Portable Water Collector and Remover

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The invention relates to a portable water collector and remover for collecting and removing water and methods for using such.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The collection and removal of water has typically used large and bulky equipment, including truck-mounted equipment, such as truck-mounted carpet cleaning units, truck-mounted water pumps, or truck-mounted wet and dry vacuums. Using truck-mounted equipment has its downsides, including loss of the use of the truck while the water removal is being conducted, inability to drive the truck to all possible locations where water removal is needed (e.g., basements, other floors not accessible to vehicles, and other indoor uses), weight of the truck, etc. It therefore would be advantageous to provide water removal capability without the need to use large and bulky equipment such as a truck-mounted device. More portable water collectors and removers are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003]The present invention includes preferred embodiments that comprise portable water collectors and removers that use a positive displacement blower to create vacuum and an automatic pump-out centrifugal self-priming pump, which is powered by a small industrial gas engine or a battery powered motor. These embodiments also include a motorized winch for ease of loading and unloading, and accessory tools.

[0004]In certain preferred embodiments of this invention, the engine or motor powers the system and drives the positive displacement blower to create a vacuum in a vacuum tank. Water is drawn into a water inlet by the vacuum that is created and filtered via a debris basket and/or debris filter. The water then travels through a tank baffle and is pumped out to a drain, dump container, or other area for removal. The components of these embodiments are mounted on a moveable support frame and in some embodiments encased in a cover. Hardware is attached to the support frame to provide portability of the water collector and remover (e.g., wheels, handles, attachment/hook hardware) and provide the ability to travel to a floor of a building and to other locations. Self-contained power sources (e.g., internal combustion engines or electric motors) complete the portability of certain of these embodiments.

[0005]Certain of the most preferred embodiments of this invention comprise a portable water collector and remover comprising a plurality of components. These components may comprise (a) a frame with at least two wheels, and preferably four wheels and a handle, wherein in some embodiments the wheels can lock in place to hold the water collector and remover in place; (b) a vacuum tank; (c) a positive displacement blower attached to the frame for creating a vacuum and drawing water into the vacuum tank; (d) a plurality of baffles and/or other conduits for pathways of water to flow and disperse as it enters the vacuum tank, the baffles and/or other conduits located in the vacuum tank; (e) a centrifugal self-priming pump for pumping out water from the vacuum tank into a discharge area, the pump being attached to the frame and connected to the vacuum tank and the discharge area; (f) a power source for energizing the blower and the pump; (g) a winch for moving (e.g., loading/unloading on to a vehicle) the portable water collector and remover and/or its components, the winch being attached to the frame; and (h) wherein the portable water collector and remover is portable, capable of being moved by a single person, and at least two of the components of the portable water collector and remover are modular components that can be replaced by components with different capabilities.

[0006]In certain embodiments, the power source is either a gasoline engine or a battery powered motor, or it may be both. Other power sources can be used (e.g., natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, fuel cells). In certain embodiments, the blower, the pump, and/or the power source is one of the modular components that can be replaced with component with a different capability. In certain embodiments, the discharge area is a dump container, a drain, or an area located away from where the water was collected.

[0007]Other most preferred embodiments of this invention comprise a method of collecting and removing water that comprises: (a) moving a portable water collector and remover to the location of the water, the water collector and remover having a plurality of components, the plurality of components comprising an inlet hose, a vacuum tank, a positive displacement blower, a centrifugal self-priming pump, an outlet hose, a winch, and at least one power source, along with other possible components; (b) creating a vacuum in the vacuum tank using the positive displacement blower energized by the at least one power source; (c) collecting water using the inlet hose connected to the vacuum tank by using the vacuum created in the vacuum tank to draw up the water and collect it; (d) dispersing the collected water in the vacuum tank by using a plurality of baffles and/or other conduits for pathways of water to flow that are located in the vacuum tank; (e) pumping the water out from the vacuum tank using the centrifugal self-priming pump to a discharge area, the centrifugal self-priming pump being energized by the at least one power source; and (f) wherein the portable water collector and remover is capable of being moved by a person and at least two of the components of the portable water collector and remover are modular components that can be replaced by components with different capabilities.

[0008]Certain embodiments of this invention provide the capabilities of larger and more bulky equipment such as a truck-mounted system without the water collector and remover having to be mounted to a vehicle, and the convenience of the unit being used in less convenient locations, such as indoors as well as in multi-level buildings and other locations not readily accessible to vehicles (e.g., basements, upper level floors). This can include the ability for certain embodiments to be transported to upper floors of a building to remove water there (e.g., water left over from a ruptured pipe).

[0009]Another advantage of certain embodiments of this invention is that certain of these embodiments can keep running without having to stop and dump the water collected from the unit (e.g., by being pumped away from the location to a drain or other area).

[0010]In certain embodiments of this invention, the water collector and remover is provided in replaceable and/or substitutable subunits or modular components, so, for example, the modular components can be replaced or changed by increasing or decreasing the engine size, battery capacity, blower size and pump-out size to create more or less powerful units. Providing a water collector and remover that is reconfigurable can allow a user to meet variable requirements of certain applications, such as providing a variable pump-out flow rate, finer calibration to maintain a steady stream of water flow from the blower to pump, and selection of a particular power source (e.g., natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel fuel, battery) for the task at hand.

[0011]Advantages of the embodiments of this invention are described and apparent throughout this specification. Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of various embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective partial side view of an embodiment of this invention, showing a portable water collector and remover.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective partial rear view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a front view of an instrument panel component embodiment of this invention.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum tank component embodiment of this invention, showing the lid removed.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective partial side view of an embodiment of components of this invention.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective partial top view of a vacuum tank embodiment with the top removed.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective partial rear view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a perspective partial top view of a vacuum tank and other components with the vacuum tank lid removed.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment of a component mount.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inlet component of this invention.

[0023]FIG. 12 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment of a shield component of this invention.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment of components of this invention, showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0025]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of components of this invention, showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0026]FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of components of this invention, showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0027]FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of this invention, showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0028]FIG. 17 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment of a vacuum tank of this invention, showing the vacuum tank lid removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which certain preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular embodiment set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0030]In the most preferred embodiments, a portable water collector and remover is provided that has modular components. It comprises a frame, a winch for moving the water collector and remover, a power supply, a positive displacement blower to create a vacuum in a vacuum tank to draw water into the vacuum tank, baffles and/or conduits within the vacuum tank to disperse drawn water, and a centrifugal self-priming pump for pumping out water to remove it from the location.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows the side of an embodiment of a portable water collector and remover of this invention. An engine 1, support (for the blower) 14, water inlet 9, positive displacement blower 15, centrifugal self-priming pump 6, pump outlet 5, vacuum tank 11, silencer 13, and a movable platform on which components are mounted are shown.

[0032]FIG. 2 shows the rear of an embodiment of a portable water collector and remover of this invention. An engine (Vanguard gas engine) 1 power source, battery 3, silencer 13, and foot 22 are shown.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows the side of an embodiment of a portable water collector and remover of this invention. A vacuum tank 11, water inlet 9, vacuum relief valve 10, and swing check valve/hose connector 7 are shown.

[0034]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an instrument panel 23 of this invention comprising a vacuum gauge 24, voltage gauge 26, hour meter, and power switch 25.

[0035]FIG. 5 shows embodiments of a drawing of a vacuum tank 11, with a lid 18 for the vacuum tank 11. Also shown is a water input 9 (which may have a cam lock in some embodiments), a separate vacuum tank relief valve 10 that can be attached to the lid, and a water baffle 30. An inlet on the left side of the vacuum tank 11 is also shown, which may accept a filter in certain embodiments.

[0036]FIG. 6 shows a portable water collector and remover embodiment of this invention with a blower hose 17, vacuum tank 11, positive displacement blower 15, silencer 13, and engine 1.

[0037]FIG. 7 shows a vacuum tank 11 with the lid 18 off. Also shown are water baffles 20 providing a plurality of conduits for pathways of water flow from the blower to the pump, a debris filter 21, and a relief valve 10.

[0038]FIG. 8 shows a rear view of a portable water collector and remover of this invention with a vacuum tank 11, water inlet 9, and winch 8 located underneath vacuum tank 11 to aid in maneuvering and moving the water remover and its components.

[0039]FIG. 9 shows a vacuum tank with the lid removed and a filter screen (e.g., filter basket) that is placed under the water inlet, which filter screen is also removed.

[0040]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a component mount. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inlet/hose fitting component of this invention. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a shield component of this invention.

[0041]FIGS. 13-15 show embodiments of components of this invention, each showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0042]FIGS. 16-17 show embodiments of this invention, each showing the vacuum tank with the lid removed.

[0043]The subject matter of this disclosure is now described with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples, but rather encompasses all variations which are evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

EXAMPLES

[0044]These embodiments of the water collector and remover have components comprising a positive displacement blower 15 to create vacuum in a space (vacuum tank 11) to draw water, an auto pump-out centrifugal self-priming pump 6 to pump out the water, a winch 8 to load and unload heavy components, and a power source 1 to drive the components.

[0045]The components are mounted in these embodiments on a support frame and encased in a cover made of plastic, metal, or other durable material. FIG. 1 illustrates a basic embodiment in which the components are mounted on a movable platform providing portability of the water collector and remover and its ability to travel to a floor of a building. The embodiment is light enough to be carried by a single person and is self-contained. This basic arrangement can be modified to alter the geometry of the water collector and remover, to allow different modes of storage and portability, or to include further components.

[0046]The positive displacement blower in FIG. 1 is used to draw water. The positive displacement blower 15 creates a vacuum, via positive displacement blower hose 17, in vacuum tank 11 to draw water in through an inlet port 9. The positive displacement blower 15 sits up on a blower support 14. The outlet port of vacuum tank 11 is connected to a conduit 12 that is a passageway to the inlet port 5 of a pump-out device 6. A variable speed blower 15 is used to insure the desired volumetric capacity. Larger capacity devices can be incorporated to increase the flow rate.

[0047]The conduit 12 can be snaked about the room. Layouts of the residence or business can from time to time be repositioned, regardless of the lengths of the paths, the inlet path and the outlet path both passing through a common passageway.

[0048]The centrifugal self-priming pump 6 in FIG. 1 is used to remove water out of the system. The pump 6 pumps out water through an outlet port 7. The inlet port is connected to the blower outlet port 7 by a flexible conduit 12. The pump-out rate should be carefully calibrated to maintain a steady stream of water flow.

[0049]An embodiment with a desired pump-out flow rate of 65 gallons per min at steady state operation is especially preferred.

[0050]In FIG. 1, the outlet port, swing check valve pump out hose connector 7, of the pump-out unit is connected to a dump container holding the pumped out water. A filled-up dump container is replaced by an empty container. With this pump and dump configuration, the operation continues without stoppage.

[0051]The power source in these examples is either an industrial gas engine as in FIG. 1, or a battery powered motor, or both. With these self-contained power sources, the portability of the water collector and remover is completed.

[0052]FIG. 8 illustrates a winch apparatus mounted to a frame. The winch 8 in this embodiment is a 12-volt motorized winch powered by a portable power source, thus having a greater range of portability. The frame further comprises a means for anchoring the winch 8 in a fixed position, best suitable for winching operation.

[0053]FIG. 1 is a view of the layout of an expanded embodiment in which a positive displacement blower, an auto pump-out centrifugal self-priming pump, a power source, a winch, conduits, dump containers, and additional accessories are stored.

[0054]The water collector and remover is adaptable for various attachments, reconfigurable to meet various requirements, and transportable to any location.

[0055]In operation, the water collector and remover is portable and moveable to a location where needed. This could be in a building basement or on a higher floor. There may be water in this location that should be collected and removed. For example, the water may have come from flooding, a leak, or from fire abatement.

[0056]The water that a user is seeking to collect and remove is sucked into the water collector and remover through an inlet attached to the lid of the vacuum tank. The inlet may be attached to a hose, pipe, or other water passageway and it preferably should withstand the vacuum pressure it is under without collapsing.

[0057]The vacuum tank contains a vacuum generated by the positive displacement blower. The blower is energized and otherwise operated by a power source. The power source may be an engine (e.g., natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, kerosine, gasoline) and/or an electric motor. The power source may directly drive the blower, or use other connections to drive the blower (e.g., belt drive, chain drive).

[0058]As the water passes through the inlet of the vacuum tank, it is then preferably passed through a filter screen (e.g., filter basket) or other device to remove debris. The vacuum tank may have baffles or other structures to disperse and/or control the water entering the tank.

[0059]At the bottom of the vacuum tank, an outlet is connected to a centrifugal self-priming pump. This pump removes the water from the vacuum tank and pumps it into a discharge area (e.g., a dump container, a nearby drain, an area where the water can collect and not be in the way) through a hose, pipe or other water passageway. The pump may be driven by the power source.

[0060]Although the present invention has been described with reference to teaching, examples and preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain its essential characteristics, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are encompassed by the scope of the present invention.