Patent Application
20060060544
This invention relates to pool filter cleaning devices, more specifically, a pool filter cleaning device that is simple to use, reduces the amount of time needed to clean a pool filter and prevents fluids from splashing back onto a user.
Once thought of as a recreational amenity owned and used only by affluent persons, swimming pools and jacuzzies have become a mainstream recreational amenity that is affordable and enjoyable by most anyone. Although owning and using a pool and/or jacuzzi is enjoyable, the maintenance and upkeep of the filtration system for these amenities leave much to be desired.
Most pools and jacuzzies have water filtration systems wherein the water is purified by filtering out solid debris, oils, insects and other contaminants that may enter a pool or jacuzzi. A pump is typically used wherein the water is pushed through such a filtration device so as to keep the water free of debris. A filter cartridge is the key element to most filtration systems as water passes through leaving contaminants on the outside of the filter cartridge.
A filter cartridge is a hollow, cylindrical device having many pleats. The cartridge is typically made of a paper material so as to capture the contaminants. Over time, the cartridge becomes covered with dirt, debris, oils, algae, etc. and requires cleaning. Most people typically use a hose to wash the cartridge. However, as the water from the hose is not streamlined in order to clean in between each pleat, the person cleaning the cartridge must spread the pleats apart and then aim the stream of water in between each pleat. Not only does this method take a long time to perform, it is also very messy as the water and accompanying debris “splashes back” onto the user.
Although there are some devices for cleaning filter cartridges, none are effective in separating each pleat and preventing splash back. Thus, the need for a pool filter cleaning device which thoroughly cleans in between each pleat and prevents splash back exists
The relevant prior art includes the following patents:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a pool filter cleaning device that thoroughly cleans filter cartridges.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a pool filter cleaning device that separates pleats on a filter cartridge.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a pool filter cleaning device that virtually eliminates splash back from occurring.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a pool filter cleaning device that is easy to use.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a pool filter cleaning device that is attachable to a standard garden hose.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a pool filter cleaning device comprised of a handle, an angled head section, a shield and a nozzle. The device is attachable to standard garden hoses and utilizes water pressure to clean the cartridge filter. The handle is attached to an angled head section having a shield attached therebetween. The head section is angled so as to provide a more comfortable cleaning position for the user. The shield has a duel purpose as it separates the pleats on the cartridge filter and prevents water and debris from splashing back onto the user. Additionally, the shield could have a filter fin spreader to further assist in the spreading of the pleats on the cartridge filter.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
With reference to
Also located near the base of the handle 18 is an on/off switch 5. The on/off switch 5 opens/closes the water's 9 pathway to the handle 2.
The head section 12 of the present invention is comprised of an angled pipe 7 attached to a top of the handle 21, a securing device 10, a nozzle 8 and a shield 6 preferably having a filter fin spreader 22. The angled pipe 7 is hollow so as to permit water 9 from the hose 3 to pass therethrough. The securing device 10 is preferably a U-shaped clip which secures the shield 6 to the head section 12 via screws 11. The shield 6 has a cut-out portion 14 which permits the shield 6 to surround the handle 2.
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Finally, with reference to
The elements of the present invention are preferably made of a plastic material to prevent corrosion. In addition, the shield 6 and filter fin spreader 22 are preferably transparent to permit a user to see which pleats 16 have been cleaned and to what degree.
The use of the present invention will allow persons to thoroughly clean a filter cartridge quickly and easily with minimal amount of splash back.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
