PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR WASHING TOOLS
20210213488 ยท 2021-07-15
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
B05B14/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B9/043
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D29/11
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D25/2805
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
C02F1/52
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
B08B3/006
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B08B3/14
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B15/40
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B08B3/026
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D35/26
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B9/0403
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
C02F1/001
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
B01D29/96
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B08B3/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D29/11
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D29/96
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D35/26
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B14/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B9/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B08B3/14
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D21/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A portable system for washing tools is disclosed. The portable system includes a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a filtering assembly engaged with one of the first and second receptacles. The filtering assembly is configured to engage with and communicate water from one receptacle for washing tools. The water and any mud are collected in the other receptacle. When water is depleted from a receptacle, the filter assembly is transferred to the other receptacle for reuse of the water wherein the process is repeated. The filtering assembly includes a displacement element for creating a distance between a water input port and any mud at a gravitational bottom. The filtering assembly can subsequently be moved back and forth between each receptacle for continue reuse of the water for cleaning tools.
Claims
1. A portable system for washing tools, the system comprising: a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a filtering assembly adapted to be interchangeably engaged with one of the first and second receptacles; the filtering assembly comprising: a pump contained within a housing, the pump including an inlet and an outlet each adapted to communicate water therethrough, a tubular element having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being adapted to couple with the inlet of the pump, and the distal end being adapted to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles that the filtering assembly is engaged, and a displacement element coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof and configured for spacing a water input port a distance from one of: mud precipitate or a bottom surface of the one of the first and second receptacles, the water input port disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element; wherein: the filtering assembly is configured to: removably engage the one of the first and second receptacles, extract water from the one of the first and second receptacles for washing drywall tools and communicating the water into the other of the first and second receptacles, and subsequently engage the other of the first and second receptacles for extracting water therefrom.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubular element comprises a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the water used therein comprises a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the tubular element is coupled to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle and second receptacle are each configured to nest within the other of the first and second receptacles.
6. The system of claim 1, the filtering assembly further comprising: a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side coupled to the housing; and an upper block coupled to the second side; wherein the upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the displacement element further comprises a bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs.
8. A portable system for washing tools, the system comprising: a first receptacle; a second receptacle; and a filtering assembly comprising: a pump configured to communicate water, a tubular element having the pump coupled therewith, the tubular element being adapted to extend into one of the first and second receptacles which the filtering assembly is engaged, a displacement element coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof, and a water input port disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the tubular element comprises a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the water used therein comprises a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the tubular element is coupled to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the first receptacle and second receptacle are each configured to nest within the other of the first and second receptacles.
13. The system of claim 8, the filtering assembly further comprising: a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side coupled to the housing; and an upper block coupled to the second side; wherein the upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the displacement element further comprises a bottom portion having plurality of standoffs.
15. A filtering assembly comprising: a pump, the pump including an inlet and an outlet each adapted to communicate water therethrough; a tubular element having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being adapted to couple with the inlet of the pump, and the distal end being adapted to extend into one of a first receptacle and a second receptacle that the filtering assembly is engaged therewith; and a displacement element coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof and configured for spacing a water input port a distance from one of: mud precipitate or a bottom surface of one of the first and second receptacles, the water input port disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the tubular element comprises a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the water used therein comprises a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the tubular element is coupled to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween.
19. The assembly of claim 15, the filtering assembly further comprising: a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side coupled to the housing; and an upper block coupled to the second side; wherein the upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the displacement element comprises a bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.
[0018] For purposes herein, the term lightweight is a relative term that means a weight that is manageable by a single person of ordinary strength in the construction field, and more particularly the drywall field, and may be any weight less than or equal to fifty pounds (50.0 lbs.).
[0019] The term portable means able to be easily carried or moved, having a relative size that is capable of carry by a single individual and is lightweight.
[0020] The term displacement element means a component that is semi-buoyant in water and heavy enough to sink below water level for resting between mud precipitate and the water within a receptacle.
[0021] The term receptacle means a container for holding water or what one can put things in.
[0022] The term engaged means to fit one part of a machine into another such that they combine and may move together as one unit.
[0023] The term precipitate means a solid extracted from a solution or emulsion, the solid typically settled at a gravitational bottom within a receptacle.
[0024] The term output element means for example and without limitation, a spray nozzle for communicating water from a receptacle for washing tools.
[0025] The term tubular means a hollow component used for communicating water and may comprise a cross-sectional geometry of a circle, rectangle, triangle, or any other geometry that can be appreciated by one having skill in the art.
[0026] The term water-clarifying agent means a substance adapted to facilitate the separation of mud and water.
[0027] Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.
General Description of Embodiments
[0028] In a first embodiment, a portable system for washing tools is disclosed. The system comprises a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a filtering assembly adapted to be interchangeably engaged with one of the first and second receptacles. The filtering assembly comprises a pump, a tubular element, and a displacement element. The pump is contained within a housing, and includes an inlet and an outlet each adapted to communicate water therethrough. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being adapted to couple with the inlet of the pump, and the distal end being adapted to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles that the filtering assembly is engaged. The displacement element is coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof and configured for spacing a water input port a distance from one of: mud precipitate or a bottom surface of the one of the first and second receptacles. The water input port along disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element wherein the filtering assembly is configured to: removably engage the one of the first and second receptacles, extract water from the one of the first and second receptacles for washing drywall tools and communicating the water into the other of the first and second receptacles, and subsequently engage the other of the first and second receptacles for extracting water therefrom.
[0029] In some embodiments, the tubular element may comprise a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0030] Generally, the water used in the portable system may comprise a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
[0031] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the tubular element may couple to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween. In other embodiments, the tubular element may couple directly to the pump.
[0032] Generally, the first receptacle and second receptable are each configured to nest within the other of the first and second receptacles.
[0033] In some embodiments, the filtering assembly may further comprise a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side coupled to the housing. The filtering assembly further comprises an upper block coupled to the second side, wherein the upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0034] In some embodiments the displacement element may comprise a bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs.
[0035] In a second embodiment, a portable system for washing tools is disclosed. The system comprises a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a filtering assembly. The filtering assembly further comprises a pump configured to communicate water, and a tubular element having the pump coupled therewith. The tubular element is adapted to extend into one of the first and second receptacles which the filtering assembly is engaged. The filtering assembly further comprises a displacement element coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof, and a water input port disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element.
[0036] In some embodiments, the tubular element may comprise a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0037] Generally, the water used in the portable system may comprise a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
[0038] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the tubular element may couple to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween. In other embodiments, the tubular element may couple directly to the pump.
[0039] Generally, the first receptacle and second receptable are each configured to nest within the other of the first and second receptacles.
[0040] In some embodiments, the filtering assembly may further comprise a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side coupled to the housing. The filtering assembly further comprises an upper block coupled to the second side, wherein the upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0041] In some embodiments the displacement element may comprise a bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs.
[0042] In a third embodiment, a filtering assembly is disclosed. The filtering assembly comprises a pump, a tubular element, and a displacement element. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet each adapted to communicate water therethrough. The tubular element includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being adapted to couple with the inlet of the pump, and the distal end being adapted to extend into one of a first receptacle and a second receptacle that the filtering assembly is engaged therewith. The displacement element is coupled to the tubular element at the distal end thereof and configured for spacing a water input port a distance from one of: mud precipitate or a bottom surface of one of the first and second receptacles, the water input port disposed along the tubular element adjacent to the displacement element.
[0043] In some embodiments, the tubular element may comprise a plurality of concentrically-disposed portions forming a telescoping tubular element configured to extend into the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0044] In some embodiments, the water used therein may comprise a water-clarifying agent configured to separate the mud precipitate from the water.
[0045] In some embodiments, the tubular element is coupled to the pump via a connection element extending therebetween.
[0046] In some embodiments, the filtering assembly further may further comprise a lid and an upper block. The lid includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The housing is coupled to the first side and the upper block is coupled to the second side. The upper block is configured to guide the filtering assembly into engagement with the one of the first and second receptacles.
[0047] In some embodiments, the displacement element may comprise a bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs.
Manufacturing
[0048] The water-clarifying agent can be obtained commercially, for example and without limitation Mudmaster's Washmaster Juice (https://www.mudmaster.com/products.html#juice2).
[0049] Generally, the first and second receptacles are made from thermoplastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene and can be manufactured by any processes known to one with skill in the art, including rotomolding or injection molding. Alternative materials that are lightweight and durable may also be used.
[0050] Generally, the pump is any kind of hydrodynamic pump that can supply a sufficient pressure and flow of water to properly clean tools containing mud and other debris.
[0051] Each of the components of the portable system and related assemblies described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.
[0052] Moreover, while certain embodiments are described, it would be appreciated by one having skill in the art that other embodiments may be practiced in accordance with a combination of one or more features of the disclosed embodiments that are arranged in a different way.
First Illustrated Embodiment
[0053] Now turning to the drawings,
[0054] The output element (470) can be a spray nozzle, as shown, or any other apparatus that can be appreciated by one having skill in the art that can sufficiently supply water for cleaning tools having mud and debris.
[0055]
[0056] The first receptacle (200) is shown nested within the second receptacle (300). It will be appreciated by one having skill in the art that the second receptacle is configured to also nest within the first receptacle. In a preferable embodiment, walls of each the first and second receptacles are tapered outward to allow for receiving another receptacle. Other advantages of tapered walls include mitigating backsplash while water at high pressure is discharged into a receptacle. Additionally, if the first and second receptacles are made from thermoplastics, having tapered walls allows for easier removal from a tool during manufacturing of the first and second receptacles.
[0057]
[0058] The first and second receptacles (200; 300) are shown having a rectangular shape. However, alternative shapes may also be used to achieve similar results. Alternative shapes may include, for example and without limitation, circular, triangular, or hexagonal. Generally, the displacement element (454) and lid (410) comprise a similar shape to that of the first and second receptacles.
[0059] In the present embodiment, water residing in a receptacle would travel through the water input port (453), up the tubular element (450), and into the pump (431) via the connection element (440). The water would then communicate through the pump and into a hose (460) for cleaning tools. Water discharged would collect into an alternative receptacle for later reuse.
Second Illustrated Embodiment
[0060]
[0061] The displacement element (454) is shown further comprising a bottom portion (455), the bottom portion having a plurality of standoffs (456). When the filtering assembly (400) is initially introduced into a receptacle containing water, an air bubble is formed at the bottom portion of the displacement element. The air bubble contributes in displacing water which can be reused for further cleaning. Alternative designs of the displacement element can also be used which displace water and provide a distance between the water input port (453) and mud present in the receptacle.
[0062] The upper block (420) may be made of any material which is light and resistant to corrosion from water, such as a durable foam. The upper block generally comprises a shape similar to the lid (410), the displacement element (454), and any receptacle engaged therewith. One function of the upper block includes helping a user with aligning the filtering assembly (400) into a receptacle. Additional advantages of the upper block can include preventing some of the water from escaping the receptacle during transportation.
[0063]
[0064] The displacement element (454) is shown extended upwardly in a collapsed state. Here, the tubular element (450) is pulled upwardly through each of the lid (410) and upper block (420) to reach a collapsed state. The filtering assembly may be configured in the collapsed state prior to engaging a receptacle having a significant amount of mud therein, thereafter, once engaged, the tubular element is pressed down until the displacement element touches an upper surface of the mud prior to the switch (433) being turned on and the pump acting to extract water from within the receptacle.
[0065]
[0066]
[0067] While the filtering assembly (400) is engaged with the first receptacle (200), tools are washed inside the second receptacle using the water (500) from the first receptacle. Water, and any mud or debris are collected inside the second receptacle. After most of the water has been depleted from the first receptacle, the user can remove the filtering assembly from the first receptacle and subsequently engage the filtering assembly to the second receptacle. The water-clarifying agent (600) contributes to the separation of any mud precipitation and the water. The mud precipitation will fall below the water due to gravity, and the water will be disposed above. The displacement element (454) will then rest above the mud precipitate and displace water up to the water input port (453) for reuse to clean tools inside the first receptacle. It is recommended that any mud precipitate is removed each time the filtering assembly is transferred to a subsequent receptacle.
[0068] In a preferable embodiment, the displacement element (454) may closely match the bottom surface (220) in terms of shape and size in order to maximize water for reuse. Additionally, the displacement element and tubular element (450) may comprise an amount of weight to counteract an air bubble created by the displacement element when introduced into the water (500). If the amount of weight is sufficiently high enough, the tubular element and displacement element will remain in place inside a receptacle containing water instead of floating upwards. An alternative approach may include a locking mechanism, for example and without limitation, near the lid (410) to keep the tubular element and displacement element in place.
[0069] In some embodiments, an optional mesh filter may be used in conjunction with the water input port (453). A majority of mud precipitate will fall to a gravitational bottom, aided by the water-clarifying agent (600). However, some mud precipitate may still be present in the water (500), which is communicated through the water input port and into the pump (431). A mesh filter will help prevent mud precipitate or other debris from entering the filtering assembly (400).
[0070] The filtering assembly of the second embodiment may be combined with first and second receptacles as described in the first illustrated embodiment.
Third Illustrated Embodiment
[0071]
[0072]
FEATURE LIST
[0073] portable system for washing tools (100) [0074] first receptacle (200) [0075] receptacle grab (210) [0076] bottom surface (220) [0077] second receptacle (300) [0078] receptacle grab (310) [0079] bottom surface (320) [0080] filtering assembly (400a; 400b; 400c) [0081] lid (410) [0082] first side (411) [0083] second side (412) [0084] upper block (420) [0085] housing (430) [0086] pump (431) [0087] power cable (432) [0088] switch (433) [0089] power indicator (434) [0090] inlet (435) [0091] outlet (436) [0092] handle (437) [0093] connection element (440) [0094] tubular element (450) [0095] proximal end (451) [0096] distal end (452) [0097] water input port (453) [0098] displacement element (454) [0099] bottom portion (455) [0100] plurality of standoffs (456) [0101] border (457) [0102] plurality of concentrically-disposed portions (458) [0103] telescoping tubular element (459) [0104] hose (460) [0105] output element (470) [0106] water (500) [0107] water-clarifying agent (600)