Telescoping dip tube assembly and method of use

Abstract

A telescoping dip tube assembly having a first tube which telescopes within a second tube. The exterior surface of the first tube has a first tube stop ring extending outwardly from its exterior surface adjacent its bottom end. The second tube has a second tube stop ring which extends inwardly from its interior surface. When the second tube is lowered over the first tube, the bottom surface of the second tube stop ring engages the top surface of the first tube stop ring, thereby preventing the second tube from separating from the first tube. This arrangement provides the advantage of a telescoping dip tube assembly that is strong and durable and prevents the second tube from falling into a tanker while being loaded.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A telescoping dip tube assembly comprising:
 a first tube;   a second tube connected to the first tube;   the first tube and the second tube positioned in overlapping condition;   the first tube having a first stop ring extending outwardly from a surface of the first tube;   the second tube having a second stop ring extending outwardly from a surface of the second tube;   wherein the second tube transitions from a retracted position to an extended second position;   wherein when the second tube is in an extended second position, the first stop ring engages the second stop ring thereby defining a fully extended position of the second tube.   
     
     
         2 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first stop ring is positioned adjacent a lower end of the first tube. 
     
     
         3 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second stop ring is positioned adjacent an upper end of the second tube. 
     
     
         4 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein when in a fully extend position a sealing member is compressed between the first stop ring and the second stop ring thereby sealing intersection of the first tube and the second tube. 
     
     
         5 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein a catch member is connected to the first tube and a catch arm is connected to the second tube, wherein the catch arm engages the catch member thereby locking the second tube in a retracted position. 
     
     
         6 . The tip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube. 
     
     
         7 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube, the diffuser having a plurality of wings positioned between the lower end of the second tube and a bottom plate. 
     
     
         8 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube, the diffuser having a plurality of wings positioned between the lower end of the second tube and a bottom plate, wherein the plurality of wings extend outwardly in alignment with a center axis of the second tube. 
     
     
         9 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube, the diffuser having a bottom plate, the bottom plate having raised center that extends outwardly as it extends downward in a curved or triangular fashion. 
     
     
         10 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising at least one handle connected to the first tube or the second tube. 
     
     
         11 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a grounding cable connected to the dip tube assembly on one end and a tanker on another end. 
     
     
         12 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a neck flange connected to an upper end of the first tube. 
     
     
         13 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second tube fits over the first tube. 
     
     
         14 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second tube fits within the first tube. 
     
     
         15 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a scratch preventing layer positioned on a bottom surface of a bottom plate of the second tube. 
     
     
         16 . A telescoping dip tube assembly comprising:
 a first tube;   a second tube;   the first tube and the second tube positioned in slideable overlapping condition such that they slide between an extended position and a retracted position,   a first tube stop ring connected to the first tube;   a second tube stop right connected to the second tube;   wherein the first tube stop ring and the second tube stop ring engage one another in the extended position;   a catch arm connected to one of the first tube or the second tube;   a catch member connected to one of the first tube or the second tube;   wherein the catch arm engages the catch member in a retracted position.   
     
     
         17 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 16  further comprising a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube. 
     
     
         18 . A telescoping dip tube assembly comprising:
 a first tube;   a second tube;   the first tube and the second tube positioned in slideable overlapping condition such that they slide between an extended position and a retracted position,   a first tube stop ring connected to the first tube;   a second tube stop right connected to the second tube;   wherein the first tube stop ring and the second tube stop ring engage one another in the extended position;   a diffuser connected to a lower end of the second tube;   the diffuser having an flange and a bottom plate separated by a space;   wherein the bottom plate includes a centrally positioned pointed feature that directs fluid outwardly through the space.   
     
     
         19 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 18  further comprising a plurality of wings positioned in the space between the flange and the bottom plate. 
     
     
         20 . The dip tube assembly of  claim 18  wherein the flange extends outwardly from the second tube and downwardly in curved fashion.