Fluid distributor and collection device with collapsible laterals and knuckles

A lateral for use in connection with a fluid distributor and collection device is provided. The lateral includes an elongated tubular conduit having a first end and a second end, a plurality of slots disposed along at least a portion of the conduit, and a connecting mechanism disposed proximate to the second end. Each of the slots is angled relative to the conduit to redirect a flow of fluid exiting the conduit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fluid distribution systems and more particularly to a fluid distributor and collection device with collapsible laterals and knuckles used in fluid treatment systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid distribution systems can include a fluid tank, a valve mounted in the opening of the fluid tank, a return pipe or line, and a fluid distributor and collection device. A first end of the return pipe can be connected to the valve, and a second end of the return pipe can be connected to the fluid distributor and collection device located inside the tank. In addition to a fluid, the tank can include a filter media, such as sand.

The fluid distributor and collection device can filter liquid in the tank during operation of the fluid distribution system. In many fluid distribution systems, the fluid distributor and collection device includes a hub and plurality of laterals radially connected thereto. For example, slits in the plurality of laterals can receive fluid in the tank and direct the fluid towards a plurality of openings that can transfer the fluid into the hub. From the hub, the fluid can be directed up the return pipe and out of the fluid tank. Thus, the fluid is filtered by the filter media in the tank, and the media is retained by the fluid distributor and collection device.

In many fluid tanks used by those of skill in the art, the tank opening is restricted. For example, the tank opening can have a diameter as small as between four and four and a half inches. Accordingly, the fluid distributor and collection device, including the hub and plurality of laterals, generally cannot be inserted into the fluid tank fully assembled. The diameter of the assembled fluid distributor and collection device is too large to fit through the fluid tank opening.

Accordingly, in many common fluid tanks, the return pipe is inserted into the fluid tank as assembled only to the hub. Once the hub is inserted and placed in the tank, the laterals must be manually and individually connected to the hub. However, depending on the size of the tank opening, the hands of the individual who connects the laterals to the hub must also be small. Further, often a special tool or apparatus is required to securely and precisely connect the laterals to the hub once inside the tank.

There is thus a continuing, ongoing need for an improved fluid distributor and collection device that can be used in connection with known fluid distribution systems and fluid treatment tanks. Preferably, an improved fluid distributor and collection device can be placed inside of a fluid treatment tank as assembled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a lateral for use in connection with a fluid distributor and collection device is provided. The lateral can include an elongated tubular conduit having a first end and a second end, a plurality of slots disposed along at least a portion of the conduit, and a connecting mechanism disposed proximate to at least one end. Each of the slots can be angled relative to the conduit to redirect a flow of fluid exiting the conduit.

In embodiments of the present invention, a first opening can be disposed at the first end of the lateral and a second opening can be disposed at the second end of the lateral. A plug can be disposed in the first opening or a second lateral may be connected to the lateral at the first opening.

The conduit can be in fluid communication with the second opening, and the plurality of slots can be in fluid communication with the conduit.

Each of the slots can be of particular size, and a screen can be included over or under each of the slots. In embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of slots can be disposed along substantially the entire portion of the conduit. At least some of the slots can be disposed at an approximate 45 degree angle relative to the conduit.

The connecting mechanism of the lateral can include at least one protrusion extending from an exterior of the conduit for being received by a corresponding recess of the fluid distributor and collection device. At least portions of the lateral can be made of plastic, and at least portions of the lateral can be injection molded.

A fluid distributor and collection device is also provided having a hub and a plurality of elongated rigid laterals having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second end therein. Each of the laterals can include a plurality of slots disposed along at least a portion of the lateral. Further, each of the laterals can be rotated via an associated knuckle and relative to the hub to move each of knuckle and lateral combination from a loading position, in which each of the laterals extends in a downward direction away from the hub, to a fluid communication position where each of the knuckles and laterals are in fluid communication with the hub.

Each lateral can include a first connecting mechanism for lockingly connecting the conduit to the associated knuckle. The knuckle can include a second connecting mechanism for pivotally connecting to the hub and moving the knuckle and lateral from the loading position to the fluid communication position.

