Patent Publication Number: US-2019177955-A1

Title: Hydrostatic pressure washer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to hydrostatic pressure washers and methods for using the same, particularly to clean hydrants. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hydrants, including fire and water hydrants, provide a source of controlled and pressurized water for municipal use, principally for fighting fires. Hydrants are connected to a water main. The water is under tremendous pressure, ranging from about 60-80 pounds per square inch (“psi”), but it can be more or less depending on the region and local regulations, and must generally be above 20 psi. Typically, the water may be accessed via hose connected to the hydrant side port, provided that the operating valve in the adjacent valve box has been opened. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of a hydrant in embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a hose and nozzle in embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart representation of an embodiment of a method of the present invention for using a pressure washer to clean a hydrant; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the pressure washer of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front cross-section drawn through a blow out nozzle, valve control system, ball valve and hose connection of an embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side cross-section drawn through a swivel adaptor, pressure gauge, check valve, ball valve and valve control system of an embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart representation of yet another embodiment of a method of the present invention for using a pressure washer to clean a hydrant. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises various embodiments of pressure washers for cleaning hydrants and methods for doing so. The term “hydrant” as used herein refers to any outlet (usually found in a street or public place) for drawing water from a water main. While the term “hydrant” is often used in connection with hydrants for fire-fighting, it should not be viewed as limited in that respect. While embodiments may be described in connection with fire hydrants, they are non-limiting examples and the teachings of the present invention apply to any hydrant. 
     It is important that hydrants, including fire hydrants, be clean so that: (1) firefighters can see them in event of an emergency; (2) the hydrants can be turned off and on with ease; and (3) the hydrants encounter fewer maintenance problems and last longer. Current methods for cleaning hydrants require rags and wire brushes and waste a lot of water with limited results. In addition, current methods have their limitations as it is difficult to clean in the cracks and contours of the hydrants using rags. Potential use of external power washers would require gasoline cumbersome equipment, and another water source. The pressure washer  10 ,  100 ,  300  and method  200 ,  400  of the present invention solve these problems. 
     Pressure washer  10 ,  100  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . Pressure washer  10  comprises hydrant cap  12 , water control system  13  and pressure gauge  28 . 
     Hydrant cap  12 , which is used to replace cap  34  of hydrant  30  during use of pressure washer,  10 ,  100  is connected to water control system  13 . See FIG.  4 . Water control system  13  comprises various connectors and valve(s) for controlling the flow of water from hydrant  30 , as is explained in greater detail below. 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , water control system  13  comprises a multiple port connector (e.g., cross connector  14 ) and a first shut-off (e.g., first ball valve  16 ), a second shut-off valve (e.g., second ball valve  18 ) and various connectors, such as nipple connector  22  and adaptor  20  to control the flow of water for flushing turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant  30 , as well as cleaning hydrant  30  according to methods  200 ,  400 . 
     Port  15  of cross connector  14  is connected to pressure gauge  28  via nipple connector  22  or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port  15 ′ on the opposite side of cross connector  14  is connected to first ball valve  16 , or other suitable shut-off valve via nipple connector  22  or other suitable connector. 
     Cross connector  14  is also connected to hydrant cap  12  via adaptor  20  and nipple connector  22  or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port  19 ′ on the opposite side of cross connector  14  is connected via nipple connector  22  to second ball valve  18 . Second ball valve  18  is connected to nipple connector  22 , which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose  26  or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant  30  according to methods  200 ,  400  of the present invention. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , as in the case of pressure washer  10 , pressure washer  100  of the present invention comprises hydrant cap  112 , pressure gauge  128  and water control system  113 . 
     As in the case of pressure washer  10 , in an embodiment of pressure washer  100 , water control system  113  comprises a multiple port connector, which in the embodiment shown is tee connector  114 , as opposed to cross connector  14  of pressure washer  10 . Water control system  113  further comprises a shut-off valve (e.g., ball valve  118 ) and various connectors, such as nipple connector  122  and adaptor  120  to control the flow of water for flushing turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant  30 , as well as cleaning hydrant  30  according to method  200 ,  400 . 
