The present invention relates generally to the field of septic lateral clearing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tool capable of infiltrating failed septic laterals to restore flow using hydraulic expulsion bursts, breaking up partially decomposed matter. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in septic lateral clearing devices. When septic lines are broken or otherwise malfunctioning, replacing the entire septic field is incredibly costly. Further, jet lines and hydraulic expulsion can be used but with low success rates. However, waiting to fix septic issues can cause additional problems with the septic lateral, such that water and debris can back up and create a health hazard.
Furthermore, the use of pipe snakes and water jets to clean septic laterals is well-known in the prior art. However, it would be desirable to use both hydraulic bursts and water jets to clean septic laterals. For example, it would be desirable to allow a water jet to break free debris and then use a hydraulic burst to complete the removal of clogs. Most septic lateral cleaning focuses on one mode of clog removal only and can leave hazardous clogs. Accordingly, the use of dual clog removing functions allows for a greater cleaning of septic lateral lines.
Accordingly, there is a demand for a septic lateral clearing device capable of infiltrating failed septic laterals to restore flow using hydraulic expulsion bursts, breaking up partially decomposed matter. More particularly, there is a need to restore the lateral and induce flow from the inside out in a much less expensive manner than standard maintenance methods.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a more complete solution to clearing debris in septic laterals. There is also a need in the art for a septic lateral clearing device that enables the clearing of the slotted drain tiles with a flexible solution to fit through all types of septic laterals. Further, there is a need for a septic lateral clearing device that will fit through all types of septic laterals and is not dependent on the material of the laterals. Moreover, there is a long-felt need for a septic lateral clearing device with malleable fins that will fit into all laterals to clean any debris in corrugations or impressions in the pipes. Finally, there is a need for the use of hydraulic expulsion bursts emanating from a manifold in a radial fashion which will allow for a more complete removal of debris.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a septic lateral clearing device. The device uses hydraulic expulsion bursts to clear build-ups in a septic lateral more completely than prior art in the field. The septic lateral clearing device comprises a flexible hose component and a manifold that acts as an air release punch. Further, the device will allow for at least one set of malleable fins to help in the clearing of debris in the spaces of corrugated materials. Further, the device will allow for the use of a hydro-jet at the front of the unit for a two-stage cleaning device. Thus, the septic lateral clearing device can be deployed in lateral construction made from all materials and allow for a safe and more complete clearing of the laterals. Finally, the use of chemical cleaning agents and a guidance camera are possible to enhance the functionality of the device.
In this manner, the septic lateral clearing device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a safe, effective, and more complete clearing of septic laterals. The device is constructed to be flexible and can follow septic laterals constructed of any material. The device uses both hydraulic bursts and hydro-jets to achieve a more complete clearing of septic laterals.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a septic lateral clearing device. The device uses hydraulic expulsion bursts to clear build-ups in a septic lateral. The septic lateral clearing device comprises a flexible hose component and a manifold that acts as an air release punch. Further, the device will allow for at least one set of malleable fins to help in the clearing of debris in spaces of corrugated materials. Additionally, the device will allow for the use of a hydro-jet at the front of the unit for a two-stage cleaning device. Thus, the septic lateral clearing device can be deployed in lateral construction made from all materials and allow for a safe and more complete clearing of the laterals. Finally, the use of chemical cleaning agents and a guidance camera are possible to enhance the functionality of the device.
In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device comprises a hose component, a manifold component, at least one gasket component, and a hydro-jet component. The hose component is adapted to incorporate a braided twist of two different hoses. The hoses consist of a hydraulic hose and a hydro-jet hose that are braided together and then covered in a protective sheathing.
In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device comprises a manifold component that is a radial delivery body to deliver hydraulic bursts to the septic lateral walls. Further, the manifold component comprises a flexible rubber pipe component on both sides of the manifold so the manifold can transverse uneven septic laterals and be maneuvered around bends, as needed. The manifold component preferably also has multiple air punch (i.e., hydraulic) nozzles so all walls of the septic lateral can have hydraulic bursts applied. The manifold component is preferably made of a material able to withstand a minimum of 300 psi such as steel, aluminum, brass, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The most preferred material is steel because of its strength, resistance to elements, and ease of manufacture. Further, the manifold component is generally manufactured by machining a manifold of pathways to allow hydraulic blasts to be expelled in multiple directions. The manifold component is attached to the flexible rubber pipe components with a hose barb, screw connection, hydraulic quick connection, or other suitable means as known in the art. The manifold component has the ability to apply different sized and shaped nozzles to the various openings to control the size, shape, and force of the hydraulic bursts. The nozzles are applied to the manifold component by screw connection, welding, quick connection, or other suitable means known in the art.
In one embodiment, a gasket component is utilized to fit into the slotted drain tile of the septic system and contain the hydraulic bursts from the manifold component. Once the gasket components are secured to either side of the manifold component the hydraulic bursts are contained in the manifold section of the septic lateral clearing device. In one embodiment, the gasket component is a ribbed circular rubberized gasket placed in front of and placed behind the manifold component. The gasket component is preferably made of a rubberized material such as EPDM, silicone, polyethylene, or any other suitable material known in the art. In another embodiment, the gasket component comprises multiple circular fins on either side of the manifold component to contain the expulsion into the stone of the lateral lines of the septic system.
In one embodiment, the hydro-jet component is configured to be placed at the most distal tip of the septic lateral clearing device. The hydro-jet component is typically cylindrical in shape and has multiple nozzles to allow water to be expelled into the septic lateral. However, other shapes are also suitable. The size of the hydro-jet component is variable but must be a size that will fit through the septic lateral. Further, the hydro-jet component generally has 1-5 nozzle openings to allow water, cleaning solution, solvent, or any other suitable material known in the art to be expelled into the septic lateral. In one embodiment, the hydro-jet component is preferably made of a material able that can withstand high-pressure fluid such as steel, aluminum, brass, etc., or any other suitable material known in the art. The purpose of the hydro-jet component is to use fluid to break up blockages and debris in the septic laterals.
In one embodiment, the hose component is connected to a hydraulic pump and a hydro-jet pump using a quick connect component. The quick connect component should be able to withstand high-pressure fluids and be made from steel, aluminum, brass, etc., or any other suitable material known in the art. The quick connect component can be a spring pull type connection, a spring push type connection, a twist lock connection, etc., or any other quick connection method known in the art. Further, the quick connect component is used to attach the compressor to the hose component, then the hydro-jet component would be attached with the nozzle component to the front of the device.
In one embodiment, the hose component comprises at least two hoses and a protective sheathing. In this embodiment, the protective sheathing can be braided, corrugated, extruded, etc., or any other method or manufacturing known in the art. The internal hoses within the hose component can be extruded flexible hoses, re-enforced metal braided hoses, semi-ridged metal hoses, etc., or any other type of hose known in the art. The internal hoses keep the hydraulic burst fluid separate from the hydro-jet fluid.
In use, the septic lateral clearing device is assembled by utilizing the quick connect components to attach the compressor and fluid pump to the hose component. The septic lateral clearing device is then placed into the septic lateral pipes or tiles with the hydro-jet nozzle component facing forward and the hose component in the back of the device. The gasket components will conform to the walls of the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles, as needed. The septic lateral clearing device is then persuaded forward as hydraulic bursts are emitted from the manifold component and fluid is emitted from the hydro-jet component. As the device transverses the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles, hydraulic blasts are emitted radially against the walls to remove debris and blockages. Additionally, as the device transverses the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles, the hydro-jet component also emits fluid forward and radially to clear debris and blockages.
In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device can be utilized with any suitable septic lateral pipe or drain tile material, no matter the shape, size, or material used. However, almost all septic laterals are four inches in circumference whether constructed using corrugated materials, PVC, or even older clay tile. All of these materials are within the capabilities of the device, as the malleable fins are four inches in circumference with the gasket component and the manifold component is three inches in circumference.
In yet another embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device can utilize multiple hydraulic blast manifolds for extra hard to remove blockages.
In yet another embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device incorporates an aluminum insulator between the hydraulic blast manifold component and the gasket component to assure the high-pressure hydraulic blast does not degrade the gasket component.
In yet another embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device can incorporate a camera at the distal end of the device to assure the location of the device in the septic lateral pipes and to also evaluate the nature of the debris in the septic laterals by allowing for visual feedback from the device.
