Dryer barrel basket

A dryer barrel basket may include a body with a mesh surface. The dryer barrel basket may also include a door positioned proximate a bottom portion of the dryer barrel basket. The dryer barrel basket may further include a hinge which may be sized and configured to allow the door to rotate between an open and closed position. In addition, the dryer barrel basket may include a locking mechanism that is configured to secure the door to the mesh body in a closed position and allow the door to be disposed in an open position using an opening mechanism.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a structure that may be used to dry items such as produce and, in particular, to a dryer barrel basket that may be used to dry large quantities of leafy vegetables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An important step in preparing large quantities of fruits and/or vegetables for sale is to thoroughly wash the product in order to remove dirt and/or insecticides. After washing, the fruits and/or vegetables are dried as remaining water may provide an environment for bacteria to grow and spoil the product. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and spinach are especially susceptible to spoilage if not adequately dried. These products are much more difficult to dry than products such as apples, peaches or pears because of the larger irregular surface area per unit volume of the leafy vegetable where water can be trapped.

In order to dry leafy vegetables, conventional spin dryer systems may be used. Known dryer systems may include a dryer barrel basket into which the produce is loaded at a loading station, After spin drying, the dryer barrel basket is lifted out of the dryer and transported by a conveyor hoist to an unloading area. The bottom of the dryer barrel basket is then opened to empty the contents out of the dryer barrel basket. This is typically accomplished by opening a two section trap door on the bottom of the dryer barrel basket.

These two section trap door double bottom doors generally form two halves of the circular shaped bottom of the dryer barrel split down the middle. Thus, these doors generally swing closed towards the middle of the dryer barrel. During closing, this setup generally requires an operator to hold a first door closed with one hand while swinging the second door upwards with the other hand with sufficient force to lock the doors in place. This arrangement is not an optimal, nor does it result in an efficient process. It would be advantageous to have a system and/or apparatus with a design configured for more convenient use.

Also, emptying these conventional baskets presents challenges. Traditionally, doors of some known dryer barrel baskets have a handle to open the doors on the bottom of the basket located on the bottom of the dryer barrel basket, generally collocated on and/or near the swinging doors. Thus, the operator is often required to reach under the dryer barrel basket to access the handle and release a lock securing the door to the dryer barrel basket. It would be advantageous to have a system and/or apparatus with a more efficient design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved dryer barrel and apparatus designed to address, among other things, the aforementioned deficiencies in prior art drying systems. In general, exemplary embodiments may relate to a dryer barrel basket. Specifically, the dyer barrel basket may include a bottom door with opening mechanism which does not put the operator in harm's way. Stated another way, the opening mechanism is not located on the underside of the dryer barrel basket. Rather, this opening mechanism, such as a handle for opening the bottom door, may be located in any suitable location, but is preferably located on a side of the spin barrel basket, such as the tubular side of the spin barrel basket.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, the dryer barrel basket may include a substantially tubular shaped body, such as a tubular mesh body. In addition, the dryer barrel basket may include a hinge which may be configured to allow the bottom door pivot open on an axis. The dryer barrel basket may further include a locking mechanism that may be configured to secure the door in a closed position. The locking mechanism may be mechanically coupled to the opening mechanism to allow the door to be opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an embodiment of a dryer barrel basket100comprising a dryer barrel basket body and a bottom retaining structure are disclosed. For instance, the bottom retaining structure may be a bottom door150, flap, hatch, window and/or the like. Dryer barrel basket100presents numerous advantages over the existing systems. For instance, an opening mechanism175of bottom door150is located in a protected location away from the heavy moving elements of dryer barrel basket100. Also, closing bottom door150may be accomplished with one fluid closing motion. This closing motion does not involve retaining additional heavy structures, such as a second door while performing the closing motion.

Dryer barrel basket100may be used with existing spin dryer systems and/or existing spin dryer systems may be easily retrofit to accommodate dryer barrel basket100. As mentioned above, the bottom retaining structure may be any structure suitable for temporality retaining the contents of dryer barrel basket body within the body's generally open interior. This retaining structure is configured to move and allow the contents within the dryer barrel basket body to be emptied.

Exemplary embodiments may include dryer barrel basket100with bottom door150positioned proximate a bottom portion of dryer barrel basket100. In various embodiments though it may be made up of multiple sections and/or multiple doors, and unlike historical trap door configurations, bottom door150comprises a single moving element. Stated another way, bottom door150may be a single door. Thus, bottom door150may be closed by directing force in one direction and may, in general, be closed using only one hand. Also, according to various embodiments, bottom door150is configured to be secured without additional manipulation by an operator. Stated another way, bottom door150may be self-latching. Both the self-latching functionality and the only one moving element (ability to close using one hand) aids in the effectiveness and efficiency of the operator in closing bottom door150. According to various embodiments, the outside surface of bottom door150may be marked with an indicator detailing proper hand or hands placement for closing of bottom door150.

