WIRELESS ABRASIVE BLASTING REMOTE DEADMAN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for an abrasive blasting remote assembly having a shroud and a deadman lever pivotally connected to the shroud. The deadman lever is pitoval between a closed operating position and a released position. In the closed operating position, the deadman ever engages a momentary deadman switch disposed within the shroud. The momentary deadman switch is electrically connected to a wireless transmitter circuit board, which sends a wireless operational signal to a blasting pot wireless receiver to activate airflow through a blasting hose from a blasting pot, for the movement of abrasive media through the blasting hose, when the deadman lever depresses the momentary deadman switch in the closed operating position.

Claims

1. An abrasive blasting remote assembly, comprising: a shroud having a shroud cover removably coupled to a shroud base, the shroud cover defining a depressor aperture, the shroud base defining at least one button aperture through which each of a switch-on button and a switch-off button extends, the shroud base having an elongated concave bottom wall adapted to removably engage a blasting hose, the elongated concave bottom wall having a proximal end opposite a distal end; a deadman lever pivotally connected to the shroud cover, the deadman lever having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end adapted to be grasped by a hand of a user to pitovally move the deadman lever between a released position and a closed operating position, the deadman lever having a deadman switch engaging member; a momentary deadman switch disposed between the shroud cover and the shroud base, the momentary deadman switch sealably fitted within the depressor aperture, wherein the deadman switch engaging member depresses the momentary deadman switch when the deadman lever is in the closed operating position, wherein the deadman switch engaging member releases the momentary deadman switch when the deadman lever is in the released position; a wireless transmitter circuit board disposed within the shroud and electrically connected to the momentary deadman switch, wherein the wireless transmitter circuit board is adapted to send a wireless operational signal to a blasting pot wireless receiver to activate airflow through the blasting hose from a blasting pot configured for the movement of abrasive media through the blasting hose when the deadman lever depresses the momentary deadman switch in the closed operating position, wherein the wireless transmitter circuit board is adapted to drop the wireless operational signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver to stop the airflow through the blasting hose when the deadman lever releases the momentary deadman switch in the released position; wherein, the wireless transmitter circuit board is electrically connected to the switch-on button and the switch-off button, wherein the wireless transmitter circuit board is adapted to send a wireless abrasive-on signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver to activate a feed of abrasive media from the blasting pot into the blasting hose adapted for abrasive media blasting operations when the user depresses the switch-on button, wherein the wireless transmitter circuit board is adapted to send a wireless abrasive-off signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver to stop the feed of abrasive media from the blasting pot into the blasting hose when the user depresses the switch-off button; a battery electrically connected to the wireless transmitter circuit board and disposed between the shroud cover and the shroud base; a spring biased interlock safety switch having a planar body pivotally connected to a top surface of the distal end of the elongated concave bottom wall of the shroud base, said spring biased interlock safety switch biased to extend transversely from the top surface to form an obstruction to the closed operating position of the deadman lever, said spring biased interlock safety switch being pivotable against such bias to clear said obstruction.

2. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, further comprising the blasting pot, the blasting pot having a wireless receiver adapted to receive signals from the wireless transmitter circuit board.

3. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, further comprising a membrane gasket sized and sealably disposed between the shroud cover and the shroud base, wherein the membrane gasket defines at least one depressor aperture in coaxial alignment with the depressor aperture of the shroud cover.

4. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, further comprising an LED electrically connected to the wireless transmitter circuit board, wherein the shroud base defines an LED aperture through which the LED extends.

5. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated concave bottom wall further comprises a plurality of transversely oriented ribs configured to grip the blasting hose.

6. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the shroud base defines a recess comprising a plurality of transversely oriented ribs configured to grip the blasting hose.

7. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end and the distal end of the elongated concave bottom wall of the shroud base each define a groove adapted to receive and engage a respective clasp for connecting the abrasive blasting remote assembly to the blasting hose.

8. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch-on button is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend outward of said shroud base, said switch-on button being movable against such bias and adapted to activate the feed of abrasive media from the blasting pot at the option of the user.

9. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch-off button is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend outward of said shroud base, said switch-off button being movable against such bias and adapted to stop the feed of abrasive media from the blasting pot at the option of the user.

