Method, assembly of HOSE part and tool, and pump system for pumping a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, assembly of hose parts (2a, 2b, 2c) and tool, and pump system (102) for pumping a liquid, and method therefor. The hose part (2a, 2b, 2c) in the assembly according to the invention comprises: • - a body which is tubular in use and which extends between a first outer end (6) and a second outer end (10); • - a first coupling element (8) provided at or close to the first outer end of the hose part and configured to couple the hose part to another hose part, and a second coupling element (12) provided at or close to the second outer end of the hose part; • - a sealing element (14) arranged at or close to at least one of the first and the second outer end, wherein the sealing element is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which extends into an adjacent hose part.

Description

[0001] METHOD, ASSEMBLY OF HOSE PART AND TOOL, AND PUMP SYSTEM FOR PUMPING A LIQUID

[0002] The present invention relates to assembly of a hose from two or more hose parts, particularly a hose part configured to thereby assemble a hose with which a liquid, such as water, can be pumped. This pumping for instance takes place in the case of flooding, wherein excess water must be pumped.

[0003] Known in practice are hose parts which are used to assemble a hose. The length of the hose can here be chosen as required by coupling a number of hose parts. A coupling therefor can be realized in different ways. EP 2 837 869 B 1 thus for instance describes a hose coupling for mutually coupling hose parts for the purpose of pumping excess water, as may occur in the case of flooding.

[0004] In practice, hose parts and hoses are displaced over different types of ground surface, depending inter alia on the specific location where the excess water is situated. Such a ground surface can for instance be a rocky ground, or also a different (rough) terrain. In practice, such (rough) terrains result in wear to the hose part, and therefore also to the hose realized with a number of hose parts. This limits the lifespan of such a hose. Hose parts, particularly at the position of the coupling to the adjacent hose parts, have also been found to suffer from leaking. Such leaking limits effective pumping of the excess water.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a hose from two or more hose parts which obviates or at least reduces the above stated problems.

[0006] This object is achieved with the method for assembling with a tool a hose from two or more hose parts for pumping a liquid, comprising the steps of: providing at least two hose parts configured to assemble a hose for pumping a liquid, wherein the hose part comprises:

[0007] - a body which is tubular in use and which extends between a first outer end and a second outer end;

[0008] - a number of first coupling elements provided at or close to the first outer end of the hose part, and a number of second coupling elements provided at or close to the second outer end of the hose part, wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise a number of hook-like elements and a number of passage openings which are configured to couple the hose part to an adjacent hose part;

[0009] - a sealing element arranged at or close to at least one of the first and the second outer end, wherein the sealing element is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which extends into an adjacent hose part in use; inserting the substantially tubular part of the sealing element into the adjacent hose part; realizing a first coupling between two hose parts by inserting the tool through one of the passage openings and hooking into or onto one of the hook-like elements with an engaging element provided at or close to an outer end of the tool, passing the hook-like element through one of the passage openings, and then securing the hook-like element with a straplike element for the purpose of thereby fixing the first coupling; and realizing a further coupling in the same manner as the first coupling.

[0010] The method according to the invention enables two adjacent hose parts to be coupled in effective manner. Inserting the tool with at least the outer end at which the engaging element is provided through the passage opening realizes an effective throughfeed of the hook-like element, for instance in the form of an eye. The first and second coupling elements of the adjacent hose parts can then be secured / fixed in effective manner with a strap-like element. In the context of the present invention such a strap-like element is also understood to mean another suitable element, including a belt, cord, rope, strap and the like. In this way a plurality of couplings can be realized between two adjacent hose parts, such that a substantially complete coupling between these hose parts is realized. The advantage of using the tool is that the coupling elements can be properly positioned relative to each other, whereby the material of the hose parts mutually connects as fully as possible and an optimal seal is realized, which counteracts leaking. It has also been found that by assembling a hose in this way the sealing element remains more effectively in an extended position in use, and leaking is also counteracted in effective manner for longer.

[0011] Providing the hose part according to the invention with a body which is tubular in use of the hose part enables liquid to be pumped, particularly excess water in the case of for instance flooding. The tubular body is preferably provided here from a flexible material which is more particularly bendable or foldable so that it can be stored and transported in simple manner. Such a hose part can also be displaced and removed again after use in relatively simple manner.

[0012] The hose part according to the invention is provided with a first and a second outer end at which or near which coupling elements are provided to couple the hose part to an adjacent other hose part. The coupling elements at the respective outer ends of the hose part are here coupled to coupling elements of said adjacent hose parts co-acting therewith. The co-acting coupling elements of adjacent hose parts together form a coupling here. Such a coupling can be realized in diverse ways, including using hooks, eyes, straps, belts, ropes, knots and other suitable coupling elements.

[0013] The hose part according to the invention is further provided with a sealing element which is arranged at or close to at least one of the first and second outer end of the hose part. The sealing element is also referred to as sleeve and is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which, after coupling of the relevant hose part to an adjacent hose part, extends into this adjacent hose part. The sealing element is preferably further provided here with one or more strengthening elements. The tubular part of the sealing element can be provided as a tube profile.lt is also possible to provide the tubular part from a number of elements or bands or strips which form into a kind of tubular part in use. In a currently preferred embodiment the tubular part is however provided as a tubular element from a flexible and foldable material.

[0014] Providing the sealing element realizes or at least improves a seal between two adjacent (and coupled) hose parts. Leakage of the pumped liquid is hereby significantly reduced in use. This is realized inter alia in that this sealing element extends into an adjacent hose part over a sealing length or sealing distance. In such a currently preferred embodiment the sealing element is provided from a material which is at least as flexible as the tubular body of the hose part, and is preferably even more flexible. It has been found that the sealing effect is hereby increased further.

[0015] Preferably, the first coupling elements are hook-like elements and the second coupling elements a number of passage openings.

[0016] In one of the currently preferred embodiments according to the invention the sealing element is arranged at or close to the first outer end, the first coupling elements are hook-like elements which are provided at or close to the outer end, and the second coupling elements are a number of passage openings which are provided at or close to the second outer end. The first coupling elements are preferably placed upstream of the sealing element, as seen from a centre of the hose part and toward the first outer end.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention between 10 and 15 couplings are realized between two hose parts.

[0018] By providing a number of couplings in said range two adjacent hose parts are mutually connected, i.e. coupled, in effective manner.

[0019] Securing of the hook-like element with the strap-like element is preferably performed while the tool hooks into or onto one of the hook-like elements. It has been found that holding the hook-like element with the tool enables feeding through this element of the strap-like element to be performed in effective manner. This increases the speed of assembly of the hose and contributes to the coupling of two adjacent hose parts in sealing manner.

[0020] Securing the hook-like element is preferably realized by feeding the strap-like element through the hook-like elements. The strap-like element is preferably fed through such that, after being fed through, the strap-like element is positioned round the outer periphery of the hose part.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention a tilting movement is performed with the tool after the tool is hooked into or onto one of the hook-like elements, such that the hook-like element is moved further into a groove of the engaging element provided for the tool, after which the hook-like element can be passed through the passage opening in a substantially straight line.

[0022] Owing to the tilting movement, an effective and robust engagement of the tool on the hook-like element is brought about beforehand, after which an effective throughfeed through the passage opening is realized following the tilting movement. It has been found that this results in a reliable manner of assembling a hose from hose parts.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the tool holds the hook-like element during throughfeed of the strap-like element.

[0024] By holding the hook-like element with the tool this element is inserted through the passage opening to maximum extent. This has the advantage that a maximum area becomes available inside the hook-like element for feeding a belt-like element therethrough for the purpose of fixing the coupling.

[0025] The tool preferably remains in engagement with the hook-like element while the belt-like element is fed through the hook-like element adjacently of the tool. Maintaining the engagement prevents the hook-like element from moving back out through the passage opening to any extent and thereby impeding throughfeed of the belt-like element. The engagement of the tool on the hook-like element is further preferably maintained, while sufficient space remains inside the hooklike element to feed the belt-like element therethrough. In this context adjacently of is understood to mean at a distance from or at least next to the tool, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the hose parts or the hose.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention an auxiliary tool is provided, particularly prior to realizing the first coupling by positioning the auxiliary tool relative to the two hose parts for coupling such that a part of the coupling elements can be received at least partially by the auxiliary tool, such that the outer ends of the hose parts lie substantially flat for the purpose of realizing the first coupling. This makes realizing the coupling simpler and also faster.

[0027] The auxiliary tool can for instance comprise a closed housing which is provided with a recess, for instance a groove, which is configured to receive a part of the first and / or second coupling elements.

[0028] The invention further relates to an assembly of a hose from two or more hose parts for pumping a liquid, and a tool, wherein a hose part is configured to configured to assemble a hose for pumping a liquid, and wherein the hose part comprises:

[0029] - a body which is tubular in use and which extends between a first outer end and a second outer end;

[0030] - a number of first coupling elements provided at or close to the first outer end of the hose part and configured to couple the hose part to another hose part, and a number of second coupling elements provided at or close to the second outer end of the hose part, wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise a number of hook-like elements and a number of passage openings; - a sealing element arranged at or close to at least one of the first and the second outer end, wherein the sealing element is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which extends into an adjacent hose part;

[0031] - the tool comprising a handle provided at or close to a first outer end and an engaging element provided at or close to a second outer end and configured to engage on, in or at one of the hook-like elements of the hose part in order to enable it to be passed through one of the passage openings.

[0032] Such an assembly provides similar advantages and effects as described for the method. Said measures, results and the like for the hose part and / or the tool in particular also apply wholly or partially for said assembly. The assembly is particularly suitable for performing the above stated method according to the invention. In one of the currently preferred embodiments the assembly is provided with an auxiliary tool as described above for receiving one or more hook-like elements, such that the two outer ends of the hose parts for coupling lie substantially flat.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the engaging element of the tool is provided with a groove in which a hook-like element of the hose part is arrangeable.

[0034] In a currently preferred embodiment the groove extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool. Providing the groove at an angle brings about an effective guiding of the hook-like element, such that this hook-like element remains positioned in the engaging element when the element is passed through the passage opening. The positioning of the hook-like element in the groove of the tool is improved by performing the above described tilting of the tool.

[0035] The angle at which the groove extends relative to the tool, particularly the longitudinal axis thereof which extends between the two outer ends of the tool, preferably lies in the range of 25° to 75°, preferably in the range of 30° to 60°, and most preferably in the range of 40° to 50°. It has been found that these angles bring about an effective guiding and / or positioning of the hook-like element in the groove. More preferably, this angle is used in combination with the above described tilting of the tool while realizing the coupling.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the sealing element extends over a distance in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm, preferably in the range of 65 cm to 115 cm, and most preferably in the range of 70 cm to 100 cm.

[0037] It has been found that providing a sealing element with an effective length in said range results in a good seal between two coupled hose parts. Leakage is hereby further prevented.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the hose part, and particularly the sealing element, is provided with one or more strengthening elements.

[0039] By providing the hose part, and particularly the sealing element, with one or more strengthening elements it is achieved that the sealing element extends into the adjacent hose part to the fullest possible extent in use. Hereby, pumping of the liquid also remains effective in use in difficult conditions in respect of the type of terrain, temperature, type of liquid and the like, without undesirable loss of pump capacity. This is particularly relevant in an emergency situation, such as in the case of flooding, wherein as much excess water as possible must be pumped in a short amount of time.

[0040] A further advantage of applying the strengthening elements is that they prevent the sealing element from being entrained with the water flow when the pump pressure falls away or is removed. This is particularly relevant if the water must be pumped upward, which is usually the case in the event of flooding. The pump pressure falling away will change and reverse the water flow direction. If the sealing element is entrained here, it may begin to limit the flow passage. This may have adverse consequences for the pump capacity when the pumping is started up again. This is therefore avoided by application of the strengthening elements according to the invention. The strengthening elements also prevent damage to the sealing element from occurring.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the one or more strengthening elements extend substantially in longitudinal direction of the hose part.

[0042] Having the strengthening elements extend substantially in longitudinal direction of the hose part in use makes the sealing length, and thereby the sealing area, as large as possible. This provides for a further reduction in the occurrence of leakage. If desired, it is possible to arrange the strengthening means at an angle or in the form of a helix or screw. In these embodiments the strengthening element also has the effect that the arranged sealing element extends in stable manner in longitudinal direction of the hose part into, preferably, the interior of the adjacent hose part, also when the pump pressure falls away.

[0043] The strengthening element is preferably provided on the inner side of the sealing element. On one hand the strengthening element is hereby shielded against possibly occurring wear and, on the other, it contributes to a better sealing of the sealing element against, preferably, an internal surface of an adjacent hose part. This improves the sealing function of the sealing element further.

[0044] In a currently preferred embodiment the strengthening elements are provided from a foldable material. Such a foldable material can for instance be a textile strap, rubber element, strengthening film or foil, or other suitable element. The sealing element is hereby foldable as a whole, preferably together with the hose part to which it is attached.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the tubular body of the hose part is provided from a first material, and the sealing element is provided with a second, different material.

[0046] Providing the tubular body and the sealing element from different materials enables operation of the hose part as a whole to be optimized further. The first material, i.e. the material of the tubular body, is preferably provided from a wear-resistant material, such that this tubular body is placeable on rough surfaces and remains intact as far as possible when moving thereover. In a currently preferred embodiment this first material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably extruded PVC and / or one or more polyethylene materials. The sealing element is preferably provided with a more flexible material so that it is placeable in the interior of an adjacent hose part in relatively simple manner, and can here connect in effective manner against the internal surface of the tubular body of this adjacent hose part. This further improves the seal. This second material from which the sealing element is substantially provided is for instance ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). It is particularly the combination of the first and the second material, wherein the second material is more flexible, that has been found to be effective both in respect of limiting wear and of improving the seal in a situation of use of the hose part. The combination of (extruded) PVC and EPDM has been found particularly effective here. It will be apparent that other, similar combinations of materials are also possible.

[0047] In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention the tubular body and the sealing element are provided as separate elements which are mutually connected, preferably with a welded connection. Such a welded connection is also usable in the case that the tubular body is provided from a first material and the sealing element is provided from a different, second material, for instance in a material combination as stated above. It has further been found here that, in addition to limiting wear and to improved sealing, said combination is also suitable for managing pressure differences occurring in practice during use of the hose part.

[0048] In one of the possible embodiments according to the invention the first coupling element and the second coupling elements are parts that together form an eye coupling, for instance in a manner as described in the above stated EP 2 837 869 B l. An eye of a first hose part is here inserted through an opening in the second hose part, and is then fastened to the relevant outer end using a strap which is threaded through the eyes. It will be apparent that other couplings are also possible. It has however been found that this eye coupling is an effective coupling for the application wherein excess water must be pumped.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the hose part comprises one or more openings configured to let the hose part drain in use when the pumping has ended.

[0050] If pumping is ended, for instance in that the pump of the pump system to which the hose part is connected is stopped, the liquid must be removed from the hose part, for instance in order to enable the hose part to be cleared away. Providing one or more openings in the hose part for this purpose enables the liquid to be discharged from the interior of the hose part in effective manner. The openings can be arranged at diverse positions, including at or close to the outer ends of the hose part.

[0051] In use, the openings are preferably provided with a closure in order to prevent the pumped liquid from leaking away at undesirable moments. Such a closure can for instance be provided in the form of a flap or other non-return element which function as a type of non-return valve, wherein the liquid is allowed to pass only when the pressure falls away.

[0052] The present invention further relates to a pump system for pumping a liquid, wherein the pump system comprises: a pump; a suction conduit arranged or arrangeable on the suction side of the pump; a hose arranged or arrangeable on the pump side of the pump, wherein the hose is assembled with an assembly according to embodiments of the invention.

[0053] Such a pump system provides similar advantages and / or effects as described for the method and / or the assembly. The hose parts according to the invention can be used on the pump side, optionally over the whole length. This increases the utility of the hose parts according to the invention further. Although the, preferably foldable, hose parts can also be applicable on the suction side of the pump, use is preferably made here of hose parts which are suitable for handling underpressure without being “flattened” by suction.

[0054] The pump system preferably further comprises a (coupling) tool according to the assembly which is configured to realize a coupling between two adjacent hose parts. Such a coupling tool can be embodied in diverse ways, preferably in an above described embodiment of the invention, including a tool in the form of an engaging element, for instance as a (type of) hook, which is inserted through an opening at the outer end of the hose part and engages on a hook-like element of an adjacent hose part, so that this hook-like element of the adjacent hose part is pulled through the opening when the tool is retracted through the opening. Such a hook-like element can then be secured, for instance by threading a strap or other suitable element therethrough.

[0055] The invention further also relates to a method for pumping a liquid, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0056] - providing a pump system with an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0057] - assembling the hose from a number of hose parts;

[0058] - connecting the suction conduit and the hose; and

[0059] - pumping the liquid.

[0060] The method provides similar advantages and effects as described for the method for assembling a hose, the assembly and / or the pump system.

[0061] The hose parts according to the invention can be used on the pump side and on the suction side of the pump. This increases the utility of the hose parts according to the invention further. After pumping of a liquid, for instance water in the case of flooding, has been completed the hose parts and the other elements of the pump system are cleared away. For this purpose the hose is drained and, in the currently preferred embodiment, rolled up or folded up for further transport, storage, or use at a different location. Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0062] Fig. 1 is a view of a hose assembled from hose parts according to the invention;

[0063] Fig. 2 is a view of a pump system with hose parts according to the invention;

[0064] Fig. 3 is a view of an outer end of a hose part in an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 4A,B are views of a tool in an embodiment for an assembly according to the invention;

[0065] Fig. 5A,B are views of a possible coupling and corresponding tool in an embodiment according to the invention;

[0066] Fig. 6 is a view of a further embodiment according to the invention; and

[0067] Fig. 7 is a view of an auxiliary element for realizing the couplings during assembly of a hose.

[0068] Hose 2 (figure 1) is provided from hose parts 2a,b,c, which are mutually connected to couplings 4.Hose part 2a,b,c extends over a length L in use and is provided in the shown embodiment with diameter D for (in use) tubular body 3. Hose part 2a is provided at or close to first outer end 6 with first coupling element 8 and is provided at or close to second outer end 10 with second coupling element 12. In the shown embodiment sealing element 14 is arranged at or close to an outer end 6, 10 of hose part 2a and, in the shown situation of use, extends into an adjacent hose part over a sealing length Ls (see also figures 3A,B). Sealing element 14 is provided here with tubular part or sleeve 16 (figure 1), which is inserted into the adjacent hose part in use. A kind of rib 18 is here arranged on, in or at tubular part 16 as strengthening element in the form of a strip, cloth or other element for providing strength to sealing element 14.

[0069] Pump system 102 (figure 2) is provided with pump 104, wherein suction conduit 110 is provided on suction side 106 and discharge hose 2 is provided on pump side 108. In the shown embodiment hose parts 2a,b,c are mutually connected on pump side 108 using couplings 4 in order to form hose 2. It is possible, if desired, to provide hose parts 2a,b,c on suction side 106 as well for the purpose of realizing suction conduit 110, although use is preferably made here of hose parts 2a,b,c which are suitable for application of an underpressure and are not “flattened” by suction therein. It is possible here to already couple hose parts 2a,b,c to a desired length beforehand and / or to do so wholly or partially in the field during use in order to adapt the length of hose 2 to the situation in situ. Pump 104 preferably forms part of a stand-alone unit or module which is displaceable and can be set down at a desired location. This enables an effective and rapid placement, as well as displacement, of pump system 102.

[0070] In the shown embodiment hose part 2a,b,c (figure 3) is provided with sealing element 14 by means of welded connection 20, wherein an outer end of tubular part 16 is connected at the position of weld 20 to one of the outer ends 6, 10 of tubular body 3 of hose part 2a,b,c. In the shown embodiment sealing element 14 extends over a sealing length Ls and is provided with flow diameter D, at least in a situation of use of hose part 2a,b,c. Sealing element 14 is further provided with strengthening elements 18 as discussed above, and is provided with end edge 20. In the shown embodiment coupling 4 is realized by providing a number of eyes 22 and hooks 24. Belt 28 (figure 1, 5B) is configured to then be threaded through eyes 22 for the purpose of securing adjacent hose parts 2a,b,c.

[0071] In this / these shown embodiment(s) tubular body 3 is manufactured from an extruded PVC material and sealing element 14 is manufactured substantially from an EPDM material. If desired, the strengthening elements can be provided from a different material, such as a rubber or textile. In the shown embodiment sealing length Ls preferably lies in the range of 20 cm to 150 cm, more preferably in the range of 30 cm to 100 cm, and most preferably amounts to 50 cm to 70 cm. Length L of hose parts 2a,b,c can be chosen as desired, standard lengths L however lie in the range of 5 m to 25 m, preferably in the range of 8 m to 20 m, and length L most preferably amounts to about 10 m to 12 m. In the shown embodiment diameter D lies in the range of 20 cm to 60 cm, and preferably lies in the range of 25 cm to 50 cm, and in a currently preferred embodiment amounts to about 30 cm, particularly 30.48 cm (12 inches). It will be apparent that said dimensions can be adapted to the intended applications.

[0072] Tool 30 (figures 4A,B) is provided with engaging element 32 which is situated at or close to outer end 33a of tool 30. Handle 33b is provided at other outer end 33c of tool 30. Between outer ends 33a, c shank 34 extends along longitudinal axis La. Engaging element 32 is provided with groove 35 which extends at angle a to longitudinal axis La over a distance d.

[0073] Provided in a shown embodiment, preferably close to outer end 6, 10, is opening 36 (figure 5B), for instance with a diameter of about 1 cm, for allowing hose 2 to drain.Opening 36 can aid further in draining of hose part 2a,b,c, preferably in addition to the water running off along a collapsed sealing element 14 between two hose parts 2a,b,c inserted into each other. Closing element 38 is optionally provided here in the form of a type of non-return valve or non-return flap whereby opening 36 is closed in use and can open to allow hose 2 to drain. It will be apparent that this draining function can be realized in diverse ways.

[0074] In order to realize coupling 4 (figures 5A,B) hook-shaped element / eye 24 of a hose part 2a,b,c must in a shown embodiment be passed through passage opening 22 of the adjacent hose part 2a,b,c and then secured with a strap-like element, for instance with belt 28. Use can be made here of tool 30. In the shown embodiment tool 30 is provided with engaging element / hook 32 which can be inserted through passage opening 22 using shank 34 in order to then engage on hook-like element / eye 24 and which can pass this eye through passage opening 22 with a retracting movement of shank 34. By then securing hook-like element / eye 24, for instance with belt 28 as strap-like element, coupling 4 is realized between two adjacent hose parts 2a,b,c.It will be apparent that other tools according to the invention are likewise possible.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment coupling 4 (figure 6) is provided with hook-like element / eye 25 of hose part 2a,b,c which is passed through passage opening 23 of adjacent hose part 2a,b,c in order to realize the coupling and then secured with a strap-like element, for instance with belt 28. Use can be made here of tool 30. In this embodiment the opening of hook-like element 25 is wider than is necessary for belt 28, such that tool 30 can be held adjacently of belt 28 in hook-like element 25. In the shown embodiment, adjacently of belt 28 is understood to mean that tool 30 is preferably positioned at a distance relative to belt 28 in the throughfeed direction of tubular body 3, or optionally directly next to it. It is particularly by providing said distance that it is simpler to pass belt 28 through the passage opening of hook-like element 25, since tool 30 holds hook-like element 25 in a suitable position during arranging of belt 28. This increases the convenience of use and the speed of realizing coupling 30. In the shown embodiment width Bj of hook-like element 25 is therefore greater than width Bi of alternative hook-like element 24 (figure 5B). It will be apparent that other embodiments are likewise possible, with completely different couplings than stated above, wherein use is preferably made of a tool.

[0076] In diverse embodiments use can be made of auxiliary tool 40 (figure 7). Auxiliary tool 40 comprises support 42 in which is / are provided a groove or recesses 44 in which hook-like elements 24, 25 are placeable for the purpose of coupling hose parts 2a,b,c. This makes it possible to position hose parts 2a,b,c flat so that coupling becomes simpler.

[0077] For assembling with tool 30 hose 2 from two or more hose parts 2a,b,c for pumping a liquid a number of hose parts 2a,b,c are first provided. In the case of two hose parts 2a,b,c to be coupled a substantially tubular part of sealing element 14 is inserted into the other hose part 2a,b,c. Tool 30 is then inserted with engaging element 33a through passage opening 22 in order to engage on, particularly hook onto, hook-like element / eye 24 of other adjacent hose part 2a,b,c. After engaging, a tilting of tool 30 is preferably performed, such that hook-like element 24 is positioned at an outer end of groove 35 for the purpose of ensuring a robust engagement. Tool 30 with hook-like element / eye 24 thereon is then pulled back through passage openings 22. Hook-like element / eye 24 is then fixed with strap-like element 28 for the coupling, preferably during engaging of tool 30 and hook-like element / eye 24. After this, further couplings can be realized in the same way.

[0078] For pumping a liquid, for instance excess water in the case of flooding, pump system 102 is placed at the required location. Suction conduit 110 is here provided on pump 104, and hose 2 is also provided on pump side 108 of pump 104. Already previously coupled hose parts 2a,b,c are here placed and / or they are coupled in situ. After positioning and assembly of hose 2 has been completed, the liquid can be pumped with pump system 102. After pumping has been completed, pump 104 is switched off, after which the liquid is drained from hose 2, optionally by making use of openings 36 with closure 38. Following this, couplings 4 can if desired be released for the purpose of uncoupling hose part 2a,b,c and / or they are preferably rolled up or folded up, optionally as a whole or in greater lengths of a plurality of hose parts, and prepared for transport, storage and / or further use at a different location. The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method for assembling with a tool a hose from two or more hose parts for pumping a liquid, comprising the steps of: providing at least two hose parts configured to assemble a hose for pumping a liquid, wherein the hose part comprises:- a body which is tubular in use and which extends between a first outer end and a second outer end;- a number of first coupling elements provided at or close to the first outer end of the hose part, and a number of second coupling elements provided at or close to the second outer end of the hose part, wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise a number of hook-like elements and a number of passage openings which are configured to couple the hose part to an adjacent hose part;- a sealing element arranged at or close to at least one of the first and the second outer end, wherein the sealing element is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which extends into the adjacent hose part in use; inserting the substantially tubular part of the sealing element into the adjacent hose part; realizing a first coupling between two hose parts by inserting the tool through one of the passage openings and hooking into or onto one of the hook-like elements with an engaging element provided at or close to an outer end of the tool, passing the hook-like element through one of the passage openings, and then securing the hook-like element with a straplike element for the purpose of thereby fixing the first coupling; and realizing a further coupling in the same manner as the first coupling.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein between 10 and 15 couplings are realized between two hose parts.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein securing of the hook-like element with the strap-like element is performed while the tool hooks into or onto one of the hook-like elements.

4. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a tilting movement is performed with the tool after the tool is hooked into or onto one of the hook-like elements, such that the hook-like element is moved further into a groove of the engaging element provided for the tool, after which the hook-like element can be passed through the passage opening in a substantially straight line.

5. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein securing the hook-like element with a strap-like element for the purpose of thereby fixing the first coupling comprises of feeding the strap-like element through the hook-like elements.

6. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the tool holds the hook-like element during throughfeed of the strap-like element.

7. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the tool remains in engagement with the hook-like element while the belt-like element is fed through the hook-like element adjacently of the tool.

8. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising the step of positioning an auxiliary tool for receiving a part of the coupling elements prior to realizing the first coupling, such that the outer ends of the hose parts lie substantially flat for the purpose of realizing the first coupling.

9. Assembly of a hose from two or more hose parts for pumping a liquid, and a tool, wherein a hose part is configured to configured to assemble a hose for pumping a liquid, and wherein the hose part comprises:- a body which is tubular in use and which extends between a first outer end and a second outer end;- a number of first coupling elements provided at or close to the first outer end of the hose part and configured to couple the hose part to another hose part, and a number of second coupling elements provided at or close to the second outer end of the hose part, wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise a number of hook-like elements and a number of passage openings;- a sealing element arranged at or close to at least one of the first and the second outer end, wherein the sealing element is provided with a part which is substantially tubular in use and which extends into an adjacent hose part;- the tool comprising a handle provided at or close to a first outer end and an engaging element provided at or close to a second outer end and configured to engage on, in or at one of the hook-like elements of the hose part in order to enable it to be passed through one of the passage openings.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, wherein the engaging element of the tool is provided with a groove in which a hook-like element of the hose part is arrangeable.

11. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, wherein the groove extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool.

12. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, wherein the angle lies in the range of 25° to 75°, preferably in the range of 30° to 60°, and most preferably in the range of 40° to 50°.

13. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-12, wherein the sealing element extends over a distance in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm, preferably in the range of 65 cm to 115 cm, and most preferably in the range of 70 cm to 100 cm.

14. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-13, wherein the sealing element is provided with one or more strengthening elements.

15. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, wherein the one or more strengthening elements extend substantially in longitudinal direction of the hose part.

16. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, wherein the strengthening elements are provided on the inner side of the sealing element.

17. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-16, wherein the strengthening elements are provided from a foldable material.

18. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-17, wherein the tubular body is provided from a first material and the sealing element is provided from a second, different material.

19. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-18, wherein a weld is provided between the tubular body and the sealing element.

20. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-19, wherein the sealing element is provided substantially from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).

21. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, wherein the tubular body of the hose part is provided substantially from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

22. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-21, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element form an eye coupling.

23. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-22, further comprising one or more openings configured to let the hose part drain in use when the pumping has ended.

24. Assembly according to the foregoing claim, further comprising a closure for the one or more openings, wherein the closure is configured to close the opening in use during pumping of the liquid.

25. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-24, further comprising an auxiliary tool for receiving a part of the coupling elements, such that the outer ends of the hose parts lie substantially flat for the purpose of realizing the first coupling.

26. Pump system for pumping a liquid, wherein the pump system comprises: a pump; a suction conduit arranged or arrangeable on the suction side of the pump; a hose arranged or arrangeable on the pump side of the pump, wherein the hose is assembled with an assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims 9-25.

27. Pump system according to the foregoing claim, further comprising a coupling tool configured to realize a coupling between two adjacent hose parts.

28. Method for pumping a liquid, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a pump system with hose parts according to any one of the foregoing claims 26- 27; assembling the hose from a number of hose parts; connecting the suction conduit and the hose; and pumping the liquid.

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