Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to a sump pump guard adaptor, system, and method of adapting thereof, and more particularly to an inlet pre-screen cover also acting as a platform for pit positioning of a pump, a platform for adapting multiple pumps made to adapt over the inlet of sump pumps of different size to be configured into sump pits also of varied size. The adaptor can be adapted using a base connected to a top portion or simply a top portion also called the adaptor itself. The design also includes a plurality of flow openings that allow for easy cutting or bending of different portions of the adaptor for example on the inner and outer radii of the adaptor, a multi-segment design for better stacking and storage in a compact configuration, a plurality of pipe openings for use in a staked sump pumps configuration, an access doors to help lower the sump pump into the adaptor, and an adaptor with a secondary pump support built in the main body or as an external piece adaptable to the main body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/306,128, filed Feb. 19, 2010, entitled Pump Guard Adaptor, which prior application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to standalone and/or stackable, modular pump guard adaptor acting as a support and pre-screen to sump pump inlets, and more particularly, to a pump guard adaptor and base designed for easy onsite manual adaptation to the inlet of a sump pump for protecting pumps from movements and walking or piping vibrations, debris accumulations, shocks, and blockage in the operating pathways of different configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pumps are devices used to move fluids, such as liquids, gases or slurries from one location to the next. A pump generally has a element placed in the flow of the fluid connected to a motor. When the motor is energized, the element rotates or moves pushing the fluid along a conduit. There are many types of pumps for many different types of applications. 
     Aside from the human heart, one of the most common type of pump is a sump pump used in basement of homes to push water and other fluids accumulated in a sump pit where the sump pump rests. There are several types of sump pumps such as pedestal pumps or submersible pumps. In a pedestal sump pump, the pump&#39;s motor is mounted above the sump pit, where it can be serviced and connected to the electrical circuit. The submersible pump on the other hand is mounted inside the pit and is sealed to prevent electrical short circuits. Sump pumps system can also be used in industrial and commercial applications. Wells can also use sump pumps. 
     While this disclosures generally will describe an adaptor for a “sump pump” it is understood that the adaptor can be used on any type of pump or system having a fluid inlet with or without a screen or that requires screening or pre-screening to limit the entry of solid particles into the fluid or the blocking of the screen or pre-screen by solid particles of a certain size or to create a dead volume around the inlet of the pump or system where fluid can accumulate. 
     Many sump pumps are small and designed with a 200 or 400 Watts pump to be used in a 2 to 3 feet pit holding 15 to 25 gallons of fluid. Pipes, typically 1.5 inch in diameter of PCV are routed from and to the pump through a check valve to control the flow of fluid through the pipe to prevent backward flow back to the sump pump. A sump pump, generally smaller in size than the pit in which it is lowered can rest freely on the bottom of the pit waiting for immersion before it is energized once a sensor measures fluid to be pumped out of the pit. Further, it is now becoming more common that pumps are configured with a redundancy system such as a secondary back up pump positioned in close proximity to the main pumping system. Legacy pits were designed for a single pump and therefore, important problems of configuration, sizing, and using multiple pumps in a single pit have arisen. 
     Suggested maintenance of sump pumps include an annual visual examination and cleaning by removing any debris that has accumulated in the proximity of the inlet of the sump pump. For example, if a tissue or other large object finds its way into the pit and blocks the screen on the pump, the pump may heat up and get damaged or simply be unable to pump water who may raise and flow out of the sump pit and flood a basement. Further, pumps under external stresses such as repetitive starts and stops or vibrations will “walk” to different positions and therefore joints are weakened and may burst creating further opportunity for leakage and flooding of a basement. Further, pumps that no longer are positioned as originally intended as a consequence of the “walking” may suffer from loss in efficiency by trapping the float control mechanism against the pit wall rendering it inoperable. 
     Often, plumbers or other maintenance personnel observe frequent problems with any single pump resulting in frequent calls. What is needed is method and device that can limit inlet blockage, protect float control mechanisms, or protect against “walking” problems and facilitate the addition or placement of back-up pumping systems. What is also needed is for a device, system, and method for reducing failure and the need for maintenance of sump pumps taking into consideration the fact that no two sump pump and sump pit are alike and that because of this large range in configurations, a design that accommodates all existing and possible configurations and sizes of pumps and pits is required. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a sump pump guard adaptor, system, and method of adapting thereof, and more particularly to an inlet pre-screen cover also acting as a platform for pit positioning of a pump, a platform for adapting multiple pumps made to adapt over the inlet of sump pumps of different size to be configured into sump pits also of varied size. The adaptor can be adapted using a base connected to a top portion or simply a top portion also called the adaptor itself. The design also includes a plurality of flow openings that allow for easy cutting or bending of different portions of the adaptor for example on the inner and outer radii of the adaptor, a multi-segment design for better stacking and storage in a compact configuration, a plurality of pipe openings for use in a staked sump pumps configuration, an access doors to help lower the sump pump into the adaptor, and an adaptor with a secondary pump support built in the main body or as an external piece adaptable to the main body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are two side dynamic animation views of a first configuration of the sump pump guard adaptor having a base and a top portion mounted on a sump pump. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan elevation of the sump pump guard adaptor or the top portion of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the top portion or the sump pump guard adaptor shown at  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan elevation of the base of the sump pump guard adaptor shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the base of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are two side dynamic animation views of a second configuration of sump pump guard adaptor mounted on a sump pump. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan elevation of two stacked sump pumps each equipped with a sump pump guard adaptor of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a plan elevation of two stacked sump pumps each equipped with a sump pump guard adaptor of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a plan elevation of another embodiment of the sump pump guard adaptor with a top portion and a base with flow openings on the horizontal lip of the top portion. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the top portion of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a first illustration showing a sump pump without a sump pump guard adaptor inside of a sump pit from four animated steps of a method of adapting a sump pump guard adaptor to a sump pump in a sump pit. 
         FIG. 14  is a second illustration showing the cutting of tab elements on a sump pump guard adaptor from four animated steps of a method of adapting a sump pump guard adaptor to a sum pump in a sump pit. 
         FIG. 15  is a third illustration showing the matching of field modifications of the adaptor resting on the bottom of an upside down pit where the structure is modified to accommodate with the configuration of the pit. 
         FIG. 16  is a fourth illustration showing the sump pump in position from four animated steps of a method of adapting a sump pump guard adaptor to a sump pump in a sump pit. 
         FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  19  are three perspective views of another embodiment of a sump pump guard adaptor with a drop shaped first collar according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective exploded view of a sump pump guard adaptor with an access door or plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the sump pump guard adaptor with an access door of  FIG. 20  with the door in place on the adaptor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a sump pump guard adaptor made of several segments according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         FIGS. 25 and 26  are views showing how the different segments of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIG. 22  can be staked. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of another sump pump guard adaptor with configurable adaptor elements and configurable tab elements according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 28  is a view of the sump pump guard adaptor of  FIG. 27  where some of the configurable adaptor elements and configurable tab elements have been cut for adaptation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another sump pump guard adaptor with a secondary pump support according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the sump pump guard adaptor shown at  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is front view of the sump pump guard adaptor shown at  FIG. 29 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purposes of promoting and understanding the invention and principles disclosed herein, reference is now made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language is used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and such further applications of the principles disclosed as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates. 
     The pump guard adaptor provides the ability to locate a wide range of pumps of different sizes and configurations into also a wide range of pits of different sizes and configurations. This configuration needed to penetrate widely a mass market either at retail or at Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or even at business to business. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first possible embodiment of the sump pump guard adaptor  1  as mounted on a sump pump  10 . Other embodiments are shown in the different other figures and will described in turn, for example  FIGS. 7 and 8  show a second embodiment of the pump guard adaptor  1  also mounted on a pump  10  without a base. As shown, the sump pump adaptor  1  is thin walled device that is bent or molded of a material that allows for easy manufacture and modification using simple commercial tools. In one embodiment, molded plastic is used, but other materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, polymers, and even transparent/non transparent, or even semi-transparent composites are contemplated. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the choice of material, may vary based on the anticipated use of the sump pump adaptor  1 , for example, if used in the chemistry industry, a polymer that is not subject to chemical degradation may be used. 
     As for at  FIG. 1 , the pump  10  includes an inlet  13 , a pump base  11 , an outlet  20  such as an ejector pipe. In submersible pumps, the entire pump is lowered into a volume where the liquid is found such as a sump pit.  FIG. 13  for example shows a pump  10  into a sump pit  166 . The pit volume can also include materials place or accumulated on the side or the bottom such as gravel, rocks, or earth that is impregnated in the fluid to be removed. 
     One of the problems with pumping is the presence of debris or particles in the fluid that may lead to clogging at or around the pump base  11 , and the inlet  13 . In one embodiment as shown at  FIG. 7 , the pump inlet  13  may be covered by a screen  110  with openings  111 . When a pump  10  encounters a liquid volume of debris (not shown) because of external conditions, the liquid to be pumped must move between the interstices of the screen  110  before it reaches the inlet  113 . As this fluid is drawn into the pump  10 , some of the debris is pre-screened and blocks the openings  111 . A blockage at the inlet  113  limits the ability of a pump to drain any given pit. Sump pumps  10  are capable of moving some level of debris along with the fluid they carry and normally openings  111  of screen  110  are sized accordingly. 
     Once the screen  111  becomes blocked with debris, the pump is rendered inoperable. Either air can seep into the system, or the system begins to pull water through the substrate, creating resistance that lowers the flow. In normal sump pump systems, an accident or a rainy condition occurs and results in large volumes of water migrating to the sump pit  166 . This flow can bring debris, tissues, or any other body that can obstruct the performance of the sump pump inside the sump pit  166 . Damage is expected at the motor of a pump  10  when insufficient flow enters the inlet  113  from blockage, resulting in extended periods of operations for failure to draw the fluid to a level where pumping is no longer required, a condition that ultimately results in motor burn. 
       FIG. 1  shows how the pump  10  with the inlet  13  and the outlet  20  such as an ejector pipe with a connector  21  is lowered  30  into position. The pump guard adaptor  1  as shown is made of a body  100  and/or alternatively a base  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the body  100  is positioned onto the base  200  and encases the inlet  11  of the pump  10  using positioning holders, clips, or the like. In one configuration shown at  FIG. 20 , or  21 , to help encase the inlet  11  of the pump  10  to the body  100 , a door  61  is used. This door can, as shown cover 180 degrees of the top portion of the body  100  and be attached with small screws  62  or other securing means. In another configuration, the door clips into place with a push. 
     The door or plate  61  creates an opening  63  of sufficient size to allow the insertion of the pump  10  and any casing around the pump  10 . In another embodiment shown at  FIGS. 22-24 , the body  100  is made of segments  141 , in this case shown as 90 degree segments  141  each secured to the next by a series of bolts, snap or even interlocking lips  72 . Once again, while one configuration is shown, what is contemplated is the use of many different configurations and segments  141  each with different angles or portions that can be clipped in, attached, merged in, screwed in place in order to recreate the body  100 . 
     At  FIGS. 25 and 26 , what is shown is one of the numerous advantages of using different segments  141  to form the body  100  as each of these segments  141  can be stored and stacked for easily manipulation or packaging for shipment. For example, pumps sold in boxes with a small footprint can include a group of segments  141  within the box without increase in overall cube or shipping volume of the box caused by the adaptor. As a further advantage, if the user cuts out the wrong portion of the segment during adaptation to the sump pump  10 , then only a segment  141  can be discarded. 
     In one configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pump guard adaptor  1  is made of two pieces clipped to form a single adaptor  1 , the body  100  and the base  200 . In this configuration, the base  200  protects the body  100 , the inlet  11  and ultimately the pump guard adaptor  1  from accumulated debris that is present below the pump  10  and its inlet  11  in some of the pits including for example older generation pits. In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the adaptor  1  is made of a single piece  300  that is made to rest on the pit bottom directly. While two possible configurations are shown, the use of any number of pieces to create an enclosure capable of creating a volume adjacent to the inlet  11  of a pump  10  where a liquid such as water can be collected is contemplated.  FIG. 12  illustrates a body  400  with flow openings on different portions of the piece. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the pump  10  includes an inlet  13  in the shape of radial openings along the body of the pump  10  and can also include a plurality of structural devices for locking and attaching the pump  10  at a location. While one possible type of pump  10  and one possible type of attachment means  12  is shown, any mechanism designed to hold the pump  10  in place within the pump guard adaptor  10  is contemplated. The opening  51  as shown for example on  FIG. 4 , is centered within the guard adaptor  1 , but what is contemplated is the placement of the opening  51  at any location on the adaptor  1  so as to support the pump  10  or pumps that must be secured in the adaptor  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a elevation of the body  100  where a bottom horizontal lip  41  is shown with a bottom surface  44  for connection on the ground or to a base  200  as shown in  FIG. 11 . To allow for fluid to pass from the external surface of the body  40  to the inside of the body  100  and ultimately move to the inlet  13  of the pump  10 , a series of flow openings  42  are made on the body  100 . As shown, these openings may be in the shape of long rectangular strips with ribs from the upper plate  43  to the bottom horizontal lip  41 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the flow openings  42  are made and have a geometry that is a compromise between giving the body  100  the greatest structural rigidity while keeping the openings as small as possible and allowing unimpeded flow of liquid through the body and by keeping the openings as large as possible. One way to rigidify the screen is to create angled bends, ribs, and other structural reinforcements as known in the art.  FIG. 18  for example shows from the bottom surface of the body  100  reinforcement ribs  81  that can be used as reinforcements. Another way to rigidify the screen is to use stronger materials, such as stainless steel, metal, or rigid plastics, or to increase the thickness of the material in the screen. 
     Further, the flow openings  42  also serve to prevent the inflow transportation of the substrate, such as rocks and gravel, from outside the screen to inside the screen. If the flow openings  42  are of ⅛″ in width, any rock with a diameter greater than ⅛″ cannot flow into the body  100  and thus the adaptor  1 . What is also contemplated is the use of openings of a size that disallows small rocks from getting stuck in the flow openings  42 . For example, in one embodiment, instead of circular flow openings  42 , long slit shaped openings  42  are made to allow for small rocks in contact with the opening to slide down under gravity once the suction of the pump  10  is stopped. 
     Further, structural strength is required of the adaptor  1  both to prevent collapse under the external weight of the substrate and to prevent collapse caused by the suction from the inlet  11  of the pump  10 .  FIG. 4  is a top view (or a bottom view) of the body  100  of  FIG. 3  illustrating a possible arrangement of the different flow openings  42 . Radial slits are found on the outer angled edge connecting the upper plate  43  with the horizontal lip  41 . Other openings are made  52  on the top portion to allow for liquid to pass from a zone above the body  100  into the internal portion of the body  100 . At  FIG. 4 , two further flow openings  51 ,  50  are made in the upper portion of the body  100  to allow for the passage  51  of the body of the pump  10  through the body  100  and for the passage  50  of the ejector guard  20  through the body  100 . These openings  50 ,  51  are only illustrative in position, size, and orientation of possible passages made in the screen  100 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the body of the pump  10  may be located inside the body  100 , or the outlet  20  can be located sideways on the body  100 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the base  200 . The base  200  in one embodiment is round and attaches to the horizontal lip  41  using tabs  55  that clip or attach onto the body  100  to encase the pump  10 . Other types of attaching means are also contemplated along with a configuration where no attaching means is used. In one embodiment, the tabs  55  are self locking clips capable of locking after a push of the body  100  to the base  200 . The base  200  also includes pods  56  shown as conical feet  57  connected to the under portion  58  of the base  200 . One of the objects of the base  200  is to raise the body  100  off the ground to create an additional area for the infiltration of the liquid within the adaptor  1 . For this reason, the base  200  as shown in  FIG. 6  includes as many openings  59  as possible for the flow of fluid. Ribs  60 ,  61  are also present to reinforce structurally the base  200  to prevent collapse either from the weight of the pump  10  or the aspiration of the pump  10  creating a depression inside of the adaptor  1 .  FIG. 11  illustrates how the base  200  can be mounted below the body  100  to form the adaptor  1 . 
     Once again, while the base  200  is shown as a flat plate with feet, the base can be made of any shape and size possible to support the body  100 . In the structure shown at  FIG. 12  and also used at  FIG. 9 , the body  100  encases the inlet  13  and includes a series of ribs  403 , and  402  operating with flow openings  404 ,  405  to allow for the better passage of liquid. While the base  100  can be made not to include these openings, what is contemplated is a structure that can include a plurality of openings  401 ,  406  made directly into the bottom plate  400  or that can be cut in with a tool by a user for adaptation over any pump  10 . What is contemplated is the use of any configuration of pump base or base, including, for example, a U-shaped cup having a flow opening with lips, to promote the passage of liquid in the screen, or even the molding or use of a male/female connector pipe where the screen  100  is slid as a male connector into the female pipe or vise versa (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the body  300  includes openings  301  that are not made from the top  302  to the bottom  303  of the body  300  but openings  301  that only occupy a portion of the lateral sides. This configuration allows for control of the flow of water into the adaptor  1  and prevent the accumulation of aggregates at the bottom of the adaptor  1 . In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the pump  10  includes an integral filter, or a screen  110  located next to the inlet  13  of the pump  10 . This screen  110  includes openings  111  and a support  120  for the passage of liquid. As shown in  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, the openings  111  in the screen  110  can align with the openings  301  in the body  300  over the support  120 . While one possible configuration is shown, the use of any type of openings  301  on the lateral, top or bottom surfaces of the body  300  to allow for the creation of an internal flow control volume in the body  300  is contemplated. Further, the use of a base or a bottom wall to close the body  300  next to the ground is not shown but is contemplated. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show how several pumps  10  can be stacked and equipped with adaptors  1  made of a one-piece body  300  or a two-piece body  100  and base  200 . These configurations are directed to systems where back up pumping configurations or level pumping is required. Pumps  10  can be used in tandem either next to each other or on top of each other depending on the acceptable footprint given to the pumping system. For example, the configuration shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  is optimal for pumping in deep, cylindrical wells. Other holes can be made in the upper adaptors  1  for the passage of outlets  20  from pumps  10  located below an adaptor  1 . These variations are also contemplated and disclosed herein. Further, support pipes  77  of similar structure to the common outlet pipes  20  can be used or other support structural elements can be used to stabilize multi-level pumping system. Once again, the adaptor  1  is designed to be versatile, include openings and tabs that can be placed on the adaptor  1  to help create an adaptor capable of attaching to any type of pump, in any configuration, over any surface. 
     Sales surfaces often cannot hold in stock hundreds of different types of adaptors but must be able to adapt to a very wide range of pumps. For this reason, the adaptor  1  is designed to function with the greatest majority of pumps on the market and are adapted to include openings for the passage of the pump body calibrated to accommodate the greatest proportion of commercial pumps. For example, in a field, if pumps have a body of 10, 20, and 25 inches, an opening can be designed with a 20 inch internal diameter for accommodation of the pump, with tabs of 5 inches that can be cut when the 20 inch internal diameter is needed, and where a ring of plastic or a cut off diameter at 25 inch is made in the screen. 
     Further, the underside of the base  200  can also be adapted to interlock with the upper side of a pump  10  when pumps are stacked vertically as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The pods  56  for lifting the base  200  off the ground are also designed as to be manually cut to specify the vertical clearance below the base  200  or to allow for partial removal for better ground stability on uneven ground, etc. The top surface of the body  100 ,  300  of the adaptor  1  can also be adapted to interlock with a second body  100 ,  300  for easier storage in a stacked configuration. 
     In several of the embodiments, what is disclosed is a sump pump guard adaptor  1  for a sump pump  10  with an inlet  13 , the adaptor  1  comprising a body  100  with an inside surface for covering an inlet  13  of a sump pump  10  on which the body  100  is adapted. The body  100  also includes a plurality of flow openings  42  between the inside surface  85  and an outside surface  86  on the body  100 . 
     The contact of opening  51  and the upper plate  43  as shown at  FIG. 4  creates a first internal collar  91  also between the inside surface  85  and the outside surface  86  on the body  100  for the adaptation of the body  100  to a casing  93  of a sump pump  10 . The body  100  of the adaptor  1  also includes an external edge  94  for adaptation of the body  100  to a base  200  or a bottom surface of a sump pump pit. In one embodiment, a horizontal lip  41  is located at the external edge  94  as shown at  FIG. 4 , and in yet another embodiment shown at  FIG. 27 , the external edge  94  includes tab elements  95  as shown of rectangular shape for easy access, bending and cutting using pliers or industrial cutters. 
     As shown on the different figures, the body  100  along with the base  200  or by itself when rested against a surface defines a transitory volume where the fluid can be collected or will transit defined between the inside surface  85  of the body  100  and either the base  200  or the bottom surface of the sum pump pit  500  on  FIG. 1 . Further, the flow openings  42  define a filter between the outside surface  86  and the inlet  13  as the fluid passes from the outside surface  86  in the pit, through the flow openings  42  and into the transitory volume before reaching the inlet  13  for pumping up by the pump  20 .  FIG. 27  also shows an adaptor  1  where the first internal collar  91  includes adaptor elements  97  also designed to be cut using a hand tool for rapid adaptation of the adaptor  1  to a pump  10 . As shown on  FIGS. 17-19 , the first collar  91  can be reinforced and lowered by a small distance from the upper plate  43  of the body  100  of the adaptor  1 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the body  100  of the pump guard adaptor  1  includes a top portion and a base  100 , and the first collar  91  is on the top portion. The first collar  91  as shown can also be formed as the result of the union of several segments  141  and where the first collar  91  is then located on more than one piece or segment  141 . 
     At  FIG. 4 , the body  100  includes an ejector pipe adaptor  99  formed around the opening  50  between the inside surface  85  and the outside surface  86  and the inside surface  85  is adapted to be nested to the outside surface of a second sump pump adaptor either in segment  71  of as a whole (not shown). The nesting allows for a more efficient storage and display, and also broadens the commercial applications. For example, what is shown generally in this disclosure is a rounded shape adaptor  1  and sump pit  166 . In Italy, the “pozzetti” or pit for drains is generally square in shape and therefore a different external shape can be optimal along with segments  141  of associated shape. What is also contemplated are different shapes capable of interlocking to create the transitory volume and act as a prefilter to the pump inlet  13 . 
     In another configuration the body  100  of the adaptor  1  includes a second pipe adaptor (not shown) on the base for the passage of a pipe from a second pump  10  staked below the sump pump adaptor  1  as shown at  FIGS. 9-10 . What is also not shown but contemplated is the use of a strap or other external holding devices that can be slid into the different openings  42  of the adaptor  1  to secure the adaptor to the pump  10  or even to external elements. 
     In another embodiment, the adaptor can be sold and advertise as part of a kit for securing a sump pump guard adaptor  1  to a sump pump  10 . The kit can be sold as shown at  FIG. 14  with a tool such as a saw  103  for cutting either the adaptor elements  97  or the tab elements  95  or even as shown any portion of the adaptor  1 . The tool can also be any tool used by maintenance personnel who need to assemble an adaptor with segments  141  such as a screwdriver if screws or bolts  62  are used. The kit can also include a strap (not shown) to be slid to secure the body  100  to either the pump  10  or the sump pit  166 . Further, the kit can include both a body  100  and a base  200 , or several segments  141  forming the body  100  or even a larger quantity of segments  141 , bases  200  or bodies  100 . 
     Finally, what is also contemplated is a system for adapting what is considered a pre-screen  1  instead of a adaptor to the pump  10 . The system can be included as part of a filtration system where a subsequent layer of filtration is needed. For example, instead of placing a new filter grid on the upper portion of a sump pit  166  if a user wants to filter against a specific size of debris, the pre-screen  1  can be used instead of the grid. The term pre-screen is used instead of the term adaptor as it serves a different function in the context of this disclosure while being related to the same structural elements. In terms of function of the device as contemplated, the adaptor is a piece that complement a pump or a pumping system to protect the pump and offer a flexibility to the pump. In contrast, the pre-screen serves primarily to control the flow of debris and screens as part of a filtration system can also be designed to offer a pressure drop to manage efficiently the flow of fluid through the filter. For example, if pumping at one sump pump is too important and must be reduced, a pre-screen can be used. 
       FIGS. 13 to 16  show using illustrations some of the steps as to how the pump guard adaptor  1  is adapted to a sump pump  10  inside of a sump pump pit  166 . At  FIG. 13 , a sump pump  10  is shown at the bottom of a pit  166 . At  FIG. 14 , an operator cuts using a tool such as a saw  103  a portion of the external edge  94  to remove some tab elements  95  in order to create a new external shape for the adaptor that will slide as shown at  FIG. 14  into the irregular shape pit  166  a shown at  FIG. 16 . What is also claimed as part of this disclosure is a method of adapting a pump guard adaptor  1  to a sump pump  10 , the method comprising the steps of: selecting a sump pump with an inlet  13  and a casing as shown at  FIG. 13 , the casing having a first external shape, selecting a pump guard adaptor  1  with a body  100  and a plurality of flow openings  42  on the body  100  for covering the inlet  13  within the body  100 , the pump guard adaptor  1  having a first collar  91  for adaptation as shown at  FIG. 14  to the first shape on the casing, and having an external edge  94  for adaptation to an internal surface of a sump pit  166 , and as shown at  FIG. 16  sliding the casing inside of the first collar  91 , and sliding sump pump  10  with the pump guard adaptor  1  in the internal surface of the sump pit  166 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the first opening  91  further comprises adaptor elements  97 , and wherein the method includes the step of cutting or bending the adaptor elements as shown at  FIG. 27  to open the first collar  91  to the size of the casing before the step of sliding the body inside of the first collar. 
     Yet in another embodiment the method includes the step of selecting a pump guard adaptor  1  where the external edge  94  comprises tab elements  95 , and wherein the method includes the step of cutting or bending the tab elements to narrow the external edge for adaptation to the internal surface of the sump pit  166  as shown at  FIG. 14  before the step of sliding the sump pump with the pump guard adaptor in the internal surface of the sump pit  166 . Finally, the method includes the placement of a base  200  to a top portion  100  (not shown) and wherein the method includes the step of attaching the base  200  to the top portion  200  after the step of sliding the casing inside the first collar. 
     When the body  100  is made of more than one piece as shown at  FIGS. 22-24 , the first collar  91  is located on more than one piece  141 , the method further includes the step of sliding the casing of the pump  10  inside of the first collar  91  during the assembly of the more than one piece  141  into the body  100  and forming the first collar  91  before sliding the casing inside of the first collar  91 . Finally, the method may include the step of adapting the horizontal lip  41  to either the base  200  or to a bottom of the sump pit  166 . 
     In  FIGS. 29-31  is shown another embodiment a back up pump  340  configured to rest alongside the primary pump  10  instead of being vertically stacked as shown at  FIGS. 9-10 . In this configuration, as shown, the secondary pump or back up pump  340  is placed on a secondary pump holder  341  shown as a cylinder also with flow openings  342 . While the secondary pump holder  341  is shown as a piece that may be stacked upon the body  100 , the holder  341  can also be directly manufactured as part of the body without or without flow openings  342 . Further, the pump  340  can also be acquired directly with a designed holder. As for the body  100 , the secondary pump holder  341  can be made with several segments or can also include different supporting elements, holders, or attachments (not shown). The secondary pump holder  341  can also be made of a structure for holding a mesh (not shown). 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that although the teachings of this disclosure have been illustrated in connection with certain embodiments and methods, there is no intent to limit the invention to such embodiments and methods. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications and embodiments falling fairly within the scope the teachings of the disclosure.