     Port  115  of tee connector  114  is connected to pressure gauge  128  via nipple connector  122  or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. on the opposite side of cross connector  14  is connected to ball valve  118 , or other suitable shut-off valve, via nipple connector  122  or other suitable connector. 
     Tee connector  114  is also connected to hydrant cap  112  via adaptor  120  and nipple connector  122  or other suitable connector, which may be threaded, at port  119 . Port  119 ′ on the opposite side of tee connector  114  is connected via nipple connector  122  to ball valve  118 . Ball valve  118  is connected to nipple connector  122 , which in turn is connected to quick connector  117 , which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose  26  or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant  30  according to method  200 , 400  of the present invention. In an embodiment, turbidity may be flushed from the water line without connecting quick connector  117  to hose  26 . Since ball valve  118  may be used to control the water through the various steps of method  200 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , a second shut-off valve may not be required. 
     In embodiments, pressure washer  10 ,  100  is connected to side port  32  of hydrant  30  via hydrant cap  12 ,  112  of pressure washer  10 ,  100 .  FIG. 4 . When pressure washer  10 ,  100  is connected to hydrant  30  in this manner, hydrant  30  is turned on and the water flow is opened via first ball valve  16  or ball valve  118  of water control system  13 ,  113 , hose  26  and nozzle  24  are then used to clean hydrant  30 . 
     In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valves  16 ,  18 ,  118  are ball valves, although other suitable types of shut-off valve could be used. The fittings are ¼-inch brass to mate with hydrant cap  12 ,  112 , but other materials could also be used. Pressure gauge  28 ,  128  is a standard 2.5-inch pressure gauge. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings made from materials other than brass could be used, but brass is preferred for its durability and heat resistance. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method  200  for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . Water flow from hydrant  30  is turned off. Cap  34  is removed from the side port  32  of hydrant  30 . The hydrant cap  12  of pressure washer  10  is placed  210  over the side port  32  and secured. Method  200  next comprises closing  212  the first ball valve (e.g., first shut-off valve  16 ) is closed and  214  opening the second ball valve  18 . This ensures that water will not be flowing to hose  26  before the process of cleaning the line is completed. 
     Method  200  next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant  30 . This is accomplished by turning on  216  hydrant  30 , preferably to permit maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port  32  through second ball valve  18  and out nipple connector  22 , flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant  30 . Method  200  further comprises allowing the water to flow through second ball valve  18  until the water runs clear. 
     While the water is flowing, at step  218 , hydrant  30  is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method  200  further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant  30  undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant  30 . Longer dwell times may also be used. 
     At step  220 , once the water has been flushed clear, second ball valve  18  is closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge  28 , thus ensuring that hydrant  30  is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle  24  is secured to hose  26 . 
     Method  200  next comprises opening  222  first ball valve  16  and spraying  224  the hydrant  30  with water (e.g., from nozzle  24  and hose  26 ). Water pressure from hydrant  30  may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method  200  may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant  30  as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, first ball valve  16  is closed and hydrant  30  is turned off to depressurize pressure washer  10 . Hydrant cap  12  is unscrewed and cap  34  is reattached to hydrant  30 . 
     Another embodiment of the method of the present invention for cleaning hydrant  30  with pressure washer  100  as shown in  FIG. 3  will now be described. The method of the present invention may comprise removing cap  34  from the side port  32  of hydrant  30 . The hydrant cap  12  of pressure washer  100  may be placed  210  over the side port  32  and secured. Making sure that the hose  26  is not yet connected to quick connector  117 , ball valve  118  may be opened. 
     The line from the main to the hydrant  30  may be cleaned. This is accomplished by turning on hydrant  30 . Water will flow from the side port  32  through ball valve  118  and out quick connector  117 , flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant  30 . The water may be allowed to flow through ball valve  118  until the water runs clear. 
     While the water is flowing, the hydrant  30  may be sprayed with biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen may be used. The method may further comprise allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant  30  undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant  30 . 
     Once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve  118  would be closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge  128 . Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, hose  26  may be connected to quick connector  117 . 
     Next, hose  26  would be secured and ball valve  118  would be reopened, causing water to flow from nozzle  24 . The method would then comprise spraying hydrant  30  with water from nozzle  24  (connected to hose  26 ). In another embodiment, the method may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to the hydrant  30  as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve  118  is closed, water flow from hydrant  30  is turned off to depressurize pressure washer  100 . Hydrant cap  112  is unscrewed and cap  34  is reattached to hydrant  30 . 
     Yet another embodiment of pressure washer  300  of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  7 - 10 , pressure washer  300  of the present invention comprises hydrant cap  12 ,  112 , pressure gauge  328  and water control system  313 . 
     As in the case of pressure washer  10 ,  100  in an embodiment of pressure washer  300 , water control system  313  comprises a multi-port connector, which in the embodiment shown is 5-way connector  314 , as opposed to cross connector  14  of pressure washer  10  or tee connector  114  of pressure washer  100 . Water control system  313  further comprises shut-off valve system  343 , blow out nozzle  324 , hose connection  323  and various other connectors and fasteners, as described in more detail below. 
     Water control system  313  is operatively associated with pressure gauge  328  and hydrant cap  12 ,  112 , via 5-way connector  314 , which houses hose connection  323 , as well as shut-off valve system  343 , and is connected to blow-out nozzle  324  and swivel adaptor  320  for connecting to hydrant  30  via hydrant cap  12 ,  112 . 
     In the embodiment shown, 5-way connector  314  is custom CNC-machined integral component made from aluminum with ports  315 ,  319 ,  319 ′, hose connection  323  and stop  327 . However, while 5-way connector  314  is shown as an integral component with threaded connectors and ports, other configurations are also possible as would be familiar to one of skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, two tee connectors could be used, as could various combinations of pipes and connectors. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 8-10 , shut-off valve system  342  comprises a multi-directional shut-off valve (e.g., ball valve  316 ), check valve  321  and valve control system  335 . Valve control system  335 , for operating ball valve  316 , comprises stop  327  and lever handle  325 , which is connected to and operatively associated with ball valve  316  via screw  337 , washers  331 , nut  332  and ball valve connector  333  which is mated with ball valve  316  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . Other types of connections and handles could also be used. In the embodiment shown, ball valve  316  is seated within 5-way connector  314  in between seals  329  underneath stop  327  so that 5-way connector  314  can receive ball valve connector  333 . Valve control system  335  is connected to 5-way connector  314  and ball valve  316 . When ball valve  316  is connected to lever handle  325  of valve control system  335  via ball valve connector  333 , moving lever handle  325  along the arc shown by arrow  339  will turn ball valve  316  until that movement is restricted by stop  327 . Turning ball valve  316  turns on or shuts off the flow of water from hydrant  30 , as is explained in more detail below in connection with method  400  of the present invention. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , check valve  321  is housed within 5-way connector  314  between ball valve  314  and pressure gauge  328 , although other configurations may be possible. Check valve  321  operates to prevent back flow of water to hydrant  30  when pressure washer  300  is being used according to method  400  of the present invention. 
     Blow-out nozzle  324  is connected to 5-way connector  314  at port  319  adjacent to seal  329  and ball valve  316 . When ball valve  316  is turned to permit water to flow from hydrant  30  through blow-out nozzle  324 , this is used to clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant  30 . 
     In addition, 5-way connector  314  houses hose connection  323 , which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose  26  or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant  30  according to method  400  of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, hose connection  323  is integral to 5-way connector  314 , but it could also be a separate component. In the embodiment shown, blow-out nozzle  324 , port  315 ,  319 ,  319 ′ and hose connection  323  are threaded connections, but other configurations are possible. 
     In addition to water control system  313 , pressure washer  300  also comprises means for securely connecting pressure washer  300  to side port  32  of hydrant  30 . As previously described, such a means may be hydrant cap  12 ,  112 . Hydrant cap  12 ,  112  is configured to be connected to pressure washer  300  via swivel adaptor  320 , which is also connected to 5-way connector  314  at port  319 ′. Swivel adaptor  320 , which may be made of brass, is configured to be connected to hydrant cap  12 ,  112  in the same manner as in embodiments of pressure washer  10 ,  100 . In the embodiment shown, port  319 ′ and swivel adaptor  320  have threaded connections, but other configurations may be possible. When pressure washer  300  is connected to hydrant  30  by means of hydrant cap  12 ,  112 , hydrant  30  is turned on and the water flow is opened via water control system  313 , water from blow-out nozzle  324  may clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant  30 ; water flowing through hose connection  323  connected to hose  26  and nozzle  24  may then be used to clean hydrant  30  according to method  300 . 
     In addition to water control system  313  and hydrant cap  12 ,  112 , pressure washer  300  further comprises pressure gauge  328 . In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , pressure gauge  328  comprises threaded post  348  which is configured to be received by port  315  of 5-way connector  314 . As best seen in  FIG. 10 , pressure gauge  328  is further secured to 5-way connector  314  with a fastener. In the embodiment shown, the fastener is brass post  341 , but other types of fasteners could also be used. 
     In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valve comprises ball valve  316 , although other types and combinations of shut-off valves could be used. In embodiments, fittings that are sized to mate with hydrant cap  12 ,  112  may be made of brass. Pressure gauge  328  is a standard 3.0-inch pressure gauge, although other suitable gauges could be used. Seals  329  are polyoxymethylene seals; however, other suitable polymers or metals could be used. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings may be used, as may fittings made from materials other than brass, but brass may provide better durability and heat resistance. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method  400  for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . Hydrant cap  12 ,  112  are secured to pressure washer  300  by means of swivel adaptor  320 . Water to hydrant  30  is turned off and cap  34  is removed from the side port  32  of hydrant  30 . Hydrant cap  12 ,  112  is placed  410  over the side port  32  with pressure gauge  328  in an upright position; hydrant cap  12 ,  112  is secured. Hose  26  and nozzle  24  are connected to hose connection  323 , which may be done via quick connector  117 . 
     Method  400  next comprises positioning  412  ball valve  316  (e.g., using lever handle  325 ) so that water flow to hose connection  323  is cut-off and water flow is opened to blow-out nozzle  324 . This ensures that water will not be flowing to hose  26  before the process of cleaning the line is completed. 
     Method  400  next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant  30 . This is accomplished by turning on  414  hydrant  30 , preferably to allow maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port  32  through ball valve  316  and out blow-out nozzle  324 , flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant  30 . Method  400  further comprises allowing  416  the water to flow through ball valve  316  until the water from blow-out nozzle  324  runs clear. 
     While the water is flowing, at step  418 , hydrant  30  is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method  400  further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant  30  undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant  30 . Longer dwell times may also be used. 
     At step  420 , once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve  316  is repositioned (e.g., using lever handle  325 ) so that water flow to blow-out nozzle  324  is cut off to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge  328 , thus ensuring that hydrant  30  is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle  24  is secured to hose  26 . 
     Method  400  next comprises repositioning  422  ball valve  316  (e.g., using level handle  325 ) so that water flow is opened to hose connection  323 , hose  26  and nozzle  24 . Hose  26  and nozzle  24  are then used to spray  424  hydrant  30 . Water pressure from hydrant  30  may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method  400  may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant  30  as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve  316  is closed (e.g., using lever handle  325 ) to shut off water flow in hose connection  323  and opened in the direction of blow-out nozzle  324 . Water flow from hydrant  30  is turned off. 
     Once it is determined that pressure washer  300  is substantially depressurized (e.g., by consulting pressure gauge  328 ), hose  26  is removed from hose connection  323 . Hydrant cap  12 ,  112  is unscrewed and cap  34  is reattached to hydrant  30 . 
     Pressure washer  10 ,  100 ,  300  in conjunction with methods  200 ,  400  of the present invention can be employed to good effect to save time and prevent waste in conserving water resources for cleaning hydrants. No rags or brushes are needed and water that would otherwise be wasted is used to clean hydrants in a more efficient manner that using prior art methods, so water is conserved. In addition, the task of cleaning the fire hydrants is less strenuous and physically demanding than currently known methods. 
     In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and their derivatives. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adapted to another embodiment. It should be noted that while the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a configuration of various components, it could be utilized with other configurations, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, so long as the objects and features of the invention are achieved, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to that shown and described herein. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention, including all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims: