PORTABLE PIPE-THAWING DEVICES, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to portable pipe-thawing devices, and related methods of use.

BACKGROUND

The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

Ice blockages in pipes may cause a myriad of issues, from bursting pipes, to non-functional plumbing, as water is obstructed from flowing within the plumbing. Portable devices exist with onboard heating systems configured to blast steam against the exterior or within the interior of such plumbing to break down an ice obstruction.

SUMMARY

A portable pipe-thawing device has a water reservoir; a water pumping parting part; and a hose connected to receive water from the water pumping parting part and spray the water out of an end of the hose.

A portable pipe-thawing device comprises a cooler with an insulated wall; a water reservoir defined within the cooler; a water pumping parting part; and a hose connected to receive water from the water pumping parting part and spray the water out of an end of the hose.

A portable pipe-thawing device is disclosed comprising: a cooler with an insulated wall and an insulated lid; a water reservoir defined within the cooler; a water pumping part; and a flexible hose connected to receive water from the pump and spray the water out of an end of the flexible hose.

A method comprising using the portable pipe-thawing device to pump water from the water reservoir into a frozen pipe whose interior is blocked with ice.

A method is disclosed comprising using a portable pipe-thawing device to pump hot water from the water reservoir into a frozen pipe whose interior is blocked with ice.

In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The water pumping part is mounted within the portable pipe-thawing device. The water pumping part is mounted below a base of the water reservoir. The water pumping part is mounted within a pump compartment defined below the water reservoir. An inlet for the water pumping part is defined in a base of the water reservoir; and an outlet for the water pumping part is defined in the base of the water reservoir and connected to the hose. One-way valves at the inlet and outlet. The water pumping part comprises a positive displacement pump. A lid for the water reservoir may define a passage for the hose. One or both the insulated wall and the insulated lid define a passage for the hose. The hose is structured to retract into the water reservoir through the passage when in a stowed position. The hose is structured to be adjustable in length. The hose is formed of plural hose sections that can be added or removed end-to-end via hose connectors to increase or decrease, respectively, a length of the hose. The end of the hose comprises a nozzle; and the nozzle is configured to form a jet stream of water, in use. The jet stream of water is centered within the nozzle. The jet stream of water is off-centered from the nozzle. The water pumping part is configured to, in use, pump hot water out of the end of the hose in a pulsing action. The water reservoir is defined by a cooler with an insulated wall. The insulated wall and the insulated lid of the cooler have an R-value of seven or higher. The cooler forms a passive cooler. A method comprising using the portable pipe-thawing device to pump water, such as hot water, from the water reservoir into a frozen pipe whose interior is blocked with ice. The water comprises hot water above room temperature. The method further comprising filling the water reservoir with externally-heated hot water that is at or above thirty degrees Celsius. The method further comprising filling the water reservoir with cold water. The method in which the water is pumped into the frozen pipe to form an axial liquid water conduit bounded radially by ice within the interior of the frozen pipe. The method further comprising advance the hose through the axial liquid water conduit until the axial liquid water conduit surpasses an ice blockage within the frozen water pipe. The method in which the water is pumped using a pulsing action. The method in which the water comprises a saline solution.

The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure. These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a portable pipe-thawing device with a hot water reservoir, a water pumping part and a flexible hose, along with an additional hose section that may be added with the other hose to provide a relatively long hose.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is another side elevation view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 1, with a lid of the hot water reservoir and the hose removed.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the portable pipe-thawing device of FIG. 8, with the flexible hose connected to an outlet of the pump.

FIG. 10 is a section view taken along the 12-12 section lines of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a perspective section view of the pump of the portable pipe-thawing device.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation section view of the pump of the portable pipe-thawing device taken from the section view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of an underground dugout water system that is designed to provide water to livestock.

FIGS. 14-16 are section views of a frozen water supply pipe, illustrating a method of inserting the flexible hose of a portable pipe-thawing device into the pipe while injecting hot water from the device, in order to form and extend a water conduit within the pipe and/or ice blockage. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the water has begun to melt and created and extended a liquid water conduit. In FIG. 16 the liquid water conduit has completely passed through the ice blockage.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view, in section, of a trough watering system that is designed to provide water to livestock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

Effective management of livestock in the field requires a comprehensive understanding of the physiological and environmental needs of the livestock to optimize health and productivity. Livestock, whether cattle, sheep, goats, or others, require access to clean water and balanced nutrition tailored to their specific growth stages and reproductive cycles, to flourish. Grazing systems must be managed to prevent overgrazing, ensuring that pastureland has adequate recovery periods to maintain soil health and forage quality. Additionally, shelter and shade are crucial for protecting animals from extreme weather conditions and reducing heat stress, which can adversely affect the animal's growth and milk production. Livestock must be regularly monitored for signs of disease and parasitic infestations so that outbreaks may be prevented. Proper waste management practices should also be in place to mitigate environmental impacts and maintain sanitary conditions. By addressing these needs, livestock can thrive in the field, leading to improved welfare and productivity.

Access to water is needed in order to maintain optimal health and productivity of livestock, as water is essential for various physiological processes, including digestion, temperature regulation, and metabolic functions. The daily water intake requirements for livestock vary based on species, age, weight, diet, and environmental conditions. For instance, mature cattle may require between 30 to 50 liters of water per day, while lactating cows may need significantly more, up to 100 liters or more, to support milk production. Water availability should be managed to ensure consistent access, with sources like troughs or automatic drinkers being regularly checked for cleanliness and functionality. Additionally, water quality is key as it must be free from contaminants such as pathogens, excess salts, and chemicals that could impair health or decrease intake. Temperature also plays a role, as water that is too cold or too warm can affect consumption rates. Implementing adequate water infrastructure and monitoring systems is essential to meet the dynamic needs of livestock and prevent potential issues such as dehydration or reduced feed intake.

Livestock water supply systems are designed to meet the needs of different types of livestock while optimizing efficiency and ensuring water quality. Common systems include gravity-fed troughs, which rely on natural elevation differences to supply water, and pressurized systems, where water is delivered through pipes and valves from a central source or reservoir. Automatic drinkers, such as float-controlled troughs and nipple drinkers, provide a continuous supply of fresh water and help reduce waste and spillage. In regions with extreme temperatures, systems may include heated waterers to prevent freezing or cooling units to manage high temperatures. Mobile water tanks or trailers may be used in rotational grazing systems to supply water to animals in different pasture areas. Selection of the appropriate water system depends on factors including herd size, pasture layout, climate, and available infrastructure, aiming to balance cost, convenience, and the ability to meet the specific water needs of the livestock.

Freezing in livestock water supply systems may pose a significant challenge to livestock, especially in regions with harsh winters, as it can lead to inadequate water supply and potential health issues for the animals. To mitigate freezing, various strategies may be employed, including the use of heated waterers or electric heating cables that maintain water temperatures above freezing. Insulation of pipes and tanks may reduce heat loss and prevent ice formation. Some systems may incorporate automatic frost-proof drinkers that are designed to operate in freezing conditions by utilizing geothermal heat or insulated designs. Regardless of the solutions involved, it is possible that the interior liquid contents of a water supply pipe will freeze, leading to the formation of an ice blockage within the pipe, preventing further use of the pipe until the ice is thawed from end to end of the pipe.

Water pipe ice prevention (and thawing) devices may be used to maintain an uninterrupted water supply to livestock in freezing conditions, especially in remote or temporary setups. These devices are designed to prevent ice formation within water pipes, ensuring that water remains accessible despite low ambient temperatures. Some pipe-thawing devices consist of heating elements encased in a protective, weather-resistant sheath, which can be easily wrapped around or inserted into water pipes. Various portable pipe-thawing devices operate using electric power, either through direct connection to an outlet or via generator, and are equipped with thermostats to regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Many such units heat the water that is used, and some produce steam, which is energy expensive to create, use, and maintain. Some models feature built-in thermostats that activate the heating element only when necessary, optimizing energy use. These existing water pipe ice prevention devices are often heavy and require access to electricity due to the heater that is incorporated into them. Additionally, issues such as overheating, insufficient temperature control, and the potential for damaging the pipe material if not properly managed can pose significant risks. Models that use gas or other related fuels to create combustion processes to heat water also exist. The simplest method of dethawing a frozen may include spraying the pipe with steam from a portable steam generator or pressure washer.

More generally, pipes are vulnerable to freezing in various settings, including commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, especially during cold spells. In older homes, uninsulated pipes running through exterior walls, attics, and basements are at high risk. Outdoor piping, such as hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and water supply lines to external buildings, is particularly susceptible to freezing due to direct exposure to the elements. Underground piping, including irrigation systems and shallow water supply lines, can also freeze, especially in regions where the frost line extends below the depth of the pipes. In commercial or industrial environments, exposed pipelines in unheated loading docks or running along outdoor walls can freeze during temperature drops, as can underground pipes servicing fire hydrants or outdoor water tanks, especially if they lack proper insulation or are buried too shallow. Even underground pipes that run under parking lots or sidewalks are at risk in cold climates if not buried deep enough to avoid freezing temperatures. The absence of proper insulation, combined with inadequate heating in these vulnerable areas, makes outdoor and underground piping particularly prone to freezing and damage.

In general, there are several controlled techniques that may be used to restore water flow in a frozen pipe while minimizing the risk of pipe damage. One relatively low-risk method is using a hair dryer, which should be applied evenly along the frozen section of the pipe, starting from the faucet and working backwards. This prevents pressure buildup from trapped water behind the ice. Alternatively, an electric heating pad can be wrapped around the pipe to provide consistent warmth, or towels soaked in hot water can be applied as a gradual heat source. A space heater can also be used to warm the ambient air around the pipe, though direct heat application to the pipe itself is more effective. Usually, it is important to avoid using open flames or high-heat devices, such as blowtorches, which can overheat and damage the pipe material, potentially leading to bursting. These methods should be paired with monitoring for leaks and a gradual return of water flow. Insulation and heating tape can be installed afterward to prevent future freezing. The above-described methods may be less effective or ineffective in outdoor applications, where heat applied to structures or piping escapes via relatively cold ambient air or adjacent structures.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, a portable pipe-thawing device 10 is disclosed. The portable pipe-thawing device 10 comprises a water reservoir 70, a water pumping part such as a pump 74 and a hose 102. The water reservoir 70 may be defined by a cooler 22, which may comprise an insulated wall 24. The wall in general may refer to any part of the cooler 22 that defines a periphery for a water reservoir 70, and may include one or more of a side wall 24, lid 44 and/or base 14. The cooler 22 may comprise a lid, such as an insulated lid 44, and/or an insulated base 14. The side wall 24 may define a top 12 of the device 10, for example an open end that is covered in use by the lid 44 in a closed position, and exposed in an open position. The device 10 may comprise an outer housing 18, which may contain or otherwise define the cooler 22. The cooler 22 and the water pump 74 may be housed within the outer housing 18. The water reservoir 70 may be defined within an interior 68 of the cooler 22. The hose 102, which may have suitable properties such as flexibility or resiliency, may be connected to receive water from the pump 74. The hose 102 may be configured to spray the water out a spray end 106 of the hose 102. The cooler 22 of the device 10 may be filled with water, such as hot water. The portable pipe-thawing device 10 may be used to pump hot water into a frozen pipe whose interior is blocked with ice. The hose 102 may be inserted in use into the interior of the frozen pipe. The water may be pumped through hose 102, and exit the spray end 106 of the hose 102 to contact and melt the ice blockage within the interior of the frozen pipe. As the ice blockage is melted by the hot water, the hose 102 may be inserted/advanced further into the frozen pipe in order to maintain the spray end 106 of the hose 102, and hence the supply point of hot water into the pipe, adjacent to the ice blockage to penetrate and remove the ice blockage in the pipe.

A cooler, also known as a portable ice chest, ice box, cool box, chilly bin (in New Zealand), or esky (Australia) is an insulated box used to keep food or drink cool.

Portable coolers, commonly used for camping, picnics, and outdoor activities, are insulated containers designed to keep food, drinks, and other perishable items cold for extended periods. These coolers rely on thick, insulating walls made of materials like plastic or foam (although in some cases hollow walls are incorporated to provide a layer of air or vacuum around the reservoir to provide insulating properties) to minimize heat transfer from the external environment. To maintain low temperatures, ice packs or ice cubes are typically placed inside the cooler, absorbing heat as they melt. The effectiveness of a cooler depends on several factors, including the quality (R-value) of its insulation, the seal of its lid, and the frequency with which it is opened. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used to indicate the insulating effectiveness of a material. It quantifies how well a material can resist heat flow, with higher R-values signifying better insulation performance. The R-value depends on the material's thickness, density, and thermal conductivity, and it is commonly used in construction for evaluating building insulation. For example, insulation materials like foam, fiberglass, and cellulose are rated by their R-values to ensure energy efficiency in walls, roofs, and floors. In applications like portable coolers or refrigeration units, higher R-value materials help reduce heat transfer, maintaining the desired internal temperature for longer periods. High-quality coolers often feature airtight gaskets and reinforced lids to ensure a tight seal, preventing warm air from entering and cold air from escaping. Some models also include drainage systems for removing melted ice water without opening the cooler. Portable coolers vary in size and durability, with premium models capable of keeping contents cold for several days, making them ideal for extended outdoor use. Effective packing, such as placing pre-chilled items and using block ice, can further enhance a cooler's performance. A portable cooler may have a suitable size, such as provided with reservoir sizes of five to one hundred and twenty liters, although sizes above or below this range may be used. In some cases, a cooler may have a reservoir size of five to twenty liters.

