ROTATABLE CARRIER ASSEMBLY AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure generally pertains to abrasive blasting or the like, with related apparatuses, methods, and systems, where the blasting may be wet, dry, or combinations thereof. More specifically, the disclosure relates to improved hose handling, especially for times when the hose is pressurized.

Background of the Disclosure

Abrasive blasting is the process of forcibly propelling a high pressure, high velocity stream of abrasive material against a surface to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface materials, such as contaminants, paint, etc. The stream of abrasive material may be wet or dry.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical abrasive blasting process (or system) 100. A process commonly known as sand-blasting (a form of dry media blasting) has been used for decades, to clean or otherwise prepare various types of structural surfaces. In this type of process 100, a supply of sand (or other types of particles, such as grit or the like) is mixed with a fast-moving stream of air, usually in a mixer or valve. The sand particulate becomes entrained in the air, and the resultant air-sand mixture 106 emerges at high speed from a nozzle 105 at the end of a blast hose 104. The mixture 106 is highly abrasive, and sand-blasting can be used to remove even strongly-adhered compounds (e.g., paint, etc.) from various types of structural surfaces 108.

The discharge of the air-sand mixture 106 is hazardous for multiple reasons. First, particulate from the discharge, and as well as the blasted-surface, will linger in the air in the form of a cloud 107, making breathing difficult. As such, a breathing hood or suit 101 may be worn by an operator 102 (the suit 101 may be fed breathing air 103).

When blasting at high pressures (100 psi or more), the abrasive discharge can reach speeds in excess of 500 mph, which means a high amount of thrust (force) may impact and be felt by an operator upwards of 20 to 30 lbs. Generally speaking, an abrasive spray operation may require long periods of spraying, where the ongoing thrust force quickly results in fatigue. Human nature results in moving or otherwise holding the blast hose in as comfortable position as possible, even if it results in an unsafe position.

For example, the operator may bend the blast hose against his/her body and create a blast hose arc angles greater than 90 degrees, which may result in a hose wear point. If the hose wears through, the abrasive may injure the operator. Bending the hose creates another source of force on the arms and shoulders particularly with larger hoses used for larger nozzles.

Another common occurrence from fatigue is where the operator increases abrasive flow to decrease air flow (increased friction) to reduce back thrust which leads to increased cost and waste. Fatigue and/or injury also result in decreased productivity.

There is a need in the art to allow a deadman assembly (or coupled device) to rotate on the hose. This may accomplish at least one or two advantages: first, the operator does not have to fight the hose. Imagine when one is trying to coil an extension cord or garden hose, one has to fight the cord/hose to achieve the coil. At the same time, it may be desirous to mitigate or prevent axial movement of any device coupled with the hose.

The same type of thing happens with a blast hose upon movement. The hose may incur several bends or even a loop. When the blast hose is pulled it wants to straighten by rotation. If the hose does not rotate, the operator must hold the force of rotation adding to fatigue. The hose may be, for example, 1¼″ or 1½″ (common sizes) with a thick rubber wall. The second point relates to the first but also to safety. That is, during pressurization or with quick movement of the blast hose, the hose may quickly rotate, causing the operator to lose control of the deadman if the deadman is not allowed to rotate.

The operator may even lose control of the hose completely. In either case the blast hose is not under operator control and will be blasting abrasive until the system depressurizes. Could be 10 seconds with longer blast hoses. For example, in practice a one and one-half inch blast hose with a half inch nozzle at two hundred feet may take as long as 10-15 seconds for the supply pressure to dissipate down to a non-aggressive level. During this time the system is shutdown but an aggressive residual flow continues through the outlet nozzle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a carrier assembly for engaging a hose or other comparable device or structure. The carrier assembly may include an outer surface or structure, such as a mount, an adapter, or the like, to which another component, such as an accessory, may be attached or coupled therewith. The carrier assembly may have an inner assembly or mount surface, which may be used to engage the hose.

Other embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a carrier assembly, which may be used with a device such as a hose or the like. The hose may be used to convey pressurized mediums, such as an abrasive blasting mixture.

The carrier assembly may include an outer assembly surface and an inner assembly surface. The inner assembly may be is configured to facilitate a rotational degree of freedom (such as with respect to the hose).

The outer assembly surface is configured to couple with an attachment. The inner assembly surface comprises may include an at least one rib feature.

Any attachment may be used, such as an at least one of: an illumination device, a deadman assembly, and combinations thereof.

The outer assembly surface may include a coupler of some kind, such as a mount. The coupler, mount, etc. may be configured with a guide rail.

The outer assembly surface may be configured to couple with other devices or attachments, such as a second attachment.

In aspects, the carrier assembly may be configured to allow for freedom of rotational movement with respect to the carrier assembly whatever the carrier might be engaged with. For example, if the hose is used and positioned therein in the carrier assembly may have a rotation range of +/−ninety degrees from a rotation reference axis. The carrier assembly may be configured to prevent or mitigate axial longitudinal movement between the same.

The carrier assembly may be configured to allow for freedom of rotational movement between the carrier assembly and the hose positioned therein, but prevent or mitigate axial longitudinal movement between the same.

Yet other embodiments of the disclosure may pertain to an operational system, such as for residential or industrial usage. The system may be industrial system, such as for abrasive blasting or other action that require the use of a pressurized medium.

The system may include a hose, and any embodiment of carrier assembly disclosed herein for engaging the hose.

In use of any carrier assembly, there may be a rotation reference axis that bisects a first attachment intersection point of the first attachment, and/or the rotation reference axis may also bisects a respective attachment intersection point of the second attachment.

Upon rotation of the carrier assembly around the hose at any angle α in a rotation range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees in either direction, the first attachment intersection point and the respective attachment intersection point may stay fixed on the rotation reference axis.

Yet other embodiments of the disclosure may pertain to an abrasive blasting system having a blast hose and an illumination device coupled with the blast hose. The illumination device may include one or more of: a main housing; a mount coupled between the blast hose and the main housing.

The carrier assembly may include a mount or mount surface. The mount may include a respective inside mount surface, a respective outside mount surface, and/or a respective slot or receptacle.

Any mount may include a guide rail. There may be a deadman assembly coupled with the guide rail. For any (inside) carrier or mount surface, there may be an at least one rib.

The carrier assembly may include an alignment indicator, which may be used to facilitate for a securing member to properly align and engage a receptacle.

These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be apparent in the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of embodiments disclosed herein is obtained from the detailed description of the disclosure presented herein below, and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limitative of the present embodiments, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a general side view of a conventional blasting system;

FIG. 2A shows a process diagram view of an abrasive blasting system in a blast mode according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a close-up prospective side view of a carrier assembly for a blast hose according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A shows a prospective side view of another embodiment of a carrier assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3B shows a prospective side component breakout view of the assembly of FIG. 3A according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a lateral cross-sectional view of a secured carrier assembly used with a hose according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4B shows an isometric component view of a pliable member usable with a carrier assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A shows a side view of simplified schematic box diagram of a carrier assembly useable with a hose according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows a rotated cross-lateral view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 5A according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5C shows a rotated assembly view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 5B according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A shows a process diagram view of an abrasive blasting system in a blast mode according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6B shows an up-close side view of a light assembly coupled to a blast hose according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7A shows a prospective side view of a carrier assembly closed around a blast hose according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7B shows a partial exploded view of a blast light assembly coupled with the carrier assembly of FIG. 7A according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regardless of whether presently claimed herein or in another application related to or from this application, herein disclosed are novel apparatuses, units, systems, and methods that pertain to hose-use operations such as abrasive blasting, details of which are described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, such as to mean, for example, “including, but not limited to . . . ”. While the disclosure may be described with reference to relevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of configurations may be implemented in accordance with embodiments herein.

Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency and ease of understanding. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure; however, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” etc., are used for convenience and to refer to general direction and/or orientation, and are only intended for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the disclosure.

Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts, components, and so forth may include conventional items, such as lubricant, additional sealing materials, such as a gasket between flanges, PTFE between threads, and the like. Various equipment may be in fluid communication directly or indirectly with other equipment. Fluid communication may occur via one or more transfer lines and respective connectors, couplings, valving, piping, and so forth. Fluid movers, such as pumps, may be utilized as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Numerical ranges in this disclosure may be approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the expressed lower and the upper values, in increments of smaller units. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, melt index, etc., is from 100 to 1,000. it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly enumerated. It is intended that decimals or fractions thereof be included. For ranges containing values which are less than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), smaller units may be considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, etc. as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosure for, among other things, the relative amount of reactants, surfactants, catalysts, etc. by itself or in a mixture or mass, and various temperature and other process parameters.

Without limitation otherwise, the make and manufacture of any particular component, subcomponent, etc., described herein may be as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, such as molding, forming, press extrusion, machining, additive manufacturing, etc. Components, subcomponents, etc. may be metallic, plastic, composite, and so forth, and need not all be of the same material. Embodiments of the disclosure provide for one or more components to be new, used, and/or retrofitted to existing machines and systems.

For any embodiment of the disclosure, associated or auxiliary equipment including automation, controllers, piping, hosing, valves, wiring, nozzles, pumps, gearing, tanks, etc. may be shown only in part, or may not be shown or described, as one of skill in the art would have an understanding of coupling the components for operation thereof. Any component herein that utilizes power or automation may be provided with wiring, tubing, piping, etc. in order to be operable.

Terms

The term “connected” as used herein may refer to a connection between a respective component (or subcomponent) and another component (or another subcomponent), which may be fixed, movable, direct, indirect, and analogous to engaged, coupled, disposed, etc., and may be by screw, nut/bolt, weld, and so forth. Any use of any form of the terms “connect”, “engage”, “couple”, “attach”, “mount”, etc. or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described.

The term “pipe”, “conduit”, “line”, “tubular”, “hose”, or the like as used herein may refer to any fluid transmission means, and may (but need not) be tubular in nature. The term may also apply to other forms of transmission, such as electrical.

The term “composition” or “composition of matter” as used herein may refer to one or more ingredients, components, constituents, etc. that make up a material (or material of construction). Composition may refer to a flow stream of one or more chemical components.

The term “utility fluid” as used herein may refer to a fluid used in connection with the operation of an abrasive blasting device, such as a grit (sand), air, or water. The utility fluid may be for blasting, heating, cooling, or other type of utility. ‘Utility fluid’ may also be referred to and interchangeable with ‘service fluid’ or comparable.

The term “mounted” as used herein may refer to a connection between a respective component (or subcomponent) and another component (or another subcomponent), which may be fixed, movable, direct, indirect, and analogous to engaged, coupled, disposed, etc., and may be by screw, nut/bolt, weld, and so forth.

The term “non-emergency release” as used herein may refer to a voluntary release of a trigger/level mechanism of a deadman assembly in order to accomplish some other task, such as a break for shift change, a meal, or visit to a restroom, or to reposition for blasting a new area.

The term “deadman” as used herein may refer to an operable system or assembly utilizing some form of switch or comparable mechanism that, upon release of the ‘deadman’, results in shutdown. With respect to a blasting operation, release of the deadman may refer to a shutdown of media transfer through a blast line.

The term “machined” may refer to a computer numerical control (CNC) process whereby a robot or machinist runs computer-operated equipment to create machine parts, tools and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, a process diagram view of an abrasive blasting system in a blast mode and a close-up prospective side view of a carrier assembly for a blast hose, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of the abrasive blasting process (or system) 200, for which a supply of media (sand or other types of particles, such as grit or the like) 214 may be mixed with a fast-moving fluid stream 212, usually in a mixer or valve 210. Although described by way of example as air, the fluid stream 212 may be other materials, such as water and the like. The media 214 may be entrained in the fluid 212, and the resultant fluid-media mixture 206 emerges at high speed from a nozzle 205 at the end of a blast hose 204. The mixture 206 may be highly abrasive, and the blast 206 may remove even strongly-adhered compounds (e.g., paint, etc.) from a structural surface(s) 208.

The discharge blast (such as of an air-sand mixture) 206 may be hazardous for multiple reasons. First, particulate from the discharge, and as well as the blasted-surface, may linger in the air in the form of a cloud 207, making breathing difficult. As such, a breathing hood or suit 201 may be worn by an operator 202 (the suit 201 may be fed breathing air 203). However, the suit 201 does not provide for easy handling of the hose 204. As such, the operator 202 may utilize a carrier assembly 211.

The carrier assembly 211 may be a tubular-type structure, which may be configured for mounting on and/or around the hose 204. The assembly 211 may have a casing (body) 250, which may have one or more integral or coupled subcomponents. The assembly 211 may have a ‘clamshell’ configuration suitable for closing around the hose 204. Although not necessary, the carrier assembly 211 may be mounted proximate to the nozzle 205 (and/or nozzle holder), as this positioning may give the operator 202 optimal control. The clamshell configuration may be created by lining up tabs or other type structure on one part of the body 250 into respective slots or the like into another part of the body, and creating a hinge point.

The carrier assembly 211 may have one or more associated components, attachments, etc. coupled therewith, such as a deadman assembly 215 and a secondary handle 251. Thus, the operator 202 need not hold the hose 204 directly, but instead may grasp the secondary handle 251, as well as the trigger 240/deadman handle 242 of the deadman assembly 215, thereby satisfying any “2 hands on” requirement. The deadman assembly 215 may be operable via wiring (or hose or other suitable mechanism) 219 and other related equipment not viewable here.

The carrier assembly 211 may be configured for any number of attachments or accessories to couple therewith, such as handles, deadman switches, lights, thrust management devices, etc., with sufficient mating or integral features (couplers, and the like). The carrier assembly 211 may be configured for axial stability (no or limited movement) along a length of the hose 204. The carrier assembly 211 may be configured for rotation along the hose 204. During rotation, any attachment may have a fixed point with respect to any other attachment.

The deadman assembly 215 may have a simple blast/no-blast configuration that may entail the trigger released or trigger squeezed; however, the deadman assembly 215 is not meant to be limited, and may have one or more other configurations or features, such as being modular, electric, pneumatic, single-function, multi-function, utilize an actuator, and require reduced force to activate. The deadman assembly may be as that of any embodiment in pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 17/241,466, filed Apr. 27, 2021, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The assembly 211 may have another component(s) coupled therewith, such as a thrust management system 295. The thrust management 295 system may include the pad mount coupled with a pad via a coupler 255. The pad mount may be hard or rigid, whereas the pad may be soft or pliable. The coupler 255 may be flexible, and thus accommodate bending moments during a spray or blast operation.

Components usable with the assembly 211 are not meant to be limited, an others may be used, such as a blast light, or other type of handle. Moreover, the assembly 211 is not meant to be limited, and other shapes or configurations may be possible, any of which may be coupled with a component, attachment, accessory, or the like. In some embodiments, any component may be coupled with the assembly 211 and/or may be integral with the assembly 211.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B together, a prospective side view of another embodiment of a carrier assembly for a hose and a prospective side component breakout view of the assembly of FIG. 3A, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a carrier assembly 311, which may be suitable for use with an abrasive blasting hose, or alternatively, any other kind of line or hose where a user may desire or wish for control and easy use. The assembly 311 may be like that of others disclosed herein, with differences appreciable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Although not limited to any particular shape, the carrier assembly 311 may be useful for times where a quick, yet robust, coupling with a blast hose 304 may be desired. The assembly 311 may be tubular in nature to allow for the hose 304 to fit therein. That said, the shape of the carrier assembly 311 is not limited to those shown, and other shapes and configurations are within the scope of the disclosure. The hose 304 may be associated with a (discharge) nozzle 305.

The assembly 311 in a simplified form may be contemplated as a mount or bracket (or body) 350 having one or more straps or restraining members 343 coupled therewith. The restraining member 343 may be pliable in nature, and thus having some amount of flexibility and bend, without breaking (in contrast to something that might be deemed ‘rigid’), as would be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art. The member 343 may be referred to as a pliable member.

In certain embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3B, the assembly 311 may include a first mount 350a and a second mount 350b, each coupled together with the one or more restraining members 343. Any mount 350 may have an attachment or coupler feature, such as a guide rail 374. To be sure, other types of structure or configuration may be possible.

The guide rail 374 may be an elongated slot-type structure disposed or otherwise formed along an outer mount surface 385 for the length thereof; however, the guide rail 374 need not extend the full length, and may be partial in length along the outer surface 385. It is within the scope of the disclosure that there may be other rails (not viewable here) to accommodate other positions and configurations for accessories to couple with the assembly 311.

The rail 374 may be configured for one or more components to be coupled thereon (such as a thrust management system 295, FIG. 2B, illumination device, etc.). As illustrated, a deadman or deadman assembly 315 may be coupled with the rail 374. Although not limited, the deadman assembly 315 may have a trigger 340/handle (or body) 342 configuration that may provide a user the ability to hold the deadman 315 on an axis offset from that of the blast hose.

There may be a mount lock screw 371 (or bolt, knob, etc.) disposed therethrough (an end 369 of the lock screw 371 may be engageable against the rail 374). Thus, although not viewable here, the deadman 315 may have a (threaded) receptable for the end 369 to pass therethrough.

The end 369 may engage into a respective mount screw slot 362. The mount 350 may have one or more of the slots 362. To facilitate proper alignment of the end 369 and the respective slot 362, the mount 350 and the accessory (such as shown here, the deadman 315) may be made or configured with one or more respective tick or alignment marks 368, 367. That way a user will know when the accessory and the mount 350 have a proper alignment (see arrow A). Any accessory may attach with the rail, such as by sliding, snapping, fastening, etc.

The deadman assembly 315 may have an upper end 387 configured with a deadman rail slot 370, which may accommodate moving (sliding) engagement onto the guide rail 374. The position of the deadman 315 may be adjustable along the rail 374. Although not shown here, the deadman assembly 315 may operably coupled with peripheral equipment, such as a power source or control logic, via wiring connection point 319.

