Patent Publication Number: US-2011056577-A1

Title: Rinse Assembly with Live Swivel Fitting

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to commercial washdown systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to washdown pre-rinse systems incorporating a live swivel fitting to increase the life of various system components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional rinsing assemblies generally include a vertical riser extending from a tap at a water source, a flexible hose attached to the riser, and a spray nozzle at the opposite end of the hose. Such systems are typically used in health and food-related settings to clean equipment or dishes and utensils. Due to the strict health guidelines and regular inspections imposed on operators of these systems, all components must be maintained in good working order, as damaged or worn surfaces may collect contaminating dirt and bacteria, or may injure employees during operation. 
     In these rinse assemblies, a spray nozzle generally hangs from a flexible hose, which provides the required degree of manipulation by the user within the washing/rinsing area. A main shutoff or tap is extended by attachment of a vertical riser to a useful height, for example to approximately counter or sink height. A riser adapter coupling is usually threaded to the vertical riser, the riser adapter coupling having an enlarged lower rim, or hex portion. A flexible hose is provided, with a metal fitting crimped over one end. The metal fitting is threaded for attachment above the riser adapter coupling, thereby securing the flexible hose to the water source. 
     To add rigidity to the otherwise soft flex hose, a steel coiled sleeve is placed around the flex hose above the vertical riser pipe. Further, a large ring coil slides freely over the flex hose to the base of the washdown system, resting on the enlarged lower rim of the riser adapter. 
     During use, the rigid steel sleeve and hose are subject to repeated torsion and resulting shear stress as the user pulls, twists, and otherwise manipulates the spray nozzle. This torsion is maintained until the user releases the spray nozzle, at which time the torsion is relieved to some degree. Over time, repeated application and release of torsion within the flex hose during normal commercial use will result in weakening and deformation of the hose and steel sleeve until the steel sleeve shears, leaving sharp, jagged edges. As the user manipulates the now damaged steel coil sleeve and flex hose, the jagged edges of the steel coil sleeve repeatedly pierce the soft inner flex hose. Within a short period of time, the hose becomes permanently damaged and can no longer support water. In order to return the system to working order, the entire flex hose must be replaced. 
     Moreover, a typical repair involves replacement of the entire rinse assembly, as rinse assemblies are generally provided as a unit with threadings that are atypical such that compatible replacement components are not readily available in the trade. 
     It is, therefore, desirable to provide a rinse assembly that will withstand repeated commercial use, and in which individual parts may easily be replaced as necessary. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous washdown pre-rinse systems. 
     In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rinse assembly for use in commercial washdown systems, the rinse assembly comprising: a length of flexible hose having first and second ends, the first hose end operatively attachable to a valve base associated with a fluid source, the second end for handling and manipulation by a user in rinsing items; and a live swivel fitting operatively attachable to the first or second end of the flex hose for limiting torsion within the flex hose during use. 
     In an embodiment, the live swivel fitting is threadably attached between the first end of the flex hose and the valve base for relieving torsion within the flex hose during use. A second live swivel fitting may be threadably attached between the second end of the flex hose and a spray nozzle for preventing application of torsion to the flex hose during manipulation of the spray nozzle. 
     In another embodiment, the live swivel fitting is threadably attached between the second end of the flex hose and a spray nozzle for preventing application of torsion to the flex hose during manipulation of the spray nozzle. 
     In an embodiment, the live swivel is rotatable through 360 degrees about the hose axis. 
     In another embodiment, the first and second ends of the flexible hose comprise a threaded fitting. 
     In a further embodiment, the live swivel fitting is attached to the first end of the flex hose by crimping a portion of the live swivel fitting over the first end of the flex hose. 
     In further aspect, the rinse assembly further comprises a spray nozzle assembly threadably attached to the second end of the flex hose for use in rinsing items with fluid from the fluid source. 
     In another embodiment, the valve base comprises a tap assembly and a vertical riser. The rinse assembly may be placed adjacent one or more wash stations and the second end of the flex hose may be used for rinsing items at said wash stations. 
     In certain embodiments, the flex hose may be a type suitable for use in high pressure applications and/or high temperature applications. 
     The rinse assembly may further comprise a ring coil for placement about the flex hose for support. The ring coil may extend over the live swivel fitting. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for retrofitting a commercial rinse assembly to incorporate a live swivel fitting, the method comprising the steps of providing a live swivel fitting; and installing the live swivel fitting adjacent an existing component of the rinse assembly. The live swivel fitting may include suitable threaded ends for attachment to existing rinse assembly hardware. 
     The live swivel fitting may be produced by machining a standard male or female fitting to receive a bearing and a seal, to produce a live swivel inner portion having a threaded end and a swivel extension end; placing a bearing and a seal about the swivel extension end; and swaging a male fitting over the swivel extension end, the bearing, and the seal to produce a live swivel fitting. 
