WO2022269585A1

WO2022269585A1 - A portable paint booth and a method for painting an area of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022269585A1
Application number: PCT/IE2022/000005
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Gerard TIMONEY; David Patrick Gerard DUNNE
Original assignee: Timoney John Gerard; Dunne David Patrick Gerard
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2022-06-21
Publication date: 2022-12-29

Abstract

A portable paint booth comprising a base (10), a first side structure (12) and a second side structure (15) extending upwardly from the base (10) and joined by a top structure (18), which together define a main chamber (22) for accommodating a painter during spray-painting of a repaired area (3) of a motor vehicle (5). A protective sheet (27) closes an open mouth (23) to the main chamber (22) at one end thereof, and a flexible closure sheet (29) releasably closes an access opening (25) to the main chamber (22). The protective sheet (27) is configured to permit the forming of an opening (26) therein to provide access to the area (3) of the vehicle (5) to be spray-painted so that the protective sheet (27) may be secured to the vehicle by masking tape around the periphery of the opening (26). The first and second side structures (12) and (15) and the top structure (18) together define an air duct extending from an air inlet port (42) formed in the first side structure (12) and an air outlet port (44) formed in the second side structure (15) for circulating air through the main chamber (22) from the air outlet port (44) to the air inlet port (42). A fan (45) circulates air through the air duct (40) and in turn through the main duct (22). A primary filter (68) is located in the air inlet port (42) for filtering air being drawn from the main chamber (22). A heat exchanger (49) and a secondary filter (83) located in the outlet port (44) heat and filter air being delivered into the main chamber (22).

Description

"A portable paint booth and a method for painting an area of a vehicle*

The present invention relates to a portable paint booth, and particularly, though not limited to a portable paint booth for spray-painting an area of a vehicle, for example, a repaired area of a motorvehicle, and the invention also relates to a method for painting an area of a motor vehicle, and In particular, an area, for example, a repaired area of a motor vehicle.

On completion of a repair to a damaged area of the bodywork of a motor vehicle, such as a car. a van, a truck or the like, which may have been damaged as a result of a crash, the repaired area must be spray- painted. Spray-painting of a repaired area of a vehicle, in general. Is carried out in the workshop In which the repair to the damaged area has also been carried out This is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons, firstly, the environment in such workshops tends to be dusty with a relatively high concentration of dust particles in the air. Secondly, the temperature in such workshops, in general, is considerably less than the recommended temperature at which the paint should be applied to the repaired area of the vehicle, and in particular, the temperature at which the paint having been applied to the repaired area should be dried. Additionaiy, during spray-painting of a repaired area of a vehicle in such an environment, paint droplets and particles are Introduced into the air in the area where the spray-painting is being carried out While the spray painter and those involved in the spray-painting in general are provided with protective facemasks to filer out any such paint droplets and particles during the spray-painting, other personnel in the workshop, in general, are not provided with such protective face-masks. Unfortunately, once introduced into the air, such paint droplets and paint partides circulate throughout the workshop, and other personnel to the workshop inadvertently inhale such paint droplets and paint partides, thus subsequently leading to lung and other diseases in such personnel.

Apart from the healto hazards to which other personnel in such workshops where spray-painting is befog carried out are subjected, the quality of the paint applied to the repaired area of a vehicle, in general, is less than satisfactory, due to the presence of dust in the environment in which the spray-painting is befog carried out, and also due to the paint being applied to the vehicle at temperatures lower than the recommended temperature, and in particular, drying of the paint at temperatures lower than the recommended drying temperature for the paint

Attempts to address this problem have been made by the provision of dedicated paint booths which are constructed and located in such workshops, or adjacent thereto. In such spray booths, a vehicle, the repaired area of which is to be painted, may be driven into the paint booth, and sprayed therein. Such paint booths are provided with an extraction system for extracting dust, paint droplets and paint particles, and additionally, the temperature in such spray booths may be controlled. However, a problem with such paint booths is that they tend to be relatively expensive, and fake up a considerable amount of space in the workshop.

There is therefore a need for a paint booth which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a paint booth, and the invention is also directed towards providing a method for painting an area of a vehicle.

According to the invention there is provided a portable paint booth configured for painting an area of a vehicle, the paint booth comprising a housing defining a main chamber and an open mouth to the main chamber, a closure pane! releasabiy closing the open mouth, the closure pane! being configured to mask a portion offhe vehicle adjacent the area of the vehicle to be painted, and being of a severable materia! for forming an opening therethrough to communicate the area to be painted of the vehicle with the main chamber, an air duct formed in the housing and extending from an air inlet port for receiving air from the main chamber and an air outlet port for delivering air to the main chamber, the: gfr inlet and outlet ports being located in the housing at respective opposite sides of the main chamber for circulating air through the main chamber from one side thereof to the other, an air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port, a heating means for heating the air passing through the air duct, and a primary filter for fiitering air adjacent the air inlet port, ihe primary filter being configured for filtering particulate matter from the air, In one embodiment o? the invention the heating means in the air duct is located adjacent the air outlet port, and preferably, the heating means extends substantially the width of the air outlet port, and advantageously, the heating means extends at least one third of the height of the air outlet port, and preferably, at least two thirds of the height of the outlet port, and preferably, the heating means extends upwardly from a lower edge defining the air outlet port, and advantageously, the heating means extends substa ntia!ly the height of the air outlet port. in one embodiment of the invention the area of the heating means is substantially similar to the area of the air outlet port. In another embodiment of the Invention the heating means is located in the air outlet port.

In another embodiment of the invention the heating means comprises a heat exchanger, and preferably, a water/air heat exchanger configured for transferring heat from heated water in the heat exchanger to air passing through the heat exchanger.

In another embodiment of the invention the water/air heat exchanger comprises a radiator, and advantageously, the radiator comprises a plurality of spaced apart tubular elements for accommodating hea ted water therethrough, adjacent tubular elements defining airaccommodating passageways therebetween for accommodating air therethrough through the air outlet port.

In another embodiment of the invention the heating means comprises a water heating system for heating water for delivery io the heat exchanger, and preferably, the water heating system comprises an electrically powered water heating system. Advantageously, the water heating system comprises a water tank, and an electrically powered Immersion heater located in the water tank for heating water in the water tank for delivery to the heat exchanger. Preferably, the water tank comprises an enclosed water tank, and advantageously, the water in the water heating system is pressurised, Preferably, a circulating pump is provided for circulating water through the water tank, and In turn through the heat exchanger, in one embodiment of the invention a temperature monitoring means Is provided for monitoring the temperature of the water, and a control means responsive to the temperature monitoring means is configured to control the Immersion heater for maintaining the temperature of the water at any one of a plurality of seiectsb!e temperatures.

Preferably, the water heating system is housed in a sub-housing, and advantageously, the sub-housing is located In the housing, and preferably, the sub-housing is located adjacent the air duct, and advantageously, is located adjacent the air duct adjacent the air outlet port. in another embodiment of the invention the primary filter is located in the air inlet port, and preferably, the primary filter is of width, substantially similar to the width of the air inlet port, and preferably, the primary filter is of height substantially similar to the height of the air inlet port. In another embodiment of the invention the area of the primary filter is substantially similar to the area of the air inlet port.

In another embodiment of the invention the primary filter comprises an initial stage filter and a final stage filter. Preferably, the initial stage filter comprises a two stagefilter comprising a first initial stage filter and a second initial stage filter.

In one embodiment of the invention the first initial stage filter comprises a filter of filter grade G2/G3 in accordance with EN 77S.

In another embodiment of the invention the second initial stage filter comprises a 600mm x 600mm x 50mm pleated filter to EN 779.

In one embodiment of the invention the final stage filter comprises activated carbon materia!.

Preferably, the final stage filter comprises a filter housing comprising a pair of spaced apart perforated major panels joined by a pair of spaced apart minor end panels and by spaced apart top an.d bottom minor panels, the major panels and the minor end and top and bottom minor panels defining a filter chamber accommodating activated carbon material, and preferably, the activated carbon material is in one of particulate form and pellet form. in one embodiment of the invention the major panels are perforated by a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots. Preferably, each slot Is of width of approximately 3mm. in another embodiment of the invention each slot is of length of approximately 42mm, in another embodiment of the invention adjacent ones of the slots In each major pane! of the filter housing are spaced apart laterally from each other a distance in the range of 2mm to 3mm, and preferably, a distance of approximately 3mm.

In another embodiment of the invention adjacent ones of the slots In each major pane! of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance in the range of 2mm to 3mm, and advantageously, a distance of approximately 3mm. Ideally, the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the slots in each major panel to the area of that major panel lies in the range of 1 :0.462 to 1 :0.78, and preferably, the ratio is approximately 1:0.78.

Preferably, the slots in their length direction extend parallel to edges of the corresponding major panel Shat 5 are joined to the respective minor end panels. in another embodiment of the invention the air urging means comprises a fan, and preferably, a motor driven fan, and ideai!y, the motor comprises a single speed motor, and advantageously, the motor comprises art electrically powered motor, so

In one embodiment of the invention the ran comprises a centrifugal fan. Preferably, the fan is adapted as a variable speed fan. Advantageously, the fan is configured to urge the air through the main chamber at a velocity in the range of 0.25 metres per second to 0.30 metres per second

15 In another embodiment of the invention a secondary filter is provided for filtering air delivered into the main chamber of the housing through the air outlet port. Preferably, the secondary filter Is of width substantially similar to the width of the air outlet port, and preferably, is of height substantially similar to the height of the air outlet port.

?.o Preferably, the secondary filter is of area substantially similar to the area of the air outlet port.

In another embodiment of the invention the secondary filter is located adjacent the air outlet port, and preferably, the secondary filter substantially defines the air outlet port.

25 In one embodiment of the invention the secondary filter is configured to filter out residual dust particles remaining in the air prior to delivery' of the air into the main chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention the air outlet port and the air inlet port are configured so that the air passes through the main chamber from the air outlet port to the air inlet port in a direction transversely of 30 the open mouth.

Preferably, the main chamber comprises an enclosed main chamber. In one embodiment of the invention the open mouth is formed by an opening of one of square shape and rectangular shape.

Preferably, the main chamber is of parallelepiped shape. in one embodiment of the invention a temperature sensing means is provided in the air duct for monitoring the temperature of air in the air duct, the heating means being responsive to the temperature sensing means for maintaining the temperature of the air in the main chamber at a selectable temperature. Preferably, the temperature sensing means is located in the air duct intermediate the air inlet port and the air urging means. in one embodiment of the invention the housing comprises a base, and a pair of upstanding spaced apart first and second side structures extending upwardly from the base and joined adjacent their upper ends by a fop structure.

Preferably, the air duct is formed in the first and second side structures, and in the top structure. Preferably, the air duct comprises a first leg extending upwardly in the first side structure from the air inlet port to a second leg of the air duct extending through the top structure, and communicating with fhe second leg of the air duct, and a third ieg extending through the second side structure from the second ieg and communicating with the second leg and extending to the air outlet port. in another embodiment of the invention the sub-housing for housing the water heating system is located in the second side structure.

In one embodiment of the invention the air urging means is located between the first leg and the second leg of the air duct.

Preferably, a pressure monitoring means is located in the first leg of the air duct between the air inlet port and the air urging means for monitoring the air pressure upstream of the air urging means for determining the efficacy of the primary filter, and preferably, an a!erting means is provided responsive to the air pressure monitored by fhe air pressure monitoring means having fallen beiow a predefined minimum pressure indicative of efficacy of the primary' filter having fallen below a predefined efficacy. In another embodiment of the invention the open mouth is defined by the base, the upstanding first and second side structures and the top structure, and preferably, the closure panel comprises a closure panel of a flexible material, and preferably, a transparent flexible material, and ideally, the flexible material of the closure panel comprises a plastics material, and advantageously, a polyethylene material, and preferably, the flexible sheet materia! of the closure panel is of thickness of approximately 8 microns, in another embodiment of the invention an access opening is provided to the main chamber of the housing for accommodating a person into the main chamber, and preferably, the access opening is dosed by a closure member. Preferably, the closure member comprises a sheet material releasably securable to the housing for closing the access opening, and preferably, the access opening is defined by the base, the first and second side structures and the top structure, and preferably, the access opening is located in the housing directly opposite the open mouth, and advantageously, the access opening and the open mouth are of similar areas, in one embodiment of the Invention a temperature sensing means is provided in the air duct for monitoring the temperature of air In the air duet, the heating means being responsive to the temperature sensing means for maintaining the temperature of the air in the main chamber at a selectable temperature. Preferably, the temperature sensing means Is located In the air duct intermediate the air inlet port and the air urging means.

In another embodiment of the invention the base is supported on ground engaging wheels, and preferably, ground engaging casters. Additionally the invention provides a portable pain! booth configured for painting an area of a vehicle, the paint booth comprising a housing defining a main chamber and an open mouth to the main chamber, a closure panel releasably closing the open mouth, the closure panel being configured to mask a portion of the vehicle adjacent the area of the vehicle to be painted, and being of a severable materia! for forming an opening therethrough to communicate the area to be painted of the vehicle with the main chamber, an air duct formed in the housing and extending from an air inlet port for receiving air from the main chamber and an air Outlet port for delivering air to the main chamber, the air inlet and outlet ports being located in the housing at respective opposite sides of the main chamber for circulating air through tile main chamber from one side thereof to the other, an air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port, and a primary tier for filtering air adjacent the air inlet port, the primary filter being configured for filtering particulate matter from the air, and comprising a filter housing comprising a pair of spaced apart perforated major panels joined by a pair of spaced apart minor end panels and by spaced apart top and bottom minor panels, the major panels and the minor end and top and bottom minor panels defining a filter chamber accommodating activated carbon material, the major panels being perforated by a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots.

Preferably, each slot in the major panels of the filter housing is of width of approximately 3mm.

In another embodiment of the Invention each slot in the major panels of the filter housing is of length of approximately 42mm.

In another embodiment of the invention adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the fitter housing are spaced apart laterally from each other a distance of approximately 3mm.

In another embodiment of the invention adjacent ones of the siots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance of approximately 3mm, Ideally, the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the siots in each major panel of the filter housing to the area of that major pane! lies in the range of 1:0.462 to 1:0.78, and preferably, the ratio is approximately 1:0,462,

The invention also provides a method for painting an area of a vehicle, the method comprising providing the portable paint booth according to the invention and aligning the open mouth of the paint booth with the area of the vehicle to be painted, closing the open mouth of the paint booth with the closure panel and forming an opening in the closure panel coinciding with the area of the vehicle to be painted, so that the remainder of the closure panel masks the area of the motor vehicle surrounding the area to be painted, activating the water heating system for heating water and circulating the heated water through the heat exchanger, operating the air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port so that the air passes through the main chamber of the housing of the booth past the open mouth for raising the temperature of the area of the vehicle to be painted, applying paint to the area of the vehicle to be painted while the air is being circulated by the air urging means through the main chamber of the housing.

Preferably, the air urging means is operated to continue urging air through the main chamber of the housing for maintaining the painted area of the vehicle within a predefined temperature range for drying the paint until the paint has been dried.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that the quality of the finished paint work of a repaired area of a vehicle is of a particularly high quality, and of a considerably higher quality than that which has been achieved heretofore. This advantage is achieved by virtue of the fact that the paint is applied to the repaired area in a controlled environment In the main chamber of the housing, In which the temperature within the controlled environment is controllable and the controlled environment is substantially dust free. A further advantage of the Invention Is that paint droplets and paint particles resulting from spray-painting in ihe environment within the main chamber Is minimised, due to the fact that the air is continuously being circulated through the main chamber from the air outlet port to the air inlet port. A further and aiso particularly important advantage of the invention Is that due to the filtration of the air being drawn from the main chamber being filtered by the primary air filter, there Is no danger of contamination of the environment in a workshop in which the portable paint booth is being used, and air returned to the main chamber is dust free and free of paint droplets and paint particles.

Another important advantage of the invention Is that when ihe portable paint booth Is not required, It can be stored out of the way in the workshop with the portable paint booth taking up minimal floor area, and considerably less floor area than is required by conventional paint booths known heretofore.

The invention will be more dearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference fo the accompany ing drawings, in which:

Fig, 1 is a perspective view of a portable paint booth according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the portable paint booth of Fig . 1,

Fig. 3 is a partly cut-away perspective view of ihe portable paint booth of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional end elevationaS view of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a partly exploded perspective view of a portion of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a partly exploded perspective view of another portion of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1, fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram of a heating and air circulating system of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1,

Fig.9 is a perspective view of a detail of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the detail of Fig. 9 of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 11 is a top plan view o? the portable paint booth of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig, 12 is an end eievational view of the portable paint booth of Fig, 1 in use in the manner of Fig.

11

Fig. 13 is an end eievational view of the portable paint booth of Fig. 1 also in use, and

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the portable paint booth of Fig 1 in use in the manner of Fig. 13.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a portable paint booth according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for painting an area 3 of a vehicle, in this embodiment of the invention a motor vehicle indicated generally by the reference numeral 5. The paint booth 1 is particularly suitable for painting small repaired areas 3 of the bodywork of a motor vehicle 5 whereby the repaired area 5 is to be spray-painted with a suitable paint matching the colour of the motor vehicle 5, see Figs. 11 to 14.

The portable paint booth 1 comprises a housing 7 which is carried on ground engaging wheels, in this embodiment of the Invention ground engaging casters 8, The housing 7 comprises a base 10 of plywood materia! extending from a first end 14 to a second end 18. The base 10 is supported on a base framework (not shown) constructed of square hollow section steei struts (also not shown), so that the base 10 forms a platform 21 to support a painter standing thereon. The base framework (not shown) Is supported on the casters 8. The housing 7 comprises a first side structure 12 extending upwardly from the base 10 adjacent the first end 14 of the base 10, and a second side structure 15 spaced apart from {fie first side structure 12 and extending upwardly from the base 10 adjacent the second end 16 of the base 10. A top structure 18 spaced apart above the base 10 extends between and joins the first and second side structures 12 and 15 adjacent upper ends 19 and 20 of the first and second side structures 12 and 15, respectively. The base 10, the first side structure 12, the second side structure 15 and the top structure 18 define therebetween a main chamber 22 for accommodating a painter during painting of the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 standing on the platform 21. The base 10, the first side structure 12, the second side structure 15 and the top structure 18, together at one end thereof define an open mouth 23 to the main chamber 22, and at the other end thereof define an access opening 25 to provide access to and egress from the main chamber 22 for the painter,

The open mouth 23 is re!easabiy closed by a closure panel, in this embodiment of the Invention provided by a flexible protective sheet 27 of non-porous plastics material , in this case transparent polyethylene materia! of thickness of approximately 8 microns. Typically, the protective sheet 27 of polyethylene materia! is carried on a rol! (not shown) of length just greater than the width of the open mouth 23 between the first and second side structures 12 and 15. The roll (not shown) of the polyethylene material is rotatably mounted on the top structure 18 with the polyethylene material depending downwardly from the roll thereof, so that each time the protective sheet 27 is to be replaced, typically after each vehicle has been painted, a fresh length of the polyethylene materia! is pulled downwardly from the roll thereof to form a new protective sheet 27, and to replace the previous protective sheet 27. The previous protective sheet 27 is severed from the new protective sheet 27.

The protective sheet 27 of polyethylene material, being of thickness of 8 microns is readily severable for- forming an opening 28 therein to coincide with the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 to be painted, and is secured to the motor vehicle 5 by masking tape extending around the area 3 to be painted so that the remainder of the protective sheet 27 masks the area surrounding the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 to be painted and aiso protects the remainder of the motor vehicle 5 from overspray during spraying of the area 3. However, it wiil be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the protective sheet 27 may be of any suitable material, and ideally, though not necessarily, would be of a transparent or translucent material. Suitable dips 24 are located spaced apart on the first and second side structures 12 and 15 for reieasab!y securing side edges of the protective sheet to the housing 7. The protective sheet 27 in some embodiments of the invention may be provided ss an Individual sheet which would be releasably securabte to the housing 7 around the periphery of the open mouth 23, Alternatively, in embodiments of the invention where the protective sheet 27 is provided on a roti, the roil may be mounted on one of the first and second side structures 12 and 15, and would extend from the roll across the open mouth 23 to the other one of the first and second side structures 12 and 15.

The access opening 25 is releasabiy closed by a closure sheet 29 which is secured to the top structure 18 and the second side structure 15 by screws or other suitable fasteners. The closure sheet 29 is secured to the first side structure 12 by magnetic fasteners 28 for releasabiy retaining the closure sheet 29 fe the first side structure 12 in order to provide access through the access opening 25 to the main chamber 22. The closure sheet 29 may be of any suitable sealing material, and in this embodiment of the invention comprises a tarpaulin material. Accordingly, with the open mouth 23 closed by the protective sheet 27, and the access opening 25 closed by the closure sheet 29, the main chamber 22 defined by the base 10, the first and second side structures 12 and 15 and the top structure 18 is an enclosed main chamber.

Turning nowfo the structure of the housing 7, the first and second side structures 12 and 15 each comprise a front end wail 30 and a spaced apart rear end wall 31 , both of which extend upwardly from (he base 10. The first and second side structures 12 and 15 also comprise an outer side wail 33 and a spaced apart inner side wait 34, both of which extend upwardly from the base 10 and join the front and rear end wails 30 and 31 , The top structure 18 comprises a front end wail 35 and a spaced apart rear end wall 36 joined by spaced apart fop and bottom walls 38 and 39, respectively. The top wall 38 of the top structure 18 extends between the outer side wails 33 of the first and second side structures 12 and 15 and join the outer side walls 33 of the first and second side structures 12 and 15, as well as joining the front and rear end wails 30 and 31 of f ha first and second side structures 12 and 15, The bottom wail 39 of the fop structure 18 extends between and joins the Inner side wails 34 of the first and second side structures 12 and 15. The first and second side structures 12 and 15 and the top structure 18 together define an air duct 40 which is formed between the front and rear end wa!is 30 and 31 and the outer and inner side wails 33 and 34 of the first and second side structures 12 and 15 and between the front and rear end wails 35 and 36 and the top and bottom wails 38 and 39 of the top structure 18. The air duct 40 extends between an air iniet port 42 located in the inner side wall 34 of the first side structure 12, through which air is drawn into the air duct 40 from the main chamber 22, and an air outlet port 44 formed in the inner side wall 34 of the second side structure 15 through which air is returned into the main chamber 22 from the air duct 40. The first side structure 12 defines a first leg 41 of the air duct 40, the top structure 18 defines a second leg 43 of the air duct 40, and the second side structure 15 defines a third leg 48 of the air duct 40. The first and third legs 41 and 48 communicate through the second isg 43, and the first and third legs 41 and 48 communicate with the air inlet port 42 and the air outlet port 44, respectively.

An air urging means circulates air through the air duct 40 from the air inlet port 42 to the air outlet port 44 and through the main chamber 22 from the air outlet port 44 to the air inlet port 42 in the direction of the arrow A transversely across the open mouth 23. The air urging means comprises a fan 45, which in this embodiment of the Invention comprises a centrifugal fan. The fan 45 is located in the air duct 40 between the first leg 41 and the second leg 43 thereof, and is powered by an electrically powered motor 48 through a transmission belt 47. The motor 48 is a variable speed electric motor, so that the speed at which the fan 45 is driven is aiso variable. The fan 45 is configured to urge air through the main chamber 22 in the direction of the arrow A at a velocity in the range of 0.25 metres per second to 0.30 metres per second.

A heating means for heating air being delivered through the air outlet port 44 into the main chamber 22 comprises a heat exchanger located in the air outlet port 44. in this embodiment of the invention the heat exchanger comprises a water/air heat exchanger provided in the form of a radiator 49 which is located In the air outlet port 44. The radiator comprises a pair of spaced apart side header tanks 50 and a plurality of spaced apart water carrying tubes 51 extending between the side header tanks 50 and communicating therewith. The tubes 51 are spaced apart for accommodating air therebetween and for heating the air as It passes through the radiator 49. in this embodiment of the invention the radiator 49 is of width substantially similar to the width of the air outlet port 44, and is of height approximately equal to two thirds of the height of the outlet port 44, and extends upwardly in the outlet port 44 from the base 10 of the housing 7. Although, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the heat exchanger may extend the full height of the air outlet port 44. The beating means also comprises a water heating system indicated generally by the reference numeral 53 for heating and circulating water through the radiator 49. The water heating system 53 in this case comprises an electrically powered water heating system. The water heating system 53 comprises an enclosed main tank 54 in which an electrically powered immersion heating element (not shown) is located for heating the water therein. An enclosed booster tank 55 is also provided in the water heating system 53 and also comprises an electrically powered immersion heating element (aiso not shown) located therein for heating the water in the booster tank 55. A circulating means, namely, a circulating pump 57 circulates the water in the heating system through the booster tank 55 and in turn through the main tank 54, and in turn through the radiator 49 from which the water is refumed to the booster tank 55. In this embodiment of the invention the heating system 53 comprises an enclosed pressurised system, and is pressurised by a pressurised container 53 which pressurises the water in the heating system 53 to a pressure of approximately 1.5 bar. The heating system 53 for heating the water for delivery to the radiator 49 comprising the main tank 54, the booster tank 55, the circulating pump 57 and the pressurised container 58 are housed in a secondary chamber 60 defined by a sub-housing 62 formed in the second side structure 15,

A temperature sensor 65 in the first leg 41 of the air duct 40 in the first side structure 12 monitors the temperature of the air in the first leg 41 of the air duct 40 being drawn by the fan 45 through the air inlet port 42 from the main chamber 22, A control system (not shown) located in a control box 66 reads signals from the temperature sensor 65 indicative of the air temperature in the first leg 41 of the air duct 40, and controls the water heating system 53 for maintaining the temperature of the air in the main chamber 22 controlled at a selectable temperature. The selectable temperature of the air in the main chamber 22 is selected by the painter to suit the paint to be applied to the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5, Typically, the control circuit (not shown) comprises a micro-controller or a microprocessor neither of which are shown, and an interface, such as a keypad or a touch screen, neither of which are shown Is provided to input the selected air temperature, at which the air temperature is to be maintained in the main chamber 22, info the microcontroller or the microprocessor. The motor 46 that powers the fan 45 is also controlled from the control circuit in the control box 66, and the speed of the motor 46 is also controlled by the control circuit.

The air outlet port 44 and the air inlet port 42 of the duct 40 are configured in the inner side wails 34 of the second side structure 15 and the first side structure 12, respectively, so that heated air is delivered into the main chamber 22 from the air outlet port 44 and is drawn into the air inlet port 42, and also so that the air travelling through the main chamber 22 from the air outlet port 44 to the air inlet port 42 travels in the direction of the arrow A transversely across of the open mouth 23 for interfacing with the area 3 of the vehicle 5 to be painted for heating the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 prior to painting thereof, and then for drying the paint on the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 subsequent to painting.

A primary filter 68 is located in the air inlet port 42 for filtering the air being drawn into the air duct 40 through the air inlet port 42 from the main chamber 22. The primary filter 68 comprises an initial stage filter 69 and a final stage filter 70. The initial stage filter 69 comprises a first initial stage niter 71 and a second initial stage filter 72, in this embodiment of the invention the first initial stage filter 71 comprises g filter of grade G2/G3 in accordance with EN 779, The second initial stage filter 72 comprises a 600mm x 600mm x 50mm pleated filter, in accordance with EN 779, Referring now to Figs. 9 and 1 Q, the final stage filter 70 will now be described. The final stage filter 70 comprises an activated carbon filter which comprises a fiiter housing 74 defining a filter chamber 75 within which activated carbon pellets are located. The filter housing 74 comprises a pair of spaced apart perforated major panels 77 joined by minor end paneis 78 and a minor bottom panel 79, which define the filter chamber 75. An open mouth 76 to the filter chamber 75 for charging the fiiter chamber 75 of the final stage filter 70 with activated carbon peiiets is defined by the major panels 77 and the minor end panels 78. A fop minor panel 80 is releasab!y secured to the major paneis 77 and the minor end paneis 78 for closing the open mouth 76 to the fiiter chamber 75, and for facilitating recharging the fiiter chamber 75 with activated carbon peiiets. The perforated major panels 77 comprise a plurality of elongated parallel laterally and longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots 81 in the form of a matrix for accommodating air into and out of the filter chamber 75. in this embodiment of the invention the slots 81 in the major panels 77 are of similar size, and each slot is of length /of 42mm, and width w of 3mm, see Fig. 1 G. Adjacent siots are laterally spaced apart from each other a distance s of 3mm, and are longitudinally spaced apart a distance d of 3mm. The ratio of the sum of the areas of the siots 81 on each major pane! 77 to the total area of the major panel 77 is approximately 1 :0.462. it has been found that by providing the slots 81 of the size and the spacing as described, and the ratio of the sum of the area of the slots 81 on each major panel 77 to the total area of the major pane! as described provides a final stage filter of maximum efficiency. A secondary filter 83, in this embodiment of the invention a clean air filter is located in the air outlet port 44 for filtering any residua! dust remaining in the air as it is being delivered into the main chamber 22, in order to provide a substantially dust free environment in the main chamber 22, The secondary fiiter 83 is of area substantially similar to that of the area of the air outlet port 44, so that all the air passing through the air outlet port 44 from the air duct 40 to the main chamber 22 passes through the secondary fiiter for filtering thereof. The provision of the secondary fiiter 83 results in retardation of the air passing through the air outlet port 44, which in turn results in retarding of the air in the third leg 48 of the air duct 40 for in turn enhancing the heating of the air by the radiator 49. A pressure monitoring means, namely, a pressure sensor 64 is located in the first leg 41 of the air duct 40 between the air inlet port 42 and fan 45 and upstream of the fan 45 for monitoring the pressure of the air In the first ieg 41 of the air duct 40, and for In turn determining the efficacy of the primary' filter 68. The control circuit (not shown) in the control box 66 monitors the pressure read by the pressure sensor 84, and on the pressure in the first ieg 41 of the air duct 40 falling below a predefined level, which is indicative of the efficacy of the primary filter 68 having fallen below an acceptable level, the control circuit 66 powers up a light emitting diode in the control box to indicate that the primary filter 68 requires attention. The control circuit is also configured to activate an audible alarm to indicate that the primary filter 68 requires attention,

A light 85 is located in the bottom wall 38 of the top structure 18 for illuminating the main chamber 22. in use, the portable paint booth 1 is wheeled on the casters 8 to the motor vehicle 5 and is located with the open mouth 23 adjacent the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 to be painted. The protective sheet 27 is dispensed from the roil (not shown) thereof and is secured to the housing around the periphery of the open mouth 23, in order to sealable close the open mouth 23. The booth 1 is then urged adjacent the motor vehicle 5 with the protective sheet 27 abutting the area 3 of the vehicle 5 to be painted. An opening 28 of size and area corresponding to the size and the area of the area 3 to be painted is formed in the protective sheet 27, and the protective sheet 27 adjacent the periphery of the formed opening 26 is secured to the motor vehicle 5 around the area 3 by suitable masking tape. The protective sheet 27 acts to mask an area of the motor vehicle 5 extending around the periphery of the area 3, and also protects the remainder of the motor vehicle 5 from any overspray during the spray-painting of the area 3.

The temperature at which the air in the main chamber 22 is to be maintained is entered into the control system through the keypad or other suitable interface. The water heating system 53 is activated, and the fan 45 is then powered by the motor 46 in order to deliver warm dust free air through the main chamber 22 in the direction o? the arrow A transversely across the open mouth 23. The control system reads signals from the temperature sensor 65, and operates the water heating system 53 for maintaining the air passing through the main chamber 22 at the selected temperature entered into the control system. The heated air passing through the main chamber 22 heats the area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 to a suitable temperature for applying the paint thereto, typically in the range of 20°C to 30°C. Once the temperature of the ares 3 of the motor vehicle 5 has been raised to the selected temperature, a person standing on the platform 21 in the main chamber 22 sprays the area 3 with the relevant paint. The water heating system 53 remains powered up and the fan 45 continues to circulate the air through ihe air duct 40 and in torn through the main chamber 22 during painting, lacquering and any other painting procedures to he carried out of the area 3 of the vehicle 5 and subsequent to painting thereof for maintaining the painted area 3 of the motor vehicle 5 at the desired temperature until the paint has dried.

The water heating system 53 and the fan 45 remain powered until the paint and lacquer applied to the painted area 3 has dried, Atthat stage, the protective sheet 27 is disengaged from the vehicle 5 by removing the masking tape, and the portable booth 1 is then moved away from ihe vehicle 5. The protective sheet 27 is then removed and disposed of and replaced by a new length of the protective sheet dispensed from the roii (not shown) thereof.

While the water heating system has been described as comprising a booster tank, while this is desirable,

It is not essential. Additionally, if will be appreciated that while the water heating system has been described as being a pressurised wafer heating system, while this is desirable, it is not essential.

Needless to say, while the water heating system has been described as being electrically powered, the wafer may be heated by any other suitable heating means, for example, by a gas or an oli powered heater or any other such heating means. Additionally, it will he appreciated that any other suitable heating means for heating the sir being delivered to the main chamber may be used besides a water heating means for heating water in a water/air heat exchanger.

White the primary filter has been described as comprising an initial stage filter comprising a first initial stage and a second initial stage, In some embodiments of the invention the primary* filter may comprise only a single initial stage filter, and in some cases, the initial stage filter may comprise more than two initial stages. Needless to say, It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the primary fitter may comprise only the final stage filter.

White the slots in the perforated major panels 77 of the final stage of the primary filter have been described as being of specific dimensions and being laterally and longitudinally spaced apart by specific distances, it wii! be appreciated that ihe slots in the perforated major panels of the final stage filter may be of other suitable dimensions and the lateral longitudinal spacing may also be of other values as discussed earlier in this specification.

While the fan has been described as comprising a centrifugal fan, any other suitable fans may be used.

Claims

1 A portable paint booth configured for painting an area of a vehicle, the paint booth comprising a housing defining a main chamber and an open mouth to the main chamber, a closure panel releasabiy closing the open mouth, the closure panel being configured to mask a portion of the vehicle adjacent the area of the vehicle to be painted, and being of a ssverabie material for forming an opening therethrough to communicate the area to be painted of the vehicle with the main chamber, an air duct formed In the housing and extending from an air inlet port for receiving air from the main chamber and an air outlet port for delivering air to the main chamber, the air inlet and outlet ports being located in the housing at respective opposite sides of the main chamber for circulating air through the main chamber from one side thereof to the other, an air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port, a heating means for heating the air passing through the air duct, and a primary filter for filtering air adjacent the air Inlet port, the primary filter being configured for filtering particulate matter from the air.

2. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 1 in which the heating means in the air duct is located adjacent the air outlet port.

3. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the heating means extends substantially the width of the air outlet port. 4. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the heating means extends at least one third of the height of the air outlet port.

5. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the heating means extends at least two thirds of the height of the outlet port.

6. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the heating means extends upwardly from a iower edge defining the air outlet port.

7. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the heating means extends substantially the height of the air outlet port,

8. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim In which the area of the heating means Is substantially similar to the area of the air outlet port.

9. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heating means is located in the air outlet port. 10. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heating means comprises a heat exchanger.

11. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heating means comprises a water/air heat exchanger configured for transferring heat from heated water in the heat exchanger to sir passing through the heat exchanger.

12. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 11 in which the water/air heat exchanger comprises a radiator. 13. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 12 in which the radiator comprises a plurality of spaced apart tubular elements for accommodating heated water therethrough, adjacent tubular elements defining air accommodating passageways therebetween for accommodating air therethrough through the air outiet port, 14. A portable paint booth as claimed In any of Claims 11 to 13 in which the heating means comprises a water heating system for heating water for delivery to the heat exchanger.

15. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 14 in which the water heating system comprises an electrically powered water heating system.

18. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which the water heating system comprises a water tank, and an eiecfricaliy powered immersion heater located in the water tank for heating water In the water tank for delivery to the heat exchanger. 17. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 16 in which a circulating pump is provided for circulating water through the water tank, and in turn through the heat exchanger.

18. A portable paint booth as claimed In Claim 16 or 17 in which the water tank comprises an enclosed water lank.

19. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 18 in which the water In the water heating system is pressurised,

2Q. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 19 in which the water heating system is housed in a sub-housing.

21. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 20 in which the sub-housing is located in the housing.

22. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 20 or 21 in which the sub-housing is located adjacent the air duct,

23. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 22 in which the sub-housing is located adjacent the air outlet port.

24. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary filter is located in the air inlet port.

25. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary filter is of width, substantially similar to the width of the air inlet port.

26. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary' filter is of height substantially similar to the height of the air inlet port.

27. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the area of the primary filter is substantially similar to the area of the air inlet port.

28. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary filter comprises an initla! stage filter and a final stage filter.

29. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 28 in which the initial stage filter comprises a two stage filter comprising a first initial stage filter and a second initial stage filter.

30. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 29 in which the first initial stage filter comprises a filter of filter grade G2/G3 in accordance with EN 779.

31. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which the second initial stage filter comprises a 800mm x 600mm x 50mm pleated filter to EN 779.

32. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 31 in which the final stage filter comprises activated carbon material.

33. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 32 in which the activated carbon material is in one of particulate form and pellet form.

34. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 32 or 33 in which the final stage filter comprises a filter housing comprising a pair of spaced apart perforated major panels joined by a pair of spaced apart minor end panels and by spaced apart top and bottom minor panels, the major panels and the minor end and top and bottom minor panels defining a filter chamber accommodating the activated carbon material.

35. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 34 in which the major panels are perforated by a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots.

36. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 36 in which each slot Is of width of approximately 3mm.

37. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 35 or 36 In which each slot is of length of approximately 42mm.

38. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 37 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart laterally from each other a distance in the range of 2mrn to 3mm.

39. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 38 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart laterally from each other a distance of approximately 3mm.

40. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 39 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance In the range of 2mm to 3mm,

41. A, portable paint booth as claimed in any of C!aims 35 to 4G in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance of approximately 3mm.

42. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 41 in which the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the slots In each major pane! to the area of that major pane! lies in the range of 1 :0.482 to 1:0.78. 43. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 42 in which the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the slots in each major pane! to the area of that major pane! is approximately 1:0.78,

44. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 43 in which the slots in their length direction extend parallel to edges of the corresponding major panel that are joined to the respective minor end panels.

45. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the air urging means comprises a motor driven fan. 46. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 45 in which the motor driven fan is adapted as a variabie speed fan.

47, A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 45 or 46 in which the motor driven fan is configured to urge the air through the main chamber at a velocity in the range of 0.25 metres per second to 0.30 metres per second.

48. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which a secondary filter is provided for filtering air delivered into the main chamber of the housing through the air outlet port.

49. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 48 in vrhieh the secondary filter is of width substantially similar to the width of the air outlet port.

50. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 48 or 49 in which the secondary filter is of height substantially simitar to the height of the air outlet port.

51. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 48 to 50 in which the secondary filter is of area substantially similar to the area of the air outlet port. 52, A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 48 to 51 in which the secondary filter is located adjacent the air outlet port.

53. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 48 to 52 in which the secondary fitter is configured to filter out residual dust particles remaining in the air prior to delivery of the air into the main chamber,

54. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the air outlet port and the air inlet port are configured so that the air passes through the main chamber from the air outlet port to the air inlet port in a direction transversely of the open mouth.

55. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main chamber comprises an enclosed main chamber.

66. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the housing comprises a base, and a pair of upstanding spaced apart first and second side structures extending upwardly from the b3se and joined adjacent their upper ends by a top structure.

57. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 56 in which the sub-housing for housing the water heating system is located in the second side structure. 58, A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 56 or 57 in which the air duct is formed in the first and second side structures, and in the top structure.

59. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 56 to 58 in which the air duct comprises a first leg extending upwardly in the first side structure from the air inlet port to a second leg of the air duct extending through the top structure, and communicating with the second leg of the air duct, and a third leg extending through the second side structure from the second leg and communicating with the second leg, and extending to the air outlet port.

60. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 59 in which the air urging means is located between the first leg and the second ieg of the air duct.

61. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 59 or 60 in which a pressure monitoring means Is located in the first ieg of the air duct between the air inlet port and the air urging means for monitoring the air pressure upstream of the air urging means for determining the efficacy of the primary filter.

62. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 61 in which an alerting means is provided responsive to the air pressure monitored by the air pressure monitoring means having fallen below a predefined minimum pressure indicative of the efficacy of the primary filter having fallen below a predefined efficacy,

83. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 56 to 62 in which the open mouth is defined by the base, the upstanding first and second side structures and the top structure, 64. A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which the closure panel comprises a closure pane! of a flexible materia!,

65, A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which an access opening is provided to the main chamber of the housing for accommodating a person into the main chamber, the access opening being closed by a closure member.

66, A portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim in which a temperature sensing means is provided in the air duct for monitoring the temperature of air in the air duct, the heating means being responsive to the temperature sensing means for maintaining the temperature of the air in the main chamber at a selectable temperature,

67, A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 66 in which the temperature sensing means is located in the air duct intermediate the air inlet port and the air urging means.

88. A portable paint booth configured for painting an area of a vehicle, the paint booth comprising a housing defining a main chamber and an open mouth to the main chamber, a closure pane! releasably dosing the open mouth, the closure pane! being configured to mask a portion of the vehicle adjacent the area of the vehicle to be painted, and being of a severable material for forming an opening therethrough to communicate the area to be painted of the vehicle with the main chamber, an air duct formed in the housing and extending from an air inlet port for receiving air from the main chamber and an air outlet port for delivering air to the main chamber, the air inis! and outlet ports being located in the housing at respective opposite sides of the main chamber for circulating air through the main chamber from one side thereof to the other, an air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port, and a primary filter for filtering air adjacent the air inlet port, the primary filter being configured for filtering particulate matter from the air, and comprising a fitter housing comprising a pair of spaced apart perforated major panels joined by s pair of spaced apart minor end panels and by spaced apart minor top and bottom minor panels, the major panels and the minor end and top and bottom minor panels defining a filter chamber accommodating activated carbon material, the major panels being perforated by a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced apart elongated slots.

69. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 68 in which each slot in the major panels of the filter housing is of width of approximately 3mm.

70. A portable paint booth as claimed in Claim 68 or 69 in which each slot in the major panels of the filter housing is of length of approximately 42mm.

71. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 68 to 70 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major pane! of the filter housing are spaced apart laterally from each other a distance in the range of 2mm to 3mm.

72. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 68 to 71 in which adjacent ones of the slots In each major pane! of the filter housing are spaced apart iateral!y from each other a distance of approximately 3mm.

73. A porlabie paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 68 to 72 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance in the range of 2mm to 3mm.

74, A portable paint booth as claimed In any of Claims 68 to 73 in which adjacent ones of the slots in each major panel of the filter housing are spaced apart longitudinally from each other a distance of approximately 3mm,

75, A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 68 to 74 in which the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the slots in each major pane! of the filter housing to the area of that major pane! lies in the range of 1:0.462 to 1:0.78.

76, A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 68 to 75 in which the ratio of the sum of the areas defined by the slots in each major pane! of the filter housing to the area of that major panel is approximately 1:0.462. 77. A portable paint booth as claimed in any of Claims 66 to 76 in which the slots in their length direction extend parallel to edges of the corresponding major panel that are joined to the respective minor end panels.

78. A method for painting an area of a vehicle, the method comprising providing the portable paint booth as claimed in any preceding claim, aligning the open mouth of the paint booth with the area of the vehicle to be painted, closing the open mouth of the paint booth with the closure panel and forming an opening in the closure panel coinciding with the area of the vehicle to be painted, so that the remainder of the closure pane! masks the area of the motor vehicle surrounding the area thereof to be painted, activating the heating system of the heating means for heating water and circulating the heated water through the heat exchanger of the heating means, operating the air urging means for urging air through the air duct from the air inlet port to the air outlet port so that the air passes through the main chamber of the housing past the open mouth for raising the temperature of the area of the vehicle to be painted, and applying paint to the area of the vehicle to be painted while the air is being circulated by the air urging means through the main chamber of the housing,

79. A method as claimed in Claim 78 in which the air urging means is operated to continue urging air through the main chamber of the housing for maintaining the painted area of the vehicle within a predefined temperature range for drying the paint until the paint has been dried,