Kit for dislodging obstructions in water lines

Abstract

A kit has components that include a set of at least two elastomeric tapered stoppers of different diameters, each having an aperture of the same diameter therethrough and a rigid conduit where flow therethrough is controlled by a valve. The conduit has a first end that has a fitting that is attachable to a pressurized water line and a second end that is insertable into the aperture of any of the stoppers in water-sealing engagement therewith. The kit may also include (A) an elbow-shaped tube having a first end into which the second end of the rigid conduit is insertable and having a second end that is insertable into the aperture of any of the stoppers in water-sealing engagement therewith, (B) a straight extension tube having a first end into which the second end of the rigid conduit is insertable and having a second end that is insertable into the aperture of any of the stoppers in water-tight engagement therewith, (C) a booklet containing instructions for the use of the kit, and (D) a clear plastic container for holding the components of the kit. The kit is used to clear a line that carries water by inserting the second end of the rigid conduit into a stopper that can plug an opening to the line, connecting the first end of the rigid conduit to a source of water under pressure, pressing the stopper against the opening, and opening the valve, so that pressurized water flows through the line.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 493,833, filed Aug. 8, 2003, by Joyce L. Buchanan and Michael D. Buchanan.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a kit for flushing and clearing obstructions from lines that carry water. In particular, it relates to a kit that contains a valve-controlled conduit, one end of which connects to a source of water under pressure and the other end of which connects to any of at least two elastomeric stoppers. [0003] Water-going vessels have many uses for the water in which they float. The water may be used to cool an engine or generator or for air conditioning or refrigeration systems. It can be used to flush the head (i.e., the toilet) and to make potable water (e.g., by reverse osmosis or distillation). It provides water to wash down pumps, for putting out fires, and for circulation pumps for bait and tanks for aquatic plants and / or animals. [...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Accordingly, in addition to flushing and clearing obstructions from water lines, it is also an object of this invention to provide a product that: (a) meets the obstruction-clearing demands of marine vessels; (b) meets the raw water system flushing demands of marine vessels; (c) will form a true watertight seal with a wide range of openings, without requiring excessive force from a user to hold the sealing unit in place; (d) allows a stopper to be positioned against water line openings that are in tight places; (e) allows single-handed operation, by allowing a sealing stopper to be positioned and held in place and the flow control valve to be operated with one hand; (f) is of small size and weight, facilitating storage on a marine vessel; (g) is easy to use and can be used quickly and cleanly, without creating a mess in the vessel or on the user; and(h) is durable, unlikely to fail, has a long life, and is inexpensive to manufacture. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, it is difficult to insert a rod or plumbing snake or some other devices into the sea strainer and then into the seacock and the thru-hull.

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