CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/192,937 filed July 15, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] An apparatus for pumping a slurry. More particularly, an apparatus having a hopper and a pump assembly configured for being removably secured to each other with a connector defining a flow path therebetween.

BACKGROUND

[0004] US patent no. 8,887,965 B2 to Verby et al. discloses a drywall feed pump system for supplying drywall joint compound to a fill port assembly that allows for the connection of tools with various couplings, such as continuous flow pump tools and conventional automated hand tools. The assembly includes a feed hose, a mounting plate, a coupling plate, and a quick- connect adapter. An inlet of the feed hose connects to the feed pump system to supply the assembly with joint compound. The mounting plate provides a location for the outlet of the feed hose and accessory couplings to attach. The coupling plate facilitates the attachment to the drywall feed pump system. The quick-connect adapter extends from the mounting plate and facilitates the connection of various accessory couplings.

[0005] US patent no. 8,118,070 B2 to Smith discloses a disconnect apparatus for a gravity fed hopper for a paint spray pump including a valve that automatically opens when the hopper outlet is attached to an inlet of the pump and closes when the hopper outlet is detached from the pump inlet. A structure for wiping the interior of the outlet may be provided to remove material from the outlet as the hopper is separated from the pump.

[0006] US patent no. 8,061,889 B2 to Mattson et al. discloses a mixer mount for mounting a mixer to a sprayer cart including a mixer clamp, a mixer bracket mount, a mixer bracket pivot and a support assembly. The mixer clamp is connected to the mixer bracket mount. The mixer bracket mount is connected to a mixer bracket pivot at a pivot point. The mixer bracket pivot slidably engages in the support assembly so that the distance between the mixer clamp and the support assembly may be changed. The support assembly is capable of connecting to a sprayer cart.

[0007] US patent no. 7,507,076 B2 to McLeod discloses a knockdown pump containment assembly for supporting a stator that employs a rotor therein. The pump containment assembly comprises a removable pump housing that defines a containment chamber for receiving, containing and directing the flow of a liquid material. The pump housing also includes an inlet port disposed for directing the flow of liquid material into the containment chamber, and an exit port for directing the flow of liquid material out of the containment chamber, into a stator. The pump containment assembly also includes a pump housing base provided for releasably receiving and supporting portions of the pump housing, and a pump housing retainer designed to releasably engage with the pump housing base to releasably secure the pump housing to the pump housing base.

[0008] US patent no. 7,114,664 B2 to Gundersen et al. discloses a texture sprayer provided with a hopper feeding an air operated double diaphragm pump. The sprayer is provided with a removable power pack which includes a gas engine, an air pump, an air unloading regulator, an air cooler, an air QD and a mounting base with handles. The power pack may be removed from the sprayer cart and located outside so that the sprayer can be used quietly and safely indoors.

[0009] US patent no. 5,967,426 to McLeod discloses a compact, self-contained, portable, electrically powered, knockdown spray application machine/system for spraying liquid material on to surfaces. The spray system comprises a frame with wheels for supporting and transporting the components thereof. The spray system is powered by an electrically activated motor which includes a motor drive shaft disposed about a motor drive shaft axis. Attached to the motor is a gear reducer having a driven end and a drive end wherein the driven end is configured to receive and engage the motor drive shaft. The drive end includes a gear reducer drive shaft that rotates responsive to electrical activation of the motor. Coupled directly to the drive end of the gear reducer is a pump comprising a pump housing. The pump housing is shaped to define a containment chamber for receiving and containing liquid material therein. The pump housing also defines an inlet port for receiving and directing liquid material into the containment chamber. Mounted to the pump housing is a stator, the stator being mounted to the pump housing such that it is in communication with the containment chamber. Within the stator is a rotor disposed for rotation about a pump rotation axis responsive to rotation of the gear reducer drive shaft.

[0010] US patent no. 5,538,402 to McKenney discloses a mobile, modular apparatus for power spraying comprising a first adapter attached to a motor and a second adapter attached to a pump. Both adapters are received and positioned on a wheeled frame with the driving sheave of the motor in operational alignment with the driven sheave of the pump. A recess in the pump adaptor receives a locking bar on the frame to partially lock the pump adaptor in place; the positioning of the motor adaptor on the frame completes the locking of the pump adaptor in place. Before the motor adaptor is locked into position, one or more drive belts are installed on the driving and driven sheaves by rotating the motor about the pump adaptor far enough to where the belts will fit loosely onto the sheaves. The belts are made operationally tight when the motor is rotated back into position on the frame. The motor adaptor is locked into place with a swing lock. The sheaves are covered by a housing that is latched into place. The modular construction makes the apparatus easier to lift, transport, and customize for different uses.

[0011] US patent no. 4,594,006 to Marcel discloses an apparatus for mixing and pumping manure from a reservoir including an elongated frame adapted to be pivoted from a vehicle bed from a lying position to an upright position within a reservoir to be pumped. Pump means are provided at the base of said elongated frame communicating with a conduit extending the length of the frame, a first slurry mixing impeller adjacent the pump at the base of the frame and driven by a common shaft with the pump, a second mixing means in the form of a screw having an axis of rotation parallel to the elongated frame and having a common drive shaft with the impeller and the pump and a third mixing device in the form of a jet nozzle communicating with the pump at the base thereof and being spaced from the second mixing means. The first and third mixing means have jet nozzles directed at right angles to the axis of the elongated frame.

[0012] US patent no. 4,416,549 to Kretschmer discloses an apparatus for agitating and pumping a liquid slurry, such as liquid manure slurry. The apparatus includes a pump which is adapted to be positioned within the lower end of a pit that contains the slurry, and the pump is operably connected to a motor which is located above the pit. The motor-pump unit is mounted for sliding vertical movement on a fixed column and can also be rotated horizontally relative to the column to vary the position of the outlet of the pump during agitation of the slurry. The apparatus also includes a means for tilting the motor-pump unit with respect to the fixed column. When the pump is raised to a location adjacent the top of the pit, the motor-pump unit can be tilted in a vertical plane to move the pump out of the pit to a position where it can be repaired or maintained.

[0013] US patent no. 4,324,531 to Sarvanne discloses a pump means comprising a pump and a motor, combined to constitute a pump unit for submersion in a liquid, and a pump delivery pipe and a vertical guide track both fixedly mounted in a liquid container, such as a sewage weill for instance, the latter guiding the pump unit and enabling it to be lowered into the liquid tank so that the delivery port of the pump will connect with the delivery pipe, and the pump unit having been fitted with a bipartite slide carried on the guide track. The guide track comprises two guides and that the slide comprises two lower projections and two upper projections, and that the slide has been so connected to the delivery aperture of the pump that the lower projections are located below and the upper projections above the delivery port.

[0014] US patent no. 4,003,504 to Johnson et al. discloses a pump assembly including a wheeled frame supporting a pump in an elevated position with the intake to the pump depending below the pump and into the interior of a container equipped with a bail, the container being supported by the frame from the bail in a manner which allows the container to freely pivot to maintain an upright condition during lifting of the container by tilting of the frame on the wheels for transportation of the frame, pump and container as a unit.

[0015] US patent no. 2,759,293 to Weller provides a ground supported machine balanced so that it can be handled by an operator on foot with a minimum of effort. The machine includes a dust tank unit of a form and construction that is adapted for removable mounting above an upright blower. The machine further includes a dust dispensing pipe adapted to occupy a horizontal position for dispensing dusting insecticide laterally in both directions and tubular conductor connections for disposing the dispensing pipe at different heights relative to the blower. The machine additionally includes an adjustable deflecting means at the ends of the dispensing pipe for directing the discharge from the pipe ends upwardly, downwardly, forwardly or backwardly.

[0016] US patent no. 2,719,754 to Weller relates to improvements in a spray unit, more particularly a spray unit which is adapted to be removably mounted upon a suitable support, such as a wheeled truck having power means for driving the truck, which power means is utilized also for operating the spray. Disclosed is a removable spray unit which may be quickly and easily attached to the truck and removed therefrom when the truck is to be used for purposes other than spraying. Also disclosed is the provision of resilient means anchored to the frame of the removable unit for pulling the spray unit upwardly to tauten the belt drive thereof, which resilient means acts also to bias the frame downwardly toward the supporting truck. Further disclosed is the provision of means for latching the pump downwardly against the influence of the spring which tautens the belt in order to disable the spray pump, which is advantageous when the motor is being used for purposes other than spraying, including propelling the truck.

SUMMARY

[0017] An apparatus, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, includes a frame, a hopper attached to the frame, a pump assembly attached to the frame, a connector, and first and second securement assemblies. The hopper includes an inlet and an outlet. The pump assembly includes a prime mover and a pump operatively coupled to each other. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet. The connector, having a first and a second opening, provides fluid communication between the hopper and the pump. The first securement assembly secure the pump inlet and the first opening of the connector to each other. The second securement assembly secures the hopper outlet and the second opening of the connector to each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pump assembly is movably attached to the frame such that the pump assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a retaining assembly for retaining the pump assembly in the second position after the hopper outlet and the second opening of the connector are disconnected and spaced apart from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an apparatus illustrated in a fully assembled state;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled state; and

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] One or more non-limiting exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure to the one or more illustrated and described exemplary embodiments. While multiple exemplary embodiments are described, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious. Accordingly, any and all embodiments configured for providing functionalities similar to those of the illustrated and described exemplary embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, illustrate perspective and side views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 in an assembled state. And, FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, illustrate perspective and side views of the apparatus 10 in a partially disassembled state. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 is configured for pumping a slurry, e.g., cement, concrete. As illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes a frame 12, a hopper 14, a pump assembly 16, and a connector 18 providing fluid communication between the hopper 14 and the pump assembly 16. Both the hopper 14 and the pump assembly 16 are attached to the frame 12. The hopper 14 includes an inlet 20 through which the slurry enters the hopper 14 and an outlet 22 through which the slurry exits the hopper 14. The pump assembly 16 includes a prime mover 24 and a pump 26 having an inlet 28 and an outlet 30. The prime mover 24 and the pump 26 are operatively coupled to each other such that the prime mover 24 operates the pump 26 for pumping the slurry from the hopper 14 to the pump outlet 30. The connector 18 includes a first opening 32 and a second opening 34. A first securement assembly 36 secures (or connects, attaches) the pump inlet 28 and the first opening 32 to each other, and a second securement assembly 38 secures the hopper outlet 22 and the second opening 34 to each other with. As such, the connector 18 defines a flow path, e.g., a conduit, for the slurry from the hopper outlet 22 to the pump inlet 28.

[0025] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, one or both first and second securement assemblies 36 and 38 may be independently operable between respective engagement and disengagement states. Engaging the first securement assembly 36 inhibits the connector 18 and the pump 26 from getting disconnected. More specifically, the first securement assembly 36, when engaged, secures the pump inlet 28 and the first opening 32 of the connector 18 to each other and inhibits them from getting disconnected. Likewise, engaging the second securement assembly 38 inhibits the hopper 14 and the connector 18 from getting disconnecting. More specifically, the second securement assembly 38, when engaged, secures the hopper outlet 22 and the second opening 34 of the connector 18 to each other and inhibits them from getting disconnected. In some embodiments, engaging the first and the second securement assemblies 36 and 38 establishes no-leak connections between the connector 18 (i.e., the first opening 32) and the pump 26 (i.e., the pump inlet 28) and between the hopper 14 (i.e., the hopper outlet 22) and the connector 18 (i.e., the second opening 34).

[0026] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiments, one or both first and second securement assemblies 36 and 38 may be one or more clamps, e.g., hose clamps, as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, one or both first and second securement assemblies 36 and 38 may include one or more quick connect-disconnect mechanisms as are well known in the art. In certain embodiments, one or both first and second securement assemblies 36 and 38 may be operable between engagement and disengagement states without requiring a tool, e.g., hose clamp having a wing nut or a butterfly nut. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a securement assembly operable without requiring a tool may be advantageous when the apparatus 10 is used in the field, e.g., at a job site. In some embodiments, it may be particularly advantageous to provide one or both securement assemblies 36 and 38 configured for removably securing the connector 18 to the pump 26 and the hopper 14, respectively. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, assemblies configured for removable securement may be advantages for clearing, i.e., unclogging, the flow path if and when the apparatus 10 becomes clogged during use and/or for cleaning the apparatus 10 after use or in between uses, for example, with slurries having different compositions.

[0027] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly 16 is movably attached to the frame 12 such that the pump assembly 16 can be moved between at least two positions, viz., a first position 40 whereat the hopper 14 and the pump 26 are connected to each other by the connector 18, and a different position whereat the hopper 14 and the pump 26 are disconnected and spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, e.g., the non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the pump assembly 16 is rotatably attached to the frame 12 about an axis of rotation extending through connectors 42 and 44. In the first position 40 of the pump assembly 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hopper 14, i.e., the hopper outlet 22, and the connector 18, i.e., the second opening 34, are connected to each other. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the pump assembly 16 having been rotated to a second position 46 after hopper outlet 22 and the second opening 34 of the connector 18 are disconnected and spaced apart from each other following disengagement of the second securement assembly 38. Also as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus 10 includes at least one retaining assembly 48 for retaining or holding the pump assembly 16 in the second position 46. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include an additional retaining assembly opposite the at least one retaining assembly 48. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured such that the at least one retaining assembly 48 can retain the pump assembly 16 in both of the at least two positions. In some embodiments, the at least one retaining assembly 48 may be a retaining pin as is well known in the art. In certain embodiments, the retaining pin may be spring loaded as is also well known in the art. In some embodiments, the at least one retaining assembly 48 may be a retaining clip as is also well known in the art. In certain embodiments, the at least one retaining assembly 48 may be a spring clip as is further well known in the art.

