Portable,Solar Rechargeable Water Pumping System

Abstract

The instant invention comprises a 12-volt water pumping system that is portable with a 12-volt DC impeller pump powered by a rechargeable 12-volt battery, which is recharged by either a 5-watt or 15-watt or larger solar panel. The 12-volt water pumping system is in a plastic case, which contains the battery, the pump, and the electronics. The pump is capable of pumping over 200 gallons per hour. A water pickup wand serves as the link between the water collection device and the solar rain pump. The plastic case serves to hold the mechanical and electrical operation switches.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/217,022 filed May 26, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable, 12 volt water pumping system, solar rechargeable, designed to efficiently pump rain or municipal water collected in rain barrels or other water collection devices, or from pooled water in lakes, streams, rivers, spas, pools, etc., to gardens, flower beds, shrubbery, trees, grass or any desired area requiring water.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are a number of solutions for pumping water collected in water collection devices (rainwater or municipal water) or from pooled water areas. Some solutions attempt to use gravity to create flow pressure, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the industry because the coverage area created is very limited. The user may be forced to use a watering can. Other solutions do attempt to utilize 110-volt pumps, or other sources of energy. These solutions are also unable to meet the needs of the industry because of one or all of the following: 1) the inherent danger from electrical shock; 2) the difficulty in transporting to multiple sites; 3) the lack of pumping power and/or pumping time; 4) the requirement for 110-volt power to be available; and 5) the volume of water that can be pumped by the system.

It would be desirable to have a device that is easy to transport and use, is safe from electrical shock hazards, and can be used to efficiently pump rain or municipal water collected in water collection devices or from pooled areas of water. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a device that has a long pump life between battery charges, and a method to connect the device to a solar panel to re-charge or re-energize the battery, and therefore enhance the pumping time available for use. It would also be desirable to have a device that easily connects to the water collection device, and connects easily to hoses or tubing for quick set up and tear down. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for an invented device that can: 1) pump pooled water or water captured in water collection devices; 2) provide usable water pressure for hundreds of feet; 3) operate for several hours without the necessity to recharge, or can operate for a sufficient time between charges; 4) a device that does not depend upon the electric grid for power; and 5) is easily portable. There is a need for an ECO friendly rainwater pumping system, with an alternate energy source such as solar panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a portable 12 volt water pumping system, solar rechargeable, to pump collected water to gardens, flowerbeds, trees, shrubbery, grass or anywhere water is needed. This system provides a completely flexible pumping system, portable but powerful enough to last for hours, and has fuse link protection to prevent amp overload. The fuse link protection prevents the motor from damage. For example, if a rain barrel runs dry, and the pump continues to run, the pump will eventually draw more amps than the recommended or required amperage and the fuse link will “blow” the fuse. The blown fuse does not allow power to pass from the battery to the pump motor, and protects the pump motor from damage.

The present invention is a 12-volt water pumping system capable of pumping over 200 gallons per hour. The present invention is comprised of the following components: 1) a case with a handle and security locks, 2) a battery, 3) a manual on-off switch, 4) a pump, 5) electrical wires with fuse link protection, 6) a solar recharging port, 7) a suction side of the pump having quick attachment connections to integrate with the water collection device, 8) the outlet side of the pump having quick attachment connections to integrate with the hoses or tubing, 9) a solar panel to recharge the battery, 10) and a water pickup wand designed to be placed in pooled water areas (lake, pool, pond, spa, etc.), the water pickup wand can also be built directly into the water collection device (rain barrel, cistern, etc.).

These components are integrated as described in the following way. When the manual on off switch is activated, 12 volts passes from the battery to the pump through wires and various connections and a fuse protection link. The pump is activated and the revolving impeller creates suction on the inlet port side of the pump. The suction created is capable of “pulling” water to the pump from a water pickup wand built directly into the water collection device. The pump can “pull” water from any hose or tube inserted into water. The pump creates enough suction to draw water from the bottom of a rain barrel. The water is “pulled” or drawn to the inlet side of the pump, reaches the impeller, and the water is then forced out the outlet side of the pump. The water flows through a standard garden hose(s) or through tubing to be connected with a micro emitter water system that is matched in water output capacity to the pump. In addition, the pump is capable of powering traditional pop-up lawn sprinkler heads.

