Patent Application
20190177955
The present invention relates to hydrostatic pressure washers and methods for using the same, particularly to clean hydrants.
Hydrants, including fire and water hydrants, provide a source of controlled and pressurized water for municipal use, principally for fighting fires. Hydrants are connected to a water main. The water is under tremendous pressure, ranging from about 60-80 pounds per square inch (“psi”), but it can be more or less depending on the region and local regulations, and must generally be above 20 psi. Typically, the water may be accessed via hose connected to the hydrant side port, provided that the operating valve in the adjacent valve box has been opened.
Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:
The present invention comprises various embodiments of pressure washers for cleaning hydrants and methods for doing so. The term “hydrant” as used herein refers to any outlet (usually found in a street or public place) for drawing water from a water main. While the term “hydrant” is often used in connection with hydrants for fire-fighting, it should not be viewed as limited in that respect. While embodiments may be described in connection with fire hydrants, they are non-limiting examples and the teachings of the present invention apply to any hydrant.
It is important that hydrants, including fire hydrants, be clean so that: (1) firefighters can see them in event of an emergency; (2) the hydrants can be turned off and on with ease; and (3) the hydrants encounter fewer maintenance problems and last longer. Current methods for cleaning hydrants require rags and wire brushes and waste a lot of water with limited results. In addition, current methods have their limitations as it is difficult to clean in the cracks and contours of the hydrants using rags. Potential use of external power washers would require gasoline cumbersome equipment, and another water source. The pressure washer 10, 100, 300 and method 200, 400 of the present invention solve these problems.
Pressure washer 10, 100 will now be described with reference to
Hydrant cap 12, which is used to replace cap 34 of hydrant 30 during use of pressure washer, 10, 100 is connected to water control system 13. See FIG. 4. Water control system 13 comprises various connectors and valve(s) for controlling the flow of water from hydrant 30, as is explained in greater detail below.
In one embodiment shown in
Port 15 of cross connector 14 is connected to pressure gauge 28 via nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port 15′ on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected to first ball valve 16, or other suitable shut-off valve via nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector.
Cross connector 14 is also connected to hydrant cap 12 via adaptor 20 and nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port 19′ on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected via nipple connector 22 to second ball valve 18. Second ball valve 18 is connected to nipple connector 22, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in
In another embodiment shown in
As in the case of pressure washer 10, in an embodiment of pressure washer 100, water control system 113 comprises a multiple port connector, which in the embodiment shown is tee connector 114, as opposed to cross connector 14 of pressure washer 10. Water control system 113 further comprises a shut-off valve (e.g., ball valve 118) and various connectors, such as nipple connector 122 and adaptor 120 to control the flow of water for flushing turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30, as well as cleaning hydrant 30 according to method 200, 400.
Port 115 of tee connector 114 is connected to pressure gauge 128 via nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected to ball valve 118, or other suitable shut-off valve, via nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector.
Tee connector 114 is also connected to hydrant cap 112 via adaptor 120 and nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded, at port 119. Port 119′ on the opposite side of tee connector 114 is connected via nipple connector 122 to ball valve 118. Ball valve 118 is connected to nipple connector 122, which in turn is connected to quick connector 117, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in
In embodiments, pressure washer 10, 100 is connected to side port 32 of hydrant 30 via hydrant cap 12, 112 of pressure washer 10, 100.
In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valves 16, 18, 118 are ball valves, although other suitable types of shut-off valve could be used. The fittings are ¼-inch brass to mate with hydrant cap 12, 112, but other materials could also be used. Pressure gauge 28, 128 is a standard 2.5-inch pressure gauge. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings made from materials other than brass could be used, but brass is preferred for its durability and heat resistance.
According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method 200 for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to
Method 200 next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant 30. This is accomplished by turning on 216 hydrant 30, preferably to permit maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port 32 through second ball valve 18 and out nipple connector 22, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. Method 200 further comprises allowing the water to flow through second ball valve 18 until the water runs clear.
While the water is flowing, at step 218, hydrant 30 is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method 200 further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30. Longer dwell times may also be used.
At step 220, once the water has been flushed clear, second ball valve 18 is closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 28, thus ensuring that hydrant 30 is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle 24 is secured to hose 26.
Method 200 next comprises opening 222 first ball valve 16 and spraying 224 the hydrant 30 with water (e.g., from nozzle 24 and hose 26). Water pressure from hydrant 30 may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method 200 may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, first ball valve 16 is closed and hydrant 30 is turned off to depressurize pressure washer 10. Hydrant cap 12 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.
Another embodiment of the method of the present invention for cleaning hydrant 30 with pressure washer 100 as shown in
The line from the main to the hydrant 30 may be cleaned. This is accomplished by turning on hydrant 30. Water will flow from the side port 32 through ball valve 118 and out quick connector 117, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. The water may be allowed to flow through ball valve 118 until the water runs clear.
While the water is flowing, the hydrant 30 may be sprayed with biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen may be used. The method may further comprise allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30.
Once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve 118 would be closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 128. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, hose 26 may be connected to quick connector 117.
Next, hose 26 would be secured and ball valve 118 would be reopened, causing water to flow from nozzle 24. The method would then comprise spraying hydrant 30 with water from nozzle 24 (connected to hose 26). In another embodiment, the method may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to the hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve 118 is closed, water flow from hydrant 30 is turned off to depressurize pressure washer 100. Hydrant cap 112 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.
Yet another embodiment of pressure washer 300 of the present invention will now be described with reference to
As in the case of pressure washer 10, 100 in an embodiment of pressure washer 300, water control system 313 comprises a multi-port connector, which in the embodiment shown is 5-way connector 314, as opposed to cross connector 14 of pressure washer 10 or tee connector 114 of pressure washer 100. Water control system 313 further comprises shut-off valve system 343, blow out nozzle 324, hose connection 323 and various other connectors and fasteners, as described in more detail below.
Water control system 313 is operatively associated with pressure gauge 328 and hydrant cap 12, 112, via 5-way connector 314, which houses hose connection 323, as well as shut-off valve system 343, and is connected to blow-out nozzle 324 and swivel adaptor 320 for connecting to hydrant 30 via hydrant cap 12, 112.
In the embodiment shown, 5-way connector 314 is custom CNC-machined integral component made from aluminum with ports 315, 319, 319′, hose connection 323 and stop 327. However, while 5-way connector 314 is shown as an integral component with threaded connectors and ports, other configurations are also possible as would be familiar to one of skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, two tee connectors could be used, as could various combinations of pipes and connectors.
As best seen in
In an embodiment shown in
Blow-out nozzle 324 is connected to 5-way connector 314 at port 319 adjacent to seal 329 and ball valve 316. When ball valve 316 is turned to permit water to flow from hydrant 30 through blow-out nozzle 324, this is used to clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30.
In addition, 5-way connector 314 houses hose connection 323, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in
In addition to water control system 313, pressure washer 300 also comprises means for securely connecting pressure washer 300 to side port 32 of hydrant 30. As previously described, such a means may be hydrant cap 12, 112. Hydrant cap 12, 112 is configured to be connected to pressure washer 300 via swivel adaptor 320, which is also connected to 5-way connector 314 at port 319′. Swivel adaptor 320, which may be made of brass, is configured to be connected to hydrant cap 12, 112 in the same manner as in embodiments of pressure washer 10, 100. In the embodiment shown, port 319′ and swivel adaptor 320 have threaded connections, but other configurations may be possible. When pressure washer 300 is connected to hydrant 30 by means of hydrant cap 12, 112, hydrant 30 is turned on and the water flow is opened via water control system 313, water from blow-out nozzle 324 may clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30; water flowing through hose connection 323 connected to hose 26 and nozzle 24 may then be used to clean hydrant 30 according to method 300.
In addition to water control system 313 and hydrant cap 12, 112, pressure washer 300 further comprises pressure gauge 328. In an embodiment shown in
In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valve comprises ball valve 316, although other types and combinations of shut-off valves could be used. In embodiments, fittings that are sized to mate with hydrant cap 12, 112 may be made of brass. Pressure gauge 328 is a standard 3.0-inch pressure gauge, although other suitable gauges could be used. Seals 329 are polyoxymethylene seals; however, other suitable polymers or metals could be used. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings may be used, as may fittings made from materials other than brass, but brass may provide better durability and heat resistance.
According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method 400 for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to
Method 400 next comprises positioning 412 ball valve 316 (e.g., using lever handle 325) so that water flow to hose connection 323 is cut-off and water flow is opened to blow-out nozzle 324. This ensures that water will not be flowing to hose 26 before the process of cleaning the line is completed.
Method 400 next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant 30. This is accomplished by turning on 414 hydrant 30, preferably to allow maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port 32 through ball valve 316 and out blow-out nozzle 324, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. Method 400 further comprises allowing 416 the water to flow through ball valve 316 until the water from blow-out nozzle 324 runs clear.
While the water is flowing, at step 418, hydrant 30 is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method 400 further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30. Longer dwell times may also be used.
At step 420, once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve 316 is repositioned (e.g., using lever handle 325) so that water flow to blow-out nozzle 324 is cut off to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 328, thus ensuring that hydrant 30 is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle 24 is secured to hose 26.
Method 400 next comprises repositioning 422 ball valve 316 (e.g., using level handle 325) so that water flow is opened to hose connection 323, hose 26 and nozzle 24. Hose 26 and nozzle 24 are then used to spray 424 hydrant 30. Water pressure from hydrant 30 may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method 400 may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve 316 is closed (e.g., using lever handle 325) to shut off water flow in hose connection 323 and opened in the direction of blow-out nozzle 324. Water flow from hydrant 30 is turned off.
Once it is determined that pressure washer 300 is substantially depressurized (e.g., by consulting pressure gauge 328), hose 26 is removed from hose connection 323. Hydrant cap 12, 112 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.
Pressure washer 10, 100, 300 in conjunction with methods 200, 400 of the present invention can be employed to good effect to save time and prevent waste in conserving water resources for cleaning hydrants. No rags or brushes are needed and water that would otherwise be wasted is used to clean hydrants in a more efficient manner that using prior art methods, so water is conserved. In addition, the task of cleaning the fire hydrants is less strenuous and physically demanding than currently known methods.
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and their derivatives. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adapted to another embodiment. It should be noted that while the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a configuration of various components, it could be utilized with other configurations, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, so long as the objects and features of the invention are achieved, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to that shown and described herein. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention, including all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims:
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62596254 | Dec 2017 | US |