[0028] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be configured for at least a slight (or small) movement of the pump assembly 16 in a substantially vertical direction when the second opening 34 of the connector 18 is proximate (or is adjacent to, or approaches) the hopper outlet 22 as the pump assembly 16 is rotated to, and approaches, the first position 40. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, movement in the substantially vertical direction may be advantageous for accommodating (or compensating for) the radius of arc as the pump assembly 16 rotates from the second position 46 to the first position 40 and the second opening 34 of the connector 18 approaches the hopper outlet 22. As will be further apparent to one skilled in the art, movement in the substantially vertical direction may be advantageous for ensuring an overlap between at least a portion of the hopper 14 proximate the hopper outlet 22 and at least a portion of the connector 18 proximate the second opening 34.

[0029] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 10 (not illustrated), the pump assembly 16 may be movably attached to the frame 12 such that the pump assembly 16 is movable in a substantially horizontal direction between at least two positions, viz., the first position 40 whereat the hopper 14 and the pump 26 are connected to each other by the connector 18, and another position whereat the hopper 14 and the pump 26 are disconnected and horizontally spaced apart from each other. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in embodiments of the apparatus configured for such horizontal movement of the pump assembly 16, the pump assembly 16 may be attached to the frame 12 without the need for the connectors 42 and 44. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include substantially horizontal slots along which the connectors 42 and 44, used for attaching the pump assembly 16 to the frame 12, can move horizontally. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly 16 may be movably attached to the frame 12 such that the pump assembly 16 is movable between two substantially vertical positions. Alternate means for providing such functionality, i.e., movement of the pump assembly 16 in a substantially horizontal direction, may become apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0030] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, retaining or holding the pump assembly 16 in a position spaced apart from the first position 40 may be advantageous for unclogging and/or cleaning the path between the hopper 14 and the pump inlet 28. Of course, it may most likely be a requirement that the pump assembly 16 be retained when rotated to the second position 46. However, it may not be necessary to retain the pump assembly 16 in another position if it is moved away from the first position 40 in a substantially horizontal direction. In some embodiments, retaining or holding the pump assembly 16 in the first position 40 may be advantageous for minimizing movement, vibration, etc. of the pump assembly 16 during use. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include a handle 50 which may be used for moving the pump assembly 16 and/or for relocating the apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more wheels 52. In certain embodiments, one or more of the one or more wheels 52 may be motorized.

[0031] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the connector 18 may be flexible, i.e., made of a flexible material. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, providing a flexible connector 18 may be advantageous for accommodating misalignment between the hopper outlet 22 and the second opening 34 of the connector 18. In may be particularly advantageous to provide a flexible connector 18 for ensuring an overlap between at least a portion of the hopper 14 proximate the hopper outlet 22 and at least a portion of the connector 18 proximate the second opening 34. In some embodiments, a flexible connector 18 may also function as a vibration absorber for minimizing or eliminating transmission of vibrations between the hopper 14 and the pump assembly 16. [0032] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the prime mover 24 may be an electric motor or a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. In some embodiments, the prime mover 24 may be configured as one or more pulleys driven, with or without one or more belts or chains or straps, by an electric motor or a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. In certain embodiments, the prime mover 24 may be configured as one or more gears driven, with or without one or more shafts, by an electric or a pneumatic motor. In some embodiments, the prime mover 24 may be a combination of one or more pulleys and gears driven by an electric or a pneumatic motor. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly 16 may include a drive shaft, e.g., a direct drive, coupling the prime mover 24 and the pump 26 with each other. In some embodiments, the pump assembly 16 may include one or more gears, e.g., meshed gears, coupling the prime mover 24 and the pump 26 with each other. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly 16 may include a combination of one or more drive shafts and one or more gears for coupling the prime mover 24 and the pump 26 with each other. In some embodiments, the pump assembly 16 may include a variable transmission and/or a variable speed drive coupling the prime mover 24 and the pump 26 with each other. In certain embodiments, a distance between the prime mover 24 and the pump 26 may be adjustable.

[0033] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly 16 may include one or more of a finger or hand guard 54. In some embodiments, the one or more finger or hand guard 54 may extend or span the entire distance between the prime mover 24 and the pump 26. In certain embodiments, the one or more finger or hand guard 54 may extend or span a portion of the distance between the prime mover 24 and the pump 26.

[0034] It is contemplated that various alternative components may be used and/or modifications may be made to the one or more non-limiting exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure. While the instant disclosure may refer to particular feature(s) and/or function(s), embodiments having similar feature(s) and/or function(s) are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure. Consequently, any and all variations of the apparatus and/or its individual components described and/or illustrated herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.