     In another embodiment, the live swivel fitting is of suitable diameter to receive a ring coil, and the live swivel is attached between a flex hose and a valve base of the rinse assembly. 
     In a further embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing an adapter fitting for attachment between the live swivel fitting and existing rinse assembly hardware; and connecting the adapter fitting to the live swivel fitting. 
     In a specific embodiment, the live swivel is installed between a flex hose and a valve base of the rinse assembly. In another embodiment, the live swivel is installed between a flex hose and a spray nozzle of the rinse assembly. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular rinse assembly in which components may be individually replaced with standard parts, the system comprising: a threaded live swivel fitting for threadable association with a flex hose; a threaded spray assembly for threadable association with a flex hose; and a flex hose bearing first and second threaded ends, wherein the threaded portion of each of the valve base, live swivel fitting, flex hose, and spray assembly are of standard pipe threading such that any damaged component may be individually replaced within the assembly by a standard threaded replacement component. 
     Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a rinse assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A-D  are schematic cross-sectional views of fittings shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of a swivel fitting in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a rinse assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a rinse assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a rinse assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a longitudinal cross section of a live swivel fitting in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross section of a live swivel fitting in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, the present invention provides a rinse assembly with reduced susceptibility to wear, and in which individual components may be replaced as necessary. Specifically, the rinse assembly of the present invention includes a live swivel fitting adjacent or otherwise threadably associated with a flex hose to relieve torsion within the flex hose during use. In most instances, placement of the live swivel between the flex hose and the vertical riser will be most useful, however, placement at other locations may also be advantageous in certain applications. For example, a live swivel may be placed between the flex hose and the nozzle either instead of or in addition to the aforementioned swivel position. Placement of a live swivel at this location will improve the user&#39;s ability to focus the spray nozzle quickly and accurately while minimizing the need to pull, rotate or otherwise manipulate the flex hose. 
     The system incorporates standard pipe threading at various locations such that individual components of the system may be easily replaced or upgraded as needed. A method for retrofitting existing rinse assemblies to incorporate a live swivel adjacent the flex hose is also described. 
     The rinse assembly of the present invention is intended for use in various settings, most suitably in commercial food, health, or other related settings such as telephone shower hoses associated with bathtubs. The system may also be incorporated within portable rinse assemblies such as pressure washers, fire hoses and the like. A rinse assembly in accordance with the invention will generally include a valve base, which may include a tap system and vertical riser pipe; a live swivel fitting continuous with the valve base to permit free axial rotation of an attached flex hose; and a spray assembly continuous with the opposing end of the flex hose. 
     As the system permits maximal manipulation of the flex hose while releasing shear stress within the hose, the rinsing assembly may be used over a large rinsing area without torsional binding of the hose. For example, one rinse apparatus may serve two back-to-back workstations. Although such an arrangement may burden the rinse assembly with near continuous usage, it is anticipated that the system will not require frequent replacement of the flex hose. Moreover, when replacement of the hose or spray nozzle becomes necessary, these components may be individually replaced with readily available threaded components as the threading within the rinse assembly is preferably standard pipe threading. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a rinse assembly  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. The rinse assembly  10  includes a valve base having a vertical riser  11 , riser adapter  12 , swivel fitting  20 , flex hose  30 , and spray nozzle  40 . The flex hose  30  bears threaded male end fitting  31  and threaded female end fitting  33 , which are affixed to the flex hose  30  by crimping of metal sleeves  32 ,  34 , respectively, over the ends of the hose. 
     The swivel fitting  20 , is threaded to the male end fitting  31  of the flex hose  30 , and is attached to the vertical riser pipe via custom riser coupling fitting  12 . Likewise, the female end fitting  33  of the flex hose  30  is attached to nozzle  40  via threading engagement with adapter fitting  13 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B, riser coupling fitting  12  and adapter fitting  13  have been customized to allow incorporation of the live swivel fitting and standard threaded components within the rinse assembly. Specifically, riser coupling fitting  12  (normally a male fitting in standard washdown systems) was modified to a femal standard thread in order to receive the male end of the live swivel fitting  20 , and the riser coupling fitting  12  was also reduced in diameter in order to improve the clearance between the outer diameter of the fitting and the inner diameter of the ring coil  35 . Adapter  13  is provided for attachment to the flex hose using standard pipe threading on one side, with threading on the opposing side suitable for connection to a spray nozzle. 
     Flex Hose 
     The flex hose  30  is a length of durable, flexible hose having threaded end fittings  31 ,  33 . In a suitable embodiment for versatile use in commercial food and health related settings, the hose is capable of handling both low pressure and high pressure applications and withstanding temperatures up to 253 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     In suitable embodiments, the hose may be composed of modified nitrile, and may be reinforced with braided synthetic high tensile cord or cross-linked wire. However, various types of hoses suitable for use in the present system are readily available and are known to those of skill in the art. 
     The hose  30  shown in  FIG. 1  bears threaded end fittings  31 ,  33 . These fittings are also shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , each bearing a crimpable portion  32 ,  34  for crimping over the outer surface of the hose  30  and a standard male or female threaded end. Alternatively, the flex hose may have two male threaded ends  31 ,  31 , or two female ends,  33 ,  33  and the second end may be attached to a spray nozzle or other component through use of an adapter. 
     In order to satisfy regulatory requirements for use in commercial food and/or health settings, the thread exposures should be kept to a minimum, particularly with respect to the surface forming the inner diameter of the fitting, reducing the surface area and edges available to harbour foreign particles and bacteria. 
     A ring coil  35  may be placed around a portion of the hose  30  as shown in  FIG. 1  to support the hose and prevent crimping of the hose during use. It is anticipated that the ring coil will not be subject to a great degree of torsion and shear stress as it slides easily over the flex hose to rest on the hex portion of the riser adapter  12 , freely rotating about the flex hose, live swivel and additional fittings (if present). As a result, the hose  30  and ring coil  35  will rotate somewhat independently, and wear to the hose and coil will be minimized. 
     Valve Base 
     The valve base of the rinse assembly generally regulates fluid flow, pressure, or temperature from a fluid source. Typically, the fluid source will be water, which may have detergents or solvents dissolved therein to aid washing or rinsing of items in the associated sink or rinsing area. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the valve base will typically include a tap and vertical riser pipe  11 , which may be assembled in any known configuration. In suitable embodiments, the protruding portion of the valve base to which the flex hose  30  is to be connected will be threaded with standard pipe thread known in the trade. 
     Live Swivel Fitting 
     The live swivel fitting  20  for use in the rinse assembly is rotatable through 360 degrees with respect to the axis of the vertical riser and flex hose. In other words, the swivel fitting is infinitely rotatable in either direction, to maximally relieve torsion and shear stress within the hose  30  and ring coil  35 . Therefore, as the user twists the spray nozzle  40 , the flex hose  30  initially twists to cause torsion and shear stress within the hose. With reference to  FIG. 3 , when the torsion within the hose reaches the swivel fitting, the upper portion  21  of the swivel fitting will freely rotate with respect to the fixed portion  22  of the swivel fitting, which is secured within the adapter  12 . As such, the torsion will be released at the swivel fitting  20  by the free rotation of the upper portion  21  of the swivel fitting with respect to the fixed portion  22 . 
     Live swivel fittings in general are known in the art and can be purchased from specialized suppliers for modification and application within the present system. The fitting should include standard threading and be of appropriate diameter to permit the ring coil  35  to slide over and rest on the riser coupling fitting  12 . This will require modification of the wall thickness of the fitting, size and placement of seals, and shape of the fitting. For example, suitable customized live swivel fittings  23 ,  27 , are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , a male-female live swivel fitting  23  includes an inner portion  24  having threaded female end  24   a  and swivel extension  24   b;  and an outer portion  25 , with threaded male end  25   a  and swivel extension  25   b.  The swivel extensions  24   b,    25   b  house seal ring  26   a  and bearing ring  26   b.  The resulting swivel fitting  23  is therefore infinitely rotatable and watertight. 
     In  FIG. 8 , a male-male live swivel fitting  27  is shown. Inner portion  28  has a male threaded end  28   a  and swivel extension  28   b,  while outer portion  29  has a male threaded portion  29   a  and swivel extension  29   b.  The swivel extensions  28   b,    29   b  house seal ring  26   a  and bearing  26   b.  The resulting swivel fitting  27  is therefore infinitely rotatable and watertight. 
     The fittings shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  were produced by machining a standard male or female fitting to create the inner portion with swivel extension. Grooves are machined at appropriate locations to accommodate the bearing ring and seal ring. A male fitting is then swaged over the swivel extension to create the outer portion of the live swivel fitting. 
     Live swivel fittings for use between the flex hose and the valve base may be machined to appropriate diameter to allow free sliding and rotating movement of a ring coil about the flex hose and live swivel fitting. 
     The customized live swivel fittings can be manufactured to any diameter or type of threading depending on the components to be connected on either side of the live swivel. Customized production and use of such fittings will minimize the number of adapter fittings that would otherwise be necessary (and may need to be custom manufactured) to assemble the presently described system. 
     In certain situations, the user may prefer to incorporate a readily available live swivel fitting using adapter fittings. These adapter fittings may be purchased or machined to desired specifications. 
     Spray Nozzle Assembly 
     The second end of the hose (the end not threaded to the swivel fitting) may be used to rinse items, or a spray assembly  40  may be attached thereto using an adapter fitting  13 . The spray assembly may include a valve for adjusting the flow, pressure, or spray pattern. 
     In certain applications it may be desirable to include another swivel fitting between the second end of the flex hose and the spray assembly to relieve torsion at the nozzle end of the flex hose, preventing accumulation of torsion in the flex hose. In such embodiment, as exemplified by the system shown in  FIG. 4 , appropriate adapters may be incorporated to accommodate the threading and desired location of the additional swivel fitting. Notably, the swivel fittings may be modified or designed to accommodate standard fittings and to allow direct connection of the swivel fitting to a male or female flex hose end. 
     Suitable customized fittings, for example a fitting resembling live swivel fitting  23  ( FIG. 7 ), may be sized and threaded appropriately for mating with the spray assembly  40 . 
     Modular Rinse Assembly 
     The rinse assembly described herein may be created by assembly or retrofitting. A modular rinse assembly allows any system component to be replaced with readily available trade-standard components. In this embodiment, the major components are all threadably attached using trade-recognized standard pipe threading, allowing the system to be customized, with individual components easily added, removed, or replaced. For example, certain applications may require a high pressure-capable hose, while other applications may require a hose that can withstand concentrated solvents or high temperatures. The modular and universal attachment means of the system permit components to be relocated throughout a facility as needed, and the system may be routinely customized by adding various components to the system. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a modular rinse assembly typically includes the riser adapter  12 , live swivel fitting  20 , and flex hose  30  having threaded ends  31 ,  33 . A spray nozzle adapter  13  may be present to allow a female flex hose end to be attached to the spray nozzle  40 . An additional live swivel may be incorporated between the spray nozzle and the second end of the hose, for example as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Retrofit Method 
     Despite the convenience of the aforementioned configuration, it is contemplated that users may wish to incorporate a swivel fitting at the base of their existing washdown system. With reference to  FIG. 5 , a retrofit system by which an existing pre-rinse system including a prior art flex hose  90  may be converted is provided. The prior art flex hose  90  typically bears female threaded ends  91 ,  92 , for which compatible components are not readily available. As such, the present retrofit method provides a double-male adapter  50  to permit the existing flex hose to be attached to the live swivel fitting  20 . The double-male adapter  50  is threaded on one side so as to be compatible with the first threaded end  91  of the existing flex hose  90 . The second side of the double-male adapter is threaded so as to be compatible with the live swivel fitting. A double female fitting  51  is also similarly provided to make the live swivel fitting compatible with existing riser adapter  93 . The retrofit components (double-female adapter, live swivel, and double-male adapter) may instead be provided as one live swivel fitting bearing a suitable female lower threaded end and a suitable male upper threaded end rather than three separate fittings. Many such variations are possible. 
     Retrofit Method with Dual Swivel 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a retrofit system is provided for incorporation of two live swivel fittings into an existing pre-rinse system. As in the system shown in  FIG. 5 , a double-male adapter  50  may be used to attach the flex hose to the first live swivel fitting  20   a,  and a double female fitting  51  is provided adapt the live swivel fitting for attachment to the riser adapter  93 . 
     At the opposing end of the flex hose, a second live swivel fitting  20   b  is received by female threaded end  92 . The live swivel is further attached to the spray nozzle using appropriate adapters. 
     Although inclusion of a single live swivel fitting  20   a  between the valve base and the first end  91  of the flex hose is suitable for relieving tension and shear stress applied to the flex hose, addition of a second live swivel fitting  20   b  reduces the torsion and shear stress at the source (the spray nozzle). This further reduces wear to the flex hose by limiting the amount of tension and shear stress applied to the flex hose, improving the overall mobility of the pre-rinse system. 
     Customized live swivel fittings may be manufactured or machined to minimize the number of fittings required. 
     Suitable Locations of Live Swivel 
     In certain embodiments, it may be sufficient to include a live swivel fitting only at the spray nozzle end of the flex hose or only at the valve base end of the flex hose. Suitable adapters may be purchased or manufactured to accommodate a live swivel fitting at any location along the pre-rinse system. Moreover, the owner or user may add or remove live swivel fittings at any location(s) along the pre-rinse system based on the desired degree of system flexibility required/desired. Particularly when standard threadings are used on all system components, fittings may be easily added, removed, or replaced. 
     Other modifications to fittings are also possible to simplify the system. For example, it is also possible to provide a live swivel fitting having a crimpable portion for attachment directly to the flex hose, such that the first end of the flex hose need not be threaded. Similarly, the spray hose adapter may bear a crimpable portion for attachment directly to the opposing end of the flex hose, such that the second end of the flex hose need not be threaded. 
     The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.