| |
| United States Patent
|
6,910,495 |
| Lafalce |
June 28, 2005 |
Backflow prevention system
Abstract
A backflow prevention system that helps prevent contamination of
potable water distribution systems from backflow at fire hydrant
connections.
| Inventors: |
Lafalce; Anthony P.
(Casa Grande, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/774,170 |
| Filed: |
February 5, 2004 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
137/218 ;
137/299; 137/614.2 |
| Current
International Class: |
E03B
9/00 (20060101); E03C 1/10 (20060101); F16K
27/00 (20060101); E03B 9/16 (20060101); F16K 013/00 () |
| Field of
Search: |
137/218,299,614.2
|
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Michalsky; Gerald A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd. Stoneman; Martin L. Erlick;
Benjamin K.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims the benefit of provisional
application serial No. 60/445,200 filed Feb. 6, 2003, entitled
"PROPOSAL FOR BACK-FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES ON FIRE HYDRANTS AND FIRE
DEPARTMENT APPARATUS", the contents of which are incorporated herein
by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect
to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference
section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from
frangible-barrel-fire-hydrant use, comprising, in combination: a) at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant comprising i) at least one
upper barrel body ii) at least one lower barrel body, iii) at least
one frangible plane between said at least one upper barrel body and
said at least one lower barrel body, iv) at least one water outlet
chamber, extending from said at least one upper barrel body, and v)
at least one water entry into said at least one water outlet chamber
from said at least one upper barrel body; b) wherein said at least
one upper barrel body and said at least one water outlet chamber
together comprise exactly one unitary-construction housing; c) at
least one water-flowable channel extending from within said at least
one upper barrel body, through said at least one water entry, and
through said at least one water outlet chamber; and d) at least one
backflow preventer situate within said exactly one
unitary-construction housing; e) wherein said at least one backflow
preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water
through said at least one entry.
2. The fire hydrant system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc.
3. The fire hydrant system according to claim 2 wherein said at
least one valve disc of said at least one backflow preventer, when
closed, is located adjacent said at least one water entry.
4. The fire hydrant system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire hose
connectable water outlet.
5. The fire hydrant system according to claim 4 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose
connectable water outlets.
6. The fire hydrant system according to claim 5 wherein said at
least two hose connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different hose diameters.
7. The fire hydrant system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent said at least one
water entry.
8. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from
frangible-barrel-fire-hydrant use, comprising, in combination: a) at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant comprising i) at least one
upper barrel body ii) at least one lower barrel body, iii) at least
one frangible plane between said at least one upper barrel body and
said at least one lower barrel body, iv) at least one water outlet
chamber, extending from said at least one upper barrel body, and b)
at least one water entry into said at least one water outlet chamber
from said at least one upper barrel body; c) at least one
water-flowable channel extending from within said at least one upper
barrel body, through said at least one water entry, and through said
at least one water outlet chamber; and d) at least one backflow
preventer; e) wherein said at least one backflow preventer is
adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water through said at
least one entry; and f) wherein said at least one backflow preventer
is located substantially adjacent said at least one water entry.
9. The fire hydrant system according to claim 8 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc.
10. The fire hydrant system according to claim 9 wherein said at
least one valve disc of said at least one backflow preventer, when
closed, is located adjacent said at least one water entry.
11. The fire hydrant system according to claim 8 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire hose
connectable water outlet.
12. The fire hydrant system according to claim 11 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose
connectable water outlets.
13. The fire hydrant system according to claim 12 wherein said at
least fire two hose connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
14. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from use of at least one
frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper barrel body,
at least one lower barrel body, and at least one frangible plane
between the at least one upper barrel body and the at least one
lower barrel body, said fire hydrant system comprising, in
combination: a) the at least one upper barrel body; b) at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from said at least one upper barrel
body, and c) at least one water entry into said at least one water
outlet chamber from said at least one upper barrel body; d) wherein
said at least one upper barrel body and said at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise exactly one unitary-construction
housing; e) at least one water-flowable channel extending from
within said at least one upper barrel body, through said at least
one water entry, and through said at least one water outlet chamber;
and f) at least one backflow preventer situate within said exactly
one unitary-construction housing; g) wherein said at least one
backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of
water through said at least one entry.
15. The fire hydrant system according to claim 14 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc.
16. The fire hydrant system according to claim 15 wherein said at
least one valve disc of said at least one backflow preventer, when
closed, is located adjacent said at least one water entry.
17. The fire hydrant system according to claim 14 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire hose
connectable water outlet.
18. The fire hydrant system according to claim 17 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose
connectable water outlets.
19. The fire hydrant system according to claim 18 wherein said at
least two fire hose connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
20. The fire hydrant system according to claim 14 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent said at least one
water entry.
21. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from use of at least one
frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper barrel body,
at least one lower barrel body, and at least one frangible plane
between the at least one upper barrel body and the at least one
lower barrel body, said fire hydrant system comprising, in
combination: a) the at least one upper barrel body; b) at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from said at least one upper barrel
body, and c) at least one water entry into said at least one water
outlet chamber from said at least one upper barrel body; d) wherein
said at least one upper barrel body and said at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise exactly one unitary-construction
housing; e) at least one water-flowable channel extending from
within said at least one upper barrel body, through said at least
one water entry, and through said at least one water outlet chamber;
and f) at least one backflow preventer situate within said exactly
one unitary-construction housing; g) wherein said at least one
backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of
water through said at least one entry.
22. The fire hydrant system according to claim 21 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc.
23. The fire hydrant system according to claim 22 wherein said at
least one valve disc of said at least one backflow preventer, when
closed, is located adjacent said at least one water entry.
24. The fire hydrant system according to claim 21 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire hose
connectable water outlet.
25. The fire hydrant system according to claim 24 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose
connectable water outlets.
26. The fire hydrant system according to claim 25 wherein said at
least two fire hose connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
27. The fire hydrant system according to claim 21 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent said at least one
water entry.
28. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from use of at least one
frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper barrel body,
at least one lower barrel body, and at least one frangible plane
between the at least one upper barrel body and the at least one
lower barrel body, said fire hydrant system comprising, in
combination: a) the at least one upper barrel body; b) at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from said at least one upper barrel
body, and c) at least one water entry into said at least one water
outlet chamber from said at least one upper barrel body; d) wherein
said at least one upper barrel body and said at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise at least one upper barrel
structure; e) at least one water-flowable channel extending from
within said at least one upper barrel body, through said at least
one water entry, and through said at least one water outlet chamber;
and f) at least one backflow preventer situate within said at least
one upper barrel structure; g) wherein said at least one backflow
preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water
through said at least one entry.
29. The fire hydrant system according to claim 28 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc.
30. The fire hydrant system according to claim 29 wherein said at
least one valve disc of said at least one backflow preventer, when
closed, is located adjacent said at least one water entry.
31. The fire hydrant system according to claim 28 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire hose
connectable water outlet.
32. The fire hydrant system according to claim 31 wherein said at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose
connectable water outlets.
33. The fire hydrant system according to claim 32 wherein said at
least two fire hose connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
34. The fire hydrant system according to claim 28 wherein said at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent said at least one
water entry.
35. At least one method, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from use of at least one
frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper barrel body,
at least one lower barrel body, and at least one frangible plane
between the at least one upper barrel body and the at least one
lower barrel body, said at least one method comprising, in
combination, the steps of: a) providing for identification of needs
of at least one community potable-water system desiring fire-hydrant
backflow-prevention protection; b) providing for manufacture of at
least one upper barrel structure comprising i) at least one upper
barrel body; ii) at least one water outlet chamber, extending from
such at least one upper barrel body, iii) at least one water entry
into such at least one water outlet chamber from such at least one
upper barrel body, iv) at least one water-flowable channel extending
from within such at least one upper barrel body, through such at
least one water entry, and through such at least one water outlet
chamber, and v) at least one backflow preventer situate within such
at least one upper barrel structure; vi) wherein such at least one
backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of
water through such at least one entry; and c) providing for delivery
of such at least one upper barrel structure, installable on the at
least one lower barrel body, to such at least one community
potable-water system.
36. The method according to claim 35 further comprising the step of
installing such at least one upper barrel structure within such at
least one community potable-water system.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a backflow prevention system for
improved protection of municipal water distribution systems. More
particularly this invention relates to providing a fire hydrant
backflow prevention system.
Usually when firefighters need to supply a fire truck with extra
water to fight a fire they connect a supply fire hose from the fire
truck to a fire hydrant. However, it is sometimes necessary for fire
fighters to obtain water from other water sources. It is not
uncommon for firemen to draw water from swimming pools, mucky ponds,
irrigation canals, and other unsanitary sources, especially in rural
areas. Fire trucks may also draw water from fire hydrants connected
to "brown water" and "gray water" reclaimed/non-potable water
distribution systems (such as, for example, reclaimed water
distribution systems used to irrigate golf courses, etc.). The same
fire truck may then later connect to a fire hydrant of a potable
water distribution system. Although water pressure from such a
potable water distribution usually keeps contamination from entering
the potable water distribution system, sometimes backflow conditions
can occur which can result in contaminated water entering the
potable water distribution system from the supply fire hose and fire
truck water tank.
Further, fire fighters often add foaming agents and other chemicals
to the water in the fire truck to assist in fighting fires. These
chemicals can also contaminate potable water systems if backflow
conditions occur when a fire truck is connected to a fire hydrant of
a potable water distribution system.
Typically fire engine tanks are not disinfected before being
attached to potable water distribution systems. If contaminated
water backflows from a fire hose into a potable water system people
drinking water from the system could suffer adverse effects from the
health hazard of the contaminated water.
Even further, fire fighters aren't the only ones that draw water
from fire hydrants potentially contaminating potable water
distribution systems via backflow at fire hydrants. Others draw
water from fire hydrants for a variety of uses (such as, for
example, construction). Most municipalities usually require that
commercial users drawing water from fire hydrants use a portable
backflow prevention device; however not everyone complies with these
requirements. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to illegally
connect to fire hydrants to steal water from the potable water
distribution system, and these people are unlikely to use a backflow
prevention device. Such users drawing water from fire hydrants run
the risk of introducing contaminants to the potable water
distribution system.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a backflow prevention system that helps solve the above problems and
helps reduce the above risks of contamination from backflow.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a backflow prevention system that helps prevent
contamination of potable water distribution systems from backflow at
fire hydrant connections.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the purity of
potable water systems from contamination from
frangible-barrel-fire-hydrant use, comprising, in combination: at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant comprising at least one
upper barrel body at least one lower barrel body, at least one
frangible plane between such at least one upper barrel body and such
at least one lower barrel body, at least one water outlet chamber,
extending from such at least one upper barrel body, and at least one
water entry into such at least one water outlet chamber from such at
least one upper barrel body; wherein such at least one upper barrel
body and such at least one water outlet chamber together comprise
exactly one unitary-construction housing; at least one water-flowable
channel extending from within such at least one upper barrel body,
through such at least one water entry, and through such at least one
water outlet chamber; and at least one backflow preventer situate
within such exactly one unitary-construction housing; wherein such
at least one backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of
backflow of water through such at least one entry. Moreover, it
provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one
backflow preventer comprises at least one valve disc. Additionally,
it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one
valve disc of such at least one backflow preventer, when closed, is
located adjacent such at least one water entry. Also, it provides
such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one water outlet
chamber comprises at least one fire hose-connectable water outlet.
In addition, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least two fire
hose-connectable water outlets. And, it provides such a fire hydrant
system wherein such at least two hose-connectable water outlets
comprise water outlets adapted to at least two different hose
diameters. Further, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein
such at least one backflow preventer is located adjacent such at
least one water entry. A fire hydrant system, relating to protecting
the purity of potable water systems from contamination from
frangible-barrel-fire-hydrant use, comprising, in combination: at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant comprising at least one
upper barrel body at least one lower barrel body, at least one
frangible plane between such at least one upper barrel body and such
at least one lower barrel body, at least one water outlet chamber,
extending from such at least one upper barrel body, and at least one
water entry into such at least one water outlet chamber from such at
least one upper barrel body; at least one water-flowable channel
extending from within such at least one upper barrel body, through
such at least one water entry, and through such at least one water
outlet chamber; and at least one backflow preventer; wherein such at
least one backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of
backflow of water through such at least one entry; and wherein such
at least one backflow preventer is located substantially adjacent
such at least one water entry. Even further, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one backflow preventer
comprises at least one valve disc. Moreover, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one valve disc of such at least
one backflow preventer, when closed, is located adjacent such at
least one water entry. Additionally, it provides such a fire hydrant
system wherein such at least one water outlet chamber comprises at
least one fire hose-connectable water outlet. Also, it provides such
a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one water outlet chamber
comprises at least two fire hose-connectable water outlets. In
addition, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least fire two hose-connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the
purity of potable water systems from contamination from use of at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper
barrel body, at least one lower barrel body, and at least one
frangible plane between the at least one upper barrel body and the
at least one lower barrel body, such fire hydrant system comprising,
in combination: the at least one upper barrel body; at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from such at least one upper barrel
body, and at least one water entry into such at least one water
outlet chamber from such at least one upper barrel body; wherein
such at least one upper barrel body and such at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise exactly one unitary-construction
housing; at least one water-flowable channel extending from within
such at least one upper barrel body, through such at least one water
entry, and through such at least one water outlet chamber; and at
least one backflow preventer situate within such exactly one
unitary-construction housing; wherein such at least one backflow
preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water
through such at least one entry. And, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one backflow preventer
comprises at least one valve disc. Further, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one valve disc of such at least
one backflow preventer, when closed, is located adjacent such at
least one water entry. Even further, it provides such a fire hydrant
system wherein such at least one water outlet chamber comprises at
least one fire hose-connectable water outlet. Moreover, it provides
such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one water outlet
chamber comprises at least two fire hose-connectable water outlets.
Additionally, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least two fire hose-connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters. Also, it
provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one
backflow preventer is located adjacent such at least one water
entry.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the
purity of potable water systems from contamination from use of at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper
barrel body, at least one lower barrel body, and at least one
frangible plane between the at least one upper barrel body and the
at least one lower barrel body, such fire hydrant system comprising,
in combination: the at least one upper barrel body; at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from such at least one upper barrel
body, and at least one water entry into such at least one water
outlet chamber from such at least one upper barrel body; wherein
such at least one upper barrel body and such at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise exactly one unitary-construction
housing; at least one water-flowable channel extending from within
such at least one upper barrel body, through such at least one water
entry, and through such at least one water outlet chamber; and at
least one backflow preventer situate within such exactly one
unitary-construction housing; wherein such at least one backflow
preventer is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water
through such at least one entry. In addition, it provides such a
fire hydrant system wherein such at least one backflow preventer
comprises at least one valve disc. And, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one valve disc of such at least
one backflow preventer, when closed, is located adjacent such at
least one water entry. Further, it provides such a fire hydrant
system wherein such at least one water outlet chamber comprises at
least one fire hose-connectable water outlet. Even further, it
provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one water
outlet chamber comprises at least two fire hose-connectable water
outlets. Moreover, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein
such at least two fire hose-connectable water outlets comprise water
outlets adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters.
Additionally, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent such at least one
water entry.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a fire hydrant system, relating to protecting the
purity of potable water systems from contamination from use of at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper
barrel body, at least one lower barrel body, and at least one
frangible plane between the at least one upper barrel body and the
at least one lower barrel body, such fire hydrant system comprising,
in combination: the at least one upper barrel body; at least one
water outlet chamber, extending from such at least one upper barrel
body, and at least one water entry into such at least one water
outlet chamber from such at least one upper barrel body; wherein
such at least one upper barrel body and such at least one water
outlet chamber together comprise at least one upper barrel
structure; at least one water-flowable channel extending from within
such at least one upper barrel body, through such at least one water
entry, and through such at least one water outlet chamber; and at
least one backflow preventer situate within such at least one upper
barrel structure; wherein such at least one backflow preventer is
adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water through such at
least one entry. Also, it provides such a fire hydrant system
wherein such at least one backflow preventer comprises at least one
valve disc. In addition, it provides such a fire hydrant system
wherein such at least one valve disc of such at least one backflow
preventer, when closed, is located adjacent such at least one water
entry. And, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire
hose-connectable water outlet. Further, it provides such a fire
hydrant system wherein such at least one water outlet chamber
comprises at least two fire hose-connectable water outlets. Even
further, it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at
least two fire hose-connectable water outlets comprise water outlets
adapted to at least two different fire hose diameters. Even further,
it provides such a fire hydrant system wherein such at least one
backflow preventer is located adjacent such at least one water
entry.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides at least one method, relating to protecting the
purity of potable water systems from contamination from use of at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper
barrel body, at least one lower barrel body, and at least one
frangible plane between the at least one upper barrel body and the
at least one lower barrel body, such at least one method comprising,
in combination, the steps of: providing for identification of needs
of at least one community potable-water system desiring fire-hydrant
backflow-prevention protection; providing for manufacture of at
least one upper barrel structure comprising at least one upper
barrel body; at least one water outlet chamber, extending from such
at least one upper barrel body, at least one water entry into such
at least one water outlet chamber from such at least one upper
barrel body, at least one water-flowable channel extending from
within such at least one upper barrel body, through such at least
one water entry, and through such at least one water outlet chamber,
and at least one backflow preventer situate within such at least one
upper barrel structure; wherein such at least one backflow preventer
is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water through such at
least one entry; and providing for delivery of such at least one
upper barrel structure, installable on the at least one lower barrel
body, to such at least one community potable-water system. Even
further, it provides such a method further comprising the step of
installing such at least one upper barrel structure within such at
least one community potable-water system.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a fire hose system relating to a fire hydrant
system, relating to protecting the purity of potable water systems
from contamination from fire hoses used with fire hydrants,
comprising, in combination: at least one water conduit having at
least one water entry site and at least one water exit site; wherein
such at least one water entry site is adapted to be connected with
at least one fire hydrant water exit; and wherein such at least one
water exit site is adapted to be connected with at least one
fire-fighting hose; and at least one backflow preventer located
within such at least one water conduit; wherein such at least one
backflow preventer comprises exactly one check valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fire hydrant backflow
prevention system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through section 2--2 of the fire
hydrant backflow prevention system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through section 3--3 of thee fire
hydrant backflow prevention system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of a fire hose backflow prevention
system according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of fire hydrant backflow prevention
system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, backflow prevention system 100 comprises
barrel fire hydrant 102, as shown. Preferably, barrel fire hydrant
102 is a "dry barrel" fire hydrant, as shown. Preferably, barrel
fire hydrant 102 comprises barrel body 104, as shown. Preferably,
barrel fire hydrant 102 comprises outlet chamber 106 extending from
barrel body 104, as shown. Preferably outlet chamber 106 (at least
embodying herein at least one water outlet chamber, extending from
said at least one upper barrel body) comprises discharge nozzle 108.
Preferably discharge nozzle 108 (at least embodying herein wherein
said at least one water outlet chamber comprises at least one fire
hose-connectable water outlet) is adapted to connect to standard
fire hoses. Preferably discharge nozzle 108 comprises removable
nozzle cap 109 which helps prevent debris and other material from
entering outlet chamber 106 through discharge nozzle 108 when
discharge nozzle 108 is not being used. Preferably outlet chamber
comprises at least one additional discharge nozzle 110 (at least
embodying herein wherein said at least one water outlet chamber
comprises at least two fire hose-connectable water outlets).
Preferably, barrel fire hydrant 102 comprises one outlet chamber 106
with one main discharge nozzle 108 at the end and smaller additional
nozzles 110 on the side, as shown (see FIG. 3). Preferably, main
discharge nozzle 108 is about 41/2 inches in diameter. Preferably,
additional discharge nozzle 110 is about 21/2 inches in diameter (at
least embodying herein wherein said at least two hose-connectable
water outlets comprise water outlets adapted to at least two
different hose diameters). Preferably, barrel cavity 122 is about
six inches in diameter. Preferably, outlet chamber 106 is about 51/2
inches in diameter. Preferably discharge nozzle 110 comprises NST
(National Standard Thread) threads or a "Storz" quick-connection to
fit standard fire hoses. Preferably, outlet chamber 106 is
integrally connected to barrel body 104. Preferably outlet chamber
106 and barrel body 104 comprise a unitary-construction housing (at
least embodying herein wherein said at least one upper barrel body
and said at least one water outlet chamber together comprise exactly
one unitary-construction housing), as shown. Preferably, outlet
chamber 106 and barrel body 104 are cast together and/or welded
permanently together. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as intended use, production cost, fire codes and regulations,
etc., other fire hydrant arrangements may suffice, such as, for
example, wet-barrel fire hydrants, other types of fire hydrants,
other types of barrel bodies, other outlet arrangements, alternate
discharge nozzle sizes and arrangements, alternate discharge nozzle
threading arrangements, etc.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through section 2--2 of the fire
hydrant backflow prevention system of FIG. 1. Preferably barrel body
104 comprises barrel cavity 122, as shown. Preferably, barrel fire
hydrant 102 comprises shut-off valve 116. Preferably shut-off valve
116 comprises shaft 114 and valve nut 112, for operating shut-off
valve 116, as shown. Preferably, shut-off valve 116 is normally
closed, and barrel cavity 122 is dry. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as intended use, production cost, fire codes and regulations,
etc., other shut-off valve arrangements may suffice, such as, for
example, a shut-off valve for each outlet chamber 106 rather than
shut-off valve for barrel cavity 122 (such as, for example, if used
with a wet barrel fire hydrant, etc.), other types of shut-off
valve, etc. Preferably, outlet chamber 106 comprises backflow
prevention device 118 (at least embodying herein at least one
backflow preventer situate within said exactly one
unitary-construction housing). Preferably, backflow prevention
device 118 comprises check valve 119, as shown. Preferably, to
obtain water, a user operates shut-off valve by turning valve nut
112 which is connected to shut-off valve by shaft 114. Preferably,
opening shut-off valve 116 allows pressurized water from potable
water distribution system 300 (such as, for example, a municipal
water main) to enter barrel cavity 122. Preferably, pressurized
water in barrel cavity opens backflow prevention device 118, enters
outlet chamber 106 through chamber entry 124 (at least embodying
herein at least one water entry into said at least one water outlet
chamber from said at least one upper barrel body), and then exits
through discharge nozzle 108 or discharge nozzle 110 as indicated by
water flow channel 126 (at least embodying herein at least one
water-flowable channel extending from within said at least one upper
barrel body, through said at least one water entry, and through said
at least one water outlet chamber), as shown. Preferably, check
valve 119 is located in outlet chamber 106 adjacent to barrel body
104 at chamber entry 124 (at least embodying herein wherein said at
least one backflow preventer is located adjacent said at least one
water entry), as shown.
Preferably, check valve 119 (at least embodying herein wherein said
at least one backflow preventer is adapted to assist prevention of
backflow of water through said at least one entry) allows water from
barrel cavity 122 to enter outlet chamber 106, and helps prevent
water in outlet chamber 106 from entering barrel cavity 122.