When moving to alternate water collection devices, the invention is easily transported to a secondary water collection device simply by grabbing the handle mounted on the invention and securing the quick attachment connections to have it up and running again in seconds. The user can attach the solar panel at any time, including while the invention is pumping, this will provide for an “extended” pumping time and expand the useful life of the battery. The solar panel connection is a quick insert “plug” type connection. The uniqueness of the top “pull or draw” suction feature allows water collection devices to be buried in the ground. The benefits of this type of process are the water is kept cooler, and the water collection devices are hidden. Therefore, with much of the invention “hidden,” the system allows the beauty of the setting to come through and allow the user to have a more “eye appealing” view.

The present invention may comprise one or more of the following: 1) a manual on-off selector switch, and 2) a timer control switch for semi-automatic operation. In this setup, the user will set the timer, and the invention will shut off when the time set expires. 3) A remote control activation keychain provides for the cycling of the pump, on and off, from distances of up to 150 feet or more. 4) The automatic operation of the system will allow for the cycling the pump on and off either a) by a programmable, multi-event DC timer, or b) by a float switch.

The present invention provides for the following: 1) the invention allows for quick and easy attachment connections at the inlet and outlet sides of the pump; 2) the water may be “pulled or drawn” to the pump from a water pickup wand inserted in pooled water areas (such as lakes, streams, pools, spas, standing water, or even sump tanks); 3) the water may be “pulled or drawn” to the pump through a water pickup wand integrated directly into a water collection device (The water collection device can be a rain barrel, a tote, or any other container strong enough to hold water); and 4) the water collection devices may be buried in the ground, as bottom spigots are no longer necessary.

The user has the option to utilize different sized solar panels of different wattages. The user also has options for the actual method of water use, from standard hoses, with or without hose sprayers, to tubing integrated with a wide variety of micro water emitters to meet every need, to traditional lawn sprinkler heads, or directly to a water can.

The advantages of the present invention compared with known solutions are:

1) When compared to a 110-volt sump pump type systems are:

a) No risk of electrical shock, b) easily portable, c) easier set up at secondary pumping sites, d) the water pressure created is easily managed by the hose (the hose may or may not have a sprayer), e) in micro emitter watering systems there is no water wasted;

2) When compared to the usable gravity pressure available from standard water spigots on the bottom of water collection devices (rain barrels):

a) Provides an effective water pressure for long distances to feed standard garden hoses and micro water emitter systems, b) there is no need to raise the water collection devices high off the ground in an attempt to gain more usable flow volume (in fact, water collection devices can now be buried in the ground);

More generally, the present invention allows the battery to continue pumping for a longer period of time. The present invention allows the user to move the invention from any number of water collection devices, and to continue to pump water effectively for hours. The solar panel(s) provide for an “electrical grid free” operation. No power cords are necessary to operate the present invention. The user saves money by avoiding the use of the power grid and its associated charges. The present invention is an eco friendly system, by using the sun for recharging. The present invention by collecting and using rainwater alleviates the burden on municipal water supplies. The present invention with the use of existing systems prevents rainwater from entering storm sewers, and therefore there is less chance for flooding. It helps save the planet's resources by recycling the existing rainwater.

The present invention provides for the following advantages: 1) The pumping system is enclosed in a case and therefore prevents rain damage, and other types of potential hazards that can cause damage to the inside components; 2) The case has a built in handle to provide for easy transportation; The case is light enough to be easily transported between multiple water collection devices or to storage; 3) The invention may be safely stored indoors or outdoors; 4) The invention runs quietly and does not emit any harmful exhaust or pollutants; 5) The recharging port is water resistant, and is not weather sensitive; 6) The recharging port is easily accessible because it is mounted on the outside of case; 7) The solar panel(s) option allows for a more complete freedom of operation, as no extension cords are necessary; 8) The present invention has multiple configuration options to provide for the user's convenience such as the choice of a) manual on-off switch handle mounted outside of the case, or b) a semi-automatic function with a timer control switch and control knob mounted on the outside of the case, or c) a remote control function having an internal antenna and a keychain type activation switch to operate from distances of 150 feet or more, or d) a fully automatic hands free option is available, (for such situations as where the user has a vacation home), which is, operated with a programmable multi-function DC timer, e) or a dual use automatic hybrid unit that utilizes float switches to activate the pump.

The operation associated with the present invention provides for the following advantages: 1) the inlet side of the pump quickly connects and disconnects from the water pickup wand(s) and can rotate 360 degrees to accommodate the most challenging applications; 2) the outlet side of the pump quickly connects and disconnects from hoses or irrigation tubing; 3) the water can be “pulled or drawn” from hoses or tubing, or with water pickup wands; 4) the water pickup wands can be positioned in pooled water areas (lakes, ponds, spas, sump pits, etc.) or directly integrated into the water collection device; 5) the water collection devices can be buried in the ground, as the present invention will “pull or draw” water from the bottom of the water collection device to the top of the water collection device by the pickup wand; and 6) the present invention is both easily portable and connectable and therefore allows for movement between multiple water collection devices.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable 12 volt water pumping system, solar rechargeable, designed to pump collected rain water to gardens, flower beds, shrubbery, trees or grass that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior solutions, while providing an affordable solution to efficiently pump collected water.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide users with an eco-friendly solution. The present invention minimizes the dependence on electrical power sources, as well as municipal water supplies. The present invention prevents water runoff into sewer systems.

In the drawings, five (5) models of the Solar Rain Pump are depicted.

It is noted for the five (5) models of the Solar Rain Pump, each is the same except for the activation device or method for starting and stopping the pumping system.

The following abbreviations of the Solar Rain Pump (the invention) are noted below, and are listed in the description of the drawings.

a) Solar Rain Pump (SRP-M): The M stands for manual activation using a hand held “key” that switches from off to on and back again. This model requires complete user oversight for operation.

b) Solar Rain Pump (SRP-T): The T stands for semi-automatic timer control. The user manually switches the timer knob to a desired time to irrigate, and it will shut off automatically without user intervention.

c) Solar Rain Pump (SRP-R): The R stands for remote control. With this activation device, the operator can start and turn off the pumping system via a key chain remote that is usable from up to 150 feet away from the invention. There is an antenna system incorporated in the inside of the invention that interfaces with the key chain remote. Press the on button, the invention turns on. Press the off button, the invention will turn off the pumping.

d) Solar Rain Pump (SRP-A): The A stands for automatic activation and deactivation by the programmable eight (8)-event 12-volt DC timer. The timer is digital, and controls the start and start functions automatically. The DC timer can be overridden manually, to either start or shut off the unit. In a normal mode, the pump runs automatically, it is a hands-free mode.

e) Solar Rain Pump (SRP-H): The H stands for Hybrid. This is a dual mode system.

In mode 1, the solar rain pump automatically pumps water from a downspout to rain barrels or water collection devices. In this mode, a float switch in the catchment triggers the pump to cycle on and off.

In mode 2, the user disconnects the invention from the catchment, and water is transported to the rain barrel for irrigation purposes. The invention pulls water to the pump by the wand, and irrigates. In this mode, the hybrid model can be activated by:

Manual on/off key type activation (SRP-M)
Semi automatic activation        (SRP-T)
Remote control activation        (SRP-R)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the invention case, with handle and manual on-off switch as well as the outlet port side of the pump.

FIG. 2 shows the case, with top removed exposing the pump assembly and battery.

FIG. 3 shows invention on top of water collection device, connected to the “Water Pickup Wand” and “pulling” water from the water collection device and having the water travel through a standard garden hose with sprayer.

FIG. 4 shows the invention sitting outside, with the solar panel attached by the easy plug in port assembly. The charging of the battery of the portable invention is illustrated with the solar panel attached.

FIG. 5 shows the invention with the semi-automatic timer control shown on the top of the case. It also shows the exterior of the case with the carrying handle and the pump outlet for easy connection for pumped water.

FIG. 6 shows the invention with the automatic, programmable, multi-event DC timer shown on the top of the case enclosed in a protective cover.

FIG. 7 shows a hybrid dual use system that use float switches to automatically pump water from a downspout to water collection devices some distance away from the building.

FIG. 8 is an orthographic presentation of the case, pump, and plumbing system of the present invention. The portable 12-volt water pumping system is contained in a plastic case of high-density polyethylene (hereinafter “HDPE”) material. FIG. 8a) shows the case; FIG. 8b) shows the plumbing system, and FIG. 8c) shows the pump.

FIG. 9 is a schematic, illustrating the manual activation of the solar rain pump (SRP-M) using a 5 watt solar panel for recharging.

FIG. 10 is a schematic, illustrating the manual activation of the solar rain pump (SRP-M) pump using a 15-watt solar panel for recharging and a charge controller to control voltage.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, illustrating the automatic activation of the solar rain pump (SRP-A) using a 5 watt solar panel for recharging and a 12 volt programmable timer for activation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, illustrating the automatic control of the solar rain pump (SRP-A) using a 15 watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging and a 12 volt programmable timer for activation.

FIG. 13 is a schematic, illustrating the remote control of the solar rain pump (SRP-R), which is a remote control pump, using a 5-watt solar panel for recharging and a remote control receiver and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic, illustrating the remote control of the solar rain pump (SRP-R), which is a remote control pump, using a 15-watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltages for recharging, and a remote control receiver and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 15 is a schematic, illustrating the hybrid control of the solar rain pump (Hybrid SRP-H pump) using a 5-watt solar panel for recharging, a mechanical timer with automatic spring return, dual float switches, and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, illustrating the hybrid control of the solar rain pump (Hybrid SRP-H pump) using a 15-watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging, a mechanical timer with automatic spring action, dual float switches, and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 17 is a schematic, illustrating the timer control of the timer of the solar rain pump (SRP-T pump) using a mechanism with automatic spring return for activation and a 5-watt solar panel for recharging.

FIG. 18 is a schematic, illustrating the timer control of the timer of the solar rain pump (SRP-T pump) using a mechanism with automatic spring return for activation and the 15-watt solar panel, and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging.

The initial seven drawings, the illustration of the HDPE plastic case in FIG. 8, and the schematics of FIGS. 9-18, illustrate the 12 volt invented pumping system in a portable case with a rechargeable battery designed to pump water from any source with use of a water pickup wand within a water collection device. The instant invention offers its operator options as to the size of the solar panels and options as to the activation method to operate the water pumping system as needed by the mode of use.

The present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable 12 volt water pumping system, solar rechargeable, designed to pump collected rain water (or municipal water) to gardens, shrubbery, flowers, and flower beds, trees, grass, or wherever water is needed.

The instant invention comprises a 12-volt water pumping system, portable, solar rechargeable battery, designed to pump water efficiently, collected from any source (i.e. lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, rain barrels) with use of a water pickup wand within a water collection device. The pump is a 12-volt DC water impeller pump having a range of 60 to 300 watts. The battery is a 12-volt battery, 16-60 amp hour rechargeable models are easily configured in the present invention, rechargeable by a solar panel. The 12-volt battery can be lead-acid, deep cycle, or sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (hereinafter “AGM”) style. The solar panel can be a 5 watt or 15 watt model, as these models are commonly available. The user has the option of using different sized solar panels to fit his or hers needs. It is preferable the solar panels range from 5 watt to 100 watts, either individually or in combination. The control of the 12-volt pumping system can be by a manually operated on-off switch. The system can also be operated by other mechanical means or an on-off switch can electronically operate the invention. The user has the option of selecting alternate activation methods.

An alternative voltage means would be a 110-volt water impeller pump powered by an inverter connected to the 12-volt battery. The DC current is converted to AC current, and can run the pump.

The portable 12-volt water pumping system is illustrated as contained in a plastic case in FIG. 1, which shows the invention case with a handle and a manual on-off switch as well as the outlet port side of the pump. FIG. 2 exposes the pump assembly and battery with the battery lid removed. FIG. 3 shows the portable invention on top of a water collection device connected to the water pickup wand and “pulling” water from the collected water device and having the water travel through a standard garden hose with a sprayer nozzle. FIG. 4 shows the portable invention sitting outside in sunlight with the solar panel attached to the invention to recharge the battery. FIG. 5 shows the exterior of the case with the carrying handle and the pump outlet for easy connection for pumping water. Also shown is the semi-automatic activation device, which is a mechanical timer. FIG. 6 shows the programmable multi-event DC timer for automatic operation with a waterproof cover for protection.

FIG. 7 illustrates the hybrid model of the invention, the hybrid model provides for dual usage or modes. In one mode, the pumping system automatically transfers rainwater from a downspout to water collection devices at a distance from the building. The hybrid model, in the other mode, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the pumping system works to pump water from water collection devices or other pooled areas through hoses or irrigation tubing.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 the portable 12-volt water pumping system is contained in a plastic case of HDPE material. FIG. 8 further illustrates the details of the HDPE case shown in the drawings together with the associated plumbing system. The material need not be limited to HDPE, as many other materials for the case would suffice.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the plastic case holding the invention and associated equipment has a handle on top for easy carrying.

Referring to FIG. 2, shows the battery and pump exposed for viewing by taking the lid off. In this compartment are the fuse link and electrical wires and connections. The hardware includes standard bolts, lock washers and nylon lock nuts. Not shown are the safety locks that prohibit unauthorized entry into the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the invention is shown placed on top of a water collection device. The portable invention on top of a water collection device is connected to the water pickup wand and “pulling” the collected water and having the water travel through a standard garden hose with a sprayer nozzle. With quick connect fittings; the suction side of the pump integrates with the water pickup wand built inside the water collection device. As water is “pulled or drawn” to the pump, it exits the outlet side and is shown here pumping water through a standard garden hose with sprayer (any irrigation tubing or hose could be fitted for use). It should be noted the water pickup wand could have been placed in a pooled water area like a pond, pool, or any area of standing water.

Referring to FIG. 4, the figure shows the recharging port located on the pump invention, and the solar panel connected to the recharging port on the case. Further shown, in FIG. 4 is the portable invention sitting outside in the sunlight with the solar panel attached to the invention to recharge the battery. The solar panel can also be attached at the recharging station. The recharging station is where the solar panel has been mounted to receive sunlight so the battery can be recharged for continued pumping. The recharging station may be located outdoors or indoors for recharging. The battery can be recharged at the end of the day, or the solar panel can stay attached while pumping to extend the pumping time. The user could use an electrical trickle charger instead of a solar panel, with the connection being identical.

Referring to FIG. 5, what is shown is the semi-automatic timer mounted inside the case with the control knob protruding through to the outside of the case.

Referring to FIG. 6, the figure shows the fully automatic water-pumping unit. A programmable timer controls the pump.

Referring to FIG. 7, this figure shows the hybrid model having a dual mode. In one mode, the water-pumping unit will fill the water collection devices automatically and in the other mode perform the duties of emptying the water collection devices. In the FIG. 7 illustration, the case in the middle is the pumping system and the case on the right is the intermediate water catchment positioned underneath the downspout. In the intermediate water catchment, a float switch is installed to activate the pump upon the presence of water. A float switch is also mounted upside down at the top of the water collection device to shut the system off when the water collection device is full. When water is present in catchment and the water collection device is not full the pump will run, filling the remote water collection devices. When water is pumped out of the catchment, and no more water is present or the water collection device is full, the pumping is automatically stopped. This same system can be quickly detached from the intermediate water catchment and float switches to be transported to the water collection device for irrigation or other uses as shown in FIG. 3.

Again, referring to FIG. 3, with respect to the second use of the hybrid water pump, the hybrid water pump is detached from the float switches and the intermediate water catchment and moved to the water collection device for irrigation purposes. There is a three-position switch allowing the user to select automatic pumping mode from the water catchment, manual pumping mode from the water collection device, and an off position.

The following eleven figures detail the system of control of the solar rain pump based on two sizes of a solar panel, 1) a 5-watt solar panel and, 2) a 15-watt solar panel. The 15-watt solar panel illustrates the circuitry for a charge controller used with the larger solar panel to control the voltage supplied by the 15-watt solar panel to the 12-volt battery. The schematics with a charge controller illustrated can be used with a solar panel greater than 15 watts when the amperage rating of the charge controller is matched to the solar panel.

Each of the schematics details the control means required for the specific mode of operation of the invention.

The schematic illustrations show the following:

FIG. 8 is an orthographic presentation of the case, pump and plumbing system of the solar rain pump.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustrating manual control of the solar rain pump (SRP-M) using a 5 watt solar panel for recharging.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustrating manual control of the solar rain pump (SRP-M pump) using a 15-watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustrating automatic control of the solar rain pump (SRP-Automatic Pump-SRP-A) using a 5 watt solar panel for recharging and a 12 volt programmable timer for activation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating automatic control of the solar rain pump (SRP-Automatic Pump-SRP-A) using a 15 watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging and a 12 volt programmable timer for activation.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating remote control of the solar pump (SRP-R) remote control pump using a 5-watt solar panel for recharging and a remote control receiver and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustrating remote control of the solar rain pump (SRP-R) remote control pump using a 15-watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltages for recharging and a remote control receiver and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating hybrid control of the solar rain pump (Hybrid SRP-H pump) using a 5-watt solar panel for recharging, a mechanical timer with automatic spring return, dual float switches, and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustrating hybrid control of the solar rain pump (Hybrid SRP-H) using a 15-watt solar panel and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging, dual float switches, a mechanical timer with automatic spring action, and a 30 amp automotive relay for activation.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating timer control of the timer of the solar rain pump (SRP-T) using a mechanism with automatic spring return for activation and a 5-watt solar panel for recharging.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustrating timer control of the timer of the solar rain pump (SRP-T) using a mechanism with automatic spring return for activation, and a 15-watt solar panel, and a charge controller to control voltage for recharging.

The initial seven drawings of the present invention, with the illustration of the HDPE plastic case in FIG. 8, in conjunction with the schematics of FIGS. 9-18, illustrate the 12 volt invented pumping system. The invented pumping system is in a portable case with a rechargeable battery designed to pump water from any source with use of a water pickup wand in a water collection device.

The instant invention offers its operator options as to the size of the solar panels and options as to the activation switches to operate the water pumping system as desired by the mode of use.

The instant invention comprises a 12-volt water pumping system that is portable, has a solar rechargeable battery, and is designed to efficiently pump water collected from any source, (i.e. lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, rain barrels) with the use of a water pickup wand in a water collection device. The pump is a 12-volt DC water impeller pump in the 60 to 300 watt range. The battery is a 12-volt battery, with 12-60 amp hours, rechargeable by a solar panel. The battery can be lead-acid, deep cycle, or sealed AGM style. The solar panel can be a 5-watt, 15-watt, or greater solar panel as the user has the option of using different sized solar panels. As noted previously, the circuitry shown to control the 15-watt solar panel can be modified and adapted for different (larger) solar panels. The control of the 12-volt pumping system can be a manually operated on-off switch or by a mechanically operated or electronically operated on-off switch as the user has the option of using different on-off switches to control the activation of the 12-volt water pumping system.

The battery can pump for several hours on a single charge, recharging is easily accomplished by a connection to a solar panel, electrical trickle charger, or a standard battery charger. The solar panel or trickle charger may be connected during the pumping cycle, further extending the battery life for that day's pump usage.

The invention is very adaptable and can be used at multiple water collection devices or pooled water areas simply by picking the unit up or moving it on a moveable cart.

A user can choose models that run in manual mode, semi-automatic mode, or automatic mode. The core components of the invention are: 1) case with carrying handle, 2) pump, 3) 12 volt battery, 4) fuse protection link, 5) operating switches depending upon mode, 6) recharging port, 7) solar panel, electrical trickle charger, or standard battery charger, 8) water pickup wand, 9) quick connect fittings on the suction side and the output side of pump.

One of the three methods noted can configure the core components of the present invention. A user will connect the water suction side of pump by one of three means. One method is to connect the pump directly to the water pickup wand mounted in the water collection device by the quick attachment connection fittings exposed on the outside of water collection device. The second method is to connect the pump directly to the water pickup wand, which extends into an area of pooled water. The third method is to connect the pump to irrigation tubing or a garden hose connected to the water suction probe for applications where the water will be drawn and pumped from pooled areas like ponds, streams, lakes, etc.

While using the water pickup wand is the preferred method, the user may also “pull” water to the pump without using the water pickup wand. Once the suction side of the pump is connected, the user will connect the outlet side of the invention to a standard garden hose for watering, or can be integrated to a micro water emitter system continued in hose or tubing which is designed to mate with the invention with quick connect fittings. Next, the user will activate the pumping cycle by activating one of the following: The manual on-off switch; the timer control on the semi-automatic models; the on button on the remote control unit; the electronics on the programmable timer model; or by the flow of water into the water catchment triggering the float switch for the hybrid model (SRP-H).

Upon activation, the battery power is transmitted through a protective fuse link to the pump. The pump will activate and draw water by using the suction side of the invention, pulling water from a water collection device, pooled or standing water, to the pump impeller, where the water is forced out the outlet side of the pump and through a hose or tubing to the desired location. The solar recharging panel or electrical trickle charger may be attached to the invention at any time, even when the pump cycle is activated. Pumping life is measured in hours.

The water pump will stop or will turn off depending upon the model in use. These instances include the following: 1) On the manual model, when the user manually switches the unit off; 2) The set time on the timer expires on the semi-automatic unit; 3) when the off button is pushed on the remote model; and 4) When the electronics on the programmable timer model shut the pump off; or when the float system in the hybrid dual use model no longer senses water.

As noted, the invention is completely portable and can be easily moved to any water collection device or area of pooled water. The present invention is versatile enough to be configured for almost any situation where standing water is present. It can easily and quickly be connected to the water pickup wand (for proper filtering and ease of drawing water) allowing for use inside a water collection device, or by simply dropping the water pickup wand into the pooled water. Ultimately, at the conclusion of these steps, water collected in pooled areas or collected in water collection devices can be effectively pumped to gardens, flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, grass or anywhere water is needed.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments that are presented best explain the principles of the invention and its application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention with various modifications as suited to the particular use desired. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1) A portable, solar rechargeable, water pumping system comprising:

a) An electrical means comprising a 12-volt DC impeller water pump of 60-300 watts;

b) a 12-volt battery of 16-60 amp hours;

c) a rechargeable battery by a solar panel;

d) wherein operation of said system is turned on and off by a switching mechanism, to provide water to areas of use.

2) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is a mechanical means.

3) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is an electrical means.

4) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel coupled to an interior portion of the pumping system.

5) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switch solar panel comprises a 5-100 watt solar panel.

6) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solar panel comprises a second 5-100 watt solar panel.

7) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switch comprises a key controlled manual on off mechanical switch.

8) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrical means comprises a 12-volt programmable timer to run a clock and activate a mechanical switch to provide an automatic switching response.

9) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a mechanical switch coupled with a 12-volt Remote Control.

10) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a separate mechanical timer with a mechanical manual switch and a set of dual float switches wired in series, one to detect water at a water downspout, the other mounted upside down to break the current when a rain barrel is full to provide an “OFF” response when required.

11) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a separate switch in operable union with a mechanical timer with an automatic spring return programmed for at least two operating periods to provide at least two separate operating periods of the water pumping system free of an operator's attention.

12) A portable, solar rechargeable, water pumping system comprising:

a) 12-volt DC impeller water pump of 60-300 watts;

b) 12-volt battery of 16-60 amp hours;

c) a rechargeable battery by solar panel;

d) wherein operation of said system is by an on-off switching mechanism operable to provide water to areas of use.

13) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said solar panel comprises a 5-100 watt solar panel.

14) The apparatus of claim 12, comprising a solar panel coupled to an interior portion of said pumping system.

15) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said solar panel comprises a second 5-100 watt solar panel as a dual mode for the hybrid model.

16) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a separate switch in operable union with a mechanical timer with automatic spring return programmed for at least two operating periods to provide at least two separate operating periods of the water pumping system free of an operator's attention.

17) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a mechanical switch coupled with a 12-volt Remote Control.

18) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said switching mechanism comprises a separate mechanical timer with a mechanical manual switch and a set of dual float switches wired in series, one to detect water at a water downspout, the other mounted upside down to break the current when a rain barrel is full to provide an “OFF” response when required.

19) A portable, solar rechargeable, water pumping system comprising:

a) an electrical means comprising a 12-volt DC impeller water pump of 60-300 watts;

b) a 12-volt battery of 16-60 amp hours;

e) a rechargeable battery by a solar panel; and

f) wherein operation of said system is by electrical means operable to provide water to areas of use.

20) The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said electrical means comprise a 12-volt programmable timer to run a clock and activate a mechanical switch to provide an automatic switching response.