US3692210A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Attachment for quick change of immersion heating elements in electric hot water heaters
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-04-13
•
Granted: 1972-09-19
•
Expires: 1990-04-13
Abstract
Abstract The present novel method of removing and replacing the electric element of an electric hot water heater without draining the water comprises closing the cold water to and the hot water lines from the heater, mounting a water receiving device against the water tank adjacent to the plate supporting the electric element in the water tank, loosening the plate and permitting free water to run into the device, removing and replacing the element, and disposing of the free water. The present novel basket device for receiving free water includes an open-ended basin with controlled drain, and means for removably mounting the basket device about the electric element supporting plate secured to the water tank.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome G Schmidt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 23:39
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24H; F24H9/00; F24H9/18; F24H9/1809; F24H9/1818
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
283 words
A device adapted for use in replacing heater units immersed in water tanks having means to close off ingress of water to the tank and to enable a vacuum to be established in the upper end of the tank, the tank having wall means with an opening therethrough into which a heater unit is mounted with a removable closure to cover and seal the opening with said wall means extending a substantial distance above said opening, comprising the combination of: a liquid-holding basin adapted to be fitted against the wall means with its side walls extending above the opening, the basin walls having a vertical portion cut away in an area to receive the removable closure of the heater unit and to give access thereto, the basin walls adjacent the cut away part being adapted to be fluid tightly sealed against the tank wall means from above the top of the opening around the sides and bottom of the opening in the tank wall means so that the basin can hold liquid to a level at the top of the opening, the basin being open at the top, and being of such size as to give access to the opening for removal of the heating element and replacement thereof, sealing means between the basin walls around the cut away part and the tank walls adapted to be sealed by forcing the basin against the tank to enable the basin to receive and hold water from the tank to a level aboVe the opening when the heating element closure is removed, and removable means to urge the basin against the wall means to effect the sealing engagement between the basin and the wall means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
283 words
A device adapted for use in replacing heater units immersed in water tanks having means to close off ingress of water to the tank and to enable a vacuum to be established in the upper end of the tank, the tank having wall means with an opening therethrough into which a heater unit is mounted with a removable closure to cover and seal the opening with said wall means extending a substantial distance above said opening, comprising the combination of: a liquid-holding basin adapted to be fitted against the wall means with its side walls extending above the opening, the basin walls having a vertical portion cut away in an area to receive the removable closure of the heater unit and to give access thereto, the basin walls adjacent the cut away part being adapted to be fluid tightly sealed against the tank wall means from above the top of the opening around the sides and bottom of the opening in the tank wall means so that the basin can hold liquid to a level at the top of the opening, the basin being open at the top, and being of such size as to give access to the opening for removal of the heating element and replacement thereof, sealing means between the basin walls around the cut away part and the tank walls adapted to be sealed by forcing the basin against the tank to enable the basin to receive and hold water from the tank to a level aboVe the opening when the heating element closure is removed, and removable means to urge the basin against the wall means to effect the sealing engagement between the basin and the wall means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the vertical portion of the basin is cylindrical and has a resilient sealant secured to it, so that the basin may be urged into the sealing relationship to a cylindrical tank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
The device of claim 1 for use with a tank having an inner shell surrounded by insulation and an outer shell, with the opening for the heater unit passing through the inner shell and a larger opening surrounding the first opening and passing through the insulation and outer shell, the device being one wherein the vertical portion has its sealant in a U-shape open upwards, and of a size larger than the removable closure means of the heating element so as to seal on the inner tank shell thereabout, but smaller than the opening through the outer shell and insulation so that the sealant may seal against the inner shell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means to urge the basin against the wall means incorporates resilient force means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1, wherein arms extend from the basin to the tank and are removably attachable to the tank to aid in supporting the basin on the tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the means to urge the basin against the wall means incorporates resilient force means comprising a resilient H-shaped member having legs engageable with the basin to urge the basin against the wall means, and strap means removably to secure the H-shaped member to the tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the H-shaped member has one pair of legs with inturned ends to pass through the hole in the insulation, the vertical portion of the basin having a flange at its sides engageable by the said pair of legs, the opening between the legs being large enough to fit around the basin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-19 | 1976-03-20 | 1976-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-19 | 1980-03-20 | 1980-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-19 | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |