Patent Application
20060144961
The present invention generally relates to the field of hydraulic devices such as pressure washers, water jets, and the like that are capable of delivering a fluid from a supply source and discharging it under pressure, and more particularly, to apparatus, systems, and methods of utilizing these hydraulic devices.
The use of hydraulic fluids, i.e., water, oils, air, for devices which create and use highly pressurized streams of fluid to accomplish a task is commonplace. For instance, a pressure washer or water jet deliver a highly pressurized fluid stream to a surface to be cleaned, stripped, or prepared for treatment. Alternatively, these devices may deliver a highly pressurized fluid stream to lifting mechanisms, digging mechanisms, or for recreational purposes. As such, hydraulic devices, such as pressure washers and water jets, are produced in numerous design configurations and can be used to perform a variety of tasks whether in a home, commercial, or industrial setting.
These devices are powered by a power source which drives the pump to which a directional controlling device, such as a spray wand of gun, may be coupled via a length of hose. Typically, the power source is either an electric motor or combustion engine. Whether the high pressure device is a portable device or a stationary device will determine the size of the engine and therefore the power of the pump to pressurize the fluid stream. In the industrial and/or commercial settings the devices are generally stationary which accommodates larger engine and pump size, that have the ability to create a larger stream, i.e., greater capacity, higher pressure, of pressurized fluid. For example, car washes, hydraulic lifts, and the like, will employ stationary hydraulic devices to move large volumes of water or overcome significant weight resistance.
Unfortunately, most of these devices, such as the pressure washers and water jets, have been limited in their application. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide hydraulic devices which may be used in a wider variety of settings to accomplish a greater number of tasks.
Accordingly the present invention provides hydraulic devices, such as pressure washers and water jets, which allow an operator to accomplish a greater number of tasks in various settings. It is an object of the present invention to provide a high pressure cleaning system for cleaning or un-clogging confined spaces, such as in pipes containing flow restrictions. Such a system may employ various devices connected with a pump of a pressure washer/water jet, such as a high pressure nozzle which utilizes a stream of high pressure fluid to clear the flow restriction. Alternatively, the system may employ a high pressure blade attachment connected with the pump which may clear a flow restriction utilizing a spinning blade.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a gun connected with a pressure washer/water jet that is capable of including various additives to the fluid stream being expelled from the gun. The gun includes a cartridge receiver within which various cartridges may be interchangeably loaded and unloaded. These various cartridges may contain numerous different additives, such as soap, grit for abrasion, air for drying, primer, wood treatment, paint, sealant, and the like which may be expelled from the gun along with the fluid.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a marine cleaning system which employs a pressure washer/water jet to clean various surfaces which are exposed to marine environments. The marine cleaning system may assist in prolonging the useful lifespan of various devices which have surfaces exposed to the marine environment. For example, a the hull of a boat or other watercraft need to have those surfaces which are exposed to the water cleaned in order to prevent the accumulation of aquatic growth, such as barnacles, etc., or other harmful materials on those surfaces. The marine cleaning system may include various additional features, such as a sail cleaning assembly, bilge pump assembly, line cutter assembly, water recycling unit, and the like.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a finishing tool system which is utilized for applying a finish to various workpieces. The finish applications may include forming multiple levels/layers in a workpiece, the addition of various sealants, paints, lacquers, and the like, or the constructing of various patterns in workpieces.
A gardening system and sprinkler installation system are further contemplated by the present invention. The gardening system providing for various capabilities, such as the construction of a garden by constructing rows and the planting of seeds. Lawn aeration and snow removal is another capability of the present invention. The gardening system may include a seed gun for the planting/application of seeds or it is contemplated that the seed gun may be separate from the gardening system. The sprinkler installation system provides for trenching through various surfaces and sub-surfaces in order to allow for the placement of the necessary piping/tubing and sprinkler heads which may be required by a sprinkler system.
In still further embodiments of the pressure washer/water jet of the present invention provides a hydraulic lift system. The hydraulic lift system may be employed to raise and lower various heavy items, such as a car, motorcycle, and the like, which may be difficult to raise and lower without mechanical assistance.
It is a further object of the pressure washer/water jet of the present invention to provide a composting device. The composting device capable of composting organic matter. The compost may be utilized in gardens or as fill. The composting device may be included in the gardening system mentioned above.
It is another object of the pressure washer/water jet of the present invention to provide a cutting system which may be utilized to cut through various items. The cutting system may be employed to cut rope, fiberglass, wood, and the like, which are capable of being cut by a high pressure water stream. It is further contemplated that various boring activities and/or trenching activities, including those mentioned above, may be accomplished by the use of the present invention.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the various embodiments shown may be configured as closed or open systems. In an open system, the pump produces a pressurized fluid stream which is expelled through various devices, such as a gun. The expelled pressurized fluid stream is utilized in the performance of a task, but the fluid utilized is lost. In a closed system, the pump produces a pressurized fluid stream which is expelled for use in the performance of a task, as described above. However, the expelled fluid is recaptured into a storage facility, such as a reservoir, which may then be re-used by the pump in providing the pressurized fluid stream. In alternative embodiments, the fluid may be directed into a secondary device for use in the performance of a task and then recaptured from the secondary device after completion of the task.
