Abstract:
Disclosed herein are novel devices and methods for cleaning filters, preferably pool filters. The subject device and methods provide the advantages of cleaning the entire circumference of a cylindrical pool filter while minimizing the spray of water and debris onto the operator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: 
     This application is a non-provisional regular filing based on provisional application serial No. 60/206,103, filed May 20, 2000, from which the benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of pool filtration systems that implement removable and replaceable filter cartridges. It is understood that to ensure that a pool filtration system operates at optimal efficiency and capacity, these filters must be cleaned regularly, up to 3 to 4 times a month. Cleaning pool filter cartridges can be a messy, inconvenient process, which more often than not causes splashing of debris and water from the filter onto the person cleaning the filter cartridge. Typically, filter cartridges are cleaned by spraying with a common garden hose. A portion of the filter is sprayed, and when that portion is satisfactorily cleaned, the filter must be handled, turned, and then sprayed again at another portion of the filter. This process requires the person cleaning the filter to handle and spray the filter in this manner several times to accomplish one cleaning. The more handling and spraying of the filter, the more time cleaning is expended, and the degree of mess is increased as well. Also, the conventional cleaning process causes much of the debris to be thrown onto other portions of the filter that have already been sprayed, which results in undesired repeat cleaning of areas already sprayed. Surprisingly, despite these common and prevalent problems, there are very few devices that have been developed to wash pool filter cartridges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,074, represents an attempt to address the foregoing problems associated with cleaning pool filters. The device disclosed in the &#39;074 patent pertains to a spray nozzle device that comprises a concave manifold having a series of spray jets to concentrate spraying of the filter. While the &#39;074 device tries to cover more surface area of the filter, the user must still handle and turn the filter and repeatedly spray multiple portions of the filter. Moreover, the problem of debris being thrown to portions that have already been sprayed is not addressed by the &#39;074 device. 
     Accordingly, a need remains in the art for a system to clean pool filter cartridges and other objects that is quick and simple to use, and which minimizes the mess commonly associated with such cleaning. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention pertains to a device, and method for using same, designed to quickly and efficiently clean a pool filter cartridge. The subject cleaning device comprises a conduit having a plurality of openings through which a fluid passes, the conduit being of such a configuration as to allow more than half of the circumference (i.e., more than 180 degrees) of the filter cartridge to be sprayed simultaneously. Preferably, the conduit is of such a configuration as to allow the filter to be sprayed up to its entire circumference (about 360 degrees) simultaneously. Even more preferably, the subject cleaning device comprises a conduit having a circular portion, the circular portion being of a sufficient diameter to completely allow the filter cartridge to pass through the circular portion. The conduit is connected to a fluid source either directly at a location along the circular portion, or alternatively, the conduit has a handle portion that extends from the circular portion to which a fluid source can be connected. 
     A further aspect of the subject invention pertains to a method of cleaning an object comprising spraying the object with a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device comprises a conduit having a plurality of openings and which is configured such that more than half of the circumference of the object is sprayed simultaneously. 
     Yet another aspect of the subject pertains to a cleaning device as described above further equipped with a shield attached thereto. The shield is preferably positioned on the cleaning device such that the splashing of fluid and debris back onto the user is decreased. In most instances, the shield is positioned between the user and the cleaning device. 
     Further still, another aspect of the subject invention pertains to a rotating stand onto which a filter cartridge can be securely fastened. When using the rotating stand, the adjustable jets of the cleaning device as described above are all pointed in a similar direction, preferably at a right or left oblique direction. As the subject cleaning device is brought into proximity with the filter cartridge, or passed over it, the filter cartridge begins to spin in the direction the adjustable jets are pointing. This technique further facilitates the cleaning process and is a significant improvement over conventional techniques. 
     These and other advantageous aspects of the subject invention will be further described below. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A-C show a side view of a first embodiment of the subject invention that comprises several novel features to accomplish greater cleaning efficiency. FIGS. 1B and 1C show various removable attachments and inserts for use with subject cleaning device, as described below. 
     FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, which comprises a means to protect the user from splashing water and other debris. 
     FIGS. 3A-C show a second embodiment of the subject invention, depicting a first portion, FIG. 3A, and a second portion, FIG. 3B, which fasten together. FIG. 3C shows a cross section of assembled portions shown in FIGS. 3A-B. 
     FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of third embodiment of the subject invention that relates to a rotating stand that can be stabilized through implantation into the ground. 
     FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 shows a use of the embodiment of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 7 shows a side view of another embodiment of the subject invention. The embodiment shown represents a variation of the broad concept of simultaneous spraying of an object at more than 180 degrees. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment  10  of the subject cleaning device is shown that is especially designed for simultaneous cleaning of an object at and angle of more than 180 degrees (i.e., more than half the circumference of a planar cross-section). Specifically exemplified in FIG. 1 is a cleaning device that sprays at an angle of 360 degrees (i.e., the entire circumference of a planar cross-section). Cleaning device  10  comprises a circular portion  12  that has a series of openings  15  spaced along the interior surface of the circular portion  12 . Preferably, the openings  15  have secured therein rotatable spray jets  17  (FIG.  1 C). The direction of the spray jets  17  can be adjusted by simply turning them. The circular portion is preferably of a diameter sufficient to pass over the object intending to be cleaned, i.e., the object can pass through the circular portion  12 . While pool filter cartridges are the preferred object to be cleaned, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other objects for cleaning by the subject cleaning device as well, including, but not limited to, dirty paint rollers, shovels and other tools, or statues and other outdoor ornaments. Cleaning device  10  comprises a handle portion  14  that is rigidly engaged to the circular portion  12 . The handle portion  14  can vary in length depending on the intended use. Preferably, the handle portion  14  is between about 3 inches to about 36 inches in length. The handle portion may be even longer in length if a long reach is needed such as for large industrial filter cartridges. Alternatively, the handle portion  14  may be configured to removably attach to conventional extendible pool poles known in the pool industry. Handle portion  14  has an open end  23  that is preferably threaded to attach to a fluid supply  16 . The fluid supply is preferably a water supply, but it can be other types of fluids, such as organic solvents for greasy tools and/or auto parts. Typically, the cleaning device  10  is attached to a common garden hose that is attached to a water faucet. In another preferred embodiment the handle portion can be equipped with a siphoning adapter  25 . The siphoning adapter allows for an enhancement in the cleaning power of the subject cleaning device  10 , as it incorporates soaps and other cleansers in the fluid that is propelled out of the openings  15 . The siphoning adapter  25  preferably has a siphoning valve  22 , a siphon line  24  and a cleaning solution container  26 , that attaches to the siphon adapter, preferably by threads  27 , formed on said siphoning adapter. As mentioned above, the cleaning solution disposed in said cleaning solution container  26  can be one of or a combination of commercial available soaps, conditioners, detergents and other cleansers, as well as algaecides, antibacterial agents and other antimicrobial agents. The handle portion  14  can also comprise a fluid on/off valve  20  for controlling the rate of fluid flow through the cleaning device  10 . Preferably, a screen  30  (FIG. 1B) is positioned within the open end  23  to prevent dirt and other debris from entering and clogging the cleaning device  10 . 
     FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the cleaning device  10  that is further equipped with a splash shield  40 . As shown, the splash shield  40  covers the side of the circular portion  12  to which the handle portion  14  is attached. This positioning of the shield optimizes the protection for the user. Naturally, the splash shield  40  can extend up to entire circumference of the circular portion  12  if desired, or can be positioned anywhere along the circular portion. 
     In FIGS. 3 and 4, a further embodiment of the subject invention is shown that is directed to a rotating stand  50 , onto which an object to be cleaned is fastened. Preferably, the object is a pool filter cartridge that is set on top of the stand  50 , and securely fastened thereon (as shown in FIG.  6 ). Once fastened, the subject cleaning device  10  is passed over the pool filter to remove dirt and other debris. Preferably, the spray jets  17  of the cleaning device are pointed in the same direction, typically right or left, and as the cleaning device  10  is brought in proximity with the pool filter cartridge, it begins to rapidly rotate in the direction of the spray jets  17 . The centrifugal force of the rotating pool filter acts to push off debris on the pool filter. Accordingly, the rotating stand  50  and cleaning device  10  provide a system whereby the spray force of the spray jets  17  is coupled with centrifugal force of the rotating pool filter to achieve a synergistic cleaning effect. 
     FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the rotating stand  50  that comprises a first plate  32  (FIG. 3A) and a second plate  34  (FIG. 3B) that are attached by attachment means  36  (FIG. 3C) such as a nut and bolt, clips, screws, etc. To aid in the rotating action of the rotating stand  50 , grooves  40  and  42  are inscribed on the plates  32  and  34 , and ball bearings  44  are disposed in said grooves. FIG. 3C shows a cross section of the assembled rotating stand  50 , which reveals the ball bearings  44  and fastening plate attachment means  36 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a preferred version of the rotating stand  50  that is equipped with a stabilizing spike  52  that is attached to the bottom of the rotating stand  50 . The stabilizing spike  52  is preferably driven into the ground to aid in keeping the rotating stand  50  from sliding or tilting on the ground. The rotating stand  50  can be driven into the ground conveniently near the pool filtering system. An object fastener attachment  54  is engaged to the top of the rotating stand  50 , which preferably engages an object fastener  56  (shown in FIG.  5 ). The object fastener  56  comprises a body portion  64  that is preferably made of an elastic material, such as, e.g., rubber, plastic, bungeecord, etc. The body portion preferably has a series of holes  66  formed thereon, into which a securing rod  68  is inserted. At an end opposite the securing rod  68 , a hook means is engaged to the object fastener  56  which is of a size and shape to engage the object fastener attachment  54 . The object fastener  56  is engaged to the object fastener attachment  54  and then stretched through the object, whereby the securing rod  68  is inserted through a hole  66 . The elastic action of the body portion  64  pulls the securing rod  68  down onto the object, thereby holding the object in place. FIG. 6 shows a pool filter cartridge  67  fastened into place. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the object fastener can comprise a post secured to the top of the rotating stand onto which an object such as a pool filter cartridge can slide over and be fastened into place. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other systems to fasten objects onto the rotating stand, when considered in view of the teachings herein. 
     In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the subject cleaning device comprises a conduit comprising a substantially circular portion  70 , that has a plurality of openings  15  positioned along its interior surface. When a fluid supply is connected to the handle portion  14 , fluid sprays out of the openings  15 , and, similar to embodiment  10 , the cleaning of an object at more than 180 degrees is enabled. 
     The teachings of all references cited throughout this specification are incorporated in their entirety to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the teachings herein. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and the scope of the appended claims.