Abstract:
A water, sewer, and gas or electric conservation device for use with a showerhead includes a body portion including an inlet, an outlet, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The outer surface adjacent the outlet is threaded and configured to mate with an additional shower component. The inner surface adjacent the inlet is threaded for mating with a water source pipe. A valve element is disposed within the body portion. It includes a port and is pivotable within the body portion between an open position and a closed position. The open position places the inlet and outlet in fluid communication through the valve element and the closed position restricts fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. A pivot axle connects to the valve element and extends from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface. A lever includes a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The first distal end portion rigidly connects to and extends from the axle. A rigid handle has a second distal end portion and a second proximal end portion. The second distal end portion of the handle is pivotably connected to the first proximal end portion of the lever.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates in general to a conservation device, and more particularly, this disclosure relates to a water, sewer, and electric or gas conservation device for use with a showerhead. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A great many gallons of water are wasted daily by running showers while performing hygiene or other tasks in the shower, such as shaving, by running showers while people prepare to enter the shower, by simply not providing an easy way to control shower flow, among other reasons. At least in part because of this wasted water, fresh water resources in many areas are being stressed by growing demands due to increasing population. 
         [0003]    The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure teaches a device that permits a user to control water flow using a rigid hanging handle that can be easily found, grasped, and used in the shower. The handle freely hangs vertically down from the showerhead, and a user can vertically raise or lower the handle to increase or decrease water flow. In order to conserve water, conscientious users may desire to turn off the water during time consuming hygiene steps such as shaving, and then turn the water back on prior to completing the shower. Others may only decrease the flow, while leaving a flow that still provides a level of warm water for comfort. The device may find particular utility where hot water supply is limited, and a user desires to conserve the hot water to avoid a cold shower. Because the user can control the amount of pressure at the nozzle so that force and usage amounts are controllable, while still having a desired flow for washing. 
         [0005]    The handle size, hanging from adjacent a water source pipe, permits users to easily locate and grasp the handle to increase or decrease flow, even without visually looking. Accordingly, if shampoo or soap is in a user&#39;s eyes, he or she can still easily find the handle to increase water flow for rinsing. 
         [0006]    Because of the handle&#39;s length and location, small children can reach the handle to control the device. Accordingly, an adult may set the water temperature using the taps, and then decrease or stop the water flow using the disclosed device while the child prepares for the shower. When ready, the child can start the water flow independent of the taps that might change the water temperature, conserving water while reducing the chance of water that is too hot. The device is also useful for elderly who may no longer have the ability to reach a showerhead. 
         [0007]    Further, because the device permits users to control or regulate the amount flow in a range between no flow and full flow, the user can limit flow during periods of showering or preparing to enter the shower while not turning the water off. A small level of water flow keeps pipes warm, reducing cooling that may otherwise occur in the pipe when flow is off. For example, a user may reduce flow while shaving or soaping instead of turning flow off so that when flow is increased later, the hot water in the pipes has not appreciably cooled, thereby substantially maintaining the desired temperature. 
         [0008]    The device provides additional advantages to handicap users who cannot otherwise control flow through a showerhead without operating the taps and potentially changing water temperature. For example, a user can control flow independent of the taps while sitting on a chair or stool in the shower. Where the handicap person must be washed by attendants, the simple operation and convenient location of the handle further simplifies water control and conservation, permitting an attendant to assist while also controlling flow in order to most conveniently meet the flow demands during the particular stages of the shower, such as providing a higher flow for rinsing and a lower flow during soaping. 
         [0009]    The device can be installed between a water source pipe and a showerhead. Some embodiments of the device include an integral showerhead, while other embodiments are separate from the showerhead, but may be packaged or sold with a showerhead. Yet other embodiments are sold independent of a showerhead. 
         [0010]    Because of its location relative to the showerhead, the device can be used to turn off water flow to a showerhead during head replacement, when leaks at the showerhead are repaired, or during other time periods. 
         [0011]    Due to it nature, the device can be used to directly conserve water, but it also can be used to conserve gas or electricity used to heat water and to conserve sewer resources by reducing the amounts of water requiring treatment. By controlling the water flow, users can choose to consume less hot water, decreasing gas or electric consumption. Likewise, by reducing water flow, less water goes to the sewer. This can result in lower utility bills and fewer out-of-pocket expenses for consumers. 
         [0012]    In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a water, sewer, and gas or electric conservation device for use with a showerhead. The device comprises a body portion including an inlet, an outlet, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The outer surface adjacent the outlet is threaded and configured to mate with an additional shower component. The inner surface adjacent the inlet is threaded for mating with a water source pipe. A valve element is disposed within the body portion. It includes a port and is pivotable within the body portion between an open position and a closed position. The open position places the inlet and outlet in fluid communication through the valve element and the closed position restricts fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. A pivot axle connects to the valve element and extends from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface. A lever includes a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The first distal end portion rigidly connects to and extends from the axle. A rigid handle has a second distal end portion and a second proximal end portion. The second distal end portion of the handle is pivotably connected to the first proximal end portion of the lever. 
         [0013]    In yet other aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a water, sewer, and gas or electric conservation system. It includes a body portion including an inlet, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inlet is configured to mate with a separate plumbing fixture. A valve element is disposed within the body portion and includes a port and is pivotable within the body portion between an open position and a closed position. The open position provides fluid communication through the body portion and the closed position restricts fluid communication through the body portion. A pivot axle integrally connects to the valve element and extends from the inner surface of the body portion to the outer surface. A lever comprises a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The lever rigidly connects to and extends from the axle. A pivot stop is configured to limit the range of rotation of the pivot axle. The range of rotation is limited to about 90 degrees or less. A rigid handle has a second distal end portion and a second proximal end portion. The second distal end portion of the handle is pivotably connected to the first proximal end portion of the lever by a connector. The connector permits the handle to freely pivot relative to the lever so that the handle freely hangs vertically downward from the connector. 
         [0014]    In yet other aspects, this disclosure is directed to a water, sewer, and gas or electric conservation system that includes a body portion including an inlet, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inlet is configured to mate with a separate plumbing fixture. A ball valve element is disposed within the body portion. It includes a port pivotable within the body portion between an open position and a closed position. The open position provides fluid communication through the body portion and the closed position restricts fluid communication through the body portion. A pivot axle connects to the valve element and extends from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface. A lever has a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The lever rigidly connects to and extends from the axle. A pivot stop is located on the body portion to limit a range of rotation of the pivot axle by mechanically blocking movement of the lever beyond the range of rotation. The range of rotation is limited to about 90 degrees or less. A rigid handle has a second distal end portion and a second proximal end portion. The second distal end portion of the handle is pivotably connected to the first proximal end portion of the lever by a connector. The connector permits the handle to freely pivot relative to the lever so that the handle freely hangs vertically downward from the connector, the handle having total length within the range of about 6 and 48 inches for grasping by a user. 
         [0015]    Further aspects, forms, embodiments, objects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary water conservation system according to a first aspect of the invention including a water conservation device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the water conservation device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a body portion of the water conservation device of  FIG. 1  with a lever and handle removed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the body portion of the water conservation device of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a gauge and detent usable on the body portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6-8  are illustrations of exemplary levers and handles of the water conservation device of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0023]    The present disclosure is directed to a water conservation system for a shower head that permits a user to easily control the flow of water through the valve while showering, while helping to maintain temperature when turned down to a trickle. The system includes a conservation device includes an easily grasped rigid handle movable vertically upward or downward to increase or decrease the flow of water through the device. The handle hangs downward from the water source pipe, allowing a user to easily locate it without looking. Further, it may be used by children or others who have traditionally been unable to reach the shower head. Some embodiments double as a shower caddy or organization system, permitting a user to store hygiene items sometimes used in a shower, such as razors, tooth brushes, bath sponges, mitts, mirrors, and other items. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the shower system  100 . The shower system  100  includes a water source pipe  102  extending from a wall, a water conservation device  104 , and a shower head or sprayer nozzle  106 . Using a valve element, the device  104  regulates the flow of water and permits a user to turn water through the device on, off, or anywhere in between as desired. 