According to various embodiments, though its opening motion may be any known opening motion, such as a slide, hinge, track system, and/or the like, bottom door150is configured to open by pivoting on a hinge. This hinge155may be coupled to dryer barrel basket100in any suitable location. Thus, hinge155may be located within an interior surface of dryer barrel basket100, along the bottom edge of the tubular shaped dryer barrel basket body or on an exterior surface of dryer barrel basket100. Additionally, hinge155may be located in any position of bottom door150. It may be beneficial to locate the pivot point of bottom door150closer to the center of bottom door150, thus, reducing the amount of force needed to close bottom door150. For instance, locating hinge155on the edge of bottom door150may be unwieldy for a single operator to close. Also, it may be beneficial to locate hinge155in a position such that material to be released from within the dryer barrel basket body may assist in the smooth opening of bottom door150, such as by creating a counter weight. Thus, it may be beneficial to locate hinge155in a location to assist with closing and opening of bottom door150.

The release mechanism of bottom door150, such as opening mechanism175, is designed such that its location and operation protects an operator from unintended contact with the moving parts of dryer barrel basket100. For example, an operator need not reach under dryer barrel basket100to open bottom door150and/or access opening mechanism175. Moreover, opening mechanism175is generally located away from the moving elements of bottom door150. Thus, according to various embodiments, movement of bottom door150moving from a closed position to an open position may swing away from a fixed location of opening mechanism175.

Opening mechanism175may be located in any suitable location on dryer barrel basket100; however, to assist use, preferably, opening mechanism175is located on a side surface of dryer barrel basket body, such as along the tubular body of dryer barrel basket100. In this way, opening mechanism175is not located in the same plane as the bottom door150, nor is it in close proximity to the movement of bottom door150. Additionally, though opening mechanism175may be located anywhere along dryer barrel basket body, in general, opening mechanism175is preferably located near the bottom of dryer barrel basket100. In this way, an operator need not strain to reach opening mechanism175while dryer barrel basket100is in an elevated position, which is common during operation. Though it may be located on the surface, as dryer barrel basket100rotates at high speeds during operation, opening mechanism175may be recessed on a side surface of dryer barrel basket100to both protect the mechanism itself and the internal surfaces of the dryer.

Opening mechanism175, in general, is coupled to aspects of locking mechanism185. Thus, according to various embodiments, opening mechanism175is mechanically coupled to locking mechanism185. Opening mechanism175may be any suitable mechanism that is used to disengage locking mechanism185which holds the bottom retaining structure, (e.g. bottom door150) in a closed and/or locked position, For instance, opening mechanism175may be a handle, pull, push, button, switch, lever, knob, and/or the like. An operator operating opening mechanism175may disengage locking mechanism185using any suitable movement action such as a push, pull, twist, up or down movement. Opening mechanism175and/or locking mechanism185, may comprise mechanical, electrical, fluid or pneumatic operation, however, due to extreme conditions generally faced by these barrel baskets, preferably, opening mechanism175and/or locking mechanism185comprise mechanical operation.

As disclosed herein, while bottom door150is in a closed position, it is retained by locking mechanism185. Locking mechanism185may be any fastening device, generally for holding bottom door150in a closed position that may be released through interaction with a physical object, such as opening mechanism175. Though multiple locking mechanism185elements to secure bottom door150are contemplated, according to various embodiments, one locking mechanism185may be used. Though manual manipulation of locking mechanism185to secure bottom door150closed may be used, according to various embodiments, no manual manipulation of locking mechanism185to secure bottom door150closed is needed. For instance, locking mechanism185may be self-locking. Locking mechanism185may be self-locked through any suitable means, such as by being spring operated.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of dryer barrel basket100comprising a body with a mesh surface is depicted. The mesh surface may include a plurality of openings that are sized and configured to allow fluid, such as water, to pass through. Dryer barrel basket100may also include bottom door150positioned proximate a bottom or lower portion of dryer barrel basket100. As shown inFIG. 1, bottom door150may be disposed in a closed position. Dryer barrel basket100may also include locking mechanism185that may help secure bottom door150in a closed and locked position. Locking mechanism185may be unlocked to allow bottom door150to be opened. Locking mechanism185may be unlocked using opening mechanism175.

As shown inFIG. 2, bottom door150may be disposed in an open position to empty the contents of dryer barrel basket100. Dryer barrel basket100may also include a lift bar positioned near a top of the dryer barrel basket100. The lift bar may be configured to allow dryer barrel basket100to be raised by a hoist, such as a conveyor hoist or other suitable mechanism, which may facilitate movement of dryer barrel basket100.

As shown inFIG. 3, dryer barrel basket100may include hinge155that is sized and configured to allow bottom door150to rotate relative to the dryer barrel basket body. For example, hinge155may attach bottom door150to the dryer barrel basket body. Hinge155may allow bottom door150to rotate relative to a first side and/or the tubular side surface of the dryer barrel basket body. According to various embodiments, this rotational movement is in a direction substantially away from locking mechanism185and/or opening mechanism175. Locking mechanism185may be sized and configured to help secure bottom door150to the dryer barrel basket body in a closed position. Locking mechanism185may also be sized and configured to allow bottom door150to be opened.

According to various embodiments, dryer barrel basket100may also include one or more structure, such as a wall190, located in the interior of dryer barrel basket100. Wall190may be any shape or size, Wall190may be curved or straight. Though there may be gaps, the edges of wall190are preferably flush with the interior substantially curved surfaces of dryer barrel basket100to reduce the likelihood of material being trapped within dryer barrel basket100and/or inhibiting the workings of bottom door150. Wall190may be disposed at any suitable angle, such as an angle relative to the tubular shaped dryer barrel basket body. This angle of wall190, and the void it behind wall190between the top of bottom door150and a bottom interior portion of dryer barrel basket100, may accommodate a portion of bottom door150as bottom door150moves from a closed first position to an open second position while pivoting on hinge155. Wall190may be configured to allow the contents of dryer barrel basket100, such as produce and/or leafy green vegetables, to be dispersed along bottom door150in a manner to assist with opening bottom door150.

For instance, in operation, spin dryer systems (without wall190) generally spin the contents of dryer barrel basket100to be substantially evenly distributed along the base and/or bottom door150. This evenly distribution of material may inhibit operation of hinge155which may be oriented such that bottom door150is configured to pivot, such as pivoting on a fulcrum. Thus, wall190is configured to prevent substantially even distributed of material along the base of dryer barrel basket100and/or bottom door150. Additionally, wall190is configured to direct a material within dryer barrel basket100away from a portion of bottom door150, such as the portion of bottom door150under wall190. Stated another way, wall190may direct a portion of the contents of dryer barrel basket100to a desired location, such as generally towards the location of locking mechanism185. In this way, the weight of the material in the dryer barrel basket100, such as the produce and/or leafy green vegetables may be directed to a location on top of door150, such that in response to the opening of locking mechanism185, smooth operation of bottom door150is achieved. Wall190also directs material away from the generally smaller portion of bottom door150which opens up into the interior of dryer barrel basket body as the larger portion opens down and away from the edge of the tubular shaped body of the dryer barrel basket body. For example, wall190may be configured to direct material to cover about ¾ of the top surface of bottom door150. Wall190may be configured to direct material away from about ¼ of the top surface of bottom door150.

Though locking mechanism185may be any locking mechanism, as shown inFIG. 3, it may include multiple components. These components may include a latch bar310, a spring320, and a latch shelf330. Latch bar310may be positioned generally parallel to a lower surface of bottom door150. Latch bar310may be movable between one or more positions. Additionally, latch bar310may be concentrically disposed within spring320. If desired, a latch shelf330may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the latch bar310when bottom door150is in the closed position.

Similarly to locking mechanism185, opening mechanism175may be any opening mechanism. As shown inFIG. 3, it may include multiple components including a handle350. Handle350may be positioned substantially parallel to the tubular shaped mesh body and substantially perpendicular to bottom door150. Handle350may be configured to allow an operator to depress320and move latch bar310from being retained by latch shelf330.

Bottom door150may include surface features to interact with locking mechanism185. Stated another way, elements of locking mechanism185may be integral to bottom door150, integral to dryer barrel body and/or a combination thereof.

For instance, bottom door150may include a block370with at least one opening for receiving various components of locking mechanism185, such as one or more rings, spring320, and latch bar310. The rings may be sized and configured to restrain spring320from protruding beyond block370, and the rings may allow movement of latch bar310between open and closed positions.

As shown inFIG. 4A, locking mechanism185of dryer barrel basket100may be disposed in a closed position with latch bar310in the closed position where bottom door150in a first position. In the closed position, latch shelf330may be configured to receive latch bar310and bottom door150in the first position. Handle350, which may be disposed substantially parallel to the tubular dryer barrel body and substantially perpendicular to bottom door150, may be used to help control the movement of the bottom door150, such as movement from the first position to a second open position. Stated another way, bottom door150may be opened by pulling on handle350.

FIG. 5Bshows the locking mechanism185of dryer barrel basket100with latch bar310in the open position and bottom door150in the closed position. As discussed herein, handle350may be configured to depress the spring and move latch bar310away from latch shelf330in order to open bottom door150and the empty the contents of dryer barrel basket100.

As discussed herein, traditional dryer baskets have a height, such as a set height, where they are hoisted above a receiving basket, such as hopper. Multiple dryer baskets may be emptied into each hopper. For instance, 3-4 dryer baskets may be emptied into each hopper prior to moving the filled hopper for weighing on a scale without damaging the contents of the hopper. As there is, in general, clearance available between the bottom of the dryer basket and the top of the contents of the hopper, workers occasionally overfill the hopper with 5-6 dryer baskets by creating a mound in the hopper. This overfilling of the hopper may result in mechanical damage to the contents of the hopper due to weight on the material at the bottom of the hopper. Dryer barrel basket100having a single bottom door150, which extends further than conventional trap door/dual door systems, is configured to govern and/or limit the amount of times dryer barrel basket100(hoisted at the same height as traditional dryer baskets) may he emptied into the hopper. This prevents occurrences of mechanical damage to the material delivered to the hopper.

The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments and examples. It should be appreciated that the particular embodiments shown. and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Those skilled in the art having read this disclosure will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as expressed in the following claims.