GB2532434A

GB2532434A - A drying system

Info

Publication number: GB2532434A
Application number: GB1420476.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joynson Graeme
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-18
Filing date: 2014-11-18
Publication date: 2016-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-18
Also published as: GB201420476D0; GB2532434B; WO2016079691A1

Abstract

A drying system comprises an inflatable mat 10 having a first face 18 and a second face 19, at least one inlet 14 for receiving a supply of drying fluid and at least one vent (24, fig 3) arranged on the first face that in use is directed towards a surface 22 to be dried so as to direct drying fluid to the surface being dried, at least one through pathway 12 to allow escape of drying fluid from the surface being dried wherein the through pathway receives at least one support (26) which in use supports a platform 20. The platform is a horizontal surface and is capable of weight bearing to permit the support of person(s) and/or equipment thereon and provides a barrier to limit lifting of the mat. A plurality of mats may be connected together (modular) by connectors (30, fig 4). The drying fluid may be heated air from a blower 16. The drying system may be used with a heater(s) or dehumidifier(s) located in the area to be dried but not connected to the mat. The supports may be telescopically adjustable for height adjustment of the platform.

Description

A DRYING SYSTEM

Field of invention

The present invention discloses a drying system, in particular but not exclusively a drying system having a through pathway to allow escape of humid air from the surface being dried, the pathway suitable for permitting a through access of a support for supporting a platform.

Background

A number of drying devices exist to enable target drying of a wet surface. Such devices are suitable drying of domestic, commercial, industrial and construction properties following a flood event or wet cleaning process or construction activities.

Standard drying devices for target drying typically use air to accelerate drying enabling moisture to be evaporated from the wet surface.

Commonly a drying mat, such as an inflatable mat, is placed on a surface and connected to an air supply so as to channel air via the mat to the wet surface. Often such devices use equipment such as air blowers, heaters and dehumidifiers, often in combination. However when such devices are deployed in the room or area that is being dried typically the room or area has to be left until the drying is completed. This means that until the area is dry no other work can be carded out and access to and through the area is severely restricted. The result is that alternative accommodation has to be sought. This might be for families, commercial and industrial businesses and construction related businesses having to wait extended periods of time for areas to dry before follow on works can commence.

Furthermore, drying air is commonly directed through an array of holes in the underside of such devices. As dry air is expelled it collects water vapour from the target surface and then has to make its way to the extremity of the device, mixing with other air at different humidity's. This can lead to condensation, and reduces drying efficiency therefore delaying drying. Also the air at the extremities of known devices is high in humidity and air at the centre is low in humidity resulting in a potential for uneven drying over the area of the device.

The present invention seeks to address these problems by providing an array of pathways across the devices to allow escape of humid air from the wet surface, as well as providing a location for support legs for a work or access platform.

Prior Art

United Kingdom patent application GB-A-2 397 366 (ELLIOTT et al) discloses a drying device comprising opposed sheets of flexible material co-joined along peripheral edge portions thereof wherein at least one of the sheets is provided with a multiplicity of small apertures over its whole surface area, or substantially so.

International patent application WO 2005 031 230 (FERNANDES et a!) discloses a heating and drying system for heating and drying walls in a damp environment comprising: a wall system, said wall system further comprising: sheathing means for sheathing a wall surface, and air channelling means for channelling air along said wall surface United States patent application US 2010 192 400 (STORRER) discloses a surface drying system having a vacuum source comprising: a water-impermeable membrane having an upper side, a lower side, a perimeter, and a grid having passageways in fluid communication to the surface to be dried; and a port within the membrane and in fluid communication with the vacuum source.

UK patent application GB-A-2 423 810 (Dri Eaz) discloses a system for guiding air to targeted surfaces. The system comprises an air mover and an air guide member. The air mover defines an outlet through which air is displaced. The air guide member defines at least one chamber that becomes inflated by air displaced by the air mover and secondary air being guided towards a desired location.

Summary of invention

According to the present invention there is provided a drying system comprising: an inflatable mat having a first face and a second face, at least one inlet for receiving a supply of drying fluid and at least one vent arranged on a first face that in use is directed towards a surface to be dried so as to direct drying fluid to the surface being dried, at least one through pathway to allow escape of drying fluid from the surface being dried wherein the through pathway is adapted to receive at least one support which in use supports a platform.

Ideally the platform is located above the mat, so that in use, it defines a surface or walkway spaced apart from the surface being dried.

The drying system is connected to an air supply, such as an air blower, so as to inflate the mat and therefore forcing drying fluid, such as air or heated air, through the mat and out via the vents. The air blower may be connected directly to the mat or may be connected by a channel such as a pipe.

The air blower is connected to the mat via the inlet.

Typically an engagement means is provided for attaching the air blower to the mat and/or conduit. The engagement means may comprise; interlocking parts, clips, clamps or snap-fit means.

In some embodiments more than one air blower may be used in a system.

The air blower may include or be incorporated with heating means so as to warm the drying fluid in order to accelerate drying. The temperature of the heating means may by controlled so that temperature can be selected depending upon the surface being dried. For example a delicate surface such as a wool carpet, or wood, may be dried at lower temperatures so as to prevent damage.

The air blower may also or alternatively include a dehumidifier so as to remove moisture from the drying fluid.

The dehumidifier may be used to both dehumidify air prior to passing through the mat and post exiting via the through pathways.

In some embodiments a separate heater or dehumidifier may be used as part of a drying system. For example a heater(s) or a dehumidifier(s) is located within the area being dried, but not connected directly to a mat.

The drying system provides an improvement to existing drying mats by having a plurality of through pathways that transverse the main body of the mat, from a first face in contact with the wet surface, to a second face. In this way humid air that builds between the mat and the wet surface to be dried is able to escape through the pathways to the ambient atmosphere allowing new drying fluid to pass over the wet surface. This accelerates drying as humid drying fluid is able to be more quickly removed and replaced by less humid drying fluid.

Preferably the mat includes a plurality of through pathways regularly spaced across the mat. Advantageously this allows the humid drying fluid to exit away from the wet surface rapidly without having to travel to extremities of the mat so that the humid drying fluid does not hinder the drying process and instead is quickly replaced with the less humid drying fluid that is ejected through the vents. Furthermore the pathways reduce the likelihood of condensation of the humid air on the first face of the mat that would slow down the drying process.

In preferred embodiments the platform comprises a substantially horizontal surface, arranged atop one or more supports wherein the platform is capable of weight bearing so as to permit support of persons and/or equipment thereon.

In some embodiments the platform and supports may be integrated so as to be one part.

In this way a working platform or walkway can be provided above the drying mat permitting access over an area being dried. Advantageously this allows work to be carried out in a room or area when otherwise the room or area would be out of use during the entirety of the drying process. This may therefore accelerate the process of repairing damage caused by water to other surface such as ceilings or walls and to enable reinstatement work to commence sooner. In commercial situations office equipment, for instance, could be set up on the platform allowing work to continue at the premises, therefore reducing the time that an area is out of use, thus reducing associated costs and delays due to water damage.

The platform may comprise a plurality of sections capable of connection to one another so as to provide a solid platform. Edges of the platform may preferably include connection means so as to enable connection of one edge to the edge of a second platform section. For example the platform may have interlocking portions or include or accept clips, clamps or snap fittings so as to allow sections to be locked together.

Typically the platform is planar so as to provide a flat upper surface and so as to be easily fitted above a mat or plurality of mats.

Ideally a lower face of the may is adapted to receive the supports, for example the lower face may include recesses for receiving the supports.

The supports may be provided in different lengths so as to vary the distance that the platform is above the mats and so as to enable the platform to be arranged on an uneven surface wherein support length is altered to accommodate undulations in the surface.

In some embodiments the supports may be adjustable, for example being telescopic so as to adjust height in order to provide a level platform.

Ideally each support may have a resiliently deformable foot provided on a distal end so as to grip the wet surface during use and so as to prevent damage to the surface.

In some embodiments a distal face of the foot may have a raised and lowered surface so as to allow circulation of drying fluid about the foot so as to ensure the surface below the foot is dried.

The leg spacing corresponds with the through apertures.

Preferably the plafform is made from a strong, durable material so as to be suitable for weight bearing and for repeated use. The platform may also be lightweight so as to be easily transported and fitted. For example the plafform may be formed from a synthetic plastic.

The walkway could be injection moulded with leg spacing dimensioned to correspond with through pathways on the mat.

The through pathways are dimensioned to accept the supports whilst still allowing through passage of drying fluid. For example the through pathway may be oval shaped, accepting a cylindrical support.

In other embodiments the through pathway may be round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or any other multi-sided shape.

In some embodiments the through pathway may include a reinforced portion. The reinforced portion(s) may comprise one or more additional layer(s) of the same or an alternative material. For example a rubber layer may be included around an edge of a through pathway.

Alternatively or additionally an eyelet or rim may be included in the through passage.

Advantageously the reinforced portions protect the through pathway from damage caused by the supports for example due to rubbing or pinching. Furthermore the reinforced portions provide an element of rigidity to the through pathways making it easier to insert the supports.

In a preferred embodiment the reinforced portion of the through pathway may comprise a hollow rigid structure that is attached to the mat defining the through pathway. In this way a platform may be placed directly upon the mat wherein the hollow structure serves as a support for the platform and prevents the mat from being crushed during weight bearing.

In some embodiments the hollow rigid structure, or hollow structure, may be adhered to or bonded to the through pathway so that the hollow structure is integrated with the mat.

In other embodiments a pocket may be provided to receive the hollow structure(s), or attachment means may be provided to attach the hollow structure to the through pathway such as hooks, catches or interlocking means.

Advantageously in this embodiment no separate supports are required as the hollow structures provide support for the platform(s). This allows a drying system to be more rapidly deployed.

In some preferred embodiments the hollow rigid structure(s) may extend from each side of the through passage so as to protrude from the mat wherein a distal end contacts the surface being dried and a proximal end receives the platform. In this way an area between the mat and the surface being dried is defined in which drying fluid can circulate. In this embodiment the platform is also spaced apart from the mat.

A distal end of the hollow structure, that contacts the wet surface in use, includes raised and lowered portions so as to permit passage of drying fluid from the area between the first face of the mat and the wet surface, to escape through the hollow structure passing up through the through passage so as to exit from the second face of the mat.

The distal end of the hollow structure may be castellated, undulating, toothed or perforated so as to permit flow of drying fluid.

In some embodiments it may be possible to fold or roll the mat, hollow structures and platform as a combined unit so that there is no assembly of parts required. For example the platform may be provided in lengths so as to enable the mat, hollow structures and platforms to be rolled.

Ideally an upper face of the platform may be textured or include raised and lowered portions so as to provide grip for a person or equipment upon the platform.

The through pathways are apertures in the mat that traverse the mat. Edges of the mat around the through pathway are sealed so as to prevent escape of drying fluid so that passage of drying fluid is only permitted to and from inlets, outlets and vents.

Advantageously the platform provides a barrier to limit the mats from lifting beyond the platform during drying. Commonly drying mats are weighted down so as to prevent them lifting during drying. If drying fluid is channelled to the mat at force it can cause the mat to be blasted away from the wet surface. However by weighing down the mat there are areas of the surface being dried that are harder or to dry. The platform allows the mat hover above the wet surface if the drying fluid is pumped at sufficient force wherein the platform provides a barrier to hold the mat at a fixed position above the wet surface.

Advantageously this enables a microclimate to be created between the mat and the wet surface permitting circulation of drying fluid in an area in contact with the wet surface. Drying fluid is forced out through the vents into the area between the mat and wet surface wherein it disrupts the water molecules at the wet surface and provides energy to allow evaporation from the surface. Subsequently the drying fluid absorbs water vapour and becomes more humid. This humid drying fluid is able to escape through the pathways through which the supports pass.

Preferably the mat includes at least one outlet for connection to an inlet/outlet of at least one other mat, either directly or buy way of a conduit such as a pipe, so as to permit through flow of drying fluid from one mat to another in order to provide drying over a larger area. In this way an array or network of mats can be interconnected covering a larger area.

The drying system may comprise a singular or modular system comprising one mat or several mats arranged in a planar array. The mats may be connected to each other by connectors that permit passage of drying fluid or may be connected to a supply of drying fluid individually and exclusively.

In some embodiments the connectors may by attached to a conduit so as to channel drying fluid from one mat to another over a distance, for example if patch drying or drying more than one separate area whilst using the same drying fluid supply.

Preferably the mat comprises two layers joined at least around a peripheral edge, providing a cavity that can be inflated. Ideally the two layers may be joined internally at additional points across the two layers so as to ensure even inflation of the mat.

In some embodiments the mat may be formed of a plurality of interconnection sections that allow drying fluid to pass freely from one section to another.

Preferably the mat is formed from a strong, durable, water resistant material such as a synthetic woven fabric or a synthetic plastic.

In some embodiments the may be formed from more that two layers.

Advantageously when the mat is not in use and is therefore deflated the mat be rolled or folded so as to readily stored when not in use.

In some embodiments the inlet(s), outlet(s) and/or vents may have reinforced openings so as to be strong and durable for repeated use. For example each opening may have a thickened rim, an eyelet or an additional layer of material for improved strength and durability. Advantageously the reinforced openings may assist with connecting connectors, air blowers or conduits.

In preferred embodiments the mat is square or rectangular having an inlet or outlet on each edge. In this way each mat can be readily connected to another on any side. Advantageously this can allow a mat network to be provided in a variety of shapes, for example through a doorway or hallway.

In some embodiments the mats may be provided in alternative shapes for example having one or more curved edge, being round or triangular. In this way the mats can be used for unusual spaces.

Further more a mat may be manufactured to bespoke measurements for a particular space such as the foot well of a vehicle, a toilet cubicle or boat.

Preferably each mat includes a plurality of vents arranged on a first face. In this way drying fluid can be evenly expelled from the mat over the wet surface.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using the drying system having the steps of: positioning a mat on a surface to be dried so that the first face interfaces the wets surface; connecting a fluid drying supply to the mat; locating supports through the through pathways to as to be in contact with the surface being dried; engaging a platform on the supports; activating the drying fluid supply.

The plurality of through pathways allows a plurality of supports to be located so as to securely support the platform. In this a way that the drying system can be deployed and operated whilst still permitting access to or over the area being dried by use of the platform/walkway.

In some embodiments the through pathway may include an attachment means for attaching the mat to a support so as to limit movement about the support. For example the attachment means may comprise; ties, straps, hook and loop means, clips, clasps or buckles.

In this way a weight bearing surface can be deployed over the drying device, thus allowing pedestrian traffic over the floor during the drying process.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an overview of a preferred embodiment of the drying system; Figure 2 shows an overview of the drying system shown in figure 1 without the platform; Figure 3 shows a cross section of the drying system; and Figure 4 shows an isometric view of drying system.

Detailed Description of the Figures

The figures show preferred embodiments of the drying system that enable access to an area being dried during the drying process.

Figure 1 shows a rectangular mat 10 with a plurality of through pathways 12. The through pathways 12 are oval shaped so as to permit location of a support (not shown) and to allow escape of humid air.

One edge of the mat 10 includes an inlet 14 on the perimeter 11 for receiving a drying fluid supply. An air blower 16 is connected to the inlet 14 so as to inflate the mat 10.

The mat 10 has undulating first and second faces 18, 19. In this way only part of the first face is in contact with the surface being dried during use. Furthermore the undulating surface means that drying fluid is ejected through the vents in different directions so as to aid with dispersing any moisture.

The mat 10 has a plafform 20 arranged atop the mat. The plafform 20 is supported by a plurality of supports (not shown) so as to provide a flat level surface.

Figure 2 shows the mat 10 with no plafform. The mat has a plurality of regularly spaced through passageways 12.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of the drying system in use. The mat 10 is arranged on a wet surface 22. The first face 18 of the mat includes a plurality of vents 24 through which drying fluid is ejected towards the surface to be dried.

Supports 26 pass through the through pathway 12. A distal end 27 of the support is in contact with the wet surface 22 and a proximal end 28 of the support is attached to the platform 20.

A proximal end of the support may be adapted to receive the platform, for example having attachment means to engage the platform.

Figure 4 shows an overview of the drying system. A platform 20 is provided in the form of a walkway to allow passage through a room that is having the floor dried. An array of six mats is positioned adjacent to one another. Each mat 10 is connected to another mat 10 by means of a connector 30. Each mat 10 is interconnected to at least one other mat so as to allow through flow of drying fluid from one mat to another.

One mat 10A is attached to a drying supply 16 by a pipe 28. The pipe 28 channels drying fluid from the supply 16 to the mat 10A. The pipe 28 is connected to the mat through an inlet 14.

Claims

Claims 1. A drying system comprising: an inflatable mat having a first face and a second face, at least one inlet for receiving a supply of drying fluid and at least one vent arranged on a first face that in use is directed towards a surface to be dried so as to direct drying fluid to the surface being dried, at least one through pathway to allow escape of drying fluid from the surface being dried wherein the through pathway is adapted to receive at least one support which in use supports a platform.
2. A drying system according to claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a substantially horizontal surface, arranged atop one or more supports wherein the platform is capable of weight bearing so as to permit support of persons and/or equipment thereon.
3. A drying system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mat includes at least one outlet for connection to an inlet/outlet of at least one other mat so as to permit through flow of drying fluid from one mat to another in order to provide drying over a larger area.
4. A drying system according to claim 3 wherein the mats are connected by connectors.
5. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the, or each, mat includes a plurality of vents arranged on a first face.
6. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the supply of drying fluid is provided by an air blower.
7. A drying system according to any preceding claim including a dehumidifier.
8. A drying system according to any preceding claim including heating means to warm the drying fluid.
9. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the platform provides a barrier to limit lifting of the mat from the surface being dried as drying fluid is forced from the vents.
10.A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the through pathway includes attachment means.
11.A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein an opening of an inlet, outlet or vent is reinforced.
12. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the through pathway includes reinforced portions.
13.A drying system according to claim 12 wherein the reinforced portion comprises a hollow rigid structure.
14.A method of using the drying system as described in any of claims 1 to 13 having the steps of: positioning a mat on a surface to be dried so that the first face interfaces the wets surface; connecting a fluid drying supply to the mat; locating supports through the through pathways to as to be in contact with the surface being dried; engaging a platform on the supports; activating the drying fluid supply.
15.A drying system as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A drying system comprising: an inflatable mat having a first face and a second face, at least one inlet receiving a supply of drying fluid and at least one vent arranged on the first face that in use is directed towards a surface to be dried so as to direct drying fluid to the surface being dried, at least one through pathway to allow escape of drying fluid from the surface being dried wherein the through pathway receives at least one support which in use supports a platform.2. A drying system according to claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a substantially horizontal surface, arranged atop one or more supports wherein the platform is capable of weight bearing so as to permit support of persons and/or equipment thereon. L.03. A drying system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mat includes at least one outlet for connection to an inlet/outlet of at least one other mat so as to permit through flow of drying fluid from one mat to another in order to provide drying over a larger area.O4. A drying system according to claim 3 wherein the mats are connected by connectors.5. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the, or each, mat includes a plurality of vents arranged on a first face.6. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the supply of drying fluid is provided by an air blower.7. A drying system according to any preceding claim including a dehumidifier.8. A drying system according to any preceding claim including heating means to warm the drying fluid.9. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the platform provides a barrier to limit lifting of the mat from the surface being dried as drying fluid is forced from the vents.10.A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the through pathway includes attachment means.11.A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein an opening of an inlet, outlet or vent is reinforced.12. A drying system according to any preceding claim wherein the through pathway includes reinforced portions.ON 13.A drying system according to claim 12 wherein the reinforced portion comprises 0 a hollow rigid structure.14.A method of using the drying system as described in any of claims 1 to 13 having the steps of: positioning the mat on a surface to be dried so that the first face interfaces the surface to be dried; connecting the fluid drying supply to the mat; locating the at least one support through the at least one pathway so to as to be in contact with the surface being dried; engaging the platform on the at least one support; activating the drying fluid supply.15.A drying system as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.