In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device allows for multiple hydro-jet capabilities, such as including the addition of a hydrochloric acid dilute or other suitable chemicals and reagents, that would enhance and ensure the breakdown of partially decomposed organic matter (i.e., build up) in the lateral lines.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a more complete solution to clearing debris in septic laterals. There is also a need in the art for a septic lateral clearing device that enables the clearing of the slotted drain tiles with a flexible design that fits through all types of septic laterals. Further, there is a need for a septic lateral clearing device that will fit through all types of septic laterals and is not dependent on the material of the laterals. Moreover, there is a long-felt need for a septic lateral clearing device with malleable fins that will fit into all laterals to clean any debris in corrugations or impressions in the pipes. Finally, there is a need for the use of hydraulic expulsion bursts emanating from a manifold in a radial fashion to allow for a more complete removal of debris.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a septic lateral clearing device. The device uses hydraulic expulsion bursts to clear build-ups in a septic lateral more completely than prior art in the field. The septic lateral clearing device comprises a flexible hose and a manifold that acts as an air release punch. Further, the device will allow for at least one set of malleable fins to help in the clearing of debris in spaces of corrugated materials. The device will also allow for the use of a hydro-jet at the front of the unit for a two-stage cleaning device. Thus, the septic lateral clearing device can be deployed in lateral construction made from all kinds of materials and allow for a safe and more complete clearing of the laterals. Finally, the use of chemical cleaning agents and a guidance camera are possible to enhance the functionality of the device.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the septic lateral clearing device 100 comprises a hose component 104, with a protective sheath component 112, and a manifold component 114. The hose component 104 incorporates multiple hoses braided together. There are a minimum of two hoses, one hose for hydraulic fluid 124 and one hose for hydro-jet fluid 126. The hoses 124 and 126 in the hose component 104 are manufactured to be flexible to allow the assembly to maneuver around septic lateral drain tiles 136 and other bends in the septic lines. Generally, the hose component 104 can be manufactured from EPDM, silicone, PVC, or any other suitable material known in the art. The hose component 104 is covered by a protective sheath 112 to protect the hydraulic hose 124 and the hydro-jet hose 126. The protective sheath 112 can be manufactured from aluminum, steel, carbon reinforced polymer, or any other suitable material known in the art. The protective sheath 112 can be solid and slide over the hose component 104 or made as a strip to be wrapped around the hose component 104. The protective sheath 112 should be assembled and secured to the gasket component 116 by a screw connection, hose clamp connection, welded, or any other suitable connection method as known in the art.
Further, the hose component 104 passes thru the center of the gasket component 116 and will connect to the manifold component 114 with a quick connect connection, a screw connection, a hose clamp connection, or any other suitable connection method as is known in the art.
As shown in
Furthermore, the manifold component 114 is placed between pieces of flexible rubber composite pipes 130. The manifold component 114 is attached to the flexible rubber pipe components 130 with a hose barb, screw connection, hydraulic quick connection, or other suitable means as known in the art. Specifically, the manifold component 114 is located between two lengths of flexible rubber composite pipes 130 and between two gasket components 116, such that the manifold component 114 can transverse uneven septic laterals and be maneuvered around bends, as needed. The flexible rubber composite pipes 130 are connected to the gasket component 116 and the manifold component 114 with a screw connection, quick connect connection, crimp connection, or any other suitable connection method known in the art.
Additionally, a gasket component 116 is utilized to fit into the slotted drain tile of the septic system and contain the hydraulic bursts from the manifold component 114. Once the gasket components 116 are secured to either side of the manifold component 114 the hydraulic bursts are contained in the manifold section of the septic lateral clearing device 100. In one embodiment, the gasket component 116 is a ribbed circular rubberized gasket placed in front of and placed behind the manifold component 114. In another embodiment, the gasket component 116 comprises multiple circular fins 120 on either side of the manifold component 114 to contain the expulsion into the stone of the lateral lines of the septic system. Specifically, the gasket components 116 have malleable fins 120 that are at various locations along the length of the gasket components 116. The malleable fins 120 are positioned along the circumference of the gasket components 116 to fit into uneven spaces of the corrugated septic lateral drain tiles 136 and uneven septic lines. The gasket components 116 can be manufactured by molding, machining, extrusion, or any other manufacturing known in the art. The gasket components 116 incorporate a ridged aluminum insulator 122 between the gasket component 116 and the manifold component 114. The ridged insulator 122 will protect the gasket component 116 from the hydraulic blasts from the air punch nozzle components 128. The ridged insulator is manufactured using aluminum, steel, copper, or any other material known in the art. The ridged insulator 122 is generally circular in shape and slightly smaller in diameter than the gasket components 116. Further, the gasket component 116 is preferably made of a rubberized material such as EPDM, silicone, polyethylene, or any other suitable material known in the art.