Referring generally now to
The pipe cleaning system employs a power source, such as an electric engine, to provide power to a pump which drives the fluid through the system. Other components may include hoses, pipes, tubes, or other fluid delivery devices which may couple with the pump to deliver the fluid. Further, the fluid delivery devices may couple with the nozzle and high pressure blade attachment, thereby delivering the fluid to these devices. The high pressure blade attachment may be configured in a variety of ways, such as with a sheathed blade which extends upon engagement with the blockage, and may be of various shapes and sizes as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is further contemplated that the pipe cleaning system may be enabled with a snake device in order to feed the nozzle, high pressure blade attachment, and other devices down into areas, such as the interior of a pipe, to enable engagement with the blockage.
A delicate cleaning system is shown in
In a further embodiment, shown in
In other alternative embodiments, cleaning systems use pressurized hydraulic liquids to drive a foam plug through pipes, cleaning the pipes and clearing clogs. Shower mold removal attachments kits may include grout removal attachments, which provide a concentrated water stream for deep scrubbing, and hot and cold options. Cleaning systems may also include a toilet tank cleaner and high pressure decarbonization systems. Systems may also include rot removal tools used to blast rot out, especially dead wood, termite infested wood, dry rot, rotted posts in cement enclosures. A workpiece chip remover/blower cleaning system keeps a work area clear so the user can see what they are working on. Chimney cleaning systems, employing various chimney cleaning attachments, may allow the user to safely clean the inside of a chimney and may include a specific water reclamation system so the user can blast the water up the chimney from inside, but not wet the inside of the house. Super heated water and high powered steam cleaning systems may be used on decks, stonework, etc. Alternative embodiments may include, oil removal systems, both for on land and in water oil slicks, and may be laid out in a circular fashion to surround and contain the slick for collection. Systems may also include industrial dish washers, assembly line style steam and water jets to clean the dishes, and gutter and brickwork cleaning systems.
Referring generally now to
In
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may be enabled as a compositing machine, as shown in
In other alternative embodiments, cutting or abrading systems may include insulation cutting systems, used to slice fiberglass insulation cleanly, keeping dust and glass particles to a minimum. Graffiti removal systems may employ attachments or tools which may be used to remove paint in the shape of the graffiti design. Deep hole drilling systems may have water that runs as coolant and chip remover through the hole from an attachment to a hand drill or drill press. The water is then collected by a vacuum attachment around the drill site. These systems may also employ high pressure water jet tools used to break up heavy or dense soils (like clay). Very powerful water pick systems allow the user to clean crevices and narrow spaces. Concrete demolition systems may employ tools and attachments which are used to break up slab or pavement. Water auger systems, driven by hydraulic power, allow the excess water to be used to loosen the oil as runoff. Post removal systems may employ a water jet to quickly erode and remove the wood of the posts, leaving the concrete slab in place. For example, when a wood post, encased in concrete, has rotted the post removal system may be employed to remove the rotted wood post but leave the concrete in place. Cutting or abrading systems may further include under water table saws. Water drill systems use a high speed stream of water to punch holes in the work piece, instead of a mechanical drill. Polishing or tumbling systems allow the user to create a surface treatment on finished parts of a workpiece. This may be primarily used for smoothing or deburring. Erosion acceleration systems are used in large scale landscaping to remove sections of hillside. It is further contemplated that various systems may make use of spinning blades at a specific distance from a reference surface, driven by water. These systems may employ various rotary tools used for stone carving, with a variety of attachment heads. Under sidewalk hold digger systems allow the user to remove the dirt from beneath a section of pavement for the purpose of routing cables, etc. The user would then refill the hold without having to replace the pavement. Tile cutter systems of the present invention, may employ a high powered water jet for the cutting of tile instead of the use of a blade. Driveway design systems allow the user to grind designs or textures into their driveway. Flexible arms with a spinning blade attachment at the end of the arms may be employed with these systems. A water driven slitting saw system and other systems such as water driven turbines could drive a variety of spinning blade attachments. Alternatively, systems may employ garbage disposals with water driven blades.
