SEA BED FLUIDS EVACUATION BAG APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Serial

No. 60/749,549 filed December 12, 2006, entitled "Sea Bed Environmental Evacuation Bag

Apparatus" and US. Patent Application Serial No. 60/851,963 filed October 16, 2006, entitled "Sea Bed Environmental Evacuation Bag Apparatus." The entire specification of both of the foregoing applications is included herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates in general to a flexible bag, and more particularly to a sea bed environmental evacuation bag which is configured for the storage, removal and processing of oil and mud which is removed from the sea bed during offshore oil drilling. Of course, the apparatus is not limited to such use.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Off shore oil drilling in the various oceans and seas of the world creates certain environmental issues which require resolution. Among other problems, the drilling raises oil residue, sludge and sea bed materials from the sea bed to the surface of the drilling rig. In years past, this sea bed material was typically returned to the water proximate the drilling rig. Environmental regulations no longer permit such practices.

[0006] Among other solutions, certain disposable bags have been utilized to store and transport this material. These disposable bags are typically quite expensive and not reusable.

Moreover, these disposable bags often lack the required strength, especially when required to carry materials classified as dangerous and, thus, more highly regulated. Additionally, they may be difficult to fill, transport and empty, as they lack structures which facilitate the handling of such large and heavy loads for emptying. [0007] Other solutions have included the use of rigid containers. While these containers are typically stronger, they nevertheless suffer from other drawbacks. Rigid containers are quite difficult to store, especially on oil rigs wherein space is at quite a premium. Secondly, rigid containers are often difficult to transport and empty. [0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide for a reusable apparatus for the storage, transport and removal of waste, and particularly, waste material gathered from a sea bed during off shore drilling.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for removal of such material which is flexible and substantially collapsible so as to minimize the space necessary for stowage and storage. [0010] It is yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which includes assemblies which facilitate the emptying of the apparatus and the processing of such material.

[0011] These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention comprises a bag generally usable in association with the storage and transport of oil drilling mud, but not limited thereto, comprising a bag body, a hoisting assembly and an emptying assembly .The bag body includes a bottom region and a spout region. The hoisting assembly comprises a plurality of straps extending about the spout region of the bag body. The emptying assembly including an emptying strap coupled to the bottom region of the bag body.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a protective assembly is further provided. The protective assembly includes a cap member and a body attachment assembly. The cap member comprises extends over at least the bottom region of the bag body. The body attachment assembly attaches the cap member to the bag body.

[0014] In one such preferred embodiment, the bag body includes a side region extending between the bottom region and the spout region. The cap member extends about at least a portion of the side region. Additionally, the body attachment assembly further includes a plurality of cap straps attached to one of the cap member and the side region of the bag body and a corresponding plurality of cap buckles attached to the other of the cap member and the side region of the bag body.

[0015] In another embodiment, the cap buckles comprise a plurality of ring members coupled to the side region of the bag body. In one such embodiment, the cap member includes an opening through which the emptying strap is extended.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the bag body further includes a side region which has a substantially conical configuration terminating at the spout region.

[0017] In one such embodiment, the spout region comprises an elongated member which can be rolled about itself. A closure assembly is provided which is structurally configured to retain the spout region in a rolled configuration.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the closure assembly comprises a plurality of bracket assemblies positioned proximate the spout region of the bag body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of straps of the hoisting assembly each comprise a loop. Each end of the loop is coupled to the bottom region of the bag body.

The loop extends along a side region of the bag body and the middle region thereof is positioned above the spout region when the spout region is in a collapsed configuration. [0020] In another preferred embodiment, a pair of side panel strap retaining assemblies are coupled to the bag body about the side region thereof, sandwiching a portion of the loop therebetween, as the respective portion of the loop extends along the side region.

[0021 ] In another embodiment, three straps are substantially equally spaced about the side region of the bag body, each of the loop ends are coupled to a central region. [0022] In another preferred embodiment, the hoisting assembly further comprises a retaining loop encircling the central region to which the loop ends are coupled. Each loop end is coupled at two outward locations to the retaining loop.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment, the retaining loop is coupled to the bottom region of the bag body. [0024] In one embodiment, the emptying strap and each loop terminate at a central region.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the emptying strap includes a first end coupled to

the bottom region of the bag body and a second end. A stowage tab is provided on the side region of the bag body. The second end of the emptying strap is releasably coupled to the stowage tab when not in use.

[0026] In another aspect, a method of emptying a bag is disclosed as comprising the steps of: (a) grasping an emptying strap coupled to a bottom region of a bag body; (b) hoisting the emptying strap, to in turn, overturn the bag body; and (c) dispensing flowable material from within the bag body.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of: releasing straps by which the bag is to be hoisted prior to grasping the emptying strap. [0028] In another preferred embodiment, the method further includes the step of deploying a spout region from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

[0029] Preferably, the step of deploying further comprises the steps of: unbuckling a plurality of bracket assemblies surrounding the collapsed spout; and unrolling the collapsed spout to deploy same. [0030] In one embodiment, a portion of the bottom region of the bag body is covered with a cap member of a protective assembly, to, in turn, increase the durability of same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031 ] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the bag apparatus showing, in particular, an empty/filling configuration; [0033] Figure 2 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the bag apparatus showing, in particular, a filled/closed configuration;

[0034] Figure 3 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of the bag apparatus;

[0035] Figure 4 of the drawings comprises a bottom plan view of the bag apparatus;

[0036] Figure 5 of the drawings comprises a cross-sectional view of the bottom region of the bag body of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 of the drawings comprises an enlarged region of the bottom region of the bag body taken generally about circle 6 of Figure 5;

[0038] Figure 7 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the bag apparatus showing, in particular, an empty/filling configuration; [0039] Figure 8 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the bag apparatus showing, in particular, a filled/closed configuration;

[0040] Figure 9 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of the bag apparatus;

[0041 ] Figure 10 of the drawings comprises a bottom plan view of the bag apparatus;

[0042] Figure 11 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of the protective assembly;

[0043] Figure 12 of the drawings comprises a bottom plan view of the protective assembly;

[0044] Figure 13 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the protective assembly;

[0045] Figure 14 of the drawings comprises a cross-sectional view of the cap straps of the present invention; and [0046] Figure 15 of the drawings comprises a side elevation view of the container showing, in particular, the protective assembly in an installed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0048] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0049] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, sea bed environmental evacuation bag apparatus is shown generally at 10. The apparatus comprises bag body 12, closure assembly 14, hoisting assembly 16 and emptying assembly 18 (Figure 4) and protective assembly 19. The apparatus is generally configured for the removal of mud drillings in the oil industry, but not limited thereto. For example, the apparatus is typically filled with oil and mud residue from drillings which must be disposed of properly so as not to contaminate the environment. The construction of the apparatus is such that it may be reusable. Desirably, the apparatus has a useful life of at least two years. [0050] Bag body 12 includes bottom region 20, side region 22, funnel region 24 and spout region 26. The bag body is formed from a flexible material (typically, a PVC based material, although not limited thereto). As such, the bag body is capable of collapsing upon

itself so as to minimize the amount of space that the empty apparatus requires for storage. As will be understood, on oil rigs, space is at a premium. It wall be understood that an inner liner (shape mating or otherwise) may be inserted into the cavity of the bag body. Such a liner may comprise a polymer member which can be replaced after each use. Such a liner typically enhances the life and the repeated use of the bag body.

[0051] With reference to Figures 5, bottom region 20 includes outer reinforcement panel 30, inner reinforcement panel 32 and center opening 36. As is shown in greater detail in Figure 5 cooperatively with Figure 6, these components cooperate to define inner containment region 34 wherein the center opening 36 provides ingress thereinto. [0052] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, side region 22 includes lower end 40 and upper end 42. Lower end 40 extends from bottom region 20. The side region is defined as a conical configuration, while other configurations are contemplated (such as cylindrical, among others). It has been found that a conical configuration aids the stability as well as the collapsibility of the bag body. [0053] Funnel region 24 is shown in Figure 1 as including wide end 46 and narrow end 48. Wide end 46 extends from the upper end 42 of the side region. Finally, spout region 26 extends from narrow end 48 of funnel region 24 and comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical member. The foregoing bag body components define inner bag cavity 47 and spout region 26 includes opening 49 providing ingress into bag cavity 47 (Figure 3). Such a funnel region may be eliminated from other embodiments, such as is shown with respect to the embodiment of Figures 7 through 10. [0054] Closure assembly 14 includes a plurality of bracket assemblies 50a and 50b.

The bracket assemblies include a first bracket component and a second mating bracket component. Each of the bracket components is positioned on opposing sides of opening 49 and spaced apart therefrom. The closure assembly is shown in Figure 1 in an undeployed condition. To close the spout, the spout can be rolled about itself to substantially seal opening 49. Subsequently, the bracket components. are then matingly joined so as to maintain the spout in a rolled configuration. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 2. [0055] Hoisting assembly 16 is shown in Figure 4 as comprising cradle 52, side panel strap retaining members 54, bottom panel strap retaining members 53, straps, such as strap 56 and retaining loop 58. Cradle 52 comprises a ring-like flange substantially surrounding center opening 36. Cradle 52 includes body 57 and a plurality of openings 59 spaced substantially evenly about the circumference of body 57.

[0056] Side panel strap retaining member 54 are shown in Figure 1 as each comprising a panel substantially extending from lower end 40 of side region 22 to upper end 42 of side region 22. Member 54 will be described with the understanding that each of the members are substantially identical. Opposing slots 61 , 63 are positioned at either end of the member and substantially correspond to the width of the straps 56. The member cooperates with the bag body so as to define elongated channel 67 with opposing slots. The elongated channel substantially corresponds to the width of the straps 56. [0057] Similarly, the bottom panel strap retaining members 53 are shown in Figure 4 as comprising a panel extending over a portion of the bottom region of the bag body. The panel includes opposing slots 161, 163 which define an elongated channel 167. The configuration of these bottom panel strap retaining members is substantially identical in

configuration to that of the side panel strap retaining members.

[0058] Straps, such as straps 56 comprise a length of woven polymer film. A total of four straps are utilized on the preferred embodiment. With reference to Figure 4, each strap 56 includes first end 64 and second end 66. First end 64 includes first loop 68 and second end 66 includes second loop 69. Each strap is formed into a loop that originates and terminates proximate cradle 52. Retaining loop 58 comprises a strap having a length which is substantially similar to the perimeter of cradle body 57. The strap includes a closure member so that it can be attached end to end to create a hoop. [0059] With reference to Figure 4, emptying assembly 18 includes emptying strap 60 and stowage tab assembly 62. The emptying strap 60 comprises a two ply member which includes first end 70 and second end 72. As is shown in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6, first end 70 is extended through center opening 36 and attached to the bag body in the inner containment region 34 to either or both of the reinforcement panels 30, 32. Referring again to Figure 4, stowage tab assembly 62 comprises attachment member 76 coupled to second end 72 of the emptying strap 60 and mating attachment member 78 (Figure 1) coupled to side region 22 of bag body 12. As such, the second end of the strap can be secured to the side region of the bag body when not in use.

[0060] With reference to Figures 1 and 4, to assemble hoisting assembly 16, first end

64 of strap 56 is extended through a side panel strap retaining assembly. First it is inserted through first slot 61, through the elongated channel and finally out through the second slot

63. Similarly, the second end 66 is extended through an adjacent side panel strap retaining assembly in a similar fashion. The first end 64 is extended through opening 59 of cradle 52.

Similarly, second end 66 is extended through adjacent opening 59 of cradle 52. Each of the other three straps are similarly threaded through the respective side panel strap retaining assemblies and then extended through respective openings of cradle 52. Once all of the retaining straps have been positioned, retaining loop 58 is threaded through each of loops 68, 69 of each strap. Once extended through each of the loops, the retaining loop is fastened to itself so as to form the ring.

[0061] An alternate embodiment is shown in Figures 7 through 10. With particular reference to Figure 10, strap loops 68 and 69 of straps 56 are spaced apart from the first and second ends respectively. In such an embodiment, the first and second ends of the strap extend to the central region of the bottom region of the bag body. Additionally, each of the first and second ends interface with the first end of the emptying strap 60 all about the central region of the bottom region. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, further cradle straps 91 are provided which are attached to the bottom region of the bag body and which form a loop with the bottom region of the bag body. The cradle straps 91 are positioned between each of the strap ends. The retaining loop in such an embodiment is extended through the loop formed in the cradle straps and through the loops in the straps. With such an embodiment, the emptying strap is provided with further strength as it is associated with the cradle straps and the straps of the hoisting assembly. [0062] Protective assembly 19 is shown in Figures 11 through 15 as comprising cap member 80 and cap attachment assembly 82. The cap member is optionally utilized when additional protection is desired or required for a particular application. The cap member 80 includes base region 84 and side region 86. The base region surrounds the bottom region 20

of bag body 12, and, as such generally has a circular configuration. A central opening 88 is included which provides an opening through which the emptying strap 60 can be extended. [0063] The side region 86 surrounds the lower end 40 of side region 22 and terminates at upper edge 89. The cap member is sized so that the cap member is shaped to correspond to the shape of the covered portions of the bag body 12. For example, the base region is substantially planar, and the side region is angled inwardly so as to present a frusto- conical configuration.

[0064] Typically, the cap member is formed from the same material as the bag body, however, other materials, including polymers and fiber based materials, including combinations of both, are contemplated for use. One contemplated material comprises a heavy duty PVC material.

[0065] The body attachment assembly 82 is shown in collectively in Figures 7, 9, 13 and 14 as comprising cap straps, such as cap strap 90, and cap buckles, such as cap buckle 92. The cap straps are coupled, in the embodiment shown, to the cap member. In the embodiment shown, eight strap members are substantially equidistantly spaced about the circumference of the side region 86 of the cap member 80.

[0066] With reference to Figure 14, each strap 90 comprises first web member 96 and second web member 98. The first web member is coupled at a first end to the side region 86 of the cap member. The second end thereof extends outwardly beyond the upper edge 89 of the side region 86. The second web member 98 is coupled at a first end to the second region

86 of the cap member on a side opposite of the first web member, thereby sandwiching the cap member therebetween. The second end thereof extends beyond the upper edge 89 at

which point, the first web member 96 and the second web member 98 are stitched to each other. The resulting strap 90 is substantially stronger through the use of multiple web members. Of course, other manners of attachment of the strap to the cap member is contemplated, and the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the strap may be connected through adhesive, welding, amongst other methods of attachment of same.

[0067] Cap buckles 92 are shown in Figure 8 as comprising ring members 103, 104 which are coupled to bag body 12 by ring attachment member 105. The ring attachment member comprises a strap 107 extending through each of the ring members, and strap coupling member which couples either end of the strap 107 to the bag body, capturing the ring members therein.

[0068] In other embodiments, the cap buckles 92 may comprise a ring member, and the cap straps may include a clasp or the like, or may comprise a hook and loop fastener components coupled to the cap straps, so that the cap straps are attached to each other after extending through the ring member. In such an embodiment, the clasp may be connected to the ring member. In yet other embodiments, mating clasp structures (clasps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. can be coupled to each of the cap straps and the cap buckles to join same. In a further embodiment, the body attachment assembly may comprise an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, etc., which directly attaches the cap member to the bag body. Indeed, the body attachment assembly is not limited to the embodiment shown.

[0069] In operation, once the apparatus has been fully assembled, the apparatus can be stored in a collapsed configuration (as the body is quite flexible). In certain embodiments,

the bag may be used without the protective assembly 19. In other embodiments, the protective assembly is required. As such, the protective assembly can be coupled to the bag body 12 either prior to collapsing, or just prior to use, or even during or after filling. To couple the protective assembly to the bag body, the two are first positioned in an abutting manner in the desired orientation. Next, the bag attachment assembly is utilized to couple the cap member in the overlying orientation to the bag body 12. Carefully, the emptying strap 60 is extended through opening 88 of the cap member base region 84.

[0070] To utilize the bag, opening 49 in the spout is opened, thereby providing ingress into cavity 47. Once the cavity 47 is filled, the cavity spout can be rolled about itself. Next, the closure assembly 14 can be employed to seal the opening of the spout. Specifically, the plurality of bracket assemblies 50a and 50b are coupled once the spout is rolled about itself.

[0071] Through the hoisting assembly, a crane or other hoisting device can be employed to lift and move the filled container. In particular the hoisting assembly grasps each of the straps about the upper loop thereof. As will be understood, the specific gravity of the material that is to be contained within the apparatus has a specific gravity which is almost twice that of water. As such, the apparatus may weigh as much as four to five tons. As such, the hoisting device must be of substantial strength. [0072] The filled apparatus may then be transported or otherwise delivered to a site wherein the material can be processed. To effectuate the emptying of the apparatus, emptying assembly 18 can be employed. Specifically, the stowage tab assembly can be released so that the second end is freed from the side region of the bag body. Second end 72 of the emptying

strap is then attached to a hoisting device. The hoisting device is then raised so that the emptying strap flips the container into an upside-down configuration. Once in the upside down configuration, the closure assembly can be released wherein the material contained within cavity 47 is released through opening 49 of the spout. In certain embodiments, the closure assembly may be released first prior to the inversion of the bag body.

[0073] Once emptied, the apparatus is returned to the ground. The outside and cavity

47 can be cleaned with various fluids and materials. The second end of emptying strap 18 can be reattached to side region 22 of bag body 12. The various straps, retaining loop, and bag body can be inspected for damage, repaired if necessary. The apparatus is then ready for reuse.

[0074] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.