure 110 during operation of the apparatus 100.

[0033] To allow the user to more easily operate the at least one maintenance tool on the target surface, in some aspects the apparatus 100 includes at least one window 210 located on the enclosure 110. The at least one window 210 may include, but is not limited to, glass, a polymer film, or a combination thereof.

[0034] The target surface need not be a flat surface as long as the mating surface 130 of the apparatus 100 makes sufficient contact with the target surface to allow a vacuum to be formed within the enclosure 110. In some aspects the target surface is a flat surface, an angled surface or a curved surface and the mating surface is shaped to seal the enclosure to the target surface. In addition, the enclosure may be shaped to promote formation of a vortex within the enclosure to aid in removal of the waste. The shape of the mating surface and/or the enclosure may in some aspects be cylindrical, square or rectangular.

[0035] In specific aspects the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation operating at a Society for Protective Coatings (SPCC) standard of SP 10. Further, the apparatus 100 may contain waste from the sandblasting operation with no escapement of the waste to an atmosphere surrounding the apparatus. The apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with dry sand blasting or vapor blasting.

[0036] In operation, the operator places the apparatus 100 on the target surface so that the mating surface 130 abuts the target surface, attaches the vacuum nozzle port 140 to an external vacuum system 300 and optional air filtration system 400, inserts at least one maintenance tool through at least one of the sealable ports 150, and engages the vacuum system 300 to cause a vacuum to be formed within the enclosure. The operator may then perform the maintenance operation on the target surface. When the maintenance operation on the particular target surface is completed, the operator may turn off the vacuum system and/or otherwise break the vacuum seal on the apparatus 100 (such as by operating the release 180). The apparatus 100 may then be moved to another target surface to continue the maintenance operation.

[0037] The apparatus of the present disclosure provides numerous benefits as compared to conventional surface cleaning methods and techniques, including but not limited to: avoiding deficiency reports from various regulatory agencies; avoiding costly emergent repairs and loss of service time; allowing for management and maintenance of operating budgets; the apparatus delivers a better service, higher quality and longevity, thus reducing operational and capital expenses; and when used in place of drydocking the apparatus can save customers hundreds of thousands of dollars on each vessel by eliminating dock fees, lay days and out-of-service time.

[0038] Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim.

Aspects of the Disclosure

[0039] In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to and includes at least the following aspects.

[0040] Aspect 1. An apparatus for containing waste from a maintenance operation on a target surface, the apparatus comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of: an enclosure comprising an enclosed volume for containing waste from the maintenance operation; a mating surface for sealing the enclosure to the target surface; a vacuum nozzle port configured to be attached to a vacuum system which creates a vacuum within the enclosure to remove waste from the maintenance operation; and at least one sealable port for receiving a maintenance tool.

[0041] Aspect 2. The apparatus according to Aspect 1, wherein the target surface is a deck, tank or hull of a maritime vessel.

[0042] Aspect 3. The apparatus according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation, a grinding operation or a painting operation.

[0043] Aspect 4. The apparatus according to Aspect 3, wherein the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation. [0044] Aspect 5. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the waste comprises rust, paint, lead, dirt, oil, grease, or a combination thereof.

[0045] Aspect 6. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the vacuum nozzle port comprises a release for releasing the vacuum within the enclosure.

[0046] Aspect 7. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the mating surface comprises an air gap, the vacuum nozzle port is attached to the air gap, and air is removed from the air gap through the vacuum nozzle port to create the vacuum within the enclosure.

[0047] Aspect 8. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with an air filtration system attached to an outlet of the vacuum nozzle port.

[0048] Aspect 9. The apparatus according to Aspect 8, wherein the air filtration system is a high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) system.

[0049] Aspect 10. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is portable.

[0050] Aspect 11. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus weighs less than about 50 pounds.

[0051] Aspect 12. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the maintenance tool is a sandblasting containment unit, a blast hose, or a combination thereof. [0052] Aspect 13. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of sealable ports for allowing the maintenance tool to be inserted into the enclosure at a plurality of locations on the enclosure.

[0053] Aspect 14. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the at least one sealable port comprises a perforated gasket through which the maintenance tool can be inserted.

[0054] Aspect 15. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 14, further comprising at least one glove port for receiving a blast hose glove.

[0055] Aspect 16. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 15, further comprising an explosion-proof lighting unit located within the enclosure.

[0056] Aspect 17. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 16, further comprising at least one window located on the enclosure.

[0057] Aspect 18. The apparatus according to Aspect 17, wherein the at least one window comprises glass, a polymer film, or a combination thereof. [0058] Aspect 19. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 18, wherein the target surface is a flat surface, an angled surface or a curved surface and the mating surface is shaped to seal the enclosure to the target surface.

[0059] Aspect 20. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein the enclosure is shaped to promote formation of a vortex within the enclosure to aid in removal of the waste.

[0060] Aspect 21. The apparatus according to Aspect 19 or 20, wherein the shape is cylindrical, square or rectangular.

[0061] Aspect 22. The apparatus according to any of Aspects 1 to 21, wherein the maintenance operation is a sandblasting operation operating at a Society for Protective Coatings (SPCC) standard of SP 10, and the apparatus contains waste from the sandblasting operation with no escapement of the waste to an atmosphere surrounding the apparatus. [0062] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereol) may be used in combination with each other. Other aspects can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may he in less than all features of a particular disclosed aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or aspects, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect, and it is contemplated that such aspects can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.