As mentioned, the carrier assembly 311 may be configured for engaging or disposing against a blast hose or other comparable piece of equipment. To do so, the user simply engages an inner mount surface 384 against the equipment surface, such as a hose outer surface 304a. If desired, the pliable member 343 may be engaged with a mount member receptacle or platform 366, and then wrapping a first end 343a of the member 343 around the outer surface 304a back around to a second end 343b of the member 343.

In aspects, the first end 343a may be configured to engage and retain itself with or against the second end 343b. For example, the second end 343b may have a member receptacle 365 for the first end 343a to engage therein. The member 343 may have a friction or serrated surface 363 that facilitates the second end 343b holding thereagainst.

To aid in rotation, but mitigate against slippage, the pliable member 343 may have one or more member ribs 344. The member rib 344 may have any desired shape, here shown as generally straight and longitudinal. Any rib 344 may have any amount of length; shown here by way of example, the rib 344 may extend from the first member end 343a to the second member end 343b.

An additional item of point may be the presence of an at least one lock tab 364. As shown, the lock tab 364 may be disposed on or proximate the second member end 343b. The lock tab 364 may be configured in size (length, width, protrusion, etc.) to engage or mate with a lock tab receptacle 361 disposed on the mount 350. In usage, the pliable member 343 may be tightened against the hose 304 in sufficient enough manner that the lock tab 364 may align with the lock tab receptacle 368, and fit therein.

The lock tab 364 (coupled) in the lock tab receptacle 361 may provide the pliable member(s) 343 and mount 350 rotate on the hose as one unit. In some instances when not coupled, the pliable member 343 and/or mount 350 may try to rotate separately and possibly “jam”, losing the ability for either to rotate on the hose 304. Same thing for aspects when the top mount 350b and/or clamps 345 might be used. The clamp(s) 345, which may include one on each side of the mount for each pliable member 343, may be useful to secure the mount 350, at the desired position, to the pliable members 343. This may facilitate the mount(s), the pliable member(s), and the clamp(s) to rotate as one.

As such, the one or more clamps 345 may be used to provide additional support on rotation of the mount 350 around the hose 340. The clamp 345 may have an open face configuration for disposing around the pliable member 343; once installed, the clamp 345 may be pinched or clamped together for a closed (face) configuration. The clamp 345 may be installed on either or both sides of the mount 350. To that end, any number of clamps 345 may be used with any number of pliable members 343, as may be desired. When the carrier assembly 311 is installed, one or more clamps 345 may abut against a surface or shoulder of the mount 350.

As mentioned, the inner surface 384 of the mount 350 may engage with the hose 304. To provide added support and grip, there may be one or more gripper features or ribs 383 disposed on the inner surface 384. The ribs 383 may aid against wear and tear; just the same, the ribs 383 need not prevent (some) rotation of the hose 304, and thus may provide a measured freedom of movement.

The rib(s) 383 may be used to facilitate rotation of the carrier assembly 311 around the hose 304, yet may maintain the axial stability and position of the carrier assembly 311 with the hose.

Any body or mount of the disclosure may be like that of others disclosed herein, with differences appreciable to one of ordinary skill in the art. Although not limited to any particular shape, the mount may be generally longitudinal and symmetrical in nature; however, the shape of any mount herein is not limited to those shown, and other shapes and configurations are within the scope of the disclosure.

The inner (mount) surface 384 may have one or more rib members 383 disposed thereon. The outer (mount) surface 385 may also have various structural features, such as a (guide) rail 374. Any body/mount may be configured for one or more components to be coupled thereon (such as a thrust management system 295, FIG. 2A or a deadman assembly 315, FIG. 3A).

The carrier assembly 311 (or any respective component or related surface) may be configured for stable axial position while on the hose 304. The carrier assembly 311 may be configured for rotation around the hose [or vice versa, or both](see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B together, a lateral cross-sectional view of a secured carrier assembly used with a hose, and an isometric component view of a pliable member usable with a carrier assembly, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 4A-4B together show a carrier assembly 411, which may be suitable for use with an abrasive blasting hose 404, or alternatively, any other kind of line or hose where a user may desire or wish for control and easy use. The assembly 411 may be like that of others disclosed herein, with differences appreciable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The assembly 411 may be contemplated as a mount or bracket (or body) 450, which may be used with one or more pliable members or straps 443 coupled therewith. As shown here, there may be one or more mounts 450.

The mount 450 may be a generally elongated mount body with an outer mount surface and an inner mount surface. As mentioned, the carrier assembly 411 may be configured for engaging or disposing against the hose 404 or other comparable piece of equipment. To do so, the user simply engages the mount 450 against the equipment surface, such as a hose or equipment outer surface 404a. If desired, the pliable member 443 may be engaged into or with a mount member receptacle 466 and/or respective receptacle or platform surface 466a, and then wrapping a first end of the member 443 around the outer surface 404a back around to a second end of the member 443.

In aspects, the member 443 may be configured to engage and retain itself with or against the second end, such as shown in FIG. 4A. Although not shown here, the carrier assembly may be configured for one or more components to be coupled thereon (such as a thrust management system 295, FIG. 2B or a deadman assembly 315, FIG. 3A). The carrier 411 may be rotatable about the hose 404 [or vice versa, or both](see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C together, a side view of simplified schematic box diagram of a carrier assembly useable with a hose, a rotated cross-lateral view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 5A, and a rotated assembly view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 5B, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an abrasive blasting system 500 for use in treating a surface.

The system 500 and carrier assembly 511 may be like that of other embodiments described herein. For the sake of this illustration, the system 500 (and related components) and carrier assembly 511 are only discussed in brevity, as the understanding and operation are discernible in view of this application and the incorporated application.

FIGS. 5A-5C are also to be understood as being in ‘black box’ or generic form to better illustrate the rotatable nature of any assembly embodiment 511. Any assembly of the disclosure may entail a frame or body structure suitable to couple or engage with a hose or the like. The carrier assembly 511 is not limited to any particular shape or configuration.

The assembly 511 may have one or more mating features or connection points, such as a first mount or mount structure 550a. The mount 550a may be associated with an outer carrier surface 585. The mount 550a is only illustrated in symbolic or box representation to reflect any suitable structure may be used. The mount 550a may be coupled with or integral to the assembly 511.

The mount 550a may take on any suitable shape to accommodate connecting with any number of components or accessories. For example, the mount 550a may be a rail-type structure (e.g., 450, FIG. 4A). The mount 550a may be configured as a male or female feature suitable to engage with a corresponding feature of a first accessory 551a, or vice versa. One of skill would appreciate the first accessory 551a may have any suitable structure for coupling with the carrier assembly 511. As shown, the first accessory 551a may have a first accessory reference point 531a that intersects with an assembly reference axis 524.

The assembly 511 may have another or second mount or mount structure 550b. Any number of mounts may be used, and although shown here as having a symmetrical orientation (e.g., 180-degree rotation) to the first mount 550a, any orientation may be used. The mount 550b may be associated with or disposed on the outer carrier surface 585. The mount 550b is only illustrated in symbolic or box representation to reflect any suitable structure may be used. The mount 550b may be coupled with or integral to the assembly 511.

The mount 550b may take on any suitable shape to accommodate connecting with any number of components or accessories. For example, the mount 550b may be a rail-type structure (e.g., 450, FIG. 4A). The mount 550b may be configured as a male or female feature suitable to engage with a corresponding feature of a second accessory 551b, or vice versa. One of skill would appreciate the second accessory 551b may have any suitable structure for coupling with the carrier assembly 511. As shown, the second accessory 551b may have a respective accessory reference point 531b that intersects with the assembly reference axis 524.

In operation of the system, the carrier assembly 511 may be configured to be maintained or held in place along the hose 504 (or respective hose/blast axis 523). One of skill would appreciate the apparent lack of movement to be to the human eye (and not encompass de minimis or minimal movement that may be discernable at the micro level). To facilitate the placement of the carrier assembly 511, there may be an inner carrier surface 584 configured to engage the hose 504 (or the outer hose surface 504a).

The inner carrier surface 584 may have one or more engagement features, such as a rib, rib member, or the like 583. The ribs 583 may be configured to engage and hold against the hose 504. Still, while the carrier assembly 511 may be held in place axially (e.g., along reference 523), the carrier assembly 511 may be able to rotate around the hose 504 (or vice versa). FIG. 5C shows the carrier assembly 511 may be rotated an angle α. The angle α may be in a rotation range of 0 to 360 in either rotation direction R. In aspects, the rotation range of angle α may be about +/−90 degrees from a vertical reference 524.

As may be seen, due to the coupling of one or more accessories or attachments with the assembly 511, it may be the case that any respective point (such as points of intersection 531a, 531b, etc.) stay fixed along rotation reference 524a. Although reference 524a shown here may be seen as a central, vertical reference, any reference may be used, to which any intersection point may still be fixed thereon. In the embodiment depicted, regardless of any amount of rotation angle α, intersection points 531a, 531b may stay fixed with respect to each other along reference 524.

It is worth noting that in operation, the assembly 511 may be held (such as by an operator), and the hose 504 may rotate therein. In other instances, the assembly 511 and the hose 504 may move at the same time. One of skill would understand the same rotation reference and fixed point aspects still apply, regardless of what component is moving.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B together, a process diagram view of an abrasive blasting system in a blast mode and an up-close side view of a light assembly coupled to a blast hose, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 6A and 6B together illustrate an embodiment of an abrasive blasting process (or system) 600, for which a supply of sand (or other types of particles, such as grit or the like) 614 may be mixed with a fast-moving fluid stream 612, usually in a mixer or valve 610.

Although described by way of example as air, the fluid stream 612 may be other materials, such as water and the like. The sand particulate 614 may be entrained in the air 612, and the resultant air-sand mixture 606 emerges at high speed from a nozzle 605 at the end of a blast hose 604. Sometimes a wet blast may be desired, and in that event a water source 613 may be coupled with the mixer 610. A resultant mixture 606 from the mixer 610 may be highly abrasive, and the blast 606 may remove even strongly-adhered compounds (e.g., paint, etc.) from a structural surface(s) 608.

The discharge of the mixture 606 from a nozzle 605 (attached to blast hose 604) may be hazardous for multiple reasons. First, particulate from the discharge, and as well as the blasted-surface, may linger in the air in the form of a cloud of floating or rebounded debris 607, making breathing difficult. As such, a breathing hood or suit 601 may be worn by an operator 602 (the suit 601 may be fed breathing air 603).

For times when vision of the operator 602 might be reduced or impaired, such as limited lighting or darkness, a light assembly or other suitable illumination device 616 may be used. Although optional, the light assembly 616 might be coupled with a carrier assembly 611, the carrier assembly 611 being coupled around the hose 604. For example, the light assembly 616 may have an assembly mount 620 configured to couple with a rail (or other comparable feature) of the carrier assembly 611.

As would be understood to one of skill, the carrier assembly 611 may be configured for axial stability along the hose 604, which is to say limited or nil movement. On the other hand, the carrier assembly 611 may be configured for rotation around the hose 604 [or vice versa, or both](see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C).

The light assembly 616 may have an illumination module or the like (not viewable here) disposed within a main housing 628. The illumination module may be configured to create light beam 618. The illumination module may be powered via signal received from a power cord. The power cord 668 may be any suitable length needed in order to connect with a power source (not shown here), and at the end thereof may have a respective plug 626 for plugging into the power source.

To aid attachment one or more bands or straps 622 may be used to couple the assembly 611 (or mount 620) with the hose 604. There may be a securing member or knob 624 that also helps aid attachment of the mount 620 to another surface (such as the carrier 611 [or its rail 652a]). As shown, the light assembly 616 may have one or more sacrificial lenses (not viewable here), any of which may be detachably removed from the assembly via pull tab 636.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B together, a prospective side view of a carrier assembly closed around a blast hose and a partial exploded view of a blast light assembly coupled with a carrier assembly, respectively, illustrative of embodiments disclosed herein, are shown.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an abrasive blasting system 700 for use in treating a surface.

The system 700 and carrier assembly 711 may be like that of other embodiments described herein. For the sake of this illustration, the system 700 (and related components) and carrier assembly 711 are only discussed in brevity, as the understanding and operation are discernible in view of this application and the incorporated application.

As shown here, the blasting system 700 may include a first accessory or attachment, such as a deadman assembly 715. The deadman assembly 715 may be part of or coupled with a carrier assembly 711. The carrier assembly 711 may be suitable for use with an abrasive blasting hose 704, or alternatively, any other kind of line or hose for any other kind of operation, industrial, residential, etc.

The carrier assembly 711 may have an elongated body 750, where the tubular nature allows for the hose 704 to fit therein. The body 750 may be made up of one or more portions that may be coupled together, whereby the assembly 711 may thus have freedom of movement (such as open and close).

The assembly 711 (or the body) may have one or more attachment features, mounts, etc., which may include by way of example guide rails 752 A/B. For example, the body 750 may have a first guide rail 752A and/or a second guide rail 752B. The guide rails 752 A/B may be an elongated slot-type structure disposed or otherwise formed along an outer assembly surface 785 of the body 750; however, the guide rails 752 A/B need not extend the full length, and may be partial in length along the outer surface 785.

It is within the scope of the disclosure that rails 752 A/B may be used for accessories to couple with the 711. Although shown as a ‘rail’ structure, other forms of coupling or attachment may be used or within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the rails 752 A/B may be integral or separate of the assembly, thus suitable as a coupler-type component. It may also be the case that the assembly 711 may be configured with structure suitable to mate with a corresponding rail (or the like) of another component or attachment.

As shown by example, the deadman assembly 715 may have an upper end configured with a deadman rail slot (not shown here), which may accommodate moving (sliding) engagement onto the second guide rail 752B.

As may be desired, there may be any number of other mounts coupled with or part of the body 750, such as (auxiliary) light assembly mount 720. The assembly mount 720 may be configured for equipment such as a light assembly (illumination device, etc.) 716 to couple with the assembly 711. Any such mount may attach the to the rails 752 A/B, such as by sliding, snapping, fastening, etc. (see, e.g., rail slot 711b)

The assembly 716 may include an (coupling) insert 764, which may be akin to a bumper or spacer. As shown here, the insert 764 may be disposed between the mount 720 and an assembly housing 728. The use of a separate insert (instead of a one-piece or unitary configuration may help mitigate or alleviate breakage. The insert(s) 764 may be pliable or flexible material, such as rubber or a poly-based material, or other comparable material, which may provide a degree of movement/flexibility or give in the event of undesired movement. The insert may have a gap or void space 790, which may also provide for more flexibility between the light housing 728 and the mount (base) 720.

The insert 764 may be configured with one or more mating features 764a,b, which may be used to mate or couple the insert with respective mating features 728a, 720a of the housing 728 and the mount 720. The features 764a, 764b may be ‘T’ shaped, and configured to engage a slot feature. The insert 764 may be held in place with the mount 720 via a clamp or plate 789 engaged and secured thereagainst.

Embodiments herein may provide for apparatuses, systems, methods of use and operation of one or more systems disclosed herein, comparable variants, and/or components thereof. Methods herein may refer to use and/or operation of an abrasive blasting operation that may utilize a deadman assembly, and may be synonymous with system (and thus used interchangeably). While referred to as pneumatic, other control mechanisms are possible, such as electrical. Any component here may be integral to another, regardless if not expressly shown in the Figures, and vice versa.

The method may include providing or arranging for one or more abrasive blasting components, such as a hose, blast pot, control valves, a deadman assembly, and so forth. The method may include use and/or operation of associated or auxiliary equipment including automation, controllers, piping, hosing, valves, wiring, nozzles, pumps, gearing, tanks, etc. may be shown only in part, or may not be shown or described, as one of skill in the art would have an understanding of coupling the components for operation thereof. All components of the method requiring power or automation may be provided with wiring, tubing, piping, etc. in order to be operable therefore.

The method may include use and/or operation of a deadman assembly that may be associated with a pneumatic flow control or comparable. The method may include operating the deadman assembly in any desired mode, such as a blast mode, a no-blast mode, nozzle vent mode, etc.

The method may include configuring the deadman assembly with one or more signal devices operable to send or transfer a signal to one or more downstream or associated devices, such as a control valve. The method may include coupling respective hosing to fittings associated with the deadman assembly, air source, regulator, control valves, and any other downstream equipment.

The method may include operating or moving a trigger of a deadman assembly to the blast mode. As such, the deadman assembly may allow a signal to now transfer to a desired device or destination.

The method may include releasing the deadman assembly to shut off. The method may include a deactivation response time of about one to two seconds or less.

The method may include the use of a carrier assembly, such as for holding a hose. The carrier assembly may include one or more of: a mount or body having an inner surface engaged with the hose; there may be a guide rail disposed on or associated with the mount. There may be an attachment or accessory (such as a deadman assembly) coupled with the carrier assembly.

There may be a plurality of attachments.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may pertain to a method of using or operating a high-pressure spray device that includes use of another type of attachment such as a thrust management system for a (pressurized) hose. The thrust management system may include one or more of a pad mount configured to couple with the hose; a pad backing comprising a pad backing extension. The pad mount may have a pad coupler extension.

In some embodiments, the hose or carrier is not associated with a deadman assembly.

In other embodiments, the hose or carrier is associated with a deadman assembly. The carrier assembly may be configured for axial stability on the hose, yet may also be configured for rotation around the hose (or vice versa, or both).

While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations. The use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, and the like.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. The inclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they provide background knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

	Number	Date	Country
	63449847	Mar 2023	US
	63286547	Dec 2021	US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18587409	Feb 2024	US
Child	19061162		US
Parent	18073225	Dec 2022	US
Child	19061162		US

ROTATABLE CARRIER ASSEMBLY AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

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Date Filed

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

Provisional Applications (2)

Continuation in Parts (2)