10. The abrasive blasting remote assembly of claim 1, wherein the shroud cover defines a plurality of fastener apertures and the shroud base defines a plurality of fastener openings, wherein the plurality of fastener apertures align with the respective plurality of fastener openings, and wherein the plurality of fastener apertures and the plurality of fasteners opening are adapted for receipt of threaded fasteners for removably coupling the shroud cover to the shroud base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a back right perspective view perspective view an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a back left perspective view thereof;

[0047] FIG. 5 is another front right perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a front right perspective exploded view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly taken along Line A-A of FIG. 7, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0051] FIG. 9 is a right elevation view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a bottom right perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a bottom left perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a right perspective view of a wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly attached to an exemplary blasting hose connected to an exemplary blasting pot, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a top right perspective view of a wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly attached to an exemplary blasting hose, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0057] FIG. 15 is a right elevation view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 16 is a front right perspective view of an exemplary wireless abrasive blasting remote assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

[0059] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of an exemplary wireless blasting pot receiver, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0061] For purposes of clarity and orientation with respect to an object, it is noted that a transverse (also known as axial or horizontal) plane is an X-Z plane, parallel to the ground. A frontal (also known as coronal) plane is a Y-X plane, perpendicular to the object. A lateral plane is an Y-Z plane, perpendicular to the ground, which separates left from right. Objects are coplanar if they all lie in the same plane. For example, one axis is coplanar with another axis when the two axes lie in the same plane.

[0062] As used herein, “axis” means a real or imaginary straight line about which a three-dimensional body is symmetrical. A “vertical axis” means an axis perpendicular to the ground (or put another way, an axis extending upwardly and downwardly). A “horizontal axis” means an axis parallel to the ground.

[0063] As used herein, homogeneous is defined as the same in all locations, and a homogeneous material is a material of uniform composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials. Examples of “homogeneous materials” are certain types of plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, alloys, paper, board, resins, and coatings.

[0064] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever shroud cover 104 possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0065] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, the basic constructional details and principles of operation are provided of an abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 comprising a shroud 102 having a shroud cover 104 removably coupled to a shroud base 106. The shroud 102 is preferably constructed of a homogeneous material. The preferred material is metal, plastic, or aluminum.

[0066] The shroud cover 104 defines a depressor aperture 108 through which a momentary deadman switch 138 is closely fitted, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably, the momentary deadman switch 138 is in the form of a momentary depressor switch, preferably biased by a spring. The shroud base 106 preferably defines at least one button aperture 110, 112 through which each of a switch-on button 114 and a switch-off button 116 extends.

[0067] As seen in FIGS. 6, 11 and 12, in a preferred embodiment, the shroud base 106 has an elongated concave bottom wall 118 adapted to removably engage a blasting hose 119, exemplified in FIGS. 13-14. The elongated concave bottom wall 118 has a proximal end 120 opposite a distal end 122. The distal end 122 has a longitudinal axis A , as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1- 5, in a preferred embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 includes a deadman lever 124 pivotally connected to the shroud cover 104 with a fulcrum or pin 126 connection. The deadman lever is preferably biased toward a released position 132 with a spring 125 (FIG. 14). The deadman lever 124 has a proximal end 128 opposite a distal end 130. As exemplified in FIG. 13, the distal end 130 of the deadman lever 124 is adapted to be grasped by a hand 131 of a user 133 to pitovally move the deadman lever 124 between a released position 132, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 14-16, and a closed operating position 134, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 8-9 and 13.

[0069] Preferably, the deadman lever 124 has a deadman switch engaging member 136 on its bottom, facing the shroud 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the distal end 122 of the elongated concave bottom wall 118 has a longitudinal axis A which is oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis B of the distal end 130 of the deadman lever 124 when the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 is in a closed operating position 134.

[0070] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the momentary deadman switch 138 is disposed between the shroud cover 104 and the shroud base 106. The momentary deadman switch 138 preferably has a top depressor button and is sealably fitted within the depressor aperture 108 of the shroud cover 104, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 8. The deadman switch engaging member 136 depresses the momentary deadman switch 138 (into the depressor aperture 108) when the deadman lever 124 is pivoted toward the shroud 102 into the closed operating position 134, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 8-9. The deadman switch engaging member 136 releases the momentary deadman switch 138 when the deadman lever 124 is pivoted away from the shroud 102 into the released position 132.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 comprises a wireless transmitter circuit board 140 disposed within the shroud 102 and electrically connected to the momentary deadman switch 138, as illustrated in the exploded view on FIG. 6.

[0072] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is adapted to send a wireless operational signal 142 to a blasting pot 148 wireless receiver 144 to activate airflow 146 through the blasting hose 119 from a blasting pot 148 for the movement of abrasive media 150 through the blasting hose 119 when the deadman lever 124 depresses the momentary deadman switch 138 in the closed operating position 134.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the longitudinal axis A of the distal end 122 of the elongated concave bottom wall 118 is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the distal end 130 of the deadman lever 124, then the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 is in a closed operating position 134, such that the deadman switch engaging member 136 depresses the momentary deadman switch 138, which triggers the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 to send the wireless operational signal 142 to the wireless receiver 144 of the blasting pot 148 to activate the flow of air 146 (FIG. 13) through the blasting hose 119 for the movement of abrasive media 150 through the blasting hose 119 during abrasive blasting operations.

[0074] Preferably, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is adapted to drop (i.e., de-energize) the wireless operational signal 142 to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144, which stops the airflow 146 through the blasting hose 119, when the deadman lever 124 releases the momentary deadman switch 138 in the released position 132. The wireless operational signal 142 is preferably a radio frequency (RF) signal. In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is connected to a relay shield.

[0075] As can been appreciated from a review of embodiments of the disclosure herein, the disclosed invention obviates the need for conventional pneumatic hoses or lines in the field, as well as obviate the need for conventional wires in the field, while providing for an work efficient and cost efficient solution for a deadman controller for sandblasting operations, and while embodiments of the invention provide for a safer work environment with less equipment at risk of damage and costly replacement in the field where the sandblasting operations are taking place.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, when the deadman lever 124 is in the closed position such that the deadman switch engaging member 136 is depressing the momentary deadman switch 138, there is a maintained momentary relay configuration of the “deadman” stop input that is always transmitting from the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144. So if the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 is accidentally dropped by a user 133, then the deadman lever 124 is pivoted (as further explained below) into the released position 132 and thus the monetary deadman switch is released, and the switch is opened causing the relay between the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 and the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 to de-energize. When the relay de-energizes, the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 does not receive the wireless operational signal 142, and thus, no airflow 146 is activated through the blasting hose 119. In other words, when the relay de-energizes, the airflow 146 stops, which occurs automatically when the deadman lever 124 releases the momentary deadman switch 138, in the released position 132. This same relay will de-energize if the wireless operational RF signal 142 is out of range between the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 and the blasting pot wireless receiver 144, if the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 loses power, and/or if the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 loses power. When the relay de-energizes, the airflow 146 stops automatically. Accordingly, through embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 is inherently safe. No additional signals are required to achieve such safe operation. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention obviate the need for the transmission of a second signal from the remote control to the blasting pot in order to stop the airflow in the blast hose, and thus they provide for a more efficient system while providing additional safety to the user, the operator 133.

[0077] In another embodiment, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is adapted to send a wireless cuttoff signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 to stop the airflow 146 through the blasting hose 119 when the deadman lever 124 releases the momentary deadman switch 138 in the released position 132 132.

[0078] Preferably, referring to FIG. 7, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is electrically connected to the switch-on button 114 and the switch-off button 116. In such embodiment, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is configured to send a wireless abrasive-on signal 152 to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144, to activate a feed of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148 into the blasting hose 119 for abrasive media 150 blasting operations, when the user 133 depresses the switch-on button 114. The wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is also configured to send a wireless abrasive-off signal 154 to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 (FIG. 7), to stop the feed of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148 into the blasting hose 119, when the user 133 depresses the switch-off button 116.

[0079] In another embodiment, the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 is configured to drop the wireless abrasive-on 152 signal (rather than send a wireless abrasive-off signal 154) to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144, to stop the feed 156 (see illustrative directional arrow in FIG. 13) of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148 into the blasting hose 119 for abrasive media blasting operations, when the user 133 depresses the switch-off button 116.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, in a preferred embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 has a battery 158 disposed within the shroud 102 and electrically connected to the wireless transmitter circuit board 140.

[0081] In preferred embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 comprises a spring 159 biased interlock safety switch 160, as exemplified in at least FIGS. 5-12. Preferably, the spring biased interlock safety switch 160 has a planar body 162 that is pivotally connected with a fulcrum or pin 164 connection to a top surface 166 of the distal end 122 of the elongated concave bottom wall 118 of the shroud base 106.

[0082] The spring biased interlock safety switch 160 is biased (preferably by a biasing mechanism such as a spring 159 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 11) to extend transversely 168 from the top surface 166 to form an obstruction 170 (FIG. 5) that prevents the closed operating position 134 of the deadman lever 124. The spring biased interlock safety switch 160 is pivotable against such bias (in the direction of Arrow D in FIGS. 5, 9 and 15) to clear that obstruction 170 , at the option of the user 133, such that the deadman lever 124 can pivot (in the direction of Arrow C in FIGS. 9 and 15) into the closed operating position 134 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 8-9, such as when a desired force is applied to the spring biased interlock safety switch 160 by the user 133.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, in yet another embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 comprises a blasting pot 148 that has a wireless receiver 144 configured to receive signals (e.g., 142, 152, 154) from the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 that is disposed 134within the shroud 102 of the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 includes a membrane gasket 172 (FIG. 6) that is sized and sealably disposed between the shroud cover 104 and the shroud base 106, to better prevent an entrance of water or moisture into the shroud 102. The membrane gasket 172 transmits force or pressure and acts as a seal between the fixed parts of the shroud cover 104 and the shroud base 106 when they are connected together.

[0085] Preferably, the membrane gasket 172 defines at least one depressor aperture 174 that is in coaxial alignment 176 with the depressor aperture 108 of the shroud cover 104 such that the momentary deadman switch 138 protrudes through both, the at least one depressor aperture 174 of the membrane gasket 172 and the at least depressor aperture 108 of the shroud 102. Preferably, the depressor aperture 108 of the shroud cover 104 and the depressor aperture 108 of the membrane gasket 172 are geometrically aligned and similar in size. The membrane gasket 172 is preferably made of rubber.

[0086] In one embodiment, abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 has a light emitting diode (LED) 178 electrically connected to the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 and battery 158, and the shroud base 106 defines an LED aperture 180 through which the LED 178 extends. Preferably, the LED 178 illuminates when the deadman lever 124 is pivoted into the closed operating position 134.

[0087] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 10-12, the elongated concave bottom wall 118 of the shroud 102 has a plurality of transversely oriented ribs 182 that are configured to grip the blasting hose 119 when the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 is connected to it.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom 184 of the shroud base 106 of the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 defines a recess 186, and a plurality of transversely oriented ribs 182 that are configured to grip the blasting hose 119 are disposed within that recess 186.

[0089] Preferably, the proximal end 120 and the distal end 122 of the elongated concave bottom wall 118 of the shroud base 106 each comprise a groove 188, 190 adapted to receive and engage a respective clasp 192, 194 for connecting said abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 to the blasting hose 119.

[0090] In one embodiment of the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100, the switch-on button 114 is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend outward of the shroud base 106, and the switch-on button 114 is movable against that bias. When a force of the grasp of the user 133 depresses the switch-on button 114 against the bias, the switch-on button 114 activates the feed of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148 at the option of the user 133 because the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 sends a signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 to activate the feed of abrasive media 150.

[0091] In yet another embodiment of the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100, the switch-off button 116 is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend outward of the shroud base 106, and the switch-off button 116 is movable against that bias. When a force of the grasp of the user 133 depresses the switch-off button against the bias, the switch-off button 116 stops the feed of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148, at the option of the user 133. When a force of the grasp of the user 133 depresses the switch-on button 114 against the bias, the switch-on button 114 activates the feed of abrasive media 150 from the blasting pot 148 at the option of the user 133 because the wireless transmitter circuit board 140 sends a signal to the blasting pot wireless receiver 144 to stop the feed of abrasive media 150.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the shroud cover 104 defines a plurality of fastener apertures 196 and the shroud base 106 defines a plurality of fastener openings 198 in respective alignment with the plurality of fastener apertures 196. In such embodiment, the abrasive blasting remote assembly 100 includes threaded fasteners 200through the respective apertures to removably connect the shroud cover 104 to the shroud base 106.

[0093] Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

[0094] This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.