Portable coolers can also be used to retain internal contents in a hot state by leveraging their insulating properties to prevent heat loss rather than cold retention. The same insulating materials, such as foam or plastic, that slow heat transfer from the external environment into the cooler when used for cold storage work similarly to maintain warmth. To keep contents hot, the cooler may be preheated by filling it with hot water or by using specialized heat packs that release thermal energy gradually. In use, hot contents should be placed inside, and the lid sealed tightly to minimize heat exchange. High-end coolers with thick insulation and airtight gaskets are particularly effective in maintaining internal temperatures. Some models come with internal dividers or thermal separators to prevent heat loss when accessing different sections of the cooler. Heat retention time can vary depending on the ambient temperature, the size and heat capacity of the stored items, and how often the cooler is opened. When properly used, portable coolers can retain hot contents for several hours, making them ideal for transporting hot meals to events or maintaining temperature-sensitive items like catered food or hot beverages during travel. A portable cooler thus provides a useful structure to retain water in a hot or warmed state while transporting the water through a relatively cold environment, such as the type of environment in which a frozen pipe might be located.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the cooler 22 may comprise a suitable structure. The cooler 22 may be defined by the cooler wall 24, the lid 44 and a base 60. The cooler wall 24 may be double walled, for example comprising an inner cooler wall 38 and an outer cooler wall 40. An insulated interior wall cavity 42 may be defined between the inner cooler wall 38, the outer cooler wall 40 and a top peripheral end 28 and may provide insulative properties to the cooler wall 24. The cavity 42 may be filled with air, a vacuum, or insulating material such as foam. Referring to FIG. 10, the base 60 of the cooler 22 may be double walled, for example comprising a top wall 62 and a base wall 64. An insulated interior base cavity 66 may be defined between the top wall 62 and the base wall 64 and may provide insulative properties to the base 60, similar to the cavity 42 of the walls. In the example shown, the cavity 66 also forms a pump compartment 20. A skirt 67, such as provided as a base portion or lower extension of walls 38, may depend below the wall 62 to define the cavity 66 along with walls 62 and 64. Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the lid 44 of the cooler may be double walled, for example comprising a top wall 48 and a base wall 50. An insulated interior lid cavity 52 may be defined between the top wall 48, the base wall 50 and a peripheral wall 46 and may provide insulative properties to the lid 44, similar to the walls and/or base.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cooler 22 may incorporate structure to seat the internal bucket formed by the wall 38 and top wall 62 within the outer housing 18. A flanged collar 31 may be provided at top peripheral end 28 of the wall 24 of the cooler 22, in order to seat the cooler 22 in alignment within the outer housing 18 to define the cavity 42. The collar 31 may allow the cooler 22 to be correctly positioned within the outer housing 18, such that a pump compartment 20 may be defined below or as part of the base 60 of the cooler 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the cooler 22 may form a passive cooler such that there is not any active heating mechanisms provided, such as a heating element or burner, or any way to increase the temperature of the contents in the cooler 22. A passive cooler may be easier to manufacture than an actively-heated cooler 22, as no heating parts or equipment are needed. The cooler, for example one or more of the parts that make up the periphery of the cooler such as the insulated wall 24, and/or the insulated lid 44/insulated base 60 of the cooler, may have an R-value of seven or higher, such as ten, fifteen, twenty, or higher. By providing a sufficiently insulative structure, the cooler 22 may be effective enough at minimizing heat loss of water within the water reservoir to the environment in order to provide a suitable window of operation during which the device 10 may be transported through and used within a relatively cold (below zero degrees Celsius) ambient environment to thaw a frozen pipe in such environment. The ability to use the device 10 to thaw a frozen pipe without requiring that the lid be removed as part of the process may further assist in minimizing heat loss of internal water and extending the window of operation of the device 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the lid 44 may have suitable properties. When in the closed position, a lower peripheral base end 54 of the peripheral wall 46 of the lid 44 may abut the top peripheral end 28 of the cooler wall 24. A suitable mechanism for opening and the lid 44, for example moving the lid 44 between an open and closed position, may be incorporated. One or more pivot mounts 32 may be defined on one side of the collar 31. The one or more pivot mounts 32 may comprise a pair of walls that extend upright from the collar 31 and are spaced to mount a hinge 34. The hinge 34 may be secured to the mount 32 and the lid 44 in a suitable fashion such as via fasteners 36. The hinge 34 may secure to the lid 44 in a suitable fashion such as using a hinge connector 37. The hinge 34 may allow the lid 44 to open and close about a pivot axis. Other mechanisms of mounting the lid 44 to the cooler 22 may be used, including the use of living hinges, or articulating levers. In some cases, no pivot mechanism is provided as the lid 44 may be manually removed or mounted to cover the top opening defined by the cooler 22. A suitable mechanism may be provided for locking the lid 44 on the cooler 22 in the closed position, such as using one or more latches. A latch 35 may be structured to mount to one of the lid 44 and cooler 22 and reversibly engage and disengage the other of the lid 44 and cooler 22. In the example shown, the latch 35 may mount to a latch mount 33, which may comprise a pair of walls that extend upright from the collar 31, for example on an opposite side of the top 12 of the device from the hinge mount 32, and are spaced to mount the latch 35. Latch 35 may reversibly attach and de-attach to latch connectors 56 on the lid to secure the lid 44 in the closed position. The latch 35 may cooperate with a top seal ring 30, which may be inserted into a corresponding seal ring slot in the collar 31 or base 14 of lid 44, such that upon closing the latch, the lid 44 is biased to compress the seal ring 30 to seal the lid 44 and the cooler wall 24 in order to reduce heat loss from the cooler.

Referring to FIG. 1, and 10-12, the water pumping part or pump 74 may comprise a suitable structure. The water pump 74 may be mounted at any suitable location within the device 10. The water pump 74 may be mounted below a base of the water reservoir 70, for example the water pump 74 may be mounted within a pump compartment 20 defined below the water reservoir 70. In other cases, the water pump 74 may be mounted at another suitable location of the device 10, such as on the walls or lid of the device. The water pump 74 may be secured within the pump compartment in a suitable fashion such as via fasteners 100. The water pump 74 may be housed in a pump housing 76 within the pump compartment 20. An inlet 80 of the water pump 74 may be defined in a base of the water reservoir 70, for example in the base 60 of the cooler 22. The inlet 80 may comprise an inlet hose connector 84, such as a barbed hose connector. An outlet 86 for the water pump 74 may be defined in the base of the water reservoir 70, for example in the base 60 of the cooler 22, and connected in use to the hose 102. The outlet 86 may comprise an outlet hose connector 90, which may be a barbed connector. The inlet 80 for the water pump 74 and the outlet 86 for the water pump 74 may comprise one-way valves, for example inlet valve 82 and outlet valve 88. The one-way valves may ensure that water travels in one direction through the pump 74, i.e. in the inlet and out the outlet. The water pump 74 may comprise a positive displacement pump. The pump 74 may comprise a pump motor 78 (only partially shown in FIG. 11 due to cut off from the sectioning of the view). The pump motor 78 may be connected to reciprocate an arm 98 of a piston 94. The piston 94 may be housed within a piston housing 96. The piston 94 may be fluidly connected to an inner cavity 92 of the water pump 74, to displace fluid in the cavity 92 during reciprocation. The motor 78 may be connected to extend and retract the piston 94. When the motor 78 retracts the piston 94, a volume of the inner cavity 92 may be increased, which may cause water to be drawn in through the inlet 80. When the motor 78 extends the piston 94, the volume of the inner cavity 92 may be decrease, which may cause water to be forced out of the outlet 86 and into the hose 102. Although the pump is shown mounted below the reservoir, this is not required, and the pump may be mounted at any suitable location on or within the device 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the hose 102 may comprise a suitable structure. The hose 102 may comprise a flexible side wall 110. The hose 102 may be provided by a suitable material, such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other suitable materials or polymers. A pump end 104 of the hose 102 may be connected to the outlet hose connector 90 of the pump outlet 86. One or both the insulated wall 24 and the insulated lid 44 may define a passage 58 for the hose 102, for example to permit the device 10 to be operated while the lid 44 remains in the closed position to minimize heat loss. The hose 102 may pass from the interior 68 of the cooler 22 through the passage 58 to an exterior 72 of the cooler 22. The hose 102 may be structured to retract into or otherwise be stored within the water reservoir 70 through the passage 58 when in a stowed position. The hose may be stowed in the water reservoir to minimize or avoid freezing of the hose when not in immediate use. A reel (not shown) may be provided to house the hose. The hose may be extended from the reservoir 70 into a deployed position. In some cases, the hose may be provided independent of the reservoir 70, for example such that the hose extends from a part of the device 10 that connects or defines the pump outlet 86. The hose may be structured to be adjustable in length. For example, the spray end 106 of the hose 102 may be structured (for example via a suitable connector such as a threaded or barbed end) to connect to one or more of a plurality of hose sections 108 or a nozzle 112. The hose 102 may be formed of plural hose sections 108 that can be added or removed via hose connectors to increase or decrease a length of the hose 102. In some cases, the hose may be provided in telescopic or other extendable/retractable forms to increase or decrease the length of the hose.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the device 10 may be structured to spray or otherwise dispense water from the hose in a suitable fashion. The spray end 106 of the hose 102 may comprise or otherwise mount the nozzle 112. A hose end 116 of the nozzle 112 may be connected to the spray end 106 of the hose 102 via a suitable connector, such as a hose connector 118. The nozzle 112 may be configured to form a jet stream of water, in use, or otherwise may be structured to focus and direct the stream of water to allow the water to be aimed at an ice obstruction in use. A nozzle aperture 120 may be defined at a spray end 114 of the nozzle 112. The nozzle aperture 120 may be shaped to form the jet stream of water. The water pump 74 may be configured to, in use, pump hot water out of the spray end 106 of the hose 102 in a suitable fashion, such as via a pulsing action. A pulsing action of the water coming out of the nozzle 112 may allow for more efficient melting of the ice blockage. The nozzle 112 and pumping part may be structured to impart an ice-cutting action on water dispensed from the nozzle 112, to assist in the clearance of any ice blockage targeted by the nozzle. A suitable pulsing action may be provided by timing the operation of the reciprocating piston 94. In some cases, the controls of the device 10 may permit adjustment of the degree of pumping and the degree of pulsing. The nozzle 112 may be provided with a flexible or resilient structure, or a curved or pivoting structure, to permit advancement of the hose within tight inner pipe dimensions, around bends and through complex paths. The nozzle 112 may be oriented to distribute a spray of water whose spray axis is co-axial with the hose (in line with the part of the hose the nozzle 112 connects to), or forms a non-zero angle with an axis of the part of the hose the nozzle 112 connects to-making the resulting jet centered with the hose or slightly off-center. The nozzle 112 may be structured within a range of dimensions that allow the nozzle to produce a fine spray. In some cases the spray pattern and various characteristics of the spray may be adjustable, for example if the orifice of the nozzle 112 is adjustable.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the device 10 may comprise suitable features to enhance the portability or operation of the device 10. The device may comprise a handle 122. The handle 122 may allow a user to carry the device 10 by hand. The handle 122 may comprise a hand grip 124, side arms 126 and pivot connectors 128. The pivot connectors 128 may pivotally connect the handle 122 to handle mounts 26. The handle mounts 26 may be defined on the collar 31 of the cooler 22. The device 10 may be handheld, that is, structured to be operated by a user while the user holds the device 10 using his or her hands. In some cases the water reservoir may be structured to have a suitable internal volume, such as one sized to fit 10-30 pounds of water. A power source 132, such as batteries 134 may be located in the pump compartment 20. The power source 132 may be used to power the water pump 74 and/or a controller 130. The controller 130 may comprise control buttons 142, which may permit the various functions of the device 10 to be operated and in some cases adjusted. A control center 136 may be defined on the outer housing 18. The control center 136 may comprise a battery cover 138, an operation light 140 and one or more control buttons 142, such as an on/off switch. The internal power source 132 may allow the device 10 to be operated without the need for an external power source, thereby increasing the portability of the device 10. Other features may be provided, such as a charging port (for example a universal serial bus (USB) port, a battery monitor, a graphical user interface screen, a Bluetooth connector, or other data connector, and one or more brackets or other structural parts for mounting the various parts of the unit together).

Referring to FIGS. 1-10 and 14-16, the device 10 may be used to melt an ice blockage 172 in a pipe 158. A user may fill the water reservoir 70 with externally-heated hot water, which may be above room temperature, for example at or above thirty degrees Celsius. In some cases, the hot water may be supplied directly from a hot water supply that forms part of the plumbing system of a building, for example a faucet within a kitchen or bathroom of a building. Once a frozen pipe is identified, the user may expose an end or other access point in the pipe to permit the insertion of the hose into the pipe. The hose 102 may be oriented such that the nozzle 112 is within the pipe, for example directed toward an ice blockage 172 within the pipe. Hot water may be pumped into the frozen pipe 158 and out the nozzle 112 to melt the ice blockage 172. The supply of hot water may act to incrementally melt the ice blockage 172 to the interior walls 160 of the pipe. In some cases, the supply of hot water may form an axial liquid water conduit 174 through the ice blockage 172. In such a case, the liquid water conduit 174 may be bounded radially by radial ice walls 176 within the interior of the frozen pipe 158. The user may advance the hose 102 through the pipe, for example through the axial liquid water conduit 174, until the axial liquid water conduit 174 surpasses an ice blockage 172 within the frozen water pipe 158, to permit flow of liquid water from one end of the portion of the pipe that was frozen to the other. After or during supply of hot water, the radial ice walls 176 may line the walls 160 of the pipe 158 and define the axial liquid water conduit 174. Spent hot water may backflow in a direction 180 out of the liquid water conduit 174 as more hot water exits the nozzle 112, carrying melted water in the process. Once the axial liquid water conduit 174 surpasses an ice blockage 172 within the frozen water pipe 158, the pipe 158 can be used as normal. Any remaining ice within the pipe would thereafter be melted and removed by the flow of liquid water. Various additives may be added to the hot water in the reservoir to assist operation of the device. For example, the reservoir may contain a saline solution, with the salinity of the saline solution causing the ice blockage 172 to melt faster as compared to a solution with no salinity. One or more dispensers (not shown) may be used with or provided as part of the device 10, for adding one or more additives to the water in the device, for example a saline dispenser may be provided. In some cases, non-heated, room temperature, or colder, water may be used.

