Patent Application
20190017727
This invention relates generally to methods or systems for providing hot (and cold) water for use in outdoor or remote settings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a simplified, self-contained, gravity-fed water system designed for use with an outdoor grill or smoker component wherein the grill or smoker component provides the heat source for the water system and wherein the entire system is easily transportable.
There is a need and/or desire for having hot and cold running water available for use at outdoor events, or at remote facilities, such as camping sites, hunting and fishing retreats, family/friends gatherings, picnics, tailgate gatherings, etc., especially where food must be cooked or prepared. There is also a need for a simplified, self-contained, easily transportable system for providing hot and cold running water where natural disasters may have occurred or for military activities conducted at remote locations.
In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a simplified method and system for producing hot and cold running water in outdoor settings especially where food preparation and sanitary clean-up is needed or desired. It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and system for producing hot and cold running water that is self-contained and easily transportable.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a portable, self-contained, gravity-fed water system comprises a large cylindrical grill or smoker unit attached to a transportable platform to which is also attached an elevated water storage tank, a sink station, a waste water storage tank and piping for providing hot and cold water to the sink station. Piping for hot water extends from the elevated water storage tank through an elongated boiler tube located within the grill unit and extending internally essentially the length of the grill unit, and back to the sink station. Piping for cold water extends from the elevated water storage tank directly to the sink station. Said elevated water storage unit providing, through gravity, the source of pressurization for the system. Once a fuel source, such as charcoal or wood, is ignited within the grill unit, hot running water becomes immediately available at the sink station for use in food preparation, sanitation and/or cleanup. The waste water storage tank is attached to the platform at a location below the sink station for receiving and containing used or contaminated water for proper recycling or disposal.
An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot and cold running water in outdoor settings where external power sources may be unavailable or may not be desired.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot and cold running water that does not rely on an external source of pressurized water.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot and cold running water which would be useful or desirable at remote facilities such as camp grounds, parks, retreats or at remote military outposts or operations.
A further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot and cold running water that will comply with all health code requirements for human use.
The invention is also particularly advantageous in that the entire system is self-contained and is therefore easily moved or transported.
A further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot running water wherein the source of fuel for producing the hot water can be any combustible material such as wood or charcoal.
Another important advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for producing hot and cold running water which is easily transportable and is very useful in natural disaster situations wherein external power sources such as electricity or natural gas or other utility systems may have been interrupted or are not immediately available.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which reference char-acters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
The grill component 20 of the system 10, as best seen in
The elevated water storage component 30 of the present embodiment comprises a cylindrical tank member 31 for receiving and holding fresh water. A fill cap 32 is positioned at the top of said fresh water storage tank member 31 for receiving fresh water for storage as needed or desired for the operation of said system 10. Said tank member 31 is structurally positioned within the system 10 so as to be in the proximity of, and physically above, the grill unit 21 and the other components of the system 10.
The piping system component 60 of the present embodiment, as best seen in
The sink station component 40 of the present embodiment, as best seen in
The waste water storage component 50 of the present embodiment comprises a cylindrical tank member 51 for receiving and holding waste or contaminated water from the drainage tubes 44A & B of the sink units 41. A drain valve 52 is positioned at the bottom of said waste water tank member 51 as shown for proper draining and disposal of collected water. Said waste water tank member 51 is structurally positioned within the system 10 so as to be physically lower than the sink units 41 and the other components of the system 10.
In use, the system 10 is towed to a desired location via the transportable platform 70. In operation, cold water flows by means of gravity from the tank member 31 of the elevated storage component 30 of the system 10 and is pressurized with respect to the other components of the system 10 due to the elevated position of said fresh water storage tank member 31. Cold water is piped from said fresh water tank member 31 directly to the cold water faucet 42 of the right side sink unit 41A via the cold water pipe 61 of said piping component 60 for immediate use in food preparation and/or sanitary cleanup. Hot water for the system 10 is created by the presence of pressurized water from said elevated fresh water tank member 31 within the boiler tube 25 of the grill unit 21 wherein said water is caused to absorb heat as combustible material within the grill unit 21 is caused to ignite and burn. Hot water is piped from the exiting point 26 of the boiler tube 25 via the hot water pipe 62 of said piping component 60 directly to the hot water faucet 43 of said left side sink unit 41B for immediate use in food preparation and/or sanitary cleanup. After use, waste or contaminated water collected by the waste water tank member 51 of the waste water storage component 50 during use of the system 10 is caused to be drained and properly disposed or recycled. The fresh water tank member 31 of the elevated storage component 30 is then caused to be refilled with fresh water for future use.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations in form, detail and construction may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
