Apparatus for Electrically Powered Liquid Feature

An apparatus for an electrically powered liquid feature comprises a unit including a liquid pump and a rechargeable power source arranged to provide power to the pump for operation of the liquid feature. The unit may be removably installed in a reservoir having a cover that supports decorative features, such as pebbles, gravel and/or plants. The cover may have partitions so as to provide a pattern of different decorative features. One or more translucent or transparent features may be removably attached to the upper side of the cover. The cover may allow light to pass through from the unit to these features. There may be provided an outlet portion removably connected above the cover. The outlet portion may comprise a tiered cascade feature. Alternatively, the outlet portion may comprise a plurality of interconnected, stacked components. Alternatively, the outlet portion may comprise an adapter to which a statue or figurine may be removably attached.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for an electrically powered water (or other liquid) feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional electrically powered water features, particularly for indoor or garden use, generally fall into two categories: mains-powered, or solar-powered. Mains-powered water features suffer from the inconvenience of requiring a mains cable connection, with associated safety issues. Solar-powered water features may be completely self-contained but require strong sunlight to operate effectively; this renders them unsuitable for use indoors, or in countries where strong sunlight is not often available.

Conventional water features may include decorative and/or structural components, made for example from stone or resin. These components may be expensive to manufacture and bulky to transport. Moreover, they are not easily reconfigurable to provide the decorative and/or structural effects desired by customers.

WO-A-2019/243800, filed by the present applicant, discloses a unit for a water (or other liquid) feature, including a pump, a rechargeable battery and control electronics within a housing comprising upper and lower housing parts. The battery is connectable to a power source for recharging, either wirelessly or through waterproof contacts.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are defined by the accompanying claims.

Embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus for an electrically powered liquid feature, including a unit including a housing containing a pump and a rechargeable power source for the pump. The unit may include a contactless or contact power receiver for charging the power source. The power receiver may be positioned in the housing, for example in an upper portion of the housing. The unit may include one or more light sources.

The unit may be controlled by a user-actuable button, switch or other user-actuable means positioned on the unit. Settings of the unit may be controlled by a predetermined number or pattern of actuations of the user actuable means. The settings may be confirmed to the user by the light sources, for example by flashing a predetermined number of times to confirm the setting.

The unit may be removably installed in a reservoir. There may be provided apparatus for enabling this removable installation. The apparatus may be arranged for converting a receptacle, such as a pot or planter, to a water feature. Alternatively, the receptacle may be arranged to removably support the reservoir. The apparatus may include a lid or cover for the reservoir that supports decorative features, such as pebbles, gravel and/or plants. The cover may be partitioned so as to provide a pattern of different decorative features. Alternatively, the lid or cover may itself comprise one or more decorative features.

One or more translucent or transparent features may be removably attached to the upper side of the cover. The cover may allow light to pass from the light source(s) of the unit to these features. Alternatively or additionally the cover, or an additional unit provided on the cover, may itself include one or more light sources, arranged to illuminate these features.

There may be provided an outlet portion removably connected above the cover. The outlet portion may comprise a tiered cascade feature. Alternatively, the outlet portion may comprise a plurality of interconnected, stacked components. Alternatively, the outlet portion may comprise an adapter to which a statue or figurine may be removably attached.

Other aspects and optional features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Pump and Power Source Unit

Embodiments of the invention comprise a pump2for pumping water (or other liquid) as part of the function of the water feature, for example for pumping water through a nozzle3in a fountain, or pumping water to a higher level in a cascade. The pump2is electrically powered, and includes a motor, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

Power for the pump2is provided by a rechargeable power source1, such as a one or more cells, batteries or capacitors. The capacity of the rechargeable power source1is sufficient to power the pump2for a length of time appropriate for the water feature, without requiring additional power from another source, such as a mains or solar power supply. Preferably, the rechargeable power source1is the sole power source for the pump2.

Preferably, the pump2and rechargeable power source1are combined in a common housing, comprising an upper portion21and a lower portion22that are removably attachable together so as to provide a single, compact module or unit20that may be supplied as a self-contained water feature or as a component for integration into a water feature. The size and/or shape of the module or unit may be chosen to suit the application. In a specific example, the dimensions of the module or unit are 120×83 mm. The unit is preferably light and easily portable, weighing for example between 0.1 and 1 Kg, and preferably between 200 and 500 g.

The module or unit20may be submersible in water or other liquid, for example in a reservoir such as a pond, fountain reservoir or birdbath, to provide a water feature such as a fountain, cascade, or bubbler. In some embodiments, the unit could be designed for other types of water or liquid feature, such as for example a rain effect feature using oil rather than water.

The power source1may be rechargeable by contactless or wireless charging, for example by inductive charging in proximity to a contactless or wireless power transmitter5connected to a source of mains power, as described in the first and second embodiments of WO-A-2019/243800.

Alternatively, the power source1may be rechargeable by a contact connection, or a combination or selection of contact and wireless connections.

The unit20may include further features as disclosed in WO-A-2019/243800, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Specific embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. Similar features between different embodiments are described using the same reference numerals. In this description ‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘top’, bottom’, ‘vertical’ and similar terms are defined with reference to the normal orientation of the module or unit when the pump2is in use, for example with the nozzle3projecting upwards.

Water Feature Installation

As shown inFIGS.1ato1c, a first embodiment of mounting apparatus for mounting the unit20comprises a bowl or reservoir80having a recess81at the bottom thereof for receiving the unit20. The reservoir80and recess81comprise a liquid reservoir for holding the liquid to be pumped by the unit20and recovering the liquid emitted from the nozzle3. The reservoir80is covered by a cover83which may support decorative items such as pebbles, gravel, plants, figurines etc., for example as described further below. Alternatively, the cover83may itself include decorative features. The cover83includes a central aperture82through which the nozzle extends. The cover83is perforated, for example by a plurality of further apertures83a,83b, to allow the liquid emitted from the nozzle3to drain back into the reservoir80.

The reservoir80may be supported within an outer receptacle, such as a planter or pot90by a plurality of connectors, such as hangers or hooks84which fit over the rim of the pot90and are attached to the periphery of the reservoir80by corresponding loops or ties85, which are adjustable in length to allow mounting in pots90of a range of different diameters. The ties85may be cable ties, turnbuckles or other adjustable length connectors. Each of the hooks84includes an adjustable screw86for clamping onto the rim of the pot90; this allows use with pots90with rims of different thicknesses. This arrangement allows the unit20to be mounted on the rim of the pot90, and is adjustable for different diameters and thicknesses of pot90.

Instead of the hangers or hooks84, the reservoir80may be supported by material such as soil or gravel, or may float on water or other liquid, within the pot90. Alternatively, the reservoir80may have a rim that fits over the rim of the pot90and thereby supports the reservoir80. In another alternative as shown inFIGS.1dand1e, the pot90includes an internal flange91or one or more inward projection(s) on which the outer rim of the reservoir80rests. The flange91may be formed as an integral part of the pot90, for example by molding the pot90from plastics material. Alternatively, the pot90may be formed from ceramic material. In this alternative, the reservoir80is removably supported by the pot90without the need for separate supports.

In the above first embodiment, the pot90does not act as a reservoir for the liquid, but supports and provides a decorative surround for the reservoir80. Alternatively, the reservoir80may include one or more apertures to allow liquid communication with the interior of the pot90.

In a second embodiment as shown inFIGS.2ato2d, mounting apparatus for the unit20is similar to that ofFIGS.8A to8Cin WO-A-2019/243800, but includes a tier portion100positioned above the unit20(for example, resting on the adapter51or on the reservoir50) and a tube101removably connectable at one end to the outlet aperture30of the unit20and at the other end to an aperture102leading to a bowl-shaped upper tier103of the tier portion100. This arrangement provides a cascade effect, with liquid being pumped through the tube101to the upper tier103, from which the liquid cascades into the reservoir50and thence is pumped through the unit20.

As shown inFIG.2d, the ends of the tube101comprise upper and lower right-angled elbow joints104,105, so that the tube101can fit compactly within a chamber107in a lower part of the tier portion100. A seal106is provided around the upper end of the tube101so as to seal against the aperture102.

The arrangement provides a cascade effect using components that can be removably installed above the unit20, allowing the unit20to be removed for charging.

In a third embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the cover83rests on an inner rim88around the recess81of the reservoir80. Finger holes or recesses89are provided in the rim of the cover83to facilitate removal of the cover83from the reservoir80. In this embodiment, the cover83has apertures or perforations comprising a plurality of radially extending slits83ainterspersed with smaller apertures83b, such as approximately round holes. This arrangement provides a coarse filter to prevent gravel and stones from passing through the cover83.

The reservoir80in this embodiment has an outer rim designed to fit the rim of a pot90so that the reservoir80is supported by the pot90.

In a variant shown inFIG.4, a filter87may be provided in or under the cover83, to prevent silt and/or debris from falling into the interior of the reservoir80and entering the unit20. The filter87may comprise an insert that is removably fitted into the underside of the cover83, for example as a push fit. Holes or recesses87amay be provided around the edge of the filter87, corresponding to the finger holes or recesses89are provided in the rim of the cover83.

The filter87has a central aperture87bwhich aligns with the central aperture82of the cover83, to allow the nozzle3to pass through. The filter87may have filter portions87c, for example of nylon mesh or wire mesh.

As shown inFIGS.5a-5c, a plurality of partitions112may be placed on top of the cover83in order to define discrete areas for retaining different materials, such as pebbles, gravel or other decorative objects. The partitions112may comprise segments that fit together as shown inFIG.5ato form partitions extending substantially over the cover83, and may be held in place by an upper portion of the rim of the reservoir80. The partitions112may have open or perforated bases110to allow water or other liquid to pass through.

The partitions112may have one or more internal partitions113used to hold material of different types in position within the partition112. This allows a variety of different decorative effects to be achieved, comprising for example pebbles, gravel or other decorative objects of different colors, shapes and/or sizes to be arranged on the cover83, on which a fountain effect is created by the unit20and the nozzle3.

The cover83and attached features may be removed from the reservoir80by a detachable handle114as shown inFIG.6, or a variant as shown inFIGS.7aand7b, comprising two or more resilient arms116joined at an upper end of the handle and having lower ends115that fit within the central aperture82of the cover83. The lower ends115are biased radially outwardly by the resilient arms116so as to engage the periphery of the central aperture82and allow the cover83to be lifted by the handle114. This conveniently allows the cover83to be lifted in a horizontal position so as to avoid disturbing any decorative arrangement on the cover83when accessing the unit20for recharging or servicing. The handle114may be lifted with one hand, whereas the finger holes or recesses89require two hands to lift the cover83horizontally.

FIGS.8ato8cshow elements120, such as pegs, having lower portions120awhich can be inserted in corresponding apertures in the cover83, such as for example the holes83bshown in the cover83ofFIG.3. The elements120may have a decorative upper portion120b, such as the conical or pyramidal shapes shown inFIG.8a, optical fibers as shown inFIG.8bor a flower as shown inFIG.8c. The lower portion120amay be at least partially transparent or translucent so as to conduct light from under the cover83, for example from the light source(s)7in the upper surface of the unit20, to the upper portion120bso that the element120appears illuminated above the cover83. The upper portion120bmay be arranged to diffuse and/or conduct light and may include one or more color filters.

FIGS.9aand9bshow a light emitting panel for location on or above the cover83, and comprising an upper housing portion130having a translucent or transparent upper surface135, and a lower housing portion134. The upper housing130has a plurality of LEDs132, such as ultraviolet (UV) LEDs, arranged around an inner rim thereof and arranged to diffuse light across the upper surface135. The upper surface135may include one or more apertures or recesses133which may receive light transmitting elements such as the elements120. Where the LEDs emit ultraviolet radiation, the elements may be fluorescent and/or phosphorescent, excited by UV radiation. The upper surface135may be configured to scatter light so as to give a decorative effect.

The LEDS132may be powered by one or more rechargeable batteries136, housed in the lower housing portion134, which may be recharged by a contact or contactless connection similar to that of the unit20, via charging contacts which pass through contact holes138in the lower housing portion134. A PCB137comprising control and driver electronics for the LEDs132is also housed in the lower housing portion134.

When first powered on, the driver may switch on the LEDs132for a predetermined period of time (i.e. a starting illumination period) then may modulate the power delivered to the LEDs132to a lower level or switch them off completely, in order to conserve battery life. The LEDs132may be switched on periodically to maintain the glow of the phosphorescent elements in a ‘top up’ phase until the power is switched off.

The control electronics may be coupled to a sensor131, provided within the upper housing portion130, to detect the presence of the element120in the aperture or recess133and switch on or varying the power to the LEDs132in response thereto. The sensor131may be a magnetic switch, actuated by a magnet within the element120.

FIGS.10aand10bshow a mosaic plate or insert160, consisting for example of an array of transparent or translucent elements of different colors, connected together to form an integral part. The mosaic insert160may be located on or above the cover83so as to provide a decorative effect. Gaps between the transparent or translucent elements allow water or other liquid to drain through the mosaic insert160. The mosaic insert160may be installed above the light emitting panel as described above.

FIGS.11a-11dshow an adapter140connectable to the outlet of the unit20through the central aperture82of the cover83, and optionally additional features located above the cover83. The adapter140may support a statue or figurine145which serves as a liquid outlet e.g. containing a spout. The adapter comprises an inner adapter141that is removably attachable to the statue or figurine, the inner adapter141fitting within an adapter collar142having a rim with keyed finger grips which locate on ribs of the cover83. A user may press down on the rim of the adapter collar142while removing the inner adapter141and/or statue or figurine. This allows the statue or figurine to be removed from/replaced on the cover83without disturbing material arranged on the upper surface of the cover83.

