U.S. patent application number 09/922554 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for universal pneumatic-snake apparatus & method.
Invention is credited to Pangramuyen, Eugenio L..
Application Number | 20030028956 09/922554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25447207 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030028956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pangramuyen, Eugenio L. |
February 13, 2003 |
Universal pneumatic-snake apparatus & method
Abstract
A pneumatic-snake like appratus and method for routine clearing
of clogged plumbing-drain lines in buildings and marine
installations, employing an air-supply of 80-120 psi at a
nozzle-generated velocity sufficient to virtually disintegrate
obstructions logged within the plumbing-drain system. Owing to
direct-impact infusion of high-velocity air exiting the special
ball-shaped fracturing-nozzle positioned at leading-end of the
snaking air-hose, the "PwrClogbuster.TM." is more effective at
breaking-up plumbing-line clump-obstructions than conventional
coiled-metal snake devices. Passed-into a drain-line to point of
obstruction the pneumatic-snake operator opens a control-valve
positioned between the air-hose and air-supply unit (a conventional
portable air-compressor/reservoir rig);--whereupon a few thrusting
blasts at point-blank are sufficient to clear an obstruction. A
flexile annular drain-cup device is slip-fitted on the air-hose,
and held proximal the drain-entry point, as to provide both
splash-deflection and added back-pressure for the procedure; plus,
generic-variant nozzle configurations are also set forth.
Inventors: |
Pangramuyen, Eugenio L.;
(San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eugenio L. Paneramuyen
4042 E. Plaza Blvd.
National City
CA
91950
US
|
Family ID: |
25447207 |
Appl. No.: |
09/922554 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/304 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.01 |
International
Class: |
E03D 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed of proprietary inventive origin is:
1.) A pneumatic-snake for clearing a clogged plumbing-line; said
apparatus comprising: a length of flexible resilient imperforate
tubing having sufficient linear-integrity as to enable longitudinal
push-feeding down into an existing drain-pipe, said tubing
including an air-nozzle means at its leading-end for turbulent
pneumatic blasting of high-velocity air proximal a plumbing-line
obstruction, and including coupling means at trailing-end of said
tubing with connection means for adapting to an air-pressure source
means.
2.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said coupling means includes a manually actuateable air-valve for
selective inducement of said air-pressure means.
3.) The pneumatic-snake air-valve according to claim 2, wherein is
employed sequentially intermittent operation in bursts of
approximately 2-4 seconds open-valve time duration, followed by a
closed-valve pause of another approximately 2-4 seconds duration
before resuming open-valve operation; repetitiously until
obstruction becomes cleared.
3.) The pneumatic-snake air-pressure source according to claim 1,
wherein a pressure range of approximately 80-120/ psi is required
for optimal performance.
4.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said flexible tubing is conventional commercially available
resilient type of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch inside-diameter.
5.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said flexible tubing is conventional commercially available
air-hose having a cording reinforcement type of construction.
6.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with an approximate {fraction
(3/32)}-inch exiting-orifice portion which internal-diameter
extends aftward about 1/4-inch where the internal-diameter reduces
into an approximate 1/8-inch delivery-passageway diameter.
7.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with a substantially
hemispherical-head shaped forward projection, thereby improving the
ability of the leading nozzle to probe around and passed natural
declinations, turns, and crags presented within the plumbing-line
passageway.
8.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with a substantially
hemispherical shaped forward projection, and including a
longitudinally protruding nozzle-outlet portion configured as to
induce an abaxial drawing forward of peripheral water as to thereby
enhance said turbulent blasting action.
9.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with a primary central
longitudinal outlet portion, and including a plurality of obliquely
forward arranged cooperative secondary outlets emanating from a
common central air-passageway, thereby emitting an enhanced cone of
turbulent air.
10.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with an aftward coaxial radially
barbed male-connector means, for coupling into said tubing.
11.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with an aftward coaxial
male-connector means, for coupling fast into said tubing.
12.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed as a primary central longitudinal
outlet means, and includes at least one obliquely trailing
cooperative secondary inlet converging thereto as a common central
air-passageway; thereby serving to suck-in ambient water, the
resulting air and water combination thereby enhancing the resulting
generation of turbulent clog blasting fluid without problematically
introducing additional water into the plumbing-line.
