GB2557164A

GB2557164A - A drying device

Info

Publication number: GB2557164A
Application number: GB1615117.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joynson Graeme
Original assignee: Arxell Ltd
Current assignee: Arxell Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-06
Filing date: 2016-09-06
Publication date: 2018-06-20
Also published as: GB201615117D0

Abstract

The drying device which dries a surface comprises: a body and a vent. The body includes at least two parts 10, 20 which are movable relative to each other while remaining connected together. The body is arranged to be placed against a surface and directs a drying fluid, such as air, past the surface. The body has a port 60 to receive a current of drying fluid and a vent is provided on the body so that the drying fluid passes through the body creating a volume of drying fluid in contact with the surface. The parts fit concentrically together. The device may include interlocking portions to lock with other devices and can be used to define a floor or walk way. Also claimed are system using multiple devices and methods of using either one or multiple devices. The system may include a pressurised fluid source, a heater or a dehumidifier.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Arxell Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Owthorne Grange, WITHERNSEA, Hull, HU19 2ES, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Graeme Joynson (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

E04B 1/70 (2006.01) F26B 21/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2003/081142 A1 DE 102015002412 A1

DE 102012007273A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL E04B, F26B

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: A drying device Abstract Title: Adjustable drying device (57) The drying device which dries a surface comprises: a body and a vent. The body includes at least two parts 10, 20 which are movable relative to each other while remaining connected together. The body is arranged to be placed against a surface and directs a drying fluid, such as air, past the surface. The body has a port 60 to receive a current of drying fluid and a vent is provided on the body so that the drying fluid passes through the body creating a volume of drying fluid in contact with the surface. The parts fit concentrically together. The device may include interlocking portions to lock with other devices and can be used to define a floor or walk way. Also claimed are system using multiple devices and methods of using either one or multiple devices. The system may include a pressurised fluid source, a heater or a dehumidifier.

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A DRYING DEVICE

Field of invention

The present invention discloses a drying device, in particular but not exclusively an extendable drying device that can be adjusted so as to fit different sized areas to be dried.

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 such drying devices are of a fixed size and are arranged as an array to cover an area. However as areas to be dried, such as rooms are of different sized and often do not correspond to the exact dimensions of the devices or array of devices there may be a gap, for example around the perimeter of a room. The area without a drying device may therefore take longer to dry and results in uneven drying of a surface.

The present invention seeks to address these problems by providing by providing an adjustable device that can be fitted into the area at the periphery of the existing device or system to ensure the entire wet area receives drying air.

Prior Art

UK Patent GB 2514149 (Joynson) discloses a rigid device for drying surface comprising a chamber capable of receiving drying fluid.

Summary of invention

According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable drying device for drying a surface comprising: a body that has at least two parts moveable relative to each other whilst remaining connected, the body arranged to be placed against the surface and to direct a drying fluid past the surface, the body having at least one port adapted to receive a current of drying fluid and at least one vent is provided on a face of the body, which in use is positioned adjacent the surface, so that the drying fluid passes through the at least one vent thereby creating a volume of drying fluid in contact with the surface to be dried.

Advantageously in this way the size of the adjustable drying device or device can be changed to correspond to the area to be dried and/or to fit with other drying devices that may not be adjustable.

For example an array of drying devices may be laid out over floor of a room to be dried and the adjustable drying devices may be used to fill any gaps between the drying devices and the walls of the room. In this way the entire wet surface, in this example a floor, can be evenly dried.

Preferably the body has at least one rigid part that defines a volume.

In some embodiments the body comprises one rigid part and one flexible part that is adjusted so as to enable the volume of the device to be altered depending upon arrangement of the flexible part of the body.

For example the rigid part may comprise a box with an open face from which the flexible part is attached to and extends from. The flexible part may be in the form of a balloon that expands in response to a current of drying fluid, typically drying air, passed through the device.

For example the balloon may have concertina walls so as to expand when filled with air or the balloon may have elastic walls so as to expand when pressurised.

The rigid part has vents on at least one face that are positioned against the surface to be dried in use.

The balloon also includes vents on at least one portion that typically corresponds to the face of the device having the vents.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments vents may be arranged on plural faces/sections so as to be directed in one or more directions. In this way the extendable drying device may be able to dry more than one surface simultaneously.

Advantageously the balloon can be filled until it fills the area required to be dried. For example the balloon may abut surrounding objects such as a wall or other drying device.

In some embodiments the body comprises two rigid parts linked by a flexible part. In this way the two rigid parts can be spaced apart so as to expand the flexible part in order to cover a particular area. For example a first rigid part may be positioned against a surface

Ideally the two rigid parts may have edge portions that fit concentrically together so as to form an enclosed cavity in which the flexible part of the body is contained. For example the edge portion of one rigid part may be larger than the edge portion of the second rigid part so as to permit an edge portion of the second rigid part to fit concentrically within an edge portion of the first rigid part.

In this way the device can be expanded by moving apart the rigid parts. The device can be used when the rigid parts are together and/or separated.

In a drying device have two rigid parts the parts are preferably connected by an extendable member so as to permit the rigid parts to be spaced so as to correspond with an area to be dried.

In another embodiment the device may be adjustable by being made from two parts, a male part and a female part. In this way the male part will fit into the female part providing a telescopic device that is adjustable to provide a maximum and minimum length.

In a further embodiment the device may be formed in one piece incorporating a concertina section allowing linear compression to provide the adjustable feature.

In yet further embodiments the device may incorporate a change in linear direction by way of a corner section. This way a system positioned to dry a floor can be attached fluidly to a system positioned to dry a wall. The extendable device being used to create a snug fit on the floor area and also providing a facility to directly attach the wall system at right angles, whilst adjusting to fit, or substantially so, a gap at the periphery of the deployed drying system.

In preferred embodiments the port is an inlet or an outlet to permit flow of drying fluid to or from the device. In this way drying fluid, typically air, can be passed into and from the device.

The port may enable the adjustable device to be connected to a drying fluid supply, such as a piped supply of drying air or to a suction means to draw humid air away from an area to be dried. The port may also permit one device to be connected to another so that a network of devices can be interconnected.

For example the ports may comprise male and female openings so as to permit connections to mate in order for an array of devices to be interconnected.

In some embodiments the port(s) may be provided with a cap to as to close the port if not connected to another device or piped supply.

The adjustable device includes at least one foot arranged on each rigid portion so as to space the body from the surface to be dried in order to accelerate evaporation at the surface to be dried. In this way a confined drying area is created below the device in which the drying air is targeted towards the air to be dried.

In some preferred embodiments the feet may be adapted so as to permit one device to stack securely atop another. For example the feet may be shaped to interfit with a portion of the upper face of the device.

Preferably the body is shaped to include a pathway that traverses the body to allow escape of drying fluid away from the surface being dried to the region above the device. Advantageously this prevents build-up of humid air and condensation that delays the drying process and may result in uneven drying.

The pathway may comprise a channel through the device or a shaped edge that permits passage of air.

In some embodiments the flexible part may also include pathways. For example the flexible part may comprise a concertina wall so as to have a plurality of channels through which humid air can escape to the environment above.

Ideally an upper surface of the rigid part may also serve as to define a floor or walkway. In this way a user can walk over the device during the drying process, therefore permitting access to an area being dried.

In some embodiments the device may include interlock portions in order to lock one device to another. In this way a network or array of devices can be arranged being extendable over an area. The devices may be shaped to have corresponding parts so that one device can interlock with another. For example, a network of the adjustable drying devices may be arranged to interlock along a corridor. Advantageously this provides a stable arrangement that is less likely to be moved or displaced accidently while in use.

In some embodiments the interlocking parts may be configured such that when two or more devices are interlocked the ports on each device are aligned so that drying fluid can readily pass through the connected devices.