Furthermore, the hydro-jet component 118 is configured to be placed at the most distal tip of the septic lateral clearing device 100. The hydro-jet component 118 is typically cylindrical in shape and has multiple nozzles 134 to allow water to be expelled into the septic lateral. However, other shapes are also suitable. The size of the hydro-jet component 118 is variable but must be a size that will fit through the septic lateral. Further, the hydro-jet component 118 generally has 1-5 nozzle 134 openings to allow water, cleaning solution, solvent, or any other suitable material known in the art to be expelled into the septic lateral. In one embodiment, the hydro-jet component 118 is preferably made of a material able that can withstand high-pressure fluid such as steel, aluminum, brass, etc., or any other suitable material known in the art. The purpose of the hydro-jet component 118 is to use fluid to break up blockages and debris in the septic laterals. Thus, the hydro-jet component 118 encompasses multiple hydro nozzles 134 to allow the hydro fluid to spray into the septic lateral drain tiles 136. The hydro nozzles 134 are generally located facing radially from the hydro-jet hose 126. In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device 100 allows for multiple hydro-jet capabilities, such as including the addition of a hydrochloric acid dilute or other suitable chemicals and reagents, that would enhance and ensure the breakdown of partially decomposed organic matter (i.e., build up) in the lateral lines.
Additionally, the hose component 104 is connected to a compressor 102 and a fluid pump 103 using a quick connect component 110. The quick connect component 110 should be able to withstand high-pressure fluids and be made from steel, aluminum, brass, etc., or any other suitable material known in the art. The quick connect component 110 can be a spring pull type connection, a spring push type connection, a twist lock connection, etc., or any other quick connection method known in the art. Further, the quick connect component 110 is used to attach the compressor 102 and the fluid pump 103 to the hose component 104, and then the hydro-jet component 118 would be attached with the nozzle component 134 to the front of the device 100.
Additionally, the septic lateral clearing device 100 incorporates an electric transmitter or camera 132 that allows the user to determine where in the septic lateral drain tiles 136 the device 100 is located. Further, the electric transmitter 132 is placed between the gasket component 116 and the hydro-jet component 118. The electric transmitter 132 can be connected to the gasket component 116 with a screw connection, weld connection, crimp connection, or any other suitable connection method known in the art. Further, the hydro-jet component 118 is connected to the electric transmitter 132 with a screw connection, quick connection, crimp connection, or any other connection method known in the art. Further, the camera or electric transmitter 132 at the distal end of the device 100 assures the location of the device 100 in the septic lateral pipes 136 and also evaluates the nature of the debris in the septic laterals by allowing for visual feedback from the device 100.
In yet another embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device 100 incorporates an aluminum insulator 122 between the hydraulic blast manifold component 114 and the gasket component 116 to assure the high-pressure hydraulic blast does not degrade the gasket component 116.
In one embodiment, the septic lateral clearing device 100 can be utilized with any suitable septic lateral pipe 136 or drain tile material, no matter the shape, size, or material used. However, almost all septic laterals are four inches in circumference whether constructed using corrugated materials, PVC, or even older clay tile. All of these materials are within the capabilities of the device 100, as the malleable fins 120 are four inches in circumference with the gasket component 116 and the manifold component 114 is three inches in circumference.
In use, the septic lateral clearing device 100 is assembled by utilizing the quick connect components 110 to attach the compressor 102 and fluid pump 103 to the hose component 104. The septic lateral clearing device 100 is then placed into the septic lateral pipes or tiles 136 with the hydro-jet nozzle component 134 facing forward and the hose component 104 in the back of the device 100. The gasket components 116 will conform to the walls of the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles 136, as needed. The septic lateral clearing device 100 is then persuaded forward as hydraulic bursts are emitted from the manifold component 114 and fluid is emitted from the hydro-jet component 118. As the device 100 transverses the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles 136, hydraulic blasts are emitted radially against the walls to remove debris and blockages. Additionally, as the device 100 transverses the septic lateral pipes or drain tiles 136, the hydro-jet component 118 also emits fluid forward and radially to clear debris and blockages.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “septic lateral clearing device”, “septic device”, “clearing device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the septic lateral clearing device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the septic lateral clearing device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the septic lateral clearing device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/492,496, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63492496 | Mar 2023 | US |