Referring to FIG. 13, a livestock watering system is shown. The watering system may comprise a water trough 148 and a wet well 150 under the ground 146. The wet well 150 may be defined by a culvert 152 and may have a water intake 170. The watering system may comprise a submersible pump 156 which may be submerged below a water level 154. A power source, such as a solar panel 164 may provide power to a battery 166, which may be connected via a power cable 162 to power the submersible pump 156. In other cases, electricity may be provided from an electrical power supply system such as from a building. A motion sensor 168 may detect the presence of livestock 149 and trigger the submersible pump 156 to pump water through the pipe 158 into the trough 148. In colder climates it may be common for the pipes of such a system to be blocked with ice during the winter. In one example, the portable pipe-thawing device 10 may be used to clear the ice blockage within the livestock watering system, thereby allow water to be pumped into the trough 148.

Referring to FIG. 17, the device 10 may be used to thaw a livestock watering system 101. The watering system 101 may comprise a trough 148 supported above ground by a catch, which may be formed by sidewalls 198. The catch may be structured to sit on a footing, such as an above-ground concrete footing 184. The footing 184 may abut, for example rest upon, an inground or other concrete footing 182. The trough 148 may be structured to receive water through a trough water supply 188 from a main water supply 186. The main water supply 186 may connect to receive water from the water supply of the property, and may extend below the frost level of the ground 146. A well may be provided to house the trough water supply 188, to permit water from the water supply 186 to be provided to surface via the trough water supply 188. The well may be constructed in a suitable fashion, such as using well tile 196. The trough water supply 188 may use a pipe heating system to prevent freezing of the water supply 188. The pipe heating system may comprise a heating cable 192 (heat trace) with an electrical supply 190. The electrical supply 190 may extend from a power distribution system of the property, and may run up the well along the tile 196 to supply electricity to a power box 194 or other suitable power outlet or power connection. The heating cable 192 may be connected to the power box 194 in order to receive power from the electrical supply 190. The heating cable 192 may be associated with the trough water supply 188, for example the heating cable 192 may be wrapped around the trough water supply 188 to prevent the trough water supply 188 from freezing. In the event of a power outage, the heating system (for example cable 192) may fail to prevent the trough water supply 188 from freezing, resulting in the formation in one or more of the trough 148, and water supply 188 of an ice blockage 172. Upon freezing of water in the trough 148 and/or the trough water supply 188, the blockage will require clearing before any further use of the trough is possible. Any float (not shown) that is used by the system 101 to supply and cut off water to the trough may be removed and the nozzle 112 and the flexible hose 102 of the device 10 may be inserted into the trough and/or trough water supply 188. The nozzle 112 and flexible hose 102 may be advanced incrementally through the trough water supply 188 until the ice blockage 172 is cleared and water flow is restored to the trough water supply 188.

In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.