The adjustable device can be used as part of a drying system so as to dry a particular sized area ensuring that the entire area is covered so as to ensure accelerated and even drying. The drying system includes a means for providing a propelled drying fluid, such as a fan. The fan may include a heating means so as to control temperature of the drying air. Typically the drying air is piped to the device and connected to a port.

Use of the system comprises the steps of: positioning the device(s) adjacent a surface to be dried, connecting the device to a source of propelled fluid by a port, so as force flow of fluid from the body via another port or vent.

Advantageously the adjustable drying device fills in the gap at the periphery of a modular drying system. The device is adjustable in a linear direction so that from a size smaller than the exposed area it can be extended or otherwise increased in size to fit or substantially fill the gap between surfaces and/or a surface and another device. The adjustable device may also be adjusted from a size larger than the exposed area it can be compressed, or otherwise reduced in size to fit or substantially fill the gap.

A preferred embodiment of the adjustable device is configured for use with commercially available 600mm x 500mm x 150mm modular devices.

Preferably the adjustable device may be 500mm x 500mm x 150mm. In this way a series of devices would fit along an edge of array with 500mm wide outwardly facing ends.

Pathways provided by relief sections on the side faces of the device (such as the concertina shape) allow escape of humid air from beneath the device so that new drying air can be delivered into the microclimate.

Advantageously the 500mm devices positioned along an edge of an array with 600mm wide outwardly facing ends would result in a 100mm wide gap between the devices that would advantageously create a pathway for escape of humid air. Advantageously therefore only one device is needed to cover both situations of a 600mm or 500mm wide face.

The wet surfaces adjacent to the gaps in these devices would still dry because they are subject to a constant passage of air from beneath the device, moving towards and out through the pathway. This forced air movement will produce the circumstances necessary to promote evaporation

The advantage over current target drying systems is that the substantial majority of the wet surface can be targeted to receive drying air in one application, rather than the drying kit having to be moved periodically

Preferably the device is made from a synthetic plastic material, such as polypropylene, in this way manufacture of the device lends itself to commercially viable processes such as injection or rotational moulding.

In some embodiments supports may be provided to hold a device or plurality of devices against a wall. The supports may comprise props or brackets. Typically the supports are not integrated with the device, although the device may be adapted to receive part of the support so as to locate the support in use. For example the device may include a recess dimensioned to receive part of the support.

In some embodiments the supports may form part of the device, for example comprising an arm that is hingeably attached to the device.

Preferably the device is weight bearing to permit formation of a walkway.

Ideally if the device is weight bearing it can allow permit positioning of over-boards thus providing a pedestrian walkway or working or storage platform. Advantageously by overboarding the device this would spread any subsequent load and avoiding point loading onto a weak section, such as the concertina section.

In some situations the adjustable devices can be used exclusively to cover a wet area, such as situations where there is a shortage of other rigid devices and an adequate supply of adjustable devices or wherein the area to be dried is irregularly shaped. These can be laid in an array over or against a wet surface In order to direct drying air to the wet surface.

Typically the drying fluid is pressurised, for example the drying fluid such as air is pumped to or from the device. In some embodiments a drying system may include a heater so as to warm the drying fluid.

Additionally in some embodiments the drying system may include a dehumidifier so as to remove moisture from the drying fluid. For example from humid fluid that has passed over the area to be dried.

It is appreciated that the extendable drying device could form part of a system as described in UK Patent GB2514149.

Brief 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 1A shows an overview of a first embodiment of an adjustable drying device;

Figure 1B shows a top view of the adjustable drying device shown in Figure 1A at maximum extension;

Figure 1C shows a top view of the adjustable drying device shown in Figure 1A at minimum extension;

Figure 2A shows a top overview of second embodiment of the adjustable drying device suitable for use in a corner;

Figure 2B shows a bottom overview of a third embodiment of the adjustable drying device;

Figure 3 shows a fourth embodiment of the adjustable drying device;

Figure 4 shows a fifth embodiment of the adjustable drying device; and

Figures 5A and 5B shows alternative methods of connecting adjustable devices.

Detailed Description of the Figures

The figures show various embodiments of an adjustable drying device which can be used in various areas to be dried, such as irregular spaces where dimensions vary.

Figure 1A shows an overview of a first embodiment of an adjustable drying device 100. The drying device comprises first and second parts 10, 20. The first part 10 is adapted to receive a portion of the second part 20.

The first and second parts 10, 20 are hollow, permitting circulating of drying fluid, typically air.

The first part 10 is E-shaped having three openings 30A, 30B, 30C that receive three fingers 40A, 40B and 40C of second part 20. Fingers 40A, 40B and 40C mate with openings 30A, 30B and 30C so as to join the first and second parts so as to permit flow of drying fluid between the first and second parts.

The first part 10 has a port 60 through which drying fluid can pass (not shown in Figure 1 A). The drying fluid may pass to or from the device via the port(s) 60.

A base 50 of the device includes a plurality of vents through which drying fluid can be expelled, or through which humid air can be drawn through so as to accelerate drying.

In use the vents (not shown in Figure 1A) are arranged against the surface to be dried.

Figures 1B and 1C show top views of the adjustable drying device shown in Figure 1A at maximum extension and minimum extension. The fingers 40A, 40B and of the second part 20 interfit with the openings 30A, 30B and 30C of the first part 10 wherein the fingers are slid into the openings.

In both arrangements drying fluid is permitted to flow between the parts 10, 20 so as to permit even drying of the surface against which the devices are arranged in use.

Figure 2A shows a top overview of second embodiment of the adjustable drying device suitable for use in a corner wherein the device includes a port 60 on an upper face 70 so as to accept a further device stacked atop. In this way the adjustable device can be arranged in a corner, for example for drying a floor and a wall and the device can be easily attached to a channel, such as a pipe, tube or trunking (not shown) that directs drying fluid to or from the device. In some embodiments the port of one device may be directly connected to the port of another device or may be connected by means of a connector.

The first and second parts 10, 20 are substantially U-shaped having corresponding openings 30A, 30B and fingers 40A, 40B.

The base 50 includes a plurality of vents 80 through which air can pass, either being forced from the device, for example drying fluid being pumped to the device 100 and escaping from the vents 80, or humid air being drawn through the vents from the wet surface by means of a suction force.

A side wall 55 of the device also includes a plurality of vents 50 so as to permit drying of a second surface that is perpendicular to the base, for example a wall.

In Figure 2A the first part 10 includes a stepped portion with an upper face 70 including a port 60.

Figure 2B shows a bottom view of a device. The first part 10 is U-shaped. The second part 20 is L-shaped having two openings 30A and 30B that receive fingers 40A and 40B.

The first part 10 has elongate slots 85 that are arranged to align with the vents 80 on the second part 20 so as to permit flow of drying fluid through the slots 85 and vents 80. Therefore the elongate slots 85 and vents 80 overlap.

Figure 3 shows a fourth embodiment of the adjustable drying device having a first part 10 and a second part 20 that are connected by a flexible part 90 that folds/unfolds in a concertina fashion so as to expand or contract the drying area.

The first and second parts 10, 20 are rigid and the flexible part 90 is mounted on an inner face of each part 10, 20 so as to enable both parts to join and the flexible portion 90 to be contained in the internal volume 95 created by both parts 10, 20.

When the first and second parts 10, 20 are joined together the device is in its most compact arrangement forming a substantially square block. The parts 10 and 20 are separated, whilst remaining connection by means of the flexible part 90, so as to expand the area that is capable of being dried by the device 100.

The flexible part 90 includes vents (not shown) so as to permit flow of drying fluid to and from the device 100.

The flexible part 90 is formed from a strong, flexible material in order to be suitable for operation in various arrangements.

The ends of the first part 11 and ends of the second parts 21 are adapted to enable the parts to be joined together so as to interlock.

It is appreciated that various means of enabling the parts 10 and 20 to interlock may be provided including but not limited to clips, clamps, mating parts, push fittings, hook and loop means and/or magnets.

A lower face of the device 100 includes feet 12 so as to elevate the first and second parts 10, 20 from a surface to be dried in order to create a microclimate to accelerate drying.

Figure 4 shows a fifth embodiment of the adjustable drying device 100 having a first rigid part 10 and a flexible part 90.

The flexible part 90 extends from the first part 10 and can be stored within the first part 10 when not in use.

Typically in use the flexible part is inflated until a distal end of the flexible part 90A abuts a structure such as a wall. Thereby permitting drying of an area between two opposed surfaces, ensuring the full area between the surfaces can be dried.

The drying fluid fed into the volume must be sufficient pressure so as to keep the flexible part 90 inflated and to permit flow of drying fluid (as indicated by the arrows on Figure 4) through the vents (not shown in Figure 4).

One or more faces of the first part 10 and flexible part 90 includes vents (not shown) so as to permit flow of drying fluid two and from the device 100.

A lower face of the device 100 includes feet 12 so as to elevate the first part 10 from a surface to be dried in order to create a microclimate to accelerate drying.

Figure 5 shows interlocking means for connecting devices 100 together. The devices 100 connect by interlocking means wherein the outer wall of a first device is shaped to correspond to a second device. Figure 5A shows two devices connectable by a dovetail joint. Figure 5B shows two devices connectable by a T slot. Alternative or additional interlocking means may be provided.

The outer wall is shaped or includes portions adapted to correspond to like parts on a second device in order to facilitate a connection. Ideally the connection is temporary such that the parts can be connected and disconnected easily.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. It is also understood that inlets, when suitably modified, may operate as outlets in dependence upon the direction of flow of air and the intention of a user.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An adjustable drying device for drying a surface comprising: a body that has at least two parts moveable relative to each other whilst remaining connected, the body arranged to be placed against the surface and to direct a drying fluid past the surface, the body having at least one port adapted to receive a current of drying fluid and at least one vent is provided on a face of the body, which in use is positioned adjacent the surface, so that the drying fluid passes through the at least one vent thereby creating a volume of drying fluid in contact with the surface to be dried.

2. An adjustable drying device according to claim 1 wherein the body has at least one rigid part and one flexible part.

3. An adjustable drying device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein parts fit concentrically together.

4. An adjustable drying device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the body parts are connected by an extendable member.

5. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein the port is an inlet or an outlet to permit flow of drying fluid to or from the device.

6. An adjustable device according to any preceding claim including at least one foot so as to space the body from the surface to be dried in order to accelerate evaporation at the surface to be dried.

7. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is shaped to include a pathway that traverses the body to allow escape of drying fluid.

8. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein the body defines an internal chamber.

9. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein two or more devices are capable of being connected one to another.

10. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is substantially cuboid in form.

11. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is substantially rectangular in section.

12. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim provides an upper surface so as to define a floor or walkway.

13. An adjustable drying device according to any preceding claim having interlock portions in order to lock one device to another.

14. An adjustable drying device for drying a surface according to any preceding claim wherein a port is provided with a cap for selective closing of the port.

15. A system having a plurality of adjustable drying devices as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14.

16. A system according to claim 15 including a pressurised fluid source.

17. A system according to claim 15 including a heater.

18. A system according to claim 15 including a dehumidifier.

19. A method of using the adjustable drying device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 or the system according to any of claims 15 to 18 including the steps of: positioning the device(s) adjacent a surface to be dried, connecting the device to a source of propelled fluid by a port, so as force flow of fluid from the body via another port or vent.

20. An adjustable drying device for drying a surface as substantially described herein with reference to the figures.

21. An adjustable drying device for drying a surface and kit with reference to the drawings and substantially as herein described.

22. A method for drying a surface as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1615117.7 Examiner: Mr Kunal Saujani