U.S. patent application number 11/437450 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for adjustable float tree.
Invention is credited to Walter L. Weber.
Application Number | 20060272203 11/437450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37452623 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weber; Walter L. |
December 7, 2006 |
Adjustable float tree
Abstract
An adjustable float tree which provides quick, easy, and precise
placement and removal of floats or float switches within a liquid
medium. The apparatus comprises a tree mount with a removable and
easily positioned tree tube and a positioning mechanism
communicating there between. Said tree tube slidably fits with said
tree mount and allows the float cords to extend from said tree
tube. The tree mount securely attaches with a supply or other type
of pipe or structure with the tree tube precisely placing and
positioning one or more floats.
Inventors: |
Weber; Walter L.; (St.
Louis, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEVIN L KLUG;ATTORNEY AT LAW
11237 CONCORD VILLAGE AVENUE
ST. LOUIS
MO
63123-2273
US
|
Family ID: |
37452623 |
Appl. No.: |
11/437450 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60683232 |
May 20, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
47/40.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 23/36 20130101;
G01F 23/76 20130101; G01F 23/30 20130101; G01F 23/0007 20130101;
G01F 23/44 20130101; G05D 9/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/040.5 |
International
Class: |
A47G 33/12 20060101
A47G033/12 |
Claims
1. An adjustable float tree comprising: a tree mount having a front
side, a rear side having one or more clamps capable of mounting to
a structure, an exterior circumference, an interior, one or more
positioning mechanisms, one or more mount bores, and an exterior
having one or more mount slots sized to allow one or more float
cords of one or more floats to thread through said tree mount
without disconnecting or removing said float; and one or more of
said mount slots communicating with one or more of said mount
bores; and one or more tree tubes each comprising a substantially
tubular structure having a top, a bottom, and one or more cord
retaining slots capable of retaining said float cord and allowing
said float cord to extend from said tree tube onto a surface of or
into a liquid to be measured; and said tubular structure of said
tree tube capable of threading said float cord and providing
shielding and protection to said float cord; and each of said tree
tubes sized to be fed through one or more of said mount bores; and
said positioning mechanism capable of secure and repeated mounting
of said tree tube with said tree mount without the use of one or
more specialty tools whereby a positional placement of said float
is maintained even when one or more floats are adjusted, replaced,
or removed and a possibility of said float or float cord
impingement, entanglement, or obstruction by other of said floats
or said float cords is minimized.
2. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 1, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at substantially said top of said
tree tube having a crown with one or more positioning indents in
order to secure and position one or more of said float cords
exiting from said tube cap.
3. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 1, further
comprising: one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said trees whereby vertical and rotational
placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and further
providing a hangar for an excess length of said float cord.
4. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 1, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at said top of said tree tube having
a crown with one or more positioning indents in order to secure and
position one or more of said float cords exiting from said tube
cap; and one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said tree tubes whereby vertical and
rotational placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and
further providing a hangar for an excess length of said float
cord.
5. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 1, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: one or more flexible
retainers mounted with said tree mount; and one or more positioning
slots within said tree tube which slidably interlock with said tree
mount and said flexible retainer engages with one of said
positioning slots whereby float height adjustment is provided.
6. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 5, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: said flexible retainer
positioned within said interior of said tree mount; and a spacer
between said flexible retainer and said interior of said tree
mount; and a retainer retaining said flexible retainer in
combination with said spacer.
7. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 2, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: one or more flexible
retainers mounted with said tree mount; and one or more positioning
slots within said tree tube which slidably interlock with said tree
mount and said flexible retainer engages with one of said
positioning slots whereby float height adjustment is provided; and
one or more of said retaining slots positioned, incorporated, or
attached substantially near said bottom of said tree tube.
8. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 3, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: one or more flexible
retainers mounted with said tree mount; and one or more positioning
slots within said tree tube which slidably interlock with said tree
mount and said flexible retainer engages with one of said
positioning slots whereby float height adjustment is provided; and
one or more of said retaining slots positioned, incorporated, or
attached substantially near said bottom of said tree tube.
9. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 4, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: one or more flexible
retainers mounted with said tree mount; and one or more positioning
slots within said tree tube which slidably interlock with said tree
mount and said flexible retainer engages with one of said
positioning slots whereby float height adjustment is provided; and
one or more of said retaining slots positioned, incorporated, or
attached substantially near said bottom of said tree tube.
10. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 1, said
positioning mechanism further comprising: a mount seat with said
tree mount; and a shoulder on said tree tube at or near said top
and of greater diameter than said mount bore whereby said shoulder
may not slide through said mount bore.
11. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 10, further
comprising: an enlarged portion of greater width or diameter than
said mount slot near said top of said tree tube but of lesser width
or diameter than said mount bore whereby said tree tube is retained
within said mount bore; and each of said tree tubes able to support
more than one of said floats.
12. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 10, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at said top of said tree tube having
a crown with one or more positioning indents in order to secure and
position one or more of said float cords exiting from said tube
cap.
13. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 10, further
comprising: one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said trees whereby vertical and rotational
placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and further
providing a hangar for an excess length of said float cord.
14. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 10, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at said top of said tree tube having
a crown with one or more positioning indents in order to secure and
position one or more of said float cords exiting from said tube
cap; and one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said trees whereby vertical and rotational
placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and further
providing a hangar for an excess length of said float cord.
15. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 11, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at said top of said tree tube having
a crown with one or more positioning indents in order to secure and
position one or more of said float cords exiting from said tube
cap.
16. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 11, further
comprising: one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said trees whereby vertical and rotational
placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and further
providing a hangar for an excess length of said float cord.
17. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 11, further
comprising: a tube cap mounted at said top of said tree tube having
a crown with one or more positioning indents in order to secure and
position one or more of said float cords exiting from said tube
cap; and one or more tree arms on said tree tube near or at said
top of one or more of said trees whereby vertical and rotational
placement of said one or more floats is facilitated and further
providing a hangar for an excess length of said float cord.
18. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 5, further
comprising: one or more cord apertures within said tree tube
whereby precision retention of said float cord and float with said
tree tube is assured.
19. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 10, further
comprising: one or more cord apertures within said tree tube
whereby precision retention of said float cord and float with said
tree tube is assured.
20. The adjustable float tree as described in claim 19, further
comprising: one or more tree clamps on said tree tube capable of
substantially closing said cord retaining slots when a length of
said float cord and a position of said float are achieved and
positioned within one of said cord apertures and thereby securing
said float cord into said aperture.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application #60/683,232, filed May 20.sup.th, 2005, entitled
Adjustable Float Tree
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The art of the present invention relates to float switch
positioning devices for septic pump tanks, wells, cisterns, sumps,
industrial pits, and other liquid storage facilities in general and
more particularly to an adjustable and removable float tree which
allows for quick, convenient, and easy installation, removal, or
adjustment with the aforesaid facilities. The device and method of
use represents an improvement over the prior art, especially the
prior art method which often requires manual tying of float cords
to a supply pipe.
[0003] Within septic pump tanks, wells, cisterns, sumps, industrial
pits, and other liquid storage facilities, submersible pumps are
often suspended within a liquid, typically water, and connected via
piping through the side walls or top of the aforesaid. Often a
supply pipe is connected substantially vertically with said pump
and then diverted (often substantially perpendicularly) through
said side walls or top as an exiting or effluent pipe. In the
aforesaid applications, it is desirable and often required to have
fluid level, control, or alarm float switches (floats) placed at
optimum locations to control the fluid level, controllers, or
alarms within said facilities. The aforesaid floats are staples of
the septic, well, sump, and liquid storage arts. Widely used
embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,142,108 &
5,087,801 both entitled Sphere-actuated Float Switch issued to
Johnston, et al., in 1992 and assigned to S. J. Electro Systems,
Inc. of Detroit Lakes, Minn.
[0004] Each float contains a switch, typically mechanical or wetted
mercury, which when allowed to float on the surface of a liquid
makes a low resistance contact between the exiting wires contained
within a float cord. That is, typically each conventional float
represents a sealed cylinder which has two or more exiting wires,
typically in the form of a cord, which are sealed at the exiting
point of the cylinder. When the float is gravitationally suspended
by said wires, the central axis of said cylinder is approximately
parallel with the gravitational force. When suspended by the
surface of a liquid, the central axis of said float tilts
approximately perpendicular with said gravitational force. When
tilted, the aforesaid mechanical or wetted mercury switches make
said low resistance contact.
[0005] It is desirable to place one or more of said floats within
said facilities at optimum locations in order to control minimum,
maximum, or medial levels of the liquid within, or controller and
alarm functions. Prior art techniques require a plumbing technician
to lean into the liquid storage facility and physically tie the
float cord wire to the supply pipe. This technique is fraught with
undesirable placement, adjustability, functionality, and removal
problems. That is, the technician must tie and hold the float at
the same time, thereby limiting positional accuracy. The floats are
then simply held by a tie to said supply pipe which, if due to
moisture or other factors, said tie loosens, the float loses its
pre-positioning. Also, float replacement pursuant to said prior art
method requires said technician to lean into said liquid storage
facility, cut the tie, remove the old float, and attempt to place a
new float at an equivalent position without repeatable indicia.
This prior art task is time consuming, inconvenient, and
unrepeatable with any precision.
[0006] A prior art float tree apparatus is available from the
Zoeller Company of Louisville, Ky., USA, with model numbers
10-1050, 10-1051, and 10-1052. This prior art is limited in its
ability to hold onto a supply pipe, requires complete removal of
all floats for any single float adjustment and further requires a
plumbing technician to crawl or lean into the septic, sump, well,
or facility for removal. The aforesaid limits the repeatability of
placement precision available from the prior art. The present art
in contrast, allows removal of the floats without a plumbing
technician crawling or leaning into the septic, sump, well, or
facility for removal and in a preferred embodiment allows for
individual float adjustment without the aforesaid contortions.
Also, the present art preferred and alternative embodiments assure
precise relocation of any individual float when removed and
replaced.
[0007] The present art adjustable float tree apparatus comprises a
tree mount which easily, quickly and securely attaches to said
supply pipe or other structure and one or more tree tubes which
hold said floats via said float cord(s) and easily slip and
position with said tree mount. That is, the present art apparatus
repeatably positions with and is held by said tree mount. This
present art apparatus provides a novel method of positioning floats
which is as easy as sliding a tube within a bore. The present art
further allows for convenient rotational positioning of floats
relative to other floats or nearby supply pipes. No prior art
apparatus or method provides this level of convenience in
conjunction with the aforesaid precision and repeatability.
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide an adjustable float tree apparatus and method of use which
provides quick, easy, and precise placement and removal of floats
or float switches within a liquid medium.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable
float tree apparatus and method of use which is capable of placing
and positioning multiple floats.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable float tree apparatus and method of use which easily and
securely attaches with any supply or other type of pipe or
structure.
[0011] A still further object of the invention is to provide an
adjustable float tree apparatus having a method of use which does
not require a plumbing technician to crawl or extend into a septic
tank, well, cistern, sump, industrial pit, and other liquid storage
facility in order to adjust, replace, or remove the floats.
[0012] Another further object of the invention is to provide an
adjustable float tree apparatus and method of use which provides
independent adjustment or placement of the supported floats in an
incremental or continuous fashion.
[0013] A yet further object of the invention is to provide an
adjustable float tree apparatus and method of use which allows a
single float to be replaced or repaired without affecting the
positional placement of other floats supported by said tree.
[0014] A still further object of the invention is containment of
the float cords within the float rod tubes whereby said float cords
are prevented from self entanglement or entanglement with other
float cords, floats, or other objects.
[0015] A still further object of the invention is the provision of
a hook or arm for storage of excess float cord whereby the float
and float cord removal is achieved without disconnection of said
float cord from a junction box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this
invention there is provided an adjustable float tree apparatus and
method of use for convenient, secure, and repeatable placement,
repair, and removal of floats or float switches. The apparatus and
method of use is especially suited for adjustable float placement
within septic pump tanks, wells, cisterns, sumps, industrial pits,
and other liquid storage facilities.
[0017] In its preferred form, the adjustable float tree is
comprised of a tree mount and one or more tree tubes which insert
into and are held by said mount. The tree mount is typically
connected via a clamp, preferably a hose clamp, with a supply pipe
which often is connected with a pump submerged within a liquid
medium. The float switches are utilized to detect the position of
the surface level of said liquid or operate controls and alarms. In
a preferred embodiment, the tree mount is capable of securely
attaching with pipes from 3/4 inch to two (2) inches in diameter
and is also capable of connection with other stationary structures
of approximately equivalent diameter or cross section. Alternative
embodiments may utilize clamps or other structures to attach with
any size pipe or structure.
[0018] The tree tubes, supported by said tree mount, each support
one or more floats. In a preferred embodiment, said tree tubes
provide approximately 24 inches of float height adjustment with
alternative embodiments providing more or less as the application
requires. Unique to the present art, once the tree mount is secured
with its supporting structure, removal, placement, and positioning
of the one or more tree tubes with attached floats is easily and
quickly accomplished by hand without the use of specialty tools.
Also unique to the present art is the shielding provided by said
tree tubes. That is, said float cords preferably run through said
tree tubes which provide protection to said electrical wires or
float cords in often harsh environments. Furthermore, said tubes
minimize the possibility of float or cord impingement,
entanglement, or obstruction by self entanglement or other floats
or cords.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, each tree tube has one or more
three to five inch grooves or retaining slots near the bottom
portion for securing and adjusting the float cord(s). That is,
typically the float cord threads through the hollow center of the
tree tube and extends from said tube onto the surface of or into
the liquid to be measured. During setup said cord is extended and
pulled through said retaining slots and positioned into a retaining
portion of said slot or cord aperture whereby it is secured. This
allows a desired length of cord to extend from said tree tube and
securely maintain said length without slippage and further provides
accurate positioning of said cord or tether length to control float
positioning accuracy.
[0020] Alternative embodiments may utilize retaining slots of
varying lengths. Alternative embodiments of said tree tube
typically contain longer retaining slots of narrower width and a
plurality of cord apertures. In an alternative embodiment, a singe
tree tube supports multiple floats and utilizes tree clamps, again
typically hose clamps, to substantially close said slots when the
cord length and float position are achieved and positioned within a
cord aperture. That is, when the user places the float cord into a
cord aperture of choice, he or she places a tree clamp around the
tree tube to secure the cord into the aperture of choice.
[0021] In all embodiments, the tree tubes typically contain a tree
arm near or at the top of each tree. This allows each tree tube to
be adjusted with ease, both vertically and rotationally, and
further provides a hanger for retention of a roll of excess float
cord. In a preferred embodiment a tube cap having a crown with one
or more positioning indents is mounted at the top of each tree in
order to secure and position the exiting float cords. Also
proximate the top of each alternative embodiment tree tube is an
enlarged portion having an uppermost shoulder which seats with the
tree mount circumference.
[0022] The preferred embodiment of the tree mount contains a
positioning mechanism which retains each tree tube via one or more
positioning slots within said tree tube. That is, the tree mount
has one or more flexible retainers which allow each tree tube to
slidably "snap" or position into place. Alternative embodiment tree
mounts utilize a fixed positioning mechanism. That is, the
aforesaid enlarged portion shoulder gravitationally seats onto a
smaller diameter portion of the tree mount circumference
surrounding the mount bore. All embodiments of the tree mount have
a mount slot in a front side which allows threading of the float
cords during placement of said tree tubes without removal of the
floats or other cord connections.
[0023] Although preferably manufactured from a polyvinylchloride
(PVC) material, the apparatus may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including but not limited to woods, metals, composites,
metals and alloys thereof, or ceramics without departing from the
scope and spirit herein intended. Said manufacturing includes but
is not limited to fabrication from stock tubular or round stock
materials and associated fittings, molding, machining, casting,
forging, pressing, laminating, carving, or utilization of
stereo-lithographic or electro-dynamic milling techniques.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the
invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a right plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
adjustable float tree shown in an assembled form.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a right plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a left plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
adjustable float tree shown in an assembled form.
[0031] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of
the positioning mechanism assembled with tree tubes and defined in
FIG. 6 as enlargement 7-7.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a right plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the adjustable float tree shown in an assembled form.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a right plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a an alternative embodiment
of a tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a left plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a tree tube of the adjustable float tree.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the adjustable float tree shown in an assembled form.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a septic tank showing a
typical installation of a preferred embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a septic tank showing a
typical installation of an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7
& 14 a preferred embodiment of an adjustable float tree 10 and
in FIGS. 8-13 & 15 an alternative embodiment of an adjustable
float tree 10. The apparatus 10 is particularly adapted for quick,
convenient, secure, and repeatable positioning, adjustment, and
removal or replacement of float switches 68, especially within
septic pump tanks, wells, cisterns, sumps, industrial pits, and
other liquid storage facilities. In many applications, the present
art 10 is utilized in conjunction with and attached to a supply
pipe 72 which is typically fed via a submerged pump 74 within a
liquid, the surface level of which is to be measured and controlled
by said floats 68.
[0041] The present invention 10 comprises a tree mount 12 and one
or more tree tubes 42, each having associated components and
features. Unlike the prior art, the present art 10 mount 12 and
tube(s) 42 combination is easily installed and removed and assures
that float 68 positional placement is maintained even when one or
more floats 68 are adjusted, replaced, or removed
[0042] The tree mount 12 comprises a front side 28, a rear side 14,
an interior 30 and an exterior circumference 22. In the preferred
embodiment, the tree mount is formed from a section of pipe or
tubing and said exterior circumference 22 is approximately of
circular shape. Said exterior circumference 22 may take any shape
in alternative embodiments including but not limited to elliptical,
rectangular, triangular, or any other substantially polygonal form
or piecewise assembly thereof. Said rear side 14 of said tree mount
12 has an approximately concave portion 15 and a clamp 16 which
mates and securely attaches respectively with a supply pipe 72 or
other structure in order to create a fixed placement.
[0043] Typically said clamp 16 comprises a conventional hose clamp
connected with said tree mount 12 whereby said mount 12 may be
forcibly held with and against said supply pipe 72. Alternative
embodiments may utilize clamps 16 or attachments of any form
provided said tree mount 12 is securely held with said supply pipe
72 or other structure. Said attachments may take the form of
screws, pins, welds, adhesives, interlocking mates, or any other
structure provided again said tree mount 12 is securely held. In
the preferred and alternative embodiments shown in the Figures,
said clamp 16 is connected with said tree mount 12 via an
attachment bolt 18 through said tree mount 12, said bolt secured
with an attachment nut 20. That is the clamp 16 compressively holds
said tree mount 12 to said supply pipe 72 or other structure via
the force placed between said attachment bolt and said supply pipe
72 or other structure.
[0044] All embodiments of the present invention 10 have a mount
slot 24 which communicates with a mount bore 26 within said tree
mount 12. Within the preferred embodiment, said slot(s) 24 is
within the exterior circumference 22. Alternative embodiments may
placed said slot(s) 24 in a plurality of locations including but
not limited to said front side 28. This allows for float cord 70
threading through said tree mount 12 without disconnecting or
removing said floats 68 or re-running the electrical float cord(s)
70 of said floats 68 through said tree tubes 42. Within the
preferred embodiment, said mount slots 24 are typically of smaller
width since the tree tube 42 is not required to pass through said
slot 24 during installation and removal of said tube 42. That is,
in the preferred embodiment the tree tube 42 is sized whereby it is
typically fed from the top of tree mount 12 through a mount bore 26
and only the one or more float cords 70 need pass through the slot
24. Within the alternative embodiment shown in the Figures, the
cross section of the tree tube 42 but not the enlarged portion 44
must pass through said slot 24 for proper seating, mounting, and
assembly within said mount bore 26. That is, the enlarged portion
44 is sized to fit with or within the mount bore 26 but not fit
through said slot 24.
[0045] Within all embodiments, the interior 30 of said tree mount
12 contains a positioning mechanism 32 for secure and repeated
mounting of said tree tube(s) 42. That is, said positioning
mechanism 32 holds said tree tube 42 with said tree mount 12.
Unique to the preferred embodiment, is a flexible retainer 40
mounted with said tree mount 12 and which allows one or more
positioning slots 46 within the tree tubes 42 to slidably interlock
with said tree mount 12. That is, the tree tube 42 slides within
said mount bore 26 and flexes said flexible retainer 40 as each
positioning slot 46 moves past the flexible retainer 40. The
flexible retainer 40 creates a "snapping" sound in order to audibly
indicate when the user passes through another positioning slot 46.
When the user achieves a desired depth placement of each tree tube
42, the flexible retainer 40 engages with a positioning slot 46 and
holds the tree tube 42 in place. In the preferred embodiment, said
flexible retainer 40 is held interior 30 by one or more retainer
bolts 36 or retainers and interposed and positioned on the shaft of
said retainer bolt 36 between a spacer sleeve 34 and a retainer nut
38. That is, said retainer bolt 36 or retainer preferably
communicates from said exterior 22 into said interior 30 and said
spacer 34 is between said flexible retainer 40 and said interior 30
to hold said flexible retainer 40. The preferred embodiment may
utilize a plurality of methods for mounting said flexible retainer
40 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. These include but are not limited to integral molding
with said tree mount 12, attachment via pins, screws, welds, or
adhesives, or utilization of staple retainer mechanisms.
[0046] The alternative embodiment as shown within the Figures
utilizes a mount seat 41 on said circumference 22 of said tree
mount 12 onto which a shoulder 45 at or near said top portion 54
near the enlarged portion 44 of said tree tube 42 seats. That is,
the mount bore 26 within said tree mount 12 is of a smaller or
reduced diameter or cross section than said shoulder 45 and seat 41
whereby said shoulder 45 may not slide there through. Even though
the remaining portion of said tree tube 42 may slide through said
mount bore 26 and slot 24, the enlarged portion 44 is retained
within said mount bore 26 due to its larger diameter. That is, said
enlarged portion 44 is of greater width or diameter than said mount
slot 24 but of a lesser width or diameter than said mount bore 26.
Alternative embodiments may place said mount seat 41 interior 30 or
exterior 22 to said tree mount 12. Unlike the preferred embodiment,
the alternative embodiment within the Figures provides a fixed tree
tube 42 position and requires the user to move the float cords 70
within the retaining slots 50 for height or level adjustment. The
preferred embodiment provides height or level adjustment by simply
moving the tree tube 42 within said mount bore 26 and allowing the
flexible retainer 40 to engage.
[0047] The tree tube 42, in all embodiments, comprises a
substantially tubular structure having a top portion 54 and a
bottom portion 48, one or more cord retaining slots 50, and
preferably one or more cord apertures 52. In a preferred
embodiment, said retaining slots 50 are positioned, incorporated,
or attached substantially near or at said bottom portion 48. Said
tubular structure interior is of sufficient diameter to accommodate
the float cords 70. Preferably all embodiments have a tree arm 62
on said tree tube 42 proximately near or at said top portion 54 in
order to facilitate vertical and rotational placement of said
float(s) 68 and further provide a hangar for the length of excess
cord 70. Once the float cord(s) 70 is fed through the tree tube 42
whereby the cord(s) 70 extends from the top portion 54, the cord 70
with said attached float(s) 68 may be positioned and moved within
said slots 50. The preferred embodiment tree tube 42 does not
utilize a tree clamp 66 surrounding said slot(s) 50 but instead,
due to the limited run length of said slot 50, relies upon the
elastic nature of the tubular structure and the compressibility of
the float cord 70 to retain said float cord 70. The alternative
embodiments shown in the Figures have substantially longer slot 50
run lengths and utilize one or more tree clamps 66 around said tree
tube 42 to ensure retention of said float cord(s) 70 within the
cord apertures 52. The cord apertures 52 assure precision retention
of said cord 70 and attached float 68 with said tree tube 42.
[0048] At or near the top portion 54 of the tree tube 42 is a tube
cap 56 having a crown 58 with one or more positioning indents 60
for cord 70 positioning and retention. That is, the indent 60
further secures the cord 70 when the cord 70 is placed there
between. Since the cord(s) 70 preferably extend from the top
portion 54 and are thereafter routed to the appropriate pump
controllers, junction boxes, or exit points, it is desirable to
also have multiple indents whereby the cords 70 may be routed in
different directions to avoid entanglements.
[0049] As aforesaid, within the preferred embodiment of the tree
tube 42 are one or more positioning slots 46. Typically said slots
46 are machined indentations within said tree tube 42 but may also
be formed via raised extensions on said tree tube 42, provided said
slots may engage said flexible retainer 40 in order to hold and
position said tree tube 42. Said slots 46, not only provide
vertically positioning, but also limit the rotational movement of
each tree tube 42 when engaged with the flexible retainer 40. When
rotation movement is limited, the exiting cords 70 are less likely
to entangle or engage other objects or floats 68. The alternative
embodiment as shown in the Figures has an enlarged portion 44 of
greater width or diameter than said mount slot 24 near the top
portion of the tree tube 42 with a shoulder 45 which seats with a
portion of the tree mount 12 circumference 22 near said mount bore
26. Although not as easily adjustable as the preferred embodiment,
the alternative embodiment shown provides repeatable positioning
and easy removability of said floats 68 and as with the preferred
embodiment, does not require disconnection of the float cord 70 or
floats 68 therefor.
[0050] In operation, the user, typically a plumbing technician,
mounts the tree mount 12 at a desired location on a supply pipe 72
or equivalent structure via said clamp 16. The user then feeds one
or more float cords 70 from the bottom portion 48 of said tree tube
42, through said tree tube 42, and out of said top portion 54. If
equipped, excess float cord 70 is bundled around said tree arm 62.
It is desirable to provide said excess cord 70 whereby cord 70
disconnection is avoided during tree tube 42 removal due to the
displacement of said tree tube 42. The user then extends a desired
length of float cord 70 and engages said float cord 70 with said
retaining slot 50. The user then moves said cord 70 within said
slot 50 to an aperture 52 within said slot 50, if the slot 50 is
equipped with an aperture 52. In the preferred embodiment, the cord
70 is retained as aforesaid within said aperture 52. The aforesaid
is repeated for every float 68 mated with a tree tube 42. The
alternative embodiment shown requires placement of one or more tree
clamps 66 around said tree tube 42 to secure said cord(s) 70 within
said aperture(s) 52.
[0051] Once the float cords 70 are retained, the float cord(s) 70
between said float(s) 68 and said tree tube 42 is threaded through
said tree mount slot(s) 24. The tree tube(s) are then placed within
the desired mount bore 26 and lowered into the septic pump tank,
well, cistern, sump, industrial pit, or other liquid storage
facility to a desired depth. The preferred embodiment tree tube 42
snaps or clicks into position as the positioning slots 46 pass and
are engaged by the flexible retainer 40. The alternative embodiment
tree tube 42 engages said shoulder 45 near said enlarged portion 44
in order to position and secure said tree tube 42 within said bore
26. The user then connects the extending wire cords to a controller
or junction box for proper pump, control, or alarm functions.
[0052] If the user desires to repair or replace any one or said
floats 68, he or she pulls the tree tube holding said float 68 from
the mount bore 26 and performs the specified maintenance. No
specialty tools, cutting, or contortions are required. Upon
completion, the user simply repeats the aforesaid installation
method and precisely places the repaired or replaced float 68 at
the prior location.
[0053] For the preferred embodiment, if the user desires to adjust
the position of one or more floats 68, the user simply moves the
tree tube 42 holding said float vertically or horizontally and
allows it to "snap" into place. For the alternative embodiment
shown, the user first removes the tree tube 42, loosens or removes
one or more of the tree clamps 66, and then moves the float 68 and
cord 70 to a desired location within said retaining slot 50. Again,
the user then repeats the aforesaid installation method.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an adjustable
float tree 10 apparatus and method of use has been shown and
described and that said present art is capable of quick, easy, and
repeatable positioning of floats within a medium. The apparatus and
method of use fulfill a long felt but yet unfilled need within the
arts described herein. The present art apparatus and its method of
use provide a desired solution to the prior art float switch
positioning, replacement, repair, and adjustability
limitations.
[0055] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the
invention and its method of use without departing from the spirit
herein identified. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of
the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated
and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this
invention be determined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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