U.S. patent application number 13/460981 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for removable high velocity blast cabinet vestibule.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert A. Robinson. Invention is credited to Robert A. Robinson.
Application Number | 20130295822 13/460981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49512849 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130295822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson; Robert A. |
November 7, 2013 |
REMOVABLE HIGH VELOCITY BLAST CABINET VESTIBULE
Abstract
Provided is an easily entrance vestibule configured to be
quickly and easily installed on a conventional blasting machine,
wherein the entrance vestibule includes an entrance channel
configured to allow work-pieces to enter the blasting machine for
blasting operations. The entrance vestibule is configured to create
an airflow through the entrance channel to urge particulate from
escaping the blasting machine through the entrance channel. The
entrance vestibule is further configured to allow for quick and
easy removal of the vestibule from the blasting machine at the
conclusion of the blasting operations.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Robert A.;
(Glenwood, NM) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robinson; Robert A. |
Glenwood |
NM |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49512849 |
Appl. No.: |
13/460981 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24C 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/89 |
International
Class: |
B24C 9/00 20060101
B24C009/00 |
Claims
1. An entrance vestibule for use with an abrasive blasting machine
for blasting a work-piece with particulate, the abrasive blasting
machine having a housing defining an inner blasting chamber and a
housing opening in communication with the inner blasting chamber,
the abrasive blasting machine having a vacuum device which creates
a negative pressure within the inner blasting chamber during
operation of the abrasive blasting device, the entrance vestibule
comprising: a base plate having an inner surface, an opposing outer
surface and a base plate opening extending from the inner surface
to the outer surface, the base plate being configured to be
detachably engageable with the housing to substantially cover the
housing opening; and an extension member connected to the base
plate and having a first end and a second end to define an
extension member length therebetween, the extension member defining
an entrance channel extending from the first end to the second end
and aligned with the base plate opening to allow for passage of a
work-piece into the inner blasting chamber through the entrance
channel and base plate opening; wherein the entrance channel is
configured to allow ambient air to enter the inner blasting chamber
through the entrance channel, the extension member defining a
length sufficient to maintain the negative pressure within the
inner chamber to mitigate escape of the particulate through the
entrance channel during operation of the abrasive blasting
machine.
2. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, wherein the base plate is
configured to be engageable with the housing to define a fluid
tight seal therebetween.
3. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, wherein the base plate is
configured to be pivotally engageable with the housing to be
pivotal between an open position and a closed position, the base
plate substantially covering the housing opening when the base
plate is in the closed position and the housing opening being
substantially uncovered by the base plate when the base plate is in
the open position.
4. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, further comprising pin hinges
connected to the base plate, the pin hinges configured to be
pivotally engageable with the housing.
5. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, wherein the first end and the
second end of the extension member are on opposing sides of the
base plate.
6. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, further comprising a support
track connected to the extension member, the support track
including a rail defining a groove configured to support the
work-piece.
7. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, wherein the support track
includes a track roller disposed within the groove and configured
to facilitate translation of the work-piece along the support
track.
8. The entrance vestibule of claim 1 further comprising a plurality
of bristles extending at least partially across the entrance
channel in a transverse direction.
9. The entrance vestibule of claim 1, further comprising a latch
connected to the base plate and moveable between a locked
configuration, wherein the latch engages with the housing to
mitigate pivotal movement of the base plate relative to the
housing, and an unlocked configuration, wherein the latch is
disengaged from the housing to allow pivotal movement of the base
plate relative to the housing.
10. An entrance vestibule kit for use with an abrasive blasting
machine for blasting a work-piece with particulate, the abrasive
blasting machine having a housing defining an inner blasting
chamber and a housing opening in communication with the inner
blasting chamber, the abrasive blasting machine having a primary
fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a vacuum device in fluid
communication with the fluid outlet to creates a negative pressure
within the inner blasting chamber during operation of the abrasive
blasting device, the entrance vestibule comprising: an entrance
vestibule comprising: a base plate having an inner surface, an
opposing outer surface and a base plate opening extending from the
inner surface to the outer surface, the base plate being configured
to be engageable with the housing to substantially cover the
housing opening; and an extension member connected to the base
plate and having a first end and a second end to define an
extension member length therebetween, the extension member defining
an entrance channel extending from the first end to the second end
and aligned with the base plate opening to allow for passage of a
work-piece into the inner blasting chamber through the entrance
channel and base plate opening; wherein the entrance channel is
configured to allow ambient air to enter the inner blasting chamber
through the entrance channel, the extension member defining a
length sufficient to maintain the negative pressure within the
inner chamber to mitigate escape of the particulate through the
entrance channel during operation of the abrasive blasting machine;
and a block-off plate positionable within the housing and in fluid
communication with the fluid outlet, the block-off plate being
moveable relative to the fluid outlet to control the fluid flow
through the fluid outlet to modify the negative pressure within the
interior compartment.
11. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, wherein the base plate is
configured to be engageable with the housing to define a fluid
tight seal therebetween.
12. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, wherein the base plate is
configured to be pivotally engageable with the housing to be
pivotal between an open position and a closed position, the base
plate substantially covering the housing opening when the base
plate is in the closed position and the housing opening being
substantially uncovered by the base plate when the base plate is in
the open position.
13. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, further comprising pin
hinges connected to the base plate, the pin hinges configured to be
pivotally engageable with the housing.
14. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, wherein the first end and
the second end of the extension member are on opposing sides of the
base plate.
15. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, further comprising a
support track connected to the extension member, the support track
including a rail defining a groove configured to support the
work-piece.
16. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, wherein the support track
includes a track roller disposed within the groove and configured
to facilitate translation of the work-piece along the support
track.
17. The entrance vestibule of claim 10 further comprising a
plurality of bristles extending at least partially across the
entrance channel in a transverse direction.
18. The entrance vestibule of claim 10, further comprising a latch
connected to the base plate and moveable between a locked
configuration, wherein the latch engages with the housing to
mitigate pivotal movement of the base plate relative to the
housing, and an unlocked configuration, wherein the latch is
disengaged from the housing to allow pivotal movement of the base
plate relative to the housing.
19. An entrance vestibule for use with an abrasive blasting machine
for blasting a work-piece with particulate, the abrasive blasting
machine having a housing defining an inner blasting chamber and a
housing opening in communication with the inner blasting chamber,
the abrasive blasting machine having a vacuum device which creates
a negative pressure within the inner blasting chamber during
operation of the abrasive blasting device, the entrance vestibule
comprising: a base plate having an inner surface, an opposing outer
surface and a base plate opening extending from the inner surface
to the outer surface, the base plate being configured to be
engageable with the housing to substantially cover the housing
opening; and an extension member connected to the base plate and
having a first end and a second end to define an extension member
length therebetween, the extension member defining an entrance
channel extending from the first end to the second end and aligned
with the base plate opening to allow for passage of a work-piece
into the inner blasting chamber through the entrance channel and
base plate opening.
20. The entrance vestibule of claim 19, wherein the base plate is
configured to be engageable with the housing to define a fluid
tight seal therebetween.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to an abrasive
blasting machine, and more particularly to an easily
attachable/detachable entrance vestibule for an abrasive blasting
machine that allows a long work-piece to extend through the
entrance vestibule for abrasive treatment while at the same time
mitigating abrasive/particulate escape from the blasting
machine.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Blast cabinets are well-known in the art and are typically
utilized to clean or generally prepare surfaces of a work-piece by
directing high pressure fluid containing abrasive blast media or
blast particulate toward the work-piece. The abrasive blast
particulate is typically a relatively hard material such as sand,
sodium bicarbonate (i.e., baking soda), metallic shot or glass
beads although many other materials may be selected for use as the
blast particulate.
[0007] The blast cabinet typically includes a housing supported on
legs, wherein the housing typically defines a generally air tight
enclosure having a pair of arm holes with gloves hermetically
sealed thereto such that an operator may manipulate a blast hose
and/or the work-piece for blasting thereof within the enclosure.
The blast hose is configured to direct the high pressure fluid such
as air carrying the blast particulate at high velocity toward the
work-piece surfaces. The blast cabinet typically includes a
transparent window to allow the operator to manipulate the
work-piece and to visually observe the progress of the blasting
operation.
[0008] During blasting, the blast particulate bounces off of the
work-piece and is generally violently thrown about within the
enclosure. Given that the blasting generally is performed in an
air-tight enclosure, the particulate remains within the blast
cabinet during the blasting operation. A blower may be connected to
the blasting machine to create a negative pressure within the
enclosure to collect the particulate within a hopper. The collected
particulate may be re-circulated through the system and used as an
abrasive during subsequent blasting operations.
[0009] In most conventional blasting machines, the containment of
the particulate is made possible by forming the air-tight enclosure
during blasting operations. In this regard, most blasting machines
include a door that may be opened to allow for insertion of the
work-piece into the machine, wherein the door is configured to form
an air-tight seal with the housing when the door is closed.
[0010] The above-described configuration may be feasible for
smaller work-pieces that can fit within the enclosure defined by
the blasting machine. However, larger pieces, particularly longer
pieces, may not be able to fit within the blasting machine so that
the door can close to define an air-tight enclosure. Furthermore,
if the door is left open, an air-tight enclosure will not be
formed, which disrupts the flow characteristics and negative
pressure within the blasting machine and dangerously allows the
particulate to escape from the machine during blasting
operations.
[0011] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device that
allows larger work-pieces to be inserted within a blasting machine
while at the same time preventing particulate from escaping.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. There is provided an
entrance vestibule that is designed to be easily attachable and
detachable to a conventional blasting machine for blasting
work-pieces that are longer than the inner blasting chamber of the
blasting machine. In this regard, the entrance vestibule is
uniquely designed to attach to the blasting machine adjacent an
existing opening formed on the blasting machine (such as the door
opening). The entrance vestibule additionally includes an entrance
channel sized to allow the larger work-pieces to easily enter the
inner blasting chamber. The entrance channel is additionally
configured to allow air to flow therethrough so as to urge
particulate from escaping from the blasting machine through the
entrance channel.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the entrance vestibule includes
a base plate having an inner surface, an opposing outer surface and
a base plate opening extending from the inner surface to the outer
surface. The base plate is configured to be engageable with the
housing to substantially cover the housing opening. An extension
member is connected to the base plate and includes a first end and
a second end to define an extension member length therebetween. The
extension member defines an entrance channel extending from the
first end to the second end and is aligned with the base plate
opening to allow for passage of a work-piece into the inner
blasting chamber through the entrance channel and base plate
opening. The entrance channel is configured to allow ambient air to
enter the inner blasting chamber through the entrance channel. The
extension member defines a length sufficient to maintain the
negative pressure within the inner chamber to mitigate escape of
the particulate through the entrance channel during operation of
the abrasive blasting machine.
[0014] It is contemplated that one embodiment of the entrance
vestibule may include pin hinges to easily connect with a housing
having corresponding pin hinges that allow the blast cabinet door
to be easily removed therefrom. According to another embodiment,
the entrance vestibule is configured to engage with the blast
cabinet housing without removal of the blast cabinet door.
[0015] The entrance vestibule may also be configured for use with a
support track which is connected to the entrance vestibule and
extends into the blast cabinet to support the workpiece during
blasting operations.
[0016] The entrance vestibule may also include a baffle to control
the size of the entrance channel opening to manage the airflow
therethrough. The entrance vestibule may also be configured for use
with a block-off plate to control the amount of air that enters the
blast cabinet through the air inlet built-in the blast cabinet.
[0017] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blasting machine having an
entrance vestibule connected thereto;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the blasting machine having the
entrance vestibule connected thereto, with the entrance vestibule
being in a closed position relative to the blasting machine and the
original machine door removed from the machine and shown in
phantom;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the blasting machine
and entrance vestibule, with the entrance vestibule shown in an
open position relative to the blasting machine;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an inner blasting
chamber within the blasting machine, with a work-piece shown in
phantom;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a support track
connected to the entrance vestibule;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the entrance
vestibule for use on a blasting machine having a non-removable
door;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the entrance
vestibule depicted in FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a user installing the
entrance vestibule of FIGS. 6 and 7 on a blasting machine;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the entrance vestibule of
FIGS. 6-8 connected to the blasting machine; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of several components which
may be included in a vestibule kit.
[0029] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, various
aspects of the present invention are directed toward an entrance
vestibule 10 configured to be easily attached to an abrasive
blasting cabinet/machine 12 adjacent an existing opening formed on
the blasting machine 12 (such as the door opening) to perform
abrasive blasting on panels that are larger/longer than the inside
width of the blasting machine 12. The entrance vestibule 10 is
additionally configured to be easily removed from the blasting
machine 12 at the conclusion of the blasting operations. The
entrance vestibule 10 includes an extension member 14 defining an
entrance channel 16 through which the panels 18 may be inserted
into the blasting machine 12. The entrance vestibule 10 is
additionally configured to keep abrasive or particulate within the
machine 12, i.e., to prevent particle escape, during operation.
Along these lines, the entrance vestibule 10 is configured to work
in connection with the blasting machine 12 to create the air
velocity necessary to maintain the abrasive particulate within the
blasting machine 12.
[0032] Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, there is shown an
entrance vestibule 10 connected to a blasting machine 12 with a
panel 18 inserted into the blasting machine 12 through the entrance
vestibule 10. A user 20 is performing a blasting operation on the
panel 18 within an inner blasting chamber 22 (see FIG. 3). The
blasting machine 12 includes a housing 24 defining the inner
blasting chamber 22, with the housing 24 being supported by a
plurality of legs 26. The housing 24 also includes a window 28 to
allow the user to view the work-piece 18 within the inner blasting
chamber 22, and a pair of operator access ports 30, 32 which allow
the user 20 to manipulate objects within the inner blasting chamber
22, such as the work-piece 18 or a blasting hose/stylus 34 (see
FIG. 4). During normal operation of the blasting machine 12, a
work-piece 18 is disposed within the inner blasting chamber 22 and
an abrasive particulate is directed onto the work-piece 18 to etch
a design therein. The housing 24 includes a door opening 36 (see
FIG. 3) through which the work-piece 18 may be inserted into the
inner blasting chamber 22. The blasting machine 12 also includes a
door 38 (see FIG. 2) which is attached to the housing 24 and may be
used to close the inner blasting chamber 22 during blasting
operations. Thus, the housing 24 and door 38 define an enclosure to
capture the abrasive particulate during blasting operations.
[0033] The blasting machine 12 is configured to recycle the
abrasive particulate after it is emitted by the blasting stylus 34.
In this regard, the blasting machine 12 creates an air flow which
directs the abrasive particulate toward a collection hopper which
then feeds the particulate back to the blasting stylus 34. The air
flow necessary to create the abrasive recycling system may employ a
suction device and an air inlet to maintain a desired negative
pressure within the inner blasting chamber 22 during the blasting
operation. Thus, in order to maintain the requisite negative
pressure, the door 38 connected to the housing 24 typically forms a
fluid tight seal therebetween.
[0034] Various aspects of the present invention are directed toward
adapting the entrance vestibule 10 for use with existing blasting
machines 12. In this regard, the entrance vestibule 10 is
configured to easily connect to the housing 24 in the same manner
as the door 38. It is understood that there are various types of
blasting machines, including blasting machines with easily
removable doors (i.e., doors on a pin hinge) and blasting machines
with generally non-removable doors. Accordingly, as will be
explained in more detail below, there are various embodiments of
the entrance vestibule which are configured for use with different
types of blasting machines, i.e., blasting machines having easily
removable doors and generally non-removable doors.
[0035] FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of the entrance vestibule
10 configured for use on a blasting machine 12 having an easily
removable door 38. The removable door 38 includes a pin hinge 40
which cooperates with a corresponding pin hinge 42 connected to the
housing 24. Thus, with the simple removal of a pin, the door 38 may
be removed from the housing 24. The entrance vestibule 10 includes
a similar pin hinge 44 which may be used in connection with the pin
hinge 42 connected to the housing 24. Thus, when the pin hinge 44
on the entrance vestibule 10 is aligned with the pin hinge 42 on
the housing 24, a pin may be easily inserted therein to pivotally
connect the entrance vestibule 10 to the housing 24. In this
regard, the entrance vestibule 10 may be easily installed on a
blasting machine 12 by an individual in a short period of time
without the use of any tools. In most cases, no permanent exterior
modifications are required to connect the entrance vestibule 10 to
the blasting machine 12.
[0036] The entrance vestibule 10 also includes a base plate 46 that
is similar in size and shape to the door 38. In addition, due to
the pivotal hinge connection with the housing 24, the base plate 46
may pivot between an open configuration wherein the door opening 36
is uncovered (see FIG. 3), and a closed position wherein the base
plate 46 substantially covers the door opening 36 (see FIGS. 1 and
2).
[0037] The base plate 46 includes an inner surface 48 and an
opposing out surface 50. When the base plate 46 is in the closed
position, the inner surface 48 faces toward the inner blasting
chamber 22 and the outer surface 50 faces away from the housing 24.
The base plate 46 additionally includes a base plate opening
extending from the inner surface 48 to the outer surface 50 to
allow a work-piece 18 to be advanced through the base plate 46. An
extension member 14 connected to the base plate 46 adjacent the
base plate opening and defines the entrance channel 16, which also
extends through the base plate opening. The extension member 14
includes a first end 52 and an opposing second end 54 to define an
extension member length therebetween. It is contemplated that
various entrance vestibules 10 may define different lengths of the
extension member 14 depending on the size of the work-piece 18, and
the size needed to keep particulate from escaping through the
entrance channel 16. For instance, the extension member 14 may
define lengths of 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches. In general, the
extension member 14 must have a physical length long enough to
create the entrance air velocity inside the entrance channel 16
capable of preventing abrasive particulate escape during operation
of the blasting machine 12. Thus, the length of the extension
member 14 is used to turn the abrasive particulate around and keep
the particulate from leaving the inner blasting chamber 22. In this
regard, the entrance channel 16 not only serves as a pathway
through which a work-piece 18 may be inserted into the inner
blasting chamber 22, it also serves as an air inlet used to operate
and run the machines particulate collection system by maintaining
negative pressure within the inner blasting chamber 22.
[0038] According to one implementation, the velocity inside the
entrance channel 16 must be approximately 2,000 ft. per minute or
greater to effectively maintain abrasive particulate within the
inner blasting chamber 22 during operation of the machine 12. This
air velocity is created by the machine dust collector blower, i.e.,
the suction device described above. The length of the extension
member 14 is used to create the necessary air direction length to
reverse abrasive particles and keep the abrasive particles inside
the machine 12 during operation. The air velocity is calculated
using the extension member 14 transverse cross sectional area,
measured in percentage of one square foot, which is divided into
the suction volume generated by the dust collector blower, which
may be measured in cubic feet per minute. As the extension member
length is reduced, i.e., from 12 inches to 6 inches, the air
velocity inside the entrance channel 16 must increase.
[0039] Given that the entrance channel 16 allows outside air to
enter the inner blasting chamber 22, the fluid dynamics inside the
inner blasting chamber 22 may be disturbed. In particular, during
standard operating conditions, i.e., during operation of the
blasting machine 12 with the original door which seals the inner
blasting chamber 22, the blasting machine 12 creates a negative
pressure to urge the abrasive toward the collection hopper. In this
regard, blasting machine 12 may include a built-in fluid inlet
which delivers air into the inner blasting chamber 22, and a
built-in fluid outlet which draws air from the inner blasting
chamber 22 to urge the abrasive and particulate thereto. When the
standard door is replaced with the entrance vestibule 10, the
entrance channel 16 serves as an additional air inlet which changes
the flow characteristics and negative pressure within the inner
blasting chamber 22. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is
directed toward controlling the airflow and pressure within the
inner blasting chamber 22 to keep the abrasive/particulate from
escaping through the entrance channel 16.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the entrance vestibule 10
includes a baffle 56 (see FIG. 2) for controlling the size of the
opening defined by the entrance channel 16, which in turn controls
the flow rate of air introduced into the blasting machine 12 via
the entrance channel 16. The baffle 56 may be moveable relative to
the extension member 14 to adjust the effect size of the entrance
channel opening. The baffle 56 may be adjusted after the panel 18
is inserted into the entrance channel 16 to allow for easy
insertion of the panel (i.e., so the baffle 56 does not impede the
advancement of the panel 18 through the entrance channel).
[0041] The baffle 56 may be moved between an open position and a
closed position relative to the extension member 14. When the
baffle 56 is in the open position more air can flow through the
entrance channel 16 than when the baffle 56 is in the closed
position. In this regard, the baffle 56 blocks at least a portion
of the entrance channel opening when the baffle 56 is in the closed
position, while in the open position, the baffle 56 preferably does
not block the entrance channel opening. Thus, the user may
selectively move the baffle 56 between the closed and open
positions to control the velocity of air flowing through the
vestibule 10 to prevent abrasive escape.
[0042] According to another implementation of the present
invention, the airflow may also be controlled by the use of a
block-off plate 58 (see FIG. 10) that may be used to control the
built-in air inlet on the machine 12. In this regard, the built-in
air inlet may automatically deliver air into the machine 12 when
the machine 12 is turned on. Thus, in order to achieve the desired
flow characteristics when the entrance vestibule 10 is used, the
block-off plate 58 may be employed to selectively open or close the
air inlet opening.
[0043] The block of plate 58 may define various shapes and sizes
and may be formed of a metallic material or other materials known
by those skilled in the art. The block off plate 58 may be
configured to pivot, slide, translate, rotate, etc. relative to the
built-in air inlet to control the air flow through the air inlet.
The block off plate 58 may be connected to a control handle on the
outside of the machine 12 to allow the user to move the block off
plate 58 during operation of the machine.
[0044] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, the entrance
vestibule 10 may include a support track 60 connected thereto,
wherein the support track 60 is specifically configured and adapted
to facilitate insertion of the work-piece 18 into the inner
blasting chamber 22. The support track 60 may include a support
track body 62 and one or more rollers 64 placed within the support
track body 62, which allows the work-piece 18 to roll or glide
along the track 60 into the inner blasting chamber 22. The support
track body 62 may include an opening 66 defining a support track
channel aligned with the rollers 64, such that the work-piece 18
slides along the support track 60 within the support track channel.
Rounded guard members 68 (see FIG. 5) may be connected to the
support track body 62 along the length of the support track channel
to protect the work-piece 18 from sharp, rounded edges which may
scratch or cut the work-piece 18.
[0045] The support track body 62 is connected to an adjustable leg
70 which props up the support track 60. The adjustable leg 70
includes a threaded post 72, a foot member 74, and a connection
bracket 76. The connection bracket 76 is connected to the support
track body 62 via mechanical fasteners, such as a nut and bold,
rivet, or the like. The connection bracket 76 may be threadably
engaged with the threaded post 72 to allow for height adjustment of
the support track body 62. In this regard, the threaded post 72 may
be rotated to achieve such height adjustment, i.e., rotation in a
first direction to increase the height, and rotation in an opposing
second direction to decrease the height. The foot member 74 is
connected to the threaded post 72 and is configured to rest on a
base surface, such as the grate shown in FIG. 4.
[0046] The support track 60 may also be configured to hold or
maintain the work-piece 18 in an upright configuration during
blasting operations. Thus, the user may not have to hold the
work-piece 18 with one hand and perform the blasting operations
with the other hand. Rather, given that the work-piece 18 is
maintained in a work-ready position independent of user assistance,
the user may use both hands for the blasting operation. The support
track 60 may support the work-piece 18 in the upright configuration
by the insertion of the work-piece 18 within the support track
channel. In this regard, the support track channel may define a
depth which holds the work-piece in the upright configuration.
[0047] For heavier work-pieces, the support track 60 may include an
auxiliary support bracket 78 connected to the support track body 62
and configured to support the work-piece 18 in the upright
configuration. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary support
bracket 78 includes a pair of mounting posts 80 and a moveable
roller assembly 82 connected thereto. The roller assembly 82
includes an assembly bracket 84 and a pair of rollers 86 connected
to the assembly bracket 84. The assembly bracket 84 includes a pair
of sleeves 88 sized to receive a respective one of the mounting
posts 80 to allow the assembly bracket 82 to be slidable along the
length of the mounting posts 80. A screw or other mechanical
fastener may be used to selectively secure the assembly bracket 82
in position along the mounting posts 80.
[0048] The auxiliary support bracket 84 is positioned such that the
pair of rollers 86 are position in a tangentially aligned
configuration relative to the work-piece 18 when the work-piece 18
is disposed within the support channel. In other words, the rollers
86 are positions such that the rollers 86 engage with the
work-piece 18 in a common plane.
[0049] As previously mentioned, it is important to regulate airflow
into the inner blasting chamber 22 to keep abrasive particles from
exiting machine 10. In some blasting machines 12, particularly
those which output less than 16 cubic feet/minute from the
nozzle/stylus 34, open operator access ports may be used. When the
entrance vestibule 10 is connected to the machine 12, it may be
necessary to attach gloves 90 to the operator access ports 30, 32
to restrict air flow into the inner blasting chamber 22 through the
operator access ports 30, 32. The gloves 90 may substantially
restrict airflow through the operator access ports 30, 32 and may
be configured to create a fluid-tight seal with the body of the
blasting machine 12 to prevent air from entering the inner blasting
chamber 22 and to prevent abrasive from exiting the inner blasting
chamber 22.
[0050] The entrance vestibule 10 described above is configured for
use with a blasting machine 12 having an easily removable door 38.
However, it is understood that other blasting machines may include
a door that is not easily removable, particularly older blasting
machines. Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention
relates to an easily attachable/detachable entrance vestibule
configured for use with a blasting machine, wherein the blasting
machine door remains connected to the blasting machine during usage
of the entrance vestibule.
[0051] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6-9, there is shown an
exemplary embodiment of an entrance vestibule 100 configured for
use with a blasting machine 102 having a blasting door 104 (see
FIG. 6) connected thereto during usage of the entrance vestibule
100 on the machine 102. In this regard, the entrance vestibule 100
is configured to be easily secured the blasting machine 102 while
the blasting door 104 is also connected to the blasting machine
102. Thus, the entrance vestibule 100 does not connect to the
hinges on the blasting machine 102, and instead includes a unique
sealing and clamping design which allows the entrance vestibule 100
to be quickly and easily secured to the machine 102 without removal
of the door 104. The entrance vestibule 100 may be connected to the
blasting machine 102 by an individual in a short period of time
without using any tools or making any structural modifications to
the blasting machine 102.
[0052] The entrance vestibule 100 includes a base plate 106 having
an inner surface 108 and an opposing outer surface 110, with an
opening 112 formed within the base plate 106 and extending from the
inner surface 108 to the outer surface 110. The entrance vestibule
100 further includes an extension member 114 connected to the base
plate 106 and defining an entrance channel 116 that passes through
the opening 112. In this regard, when the entrance vestibule 100 is
connected to the blasting machine 102, the entrance vestibule 100
operates in a similar fashion to the entrance vestibule 10
discussed above.
[0053] The primary distinction between the entrance vestibule 100
and the entrance vestibule 10 is the mechanism by which the
entrance vestibule 100 connects to the blasting machine 102. In
particular, the entrance vestibule 100 is configured to engage with
the blasting machine 102 to create a substantially fluid tight seal
therebetween without removing the door 104. In this regard, the
base plate 106 is configured to fit over the opening 115 (see FIG.
8) formed within the blasting machine 102 when the door 104 is in
an open position so as to cover the opening 115 when the entrance
vestibule 100 is connected to the blasting machine 102.
[0054] Along these lines, the entrance vestibule 100 connects to
the blasting machine by a lower lip member 116 and an upper locking
mechanism 118 each being connected to the base plate 106. The lower
lip member 116 extends from the base plate 106 to define a channel
120 therebetween. The lower lip member 116 is configured to fit
into the opening 115 and extend over a portion of the blasting
machine wall 122 (see FIG. 8), which is received within the channel
120. The upper end portion of the entrance vestibule 100 is then
pivoted toward the blasting machine 102 to cover the opening 115.
FIG. 8 shows an entrance vestibule 100 partially connected to the
blasting machine 102, i.e., with the wall 122 inserted into the
channel 120 while a user pivots the top of the entrance vestibule
100 toward the blasting machine 102. The locking mechanism 118 is
then actuated to lock the entrance vestibule 100 in place on the
machine 102. FIG. 9 shows the entrance vestibule 100 locked and
secured on the blasting machine 102. In the exemplary embodiment,
the locking mechanism 118 includes a handle 124, a rod 126, and an
engagement member 128 which may be rotated between a locked
configuration and an unlocked configuration. When the engagement
member 128 is in the locked configuration it engages with the
blasting machine wall to hold the entrance vestibule 100 in place.
The engagement member 128 may be rotated toward the unlocked
configuration to remove the entrance vestibule from the blasting
machine 100.
[0055] Although not shown, it is contemplated that the support
track 60 described above may be used with the entrance vestibule
100, as well as with the entrance vestibule 10. Furthermore, the
baffle 56 and block-off plate 58 described above for achieving
certain fluid characteristics while using the entrance vestibule 10
may also be used with the entrance vestibule 100.
[0056] Referring now specifically to FIG. 10, it is contemplated
that several of the components discussed above may be packaged as a
kit 130. The kit 130 may include a first embodiment of the entrance
vestibule 10 and a second embodiment of the entrance vestibule 100,
gloves 90, glove attachment bands 92, and the block off plate
58.
[0057] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps
described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only
certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended
to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *