Abstract:
The present invention provides a liquid holding and pumping system comprising: an insulated system housing, a liquid holding tank, and a liquid pump. The system is transportable and useful in cold climates (below the freezing temperature of water).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application hereby claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/158,881, filed May 8, 2015, all of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention generally relates to an outdoor system that is operational in cold conditions and climates and is used for holding and pumping liquids, such as water. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Outdoor liquid holding and pumping systems may be used, for example, at office construction sites, new home sales trailers, and other temporary structures. Such structures require a system to support plumbing functions. When such systems employ water as the liquid, the water may be pumped from the system that is holding the water to the structure (showers, toilets, sinks, etc.) where it will be used. However, when the outdoor temperature falls below the freezing point of water, current systems are unable to keep the water from freezing inside the tank and/or pump. Therefore, current systems are inadequate to support the plumbing functions during such temperature conditions. 
         [0006]    Current liquid holding and pumping systems also suffer from assembly and/or transportability restraints. Water systems, for example, are generally difficult to assemble, store, and ship to temporary locations due to their size, shape, and/or complexity. Accordingly, such systems are assembled on-site. However, remote assembly forecloses the use of a central manufacturing center and the option of pre-filling the liquid holding tank, which may be desirable or necessary for certain locations. Systems that use underground water and/or electrical conduits, for example, include components extending from the bottom of the system, and such systems cannot be filled with liquid until after installation because on-site excavation is required connect to the underground conduit to the temporary structure. 
         [0007]    Another problem with current liquid holding and pumping systems is cost. Using custom components or accessories having unusual shapes are more expensive to manufacture than standard components. Therefore, custom components cause restraints on assembly procedures and budgets, and standard components are preferred. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is an unmet need in the industry for a liquid holding and pumping system that is: (1) functional and operational under cold or freezing conditions; (2) easily manufactured and assembled; and (3) easily transported empty or pre-filled with liquid. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One embodiment of the present invention is a liquid holding and pumping system comprising: an insulated system housing, a liquid holding tank, and a liquid pump. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is a liquid holding and pumping system comprising: an insulated system housing, a liquid holding tank, a tank housing, a liquid pump, and a filter. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is a liquid holding and pumping system comprising: an insulated system housing, a liquid tank, a tank housing, a liquid pump, a liquid filter, a pump shutoff float, and a weatherproof cover. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is a liquid holding and pumping system comprising: an insulated system housing having a base panel, wall panels, and a top panel, wherein the insulation is sufficient to substantially prevent liquid from freezing, wherein the panels of the system housing are optionally fastened together with brackets, and wherein the base panel is optionally a pallet or fastened to a pallet; a liquid holding tank having a fill opening, a spout opening, and a cap, wherein the cap optionally includes a member extending down into the tank and the member optionally having a pump shutoff float system attached thereto; a tank housing surrounding the liquid holding tank that is fastened to the base panel; a liquid pump that is fastened to the base panel; optionally, a liquid filter connected to the spout opening and a tube leading to the pump; and optionally, a weatherproof cover. 
         [0010]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of a water system covered with a weatherproof material. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an overhead perspective of the water system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective of the water system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an overhead perspective of the water system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an overhead perspective of the water system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective of the water system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The inventor has discovered a liquid holding and pumping system that prevents liquids, such as water, from freezing when used outdoors at temperatures below the freezing point of the liquid. The inventor has discovered a liquid holding and pumping system that uses standard size and shape components and is easily manufactured. Additionally, the inventor has discovered a liquid holding and pumping system that can be easily transported to remote and/or temporary structures pre-filled with liquid or empty. Accordingly, the inventor has discovered a liquid holding and pumping system that solves the technical and logistical problems in the art. 
         [0018]    Apparatus and systems described herein provide an outdoor liquid holding and pumping system that includes an insulated system housing, a liquid holding tank, and a liquid pump. In additional embodiments, the liquid holding and pumping system also includes a tank housing, a liquid filter, a pump shutoff float, and/or external weatherproof coverage. 
         [0019]    In embodiments the insulated system housing may be arranged as a crate, box, modified pallet block, and/or a combination thereof, or any other acceptable bulk container or shipping container arrangement. The insulated system housing may be made out of wood, synthetic wood, plastic, metal, and/or any other acceptable material, or combination thereof. Any of the system housing materials may originate from a recycled source. In embodiments, the insulated system housing may be disassembled into components and/or collapsed. In embodiments, the base panel, wall panels, and top panel may be fastened together. In alternative embodiments, the base panel, wall panels, and top panel may be fastened together with bolts and/or spring metal clips, and/or any other acceptable fastener, or combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the spring metal clips may be made out of steel and/or zinc-plated steel. In embodiments, the insulated system housing is a crate. In alternative embodiments, the insulated system housing is a crate with removable side and top panels. In alternative embodiments, the insulated system housing is a crate with a pallet block fastened to the base panel of the crate. 
         [0020]    The base panel of the insulated system housing may be square, rectangle, or any other acceptable shape. The base panel may be made out of wood, synthetic wood, plastic, metal, and/or any other acceptable material, or combination thereof. The base panel of the insulated system housing may be fastened to, or arranged as, a pallet or any other arrangement. In embodiments, the base panel is constructed as, or fastened to, a pallet block of any size. In alternative embodiments, the base panel is fastened to a wood pallet. The present invention encompasses any acceptable size. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the present invention include a wood crate having a base panel that is fastened to a pallet block and, as such, improves storage and transport. 
         [0022]    In embodiments, the insulation in the insulated system housing may be foam, rigid foam, and/or any other acceptable synthetic, polymeric, or natural insulating material, or combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the insulation is comprised of an insulation board. In alternative embodiments, the insulation board can be modified in shape and size, and as such, can be fastened or applied to the housing. 
         [0023]    In embodiments, the liquid holding tank may be made out of any acceptable material for holding liquids intended for human use. The tank may be any acceptable size with the caveat that the maximum size of the tank is limited by the size of the insulated system housing. For example, tanks holding between 5-750 gallons of liquid are contemplated. In embodiments, the tank will hold between 100-500 gallons of liquid. In alternative embodiments, the tank will hold between 100-300 gallons of liquid. In alternative embodiments, the tank will hold 200-220 gallons of liquid. 
         [0024]    In embodiments, the liquid holding tank will include a fill opening and a spout opening. In alternative embodiments, the fill opening will be located on the top surface of the tank and the spout opening will be located on a side of the tank. In embodiments, the fill opening will include a cap for closing the tank. In alternative embodiments, the cap will be configured with a member extending down from the cap into the tank. In embodiments, the cap will be configured with a member, such as a tube or rod, extending down from the cap into the tank. In embodiments, the spout opening will be located near the bottom of the tank to allow liquid contents to drain. 
         [0025]    In embodiments, the liquid holding tank may be enclosed in a housing. The tank housing is not particularly limited, but generally will be of similar size and shape as the tank. In embodiments, the tank housing is metal and fastened to the base panel of the system housing. In those embodiments, the tank will be secured and unable to move during transport. 
         [0026]    In embodiments, a liquid filter will be fastened to the spout opening. A filter may be used to remove any debris from the liquid leaving the tank through the spout opening. In embodiments, the filter may be an in-line filter. In embodiments, the filter has a mesh count selected from the range of 10-400. In alternative embodiments, the mesh count is selected from the range of 40-200. In alternative embodiments, the mesh count is selected from the range of 60-140. In alternative embodiments, the mesh count is selected from 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 170, or 200. In embodiments, the filter has a strainer size selected from ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 1¾ inch, or 2 inches. In alternative embodiments, the strainer size is selected from ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, or 1¼ inch. In alternative embodiments, the strainer size is ¾ inch. 
         [0027]    In embodiments, liquid will be delivered from the tank to the pump via a tank spout opening. In alternative embodiments, liquid will be delivered from the tank to the pump via a tank spout opening and a tube or hose. In alternative embodiments, liquid will be delivered from the tank to the pump via a tank spout opening, a tube or hose, and a filter. 
         [0028]    In embodiments, a pump is configured to deliver water and/or liquid chemicals. The pump may be powered by electric power, pneumatic power, and/or any other source of power. The pump may be operational at one or more different pressure settings. In embodiments, the pump may be adjustable to operate between 0-150 pounds per square inch (PSI). In alternative embodiments, the pump will operate at between 0-60 PSI. In alternative embodiments, the pump will operate at between 30-50 PSI. In embodiments, the pump may deliver liquid at a rate of between 1-10 gallons per minute (GPM). In alternative embodiments, the pump will deliver 2-6 GPM. In alternative embodiments, the pump will deliver 3-5 GPM. In alternative embodiments, the pump will deliver 3.5 GPM. The pump may include fixtures for mounting in any position. The pump may be designed and/or mounted for easy maintenance. 
         [0029]    In embodiments, the tank and pump may be fastened to the liquid holding and pumping system. In alternative embodiments, the tank and pump may be fastened to the base panel of the liquid holding and pumping system. 
         [0030]    In embodiments, the pump will include a shutoff float system. The float system may be configured to automatically turn off the pump when the liquid inside the tank is low. The float system serves to protect the pump from running dry. In embodiments, the float system may include a ball that hangs in the liquid inside the tank. In embodiments, the ball may be configured to shut off the pump when it tilts at a certain angle. For example, if ball tilts at a predetermined angle, such as about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees, the pump will shut off. In embodiments, the float system will enter the tank through the tank&#39;s fill opening. In alternative embodiments, the float system will enter the tank through the tank&#39;s fill opening cap. In embodiments, the fill opening cap is configured with a member extending down from the fill opening or fill opening cap into the tank, and the shutoff float system may be fastened to the member. 
         [0031]    In embodiments, the liquid holding and pumping system is optionally covered with a weatherproof material. Weatherproof materials include coated tarpaulins, paints, metal sheets, plastic sheets, roofing materials, and/or any other acceptable surface-protecting article. In embodiments, the weatherproof material is a coated tarpaulin. In embodiments, the tarpaulin includes rings or eyelets that allow it to be fastened to the insulated housing. In alternative embodiments, the rings or eyelets are reinforced grommets. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of a water system covered with a weatherproof material. In embodiments according to  FIG. 1 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is covered with a weatherproof covering  2 . The weatherproof covering  2  includes eyelets  3  for fastening to the insulated housing. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is an overhead perspective of the water system. In embodiments according to  FIG. 2 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is assembled with a combination of liquid holding tank  4  having an fill opening cap  5 , a tank housing  6  that is fastened to the base of the insulated system housing  7 , a pump  8 , and insulating boards  9  that surround the tank  4  and liquid pump  8 . The liquid holding and pumping system  1  can be transported to remote locations. The system can be transported full of liquid. Alternatively, the system can be transported empty. The liquid holding tank  4  may be filled through fill opening  15  (not shown, but located under fill opening cap  5 ). Insulated system housing  9  allows the system to hold and pump liquids at cold temperatures. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective of the water system. In embodiments according to  FIG. 3 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is assembled with a combination of liquid holding tank  4  having a fill opening  5  and a spout opening  10 , a tank housing  6 , a liquid pump  8  with pipe  11 , and insulating boards  9  that surround the tank  4  and pump  8 . Pipe  11  may also deliver liquid from the pump through a conduit (now shown). Thus, liquid may be withdrawn through spout  10  and pumped with pump  8  to an external structure through pipe  11 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is an overhead perspective of the water system. In embodiments according to  FIG. 4 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is assembled with a combination of liquid holding tank  4  having an fill opening cap  5 , a tank housing  6  that is fastened to the base of the insulated housing  7 , a liquid pump  8 , a filter  13 , a tube  14 , and insulating boards  9  that surround the tank  4  and pump  8 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is an overhead perspective of the water system. In embodiments according to  FIG. 5 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is assembled with a combination of liquid holding tank  4  having an fill opening  15 , a fill opening cap  5 , a float system  12 , a tank housing  6  that is fastened to the base of the insulated housing  7 , a liquid pump  8 , a filter  13 , a tube  14 , and insulating boards  9  that surround the tank  4  and pump  8 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective of the water system. In embodiments according to  FIG. 6 , the liquid holding and pumping system  1  is assembled with a combination of liquid holding tank  4  having a fill opening cap  5 , a float system  12 , and a spout opening  10 , a tank housing  6 , a pump  8  with pipe  11 , and insulating boards  9  that surround the tank  4  and pump  8 . Pipe  11  may also deliver liquid from the pump through a conduit (now shown). Thus, liquid may be withdrawn through spout  10  and pumped with pump  8  to an external structure through pipe  11 . 
         [0038]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.