Recreational uses of hydraulic systems, such as the misting system shown in
In other alternative embodiments, a snow making system, using a misting attachment, freezes the mist coming out and creates snow. Other alternative embodiments include jet scooter systems for use in the pool, wave pool systems, whirpool generator systems, water jet pack systems similar to the water jet scooter, self circling hola hoops, bubble generators, and the like. A highly directional accelerating slip and slide system is further contemplated. Massaging systems where massage columns power a series of massage balls to move randomly within some column structure and the user then leans up against this column for a massage. Lap swimming systems for use in the pool which generate a strong current and train people for river like conditions or increase the challenge of their work out are contemplated by the present invention. Other embodiments include, geyser seat systems, which use a powerful stream of water to lift the user sitting on a platform into the air, power assisted trampoline systems, and water pogo stick systems are encompassed. Water guidance systems which allow a swimmer to avoid hitting the pool edge by creating a current which steers the swimmer away from the edge may be an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Fountain systems, for use as a lawn fountain or art element which could allow the traditional pressure washer to remain in use for more of the year and steam showers, which would heat the water and mist it, creating an in home sauna, are additional contemplated embodiments.
Referring generally now to
A lawn aeration and snow removal system is shown in
The seed gun system of
Referring now to
In
It is contemplated that the gun assembly may include more than one cartridge receiver. The gun assembly with a plurality of cartridge receivers may utilize the various additives in any combination. For example, a soap cartridge may be employed with a grit cartridge. In operation the grit cartridge may be used to supply grit for the abrading of a surface and the soap cartridge may be used to clean the abraded surface. It is further contemplated that the various additives may be mixed together within the high pressure stream. For example, a sealant and paint may be intermixed within the high pressure stream to provide a dual action application to a surface.
A sprinkler installation system is shown in
In other alternative embodiments, these systems may include a snow sculpture kit system. Fruit harvesting systems allow the user to use a stream of water to dislodge the fruit from high tree branches. This, combined with the catching basket, allow harvesters to avoid the use of ladders or additional picking equipment. Other alternative embodiments include water driven screwdrivers, lawn mowers/mulchers, very fast gas filling systems, hydraulic trash compactor systems, post hole diggers, water pressure concrete mixers, hydraulic hammers, wall paper flattening devices, deck kits which provide the ability to repair cuts, wash a deck, stain a deck, and the like. Surface feature creation kit systems are contemplated, which change the blast pattern/intensity wherein the user is enabled to create cool surface features in materials such as bowls, surface profiles, etc. Weed removal systems which blast weeds out with a high pressure stream of water. Leaf blower systems which use water, not air. Stone masonry kit systems with different bits which allow the user to create different effects in the stone. Jigsaw system of pavers wherein the pavers are put down first and then cut creatively in situ. Compost sorting systems which push yard debris through a series of screens and sort the debris into like-sized bins. Hydraulic systems that assist the user in moving a tool (power assisted). Area levelers which use the force of water to redistribute gravel or a particulate over an area. Compost compactors which crush yard debris down into small, denser blocks, making storage and disposal easier. Flooding the area around an existing machine tool allows the cutting of toxic materials and water wicks away harmful fumes or air particulates. Nail removal systems, which push the nails out of wood. No waste concrete mixer systems, which allow the user to put in water and dry concrete and the machine mixes the dry concrete in real time. Un-used ingredients are not mixed and easily stored. Nozzles which allow the user to select hot or cold water, grit or other additives may be employed with the systems described above.
Referring generally now to
In other embodiments, a powered wheel barrow systems including a hoist dump, lifts for heavy materials, and assistance in rolling and braking systems is disclosed. Vacuum systems, used as a garden vac, with the bag then being funneled into a composter or garbage heap are contemplated. Yard drilling systems wherein one end is placed in a pre-drilled hole, with an arm at a certain distance from the end, and the drill on the end of this arm. The first hole acts as the counter force, allowing the drill to drill the second hole. This fixture then allows the drilling of a line of holes at even spacing. A laser line follower may be incorporated. Other alternative embodiments include chippers, hydraulic lifts using an inflating bladder, floor sanders, hedge levelers, go carts, concrete brushes, driveway sealing systems, powerful professional grade carpet cleaners, sump pumps, hardwood floor cleaners, and the like. Slow high torque trench digging systems may be provided using the technology of the present invention. The motion may be controlled, thus the user may not even need to be involved and could walk away and do other things while the digger operates. Other contemplated embodiments include, tillers, with built-in soil amendment features which add compost and water, and tamping systems, for gravel which would effectively vibrate on the ground to flatten and push gravel into place. Additional embodiments may include, fast whole house evacuation fan systems, driven by the motor from a special mounting position on the roof, vent evacuation systems, wherein the motor is used to drive a powerful vacuum that is able to remove dirt and dust from a ventilation system, jacks, for picking up or moving heavy items, and power assisted lift systems, for lowering things into and out of a truck bed.
It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
The current application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/506,008, filed on Sep. 25, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60506008 | Sep 2003 | US |
