SECONDARY SUMP PUMP SHELF SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 63/562,811 filed Mar. 8, 2024, and titled “SECONDARY SUMP PUMP SHELF SYSTEM” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to sump pump systems. More specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to a shelf for storing and stabilizing a second or back up sump pump.

OVERVIEW OF THE DISCLOSURE

In sump pump systems, the system may have a secondary or back up sump pump placed within a sump pump. It can be difficult to place the secondary sump pump within the sump pump basin without altering the pumping or the secondary sump pump is unstable after installation within the sump pump basin. In addition, the sump pump may not be placed high enough above the first sump pump to function as a backup pump.

As such, for all these reasons existing sump pump systems are too difficult to set up, they are too time consuming to set up and they are too easy to improperly set up.

Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons stated below, there is a need in the art for a sump pump system that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that provides improved functionality over prior art systems.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that provides improved features over prior art systems.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is relatively inexpensive.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is easy to use. Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is intuitive to use. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is strong and robust.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that can be used in many applications.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that improves efficiencies.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that provides unique functionality.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is fast to use and fast to set up.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is safe to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that saves time.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is compact size.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that has a long and useful life.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a sump pump system that is high quality.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side, forward end, rearward end, opposing sides, drainage openings, connection member openings, and support connection member opening.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side, forward end, rearward end, opposing sides, drainage openings, connection member, connection member wall, and support connection member opening.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side, forward end, rearward end, opposing sides, drainage openings, connection member, connection member wall, and support connection member opening.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the bottom side, forward end, rearward end, opposing sides, drainage openings, connection member openings, cells, cell walls, support connection member opening, and the curve of the bottom side.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the bottom side, forward end, rearward end, opposing sides, drainage openings, connection member, connection member wall, cells, cell walls, support connection member opening, and the curve of the bottom side.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the connection member openings, the connection member, the top portion of the shelf assembly, the middle portion of the shelf assembly, the bottom portion of the shelf assembly, the height of the shelf assembly, the width of the top portion of the shelf assembly, a width of the middle portion of the shelf assembly, the width of the bottom portion of the shelf, and the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the connection member the connection member wall, the connection member, the top portion of the shelf assembly, the middle portion of the shelf assembly, the bottom portion of the shelf assembly, the height of the shelf assembly, the width of the top portion of the shelf assembly, a width of the middle portion of the shelf assembly, the width of the bottom portion of the shelf, and the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, a height of the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the lip, the support connection member, the sides of the support connection member, a bottom of the support connection member, a width of the bottom opening of the support connection member, the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly, and the cell walls.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, a height of the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the lip, the support connection member, connection member wall, the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly, and the cell walls.

FIG. 10 is a back view view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the cell walls, the connection member, the cells, and the lip.

FIG. 11 is a back view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the cell walls, the support connection member, the connection member wall, the cells, and the lip.

FIG. 12 is a left view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the lip, the support connection member, and the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly.

FIG. 13 is a left view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the lip, the support connection member, connection member wall, and the curve of the bottom side of the shelf assembly.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the bottom side of the shelf assembly, the rearward side of the support assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the shelf recesses, the connection member, support connection member opening, the bottom of the support connection member opening, the support connection member, the cell walls, the cells, and the drainage openings.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the bottom side of the shelf assembly, the rearward side of the support assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the connection member, support connection member opening, the bottom of the support connection member opening, the support connection member, the cell walls, the cells, and the drainage openings.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the bottom side of the shelf assembly, the rearward side of the support assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the connection member, support connection member opening, the bottom of the support connection member opening, the support connection member, the cell walls, the cells, and the drainage openings.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the drainage openings, the connection member, the opposing sides of the shelf assembly, the support connection member opening, a top of the support connection member, and the shelf recesses.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the shelf assembly of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the top side of the shelf assembly, the rearward end of the shelf assembly, the forward end of the shelf assembly, the drainage openings, the connection member, the opposing sides of the shelf assembly, the support connection member opening, a top of the support connection member and the connection member wall.

FIG. 19 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the second sump pump, the floats, the discharge pipes, the sump pump shelf system, and the support member.

FIG. 20 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the second sump pump, the floats, the float connection members, the discharge connection member, the discharge pipes, the sump pump shelf system, and the support member.

FIG. 21 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the second sump pump, the floats, the float connection members, the discharge connection member, the discharge pipes, the sump pump shelf system, and the support member.

FIG. 22 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the second sump pump, the floats, the float connection members, the discharge connection member, the discharge pipes, the sump pump shelf system, and the support member.

FIG. 23 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the discharge pipe, the discharge connection member, the power supply, the top side of the first sump pump, the middle side of the first sump pump and the bottom of the first sump pump, the sump pump shelf system, and the support member.

FIG. 24 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the first sump pump, the discharge pipe, the float, the sump pump shelf system, the shelf connection member, the securing members, and the support member.

FIG. 25 is a photograph of the sump pump shelf system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the shelf assembly, the connection member, the connection recess, the forward end, the rearward end, the drainage openings, the support connection member, the lip and the support member.

FIG. 26 is a photograph of the shelf assembly, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the connection member, the connection recess, the forward end, the rearward end, the opposing sides of the shelf assembly, the securing members, and the shelf recesses.

FIG. 27 is a photograph of the shelf assembly, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the connection member, the connection recess, the forward end, the rearward end, the opposing sides of the shelf assembly, the securing members, and the shelf recesses.

FIG. 28 is a photograph of the shelf assembly, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the connection member, the securing members, the connection member openings, the forward end, and the drainage openings.

FIG. 29 is a photograph of the sump pump shelf system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the shelf assembly, the connection member, the connection recess, the forward end, the rearward end, the lip, and the support member.

FIG. 30 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the basin, the first sump pump, the discharge pipe, the discharge connection member, the power supplies, the sump pump shelf system, the second sump pump, the securing member, the connection member wall, and the support member.

FIG. 31 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the basin, the first sump pump, the discharge pipe, the discharge connection member, the power supplies, the sump pump shelf system, the second sump pump, the float and the support member.

FIG. 32 is a photograph of the sump pump system, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing the basin, the first sump pump shelf system, the securing member, the connection member wall, the float and the support member.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one or more arrangements, a sump pump system is presented having a first sump pump having a first discharge pipe, a second sump pump placed above the first sump pump on a shelf operably connected to the first discharge pipe. The shelf is configured to secure to the first discharge pipe and hold the second sump pump above at least a portion of the first sump pump. In one or more arrangements, the shelf has a connection recess configured to fit around an exterior of the first discharge pipe and a connection member secures the shelf to the first discharge pipe. In one or more arrangements the shape of the shelf facilitates the placement of the first sump pump around or over components of the first sump pump allowing for a compact sump pump system while stabilizing the second sump pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in or described with reference to certain figures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

As used herein, the term “or” includes one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A or B” means “either A or B.” As used herein, the term “and” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and B” means “A as well as B.” The use of “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s).

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described as comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of articles.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged” versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or “operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, method or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.

It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments or methods.

Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, or sequentially, to provide looping or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.

As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of a sump pump system or a shelf system. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in various other applications, which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in the context of a sump pump system or a sump pump shelf system for ease of description and as one of countless examples.

System 10:

With reference to the figures, a sump pump system 10 (or simply system 10) is presented. The sump pump system 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate placement and stabilization of a second sump pump above a first sump pump in various configurations. In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes among other components a sump pump basin 12, a first sump pump 40 (or simply sump pump 40), a first discharge pipe 56 (or simply discharge pipe 56), a second sump pump 80 (or simply sump pump 80), and a sump pump shelf system 110 (or simply shelf system 110).

Sump Pump Basin 12 (Not Shown)

With reference to the figures, the sump pump basin 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to move water from the inside of a structure to the outside of a structure. For ease of explanation the sump pump basin 12 is a constructed pit below a main surface in the interior of the structure and configured to hold one or more sump pumps such as first sump pump 40 and/or second sump pump 80. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather it is understood that in some various arrangements, system 10 may be positioned where first sump pump 40 is in an interior 14 of the basin while second sump pump 80 is on the outside of the basin.

In one or more arrangements, as one example, sump pump basin 12 has an interior 14, a top side 16, a bottom side 18, a cover 20 (not shown), a lip 22, a drainage pipe 26 (not shown), an opening for the drainage pipe, and a warning system 30 (not shown) for the drainage pipe.

In one or more arrangements, as one example, the interior of sump pump basin 12 may be circular or curved 24 to direct discharge flow and to obtain a more compact sump pump system 10. However, the interior of sump pump basin 12 may be any suitable size, shape, and design.

In one or more arrangements, bottom side 18 may be flat to facilitate the placement of first sump pump 40 at the bottom of sump pump basin 12 to collect excess water entering sump pump basin 12 from drainage pipe 26. The shape or surface of bottom side 18 may be any suitable size, shape, and design, configured to collect water and facilitate placement of first sump pump 40.

In one or more arrangements, drainage pipe 26 may enter sump pump basin 12 through opening 28 (not shown) to direct water into sump pump basin 12. The opening 28 and drainage pipe 26 may be circular shaped to better facilitate the flow of water through drainage pipe 26 and into sump pump basin 12. Opening 28 may be placed above first sump pump 40, at the same level as sump pump 40 or below sump pump 40. For example, opening 28 may be placed to align with a middle portion 44 of sump pump 40, a top side 42 of sump pump 40, or a bottom side 46 of sump pump 40 to facilitate water entering sump pump basin 12 through drainage pipe 26. The placement of first sump pump 40, drainage pipe 26, and opening 28 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to facilitate water entering sump pump basin 12 through drainage pipe 26 and pumped out by at least first sump pump 40.

In one or more arrangements, a top side 16 of sump pump basin 12 prevents moisture, odor, or radon gas from escaping sump pump basin 12. In the arrangement, top side 16 may have a cover 20 to prevent moisture, odor, and radon gas from escaping sump pump basin 12. Cover 20 may be sealed to sump pump basin 12. In some other arrangements cover 20 may be removable from sump pump basin 12 to allow access to interior 14 and system 10 components. Top side 16 may have a lip 22 shaped to match the shape of interior 14, for example, lip 22 may be shaped to align with curve 24 of interior 14 to maintain a compact system 10 and allow cover 20 to fit to sump pump basin 12. Top side 16, cover 20 and lip 22 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to facilitate closing system 10 to prevent moisture, odor or gas from escaping sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, sump pump basin 12 may have a warning system 30 (not shown) to alert a user of system 10 that water in interior 14 has reached a certain level or is escaping system 10. For example, warning system 30 may alert a user if the water level has reached a top side 42 of sump pump 40 or a bottom 86 of sump pump 80. Warning system 30 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to alert the user that water has reached a certain level or is escaping the system.

However, the arrangements and components are not so limited. Rather it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, sump pump basin 12 or its components may have alternative shapes, sizes or designs.

First Sump Pump 40

With reference to the figures, first sump pump 40 or sump pump 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to pump water from interior 14 to through a first discharge pipe 56 or discharge pipe 56 to the outside of a structure. Sump pump 40 may have various components including but not limited to a power supply 62, a sump pump stand 64 (not shown), a check valve 60 (not shown), a float 52, and a discharge pipe 56 to facilitate the pumping of water from sump pump basin 12 to an exterior of a structure. In some arrangements, sump pump 40 may be a submersible pump wherein at least a portion of sump pump 40 may be submersed in water before float 52 activates sump pump 40. Sump pump 40 may have a top side 42 opposing a bottom side 46 and a middle 44 between the top side 42 and bottom side 46. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather it is understood that in some various arrangements, sump pump 40 may not have a sump pump stand 64 and instead a bottom surface 46 of sump pump 40 is on bottom side 18 of sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, sump pump 40 is operably connected to a discharge pipe 56 to facilitate the discharge or expulsion of water or other liquids from sump pump basin 12 to an exterior of a structure to prevent an interior of the structure from flooding. Discharge pipe 56 may be operably connected to sump pump 40 through a discharge connection member 48. In one or more arrangements, for example, discharge pipe 56 may be circular to facilitate the discharge of water from sump pump basin 12. Discharge pipe 56 may be operably connected to a bottom side 46 of sump pump 40. In one or more arrangements, discharge pipe 56 may have an exterior 58 which is exposed to water or other liquid in sump pump basin 12. Discharge pipe 56 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to expel water, liquid, or other material from sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements as is shown, float 52 is operably connected to sump pump 40 to detect a water level in sump pump basin 12 or activate sump pump 40 when water or other liquid has reached a certain level in sump pump basin 12. In one or more arrangements, float 52 may have a float connection member 50, which attaches to sump pump float connection member 54 to connect float 52 to sump pump 40. In one or more arrangements, when float 52 is lifted to a certain level, sump pump 40 activates or starts pumping water through discharge pipe 56 to an exterior of the structure. In the arrangement shown, as one example, float 52 is a tether float switch. However, in some other arrangements, float 52 may be a piggyback float switch, vertical float switch and electrical float switch or any other float switch that will detect a water level in sump pump 40. Float 52, Float connection member 50, and sump pump float connection member 54 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to detect water levels sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, for example, discharge pipe 56 may have a check valve 60 (not shown) to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 56. Check valve 60 may be any size shape and design to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 56.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, sump pump 40 has a power supply 62 to power sump pump 40. Power supply 62 may be any size shape and design to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 56.

In one or more arrangements, for example, bottom side 46 has support members 164 to create space between sump pump 40 and bottom side 18 of the sump pump basin 12 to prevent sump pump 40 from clogging. Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, a sump pump stand 64 may be used to prevent sump pump 40 from clogging. Sump pump stand 64 may have a top side 66, a bottom side 68, and an edge 70. Bottom side 18 of sump pump 40 may be placed on top side 66 of the sump pump stand 64 and bottom side 68 of sump pump stand 64 may be placed on bottom side 18 to prevent sump pump 40 from clogging. Sump pump stand 64 may be any size shape and design to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 56.

Second Sump Pump 80

With reference to the figures, second sump pump 80 or sump pump 80 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to pump water from interior 14 to through a second discharge pipe 96 or discharge pipe 96 to the outside of a structure. Sump pump 80 may have various components including but not limited to a power supply 100 (not shown), a check valve 98 (not shown), a float 92, and a discharge pipe 96 to facilitate the pumping of water from sump pump basin 12 to an exterior of a structure. In some arrangements, sump pump 80 is a secondary sump pump to facilitate the pumping of water out of sump pump basin 12 when sump pump 40 fails or is having a hard time keeping the water below a certain level. In some arrangements, sump pump 80 may be a submersible pipe wherein at least a portion of sump pump 40 may be submersed in water before float 92 activates sump pump 80. Sump pump 80 may have a top side 82 opposing a bottom side 86 and a middle 84 between the top side 82 and bottom side 86. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather it is understood that in some various arrangements, sump pump 80 may be placed above sump pump basin 12 and float 92 is in interior 14 of sump pump basin 12 to facilitate a more compact system 10.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, sump pump 80 is operably connected to a discharge pipe 96 to facilitate the discharge or expulsion of water or other liquids from sump pump basin 12 to an exterior of a structure to prevent an interior of the structure from flooding. Discharge pipe 56 may be operably connected to sump pump 80 through a discharge connection member 88. In one or more arrangements, for example, discharge pipe 96 may be circular to facilitate the discharge of water from sump pump basin 12. Discharge pipe 96 may be operably connected to a bottom side 86 of sump pump 80. Discharge pipe 96 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to expel water, liquid, or other material from sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown, float 92 is operably connected to sump pump 80 to detect a water level in sump pump basin 12 or activate sump pump 80 when water or other liquid has reached a certain level in sump pump basin 12. In one or more arrangements, float 92 may have a float connection member 90 which attaches to sump pump float connection member 94 to connect float 92 to sump pump 80. In one or more arrangements, when float 92 is lifted to a certain level, sump pump 80 activates or starts pumping water through discharge pipe 96 to an exterior of the structure. In the arrangement shown, as one example, float 92 is a tether float switch. However, in some arrangements, float 92 may be a piggyback float switch, vertical float switch and electrical float switch or any other float switch that will detect a water level in sump pump 80. Float 92, Float connection member 90, and sump pump float connection member 94 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to detect water levels sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, for example, discharge pipe 96 may have a check valve 98 (not shown) to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 96. Check valve 98 may be any size shape and design to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 96.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, sump pump 80 has a power supply 100 to power sump pump 80. Power supply 100 may be any size shape and design to facilitate the flow of water through discharge pipe 96.

Shelf System 110

With reference to the figures, shelf system 110 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to stabilize and hole sump pump 80 above sump pump 40 or at least a portion of sump pump 40. In one or more arrangements, shelf system 110 may have various components including but not limited to a shelf assembly 112 (or simply shelf 112), a connection member 144, and a support member 164 to hold and store sump pump 80 in interior 14 of sump pump basin 12 above at least a portion of sump pump 40. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather it is understood that in some various arrangements, shelf system 110 may be used to store and stabilize sump pump 80 to help maintain a compact system 10.

Shelf 112:

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, shelf 112 has a top side 114 configured to facilitate storage and positioning of sump pump 80. Bottom side 86 rests on top side 114 providing stabilization of sump pump 80. Top side 114 may have one or more drainage openings 116 to facilitate draining of water from shelf 112 toward bottom side 18 of sump pump basin 12. In one or more arrangements, top side 114 may be a flat surface to level sump pump 80. Top side 114 and drainage openings 116 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to store and stabilize sump pump 80 or to drain water from top side 114.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, shelf 112 has a bottom side 118 to facilitate the connection between shelf 112 and support member 164. Bottom side 118 may have cells 120, or hollow cells 120 separated by cell walls to increase the strength and weight limit of shelf 112. Bottom side 118 may have a support connection member 124 to attach shelf 112 to support member 164. Support connection member 124 may be any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to operably connect shelf 112 to support member 164.

In the arrangement shown, for example, support connection member 124 may be circular and sized to fit around a shape of support member 164, where support connection member 124 rests on a top of support member 164 and sides 176 of support connection member 124 prevent support member 164 from moving. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that various additional or alternative methods and or means of connecting shelf 112 to support member 164. The side of support connection member 124 may have a height 126. The height 126 may allow a user to measure the distance between the shelf 112 and a bottom surface such as the bottom side 18 of sump pump basin 12. The support connection member may have an opening 162 to facilitate a user's ability to stick a measuring unit through the support connection member 164 to the support member 164 or through the support member 164 or a user may measure a water level of the sump pump basin by sticking a measuring tape through opening 162. Opening 162 may be on side 176 of support connection member 124 or at the top of support connection member 178 and visible on top side 114 of shelf 112. Opening 162 may run the entire height 126 of support connection member 124. A top 168 of opening 162 may have a first width 170 and a bottom 172 of opening may have a second width 174. The first width 170 may be smaller than the second width 174, where the second width is large enough to facilitate encompassing the support member but the first width is small enough that the support member does not slide through the support connection member 124. Bottom side 118, cells 120, cell walls 122, support connection member, and opening 162 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to facilitate the attachment of shelf 112 to support member 164. In addition, bottom side 118, cells 120, cell walls 122, support connection member, and opening 162 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to facilitate measuring a water level of sump pump basin 12.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, shelf 112 has a forward end 128 to secure shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56 to stabilize and store sump pump 80. The shape of the forward end 128 may allow placement of the shelf 112 around sump pump 80 while maintaining a compact system 10 without replumbing system 10. Forward end 128 may have a top portion 130 with a first width 132, a middle portion 134 with a second width 136, and a bottom portion 138 with a third width 140. In some other arrangements, forward end may have top portion 130 with a first width 132 and a bottom portion 138 with a second width 140. The first width 132 may be greater than the second width 136, which in turn may be greater than the third width 140, this tapering of forward end 128 facilitates the placement of shelf 112 around discharge pipe 56 and/or around sump pump 40 or other components of system 10. In addition, the tapering may allow shelf 112 to be placed above sump pump 40 or different components of sump pump 40 such as float 52. The top portion 130, middle portion 134, and bottom portion 138 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to facilitate placement of the shelf 112 around the first sump pump 40.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, forward end 128 has a connection recess 142 configured to wrap around at least part of exterior 58 of discharge pipe 56 to secure shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56. Connection recess 142 may have a cylindrical shape to match the shape of exterior 58 of discharge pipe 56. Connection recess 142 may run a height 150 of forward end 128 or run along a middle of shelf 112 or a middle portion of forward end 128. In one or more arrangements, as is shown, connection recess 142 fits around a portion of exterior 58. However, in some other arrangements, connection recess 142 may fit around more or less of exterior 58. In one or more arrangements, connection recess 142 may be configured to surround exterior 58 for the height 150 of forward end 128. In one or more arrangements, connection member 144 is configured to secure connection recess 142 to exterior 58 of discharge pipe 56. The connection member 144 may secure shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56 by securing members 148 attached to connection openings 146.

In one or more arrangements, for example, connection member 144 may be a clamp, such as a hose clamp, screw clamp, or a band clamp. Forward end 128 may have a connection wall 188 extending upwards from top portion 130 of forward end 128. Connection wall 188 is configured to facilitate securing the shelf 112 to the first discharge pipe 56 using the connection member 144. The connection wall 188 may have a width 192 that extends partially around the first discharge pipe 56 or fully around the first discharge pipe 56. Connection wall 188 may have height 190. Height 190 of connection wall 188 may be the same height of the securing member 144 or it may be higher or lower. Securing members 148 are configured to secure the hose clamp around the discharge pipe 56 and the connection member wall 188. Securing members may be nuts, bolts, screws, shaped to slide into connection openings 146, or any other design, shape, method, or suitable size to facilitate securing shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56. In one or more arrangements the securing members 148 may be configured to allow a user to tighten or loosen the connection member 144, thereby allowing shelf 112 to be raised, lowered, placed around discharge pipe 56, or removed from discharge pipe 56.

In one or more arrangements, for example, the connection member 144 may be a band placed around the portion of exterior 58 that is not covered by connection recess 142 and secured to connection openings 146 by securing members 148. Securing members 148 may be nuts, bolts, screws, shaped to slide into connection openings 146, or any other design, shape, method, or suitable size to facilitate securing shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56. Connection openings 146 may be any design, shape, method, or suitable size configured to receive securing members 148. Connection member 144 may be any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to operably connect shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown for example, forward end 128 may have one or more recesses 166 configured to fit shelf 112 around one or more components of sump pump 40. For example, the plurality of recesses 166 may be curved 184 to fit around an exterior of sump pump 40. In addition, recess 166 may allow shelf 112 to be placed above sump pump 40 or different components of sump pump 40 such as float 52 or around float 52. In one or more arrangements, for example, forward end 128 has two recesses 166 symmetrical to each other, each on one side of connection recess 142. The shape of recesses166 may aid in placement of shelf 112 around discharge pipe 56. Recesses 166 may be any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to operably connect shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56 or place the shelf above or around one or more components of system 10. In one or more arrangements shelf 112 may not have recesses 166, and have convex sides or straight sides to place shelf 112 place the shelf above or around one or more components of system 10.

In one or more arrangements, as is shown, shelf 112 has a rearward end 152 to facilitate placement of shelf 112 in system 10. The rearward end may oppose the forward end 128. In one or more arrangements, rearward end 152 has a curve 156 to facilitate alignment of shelf 112 with one or more components of system 10. For example, curve 156 may match curve 24 of basin 12 and facilitate alignment of shelf 112 to be adjacent to interior 14 of sump pump basin 12 to maintain a compact system 10. In one or more arrangements, rearward end has a lip 158 having a height 154 to facilitate alignment of shelf 112 with one or more components of system 10 such as interior 14 of sump pump basin 12. Height 154 may be less than height 150 of forward end 128 creating a tapering 186 or curve of the bottom side 118 of shelf 112 from forward end 128 to rearward end 152. This tapering 186 facilitates or is configured to help aid in placement of shelf 112 above one or more components of sump pump 40. The rearward end 152 may be any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to operably connect shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56 or place the shelf above or around one or more components of system 10.

In one or more arrangements shelf system 110 has opposing sides 160 shaped to facilitate placement of shelf 112 along interior 14 of sump pump basin 12. Opposing sides 160 may be any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to operably connect shelf 112 to discharge pipe 56 or place the shelf 112 above, around, or in alignment with one or more components of system 10.

In one or more arrangements shelf system 110 has one or more support members 164 configured to support shelf 112. In one or more arrangements, as is shown, support member 164 is operably connected to shelf 112 through support connection member 124 securing a top 182 (not shown) of support member 164 to shelf 112 to stabilize shelf and sump pump 80. A bottom 180 of support member 164 is configured to rest or is adjacent to bottom side 18 of sump pump basin 12. In one of more arrangements, support member 164 has a length configured to place shelf 112 above at least a portion of sump pump 40 or other components of system 10. Support member 164 may be any suitable size, shape, and design to support shelf 112 and place the shelf 112 above or around one or more components of system 10.

System 10 Assembly:

System 10 Assembly is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate pumping water from a sump pump basin 12 and supporting a secondary sump pump 80 while maintaining a compact system 10. In the arrangement shown, as one example, sump pump system 10 includes a sump pump basin 12 where first sump pump 40 and second sump pump 80 are stored in an interior, among other components. First discharge pipe 56 is operatively connected to first sump pump 40 and moves toward a top of the sump pump basin. Bottom side 180 of support member 164 is placed on bottom side 18 of sump pump basin 12 at top of support member shelf 112 is placed on top of support member 164 through connection member 144. Shelf 112 is secured to first discharge pipe 56 through a connection recess 142. A connection member 144 facilitates securing first discharge pipe 56 to shelf 112. Connection member 144 and connection recess 142 may surround exterior 58 of first discharge pipe 56. Connection member 144 may be secured to shelf 112 through securing members 148. Shelf 112 may be placed above at least a portion of sump pump 40 so sump pump 80 only activates if sump pump 40 fails or is unable to maintain the water level. Sump pump 80 is placed on top of shelf 112. Shelf 112 provides a stabilizing surface for sump pump 80. However, the arrangements are not meant to be limited. Rather, system 10 may have various arrangements and one or more components may be altered or not present in various arrangements.

In one or more arrangements, system 10 and shelf system 110 and/or any components of system 10 and shelf system 110 are formed by any material having suitable durability and strength for pumping water out of sump pump basin 12. Shelf system 110 and or any components of shelf system 110 are formed by any material having suitable durability and strength for storing and stabilizing sump pump 80 above at least a portion of sump pump 40.

In Operation:

In one or more arrangements, sump pump 40 is provided and placed at a bottom 18 of sump pump basin 12. First discharge pipe 56 is operably connected to sump pump 40 through discharge connection member 48. Support member 164 is provided and a bottom 180 of support member 164 is placed at a bottom 18 of sump pump basin 12. Support member 164 may be set vertically up right. Shelf 112 is placed on top 182 of support member 164 and is operably connected to support member 164 through support connection member 124. A connection member 144 is provided to secure shelf 112 to first discharge pipe 56 utilizing connection recess 142. Sump pump 80 is placed on shelf 112 after shelf 112 is secured to first discharge pipe 56.

In one or more arrangements, water enters sump pump basin 12 through drainage pipe 26 (not shown) and begins to fill sump pump basin 12. Once the water level reaches a certain threshold float 52 detects the water level and activates sump pump 40 through float connection member 50 and sump pump float connection member 54. Sump pump 80 is not activated yet as sump pump 80 is placed above at least a portion of sump pump 40 on shelf 112. Sump pump 40 discharges water through discharge pipe 56. The water level may continue to rise as sump pump 40 fails or can't maintain the water level due to the amount of water entering sump pump basin 12. Shelf 112 is placed at a certain level above sump pump 40, the level may be determined by a height of support member 164, allowing sump pump 80 to act as a secondary sump pump or back up sump pump. Shelf 112 stabilizes sump pump 80 so the pump is not displaced as water levels rise. As the water levels rise above at least a portion of sump pump 40 and reaches float 92, float 92 detects the water level and activates sump pump 80 through float connector 90 and sump pump float connector 94. Sump pump 80 discharges water through second discharge pipe 96.

This example of operation is not meant to be limited. Rather, system 10 may operate in various ways to facilitate the discharge of water from sump pump basin 12.

From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the sump pump system and related method of use, presented herein, improves upon the state of the art.

Specifically, the sump pump system presented: provides improved functionality over prior art systems; provides improved features over prior art systems; is relatively inexpensive; is easy to use; is intuitive to use; is strong and robust; can be used in many applications; provides unique functionality; is fast to use and fast to set-up; is safe to use; saves time; has a compact size; is adjustable, has a long useful life; is high quality; and/or improves efficiencies, among countless other advantages and improvements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.

SELECT REFERENCE NUMBERS

• • 10—Sump Pump System
  • 12—Sump Pump Basin
  • 14—Interior (Sump Pump Basin)
  • 16—Top Side (Sump Pump Basin)
  • 18—Bottom Side (Sump Pump Basin)
  • 20—Cover (Sump Pump Basin)
  • 22—Lip (Sump Pump Basin)
  • 24—Curve (Interior of Sump Pump Basin)
  • 26—Drainage Pipe
  • 28—Opening (Drainage Pipe)
  • 30—Warning System
  • 40—First Sump Pump
  • 42—Top Side (First Sump Pump)
  • 44—Middle (First Sump Pump)
  • 46—Bottom Side (First Sump Pump)
  • 48—Discharge Connection Member (First Sump Pump)
  • 50—Float Connection Member (First Sump Pump)
  • 52—Float (First Sump Pump)
  • 54—Sump Pump Float Connection Member (First Sump Pump)
  • 56—Discharge Pipe (First Sump Pump)
  • 58—Exterior (First Discharge Pipe)
  • 60—Check Valve (Discharge Pipe First Sump Pump)
  • 62—Power Supply (First Sump Pump)
  • 64—Sump Pump Stand
  • 66—Top Side (First Sump Pump Stand)
  • 68—Bottom Side (First Sump Pump Stand)
  • 70—Edge (First Sump Pump Stand)
  • 80—Second Sump Pump
  • 82—Top Side (Second Sump Pump)
  • 84—Middle (Second Sump Pump)
  • 86—Bottom Side (Second Sump Pump)
  • 88—Discharge Connection Member (Second Sump Pump)
  • 90—Float Connection Member (Second Sump Pump)
  • 92—Float (Second Sump Pump)
  • 94—Sump Pump Float Connection Member (Second Sump Pump)
  • 96—Discharge Pipe (Second Sump Pump)
  • 98—Check Valve (Discharge Pipe Second Sump Pump)
  • 100—Power Supply (Second Sump Pump)
  • 110—Sump Pump Shelf System/Shelf System
  • 112—Shelf
  • 114—Top Side (Shelf)
  • 116—Openings (Top Side Shelf Drainage)
  • 118—Bottom Side (Shelf)
  • 120—Cells (Bottom Side Shelf)
  • 122—Cell Walls (Bottom Side Shelf)
  • 124—Support Connection Member (Bottom Side Shelf)
  • 126—Height (Support Connection Member)
  • 128—Forward End (Shelf)
  • 130—Top Portion (Forward End Shelf)
  • 132—Width (Top Portion Forward End Shelf)
  • 134—Middle Portion (Forward End Shelf)
  • 136—Width (Middle Portion Forward End Shelf)
  • 138—Bottom Portion (Forward End Shelf)
  • 140—Width (Bottom Portion Forward End Shelf)
  • 142—Connection Recess (Forward End Shelf)
  • 144—Connection Member (Forward End Shelf)
  • 146—Connection Openings (Forward End Shelf)
  • 148—Securing Members (Connection Member Forward Shelf)
  • 150—Height (Forward End Shelf)
  • 152—Rearward End (Shelf)
  • 154—Height (Rearward End Shelf)
  • 156—Curve (Rearward End Shelf)
  • 158—Lip (Rearward End Shelf)
  • 160—Opposing Sides (Shelf)
  • 162—Opening (Measurement Shelf/Support Connection Member Opening/Top Side Shelf)
  • 164—Support Member
  • 166—Recess (Shelf)
  • 168—Top Of Opening (Measurement Shelf)
  • 170—Width Of Top of Opening (Measurement Shelf)
  • 172—Bottom Of Opening (Measurement Shelf)
  • 174—Width Of Bottom of Opening (Measurement Shelf)
  • 176—Sides Of Support Connection Member
  • 178—Top Of Support Connection Member
  • 180—Bottom Of Support Member
  • 182—Top Of Support Member
  • 184—Curve of Forward Side (Shelf)
  • 186—Curve of Bottom Side (Shelf)
  • 188—Connection wall
  • 190—Height of connection wall
  • 192—Width of connection wall