Preferably, check valve 119 is structured and arranged to minimize
head loss of water passing through check valve 119. Preferably,
check valve 119 is structured and arranged so that the water
pressure in barrel cavity needs to be at least slightly greater
[preferably about 1/2 pounds-per-square-inch ("psi") to about 3 psi]
than the water pressure in chamber 106 to keep check valve 119 open.
Preferably, check valve 119 is structured and arranged so that when
water pressure in chamber 106 exceeds, or is equal to, the water
pressure in barrel cavity 122, check valve 119 closes. Preferably,
check valve 119 comprises valve disc 125 (at least embodying herein
wherein said at least one backflow preventer comprises at least one
valve disc). Preferably, check valve 119 comprises an internally
loaded plunger-type valve that can tightly seal against a machined
valve seat of chamber entry 124 (at least embodying herein wherein
said at least one valve disc of said at least one backflow
preventer, when closed, is located adjacent said at least one water
entry), as shown. Preferably, valve disc 125 is about four inches in
diameter. Preferably, valve disc 125 is made of Lexan to help
prevent calcium build-up. Preferably valve disc 125 has a 1/2-inch
overlap around chamber entry 124 and abuts rubber gasket 123
(adjacent barrel body 104) when closed, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as intended use, production cost, fire codes
and regulations, valve maintenance and reliability, valve head loss,
etc., other backflow prevention device arrangements may suffice,
such as, for example, other types of check valves, multiple check
valves, backflow prevention devices other than check valves,
locating backflow prevention device inside barrel body, etc.
Preferably, backflow prevention device 118 comprises relief valve
120, as shown. Preferably, relief valve 120 comprises relief valve
outlet 121, as shown. Preferably relief valve 120 helps prevent
water pressure in outlet chamber 106 from exceeding water pressure
in barrel cavity 122. Preferably, relief valve 120 allows water in
outlet chamber 106 to exit through relief valve outlet 121 when
check valve is closed. Preferably, relief valve 120 helps reduce the
risk of seepage backflow around disc when check valve 119 is closed.
Preferably, relief valve 120 is normally open. Preferably, relief
valve 120 closes when check valve 119 is open and water pressure in
chamber is greater than about eight psi. Preferably relief valve 120
comprises a 11/2-inch valve that operates on a reduced pressure
method. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as intended use,
production cost, fire codes and regulations, valve maintenance and
reliability, valve head loss, etc., other relief valve arrangements
may suffice, such as, for example, other types of relief valves,
multiple relief valves, relief valves that operate in a different
manner, not having a relief valve, etc.
Preferably, barrel fire hydrant 102 is connected to potable water
distribution system 300, as shown. Preferably, barrel fire hydrant
102 (at least embodying herein at least one upper barrel body)
comprises frangible connection 150 (at least embodying herein at
least one frangible plane between said at least one upper barrel
body and said at least one lower barrel body), as shown, so that
barrel fire hydrant 102 can break away (such as, for example, if
barrel fire hydrant is hit by a car) from lower barrel body 300
(also called a standpipe). Preferably lower barrel body 300 is
connected to a pressurized potable water distribution system.
Preferably, frangible connection 150 fits standard barrel fire
hydrant frangible connections so that barrel fire hydrant 102 can
replace existing hydrants. Preferably, to help prevent backflow
contamination of potable water distribution systems, municipalities
replace old fire hydrants (that aren't equipped with backflow
prevention) with barrel fire hydrant 102 by attaching barrel fire
hydrant 102 to the lower barrel body of the old fire hydrant.
Preferably, a vendor identifies the needs of communities that would
benefit from fire hydrant backflow prevention (such as, for example,
from budgetary constraints, existing fire hydrants sizes and
specifications, etc.). Preferably, vendor provides backflow
prevention fire hydrant 102 adapted to replace existing fire
hydrants in the community (for example, to fit existing lower barrel
bodies of old fire hydrants and with nozzles of the appropriate size
and threading type for the community, etc.), and for new
installations. Preferably backflow prevention fire hydrants 102
replace existing fire hydrants according to a schedule consistent
with the needs of the community (such as, for example, phased
replacement scheduled over a period of time). Thus, it is noted that
in accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides at least one method, relating to protecting the
purity of potable water systems from contamination from use of at
least one frangible barrel fire hydrant having at least one upper
barrel body, at least one lower barrel body, and at least one
frangible plane between the at least one upper barrel body and the
at least one lower barrel body, such at least one method comprising,
in combination, the steps of: providing for identification of needs
of at least one community potable-water system desiring fire-hydrant
backflow-prevention protection; providing for manufacture of at
least one upper barrel structure comprising at least one upper
barrel body; at least one water outlet chamber, extending from such
at least one upper barrel body, at least one water entry into such
at least one water outlet chamber from such at least one upper
barrel body, at least one water-flowable channel extending from
within such at least one upper barrel body, through such at least
one water entry, and through such at least one water outlet chamber,
and at least one backflow preventer situate within such at least one
upper barrel structure; wherein such at least one backflow preventer
is adapted to assist prevention of backflow of water through such at
least one entry; and providing for delivery of such at least one
upper barrel structure, installable on the at least one lower barrel
body, to such at least one community potable-water system. Even
further, it provides such a method further comprising the step of
installing such at least one upper barrel structure within such at
least one community potable-water system.
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through section 3--3 of the fire
hydrant backflow prevention system of FIG. 1. Preferably, one outlet
chamber 106 with one backflow prevention device 118 are arranged to
serve one discharge nozzle and at least one additional discharge
nozzle 110, as shown.
FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of a fire hose backflow prevention
system according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, backflow prevention system 100a comprises
chamber 106a, as shown. Preferably, chamber 106a, comprises backflow
prevention device 118a (at least embodying herein at least one
backflow preventer located within said at least one water conduit),
as shown. Preferably, backflow prevention device 118a comprises
check valve 119a (analogous to check valve 119 described above), as
shown. Preferably, backflow prevention device 118a comprises relief
valve 120a (analogous to check valve 120 described above), as shown.
Preferably, backflow prevention device 118a comprises no more than
one check valve 119a (at least embodying herein wherein said at
least one backflow preventer comprises exactly one check valve) to
keep size and weight, etc., manageable. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as intended use, production cost, fire codes and regulations,
valve maintenance and reliability, valve head loss, etc., other
backflow prevention device arrangements may suffice, such as, for
example, other types of check valves, multiple check valves,
backflow prevention devices other than check valves, etc.
Preferably, backflow prevention system 100a comprises connector 130
adapted to connect to fire hose 132 (at least embodying herein
wherein said at least one water exit site is adapted to be connected
with at least one fire-fighting hose), as shown. Preferably
connector 130 comprises NST threads or a "Storz" quick-connection so
that a fire hose can be attached to the discharge nozzle of chamber
106a, as shown. Preferably, fire fighters leave backflow prevention
system 100a permanently attached to fire hose 132, as shown.
Preferably, backflow prevention system 100a is only removed from
fire hose 132 when repairs or replacement of fire hose 132 and/or
backflow prevention system 100a are necessary. Preferably, backflow
prevention system 100a comprises attacher 128 adapted to attach to a
fire hydrant 202 (at least embodying herein wherein said at least
one water entry site is adapted to be connected with at least one
fire hydrant water exit), as shown. Preferably attacher 128
comprises swivel collar with lugs, as shown, to attach to NST
threads or a "Storz" quick-connection of a discharge nozzle 204 of a
fire hydrant 202, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as intended use, production cost, fire codes and regulations,
types of fire hydrants, etc., other connector and attacher
arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, different types of
connectors, different types of threading, having backflow prevention
system 100a integrally connected to fire hose 132, etc.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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