Strainer basket and related methods of use

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 9,079,128
App. No.: 13/316,032
Granted: Jul 14, 2015
Kind: B2

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Abstract

Improved strainer members for use with pump assemblies and/or fluid systems (e.g., fluid circulation systems) are provided. The present disclosure provides for advantageous strainer members that strain and/or filter fluids in fluid systems (e.g., recreational bodies of water). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for strainer members (e.g., strainer baskets) that include features that improve performance characteristics. Strainer members with an improved ability to resist degradation of pump hydraulic performance when loaded with debris, and/or an improved ability to remove air pockets trapped under the strainer cover at low flow rates are disclosed.

Claims (101)

1. A strainer member for use with a fluid circulation system, comprising:

an elongated wall that extends from a top end to a bottom end;

an end wall at the bottom end, the elongated wall and the end wall defining a chamber therewithin and having a top side opening at the top end;

a plurality of apertures that extend through the elongated wall and the end wall;

a fluid inlet opening that extends through the elongated wall;

a protruding surface having a right side and a left side, the protruding surface extending inwardly into the chamber from the right and left sides;

a plurality of apertures that extend through the protruding surface;

wherein the right and left sides of the protruding surface each define a curved internal recess within the chamber;

wherein each curved internal recess is configured and dimensioned to substantially prevent debris from blocking at least a portion of the apertures that extend through the protruding surface.

2. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the protruding surface extends inwardly into the chamber from a position at or near the bottom end to a position between the bottom end and the top end.

3. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the elongated surface includes a front side and a rear side;

wherein the fluid inlet opening is positioned on the front side; and

wherein the right and left sides of the protruding surface are positioned on the rear side.

4. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet opening is formed about a central axis; and

wherein the protruding surface extends inwardly into the chamber from a position at or near the bottom end to a position above the central axis and below the top end of the chamber.

5. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the protruding surface curves inwardly into the chamber from the right and left sides in an arc-like manner to define an inward curved surface that is partially substantially cylindrical.

6. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the elongated wall is formed about a first longitudinal axis;

wherein the protruding surface includes an innermost portion that defines a second longitudinal axis; and

wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

7. The strainer member of claim 1 , wherein the protruding surface includes a substantially solid top surface that extends: (i) inwardly into the chamber, and (ii) downwardly towards the bottom end of the chamber.

8. A strainer member for use with a fluid circulation system, comprising:

an elongated wall that extends from a top end to a bottom end;

an end wall at the bottom end, the elongated wall and the end wall defining a chamber therewithin and having a top side opening at the top end;

a plurality of apertures that extend through the elongated wall and the end wall;

a fluid inlet opening that extends through the elongated wall;

a protruding surface having a right side and a left side, the protruding surface extending inwardly into the chamber from the right and left sides,

wherein the right and left sides of the protruding surface each define a curved internal recess within the chamber;

wherein the fluid inlet opening is formed about a central axis;

wherein the protruding surface includes an innermost portion that defines a longitudinal axis; and

wherein the longitudinal axis of the innermost portion substantially intersects the central axis of the fluid inlet opening.

9. The strainer member of claim 8 , wherein the protruding surface curves inwardly into the chamber from the right and left sides in an arc-like manner to define an inward curved surface that is partially substantially cylindrical.

10. The strainer member of claim 8 , wherein the protruding surface includes a substantially solid top surface that extends: (i) inwardly into the chamber, and (ii) downwardly towards the bottom end of the chamber.

11. A strainer member for use with a fluid circulation system, comprising: