Abstract: A well (18) is mounted on an extension (12) of a brine tank (10) in a water softener system. The extension (12) can be molded integrally with the brine tank (10), or separate from the brine tank (10) and mounted thereto by fasteners (24). The extension (12) extends above the horizontal plane (14) at the upper edge (16) of the brine tank (10) and the well (18) is mounted to the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14). A riser (20) is mounted to the extension (12) for external connection and extends into the well (18). All necessary connections to components in the well (18) are made through the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14) so that no passages need be made through the wall (22) of the brine tank (10). Also, the upper end of the well (18) is above the horizontal plane (14) to facilitate servicing.

Abstract: A well (18) is mounted on an extension (12) of a brine tank (10) in a water softener system. The extension (12) can be molded integrally with the brine tank (10), or separate from the brine tank (10) and mounted thereto by fasteners (24). The extension (12) extends above the horizontal plane (14) at the upper edge (16) of the brine tank (10) and the well (18) is mounted to the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14). A riser (20) is mounted to the extension (12) for external connection and extends into the well (18). All necessary connections to components in the well (18) are made through the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14) so that no passages need be made through the wall (22) of the brine tank (10). Also, the upper end of the well (18) is above the horizontal plane (14) to facilitate servicing.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42–48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A structure (10, 44, 50) can be formed by using a plurality of hubs (12), connectors (14) and elongate members (16). The hubs (12) have a series of locking slots (18) formed at regular intervals about the outer circumference. A T-shaped portion (32) of a connector (14) is slid into a selected locking slot (18) until a flexible catch (34) on the connector (14) engages a locking bar (20) on the hub (12) to securely attach the connector (14) to the hub (12). Both the hubs (12) and connectors (14) can frictionally receive elongate members (16), allowing the construction of various types of structure, such as furniture. The structures can be assembled without tools, and can be readily be disassembled if desired.

Abstract: A salt platform (700) is disclosed which incorporates a series of hubs (702), radial braces(704) and curved braces(706) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members(734) and locking slots (716). The curved braces (706) can be formed with pipe holders to support pipe section(710,712) and pipe elbows (714). A stub spoke(750) can be used if desired.

Abstract: A salt platform (780) is disclosed for use in a fiberglass tank (800) or other vessel with a curved transition portion (802) between a flat bottom (804) and the side wall (806) of the tank. Salt platform (780) incorporates a series of hubs (702), stub spokes (750) and pipe sections (710, 712) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members (734) and locking slots (716). The top hubs (702) have a radially directed stub spoke (750) mounted thereon and the free end of the stub spoke (750) receives a pipe section (782) which extends against or near the side wall (806) to support the edges of the salt grid. The salt platform (780) also has extra outer circumferential braces (786) which assist in supporting the edges of the salt grid.

Abstract: A structure (10, 44, 50) can be formed by using a plurality of hubs (12), connectors (14) and elongate members (16). The hubs (12) have a series of locking slots (18) formed at regular intervals about the outer circumference. A T-shaped portion (32) of a connector (14) is slid into a selected locking slot (18) until a flexible catch (34) on the connector (14) engages a locking bar (20) on the hub (12) to securely attach the connector (14) to the hub (12). Both the hubs (12) and connectors (14) can frictionally receive elongate members (16), allowing the construction of various types of structure, such as furniture. The structures can be assembled without tools, and can be readily be disassembled if desired.

Abstract: A salt platform (500) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (502), a bottom member (504) and a plurality of vertical spacing members (506). The top member 502 is preferably formed as an integral molding. The bottom member (504) is preferably identical to the top member (502). The top surface of the top member (502) forms a support for the salt grid. A salt grid (600) is also disclosed which has a series of lips (646) at the peripheral edge with each lip joining with the rest of the salt grid about a linear hinge line (648).

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members. A ring (350) can be used to fit the salt grid in the brine tank.

Abstract: A salt platform (400) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (402), a bottom member (404) and a spacing member (406) that spaces the top and bottom members a pre-determined vertical distance apart. A series of bracing member assemblies (408) are connected between the top member and bottom member to provide support for the salt platform. The top surface of the top member (402) and top portions of the bracing member assemblies (408) lie in a single plane (432) to support a salt grid.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.

Abstract: A salt platform (10, 50, 80) is disclosed which can be used in an ion exchange water softener to support the salt used in the water softening process. The salt platform will be typically placed in a tank containing a salt brine which wets the grid (34) and the area above the grid containing the dry salt which is drawn into the brine as the salt is depleted during the process. The platform includes a plurality of vertically oriented members (12-24) which are preferably formed of PVC plastic pipe. Bracing members (26, 28) are secured between adjacent vertically oriented cylinders to provide a stable platform. A grid (34) is supported atop the vertically oriented cylinders and the salt, in turn, is supported on the grid.