Directional air apparatuses, system, and methods of using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to accelerated directional airflows for use in, preferably, paint booths. Specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods of using the same that create an accelerated directional airflow while eliminating the requirement of having multiple vents, nozzles, hoses, and the like. Even more specifically, the present invention controls airflow more efficiently, requires fewer parts, and costs less to use and maintain. Specifically, the accelerated directional airflows are useful in paint booths for drying painted parts and for ventilation.

Claims

1. A paint spray booth comprising: an enclosed space surrounded by walls, a ceiling, and a floor, wherein mounted on a first wall is a first airflow apparatus, said first airflow apparatus comprising a first intake housing comprising a first air intake, a first air mover within the first intake housing configured to direct a first airflow through the first intake, a first hollow extension protruding from the first intake housing, the first hollow extension having a first surface, a length and a width perpendicular to the length wherein the length is greater than the width, and a volume therein, wherein the first hollow extension is mounted to the first wall such that the length of the first hollow extension is disposed horizontally on the first wall adjacent to the ceiling, wherein the first surface is flat and comprises an elongated first slit in the first surface of the first hollow extension running a direction of the length of the first hollow extension and wherein a first directional airflow element is disposed on the first surface of the first hollow extension, wherein the first air mover directs the first airflow through the first intake, into the first hollow extension, out the first slit of the first hollow extension and through the first directional airflow element of the first hollow extension forming first accelerated air and directing the first accelerated air into the enclosed space; and a second airflow apparatus comprising a second intake housing comprising a second air intake, a second air mover within the second intake housing configured to direct second airflow through the second intake, a second hollow extension protruding from the second intake housing, the second hollow extension having a first surface, a length and a width perpendicular to the length wherein the length is greater than the width, and a volume therein, wherein the second hollow extension is mounted such that the length of the second hollow extension is disposed horizontally adjacent to the ceiling, wherein the first surface of the second hollow extension is flat and comprises an elongated first slit in the first surface of the second hollow extension running a direction of the length of the second hollow extension and a first directional airflow element is disposed on the first surface of the second hollow extension, wherein the second air mover directs the second airflow through the second intake, into the second hollow extension, out the first slit of the second hollow extension and through the first directional airflow element of the second hollow extension forming second accelerated air and directing the second accelerated air into the enclosed space; a ventilation system comprising a third air mover in airflow communication with an upper space above the ceiling of the enclosed space, the ceiling having a plurality of vents each of the plurality of vents providing airflow communication between the upper space and the enclosed space, wherein a first vent of the plurality of vents is positioned in the ceiling, the first vent of the plurality of vents forming a first downdraft airflow generated from the third air mover directing air into the upper space and through the first vent of the plurality of vents, the first vent positioned so that the first downdraft airflow from the first vent of the plurality of vents is directed into the path of the first accelerated air forced from the first airflow apparatus, and wherein a second vent of the plurality of vents is positioned in the ceiling, the second vent of the plurality of vents forming a second downdraft airflow generated from the third air mover directing the air into the upper surface and through the second vent of the plurality of vents, the second vent positioned so that the second downdraft airflow from the second vent of the plurality of vents is directed into the path of the second accelerated air forced from the second airflow apparatus; an object within the enclosed space configured to be painted, wherein the first accelerated air forced from the first airflow apparatus is configured to combine with and interfere with the first downdraft airflow from the first vent of the plurality of vents in the ceiling to form a first turbulent airflow within the enclosed space above the object and directed downwardly at the object, and the second accelerated air forced from the second airflow apparatus is configured to combine with and interfere with the second downdraft airflow from the second vent of the plurality of vents in the ceiling to form a second turbulent airflow within the enclosed space above the object and directed downwardly at the object; a second slit in the first surface of the first airflow apparatus, wherein the first air mover directs the first airflow through the first intake, into the first hollow extension, and out the second slit; a first air diffuser disposed within the first hollow extension of the first airflow apparatus, wherein the first air diffuser comprises at least one hole for the first airflow to pass therethrough, said first air diffuser disposed between the first intake housing and the first slit of the first airflow apparatus; and a second air diffuser within the first hollow extension of the first airflow apparatus, wherein the second air diffuser comprises at least one hole for the first airflow to pass therethrough, said second air diffuser disposed between the first slit and the second slit of the first airflow apparatus.

2. The paint spray booth of claim 1 wherein the first and second slits in the first surface of the first airflow apparatus are adjacently disposed in the first surface.

3. The paint spray booth of claim 1 wherein the second slit of the first airflow apparatus comprises a second directional airflow element disposed over the second slit, wherein the second directional airflow element of the first airflow apparatus comprises a first flange extending from the first surface on a first side of the second slit of the first airflow apparatus and a second flange extending from the first surface on a second side of the second slit of the first airflow apparatus.

4. The paint spray booth of claim 1 wherein the first surface of the first airflow apparatus is angled downwardly toward the floor to direct the first airflow toward the floor.

5. The paint spray booth of claim 1 further comprising: a filter associated with the first air intake for filtering air forming the first airflow.

6. The paint spray booth of claim 1 wherein the object is a vehicle.

7. The paint spray booth of claim 1 wherein the first directional airflow element of the first airflow apparatus comprises a first flange extending from the first surface on a first side of the first slit of the first airflow apparatus and a second flange extending from the first surface on a second side of the first slit of the first airflow apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a partial view of an area with an accelerator installed in an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a right oriented accelerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the right oriented accelerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an extension of the right oriented accelerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a left oriented accelerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an extension of the left oriented accelerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(8) The present invention relates to accelerated directional airflows for use in, preferably, paint booths. Specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods of using the same that create an accelerated directional airflow while eliminating the requirement of having multiple vents, nozzles, hoses, and the like. Even more specifically, the present invention controls airflow more efficiently, requires fewer parts, and costs less to use and maintain. Specifically, the accelerated directional airflows are useful in paint booths for drying painted parts and for ventilation.

(9) The terms fluid and flow as described herein are used to refer to a substance whose molecules flow freely, so that it has no fixed shape and little resistance to outside stress, which may be a liquid or a gas. It is not intended to limit disclosure to either a liquid or gas as these substances are both capable of being described with fluid dynamics. Further, while the present invention may have air regulation as one of the embodiments, use of liquids such as water may be used similarly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages

(10) Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates an area 10, which may be a paint booth in one embodiment of the present invention. The area 10 may comprise a plurality of walls 12, a ceiling 13, and at least one door 14. Within the area 10 may be at least one fluid accelerator 16a or 16b. There may be sufficient space between the at least one fluid accelerator 16a or 16b and the ceiling 13 so that fluid may be able to flow around, beneath, and above the at least one fluid accelerator 16a or 16b. The area 10 may further comprise a ventilation system 15 disposed above the ceiling 13, wherein fluid may be expelled therefrom, sucked into, or recirculated therethrough. The ventilation system 15 may work independently of the at least one accelerator 16a or 16b, may be used concurrently, or may be dependent on the at least one accelerator 16a or 16b. Of course, the at least one accelerator 16a or 16b may also be dependent on the ventilation system 15 in one embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fluid may flow from the ventilation system 15 and enter into the at least one accelerator 16a or 16b.

(11) The at least one fluid accelerator 16a or 16b may be a right oriented accelerator 16a or a left oriented accelerator 16b. On a first end of the right oriented accelerator 16a may an intake housing 18a. The intake housing 18a may comprise an intake 20a disposed on a side of the intake housing 18a as shown in FIG. 2. Inside the intake housing 18a may be a motor (not shown) that may suck fluid through the intake 20a, through a filter (not shown), and expel it into an extension 22a. The extension 22a may protrude outwardly from the intake housing 18a and may be connected and sealed such that fluid may flow between the intake housing 18a and the extension 22a but may not flow out the connection between the intake housing 18a and the extension 22a. The extension 22a may have at least one opening 24a having a surface area smaller than the surface area of the extension 22a, wherein fluid may flow from the extension 22a through the at least one opening 24a.

(12) The at least one opening 24a may be sufficiently small such that the fluid flow out the at least one opening 24a decreases its volume and increases its pressure. The increase in pressure can be translated into an increase in velocity. The increase in velocity over time can be translated into acceleration, such that the flow may be accelerated out from the extension 22a and through the at least one opening 24a.

(13) In one embodiment, the at least one opening 24a may be a horizontal slot as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the height of the at least one opening 24a may be sufficiently small while the width of the at least one opening 24a may be elongated. The sufficiently small height of the at least one opening 24a may still allow fluid flow to be accelerated outwardly from the right oriented accelerator 16a. The elongated width of the at least one opening 24a may provide for a broad level spray of fluid to be accelerated outwardly from the right oriented accelerator 16a.

(14) As shown in FIG. 3, the extension 22a may be designed to angle the at least one opening 24a at an angle. This angle may be pre-determined and the right oriented accelerator 16a may be manufactured in accordance with the pre-determined angle. Alternatively, the angle may be determined during installation. In another embodiment of the present invention, the extension 22a may be rotatable about the connection between the intake housing 18a and the extension 22a, such that a user may be able to determine the angle of fluid acceleration at a time of use.

(15) As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the at least one opening 24a may have a plurality of flanges 25a extending away from the extension 22a. The plurality of flanges 25a may focus the fluid flow from the at least one opening 24a and may prevent an unwanted spread of the fluid flow in the vertical direction. Further shown in FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the extension 22a. The extension 22a may be manufactured metal, plastic, or other like material and may be bent in multiple locations. The extension 22a initially may be open on three sides and subsequently enclosed by attaching a connector 26a, an opening wall 36a, and a cap 30a. Specifically, the connector 26a may have an entry 28a wherein fluid may flow therethrough. The connector 26a may be attached to the intake housing 18a (shown in FIG. 3) on a first side of the connector 26a and attached to a first side of the extension 22a on a second side of the connector 26a.

(16) The extension 22a may generally be hollow and may end with the cap 30a on a second side of the extension 22a. The cap 30a may enclose the extension 22a and may prevent fluid flow from exiting the second side of the extension 22a. There may be a first diffuser 32a and a second diffuser 34a disposed throughout the extension 22a. Of course, any number of diffusers may be present. The first and second diffusers 32a, 34a may control fluid flow speed and direction, evenly distribute the flow of fluid, minimize noise, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first diffuser 32a may be disposed on a first side of the at least one opening 24a and the second diffuser 34a may be disposed on a second side of the at least one opening 24a, as seen in FIG. 4.

(17) The first and second diffusers 32a, 34a may have a plurality of apertures 38a to accommodate particular functions. For example, the first diffuser 32a may have 18 apertures while the second diffuser 34a has 12 apertures. The second diffuser 34a may have less apertures 38a than the first diffuser 32a so that the pressure within the extension 22a remains constant, while taking into account any fluid flow out of the at least one opening 24a. The at least one opening 24a may be disposed on the opening wall 36a, which may be attached to the front of the extension 22a. With the connector 26a, the opening wall 36a, and the cap 30a attached to the extension 22a, the extension 22a may be enclosed, except for the entry 28a, the plurality of apertures 38a, and the at least one opening 24a mentioned above. The plurality of flanges 25a may be attached directly on the opening wall 36a and around the at least one opening 24a.

(18) FIG. 5 illustrates a left oriented accelerator 16b, which functions similarly to the right oriented accelerator 16a discussed above. On a first end of the left oriented accelerator 16b may an intake housing 18b. The intake housing 18b may comprise an intake 20b disposed on a side of the intake housing 18b as shown in FIG. 2. Inside the intake housing 18b may be a motor (not shown) that may suck fluid through the intake 20b, through a filter (not shown), and expel it into an extension 22b. The extension 22b may protrude outwardly from the intake housing 18b and may be connected and sealed such that fluid may flow between the intake housing 18b and the extension 22b but may not flow out the connection between the intake housing 18b and the extension 22b. The extension 22b may have at least one opening 24b having a surface area smaller than the surface area of the extension 22b, wherein fluid may flow from the extension 22b through the at least one opening 24b. The at least one opening 24b may be sufficiently small such that the fluid flow out the at least one opening 24b decreases its volume and increases its pressure. The increase in pressure can be translated into an increase in velocity. The increase in velocity over time can be translated into acceleration, such that the flow may be accelerated out from the extension 22b and through the at least one opening 24b. In one embodiment, the at least one opening 24b may be a horizontal slot as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the height of the at least one opening 24b may be sufficiently small while the width of the at least one opening 24b may be elongated. The sufficiently small height of the at least one opening 24b may still allow fluid flow to be accelerated outwardly from the left oriented accelerator 16b. The elongated width of the at least one opening 24b may provide for a broad level spray of fluid to be accelerated outwardly from the left oriented accelerator 16b.

(19) As further shown in FIG. 5, the extension 22b may be designed to direct the at least one opening 24b at an angle. This angle may be pre-determined and the left oriented accelerator 16b may be manufactured in accordance with the pre-determined angle. Alternatively, the angle may be determined during installation. In another embodiment of the present invention, the extension 22b may be rotatable about the connection between the intake housing 18b and the extension 22b, such that a user may be able to determine the angle of fluid acceleration at a time of use.

(20) As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the at least one opening 24b may have a plurality of flanges 25b extending away from the extension 22b. The plurality of flanges 25b may focus the fluid flow from the at least one opening 24b and may prevent an unwanted spread of the fluid flow in the vertical direction. Further shown in FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the extension 22b. The extension 22b may be manufactured metal, plastic, or other like material and may be bent in multiple locations. The extension 22b may initially be open on three sides and subsequently enclosed by attaching a connector 26b, an opening wall 36b, and a cap 30b thereon. Specifically, the connector 26b may have an entry 28b wherein fluid may flow therethrough. The connector 26b may be attached to the intake housing 18b on a first side of the connector 26b and attached to a first side of the extension 22b on a second side of the connector 26b. The extension 22b may generally be hollow and may end with the cap 30b on a second side of the extension 22b. The cap 30b may enclose the extension 22b and may prevent fluid flow from exiting the second side of the extension 22b.

(21) There may be a first diffuser 32b and a second diffuser 34b disposed throughout the extension 22b. Of course, any number of diffusers may or may not be present. The first and second diffusers 32b, 34b may control fluid flow speed, direction, and distribution; minimize noise; and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first diffuser 32b may be disposed on a first side of the at least one opening 24b and the second diffuser 34b may be disposed on a second side of the at least one opening 24b, as seen in FIG. 6.

(22) The first and second diffusers 32b, 34b may have a plurality of apertures 38b to accommodate particular functions. For example, the first diffuser 32b may have 18 apertures while the second diffuser 34b has 12 apertures. The second diffuser 34b may have less apertures 38b than the first diffuser 32b so that the pressure within the extension 22b remains constant, while taking into account any fluid flow out of the at least one opening 24b. The at least one opening 24b may be disposed on the opening wall 36b, which may be attached to the front of the extension 22b. With the connector 26b, the opening wall 36b, and the cap 30b attached to the extension 22b, the extension 22b may be enclosed, except for the entry 28b, the plurality of apertures 38b, and the at least one opening 24b mentioned above. The plurality of flanges 25b may be attached directly on the opening wall 36b and around the at least one opening 24b.

(23) It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention described above may take in fluid, such as air, water, water vapor, or the like through the intake by engaging the motor within the intake. The fluid may be sucked in from around the present invention and sent into the extension via the gate between the extension and the intake housing. The fluid may fill the extension up to the cap and may further be forced through the at least one openings 24a, 24b at an accelerated rate and in a flat level spray. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flat level spray of fluid accelerated from the present invention may be used concurrently with a ventilation system 15 comprising an air mover 21 in airflow communication with an upper space 23 above the ceiling 13 that provides a downdraft fluid flow 19 through vents 17 in the ceiling 13, such that the interference of the multiple fluid flow creates turbulent air that can eliminate any air, water vapor, or other contaminants contained in paint imperfections. The flat level spray of fluid covers a broader range than that of conical spray nozzles and may evenly distribute turbulent air along the flat level broad range.

(24) It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.