Patent Application
20160091130
Not Applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fluid distribution equipment and more specifically to a telescopic tube apparatus that fluid water can be directed, for use in the maintenance and cleaning of a Diatomaceous Earth (DE) swimming pool filter.
2. Discussion of the Background
Most commercial swimming pools utilize a water filtration system that consists of a DE grid system that resides in a large tank or pit, whereby a self priming pump draws water from the pit thru a series of circular fabric over skeleton grids coated with DE powder, thereby filtering the water for contaminants. The water flows into the pit by gravity filling the pit for the ready of the pump system. Periodically, i.e., daily, weekly or monthly, the contaminants and DE powder are required to be drained, removed and DE re-applied onto the grids, refreshing the system to maintain proper water flow. Currently, the most common method of cleaning DE Grids is to rinse the grids with a pressure nozzle attached tightly spaced to a garden hose. This method requires a great deal of effort, and does not necessarily clean the grids fully as the technician cannot be assured that the pressurized water is making contact with all of the grid fabric areas. Each grid of a commercial filter system is comprised of a round plastic skeleton covered in fabric on all sides. Each side of a grid is necessary to spray as it is spun on its axis to clean thoroughly and a technician usually must climb down into the drained pit to accomplish the task of cleaning the filter grids. It would then be beneficial to have a method by which a technician could thoroughly clean the filter grids of a commercial DE filter wherein: without having to climb into the filter pit or tank and; to have an apparatus capable of spraying multi-directional streams of pressurized water for the purpose of cleaning two filter grid sides simultaneously and being able to fully articulate, thereby able to reach all areas of, the filter grid surfaces with minimal effort. To this need the present invention is directed.
In Prior Art, other devices, apparatus′, and filter cleaning tools are relegated to pertaining to their respective types of filter elements such as cartridge filters, tube filters, Perflex filters and the like, and are very specific in nature to their respective filter element. The Perflex wand is most related to the present invention, but lacks the sophistication and preferred embodiments of the present invention. The Perflex wand is not adjustable in length, and possesses only one discharge point for fluids. The apparatus of the tube filter cleaner bears mention, as this design in some manner has inside-out relational elements to the present invention. None of the aforementioned apparatus' possess the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in versatility or scope of function and design.
The embodiment of a telescoping pole capable of adjusting to various lengths necessary to clean a filter without bending or climbing into a filter pit, and the embodiment of being capable of fitting loosely between filter grids while delivering a plurality of multi-directional streams of pressurized water, creating a superior, completely directional cleaning capability, would be ideal.
Further, with the additional embodiment of a removable plug at the tip of the apparatus, the present invention allows for the added capability of a forward facing distribution point useful in the focus of directional water to an area or areas within a filter pit or tank for various unlimited purposes.
After review of the background, summary, and detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, specifications and claims, it should be apparent to anyone skilled in the field of Prior Art, that the present invention uniquely solves the need for a method of cleaning commercial DE swimming pool filters and residential DE grid container filters, that is quicker, less labor intensive and more thorough than traditional methods.
A flow-thru telescopic tube apparatus connected at one end point via a moveable female hose connector with o-ring seal to a pressurized fluid water source, such as a garden hose, such that pressurized water is forced thru one rigid tube of a specific diameter, which reduces into a second rigid tube of a substantially reduced diameter, of which has no direct outlet at the end of the reduced diameter tubing, and is flared at one end to act as a stop, wherein the tubing is perforated on the other end, in part, with a plurality of minute outlets of varying opposing orientations to allow fine pressurized streams of fluid water to escape, for the purpose of the cleaning of commercial diatomaceous earth (DE) swimming pool filter grids. The reduced diameter tubing element of the flow-thru telescopic apparatus loosely fits between, and around all surface areas, of the aforementioned commercial DE swimming pool filter grids. The apparatus is comprised of a locking cam system that has the ability to adjust the overall length of the apparatus by sliding the reduced diameter tubing section into the first tube of a specific size, and lock reasonably secure at any point along the apparatus in a water-tight manner. The cam system consists of an internally threaded female cap connecting to a male threaded connector, situated at the conjunction of the two (different) sized tubing, secured to the larger and includes an o-ring, tightening ring and ferrule. Upon tightening the female cap over the tightening ring, ferrule and o-ring, and threading it onto the male threaded connector, the created pressure secures the length of the apparatus and creates a watertight seal. As to the reduced diameter tubing, a flared end opposing the perforated end of the tubing, acts as a stop mechanism when the two sections of tubing are fully extended, bringing the flared end of the reduced diameter tubing in contact with the inner posterior end of the cam connector. The perforated end of the reduced diameter tubing contains a threaded removable plug as an alternative path of directional fluid, not to exceed the diameter of the reduced diameter tubing. A molded slip handle grip may be included on the larger diameter tubing. Further, a flow-control valve may be incorporated between the hose connection and the fluid source.
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by examination of the accompanying drawings when considered in conjunction with the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
In the figures, similar reference numbers refer to similar parts typical through various figures unless noted otherwise. Numerals with letter characters in addition to numerals such as “101A” or “101 B” the letter character designations for reference numerals indicates that two similar parts or elements are present in the same FIGURE. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further details and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
As used in this specification and the appended claims: DE means diatomaceous earth, a naturally occurring, fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard shelled algae, ground to a fine white powder, and used as a filter medium for a specific type of swimming pool filter.
In the descriptions which follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
Various elements, features and benefits of the embodiments on the present invention will be more apparent with regard to the following description in conjunction with the included drawings. Those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention included herein are illustrative only and not limiting, and are presented in the way of example only. The features represented in this description may only be substituted with alternate features serving same or similar purposes, unless otherwise expressed. Therefore, other embodiments of modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention defined herein and equivalents thereto. Presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and properties thereof, are directed to provide a telescopic flow-thru DE filter grid wand 17. Upon review of the claims and detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings provided, a person of modest skill in the field of prior art, should recognize the exemplary preferred embodiments of this present invention.
In referring to the drawings of the invention of the telescopic flow-thru DE filter grid wand 17:
In the use of cleaning a commercial swimming pool DE filter, comprising of round disc grids, the wand 17 is articulated in a manner by which the rigid inner tubing's 2 perforated discharge points 3 are maneuvered between the filter grids, loosely fitted between two grids at a time. The perforated discharge points 3, being at various orientations, create a plurality of spray that effectively and efficiently removes debris from the surface of the grids. The cam system allows the overall length of the wand 17 to be adjusted to accommodate various sized filter conditions, such as a deep pit or limited overhead room, due to a ceiling or vak pak lid. This feature enables a user to clean a filter without having to climb into the pit, hang over the pit or strain in any way to reach all areas of the filter and pit. The embodiments of the grid wand 17 dramatically reduce the overall time required to clean a filter and with less strain on the user. Further, the embodiment of the removable end cap 6 allows a user to utilize a forward distribution spray for such purposes as targeting a specific area on a filter grid or for use in cleaning the pit itself, such as accessing tight corners or other various hard to reach areas within a pit or filter.
Additionally, the present invention may be used to clean residential DE canister filters. Existing systems require disassembling the entire grid, manifold and base to access the entire surface area of the grids to properly clean the filter. Most manufacturers recommend this process, known as an annual DE cleaning, to be done twice per year. Once the grids are disassembled, a technician or homeowner often has difficulty in reassembling the grids to the proper orientation after cleaning them and have to make several attempts to line-up said grids. If the grids are not fully disassembled, the function of the filter is often somewhat compromised, which puts unnecessary stress on the filter and other equipment, leading to unnecessary equipment damage. The present invention, possessing the embodiment of a narrow, rigid inner tube 2 is able to fit between the grids without the need for disassembling, yet possessing the ability to access all areas of the grid fabric through the embodiment of the variously oriented perforated discharge points 3. This enables a user to deliver a superior caliber of cleaning in a fraction of the time it would normally take to disassemble, clean and reassemble a residential DE filter.
It should be apparent to those skilled in prior art the many benefits to which the preferred embodiments of the present invention possess.
