Filter cartridge cleaning kit

Abstract

A kit contains a plurality of cleaning tools selectively attachable to a common tool carrier to form an assembly for cleaning various filtering surfaces of a filter cartridge.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A filter cartridge cleaning assembly for removing contaminants from filtering surfaces, comprising: 
 a tool carrier provided with an interior adapted to convey fluid; and    a plurality of cleaning tools selectively attachable to the tool carrier and being in flow communication with the interior of the tool carrier, each of the tools being shaped and dimensioned to effectively clean a respective one of the filtering surfaces.    
     
     
         2 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the tool carrier has an elongated hollow shaft provided with distal and proximal ends each having a respective flange.  
     
     
         3 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein each of the flanges is provided with a respective threaded surface.  
     
     
         4 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein one of the flanges mounted on the distal end of the hollow shaft is shaped and dimensioned to receive each of the cleaning tools upon engaging the threaded surface of the one flange with a threaded surface provided on each of the of the tools.  
     
     
         5 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the other flange mounted on the proximal end of the hollow shaft has a valve assembly for controllably regulating fluid flow through the follow shaft.  
     
     
         6 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 5 , wherein the valve assembly includes a ball valve provided with a passage and mounted internally within the other flange, the ball valve being displaceable between an open position, in which the passage is aligned with the interior of the hollow shaft to provide fluid flow, and a closed position, in which the ball valve blocks the fluid flow.  
     
     
         7 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the valve assembly further has a lever provided on the outer surface of the other flange and coupled to the ball valve to provide displacement thereof between the open and closed position in response to an external force.  
     
     
         8 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the lever is removably mounted on the outer surface of the other flange.  
     
     
         9 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the outer flange is provided with a guide surface extending complementary to a base of the lever.  
     
     
         10 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the other flange is formed with a seat portion extending from the threaded surface and dimensioned to receive the ball valve.  
     
     
         11 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 10 , further comprising an O-ring seal located between the threaded surface and seat portion of the other flange for sealing the interior of the hollow shaft.  
     
     
         12 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the tools is a brush having a hollow housing and a brush flange attachable to the threaded surface of the one flange provided on the distal end of the hollow shaft.  
     
     
         13 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the brush has a bristle holder provided with a plurality of spaced rows of bristles alternating with rows of openings which are in flow communication with the interior of the hollow shaft.  
     
     
         14 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the openings are arranged so that the openings of different rows are aligned with one another.  
     
     
         15 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the openings of different rows  
       of openings are offset relative to one another.  
     
     
         16 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of the tools includes a nozzle having a body attachable to the threaded portion of the one flange formed on the proximal end of the hollow shaft and a conical spout.  
     
     
         17 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the threaded surfaces of the one and other flanges are inner surfaces, whereas the threaded surfaces of the tools are outer.  
     
     
         18 . The cleaning assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning or water  
       disinfecting tablet receivable in the tool carrier.  
     
     
         19 . A kit containing an assembly for cleaning a filter cartridge comprising an elongated tool carrier, a brush formed with plurality of openings extending between rows of bristles, and a nozzle, whereas the brush and the nozzle are selectively coupled to one end of the tool carrier and are in flow communication with a hollow interior of the tool carrier to guide a washing medium to the inner and outer surfaces of the filter cartridge.  
     
     
         20 . The kit according to  claim 18 , further comprising at least one cleaning and water disinfecting tablet.