13.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 1, wherein is
also provided a splash-deflector device comprising a substantially
cup shaped annular trough like member having a central stabilizing
annular flange portion defining a through-hole which is sized to be
a slip-fit around said tubing and thereby acting as a slide-guide;
and, including an outermost forward terminating annular flange
portion, serving to divert plumbing-line reverse-flowing activated
water turbulence substantially away from back-splashing toward
immediate presence of the human operator.
14.) A pneumatic-snake for clearing a clogged plumbing-line; said
apparatus comprising: a length of flexible resilient imperforate
tubing of approximate 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch inside-diameter fitted
with a hemispherical-head shaped air-nozzle means at its
leading-end enabling easier snag-resistant probing passed internal
plumbing-line crags, said air-nozzle having a central longitudinal
through-hole means serving to provide turbulent blasting of
high-velocity air proximal a plumbing-line obstruction, and
including coupling means at trailing-end of said tubing for
intermediate connection to a manually operated air-valve means
arranged in fluid-communication with an air-pressure source means;
a splash-deflector means arranged as a slip-fit upon said tubing as
to reduce reverse-flow splash at the point of said tubing entry
into said plumbing-line yet enabling manual feeding-in of said
tubing there through said splash-deflector and into the
plumbing-line as required to directly access said plumbing
obstruction.
15.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with an approximate {fraction
(3/32)}-inch exiting-orifice portion which internal-diameter
extends aftward about 1/4-inch where the internal-diameter
transcends into an approximate 1/8-inch internal-diameter
passageway; and, including a longitudinally protruding
nozzle-outlet portion configured as to induce an abaxial drawing
forward of peripheral water as to thereby enhance said turbulent
blasting action.
16.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed with a primary central
longitudinal outlet portion, and including a plurality of obliquely
forward arranged cooperative secondary outlets emanating from a
common central air-passageway, thereby emitting an enhanced cone of
turbulent air.
17.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said air-nozzle portion is formed as a primary central longitudinal
outlet means, and includes at least one obliquely trailing
cooperative secondary inlet converging thereto as a common central
air-passageway; thereby serving to draw-in ambient water, the
resulting air and water combination thereby enhancing the resulting
generation of turbulent clog blasting fluid without problematically
introducing additional water into the plumbing-line.
18.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said air-pressure source means can be a conventional hand-portable
pre-pressurized canister, or conventional electric-powered
air-pump, or a conventional combination thereof.
19.) The pneumatic-snake apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said splash-deflector means is a substantially cup shaped annular
trough like member comprised of a centrally stabilizing annular
flange portion which through-hole is sized to be a slip-fit around
said tubing as to thereby serve as a slide-guide; and, including a
contiguous outermost forward terminating annular flange portion,
serving to divert plumbing-line reverse-flowing activated water
turbulence substantially away from back-splashing toward immediate
presence of the human operator.
20.) A method of employing a pneumatic-snake for clearing a clogged
plumbing-line; said method comprising: employing a length of
flexible resilient imperforate tubing with an air-nozzle means at
its leading-end for turbulent blasting of high-velocity air
proximal a plumbing-line obstruction, and including coupling means
at trailing-end of said tubing for connection to an air-valve for
selective inducement of a air-pressure source means; providing a
deflection means arranged as a slip-fit upon said tubing as to
reduce reverse-flow splash at the point of said tubing entry into
said plumbing-line yet enabling manual feeding-in of said tubing
therein said plumbing-line as required to access said plumbing
obstruction; manually inserting said air-nozzle equipped flexible
tubing into the clogged plumbing-line and feeding it linearly
therein until the obstruction is physically encountered, then
applying intermittent said bursts of air via opening and closing of
said air-valve until obstruction becomes disintegrated or dislodged
and passed away into the sewer-line.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to plumbing-snake like apparatus
employed to clear clogged plumbing-line drains, and more
specifically it remotely relates to those types of snake like a
devices employing water as a clog clearing medium.
[0003] 2. Relevant Prior-Art
[0004] Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art
regarded as germane to this disclosure, chronologically for example
U.S. Pat. No. 1,498,446(filed: December 1924) teaches a sewer-line
cleaner apparatus which was essentially incapable of turning an
internal to pipeline corner, but employed a plurality of
water-nozzles serving to irrigate the pipeline wall as a
cutting-disk is advanced forward through the problematical
pipeline; however, there is no contemplation of using air as a
fluid blasting medium.
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 1,803,425(filed: January 1930) shows an
elongated rigid (unable to turn corners) water-nozzle having a
forwardly pointed or tapered-head portion having a core-bore
therein narrowing into an outlet at its nose, plus a plurality of
obliquely angled outlets are also arranged in fluid-communication
with the relatively large core-bore; and, no contemplation of
employing air as a blasting medium.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,062,850(filed: August 1933) shows a
water-powered sewer rotary-cutter with a plurality of radially
arranged water-nozzles, which is a rigid structure unable to
navigate turns within the pipeline; and, no contemplation of
employing air blasting of obstructions within the pipeline.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,568,347(filed: September 1946) shows a
plumbing-line obstruction clearing apparatus employing a flexible
water-hose to which is affixed a bullet-tip nose member, and a
slightly aftward plurality of peripherally radiating water-outlets
squirting obliquely forward thereto, plus an optional cork-screw
like tip which can be attached in place of the bullet-tip;--the
elongated configuration not appearing to be navigateable around
tight turns within the pipe-line, nor is there any contemplation of
employing other than water-pressure.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,608,421(filed: December 1947) is shown a
flexile-spring like rotary-auger which is attached to a flexible
water-hose for manual snaking into a plumbing-line drainpipe, for
simultaneously directing a forwardly outleting jet of water;--the
apparatus appearing to be able to navigate turns within the
pipeline; yet, there is no contemplation of employing air as an
augmenting blasting medium.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,753,876(filed: March 1955) shows a
plumbing-line drain-valve flushing device in the form of a
longitudinally elongated self-inflating rubber-bladder of
convoluted cross-section, which expands to create a barrier and
thereby force the clogging obstruction down the drain-pipe by force
of hydraulic-pressure; thus no of thought employing air is
contemplated.
[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,423(filed: September 1954) shows a
conventional flexible garden water-hose to which is screw-threaded
a special cap like water-nozzle having an abbreviated auger like
nose device, which is intended to snag and dislodge via
water-blasting any obstruction residing with the drain-line; again,
no contemplation is given to the use of air therein.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 2,976,191(filed: January 1959) is shown a
device for killing outside roots growing into a sewer-line,
comprising a flexible fluid(water or air)-line which is in
fluid-communication with an inflatable-bladder snakingly arranged
some distance down the problematical drain-pipe; yet, the option of
air is not contemplated to be utilized for anything other than the
mild releasing of a chemical (such as copper-sulphate), in as much
as the apparatus is not capable of physically (nor pneumatically)
dislodging drain-pipe obstructions.
[0012] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,548(field: January 1964) shows a
sewer-pipeline opener apparatus comprised of a length of flexible
water-hose to the leading-end of which is affixed a tightly coiled
longitudinal spring like tube passing through a plurality of spaced
apart spherical members of approximately the same diameter as the
hose portion cross-section; and including an outlet at the
leading-end of the spring-tube for expelling a jet of water to
dislodge the drain-pipe obstruction.
[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,479(filed: July 1970) shows a
longitudinally elongate rigid tubular member which aftward-end is
affixed to a garden water-hose, the forward-end being formed into a
flattened-oval shape and fitted with a chisel like tip portion
having water-outlets at both lateral-sides where a dual/jet-stream
of water is projected forward of the pointed chisel-nose
portion.
[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,404(filed: June 1975) shows a
longitudinally elongate ball like probing water-nozzle fitted to
the leading-end of a flexible garden water-hose which is connected
to a water-faucet, forcing pressurized-water to stream out of a
plurality of fan-shaped slots formed in the outer periphery of the
water-nozzle; thereby nicely navigating turns encountered with the
drain-pipe, but when a drain-stopper is brought intimately to the
mouth-access of the drain-pipe, either the clogging obstruction is
forced down the drain-pipe via hydraulic-pressure and
hydro-blasting of the obstruction, or a back-pressure will occur
causing a typically stopped-up sink to thus overflow,--making a
wet-mess of things. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,840(filed: February
1975) is shown a drain-pipe clean-out hydro-snake apparatus which
operates substantially like a motorized-feed plumber's snake except
that a flexible water-hose is included within the longitudinal core
of the lengthy coiled-metal member, which is forwardly terminated
with a water-jet nozzel: albeit not contemplating operation via
air-blasting.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,139(filed: July 1979) is shown a
flexible rubber water-hose which is connected to a water-faucet at
its trailing-end. while the forwardmost-end is terminated with
substantially hemispherical shaped water-nozzle having a plurality
of obliquely forward and one longitudinally forward directed
outlets, the single forward outlet being arranged concentric to an
augar-like coiled-metal mechanical impingement device for use in
cooperation with the water-stream action; thus, not contemplating
operation via pneumatic fluid medium.
[0016] Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent
review, there is determined a need for an improved form of device
to which these patents have been largely addressed. The instant
inventor hereof believes their newly improved fluid type
plumber's-snake device, commercially referred to as the
PwrClogbuster.TM., currently being developed for production under
auspices of the SaniSnake-Mfg./Mkt. Co., exhibits certain
advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion of this
instant disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A.) in view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier
invention art, it is therefore important to make it pellucid to
others interested in the art that the primary object of this
invention is to provide an improved type of Professional-plumber
quality fluid-assisted drain-pipeline unclogging apparatus and
method of deployment which is based solely upon the administering
of pressurized-air as the vital fluid-medium, contrary to the
heretofore exclusively relied upon fluid-medium of
pressurized-water. The notion of employing pneumatics instead of
hydraulics, especially resides in its great critical advantage of
not introducing further water to free a clogged drain-pipe, owing
that the introduction of water can adversely exacerbate an already
problematically water-soaked situation. Advantageously, on-going
injection of pressurized-air merely back-flows up into the
ambient-air proximal the drain-pipe entry point; -while by way of
comparison, the on-going injection of any additional water can only
back-flow into the clogged-sink or toilet, which invariably adds
still more of a dirty-water mess (before the stubborn drain clog
finally gives away). Accordingly, my improved
pneumatic/plumber's-snake apparatus is even superior to a
conventional purely mechanical auger-spring type plumber's-snake,
owing that my invention can actually fragment the problematical
clog via manually controlled blasts of resonating-air, along with
optional application of pneumatic-pressure (by blocking-off drain
entry aperture) as well if so desired.
[0018] B.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set
forth a pneumatic/plumber's-snake article according to item-A,
wherein the nozzle portion is preferably made of a relatively rigid
material such as metal (brass generally.) or high-impact
molded-plastic, and is preferably compactly configured as a
hemispherically shaped head which preferably includes a
radially-barbed male-connector portion for connection into the
leading terminus of the tubing. This design is preferred for its
ability to probe and navigate passed the various declinations
(irregularities), turns, and crags presented within the
plumbing-line passageway of a typical drain-pipe ultimately leading
to a main sewer-pipe or a holding-tank (such as a septic-tank for a
building or holding-tank aboard a marine-vessel or motorhome).
[0019] The air-nozzle can be provided with variously configured
air-outlets, some of which are quite similar to the prior-art of
water-nozzel design already in the public-domain, and yet still
other iterations which are of a proprietary nature. For example, I
prefer that most of my air-nozzel embodiments include a
longitudinal primary central outlet which can be an orifice drilled
in the rounded leading terminus of the air-nozzle; however, my
preferred embodiment of this basic nozzle iteration features an
abbreviated snout of longitudinally protruding configuration,
capable of inducing a unique abaxial drawing forward of preipheral
water, which thereby enhances the turbulent blasting action of the
basic air-stream jet. The exiting-orifice portion is approximately
{fraction (3/32)}-inch in internal-diameter, which aftwardly
transcends into an approximate 1/8-inch internal-diameter
passageway extending aftwardly into the air-hose portion.
[0020] Another air-nozzle configuration set forth herein is also
preferably of the substantially hemispherical-head type of forward
projection shape, having a plurality of obliquely forwardly
arranged cooperative secondary outlets eminating from the common
central 1/8-inch air-passageway, which serves to emit an enhanced
forwardly projecting cone of turbulent air. However, a more
proprietary version employs the primary central longitudinal
outlet, plus at least one or several obliquely trailing cooperative
secondary inlets converging into the central outlet as a common
air-passageway to the longitudinal outlet.--This special air-nozzel
thereby serving to suck-in ambient water, the resulting air and
water combination thereby enhancing the resulting generation of
desirably turbulent clog blasting fluid (air & water exiting
together);--yet critically, without introducing additional water
into the plumbing-line drain-pipe.
