Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-08
2001-09-11
Warden, Sr., Robert J. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
C015S104160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286172
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally to heating and ventilating air duct cleaning apparatus, and more particularly, to a low pressure duct cleaning apparatus including a bladder that when inflated contacts the interior surface of heating and ventilating (HVAC) ducts to wipe clean same as the bladder is moved along the length of the duct.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Presently, complex duct cleaning systems include vacuum pressurized pneumatic lines, pressurized fluid spraying lines and pneumatically operated whirling brushes. The fluid or air under pressure and the whirling brushes loosen dust, dirt and grime, and a vacuum line is supposed to pick up the residue. So-called advances in these systems have included making them more complex with additional optional equipment.
German Patent 162130 discloses a flue cleaner having a rectangular metal frame with an expansible rubber outer surface for scraping against the rectangular sides of a flue.
U.S. Pat. No. 856,063 discloses an expansible pipe cleaner having a rubber bladder that may be flattened and made to a larger diameter by screwing a nut along a central rod to expand the diameter of the bladder. The patent also discloses a ribbed outer surface for the bladder.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,806 discloses an inflation bag which when used with a retaining rod positioned diametrically across a pipe line in conjunction with a high pressure source of compressed gas will block a pipeline from fluid flow therethrough.
A need has developed for an improved simplified apparatus for cleaning heating, ventilating and air conditioning ducts.
Additionally, a need has developed for providing an improved simplified apparatus for cleaning ducts which is capable of cleaning both rectangular and circular HVAC ducts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a portable inflatable HVAC duct cleaning apparatus comprising a bladder made of resilient material for expanding and contracting its size. The bladder has a small opening for moving air in and out thereof. An elongate flexible hose is positioned in communication with the small opening on the bladder. An air pump is positioned in fluid communication at an opposing end of the elongate flexible hose for supplying air under low positive pressure to the bladder when expanding the bladder. Manually operable valve means are positioned between the air pump means and the bladder for preventing the escape of air from the bladder as desired. Direction stabilizing means are included and are positioned in communication with the hose for aiding and positioning the bladder a substantial distance from any opening in any HVAC duct in which the apparatus is positioned.
The invention is further directed to a method of cleaning a segment of an HVAC duct which comprises the following steps:
1) depositing cleaning fluid on the exterior of a resilient bladder;
2) positioning the resilient bladder inside an HVAC duct;
3) pushing the bladder and hose attachment into the HVAC duct;
4) inflating the bladder until its exterior substantially completely fills a cross section of the HVAC duct;
5) pulling on the hose to move the bladder along a segment of the duct loosening dirt and debris from the interior of that segment;
6) deflating the bladder, and cleaning the exterior of the resilient bladder.
REFERENCES:
patent: 614749 (1898-11-01), Pallas
patent: 856063 (1907-06-01), Howell
patent: 1088459 (1914-02-01), Shade
patent: 1384305 (1921-07-01), Crotto
patent: 1510212 (1924-09-01), Du Bois
patent: 1513228 (1924-10-01), Crotto
patent: 1848269 (1932-03-01), Petersen
patent: 2642602 (1953-06-01), Kelly
patent: 3224734 (1965-12-01), Hill
patent: 3398417 (1968-08-01), Erwin
patent: 4292974 (1981-10-01), Fogarty et al.
patent: 5102415 (1992-04-01), Guenther et al.
patent: 5285806 (1994-02-01), Ortega
patent: 1845 (1878-02-01), None
Patnaude & Videbeck
Snider Theresa T.
Warden, Sr. Robert J.
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