The inner adapter141comprises an upper portion141aremovably connectable to a lower portion141bor stem. The upper portion141amay be connectable directly to the outlet of the unit20, for installations that do not include the cover83as shown for example inFIG.11ein which the unit20is located in an alternative reservoir80and a figurine145is connected to the outlet of the unit20using the upper portion141a. This arrangement allows the same figurine145to be used in arrangements with or without the cover83.

FIG.12ashows a component150that may be connected directly or indirectly to the outlet of the unit, having a liquid inlet152and a liquid outlet151connected together by a liquid passage153. A plurality of components150can be stacked one on top of the other, as shown inFIG.12b, with the liquid inlet152of an upper one of the components150fitting the liquid outlet151of a lower one of the components150, thus providing both liquid connection and structural stability. The components150may preferably be stacked in any order. The components150may have the appearance of pebbles of different sizes, thus providing a water or liquid feature having the appearance of a stack of pebbles. The lowermost one of the outlet components may be connected to the outlet of the unit20, either directly or through the cover83via the adapter140.

FIGS.13aand13bshow an alternative statue or figurine145attached above the cover83, and comprising an upper tier103ain which liquid from an outlet151collects before cascading into a lower tier103b, in which liquid collects before cascading through the cover83and back into the reservoir80.

The reservoir80in at least some embodiments may be supported by a self-supporting stand40, which may be adjustable. The stand40may for example be mounted within the pot or planter90. In the example shown inFIGS.14a-14c, the stand comprises a tripod40comprising three legs42with feet41(shown in close-up inFIG.14a) that are adjustable in length, for example by a screw fitting into the ends of the tripod legs42. As shown inFIG.14b, there may be provided a cradle43that fits onto the upper ends of the tripod legs42, with the unit20being supported within the cradle43. The legs42may be pivotably mounted within a hub44to allow the tripod40to be folded, as shown inFIG.14c.

System Components

FIG.15shows schematically components of a system incorporating the unit20. Within the unit20there is provided a charging interface19, such as wireless power receiver6, or contacts60, for connection to a power supply73. These provide power to the rechargeable power source(s)1, for example by means of a charge control circuit. Power from the rechargeable power source(s)1is provided to a pump motor75of the pump2, through a pump speed control circuit71.

A controller12, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, controls the switching on and off as well as the speed of the pump motor75via a pump speed control circuit71. Advantageously, the controller12may control the speed so as to increase the life of the rechargeable power supply1. For example, the controller12may provide a pulsed operation setting, whereby the speed is varied periodically so as to provide a pulsed effect. This may reduce power consumption by up to 50%, without materially affecting the visual appearance of the water feature. Unit settings may be stored in a memory72accessed by the controller12.

The controller12may communicate via a wireless interface, such as Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi module16and/or IR receiver17, to a wireless remote control70such as a mobile device running an app74, or a dedicated remote control, so as to allow remote control of functions of the device.

To increase the range of wireless communication, an external antenna may be provided for the wireless interface. The external antenna may be molded into the upper portion21and/or the nozzle3.

The controller12and/or the remote control70may be programmable so as to provide functions of the unit20at specific times, for specific durations, or in response to triggers such as proximity of a user.

The controller12may connect via a wireless interface, such as a Wi-Fi interface, to a network, for example for remote control or firmware updates over the network.

The controller12may also control the light source(s)7, power indicator8, charging indicator9, and/or one or more auxiliary devices76. The auxiliary device(s)76may be integrated within the unit20or may be external to the unit20, and may comprise: one or more motors for driving additional functions such as decorative moving parts; one or more sounds generators for music or sound effects; and one or more ultrasonic misters.

In an alternative arrangement, the unit20may be controlled by a user interface provided on the unit20itself, rather than by a wireless remote control. For example, a multi-function button (MFB) may be provided on the unit20, such as on the upper surface of the upper portion21. This allows the system to be more cost-effective because there is no need for remote control70or the wireless interface16,17. Moreover, the system may be more power-efficient because there is no need to power the wireless interface16,17in order to detect input from the remote control70.

The operation of the unit20may be controlled by one or more presses of the MFB, as shown for example inFIG.16in which one or more of the light sources7flash the number of times indicated to confirm the pressing of the MFB. After an interval such as 10 seconds has elapsed since the last press of the MFB, the unit20may adopt a corresponding setting such as running the pump2for the number of hours shown, and either setting the light sources7on or off during that time.

Alternative Embodiments

Features from one of the above embodiments may be combined with features of another one of the embodiments, where these are compatible.

The embodiments described above are illustrative of rather than limiting to the present invention. Alternative embodiments apparent on reading the above description may nevertheless fall within the scope of the invention.