[0021] The air-hose is an imperforate flexible resilient
conventional rubber tubing or other commercially available type of
air-hose tubing preferably employing cording-reinforcement capable
of reliably handling 80-120 psi, and preferably having a mini/max
inside-diameter of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch. This air-hose tubing can
be of most any suitable length (ideally, a relatively short length
of say about 12-feet, which can be optionally coupled to an
increased length of air-hose tubing as required for more remotely
situated drain clogs), while the aftward or trailing-end of the
tubing is provided with a conventional coupling, preferably such as
a standard air-hose male/female type mechanical positive
quick-disconnect (although a barbed type of male-connector of the
type which is merely manually pressed into the resilient rubber
tubing will generally suffice).
[0022] C.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set
forth a pneumatic/plumber's-snake article according to
items-A&B, wherein the flexible tubing air-hose includes a
slip-fitting annular splash-deflector device having a central
through-hole bore acting as a slide-glide portion and through which
the air-hose is manually fed proximal the drain-pipe entry
aperture, the particular radially outermost forward projecting
annular flange portion thereof thus describing a cup-shape
(substantially like an encircling trough) effectively serving to
divert the plumbing-line reverse-flowing air activated water
turbulence as to be directed substantially away from otherwise
undesirably back-splashing toward the immediate presence of its
human operator.
[0023] D.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set
forth a pneumatic/plumber's-snake article according to
items-A,B,&C, wherein the air-hose portion is preferably
connected in fluid-communication with a conventional commercially
available intermediate air-valve device preferably having both a
fully-closable and a fully-openable mode of operation. The
air-valve inlet-port is thus necessarily connected aftwardly to a
source of air-pressure, such can be provided by a simple
light-weight hand-portable air-tank unit,--or the air-pressure
source can be an existing air-line (such as generally found in a
workshop or aboard a military marine-vessel for example), or via a
conventional hand-portable gasoline or electric powered
air-compressor (such as a piston-type or diaphragm-type) often
combination with an air-reservoir unit (so as to provide a greater
steady head of pressure). Use of my pneumatic-snake invention in
conjunction with most any manually operated air-pump unit, is not
considered to be a practical alternative, owing that to achieve a
decent head of air-pressure while manipulating the pneumatic-snake
into the stopped-up drain-pipe is simply more effort than one
person can effectively manage.
[0024] In actual operation, the air-hose is simply fed down into
the drain-pipe which may for example be part of an ordinary sink
(basin), bathtub, or commode (toilet),--with some degree of learned
dexterity, owing that a novice user may think they have encountered
the resistance presented by the problematical drain obstruction,
when perhaps it is only that the advancing water-nozzle is merely
in the midst of navigating a right-angle turn within the
drain-pipe, and will soon pass to impinge upon the actual
obstruction a short distance further down the drain-pipe.
[0025] Once the obstruction is believed to be reached, it is
suggested that the human operator then commence to employ a
sequentially intermittent operation in preferred direct bursts of
approximately 2-4 seconds open-valve time duration, followed by a
closed-valve pause of another approximately 2-4 seconds duration
time before resuming open-valve pulsed operation;--to be conducted
repetitiously until the obstruction becomes cleared (as will be
observed by a sudden drop in water-level within the sink
surrounding the addressed drain-outlet).
[0026] The prime object of my invention is to therefore provide a
more effective and efficient tool and method for unclogging a
blockage within drain-pipes of all the various types found in
domestic, institutional, and mobile (such as marine and motorhome)
plumbing systems. For example, the disclosed invention is quite
adaptable and convenient aboard even the largest of sea-going
vessels, owing to the ready availability of 80-120 psi air-pressure
service-outlets; and my preferably rubber based air-hose
pneumatic-snake body is virtually immune to the adverse effects of
saltwater environment, which corrosiveness is a constant enemy to
the traditional coiled plated-steel plumber's-snake. Moreover, the
more resonate effect (being a compressive fluid medium) of
pressurized-air actually exerts a more fragmenting blast effect,
which more readily cuts through and loosens most of the usual foul
and tenacious materials which are found to be the major cause of
problematical blockages in drain-pipes.
[0027] Furthermore, it has been found that the exceptional
flexibility of my simple pneumatic-snake apparatus, functions to be
much more easily forced into the drain-pipe and around the various
S-bends, U-bends, and L-bends, which often pose a difficult task to
the manipulator of a conventional coiled-wire & wire-core
snake, or steel-tape snake, that can barely probe around some
simple 90-degree elbow type L-bends commonly found on an enclosed
vacuum-type sewer-drain pipe utilized on most modern marine ships.
