Abstract:
A fluid treatment device adapted to be disposed in-line with a fluid flow path, particularly suited for use as an in-line toilet cleaner. The device is suitable for use with fluid pressures of at least 500 pounds per square inch. The device includes inlet and outlet ports for connection to a fluid supply and a fluid exhaust. The device has a fluid treatment chamber for use with a replaceable fluid treatment cartridge inserted therein. The fluid treatment cartridge may be a chemical compound such as a detergent, or a mechanical or electrical treatment device. The device also includes a valve mechanism for controlling the portion of fluid that passes through the treatment chamber before exiting the device, and an adjusting knob for manipulating the valve position. The device has a pressure release valve. The device may include an indicator for indicating when the treatment cartridge must be replaced.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fluid treatment device adapted to be disposed in-line with the path of fluid flow. The present invention is in particular suitable for use as an in-line cleaning device for a toilet bowl. 
     Currently, there are many devices available for treating fluid. In-line fluid treatment devices, which are adapted to be connected to a fluid supply and a fluid exhaust, whereby all the fluid from the supply must pass through the fluid treatment device to reach the exhaust, are known. In-line fluid treatment devices are advantageous, in that they permit treatment of all the fluid flowing through a particular supply. In addition, although in-line devices may be attached to secondary fluid lines or devices, they may also be installed on the primary fluid line, permitting relatively simple installation and maintenance tends to be simpler. 
     In-line fluid treatment devices are particularly suitable for use as, for example, in-line toilet bowl cleaners. One example of such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,594. 
     However, current in-line fluid treatment devices suffer from several limitations. For example, known devices tend to leak if subjected to high internal pressures. Because the fluid pressure inside an in-line fluid treatment device is typically equal to the pressure in the fluid supply and the fluid exhaust, this limits the pressure that may be used in any system directly connected to such a device. 
     In addition, known in-line fluid treatment devices are prone to uneven treatment, in particular due to poor internal fluid circulation. This limits their utility in cases where fluid must be uniformly treated. 
     The present invention provides an improved in-line fluid treatment device which solves many of the above noted problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an in-line fluid treatment device. The in-line fluid treatment device is suitable for connection with a fluid supply and a fluid exhaust. 
     This application hereby incorporates by reference the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,594. In particular, it is noted that the exemplary valve structure illustrated and described therein would also be suitable for use with a device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     One embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a housing with a base and a cover, the base and covers engaging to form a fluid-tight fit. The base and cover cooperate to define a treatment chamber within the housing. The embodiment also comprises a retainer for removably retaining the cover on the base. A treatment cartridge is disposed within the treatment chamber, the treatment cartridge being adapted to treat fluid passing through the treatment device. The embodiment further comprises an in-line conduit for conducting fluid from the fluid supply to the treatment chamber, and thence to the exhaust, and likewise for conducting fluid from the fluid supply directly to the fluid exhaust. The embodiment also comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the in-line conduit, and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the valve, so as to control the portion of fluid from the fluid supply that flows to the treatment chamber. 
     In another embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the treatment device is suitable for use with fluid supply pressures of at least 500 pounds per square inch. 
     In yet another embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, one of the base and cover has a generally annular lip, and the other has a generally circular opening, wherein the lip is sized so as to fit in the opening so as to form a fluid-tight fit when the base and cover are engaged. In this embodiment, when pressure inside the housing exceeds pressure outside the housing, the pressure differential biases the lip outward, against the edge of the opening. Thus, as pressure increases, any deformation of the housing results in a tighter seal, rather than in the formation of leaks. 
     In still another embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the retainer is a generally annular ring sized so as to fit over a portion of both the cover and the base so as to hold the cover and the base together. 
     In another embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the treatment device further includes a plurality of blades disposed within the treatment chamber, extending radially inward from the rim thereof, for directing fluid flow within the treatment chamber so as to promote efficient fluid treatment. 
     A variety of additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. In particular, a fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention is suitable for use as an in-line toilet bowl cleaner. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elements in the figures. 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, shown in a fully closed position. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the in-line fluid treatment device shown in FIG. 1, shown in a fully open position. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the in-line fluid treatment device shown in FIG. 1, the cross-section being rotated  90  from that shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of an embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with blades that do not have a first and a second portion. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the treatment device generally being referenced by the reference number  10 . The treatment device is suitable for connection with fluid supply  12  (not shown) and fluid exhaust  14  (not shown). It is envisioned that the fluid supply  12  will comprise a tube, such as a hose or pipe. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this arrangement is exemplary only, and that other fluid supplies, including but not limited to a pump, reservoir, etc., may be equally suitable. Likewise, it is envisioned that the fluid exhaust  14  will comprise a tube, such as a hose or pipe. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this arrangement is exemplary only, and that other fluid exhausts, including but not limited to a drain, toilet bowl, etc., may be equally suitable. Fluid supplies and exhausts are well known, and are not further detailed here. 
     It is furthermore envisioned that the device  10  will be suitable for use with water as a fluid. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this is exemplary only, and that the device may be equally suitable for use with other fluids. 
     The fluid treatment device  10  comprises a housing  20 , which in turn comprises a base  30  and a cover  40 . The cover  40  is suitable for engaging the base  30  to form a fluid-tight seal. The base  30  and cover  40  cooperate to define a treatment chamber  22  within the housing. The treatment device further comprises a retainer  50  for removably retaining the cover  40  on the base  30 . 
     It is envisioned that an embodiment of an in-line fluid treatment device  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention will be suitable for use with a fluid pressure of at least 500 pounds per square inch as supplied by the fluid supply  12 . 
     It is envisioned that one of the cover  40  and the base  30  comprises a generally annular lip  42 . The other of the cover  40  and the base  30  defines a generally circular opening  32 . The lip  42  is sized so as to fit within the opening  32 , such that the lip  42  and an edge  34  of the opening  32  cooperate to form a generally fluid-tight fit when the base  30  and the cover  40  are engaged. Such a configuration is advantageous, in that when the pressure inside the housing  12  is higher than the pressure outside the housing  12 , the pressure differential biases the lip outward, against the edge  34  of the opening  32 . Thereby, as pressure increases, any deformation of the housing  12  due to internal overpressure results in a tighter seal, rather than in the formation of leaks in the housing  12 . It is envisioned that an o-ring  133  is disposed between the lip  42  and the edge  34 , so as to further facilitate a fluid-tight seal. As shown, the lip  42  is disposed on the cover  40 , and the opening  32  is defined by the base  30 , with the o-ring  133  disposed on the outer surface of the lip  42 . However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that the o-ring  133  could be located on the inner surface of the edge  34 . Likewise, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this arrangement is exemplary only, and that it would be equally suitable for the lip  42  to be disposed on the base  30  and the opening  32  to be defined by the cover  40 . Furthermore, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other configurations for producing a fluid-tight seal may be equally suitable. 
     It is envisioned that the cover  40  will comprise a radial outwardly extending flange  44 , wherein the diameter of the cover  40  at the flange  44  is greater than the diameter of the cover  40  elsewhere. It is further envisioned that the retainer  50  will comprise a generally annular ring, and that the retainer  50  will comprise first and second portions  52  and  54 . The first portion  52  is sized so as to fit over the cover  40  at the flange  44 , and furthermore being sized so as to fit over at least a portion of the base  30 . The second portion  54  is sized so as to fit over the cover  40  other than at the flange  44 , but not so as to fit over the cover  40  at the flange  44 . It is further envisioned that at least one of the base  30  and the retainer  50  will comprise a retaining mechanism  56 , for retaining the retainer  50  in place. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other retainer configurations may be equally suitable. 
     It is additionally envisioned that the retaining mechanism  56  will comprise screw threads, and will be located both on the base  30  and the retainer  50 . However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other retaining mechanisms, including but not limited to bayonet joints, clamps, etc. may be equally suitable. 
     As is visible in FIG. 1, the device  10  is adapted to accept a treatment cartridge  60  within the treatment chamber  22 , the treatment cartridge  60  being adapted to treat fluid in a desired fashion. It is envisioned that the treatment cartridge  60  will comprise a chemical compound adapted to release a cleaning agent, such as a detergent, into the fluid. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this is exemplary only, and that other chemical compounds, alone or in combination, and including but not limited to compounds adapted to release coloring agents, antibacterial agents, freshening agents, etc., may be equally suitable. Likewise, chemical compounds adapted to absorb or combine with substances present in the fluid, including but not limited to dissolved minerals or other contaminants from the fluid, may be equally suitable. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that non-chemical cartridges, including but not limited to mechanical filters, reverse-osmosis devices, etc. may be equally suitable for use as a treatment cartridge  60 . 
     It is envisioned that the treatment cartridge  60  will be generally disc-shaped, and will define at least one aperture  62  therethrough, whereby fluid flow through the treatment cartridge  60  is enabled. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other configurations may be equally suitable. 
     It is further envisioned that the cartridge  60  is removable, whereby another cartridge substituted for it, as at the end of the useful operating life of the cartridge. 
     As is visible in FIG. 3, it is also envisioned that the device  10  will comprise an indicator  66  to indicate a need to replace the cartridge  60 . It is further envisioned that the indicator  66  will be a light emitting diode (LED). However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this is exemplary only, and that other indicators, or no indicator at all, may be equally suitable. 
     It is envisioned that the device  10  will comprise a plurality of blades  70  disposed within the treatment chamber  22 , for directing the flow of fluid within the treatment chamber  22 . This is advantageous, in that such blades enable efficient fluid treatment. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that the blades  70  extend radially inward from a rim  24  of the treatment chamber  22 . It is further envisioned that the blades  70  comprise a first portion  72  and a second portion  74 , wherein the second portion  74  is further from the rim  24  of the treatment chamber  22  than the first portion  72 , and wherein the second portion  74  is of lesser height than the first portion  72 . It is additionally envisioned that the device  10  will comprise six blades  70 , spaced evenly around the rim  24  of the treatment chamber  74 . This configuration has been determined to produce favorable fluid flow characteristics within the treatment chamber  22 . However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other configurations of blades, in particular blades of generally uniform height, or no blades at all, may be equally suitable, depending on factors including but not limited to the particular fluid to be treated. 
     It is also envisioned that the device  10  comprises a pressure release valve  150  to release pressure in the housing  12 . This is advantageous, in that if there is an overpressure inside the housing  12 , it may deform the housing  12  to the point that it is difficult or impossible to disengage the cover  40  from the base  30 . Furthermore, if there is a substantial overpressure inside the housing  12 , removal of the cover  40  from the base  30  without first releasing the pressure could prove hazardous. Pressure release valves are well known, and are not further detailed herein. 
     With regard to the internal fluid flow structure, this application references U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,594, incorporated above by reference, and in particular FIGS. 2-6, as illustrating in detail a valve structurally and functionally similar to the exemplary valve described below. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-2, it is envisioned that the in-line fluid treatment device  10  comprises an in-line conduit  80  that define a path for the flow of fluid through the housing  20  from an inlet port  82  to an outlet port  84 . An adjusting knob  86  is mounted onto the housing  20 . The inlet port  82  is suitable for connection to the fluid supply  12 , and the outlet port  84  is likewise suitable for connection to a fluid exhaust  14 . Various attachment apparatus and/or mounting mechanisms  88 , such as screw threads, flanges, bolts, nuts, and washers, might be used to connect the inlet port  82  to the fluid supply  12 , and likewise might be used to connect the outlet port  84  to the fluid exhaust  14 . Suitable attachment means are well known, and are not further detailed herein. Fluid from the fluid supply  12  is delivered to the fluid exhaust  14  through the device  10 . 
     FIGS. 1-2 show cross-sectional views of an in-line fluid treatment device  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention along an axis that reveals the internal valve structure. There is shown an axial bore  90  defined by the housing  20 . The axial bore  90  has a smaller diameter section  92  at a first end  94  and a larger diameter section  96  at a second end  98 . A hollow screw  100  is partially threadedly received in the larger diameter section  96  at the second end  98 . A first opening  102  proximate the first end  94  provides fluid communication between the axial bore  90  and the treatment chamber  22 . A plurality of second openings  104  further from the first end  94  than the first opening  102  also provide fluid communication between the axial bore  90  and the treatment chamber  22 . 
     An inlet passageway  106  conducts fluid from the inlet port  82  into the axial bore  90 . An outlet passageway  108  conducts fluid from the axial bore  90  to the outlet port  84 . 
     The axial bore  90  receives a hollow valve member  110 . A first end  112  of the valve member  110  is disposed within first end  94  of the axial bore  90 , whereas the second end  114  of the valve member  110  is disposed within a bore  116  in the hollow screw  100  and fixedly connects to the adjusting knob  86 . The hollow valve member  110  is threadedly mounted in the bore  116  of the hollow screw  100  for reciprocal movement thereof upon movement of the knob  86 . Since the hollow valve member  110  can be moved relative to the screw  100 , the relative position of the hollow valve member  100  in the axial bore  90  is adjusted by turning the knob  86 . 
     It is envisioned that the adjusting knob  86  is suitably marked with a scale on a surface  117  of the knob  86  showing different positions of the hollow valve member  110  in the axial bore  90 . In particular there is a marking indicating when the device  10  is turned off such that none of the fluid flowing through the device  10  is treated by the treatment cartridge  60  in the treatment chamber  22 . Various positions might then be marked or scaled with numbers indicating the portion of the fluid flowing through the device  10  that is treated by the treatment cartridge  60  in the treatment chamber  22 . However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplary only, and that other configurations of marking scales or no marking scale at all may be equally suitable. 
     It is envisioned that a sleeve member  118  is fixedly mounted into the large diameter section  96  of the axial bore  90  adjacent to the hollow screw  100  so as to be stationary relative to the hollow screw  100 . A front portion  120  of the sleeve member  118  has a tapered outer surface  122 . The hollow valve member  110  is slidably mounted relative to the sleeve member  118 . Thus, the relative position between the hollow valve member  110  and the sleeve member  118  is adjusted by the knob  86 . The outer diameter of the hollow valve member  110  and the inner diameter of the front portion  120  of the sleeve member  118  abut each other so that the fluid under pressure is blocked by the front portion  120 . A middle portion  124 , integral with the front portion  120  and a back portion  126 , has a spool-shaped outer surface wherein the outer diameter of the middle portion  124  is smaller than that of the front and back portions  121 ,  127 . The inner diameter of the middle and back portions  124 ,  126  is larger than the outer diameter of the hollow valve member  110 . Thus, a circular gap is disposed between the hollow valve member  110  and the middle and back portions  124 ,  126  so that fluid is free to flow therebetween. 
     The plurality of second openings  104  extend from the treatment chamber  22  to the axial bore  90 , so as to carry fluid from the treatment chamber  22  to the axial bore  90 . An o-ring  128  is disposed about the hollow valve member  110  in the smaller diameter section  92  of the axial bore  90  between the first opening  102  and the plurality of second openings  104 . The o-ring  128  is designed to fill in the space between the inside wall of the smaller diameter section  92  and the outside surface of the hollow valve member  110  so that fluid exiting the treatment chamber  22  through the plurality of second openings  104  is not allowed to flow back to the treatment chamber  22  through the first opening  102 . 
     An o-ring  130  is disposed proximate the second end  114  of the hollow valve member  110  so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the hollow valve member  110  and the hollow screw  100 . An o-ring  132  is disposed around the hollow screw  100  so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the hollow screw and the base  30  of the housing  20 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the middle portion  124  of the seal member  118  defines a first plurality of orifices  134  (not all orifices in the set are shown for purposes of illustration). In addition, valve member  110  defines second, third, and fourth pluralities of orifices  136 ,  138 , and  140  (not all orifices in each set are shown for purposes of illustration). In addition, the first end  112  of the hollow valve member  110  is sealed by a seal member  142 . The valve member  110  also comprises a circular member  144  which projects from the outer surface of the hollow valve member  110  between the third and fourth plurality of orifices  138  and  140 , and a washer  146  adjacent the circular member  144  in the direction of the fourth plurality of orifices  140 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the middle portion  124  is aligned to the inlet passageway  106  so that fluid from the inlet port flows into the middle portion  124  of the sleeve member  118  through the first plurality of orifices  134 . The fluid then flows into the hollow valve member  110  through the second plurality of orifices  136 . 
     As is visible in FIG. 1, when the device  10  is in a fully closed position, that is, when substantially none of the fluid passing through the device  10  is treated in the treatment chamber  22 , the valve member  110  is at maximum insertion into the housing  20 . Since the fourth plurality of orifices  140  is at a downstream position compared to the third plurality of orifices  138 , and since in the fully closed position the first opening  102  is sealed by a seal member  142 , substantially all of the fluid from the inlet passageway  106  flows through the third plurality of orifices  138  into the larger diameter section  96  of the axial bore  90 , as opposed to flowing to the fourth plurality of orifices  140  at the first end  112  of the hollow valve member  110 . Because the circular member  144  and washer  146  obstruct the flow of fluid from the larger diameter section  96  to the plurality of second openings  104 , the fluid then flows from the larger diameter section  96  to the outlet passageway  108 . Substantially none of the fluid passes through the treatment chamber  22 . 
     As is visible in FIG. 2, when the device  10  is in a fully open position, that is, when substantially all of the fluid passing through the device  10  is treated in the treatment chamber  22 , the valve member  110  is at minimum insertion into the housing  20 . Since the third plurality of orifices  138  is obstructed by the sleeve member  118 , substantially all of the fluid flows through the fourth plurality of orifices  140 , and through the first opening  102  into the treatment chamber  22 . There the fluid is treated by the treatment cartridge  60 . The fluid then exits the treatment chamber through the plurality of second openings  104 , moving into the larger diameter section  96  of the axial bore  90 . The fluid then flows from the larger diameter section  96  to the outlet passageway  108 . Substantially all of the fluid passes through the treatment chamber  22 . 
     It will be apparent that the device  10  may also be in a partially open position, wherein a portion of the fluid passing through the device  10  passes through the treatment chamber  22 , and a portion does not. The portion of fluid flowing through the treatment chamber depends on how much of the third plurality of orifices  136  is obstructed by the sleeve member  118 , which depends on the relative position of the hollow valve member  110 , the position of which in turn is adjustable by manipulation of the adjusting knob  86 . The operation of the in-line fluid treatment device  10  is thus easily controlled by the user. 
     Parts of the in-line fluid treatment device  10  can be made of various materials, such as metal, plastic or polymer, etc. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.