Multi-functional modular pump

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a multi-functional, hand-operated, modular hand pump apparatus capable of drawing in a pumping medium through an intake point, nozzle, filter cap, or combination thereof into a pump housing by means of a plunger rod assembly and discharging the pumping medium through a plurality of discharge points, wherein the entire apparatus is extendable by attachment of a plurality of extension units and can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular hand pump, the pump comprising:
 a body having a substantially cylindrical internal bore and defining an internal surface;   one or more body extensions having a substantially cylindrical internal bore defining an internal surface, removably attached to the body to form a pump housing having a first end, a second end, and a substantially cylindrical internal bore running therebetween defining an internal surface;   a plunger assembly having:
 a first rod corresponding to the body, 
 one or more extension rods each corresponding to the one or more body extensions and removably connected in sequence with the first rod to form a plunger rod, 
 a handle assembly connected to one end of the plunger rod, and 
 a pumping means removably connected to the other end of the plunger rod having a cross sectional shape substantially identical to the pump housing internal bore cross section, and capable of sealingly engaging the internal surface of the pump housing, 
   wherein the plunger assembly is axially positioned within the pump housing and actuating the plunger assembly in an upstroke motion axially transmits the pumping means towards the pump housing second end thereby drawing a pumping medium into the pump housing through the pump housing first end.   
     
     
         2 . The pump of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one discharge port located on one or more of the body or the one or more body extensions. 
     
     
         3 . The pump of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more of a nozzle, a check valve, a cylindrical filter attachment, a U fitting, or a filter cap, removably attached to the pump housing first end. 
     
     
         4 . The pump of  claim 2 , further comprising one or more of a discharge port adaptor plug, a hose clamp, a hose, or a nozzle, removably attached to the at least one discharge ports. 
     
     
         5 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the pumping means is substantially stiff such that actuating the plunger assembly in a downstroke motion axially transmits the pumping means towards the pump housing first end, thereby expelling a pumping medium in the pump housing through the pump housing first end. 
     
     
         6 . The pump of  claim 2 , further comprising an inlet check valve having a flexible diaphragm abutting an inflexible plate or grate comprising at least one hole or slot though which pumping medium passes, wherein the flexible diaphragm sealingly engages the inflexible plate or grate and pump housing or pump housing extension during an upstroke motion to create a suction and draw pumping medium into the pump, and allows pumping medium to pass through the inflexible plate or grate and between the flexible diaphragm and the pump housing during a downstroke motion. 
     
     
         7 . The pump of  claim 6 , wherein the plunger assembly further comprises an inflexible plate having:
 a cross sectional shape substantially identical to the pump housing internal bore cross section, which sealingly engages the inner walls of the pump housing,   at least one hole or slot which allows pumping medium to pass through during a downstroke, and   a flexible diaphragm abutting the inflexible plate for sealingly engaging the inflexible plate during an upstroke motion and flexing to allow pumping medium to pass through the inflexible plate during a downstroke motion.   
     
     
         8 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein pump housing further comprises one or more of grooves, ridges, or a pattern of raised bumps. 
     
     
         9 . The pump of  claim 1  wherein the any of the pump parts are built from or contain metals, plastics, fiberglass, or wood. 
     
     
         10 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the body extension comprises a flexible body, and the corresponding extension rod is similarly flexible. 
     
     
         11 . The pump of  claim 2 , wherein the pump comprises at least 2 discharge ports. 
     
     
         12 . The pump of  claim 2 , wherein the pump comprises at least 3 discharge ports. 
     
     
         13 . The pump of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one or more discharge ports discharge the pumping medium at an angle between 15 and 90 degrees relative to the direction of the pumping medium flow within the pump housing. 
     
     
         14 . The discharge assembly of  claim 5  wherein the hose connects to any of the plurality of discharge points by means of a hose shank, a hose clamp, adhesive glue, tape, wire, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The pump of  claim 1  wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle and a connector piece used to attach the handle to the plunger rod. 
     
     
         16 . The hose of  claim 4  wherein the hose connected to the at least one discharge ports is attached at the opposite end to an external receiving unit, tank, piece of equipment, a filtration device, or the like. 
     
     
         17 . The pump housing of  claim 1 , comprising at the second end a stop through which one or more rods of the plunger assembly pass which prevents the plunger assembly from being drawn completely out of the pump housing. 
     
     
         18 . The pump of  claim 17 , wherein the stop comprises one or more of a lip, an inwardly ribbed edge, or a cap capable of removably attaching to pump housing second end. 
     
     
         19 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the pump can be assembled and disassembled without tools.