Hence, the pneumatic-snake of my invention actually demands less
operating skill, yet is more easily deployed, and is easily
cleaned-up after usage--simply by purging the interior of the
withdrawn hose & nozzle with air-pressure, and rinsing-off its
exterior.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS
[0028] The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will
become fully apparent, along with various advantages and features
of novelty residing in the present embodiments, from study of the
following description of the variant generic species embodiments
and study of the ensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein
indicia of reference are shown to match related matter stated in
the text, as well as the claims section annexed hereto; and
accordingly, a better understanding of the invention and the
variant uses is intended, by reference to the drawings, which are
considered as primarily exemplary and not to be therefore construed
as restrictive in nature; wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 , is a semi-diagrammatic side/elevation-view of the
"prior-art" hydraulic-snake apparatus and system, serving to
demonstrate the problems inherent in the use of water as the
jet-thrust blasting medium; thereby exacerbating the water-flooding
situation:
[0030] FIG. 2, is a semi-diagrammatic side/elevation-view of my
pneumatic-snake apparatus and system, including cutaway three
portions serving to comparatively demonstrate the inherent benefits
of my waterless let-thrust blasting medium, which advantageously
eliminates the heretofore potential water-flooding situation;
[0031] FIG. 3, is an enlarged side/elevation-view of my basic
hemihead/air-nozzle member, featuring a single central passageway
for providing the air-jetstream turbulence;
[0032] FIG. 4, is a side/elevation-view of my optional
hemihead/air-nozzle member having a protruding nose portion, and
demonstrating how a boundary-layer of water is induced to increase
the turbulence of the air-jetstream;
[0033] FIG. 5, is a side/elevation-view showing an alternate
air-nozzle configuration thereof, employing auxiliary oblique
forwardly directed air-outlets effectively producing a wider
dispersion of turbulent air-jetstream;
[0034] FIG. 6, is a side/elevation-view showing an optional
combination air/water type of nozzle, employing aftwardly oriented
water-induction inlets, which provide a water-augmentation to the
primary air-driven jet-stream for additional jet-stream
turbulence.
1 IV.) ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES: 10, 10'/10" existing
exemplified drain J-pipe, lodged clog/expelled fragment 11, 11'
normal odor-vapor water-trap level, ambient water 12, 12', 12"
backed-up basin water-level, existing basin, drain- aperture 13,
13' prior-art: remote water-faucet 14, 14' prior-art: water-hose,
female/hose-connector 15, 15' prior-art: water-nozzle, water-jet
action 16, 16', 16" prior-art: annular hydraulic-stopper,
back-flowing hose-water, back-flowing poluted-water 17, 17', 17"
perimeter-flange, sliding-sleeve, deflected-air splash- back
action(ref.-arrow) 18, 18', 18", 18p air-hose, sleeving,
reinforcement-cording, air-line passageway 19, 19', 19" general
nozzle, hemispherical-head, circular-extension portion 20, 20', 20"
protrusional-nose, no-snag junction, boundary-layer water-flow
ref.-arrows 21, 21', 21" delivery-passageway, transitional-taper,
exiting-orifice 22, 22', 22" oblique peripheral air-outlet, air
outlet-tunnel, air-flow action ref.-arrows 23, 23', 23" oblique
peripheral water-inlet, inlet-tunnels, admixture-ports 24/24', 24"
air-control valve: closed/open, cyclic off/on/off/on- action 25,
25', 25" male-connector nipple, plural retention-barbs, enlarged
stator-annulus 26, 26', 26" R/air-reservoir or P/air-pump
representation, pressurized-air, expended-air 27, 27', 27" primary
air-blast, auxiliary air-blast, combined air/ water turbulent-blast
28, 28', 28" diverted air-path, anti-splash air-path, blast-through
air-path 29 metal ferrel 30 longitudinal-axis 31 water-flow action
ref.-arrows
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Initial reference comparison is given by way of FIG. -1,
wherein is exhibited the most relevant known example of the
remotely related prior-art (U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,404), wherein is
employed a water-faucet 13 (generally controlling 60-100 psi
line-pressure) to which a standard water-hose 14 is attached via a
female/screw-threaded connector 14'. The leading end of hose 14 is
fitted with a specialized obstruction blasting water-nozzle 15
possibly having plural outletting water-jets 15' serving to
dislodge the exemplified lodged-clog clump of debris 10' from the
conventional exemplified J-trap drain-pipe 10 normally maintaining
a water odor-barrier therein at level 11. Accordingly, the usual
procedure with such prior-art hydraulic-snake apparatus, is to feed
the special nozzle equipped water-hose down the drain-pipe 10 via a
manual pushing-in action until the obstruction is met, whereupon an
annular rubber-plug like hydraulic-stopper 16 is often manually
pressed in place in effort to impose a backing-up of
water-pressure,--whereupon water-faucet 13 is opened to blast the
obstruction with the ensuing water-jet action. However, there is
often another drain-pipe air-vent passageway (including typically,
a stand-pipe venting to the roof of a building for example) which
may be in the plumbing-drain circuit preventing full
hydraulic-pressure being imposed; or. there may be an air-vent
located before the J-trap (not shown here for sake of illustration
clarity) arranged just below the drain-aperture 12", which when
other than a partial clogging occurs, the blocked water within the
drain-pipe has typically risen to a level 12 visible within the
exemplified sink (or basin, bathtub, toilet-bowl for example) 12'
confines. Here in FIG. 1, we see how a conventional prior-art
water-powered hydraulic-snake thus unfortunately inherently acts to
exacerbate the stoppage problem, by necessarily introducing more
water 12 into the drain-pipe at 15' in an often failed effort to
clear the obstruction; in such event, the typically murky water can
resultingly overflow the confines of the sink 12' to thus worsen
the environmental mess.
[0036] With the general prior-art thus defined and demonstrated via
FIG. 1. we now direct our attention to FIG. 2, wherein the nature
of my improvement over that of the prior-art is broadly defined as
a pneumatic-snake apparatus, the primary function of which is to
induce a direct fluid blasting of the drain-pipe obstruction
(clog), yet without introducing exacerbating water content to the
plumbing drain-pipe system. Hence, while the apparatus and method
of FIG. 2 may initially appear rather similar to that of FIG. 1
(prior-art), it is teaching use of a different fluid medium of air
instead of water; plus there remain other subtle, however vital
differences which are to become herein more evident and understood
as important improvements. For example, note that a pneumatic-hose
(tubing) 18 is utilized only, and shows the air-hose 18 being thus
ultimately connected to a source of air-pressure 26 (which can be a
hand-portable air-tank R/reservoir, or alternately an
air-compressor P/pump); and the imperforate air-line (conventional
air-hose tubing) 18 is arranged preferably with an intermediate
preferably manually operated control-valve(V) having both open 24'
and closed 24" positions of selective operation. Accordingly, when
it is determined there is a clogged (or partially clogded)
drain-pipe 10 condition, the invention apparatus hereof is brought
into use by preferably first passing the air-hose tubing through
the sliding-sleeve 17' portion of the splash-deflector so that the
outer perimeter-flange portion 17 forming an annular cup like
trough becomes directed toward the drain-aperture 12", and
inserting one of the several different optional (generic-variants)
air-nozzle embodiments (revealed in FIGS. 3-6) into the forward
terminus of the air-hose 18. This air-hose can be made of any
tubing having sufficient linear-integrity as to withstand (without
linearly collapsing upon itself) the manual feeding-in
linear-pushing action necessarily applied proximal the
drain-aperture 12". While the tubing can be just plain rubber or
flexile plastic, it is preferably of the type having an internal
fabric like reinforcement-cord 18" such as is depicted in FIG. 5,
and an optional external sleeve 18' (such as a slippery Teflon
material) like covering as indicated in FIG. 4, which is preferably
both forwardly and aftwardly finished with a conventional
protective metal furrel 29 also helping to secure the air-hose
tubing from blow-off expansion release from the male
connector-shank 25 member.
[0037] Therefore, in FIG. 2 note that the aftward terminus
(trailing end) of flexible air-hose tubing 18 can be provided with
conventional male-into-female connectors for joining in any
preferred manner (such as via male into female friction fitting
connection, or via unshown conventional workshop type
quick-disconnect male/female-fittings) as to establish reliable
fluid communication within the rudimentary air-line circuit
depicted conventional air-pressure source. The forward terminus of
the air-hose tubing 18 thus employs some form of an air-nozzle 19
(generally having at least one air outlet), and in FIG. 2 is shown
fed into the exemplified J-pipe 10 until it has encounted physical
resistance of the exemplified clog obstruction 10', at which point
the user (plumber or any layman) opens air-valve (V) to position
24' (preferably in a cyclic on-off-on-off sequence of operation
24"-24"-24"-etc), whereby the high-pressure air 26' becomes thereby
emitted as turbulent-air 27 from the exemplified air-nozzle 19 here
shown with an optional protrusional-nose type portion 20.
[0038] Since normal water-trap level is indicated at 11, the
introduction of air only can in some instances find the water
substantially blown out of the J-trap 10 either by being carried
off with the diverted air-path 28 and up as a backflow action and
out the drain-pipe with deflected-air anti-splash action of
ref.-arrow 28'; or more preferably, the air will quickly
blast-through via air-path 28". However, the situations vary and
there can also be a backed-up water condition such as is depicted
at 12 in FIG. 1. Note here also, that it is desired that no
backflow stopper 16 type of device be employed, owing that my
principle does not rely upon hydraulic-pressure to expell the
lodged clog 10',--only the turbulent blast effect 27. Accordingly,
the turbulent blast of the high-speed air 22' advantageously never
adds to the existing water level, and as exemplified expelled
fragments 10' become dislodged from the drain-pipe, and any water
held in the sink is commenced to flow down the drain, only then may
the operator elect to optionally introduce additional water into
the exemplified sink (via the sink/basin faucet for example), as to
assist in finally flushing the entire clog debris 10' away into a
usually substantially larger cross-section conventional sewer-pipe
or holding-tank system (neither of the latter being shown
here).
[0039] Study of subsequent FIGS. 3-6 reveals further details of my
air-nozzle design, whereby the simple and effective standard
coaxial outlet orifice 21' design of FIG. 3 is arranged frontally
to the preferred smooth "anti-snag" hemispherical-head shape 19',
and is contoured into a no-snag junction joint 20', thus blending
smoothly into the external surface of the air-hose tubing 18. In
the FIG. 3 embodiment, the air-nozzle simply employs a conventional
smooth shank 25 which is merely pressed firmly into the tubing
passageway 18p, while in FIG. 4 a conventional male shank portion
having optional retention-barbs 25', whereas in FIG. 5 is shown the
further alternative of a male shank (or nipple) portion provided
with a single enlarged aftward-terminus 25":--such male shank
election here being essentially of engineering design choice. The
overall longitudinal passageway of the air-nozzle also preferably
includes an enlarged delivery-passageway portion 21 and a prefered
transitional-taper region 21' leading coaxially into the primary
longitudinal air-outlet orifice 21". Note then in FIG. 4 the
optional additional smoothly puckered protrusional-nose portion 20,
while not as snag-resistant a shape as the basic pure
hemispherical-head 19' configuration of FIG. 3, serves to
externally draw an enhancing boundary-layer 20" of ambient water
into the air longitudinal exiting orifice 21", creating a unique
external admixture blend of water and air; -thereby providing an
enhancing turbulent-blasting effect 27".
[0040] The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows an air-nozzle which primary
feature is the provision of secondary or auxiliary air-blast
orifices 22 arranged approximately 45-degrees to the air-nozzles's
central (on longitudinal-axis 25") delivery-passageway 21; which
resulting air-blasts 27' (via preferably three to five obliquely
arranged outlets) also preferably cooperate with the here optional
longitudinal exiting-orifice 21".
[0041] Lastly, in FIG. 6 is shown a further generic-variant
air-nozzle preferably having three or four perpheral water-inlets
23 in fluid communication via tunnels 23' preferably arranged
obliquely (at approximately 45-degrees) within the nozzle's aftward
circular-extension portion 19" while in fluid-communication with
the common central delivery-passageway 21;--whereby a venturi
siphon effect is automatically generated drawing ambient water into
the delivery-passageway 21 via high-speed air from tubing 18p blows
passed admixture-port regions 23" to mix internally and erupt as a
turbulent-blast of combined air and water 27".
[0042] Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and
generic-variant embodiments of this invention contemplate
performing functions in a novel way not heretofore available nor
realized. It is implicit that the utility of the foregoing
adaptations of this invention are not necessarily dependent upon
any prevailing invention patent: and, while the present invention
has been well described hereinbefore by way of certain illustrated
embodiments, it is to be expected that various changes,
alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may be
resorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates,
without substantially departing from the implied spirit and scope
of the instant invention. Therefore, the invention has been
disclosed herein by way of example, and not as imposed limitation,
while the appended claims set out the scope of the invention
sought, and are to be construed as broadly as the terminology
therein employed permits, reckoning that the invention verily
comprehends every use of which it is susceptible. Accordingly, the
embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows.
* * * * *