The plurality of slots of each conduit can be in fluid communication with the hub when the conduit is in the fluid communication position. Each of the slots can be of a width commensurate with the media particle size of concern, and the plurality of slots can be disposed along substantially the entire portion of the lateral. At least some of the slots can be disposed at an approximate 45 degree angle relative to the lateral center line.

A fluid distributor and collection device is also provided. The device can include a cylindrical wall defining a central chamber, a plurality of connectors disposed on the exterior of the cylindrical wall, a plurality of first elongated rigid laterals, and a plurality of second elongated rigid laterals. The cylindrical wall can include a plurality of radially spaced openings disposed therein, and each connector can be associated with a respective opening disposed in the cylindrical wall.

Each of the first elongated rigid laterals can have a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second end thereof. Each of the second elongated rigid laterals can have a first opening at a first end thereof, a second opening at a second end thereof, and a plurality of slots disposed along at least a portion of the second elongated rigid lateral.

Each of the first elongated rigid laterals can be rotatably connected to a respective knuckle to move the first elongated rigid lateral from a loading position to a fluid communication position. In the loading position, each of the first elongated rigid laterals extends in a downward direction away from the cylindrical wall. In the fluid communication position, a respective knuckle mates with the first elongated rigid lateral, and the first elongated rigid lateral is in fluid communication with the respective connector.

Each of the second elongated rigid laterals can be lockingly connected to a respective first elongated rigid lateral. Each of the second elongated rigid laterals can be in fluid communication with a respective first elongated rigid lateral when the first elongated rigid lateral is in both the loading position and in the fluid communication position. The plurality of slots can be in fluid communication with the respective second elongated rigid lateral.

In accordance with the above, it is a benefit of the present invention to provide an improved fluid distributor and collection device that can be used in connection with known fluid distribution systems and fluid treatment tanks.

It is a further benefit of the present invention to provide an improved fluid distributor and collection device that can be placed inside of a fluid treatment tank as assembled.

Finally, it is a benefit of the present invention to provide a hub and a plurality of laterals for use in a fluid distribution system.

In accordance with the present invention, all of these benefits as well as others not herein specifically identified are generally achieved by the present fluid distributor and collection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include an improved fluid distributor and collection device that can be used in connection with known fluid distribution systems and fluid treatment tanks. Preferably, the fluid distributor and collection device in accordance with the present invention can be placed inside of a fluid treatment tank as assembled.

The fluid distributor and collection device according to the present invention can be made of plastic or any other material known in the art that is compatible with treated fluid. The device can be injection molded.

Further, the fluid distributor and collection device according to the present invention can be any size that would be desirable by one of skill in the art. The device can be used in commercial, industrial, or residential fluid treatment systems or in connection with swimming pool treatment systems. Accordingly, the device and its components can be of a size that would be suitable for the intended usage.

The fluid distributor and collection device in accordance with the present invention can include a hub, a plurality of knuckles that can be radially connected thereto, and a plurality of laterals that can be connected to respective knuckles. The hub can be rigid and include connecting and locking mechanisms to mate with corresponding first connecting and locking mechanisms of the knuckles. The knuckles can also be rigid and include second connecting and locking mechanisms to mate with corresponding connecting and locking mechanisms of the laterals.

In embodiments of the present invention, the hub can include a cylindrical wall that defines a central chamber. The top end of the cylindrical wall can define a top opening of the central chamber, and a plurality of radially spaced apart side openings can be disposed in the wall. The cylindrical wall can also include a plurality of connectors disposed on the exterior of the wall such that each connector is associated with a respective side opening. A plurality of connecting mechanisms can be disposed below the cylindrical wall such that each connecting mechanism is associated with a respective connector.

Distal ends of each of the connectors can be angled so that the connector extends inwards from a top end thereof to a bottom end thereof. The top distal end of each connector can extend away from the cylindrical wall farther than the bottom distal end of the connector extends away from the cylindrical wall. The distal end of each connector can include a beveled, angled surface that defines an opening leading to a respective side opening of the cylindrical wall.

Knuckles can be connected to the hub via first connecting mechanisms, and knuckles can be connected to respective laterals via second connecting mechanisms. In operation, fluid can pass from the laterals, to the knuckles, through the connectors and radially spaced side openings, and into the central chamber. Once in the central chamber, fluid can be directed out of the tank via a riser pipe.

The knuckles can be elongated, tubular, rigid conduits for receiving fluid from the laterals. Each knuckle can have a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. A connecting mechanism proximate to the first opening can mate with a corresponding connecting mechanism of a lateral for connecting thereto. A connecting mechanism proximate to the second end of the knuckle can rotatably connect to the hub, and a locking mechanism proximate to the second end of the knuckle can fixedly lock the knuckle in place relative to the hub.

The second end of the knuckle can be angled so that the second opening angles inward from a distal end thereof to a middle portion of the knuckle. The second end can include a beveled, angled surface that defines the second opening. The beveled, angled surface of the second end of the knuckle can mate with the beveled, angled surface of a hub connector.

The laterals can be elongated, tubular rigid conduits for receiving fluid from the tank. Each lateral can have a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. A plug can be inserted into the first opening of the lateral. A connecting mechanism proximate to the second end of the lateral can mate with the corresponding connecting mechanism of the knuckle for connecting thereto.

Laterals in accordance with the present invention can include a plurality of openings, slots, or slits along at least a portion of the length of the conduit for receiving fluid in the fluid tank. In some embodiments of the present invention, the openings along the length of the lateral can be angled so that an efficient backwash is created when the fluid distribution system is in operation. Fluid can be spewed from the lateral outwardly at various angles to redirect the flow of the fluid.

The openings along the length of the lateral can be tapered and can be of particle size so that a filter media is prevented from entering the lateral. Accordingly, the openings along the length of the laterals can function as a sealing mechanism. In some embodiments, the laterals can include a screen for receiving fluid in the tank.

When inserting the fluid distributor and collection device into a fluid tank, the device can be in a loading position. That is, the knuckles can be connected to the hub, the laterals can be connected to the knuckles, and the lateral-knuckle combinations can be pivoted via the rotatable connecting mechanisms so that the knuckles and laterals extend in a downward direction relative to the hub. When the device is in the loading position, the device is assembled and yet the diameter of the device is minimized. Further, when the device is in the loading position, the laterals and the knuckles can be in fluid communication with one another, but the knuckles are not in fluid communication with the hub.

Once inside of the tank, the device can be moved to the fluid distribution position. That is, the knuckle-lateral combinations can be rotated upward via the rotatable connecting mechanisms so that the locking mechanisms engage the hub and the knuckles are locked into fluid communication with the hub. In the fluid communication position, the angled, beveled surface of a knuckle engages and mates with the angled, beveled surface of a hub connector.

In accordance with the present invention, the knuckles and laterals can have any length as would be known and desired by those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the knuckles, laterals, or the knuckle-lateral combinations can have a length of up to one half the diameter of the fluid tank in which the laterals and knuckles are located.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a fluid distributor and collection device10in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 1, the fluid distributor and collection device10can include a hub200and a plurality of knuckles100radially and rotatably connected thereto. Although not shown inFIG. 1, a plurality of laterals can be connected to the respective ones of the plurality of knuckles100. The hub200, plurality of knuckles100, and plurality of laterals will be described in more detail herein.

The fluid distributor and collection device10shown inFIG. 1includes six laterals100a,100b,100c,100d,100e,100fconnected to the hub200. However, the fluid distributor and collection device10in accordance with the present invention is not limited to six laterals. Instead, the device10can include more or less than six laterals as would be known and desired in the art. The fluid distributor and collection device10can include the same number of laterals as knuckles.

As seen inFIG. 1, the device10is in the loading position, with the knuckles directed down and away from the hub, to minimize the diameter of the device10. That is, except for knuckle100f, each plurality of knuckles100is pivoted so that it extends in a downward direction relative to the hub200. The orientation of the knuckles100relative to the hub200in the loading position is desired for placing the device10through the opening of a fluid treatment tank.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the hub200of the fluid distributor and collection device10in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 2, the hub200can include a cylindrical wall270. A top end of the cylindrical wall270can define a top opening210of the hub200. The cylindrical wall270can also include a plurality of radially spaced apart side circular openings that are in fluid communication with the top opening210via a central chamber (not shown).

A plurality of extension connectors280,282,284,286,288,290can be radially disposed on the exterior of the cylindrical wall so that each connector280,282,284,286,288,290is associated with a side opening. Each connector280,282,284,286,288,290can include an angled distal end such that a top distal end extends farther away from the cylindrical wall270than a bottom distal end.

The distal end of each connector280,282,284,286,288,290can include a beveled, angled surface that defines an opening in the connector leading to the associated side opening of the cylindrical wall270. The beveled, angled surface can be suitable for mating with a corresponding surface of a knuckle. The hub200shown inFIG. 2includes six connectors. However, the hub200can include more or less than six connectors as would be known and desired in the art.

Connecting mechanisms240,242,244,246,248,250are disposed below the cylindrical wall such that each connecting mechanism240,242,244,246,248,250corresponds to a connector280,282,284,286,288,290, respectively. For example, each connecting mechanism240,242,244,246,248,250can be located below the respective connector280,282,284,286,288,290and mate with a corresponding connecting mechanism of a knuckle. In embodiments of the present invention, the connecting mechanisms240,242,244,246,248,250can include, for example, a hinge pin or hole, or a ball or socket.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of an articulated knuckle110of the fluid distributor and collection device10in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 3, the knuckle110can include a connecting mechanism120, a locking mechanism140a, a recess170(shown inFIG. 6), and an elongated tubular conduit160with a first opening150at a first end151thereof and a second opening130at a second end131thereof. The first opening150can be in fluid communication with the second opening130via the conduit160of the knuckle110.

The second end131of the conduit160can angle from a distal end thereof to the middle of the conduit160. Further, the second end131of the conduit160can include an angled, beveled surface that defines the second opening130. The angled, beveled surface can be suitable for mating with a corresponding surface of a hub connector280.

When the beveled surface of the knuckle110mates with the beveled surface of the hub200, the second opening130of the knuckle can be in fluid communication with the hub connector280and its corresponding side opening in the cylindrical wall270. Accordingly, the conduit160of the knuckle110is in fluid communication with the central chamber of the hub200.

In embodiments of the present invention, when the beveled surface of the knuckle110mates with the beveled surface of the hub200, a seal can be created to prevent filter media from entering either the knuckle110, the hub200or the connection therebetween. Either one or both of the beveled surfaces can include a resilient material to create a positive seal.

The connecting mechanism120can be disposed at the distal second end130of the conduit160and can mate with a corresponding connecting mechanism, for example,240, of the hub200. In embodiments of the present invention, the connecting mechanism120is rotatable to allow the knuckle110to pivot relative to the hub200. In embodiments of the present invention, the connecting mechanism120could be, for example, a hinge pin or hole, a ball or socket, or any other type of connecting mechanism as would be known and desired by those of skill in the art.

The locking mechanism140can be disposed on the interior of the conduit160, on the angled, beveled surface of the conduit160, or, as seen inFIG. 3, on the exterior of the conduit160. The locking mechanism140can lockingly secure the knuckle110in place relative to the hub200when the knuckle110is rotated into a fluid communication position by mating with a corresponding locking mechanism of the hub200. As seen inFIG. 3, the locking mechanism140is a hooked protrusion or locking hook for engaging an indented recess260of the hub200. However, the locking mechanism could be any type of locking mechanism as would be known and desired by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 10is a side view of a lateral300of the fluid distributor and collection device10in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 10, the lateral300can include a locking mechanism310and an elongated tubular conduit320with a first opening330at a first or outer end331thereof and a second opening340at a second or inner end341thereof. The first opening330can include a plug inserted therein to prevent fluid from entering or exiting the lateral300via the first opening330.

A plurality of openings, slots, or slits350-1,350-2. . .350-ncan be formed along at least a portion of the conduit320. As seen inFIG. 10, each of the openings350-ncan be angled so that an efficient backwash is created when the fluid distribution system10is in operation.

Each of the openings350-ncan be of a particle size so that a filter media is prevented from entering the lateral300. In embodiments of the present invention, each of the openings350-ncan be tapered and/or angled at between approximately 30 and 60 degrees relative to the conduit320. Preferably, the openings350-nare angled at between approximately 40 and 50 degrees, and most preferably the openings350-nare angled at approximately 45 degrees relative to the conduit320.

The openings350-ncan be from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm wide. Preferably the openings are about 1.0 mm wide. In embodiments of the present invention, there can be from approximately 10 to approximately 30 openings350-nalong the conduit320. Preferably, there can be from approximately 19 to approximately 20 openings350-nalong the conduit320. However, the number of openings350-nis not so limited.

Fluid can enter or exit the openings350-1,350-2. . .350-nof the lateral300to or from the conduit320as shown inFIG. 11. Thus, the openings350-1,350-2. . .350-ncan be in fluid communication with the conduit.

A locking mechanism310can be located proximate to the second opening340of the conduit320and can mate with a corresponding locking mechanism170proximate to the first opening150of a knuckle110. As seen inFIG. 10, the locking mechanism310includes at least first and second protrusions extending from the exterior of the conduit320that can be snap fit into corresponding recesses170of the knuckle conduit160. However, the locking mechanism310can be any type of locking mechanism as would be known and desired by those of skill in the art.

In embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism310can secure the lateral300in place relative to the knuckle110. Accordingly, in embodiments of the present invention, the lateral300is in fluid communication with the knuckle110when the device10is in the loading position and when the device10is in the fluid communication position10. When the lateral300is lockingly secured to the knuckle110, a seal can be created between the lateral300and the knuckle110to prevent filter media from entering the connection therebetween. Either one or both of the lateral300or knuckle110can include a resilient material to create a positive seal therebetween.

FIG. 4is a front view of a fluid distributor and collection device10in a loading position in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 4, the connection mechanism120of the knuckle110is rotated relative to the connection mechanism240of the hub200so that the knuckle110extends in a downward direction relative to the hub200. When the device10is in the loading position, the device10can be placed through a restricted opening of a fluid tank. Although not shown inFIG. 4, a lateral300can be fixedly secured to the knuckle110when the device is in the loading position.

FIG. 5is a side view of the device10in the loading position, andFIG. 6is a cross sectional view of the device10in the loading position. As seen inFIG. 6, each of the radially spaced side openings such as220,222,224,226is in fluid communication with its respective connector and the central chamber of the hub. Although not shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, when the lateral300is fixedly secured to the knuckle110, the lateral300is in fluid communication with the knuckle110in the loading position.

As further seen inFIG. 6, each connector can include a locking mechanism such as260, for lockingly securing a knuckle110in place relative to the hub200when the knuckle110is rotated into a fluid communication position. For example, the locking mechanism260can include an indented recess for engaging a hooked protrusion of a locking mechanism140aof the knuckle110. However, the locking mechanism260could be any type of locking mechanism as would be known and desired by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, each knuckle110can include a recess170for receiving the corresponding locking mechanism310of the lateral300.

FIG. 7is a front view of the fluid distributor and collection device10in a fluid communication position in accordance with the present invention. As seen inFIG. 7, the connection mechanism120of the knuckle110is rotated relative to the connection mechanism240of the hub200so that the knuckle110is in fluid communication with the hub200. Although not shown inFIG. 7, a lateral300can be fixedly secured to the knuckle110when the device is in the fluid communication position.

When the device10is in the fluid communication position, the angled, beveled surface of the knuckle110mates with the angled, beveled surface of the respective connector280. Accordingly, the second opening130of the knuckle110is in fluid communication with the connector280and its respective side opening220of the hub200. Additionally, when the device10is in the fluid communication position, the lateral300is in fluid communication with the knuckle110.

Further, when the device10is in the fluid communication position, the locking mechanism140of the knuckle110is engaged with the locking mechanism260of the hub200. The device10can be moved from the loading position to the fluid communication position after the device is placed through an opening of a fluid tank by rotating the knuckle110and lateral300about the connection mechanisms120,240and relative to the hub200. Additionally, when the device10is in the fluid communication position, the locking mechanism310of the lateral300is engaged with a corresponding locking mechanism of the knuckle110.

FIG. 8is a side view of the device10in the fluid communication position, andFIG. 9is a cross-sectional view of the device10in the fluid communication position. As inFIG. 9, when the device10is in the fluid communication position, the knuckle110is in fluid communication with the hub200. As also seen inFIG. 9, each knuckle110can include a recess170for receiving the corresponding locking mechanism310of the lateral300.