Floating barrier method and apparatus

An inflatable float boom for confining material floatable on a liquid surface comprising:

• a) a first elongated collapsible tube formed of fluid impervious material, said first tube defining a flat reelable configuration when collapsed;
• b) sealing means separating the interior of said first tube into a plurality of adjacent first compartments sequentially disposed along the length of said first tube;
• c) a second elongated collapsible tube formed of fluid impervious material and defining a flat reelable configuration when collapsed, said second tube having a substantially smaller diameter when expanded than said first tube with sealing means longitudinally securing said second tube to said first tube;
• and,
• d) inflatable flotation means comprising a spiral coil which, when inflated, biases against the wall of said first tube and disposed within said first compartments for expanding said first compartments, thereby displacing fluid to increase the buoyancy of the boom, said flotation means being coupled to said second tube for the supply of air thereto.

An inflatable float boom for confining material floatable on a liquid surface comprising:

• a) a first elongated collapsible tube formed of fluid impervious material, said first tube defining a flat reelable configuration when collapsed;
• b) sealing means separating the interior of said first tube into a plurality of adjacent first compartments sequentially disposed along the length of said first tube;
• and,
• c) inflatable flotation means disposed within said first compartments for expanding said first compartments, thereby displacing fluid to increase the buoyancy of the boom, said flotation means being coupled to inflation means for inflating said flotation means and comprising at least one spiral coil within each said first compartment for biasing said first compartment outwardly when inflated.