Patent Publication Number: US-2023142662-A1

Title: Chemical solution proportioning method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This non-provisional patent application is a Continuation of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/185,012 filed Jun. 16, 2016, which is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/180,178 filed Jun. 16, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system and method of combining solutions of liquid. More specifically, the invention comprises a method of proportioning and combining chemical solutions for use in hydro-cleaning. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Hydro-cleaning describes the use of water propelled at relatively high speeds in order to clean surfaces and materials. Pressure washing or power washing refers to the process of using a high-pressure sprayer to remove dirt, mud, grime, mold or loose paint from the surface of buildings, decks, concrete or other surfaces or objects. A pressure washer device sprays a mixture of liquid at a high velocity onto the desired surface. Typically, a large volume of mixture or solution is needed to adequately wash an area. 
     Water alone is used for many cleaning applications, typically in high pressure power washing or pressure washing. However, water in combination with special chemicals is desirable to aid in cleaning certain surfaces or objects. This is often the case for professional hydro-cleaning services. The use of chemicals mixed with water is especially applicable in the case of “soft washing.” Soft washing combines certain chemicals with water in order to clean surfaces or materials which cannot be exposed to such high pressures as those used with power washing such as house siding, roofing, etc. Soft washing is performed at much lower pressures than power washing and pressure washing, thereby typically requiring a chemical mixture to perform the cleaning. A chemical mixture or solution must be pre-mixed before it is used to hydro-clean a surface. Therefore, a professional hydro-cleaner typically arrives at a site, spends time mixing the solution and then washes the area or surface to be cleaned. An accurate proportion of chemicals is important, therefore if the user fails to add the correct proportion or runs out of a chemical on-site, the user stands to lose valuable time and resources. Additionally, it is often difficult for a user to mix the solution accurately. An inaccurate mixture may result in less than desirable soft washing results. Further, the user may mix too much solution, which may require the user to discard the solution upon finishing the washing. 
     It would be beneficial to have a method to prepare solutions on-site, proportioning the chemicals accurately and mixing the solution concurrently with the hydro-cleaning itself. The method should allow multiple liquids to be mixed accurately at any given ratio using suction. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a method which allows a user to attach a proportioning device to a series of tanks containing liquids, mix a solution of pre-set ratios of liquids and use the solution to hydro-clean a surface or object. The present invention achieves this objective, as well as others that are explained in the following description. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present method comprises the steps of providing a cleaning device, a liquid proportioning device and a series of tanks filled with liquids. The cleaning device has a nozzle, a series of hoses and a pump. The liquid proportioning device is upstream of the cleaning device and includes a series of passageways, having three chambers and two valves, and a manifold for mixing the liquids to form a cleaning solution. The passageways include knobs to set the ratio of each liquid that the user desires to mix into a cleaning solution. Once the cleaning solution is mixed, it flows downstream through a single hose and through a pump and out of the nozzle of the cleaning device for use. The proportioning device allows a user to easily, quickly and accurately mix liquids in desired proportions to form a cleaning solution. The method reduces wasteful by-product and saves time. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view, showing the liquid solution proportioning system of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view, showing the proportioning device of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view, showing another embodiment of the proportioning device; 
         FIG.  4    is a cut-away view, showing a multi-chambered passageway of the present proportioning device; 
         FIG.  5    is a cut-away view, showing another alternative for a valve used in the present proportioning device; 
         FIG.  6    is a cut-away view, showing an alternative valve used in the proportioning device of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  7    is a cut-away view, showing another alternative for a valve used in the present proportioning device. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
     
         
         
           
               12  pump 
               16  liquid jet 
               20  nozzle 
               22  proportioning device 
               24  hose 
               28  manifold 
               30  cap 
               32  first chamber 
               34  second chamber 
               36  knob 
               40  second valve 
               42  first valve 
               44  third chamber 
               46  stem 
               48  sphere 
               50  passageway 
               52  tanks 
               60  valve opening 
               64  component 
               66  hose connecting pump to nozzle 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present proportioning system provides an efficient, accurate method of mixing a solution and using that solution to soft wash a surface or object.  FIG.  1    illustrates the general component parts of the proportioning system. The system is generally comprised of a series of tanks  52  (also referenced as first, second and third tank), a proportioning device  22 , a pump  12  and a nozzle  20 . As illustrated, series of tanks  52  are connected via a set of first hoses  24  (first, second and third hoses) to proportioning device  22 . The hoses  24  are preferably top fed through the top of tanks  52  and extend downward to the base of the tanks. This prevents the pressure of the liquid in the tanks  52  from affecting the flow of the liquids through proportioning device  22 . Series of tanks  52  are capable of being filled with a variety of different liquids. A cap  30  can optionally be provided at the top of each tank  52  to fill the tanks  52  with the desired liquid. Desirable liquids may include water, bleach, soap, etc. The proportioning device  22  is provided in order to provide the correct ratio of liquids into the soft washing mixture. It is preferable that soap is located in the central tank  52  and the outboard tanks  52  contain the bleach and the water. The suction provided by the downstream pump  12  provides a force that pulls the liquids from tanks  52  and through proportioning device  22 . This force (negative pressure) in combination with the valves has an effect on the rate at which the liquids pass through proportioning device  22 . The force provided to the outboard passageways  50  of the proportioning device  22  is equal, whereas the force upon the central passageway (i.e., the passageway that is positioned between the outboard passageways) is slightly greater based on the proximate location of the hose  24  to the exit of central passageway  50 . Thus, it is preferable that soap is located in central tank  52  and fed to central passageway  50 , such that bleach and water can be accurately proportioned on the outboard passageways  50  of proportioning device  22 . 
     Each tank  52  is connected via the hoses  24  to the series of multi-chambered passageways  50 . Multichambered passageways  50  include at least two valves and three chambers. Each passageway may be comprised of separate component pieces that are threaded together or one integral device. The valves and chambers provide a set ratio of liquid to the manifold  28 , where the liquids mix to form the cleaning solution. Manifold  28  can be any chamber or area where liquids are capable of mixing together. From the manifold  28 , the cleaning solution enters a hose  24  (second hose) leading to pump  12 . Pump  12  can be any type of known pump  12  suitable for use in a soft washing system. For example, a positive displacement piston pump can be used to feed nozzle  20  while also providing suction to pull liquids from the tanks  52 , through the proportioning device  22 , and through hose  24  from manifold  28  of proportioning device  22 . The nozzle  20  is attached to hose  66  and expels cleaning solution from nozzle  20 . The liquid jet  16  of cleaning solution is used to clean surfaces and objects. The reader will appreciate that the user is able to clean a surface without stopping to re-mix a cleaning solution and the ratio of liquids provided is accurate. The present method allows the user to clean concurrently with mixing the cleaning solution. While the term “hose” is used throughout this description, “hose” could be any tube or line that allows liquid to pass through it under pressure. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic view, illustrating proportioning device  22  of the present method. Proportioning device  22  consists of at least two passageways  50 . Passageways  50  are connected to a series of hoses  24 , which provide a series of liquids to passageways  50 . However, it is important to note that liquids could be provided by any known means. For example, liquids could be fed directly from liquid storage tanks  52  to passageways  50 . Passageways  50  include a first chamber  32  (prior to a first valve), second chamber  34  (between first valve and second valve) and third chamber  44  (after second valve). Third chamber  44  is fluidly connected to manifold  28 . Knob  36  is provided to set the ratio at which liquid passing through passageway  50  should be provided. Knob  36  is calibrated to give the user accurate information about the flow of liquid passing through the first valve. The liquids are mixed into cleaning solution as they enter manifold  28 . The ratio of the pertinent liquids is controlled by the valves, further described below. Cleaning solution is pulled from manifold  28  into pump  12  which is positioned downstream of the proportioning device  22  (as shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     Another embodiment of the passageways  50  is shown in  FIG.  3   . Knob  36  is a handle and is staggered along passageways  50  such that the user can easily select the proper ratio of liquids without contacting another knob  36 . In the central passageway  50  in the present embodiment, second valve  40  is located prior to first valve (not shown, but located beneath knob  36 ). The reader will appreciate that although the valves are labeled “first” and “second,” the label does not dictate the order in which the valves appear in the device. Thus, as is true for the central passageway  50  in the present embodiment, the second valve could be located prior to the first valve in any particular passageway (or vice versa). 
     A cut-away view of passageway  50  is provided in  FIG.  4   . First valve  42  is preferably a valve designed to allow the user to select the ratio of liquid to mix into the cleaning solution, such as a control valve. Second valve  40  is preferably a valve (e.g., a check valve) which prevents the cleaning solution from re-entering the second chamber  34 .  FIG.  4    is a cut-away view of passageway  50 , illustrating one embodiment. It is important to note that any known valve that can perform the function of allowing a user to select the amount or flow rate of liquid to pass through it can be utilized in the proportioning device  22 . In this embodiment, first valve  42  is a ball valve provided to control the flow of liquid. As user turns knob  36 , sphere  48  turns slowly allowing the liquid to flow through the open core of the ball or sphere  48 . Liquid flows from first chamber  32  to second chamber  34  when first valve  42  is open. Second valve  40  is a swing check valve including a hinged disc. Disc can be biased downward (i.e., closed) by adding a spring or weight proximate the hinge. Again, in a closed position, second valve  40  prevents the backflow of liquid from third chamber  44  to second chamber  34 . Liquid enters manifold  28 , where cleaning solution is formed. 
       FIG.  6    shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first valve  42  is a specific type of ball valve. A typical ball valve, similar to the ball valve  42  shown in  FIG.  4    that has a single, circular bore through sphere  48 . However, in this embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , sphere  48  includes multiple valve openings  60 . As knob  36  is rotated clockwise, sphere  48  rotates and valve openings  60  are exposed. Those familiar with the art will realize that as more and more valve openings  60  are exposed to the flow, the flow will increase. This valve  42  can more accurately regulate flow due to the specific diameter and number of valve openings  60 . Each exposed opening  60  increases the flow by a prescribed amount. 
     Similarly,  FIG.  5    shows another embodiment of a ball valve. First valve  42  is a ball valve as in  FIGS.  4  and  6   . Preferably, sphere  48  includes valve opening  60 . In this embodiment, valve opening  60  is has a trapezoidal profile. As with  FIG.  6   , this profile allows the flow rate to increase at a rate greater than if the profile was simply rectangular. As knob  36  is rotated clockwise, sphere rotates and valve openings  60  are exposed. Those familiar with the art will realize that that valve openings  60  in both  FIGS.  5  and  6    allow the user to more accurately control the amount of liquid flowing through first valve  42 . 
     Similar to  FIGS.  5  and  6   ,  FIG.  7    shows another embodiment of a ball valve. First valve  42  is a ball valve having a sphere  48  that includes valve opening  60 . In this embodiment, valve opening is a v-shaped groove along the outside of sphere  48 . As illustrated, v-shaped opening  60  spans 180 degrees of sphere  48  as opposed to a typical ball valve which uses 90 degrees to open and close the valve. Those familiar with the art will note that by increasing the opening span, the increments of opening valve  42  are more precise. As sphere  48  is rotated by knob  36 , opening  60  is exposed. Due to the v-shaped groove of opening  60 , the water flow increases as valve  42  is opened. In the preferred embodiment, second valve  40  is a check valve.  FIG.  7    illustrates second valve  40  having a closing member (the movable part that blocks the flow) is a disc which is spring-loaded to assist with keeping the valve shut. A series of arms extend away from outer wall of component  64  to support spring. When pump  12  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) is activated, suction causes flow in the direction of arrows as the valve disc moves away from valve seat. Although suction causes flow to begin through second valve  40 , first valve  42  can regulate the amount of liquid flow to manifold  28  thereby controlling the amount of liquid being mixed into the cleaning solution that is ultimately discharged. 
     Those familiar with the art will realize that it may be beneficial to have multiple check valves within passageway  50 . The reader will note that passageway  50  can contain harsh chemicals such as bleach. In this case, it may be preferable to include a third valve as a second check valve. It is also possible to have second valve prior to first valve, wherein second valve  40  is a check valve, as illustrated in  FIG.  7    and described above. Second valve  40  is located prior to first valve  42  in passageway  50 . In cases where passageway  50  contains water, soap or another chemical which is not as harsh it may be preferable to include second valve  40  prior to first valve  42  in the center passageway  50  on proportioning device  22 . This configuration allows the proportioning system to become more compact. This is shown in  FIG.  3    where the central passageway  50  includes knob  36  not aligned horizontally with the other knobs  36 . By placing the check valve  40  upstream of ball valve  42 , passageways  50  can be closer together. This arrangement causes the liquid running through passageway  50  to remain within passageway  50  downstream of first valve  42 . In the case of harsh chemicals such as bleach this is problematic. However, this passageway  50  can be used for soap or another mild chemical. 
     In general, soft washing allows the user to create mixtures with higher concentrations of soap, bleach, or other chemicals when compared with pressure or power washing. As those familiar with the art will know, the high pressure required in power washing does not allow for mixtures with less than 80 percent water. Proportioning device  22  coupled with a soft washing system allows the user to accurately mix the solution on the fly. This maximizes the cleaning power while minimizing cost (by not using or discarding more chemicals than necessary). In addition, as prior art methods rely on mixing the mixture prior to arriving on site or before the work is started, those methods cannot spray different surfaces. Typically, each surface requires a different concentration of solution. Thus, proportioning device  22  allows the user to spray one surface, adjust proportioning device  22 , and then spray a different surface with a different concentrated solution without needing to manually remix a solution. In fact, this is done instantaneous and can also be done automatically. The proportioning device  22  preferably uses chemicals in order to hydro-clean surfaces. Some of the chemicals, such as bleach (chlorine-based), are highly basic which is caustic to certain materials. Therefore, the present invention uses materials that are resistant to caustic liquids. Some examples of materials used in for proportioning device  22  which are resistive to chemicals are polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) and polypropylene. These are commonly understood materials used for such applications due to low cost and chemical resistance. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.