Patent Description:
A pump is a device that allows transport of fluids such as liquids or gases, or sometimes slurries, by mechanical actions. For example, a submersible pump is a device which has a hermetically sealed motor close-coupled to a pump body. The submersible pump may be submerged in a fluid to be pumped. Generally, the pumps are used to pump water from wells, or to filter aquariums, ponds, or may be used in car industries or energy industries for desired purposes. The pump may include a foot. The foot may help to attain desired heights depending on a liquid level in which the pump is submersed.

However, there may be instances where working with adjustment of pump heights with the help of foots of the pump may become troublesome process. Generally, an additional structure (such as base of a pump) may be coupled or uncoupled with the pump to get the desired height of the pump. Further, the coupling and uncoupling of additional parts to the pump may lead to formation of unrequired complex construction of the pump. Moreover, many technical issues may occur during assembly or disassembly of the additional structures with the pump.

United States patent application <CIT> provides a system for lifting tables, chairs, bed bases and the like. The system is lockable and unlockable automatically through at least one universal telescopic snap movement or in a known way including at least one pantograph-a vertically moveable load-bearing structure arranged between a base and the bottom of a piece of furniture or element to be lifted. Further, a stopping device is provided to keep the pantograph in a desired height position. Moreover, the load-bearing structure is formed by at least one pantograph having a plurality of parallelograms articulated to one another whose lower vertex is articulated to the base and upper vertex is articulated to the bottom of the furniture or object to be lifted and the stopping device is an integral part of telescopic snap movement. However, the system seems short of providing an improved arrangement for changing different positions (say lifting or lowering) of a pump which may be easy and user-friendly. Further, there also seems to be no role of an improved foot of a pump which may make the system simple, efficient and less prone to downtime due to a large number and complex linking of movable parts of the system.

The German patent application <CIT> describes a submersible pump. The lower side of the housing of that pump forms feet that allow the pump to stand on a surface in operational mode. In addition to these feet the pump includes pivotably mounted foot parts that can be pivoted below the feet and into the inner side of the housing. Thus the foot parts can be pivoted-in or pivoted out with respect to the feet of the pump. By this action the pump housing and thus its water inlet can be lifted or lowered in respect to the surface it stands on. In the pivoted-in arrangement, the pivotably mounted foot part move into respective receiving spaces around bottom of the pump. Further, when in the receiving spaces, the pivotably mounted foot part are no longer visible or accessible from outside. This may make application of the pump with the pivotably mounted foot part cumbersome, and involve lifting/movement of the pump in order to access the pivotably mounted foot part. Further, the pump of the present application involves two-different "foots" i.e., the pivotably mounted foot part and the feet formed with the housing of the pump. The feet of the pump rest on the standing surface when the pivotably mounted foot part are pivoted-in (and not accessible therefor) into the respective receiving spaces. This arrangement with the two-different "foots" needs the user to shift the pump out of its operational position when wanting to manipulate the foot parts.

In a somewhat similar manner the Chinese utility model <CIT> also describes a pump that has pivotable feet attached to its pump housing from underneath. These feet are connected to their respective housing via a hinge. The hinge and thus the coupling is sturdily secured by a securing element that is at the hinge screwed onto the base body after coupling. The feet of the pump can be pivoted between a first stabile position and a second stabile position in respect to the base body. Doing this changes the height of the pumps water inlet in respect to the ground when the pump is back in its operational position. Again accessing the feet from underneath the housing need to shift the pump out of its operational position.

With the Chinese patent publication <CIT> a submersible pump is described that allows to adjust the height of the pump housing, and thus the water inlet with the help of a at least two stepped groves on opposite sides of the pump housing. Within each of these stepped grooves an inlay can be removably fixed with the help of a screw into different height locations. During assembly of the pump the bottom side of each of the inlays comes to sit in on seat on top of a bottom element. Thus by fixing the inlays at different height locations on the pump housing the water inlet can be varied in height with the pumps final assembly.

The pump with the publication <CIT> makes use of feet with its back being rotationally fixed to the pump housing and its front panel being accessible during operational position of the pump. Via the access to the feet they can be rotated to adjust the height of the pump housing, and thus the water inlet.

Thus, there is a need for an improved pump which allows safe, convenient and trouble-free adjustments of heights of the pump.

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a pump having a pump housing and feet as defined by claim <NUM>. Each foot includes a base body and a coupling structure coupled to the base body. The coupling structure includes a front panel that is configured to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position in respect to the base body. Herein, the front panel is accessible during the operational position of the pump from the side of its pump housing. The base body rests on the foot in the first stable position and the second stable position. And, pushing and pulling of the foot keeps (or moves) it between the first stable position and the second stable position. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, and convenient foot to adjust different heights of the pump.

According to first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a first arm which is coupled to the base body at a first end, a second arm which is coupled to the base body at a second end and a third arm which is positioned to actuate both the first arm and the second arm. Moreover, the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are cooperatively movable relative to each other between the first stable position and the second stable position, such that the front panel is adapted to actuate the third arm to move against the first arm and the second arm. This helps in engagement of the front panel with the base body. A general bistable mechanism is described by <CIT> whether naming any exemplary use, in particular not for use for the feet of pumps, nor describing any featural additions necessary for a certain use case.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the coupling structure includes a first end and a second end. The first end of a coupling structure adapted to be pivotally coupled to the base body. The coupling structure is engaged with at least one of a first structural feature and a second structural feature defined on the base body. The coupling structure engages with the first structural feature in the first stable position and the coupling structure engages with the second structural feature in the second stable position of the coupling structure. This provides the foot with an ability to stay in the first stable position and the second stable position without power input and despite small external disturbances.

According to this second embodiment of the present invention, the front panel is coupled to the second end of the coupling structure. This allows free movement or actuation of the front panel by the common user.

According to the present invention, the first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base and the second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base. This may help in achieving the desired heights which are meant to suck/pump a large quantity of liquid in which the pump is submerged.

According to the present invention, the second height is greater than the second height. This may allow suction or pumping of liquid when the liquid level is relatively high.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first height and the second height are <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. This may allow the pump to force the liquid entry at both desired liquid heights.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front panel include at least one tab. This may allow the front panel to get engaged with the base body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base body is structurally integrated with the pump. This may prevent strength to the foot of the pump.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the foot is removably coupled with the pump. This may allow assembly of the foot to the pump as per the applicational requirements of the common users.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first arm and the second arm are coupled by flexible hinges. As durability of the flexible hinges may allow repetitional movements of the foot. The flexible hinges may experience little friction when the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are actuated. Further, the flexible hinges may typically result in a long service life. Moreover, an integration of the flexible hinges may eliminate the need of extra components.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first arm and the third arm are coupled by a snap connection. The snap connection may provide simple and cost -effective ways to assemble different parts of the foot.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base body includes one or more recesses/grooves. This may allow assembly of the foot to the on remainder part of the pump housing through the one or more recesses/grooves.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base body is engaged to the pump through the one or more recesses/grooves. This may connect the foot to the pump to form a single body.

According to an embodiment which is not claimed, the foot may be manufactured using a three-dimensional (<NUM>-D) printing process. Further, the present disclosure provides a data file, corresponding pre-stored instructions that include a digital representation of the foot, and that when run in a processor controlling an operation of three-dimensional printer makes the three-dimensional printer manufacture the foot. Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) may provide versatility of using different materials along with lower lead-time in manufacturing and design of the foot.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:.

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention which is solely defined by the appended claims.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

<FIG> illustrates a pump base <NUM> of a pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is a mechanical device which pumps fluids such as liquids, gases, or sometimes slurries. The pump <NUM> may be used indoors or outdoors according to applicational needs of a common user. In the depicted example the pump <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> to lift or displace the pump <NUM>. The body includes a water inlet <NUM> (not visible). The water inlet <NUM> is present at the bottom of the pump housing <NUM>, that is at the bottom of its pump base <NUM> and allows a liquid to be sucked by the pump <NUM>. Further, the pump <NUM> has an outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> discharges the liquid. The discharged liquid may be used to different applications such as irrigation, washing etc..

<FIG> shows the pump <NUM> in its operational position that allows to suck water via its water inlet <NUM> (not visible) on the bottom of the pump housing <NUM> that find itself on the bottom of the pump <NUM> in its operational position. The pump housing <NUM> comprising a pump base <NUM> including a plurality of feet <NUM>. The feet <NUM> are accessible during the normal operation of pump <NUM> from side of the pump housing <NUM>. This allows to adjust desired heights of the pump <NUM> being in its operational position. The common user may need the pump <NUM> to get adjusted at different heights. The pump <NUM> at different heights may cater to different application requirements. Pushing and pulling of the foot (<NUM>) moves it between its first stable position and its second stable position. The pump base <NUM> may be an integral part of the pump housing <NUM> or may be assembled or disassembled with a pump housing <NUM> through one or more pump base connectors <NUM> connecting the pump base <NUM> to the remainder part of the pump housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the feet <NUM> may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a data file, corresponding pre-stored instructions that include a digital representation of the foot <NUM>, and that when run in a processor controlling an operation of three-dimensional printer makes the three-dimensional printer manufacture the foot <NUM>. Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) may provide versatility of using different materials along with lower lead-time in manufacturing and design of the feet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the feet <NUM> may be made up of a material selected from steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. Nature of the material is chosen as per the requirements of the common user. The desired nature of the material provides the feet <NUM> with certain characteristic features such as flexibility, elasticity, rigidity, heat or vibrations resistant properties.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the foot <NUM> for the pump <NUM> in a first stable position. As from the point of clarity and consideration only one foot <NUM> is discussed in further figures. Another, one or more feet <NUM> may be similar or variant from the foot <NUM> described in the <FIG>. The foot <NUM> includes a base body <NUM>. The foot <NUM> further includes a coupling structure <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> is coupled to the base body <NUM>. The base body <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> allows the foot <NUM> to pivotally move between the first stable position and a second stable position (shown in <FIG> respectively).

Moreover, the pump <NUM> further includes a front panel <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> is actuated by a user to move the foot <NUM> between the first stable position and the second stable position. The front panel <NUM> includes a tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> allows an engagement (shown in <FIG>) and disengagement of the front panel <NUM> with the second end <NUM> of the base body <NUM>. The foot <NUM> further includes a first arm <NUM>, a second arm <NUM> and a third arm <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> is coupled to the base body <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. Further, the second arm <NUM> is coupled to the base body <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. Moreover, the third arm <NUM> is positioned to actuate both the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>. The first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> and the third arm <NUM> are cooperatively movable relative to each other between the first stable position and the second stable position.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> are coupled by one or more flexible hinges <NUM>. As durability of the one or more flexible hinges <NUM> may allow repetitional movements of the foot <NUM>. The one or more flexible hinges <NUM> may experience little friction when the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM>, and the third arm <NUM> are actuated. Further, the one or more flexible hinges <NUM> may typically result in a long service life. An integration of the one or more living hinges <NUM> may eliminate the need of extra components. The first arm <NUM> and the third arm <NUM> are coupled by a snap connection <NUM>. Moreover, the snap connection <NUM> may provide simple and cost-effective ways to assemble different parts of the foot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the foot <NUM> in the first stable position. The base body <NUM> is directly coupled to the pump <NUM>. The foot <NUM> includes one or more recesses/grooves <NUM>. This may connect the foot <NUM> to the pump <NUM> to form a single body. In some embodiments, the base body <NUM> is structurally integrated with the pump base <NUM>. This may provide strength/ rigidity to the foot <NUM> of the pump <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the foot <NUM> is removably coupled with the pump base <NUM>. This may allow assembly or disassembly of the foot <NUM> with the pump base <NUM> as per the applicational requirements of the common users.

The base body <NUM> may engage with the pump base <NUM> through the one or more recesses/grooves <NUM>. The base body <NUM> of the foot <NUM> may be engaged with the pump base <NUM> by both temporary and permanent means. The temporary connection may be done by gluing, screwing, tying with threads and the like. The permanent connection may be done by welding, riveting and any other fabrication technique which is used or known in the art. Alternatively, and additionally, the base body <NUM> and the pump base <NUM> may be connected by snap connections.

<FIG> illustrate side and front views of the foot <NUM> in the second stable position respectively. The front panel <NUM> is adapted to actuate the third arm <NUM> to move against the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>. This helps in engagement of the front panel <NUM> with the base body <NUM>. The actuation of the front panel <NUM> engages the tab <NUM> with the second end <NUM> of the base body <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may engage with the base body <NUM> by pressing or pushing the front panel <NUM> towards the base body <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may be actuated by pressing a top portion <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may engage with the base body <NUM> manually or by using simple tools. The second stable position of the front panel <NUM> with the base body <NUM> increases height of the pump <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

In some embodiments, the front panel <NUM> may be provided by some grooves. The grooves may help to actuate the front panel <NUM>. The user may actuate the front panel <NUM> by inserting fingers into the grooves or by using some simple tool to actuate the front panel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tab <NUM> may be made up of any material selected from one or more of a plastic, steel, nylon, rubber etc. The tab <NUM> may provide support to the front panel <NUM> to stay engaged with the second end <NUM> of the base body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second end <NUM> of the base body <NUM> may have some protrusions which may lock or engage with grooves present on the front panel <NUM>. This arrangement may also provide firmness to the second stable position. Alternatively, or additionally, some designed structures may be present on the front panel <NUM>. The designed structures may get engaged with complementary designed structures present on the second end <NUM> of the base body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate front and side views of another embodiment of the present invention. The foot <NUM> includes a coupling structure <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> further includes a first portion <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> of the coupling structure <NUM>. Moreover, the coupling structure <NUM> includes a second portion <NUM> towards the second end <NUM> of coupling structure <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the coupling structure <NUM> is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the base body <NUM>. The base body <NUM> of the foot <NUM> includes a first structural feature <NUM>. Further, the base body <NUM> of the foot <NUM> includes a second structural feature <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> engages with the first structural feature <NUM> in the first stable position and the coupling structure <NUM> engages with the second structural feature <NUM> in the second stable position. The base body <NUM> further includes a slanting portion <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> engages at least one of the first structural feature <NUM> and the second structural feature <NUM> of the base body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the coupling structure <NUM> and the slanting portion <NUM> may be made up of three-dimensional printing. Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) may provide versatility of using different materials along with lower lead-time in manufacturing and design of the coupling structure <NUM> and the slanting portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupling structure <NUM> and the slanting portion <NUM> may be made up of a material selected from steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic and the like.

<FIG> illustrate front and side views of the foot <NUM> in the first stable position. The coupling structure <NUM> is engaged with the first structural feature <NUM> of the base body <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> engages with the first structural feature <NUM> in the first stable position. The first end <NUM> of the coupling structure <NUM> may act as pivot for the engagement or disengagement of the front panel <NUM> with the first structural feature <NUM> and the second structural feature <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The engagement of the front panel <NUM> with the first structural feature <NUM> and the second structural feature <NUM> may be done manually or by using some basic techniques used or known in the art.

<FIG> illustrate front and side views of the foot <NUM> in the second stable position. The coupling structure <NUM> is engaged with the second structural feature <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM> engages with the second structural feature <NUM> in the second stable position. The slanting portion <NUM> may provide support to the second portion <NUM> of the coupling structure <NUM> to stay engaged in the second stable position. The top portion <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> along with the tab <NUM> help to engage the front panel <NUM> with the second structural feature <NUM> of the base body <NUM>. On actuating the front panel <NUM>, the front panel <NUM> may engage with the first structural feature <NUM> and the second structural feature <NUM> as per the requirements.

