Cross-reference to other applications

[0001] The disclosure claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 63/279,507 filed November 15, 2021 , which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field

[0002] The disclosure relates in general to pumps, and, in particular, to a pump cradle assembly.

Background

[0003] Over the years, there have been different ways to collect a liquid, such as water, and to then use it for different applications. For examples, wells and water collection storage tanks have been used to harvest groundwater and rainwater, respectively. Water may also be pumped out of water reservoirs, such as ponds, lakes or rivers. These water collection and/or harvesting apparatus typically include a pump that is used to pump water out in order to supply the water for subsequent use. The pump is located on the floor of the water collection apparatus (or water bed) and can be used when it is submerged under a minimum water level. Submerged pumps are typically operated under preferred, or specific, operating conditions. To protect the mechanical components of a submerged pump, the preferred operating conditions generally relate to the operating angle of the pump and the minimum water level relative to top of the pump. In typical applications, reducing the minimum water level (which may also be seen as a liquid depth for a water collection apparatus) maintained in a storage tank is advantageous as it increases the amount of liquid available for use. For some water collection apparatus, a reduction in the minimum water level may result in a significantly greater amount of water that is available for use.

[0004] In some installations, water well pumps have water intakes that are positioned on a bottom of the collection apparatus or water bed to increase or maximize the amount of available water that is able to be supplied. Unfortunately, the positioning of these water intakes allow dirt and debris to be drawn into the pump. Alternatively, conventional pumps may be installed with a bottom of the pump positioned at a specified height above the bottom of the well or storage tank to avoid drawing dirt and debris into the pump, however, this causes an increase in the required minimum water level that must be maintained. As such, there is an unmet need in the art for a pumping system or device that increases the amount of available water in a water collection apparatus but also avoids drawing in debris or other material resting on the bottom of the water collection apparatus. [0005] Therefore, there is provided a novel pump cradle assembly that overcomes disadvantages of current systems.

Summary

[0006] The disclosure is directed at a pump cradle assembly for supporting a pump when the pump is submerged in a liquid, such as water, environment. In select embodiments, the present disclosure provides a pump cradle having a sleeve and an intake portion coupled to the sleeve, the intake portion shaped to receive a flow of liquid with a reduced amount of debris when the pump cradle rests on the bottom of a storage tank, well, lake bed or similar environment.

[0007] In other embodiments, the intake portion includes an opening that is narrower than a diameter of the sleeve. In yet other embodiments, the intake portion is circular at an end adjacent the sleeve and non-circular, such as rectangular, at the other end of the intake portion. In further embodiments, the intake portion is shaped to reduce the formation of currents within the storage tank, well, or similar environment.

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a pump cradle assembly for supporting a submersible pump in a water environment including a sleeve portion for receiving the submersible pump; an intake portion connected to an intake end of the sleeve portion, the intake portion including a bottom wall portion and a top wall portion; and at least one handle portion; wherein the bottom wall portion is located an intake opening bottom wall distance above a floor of the water environment and the top wall portion is located an intake opening top wall distance above the floor of the water environment; and wherein the sleeve portion is positioned at a preferred operating angle with respect to the floor of the water environment.

[0009] In another aspect, the intake portion expands vertically from an end away from the sleeve portion to an end closest to the sleeve portion. In yet another aspect, the top wall portion of the intake portion is located a clearance distance away from a predetermined water level. In a further aspect, the at least one handle portion comprises two handle portions. In yet a further aspect, the two handle portions are parallel with each other. In yet another aspect, the two handle portions are not parallel to each other. In an aspect, the handle portion positions the sleeve portion at the preferred operating angle. In yet another aspect, the sleeve portion, the intake portion and the at least one handle portion form a pump cradle.

[0010] In yet a further aspect, the pump cradle assembly includes a base for supporting the pump cradle. In another aspect, the base further includes a set of holes for receiving ropes. In a further aspect, the base is curved at both ends. In yet another aspect, the base is made from plastic or metal. In yet another aspect, the base is comprises a set of ridges. In yet a further aspect, the pump cradle assembly includes a set of feet for supporting the sleeve portion. Description of the Figures

[0011] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the disclosure. The drawings are not to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a pump cradle assembly according to an embodiment installed in a liquid storage tank;

[0013] Figure 2 is another side view of a pump cradle assembly with the pump cradle assembly shown in cross-section;

[0014] Figure 3 is a top back perspective view of a pump cradle;

[0015] Figure 4 is a top front perspective view of the pump cradle of Figure 3;

[0016] Figure 5a is a top back perspective view of the pump cradle of Figure 3 with an intake portion removed;

[0017] Figure 5b is a magnification of a portion A identified in Figure 5a;

[0018] Figure 6 is a side view of the pump cradle assembly;

[0019] Figure 7 is a back view of the pump cradle assembly;

[0020] Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a pump cradle assembly;

[0021] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 8;

[0022] Figure 10 is another perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 8;

[0023] Figure 11 a is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 8; and

[0024] Figure 11 b is a cross-section view taken along line A-A of Figure 11a.

Detailed Description

[0025] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the Figures, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Directional terms used within the specification are with respect to the way in which the drawing is presented unless otherwise described. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0026] Turning to Figure 1 , a side view of a pump cradle assembly installed within a water collection apparatus is shown. Figure 2 is another side view with the pump cradle assembly shown in a cross-sectional view. [0027] The pump cradle 100 is located or installed in a water collection apparatus 102, such as a storage tank that contains a liquid 104, such as, but not limited to, rainwater or groundwater. In order for the pump to operate effectively, the liquid 104 is preferably at a minimum or preferred water level 106. The pump cradle 100 includes a sleeve, or sleeve portion, 110 and an intake portion 112 that is coupled to a first end of the sleeve 110. The intake portion 112 includes an opening 118 through which the liquid 104 may flow into the sleeve 110. A bottom, or lower, wall 136 of the opening 118 is at an intake opening bottom wall distance 142 above a floor 119 of the water collection apparatus 102 while a top, or upper, wall 134 of the opening 118 is at an intake opening top wall distance 138 above the floor of the water collection apparatus. The top wall 134 is located a clearance distance 140 away from the minimum water level 106.

[0028] A cap, or cap portion, 114 is coupled to a second, or opposite, end of sleeve 110 and includes an opening 120 (as shown more clearly in Figure 4) for receiving a pipe portion 130 through which the liquid 104 may be pumped out of the water collection apparatus 102 for a further use or application.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sleeve 110 is dimensioned to accommodate a pump 126 (as shown in Figure 2), such as a submersible pump 126, that may be installed within the sleeve 110 to pump the liquid 104 out of the water collection apparatus 102, when required. The opening 120 may also receive a pump outlet 148 that connects to the pipe portion 130. In some embodiments, the pipe portion 130 and the pump outlet 148 may be a single piece that extends out from the sleeve portion 110 and through the opening 120.

[0030] The pump cradle 100 further includes a handle portion 116 for receiving the sleeve 110 therethrough such that the pump cradle 100 may be picked up by an individual, when required. The sleeve portion 110 may be mounted or fastened to the handle portion 116 via known methods. A bottom of the handle portion 116 (when resting on the floor of the water environment) supports the sleeve 110 at an angle, <t> (132), relative to a bottom of the water collection apparatus 102. The dimensions and/or characteristics of the handle portion 116 may be designed in accordance with the dimensions and characteristics of the sleeve portion 110 to provide the angle 132. As such, the submersible pump 126 within the sleeve 110 maintains an operating angle approximately equal to the angle <t> (132) which may be seen as a preferred operation position.

[0031] Turning to Figures 3 and 4, two different perspective views of the pump cradle 100 are provided. As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the pump cradle 100 further includes a foot 124, or feet, to provide additional support and stability to the pump cradle or pump cradle assembly 100 such as the sleeve 110 and pump 126 when it is placed within the water collection apparatus 102. The feet may also assist to retain the pump within the sleeve. [0032] An opening 144 between the sleeve portion 110 and the top area of the handle portion 116 allows a user to grasp the handle portion 116 to lift/carry the pump cradle 100. Additionally, the opening 144 allows attachment of a rope or the like to facilitate installation and/or removal of the pump cradle 100 into or out of the water collection apparatus (or water environment) which may be a storage tank, well, or any other water reservoir. In another embodiment, the pump cradle assembly may include one or more additional handle portions similar to handle portion 116 positioned to receive the sleeve 110 and oriented somewhat parallel to the handle 116 such that a user may use two hands to lift up the pump cradle 110 or to enable multiple connection points for equipment that may be used to lift up the pump cradle depending on a size of the pump cradle. In other embodiments, the multiple handle portions do not need to be parallel to each other with one handle located at a top of the pump cradle assembly and a second handle located at a side of the pump cradle assembly or at other combinations of positions. The additional handle portions may also further improve the stability of the pump cradle when installed and may also improve the ease with which the pump cradle may be carried. In some embodiments, the handle portions are designed to maintain the angle 132 between the sleeve 110 and the floor.

[0033] Turning to Figure 5a, a partial exploded view of the pump cradle is shown. Figure 5b is a magnified view of circle A of Figure 5a. As can be seen in Figure 5a, the pump cradle 100 is shown with the intake portion 112 detached thereby exposing the first end of the sleeve portion. The first end of the sleeve portion 110 includes a set of vanes 122 (which in the current embodiment is three) to retain the pump 126 that is installed within sleeve 110 so that it does not slide out when in the angled position. In other words, the vanes 122 reduce the likelihood of or prevent the installed pump from sliding out of the end of the pump cradle 100. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer vanes may be included. In the current embodiment, each vane 122 includes a tab 146 that is shaped and positioned to, in use, support at least a portion of an end of the pump 126. The tabs may receive and position the pump 126 such that there is a gap 128 (more clearly shown in Figure 2) between an inside surface of the sleeve 110 and an outside surface of the pump 126. In one embodiment, the gap 128 may be one inch or greater and may entirely surround the pump 126.

[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of the pump cradle 100 and Figure 7 is a rear view of the pump cradle 100. As visible in Figures 5a to 7, intake portion 112 includes feet 124 to provide additional support and stability to the pump cradle 100. Opening 118 includes the top wall portion 134 and bottom wall portion 136 which are approximately parallel with each other. In alternative embodiments, the opening 118 may have a shape that is circular, rectangular, or any other shape.

[0035] In operation, a flow of liquid (such as water), driven by the pump 126, enters the pump 126/sleeve 110 via the opening 118 through the intake portion 112. The liquid then flows through the sleeve 110 and out of the water collection apparatus via the pump outlet 148 and outlet pipe 130 for use in another application such as for irrigation, drinking, storage in other liquid storage containers, water supply for buildings, industry processes, etc..

[0036] As discussed above, the pump cradle 100 holds or supports the pump 126 at an angle <t> (132) relative to the floor of the liquid environment. The angle <t> (132) may be equal to or greater than a predetermined, or preferred, operating angle of the pump 126. By maintaining the pump 126 at or close to the predetermined operating angle, improved performance may be experienced. In one embodiment, the angle 132 may be between about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees and more specifically, between about 12 degrees to about 17 degrees, and most specifically at about 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle <t> (132) may be equal to an angle determined by installation requirements of the pump 126 such as established by a manufacturer of the pump 126.

[0037] In the current embodiment, the top portion 134 of the opening 118 is positioned at the intake opening top wall distance 138 above the surface upon which the pump cradle rests, such as the floor of the water collection apparatus. By maintaining the level of liquid above a predetermined, or clearance, level 106 may reduce the likelihood or prevent dry running of the pump 126. Also, ensuring the pump 126 is submersed or submerged in the liquid, or water, assists with pump cooling during operation thereby extending the working lifetime of the pump 126.

[0038] The predetermined level 106 typically depends at least in part on a position of the pump within the water collection apparatus with a longer submersible pump corresponding to a higher predetermined level. In some embodiments, the clearance distance 140 may be, for example, three inches or greater.

[0039] In one embodiment, the upward angle of at least a portion of the intake portion 112 positions the bottom wall portion 136 above the bottom of the storage tank at the intake opening bottom distance 142, while also allowing the pump cradle 100 to rest on the bottom 119 of the water collection apparatus 102. This may be due to the shape of the intake portion 112. The handle portion 116, in cooperation with the feet 124 and the sleeve 110, maintains the pump 126 at the angle <t> (132). In other words, the pump cradle 100 positions the pump 126 on or near the bottom surface while water is drawn into the pump 126 from a height (the intake opening bottom distance 142) above the bottom surface of the water collection apparatus. As such, the positioning of the intake portion 112 of the pump cradle 100 reduces the amount of dirt and/or debris intake compared with a conventional pump that has the bottom wall of its intake portion 112 resting on the bottom of the water collection apparatus. By resting the pump on or nearthe bottom surface of the storage tank, the pump cradle 100 also reduces the height of the predetermined level 106 which may increase the amount of liquid available for use. [0040] In the present embodiment, the opening 118 includes two approximately parallel and straight portions, namely top portion 134 and bottom portion 136, while intake portion 112 is circular at the end adjacent to sleeve 110. The size of the opening 118 in the vertical direction (i.e. the difference between the intake opening top wall distance 138 and the intake opening bottom wall distance 142) may be less than an interior diameter of the sleeve 110. In other words, the intake portion 112 is shaped to narrow vertically from the end adjacent the sleeve 110 to the opening 118. This narrowing may provide a flow of water into the intake portion 112 that is narrower in the vertical dimension, which may provide a reduced disturbance of debris lying on the bottom of the storage tank. In alternative embodiments, the intake portion may expand vertically to provide improved liquid entry into the sleeve 110 and reduce the creation of currents in the liquid thereby reducing the amount of debris drawn into the sleeve 110 from either a top layer of the liquid or from a bottom surface of the water collection apparatus. The shape of the intake portion 112 may also provide a flow of water into the intake portion 112 that is less likely to draw in material at or near the surface of the liquid in the storage tank, e.g. a biofilm formed on the surface of water in a tank. For example, the vertical narrowing of intake portion 112 may provide an increase to at least one of the intake opening bottom wall distance 142 and the clearance distance 140 relative to an intake portion that is not designed to narrow vertically.

[0041] The shape of the intake portion 112 may also provide a flow of water into the intake portion 112 that is more horizontal. A more horizontal flow may be less likely to disturb debris lying on the bottom of the storage tank or draw in material at the surface of the liquid as described above. The intake portion may also include a filter cover, such as a screen or perforated panel, to provide further preventative measures for keeping debris out of the intake portion.

[0042] Turning to Figures 8 to 10, another embodiment of a pump cradle assembly 200 is shown. In the current embodiment, the pump cradle assembly 200 is located at a bottom of a water reservoir, such as ponds, lakes or rivers. The cradle assembly 200 includes the pump cradle 100 (including all of the parts of the pump cradle 100 as discussed above) that rests or is supported by a base layer 202. In some embodiments, the pump cradle is fastened to the base via a set of bolts although other fastening solutions are contemplated. These other fastening solutions may include, but are not limited to, clamps, screws of other mechanism fastening methods. The base layer 202 may be a formed plastic sheet and provides supports to the pump cradle or pump cradle assembly. In the current embodiment, a rope or the like 204 is connected at one end to the base 202 and at a second end to a marker 206. The marker 206 may provide an indication to an individual with respect to a position of the pump cradle assembly in the lake or water reservoir. The individual may also be able to use the marker 206 and rope 204 to pull up the pump cradle assembly or to use a boat to pull the pump cradle assembly 200 into the water. A second rope 208 may be tied to the other end of the base 202 with the other end of the rope secured at shore or to a dock so that the pump can be pulled back to shore whereby there no need for a person to enter into the water. In this embodiment, the angle 132 is maintained between the pump 100 and the base 202.

[0043] Figures 9 and 10 provide further prospective views of the pump cradle assembly 200. The base 202 includes a set of holes 210 for receiving at least one of ropes 204 or 208. Each end of the base 202 may be curved (similar to being sled shaped) to facilitate movement of the base 202 along the floor of the water reservoir when it is being pulled by a boat or the like and back to shore. The curved nature of the ends may allow the base to be more easily pulled over obstacles such as rocks, branches or organic materials on the bottom of the water reservoir. In other embodiments, more permanently installed pump cradle assemblies (where the water does not freeze), the base may be made of a heavier material such as a metal so that it is less prone to accidental movement. In these embodiments, the ends of the base 202 may be straight or flat.

[0044] The base 202 may also include ridges or ribs 214 that may be molded or formed within the base to reduce the likelihood of or prevent the pump cradle assembly from moving with water currents. The ribs 214 may settle into a lake bottom to act as an anchoring mechanism as more clearly shown in Figures 11 a and 11 b. Figure 11 a is a side view of the pump cradle assembly mounted on the base and Figure 11 b which is a view taken along line A-A of Figure 11a.

[0045] In another embodiment, the base may be constructed as two or more individual parts to support and stabilize the pump cradle or pump cradle assembly.

[0046] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented only as illustrations and examples of the present disclosure, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.