TITLE OF THE INVENTION

PORTABLE CHEMICAL SPILL CONTROL DEVICE INVENTORS: DUHON, D. C, David, H. of 1040 Holly Dr.,

Lake Charles, LA 70601, US; PAGE, JR., Don, E., of 2201 W. Parkway, Groves, Texas 77619, US.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS In the US, this is a continuation of US Patent

Application Serial No. 10/940,005, filed 13 September 2004.

In the US, this is a continuation-in-part of US Patent

Application Serial No. 10/942,307, filed 14 September 2004.

In the US, priority of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/502,997, filed 15 September 2003, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"

Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable chemical spill control devices in the form of a foldable mat that can be positioned under a selected vehicle such as a truck, van, forklift or the like. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved foldable portable chemical spill control device that features a central absorbent cushion having an extended position periphery that contains a spring (preferably a spring steel rod) wherein the spring steel rod enables the device to be folded into a smaller package that is defined by multiple

circular wraps of the spring steel rods.

2. General Background of the Invention

Many vehicles carry fluid that can inadvertently leak with the vehicle is parked. Common examples include trucks, vans, automobiles, motorcycles, forklifts, construction equipment, earth movers and other equipment. Such devices can leak materials that are hazardous to the environment such as oil, gasoline, power steering fluid, grease, gear oil, brake fluid and the like.

Patents have been issued for spill control devices in the form of a mat that can be positioned under a selected vehicle, truck, van, forklift or the like.

Examples of such patents are listed in the following table:

6, 451, 405 OIL TARP ASSEMBLY September 17, 2002 FOR HEAVY MACHINERY

6, 475, 594 SORBENT MAT ASSEMBLY November 5, 2002

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved portable chemical spill control device that includes an expansive sheet of material having upper and lower surfaces and a periphery. The sheet of material is resistant to chemical fluid attack so that spills deposited upon the surface are contained on the upper surface. A peripheral bead can include a foldable portion that extends around the expansive sheet of material at its periphery, the bead including an elongated tensile member and a portion (e.g. folder portion) that holds or contains the elongated tensile member. A connection joins the peripheral bead to the expansive sheet of material in a configuration that can envelop the tensile member with the foldable portion.

The elongated tensile member can be moved between open and folded positions, wherein the tensile member subjects the expansive sheet of material to tension in the open position and maximizes its circumference. In the folded position, the tensile member can be folded to provide multiple loops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating various vehicles with the apparatus of the present invention shown in operating position under the vehicle;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of

the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a cross section edge detail; Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the rod connector detail; and

Figures 5-9 are sequential views illustrating a folding detail for the apparatus of the present invention. Figures 10-18 show another preferred embodiment, similar to that shown in Figures 1-9, but one in which the spring steel rod is replaced with a spring steel band. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated by the numeral 10 in Figures 1 and 2. Spill control apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 1 being positioned under a truck 11, a forklift 12, and van 13 such as an ambulance or other emergency or rescue vehicle. The apparatus 10 includes an absorbent mat 14 surrounded by edging material 15. The absorbent material 14 is preferably a solid sheet of material that absorbs substances that fall upon its upper surface 28. Examples of suitable absorbent material are polypropylene and polypropylene-universal. Edging material 15 envelops spring steel rod 16. Rod 16 can be an elongated rod that is joined using butt connector 19 (see Figure 4) . Butt connector 19 can be provided with sockets 20 that receive an end portion of spring steel rod 16 in each of the sockets 20 as shown in Figure 4. Stitching 18 can be used to attach edging material 15 to absorbent mat 14 while enveloping spring steel rod 16 as shown in Figure 3.

In Figure 2, an expanded position of the apparatus 10 is shown wherein the absorbent mat 14 is at its maximum length 29 and maximum width 30. In Figure 2, the numeral

22 indicates schematically the extended periphery of spill control apparatus 10. A lanyard 21 can be attached to edging material 15 for withdrawing spill control apparatus 10 from its operating position under a vehicle 11, 12 or 13.

Figures 5-9 show a folding detail for folding apparatus 10 beginning at the extended or expanded position in Figure 5 and continuing until a folded position of Figure 9 is achieved having folded the diameter 27 and folded outer periphery 31. In order to fold the apparatus, each end 32, 33 is folded inwardly as indicated by the arrow 23 in Figure 6. Each end has been folded in Figure 7 as indicated by arrow 24. In Figure 8, arrow 25 indicates that the apparatus 10 with both ends folded inwardly is then folded in half top to bottom as shown in Figure 8. The finished folded rounded shape is comprised of a plurality of loops of spring steel rod 16 as shown in Figure 9 having a periphery 31, a folded periphery 26 of reduced diameter 27. PARTS LIST:

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

Parts Number Description

10 spill control apparatus

11 truck

12 forklift

13 van

14 absorbent mat

15 edging material

16 spring steel rod

17 joint

18 stitching

19 butt connector

20 socket

21 lanyard

22 periphery extended

23 arrow

24 arrow

25 arrow 26 folded periphery

27 folded diameter

28 upper surface

29 length

30 width 31 periphery

32 end

33 end

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.