In some embodiments, a control unit may be present to control different movements of the front panel <NUM>. An increase or decrease in water level may be sensed by sensors present over the pump <NUM>. The sensors may actuate the front panel <NUM> to move between the first stable position and the second stable position. On an increase in liquid level, the pump <NUM> may attain second stable position. Similarly, on lowering of liquid level, the pump <NUM> may attain the first stable position.

<FIG> illustrates the pump base <NUM> in the first stable position. The first stable position is attained by the pump <NUM>, whenever the liquid level is quite low. The first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first height is <NUM>. The first height of the pump <NUM> may help in sucking or pumping of water, even when the water level is quite low. <FIG> and <FIG> corresponds to <FIG>. The movement of the front panel <NUM> between the first stable position and the second stable position may eliminate need of external resources to lift or drop the pump <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> may stay only in the first stable position and the second stable position. The front panel <NUM> may not stay in any intermediate position between the first stable position and the second stable position. Therefore, the front panel <NUM> may follow a bi-stabile mechanism. This may provide stability to the front panel <NUM> to stay in the first stable position and the second stable position without much power input and despite small external disturbances.

<FIG> illustrates the pump base <NUM> in the second stable position. The second stable position is attained by the pump <NUM>, whenever the liquid level is quite high. With the feet of the pump in this second stable position that particles of a size by <NUM> can pass the pump. The second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second height is <NUM>. The second height of the pump <NUM> may help in sucking or pumping of water, even when the water level is quite high. <FIG> and <FIG> corresponds to <FIG>. The second height is greater than the first height. The first height and the second height may allow the pump <NUM> to force the liquid entry at both desired liquid heights.

The present disclosure provides a method of actuating the foot <NUM> of the pump <NUM>. The method provides the coupling structure <NUM> and includes the steps of providing the first arm <NUM> adapted to be coupled to the base body <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. The method also includes providing the second arm <NUM> adapted to be coupled to the base body <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. The method further includes proving the third arm <NUM> positioned to actuate both the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>. The first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> and the third arm <NUM> are cooperatively movable relative to each other between the first stable position and the second stable position, such that the front panel <NUM> is adapted to actuate the third arm <NUM> to move against the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides the pump <NUM> having the pump housing <NUM> and the foot <NUM>. The foot <NUM> includes the base body <NUM>. The foot <NUM> includes the coupling structure <NUM>, <NUM> coupled to the base body <NUM>. The coupling structure <NUM>, <NUM> includes the front panel <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> is configured to remain in the first stable position and the second stable position in respect to the base body <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> is accessible during the operational position of the pump <NUM> from the side of its pump housing <NUM>. The base body <NUM> rests on the foot <NUM> in the first stable position and the second stable position. And, pushing and pulling (or actuation, or engagement) of the foot <NUM> keeps it between the first stable position and the second stable position.

Claim 1:
A pump (<NUM>) having a pump housing (<NUM>), a water inlet (<NUM>) and an outlet (<NUM>),
with the water inlet (<NUM>) being at the bottom of the pump housing (<NUM>), that is the bottom of its pump base (<NUM>), and allowing a liquid to be sucked by the pump (<NUM>),
and the pump (<NUM>) further having feet (<NUM>) comprising:
a base body (<NUM>);
a coupling structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the base body (<NUM>),
the coupling structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a front panel (<NUM>), wherein
the front panel (<NUM>) is configured to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position in respect to the base body (<NUM>);
the pump base (<NUM>) including the feet (<NUM>),
the front panel (<NUM>) of each of the feet (<NUM>) is accessible during the operational position of the pump (<NUM>) from a side of the pump housing (<NUM>);
for each foot, the base body (<NUM>) rests on the front panels (<NUM>) in the first stable position and the second stable position,
wherein the first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base (<NUM>) and the second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base (<NUM>), wherein the second height is greater than the first height;
characterized in that:
for each foot, the front panel (<NUM>) is configured to be pushed towards and pulled away from the base body to move the feet (<NUM>) in the first stable position and the second stable position.