BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluid pumping equipment, particularly sump pumps. For purposes of this application, the term “pumps” or “sump pumps” include sump pumps, sewage pumps, grinder pumps and other similar water pumps. More particularly, the present invention relates to a useful device for securing cords, particularly float switch cords and power cords, in position on a device that is secured to or associated with a sump pump, such as discharge piping or a float tree.

Sump pumps are utilized for many applications, which may be of long or short-term duration. Modern sump pumps contain switching devices which automatically turn the sump pump on and off, as required.

Several types of automatic power switches have been provided to activate sump pumps. For example, floats are commonly utilized with sump pumps systems, such as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,871. When using these float switches, it is necessary that the float be connected to an electric cord which extends to the pump to carry a signal to activate and deactivate the sump pump. Unlike rigid ball float rod operated sump pumps, wherein the changing attitude of the connecting rod operates the switch, floats operate sump pumps based on the orientation of the switch float housing. The switch float housing attitude of orientation is dependent upon the cable length and fluid depth. Therefore, the level of liquid in the sump that is required to achieve a switch float attitude orientation sufficient to turn the float switch on and energize the sump pump is determined by the length of the cable which extends among the switch float, its attachment point and the sump pump.

Accordingly, sump pumps of this type with switch floats have lengthy cables which extend from the float to the sump pump, usually through a control panel. It is necessary that these cables be secured in location, generally to an element of the sump pump system so that they properly operate and do not interfere with the operation of the sump pump.

Currently, a fixed length of a multistrand cable is frequently utilized to releasably tether the cable to a component of the sump pump system at a desired height and location. For example, the cable can be secured on discharge piping or a float tree of the sump pump system. In prior art systems, these cables were secured to the float tree or the discharge piping of the sump pump system by conventional means of securing, such as a stainless steel hose clamp, or zip ties made of nylon material. An alternative embodiment, where the floats are fixed in place, is shown in the mounting system disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,871. See also the securing systems disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,175, WO 2017/021221 A1 and WO 2010/015977 A2.

Notwithstanding these systems for securing float switch cables to the sump pump system, the existing securing system, such as hose clamps and zip ties, are cumbersome to use and difficult to remove if modifications need to be made or if the sump pump and/or float switches need to be removed for repair. Further, steel hose clamps corrode in a wastewater environment and nylon zip ties can be adversely affected by sewage gasses and become brittle and break over time.

One object of the disclosure is a new and improved cord minder clip for securing cords to discharge piping or a float tree of a sump pump system, wherein the cord minder clip includes a flexible, arch-shaped clip which is securable to a component of the sump pump system, wherein there is located on the clip a series of c-shaped cord holders, preferably two of these c-shaped cord holders secured to or molded as an element of these clip to form two portion, c-shaped cord holders secured back-to-back, such that an opening of each c-shaped cord holder faces in opposite directions.

The cord minder clip is preferably made of PVC, ABS, polyethylene plastic or other such materials that are impervious to sewer gases and the impact of wastewater. Alternatively, the cord minder clip can be made of any material that is resistant to the toxic, corrosive and caustic liquids and gases contained within a sump, such as stainless steel or other metallic substances. Further, the material can be painted or coated with an epoxy coating that is resistant to these liquids or gases.

Another object of the disclosure is a new and improved cord minder clip for securing cords to discharge piping or the float tree of a sump pump system, wherein the cord minder clip comprises a metal or plastic strip which is securable or clippable to the discharge piping or the float tree and which is formed into an arc-shape of sufficient size to be clippable or securable to the discharge piping or float tree, wherein at least the ends of the arc-shaped strips are formed or bent to create a c-shaped, outward facing opening or openings of sufficient size and shape to receive and hold the cords of components of the sump pump system.

A further object of the disclosure is a new and improved cord minder clip which is securable or clippable to discharge piping or the float tree of a sump pump system comprising a metal or plastic strip formed into an arc-shape, wherein inner facing openings are provided in the strip to receive and hold cords from the float switch or sump pump against the discharge piping or float tree onto which the metal or plastic strips are clipped or secured.

