Backup pump system

Abstract

A backup pump system has a frame member adapted to be securely attached to a structure. A pump member securely attached to the frame member and adapted to pump water. A water sensing device securely attached to the frame member and adapted to sense water and send electronic signals to the pump member. A battery member adapted to provide electric power to the water sensing device and the pump member; and electric wiring connected between the battery member, the water sensing device, and the pump member, such that when water reaches a predetermined level and is sensed by the water sensing device, the water sensing device sends an electronic signal to the pump member to turn on and begin pumping water using power provided by the battery member.

Description

This application claims priority based on request GB1204606.6 filed Mar. 15, 2012

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present Invention relates generally to pumps but more particularly to a backup system for storm pumps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basements of houses sometime use sump pumps to keep the basement from flooding. Unfortunately, due to power shortages a pump may stop working. There are pumps that work on DC current provided by a battery. There are also pump systems hooked to a local alarm or by telephone or Internet to remotely alert whenever there is a problem with a pump. Generally the alarm will be triggered by a rise in water level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known devices now present in the prior art, the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide objects and advantages which are:

To provide for a pump that has a large pumping capacity and has a larger autonomy so that it can work longer on battery power alone.

In order to do so, the invention consists of a backup pump system having a frame member adapted to be securely attached to a structure. A pump member securely attached to the frame member and adapted to pump water. A water sensing device securely attached to the frame member and adapted to sense water and send electronic signals to the pump member. A battery member adapted to provide electric power to the water sensing device and the pump member; and electric wiring connected between the battery member, the water sensing device, and the pump member, such that when water reaches a predetermined level and is sensed by the water sensing device, the water sensing device sends an electronic signal to the pump member to turn on and begin pumping water using power provided by the battery member.

The backup pump system has an alarm member connected to the pump member by the electric wiring, such that when the pump is turned on the alarm is activated.

Preferably, the backup pump system has a remote warning mechanism connected to the pump member by the electric wiring, and adapted to be connected to a phone or internet system.

A battery charger connected to the battery member, and adapted to maintain a charge within the battery member sufficient to run the pump member at any given time; and a battery charge indicator connected to the battery member, and adapted to indicate the state of the battery member charge.

The water sensing device includes a float member adapted to float on water, move when the water reaches a predetermined level, and send an electronic signal to the pump member to turn on and begin pumping water.

The backup pump system is further comprised of an internet connector module adapted to connect to the internet and send warning messages therethrough.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description Thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present Invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Side view of the invention.

FIG. 2 isometric view of the invention.

FIG. 3 Reverse isometric view of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4a-c Top, side and front views, respectively, of the invention.

FIG. 5 Exploded view of the Invention.

FIG. 6 Side view of the invention with 2 pumps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A backup pump system (10) has a frame member (12) to hold a large capacity pump member (14), a water sensing device (16), and a float (17). The frame (12) is attached to a structure (not shown) so that it is located at a convenient location for pumping.

A large capacity battery member (18) provides power and a battery charger (20) charges the battery, and a battery charge indicator (21) indicates the state of the battery charge. An audible alarm (22) warns when the pump member (14) is operational.

Other components include electrical wiring (26) connected between the battery member (18), the water sensing device (16), and the pump member (18), so as to send an electronic signal when water reaches a predetermined level.

When the occupants of the dwelling are not present, a remote warning mechanism (24) can alert by connecting to a phone system (29) or Internet system (30) or other remote device (31).

The system can be used as a backup system for a regular pump (28) connected to AC or when there is more water than can be pumped by a single pump.

The water sensing device (16) is securely attached to the frame member (12) and adapted to sense water and send electronic signals to the pump member (14). The battery member (18) provides electric power to the water sensing device (16) and the pump member (14) by way of the float (17) when water reaches a predetermined level and is sensed by the water sensing device (16).

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to Emit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A backup pump system comprising a frame member adapted to be securely attached to a structure; a pump member securely attached to said frame member and adapted to pump water; a water sensing device securely attached to said frame member and adapted to sense water and send electronic signals to said pump member; a battery member adapted to provide electric power to said water sensing device and said pump member, and electric wiring connected between said battery member, said water sensing device, and said pump member, such that when water reaches a predetermined level and is sensed by said water sensing device, said water sensing device sends an electronic signal to said pump member to turn on and begin pumping water using power provided by said battery member.

2. The backup pump system of claim 1, further comprising an alarm member connected to said pump member by said electric wiring, such that when said pump is turned on said alarm is activated.

3. The backup pump system of claim 2, further comprising a remote warning mechanism connected to said pump member by said electric wiring, and adapted to be connected to a phone or internet system.

4. The backup pump system of claim 1, further comprising a battery charger connected to said battery member, and adapted to maintain a charge within said battery member sufficient to run said pump member at any given time; and a battery charge indicator connected to said battery member, and adapted to indicate the state of said battery member charge.

5. The backup pump system of claim 1, wherein said water sensing device includes a float member adapted to float on water, move when said water reaches a predetermined level, and send an electronic signal to said pump member to turn on and begin pumping water.

6. The backup pump system of claim 3, further comprising an Internet connector module adapted to connect to the Internet and send warning messages therethrough.

7. A pump system comprising a main pump mechanism and a backup pump mechanism; said main pump mechanism includes a main pump member; and said backup pump mechanism comprises a frame member adapted to be securely attached to a structure: a backup pump member securely attached to said frame member and adapted to pump water; a water sensing device securely attached to said frame member and adapted to sense water and send electronic signals to said backup pump member; a battery member adapted to provide electric power to said water sensing device and said pump member; and electric wiring connected between said battery member, said water sensing device, and said backup pump member, such that when water reaches a predetermined level and is sensed by said water sensing device, said water sensing device sends an electronic signal to said backup pump member to turn on and begin pumping water using power provided by said battery member.

8. The pump system of claim 7, further comprising an alarm member connected to said backup pump member by said electric wiring, such that when said backup pump is turned on said alarm is activated.

9. The pump system of claim 8, further comprising a remote warning mechanism connected to said backup pump member by said electric wiring, and adapted to be connected to a phone or internet system.

10. The pump system of claim 7, further comprising a battery charger connected to said battery member, and adapted to maintain a charge within said battery member sufficient to run said backup pump member at any given time; and a battery charge indicator connected to said battery member, and adapted to indicate the state of said battery member charge.

11. The pump system of claim 7, wherein said water sensing device includes a float member adapted to float on water, move when said water reaches a predetermined level, and send an electronic signal to said backup pump member to turn on and begin pumping water.

12. The backup pump system of claim 9, further comprising an internet connector module adapted to connect to the internet and send warning messages therethrough.