         [0025]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  104  includes a body  108 , a pivot axle  110 , a lever  112 , and a handle  114 . Some device embodiments, including the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , include an optional gauge  116  and optional needle  118  that permit a user to visually identify how much the device is opened, enabling a user to better regulate flow through the device. In this embodiment, the needle is aligned with the lever  112 . However, in other embodiments, the needle is not included and the lever may be used with the gauge to identify the relative position. Other embodiments include neither the gauge nor the needle. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , as indicated by the needle and the lever, the device is in a closed position, fully restricting water flow through the device. It should be recognized that some embodiments do not permit a user to fully close the device, but only substantially close the device or reduce flow from a fully open or substantially open position. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows the device  104  with the lever  112  in a fully open or substantially open position. This is done by raising the handle  114  vertically to displace the lever  112  and create a moment that pivots the pivot axle  110 , opening the device  104 . It should be noted that the device  104  may be opened to any degree between the fully open or fully closed positions, depending upon user&#39;s preference. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the body  108  with the lever  112  and handle  114  removed. The body  108  includes a distal end  120 , a proximal end  122 , an inner surface  124 , and an outer surface  126 . The inner surface  122  forms a through passage  128 . At the distal end  120 , the body  108  includes inner threads  130  for attaching to additional plumbing, such as the water source pipe  102  in  FIG. 1 . Likewise, outer threads  132  on the outer surface  126  permit attachment to additional plumbing such as the shower head  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    Within the body  108 , a valve element  134  permits a user to open and close the device  104 . In this embodiment, the valve element  134  is a ball valve connected to the pivot axis  110 . In some embodiments, the valve element  134  and the pivot axis  110  are integral. Rotation of the pivot axis  110  about its axis turns the valve element  134  between an open position, where a port  136  of the valve element  134  aligns at least partially with the passage  128 , and a closed position, where the port  136  is not aligned with, or is transverse to the passage  128 , thereby blocking, reducing, or preventing water flow. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a pivot stop  138  on the outer surface  126  of the body  108 . The pivot stop directly or indirectly limits the pivot range of the pivot axle  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pivot stop  138  cooperates with sides of the lever  112  to limit the range that the lever  112  can travel, thereby effectively limiting the pivot range of the pivot axle  110 , connected to and rotatable with the lever  112 . The pivot stop  138  includes two contact stop surfaces  139   a ,  139   b  that cooperate with and contact opposing sides of the lever  112 . These contact stop surfaces  139   a ,  139   b  prevent the lever from passing beyond the set range of pivot motion, which in the embodiment shown, is 90 degrees. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  shows the optional gauge  116  and needle  118  usable with the device  104 . In some embodiments, the gauge  116  is formed on the body  108 , while in other embodiments, it may be fixed to the body  108 , such as by being disposed over the pivot axle  110  so that it is located as shown in  FIG. 1 . The gauge  116  may include a series of indentations, as identified by the reference numeral  140 , marking a range of motion. For example, where the range of motion of the valve element  134  ( FIG. 4 ) of the device  104  is limited to 90 degrees, as is the device in  FIG. 1 , the indentations  140  may be located at about 23 degrees, 45 degrees, and 68 degrees, for example. The indentations  140  may be lines as shown, or may be divots or be otherwise shaped. Some embodiments include numerical or other printed or formed indicia adjacent the indentations that visually identify how much the valve element is open. For example, the indicia may identify ¼, ½, and ¾ of the way open. Additional indentations or indicia may be provided. In some embodiment, the lines or indicia are not indented, but are otherwise marked or formed on the gauge  116 . The example gauge shown includes an aperture  142  that may be placed over the pivot axle  110  to secure the gauge in place relative to the axle  110 . In other embodiments, the gauge  116  is a sticker applied by an adhesive, stamped or machined onto the body  108 , or otherwise formed. 
         [0031]    The optional needle  118  may be attached to the pivot axle  110  to identify the position of the pivot axle  110 , and thus also the valve element  134 , relative to the body  108 . Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, the needle  118  includes an aperture  142  that receives and connects with the pivot axle  110 . As such, the needle  118  is fixed to and moves with the pivot axle  110  to move relative to the gauge  116  and visually indicate to a user how far the device  104  is open or closed. In some embodiments, the needle  118  includes a protrusion such as a detent  144  that cooperates with the indentations  140  on the gauge. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as a user moves the pivot axle  110 , the needle  118  pivots relative to the gauge and the detent  144  enters and exits the indentations  140 , providing a user with tactile feedback through the handle  114  about how much the device is open or closed. In some embodiments, the detent  144  makes an audible click when it enters the indentations  140 , again providing the user with feedback about how much the device is open or closed. In some embodiments, the needle  118  does not physically contact the gauge  116 , but moves relative to it to provide only a visual indicator. 
         [0032]    Exemplary levers  112  and handles  114  are shown in and more particularly described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 . Referring first to  FIG. 6 , the lever  112  is a rigid, elongated plate that includes a proximal end  146  and a distal end  148 . The distal end  148  is configured to attach to the pivot axle  110  in a manner that the lever  112  can apply torque to rotate the pivot axle about its longitudinal axis. In so doing, the lever  112  rotates the valve element  134  ( FIG. 4 ) to open and close the device  104 . In the embodiment shown, the distal end  148  includes an aperture  150  that receives the pivot axle  110 . In some embodiments, the pivot axle  110  and the aperture  150  are splined in order to transmit torque from the lever  112 . In other embodiments, the pivot axle  110  and the aperture  150  are secured by the use of a nut tightened onto pivot axle threads. Other methods and systems for connecting the lever and pivot axle are contemplated. The proximal end  146  is configured to attach to the handle  114 . In the example shown, the sides of the lever  112  are configured to contact and interface with the contact stop surfaces  139   a ,  139   b  of the pivot stop  138  ( FIG. 3 ). This limits the pivot range of the lever  112 , and thus the pivot range of the valve element  134 . In the embodiment shown, the pivot range is 90 degrees. In other examples however, the pivot range is greater or less than 90 degrees. 
         [0033]    Although shown as a plate, it should be apparent that the lever  112  may also be a bar, beam or other rigid structure. The shape of the lever, as well as the handle described below, may be selected for its aesthetics to render the device  104  both elegant and stylish. For example, in some embodiments, the lever is a round bar formed of brass or polished steel. In other embodiments, it is formed of a polymer or a composite. Other materials and styles also are contemplated. 
         [0034]    The handle  114  is an elongated rigid structure that like the lever  112 , may be formed as a plate, bar, beam, or other rigid structure. It includes a distal end  152  and a proximal end  154 . The distal end  152  is configured to connect to the proximal end  146  of the lever  112 . Here, the connection is by a pivot pin  156  extending through and connecting both the lever  112  and the handle  114 . Here, the connection is not rigid, but permits the lever and the handle to move relative to each other. Accordingly, in the example shown, the handle  114  freely hangs from the proximal end  146  of the lever  112 . Accordingly, regardless of the position of the lever  112 , the handle  114  is in a substantially vertical position. In some embodiments, the connection is a hinge, a rivet, or other known connectors. In some embodiments, the connector is integral with the one of the lever and the handle. In some of these embodiments, the two can be snap-fitted together. 
         [0035]    The handle  114  has length much greater than the length of the lever  112 , and in some embodiments is in the range between 6 and 48 inches. This length range accommodates most showers and allows a user to select a style and length that accommodates the user&#39;s needs. For example, a longer handle  114  may be desired in a shower used by children, while a shorter handle may be desired in a shower used by grown adults. Some additional handle embodiments have a length between about 12 and 36 inches, while some have a length between about 12 and 24 inches, and others have a length between about 15 and 18 inches. Lengths both longer and shorter than these ranges also are contemplated. 
         [0036]    The handle  114  is configured to be grasped by a user for controlling the device  104 . As it applies loading to the lever  112  in both compression and tension, the handle is formed of a rigid material, and may be formed of the same materials and have the same general style as the lever  112 . 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 6 , the proximal end  154  of the handle  114  doubles as a shower caddy or hanging organizer accommodating items sometimes used in a shower. For example, the proximal end  154  bends to have a substantially horizontal portion that includes cut-out features  158  sized to receive, for example, a razor, a toothbrush, or other items used in a shower. Although shown as apertures centered in the handle, the cut-outs may be indentations in the handle side for laterally receiving a toothbrush or other items. In some embodiments, the horizontal region of the handle  114  has a region of increased width to form a soap dish. The horizontal nature may also be used for hanging or supporting other bath and shower accessories. Other shapes also are contemplated. 
         [0038]    In addition to placing items along the exemplary horizontal portion of the handle  114 , the vertical portion also may used for shower accessory items. In the example shown, an optional shaving mirror is attached to the handle  114 . The mirror  162  may be attached by a mirror clip or alternatively, the handle  114  may include one or more clips, hooks, or other attachment systems for attaching shower items. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of a handle  114  shaped as a hook from which a bath mitt, body sponge, or body brush may be hung.  FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of a handle  114 . Here, the handle  114  is a cylindrical rod and includes a hand grip  160  that permits easy grasping by a user. Other handle embodiments also are contemplated, and these are shown merely as examples. 
         [0040]    Applicant notes that the use of directional terms herein, such as upper, lower, lateral, proximal, and distal and others are merely exemplary, and may encompass other directions, unless so indicated. Although several embodiments have been illustrated and/or described, it will be understood that they are exemplary, and that a variety of substitutions and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.