Dog walking and watering device

The dog walking and watering device enables the user to provide his or her dog with water while away from their usual drinking receptacle. Fluid is stored in a fluid source or reservoir and then delivered to a drinking receptacle. A dispensing actuator controls the valves and positions the drinking receptacle of the device. The dispensing actuator adjusts between a transport position and a use position. In the transport position, the drinking receptacle is adjusted inward toward the body of the device and the dispensing valve closes to limit fluid delivered to the drinking receptacle. In the use position, the drinking receptacle is adjusted outward away from the body and the dispensing valve is open are arranged such that fluid flows to the drinking receptacle from the fluid source or reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a device that provides fluid to a dog. The present invention provides a portable dog walking and watering device. The dog walking and watering device allows the user to provide their dog with a measured amount of fresh water when away from the dog's usual water drinking receptacle.

A fluid source, such as a bottle of water or other drink, attaches to the watering device at the source receiver. The user then dispenses the fluid from the fluid source into a drinking receptacle, such as a bowl. The user adjusts a dispensing actuator of the device to dispense water into an adjustable drinking receptacle. The drinking receptacle of the device pivots from a stored position to a use position. In the use position, the dog can drink from the drinking receptacle.

The device also serves as a walking stick or cane. The cane provides the user with stability while walking as well as a sturdy surface to mount the dog watering system. The handle of the device provides an attachment finger to allow the user to secure the dog's leash to the device.

Currently, persons seeking to provide their dogs with water while away from home have limited options. Carrying bulky objects can make it difficult to maintain your balance. Also, dogs are often required to be on a leash when on a walk. It is difficult to carry water and a leash at the same time while maintaining control of a dog.

The dog walking and watering device of the present invention overcomes many disadvantages of current dog walking and watering devices. The device provides a solution to allow the user to carry and deliver water to the user's dog on a walk while also holding the dog's leash and providing stability for the user. Therefore, the present invention is needed to provide a user with a more stable and efficient way to provide water for a dog while away from the dog's typical water drinking receptacle.

II. Description of the Known Art

Patents and patent applications disclosing relevant information are disclosed below. These patents and patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,592 issued to Wechsler et al. on Jun. 10, 1997 (“the '592 patent”) teaches a portable device for feeding animals. The '592 patent teaches a portable device that permits the dispensing of water, potable liquid, particulate solids, and other like flowable feed material to dogs and other animals from a reservoir. The '592 patent teaches that the substance moves from the reservoir into a pooling space for consumption. The '592 patent teaches a trough that has a shape that allows the reservoir to nest within the trough.

The '592 patent teaches two positions of the device. In one position, the reservoir is nested inside the trough. In a second position, the reservoir is brought out of the nesting position. The concave interior of the trough provides the pooling space. The '592 patent teaches that an outlet of the reservoir is in pool feeding communication with the trough to permit at least partial emptying of the contents of the reservoir into the trough.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,893,660 issued to Al-Azemi on Nov. 25, 2014 (“the '660 patent”) teaches a portable suspended device for watering bees and birds. The '660 patent teaches that the device dispenses drinking and cooling water. The device taught by the '660 patent provides a support rod, suspension hook, insulated water reservoir, and a dish-like container. The '660 patent teaches that the device is designed to be suspended form a support such as a tree limb or wall.

In one embodiment taught by the '660 patent, a porous, fibrous dispensing structure allows the water to drip from the reservoir into the dish. In another embodiment taught by the '660 patent, the device incorporates an elongated tube with an opening for conveying water from the reservoir to the dish.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,232,772 issued to Majcen et al. on Jan. 12, 2016 (“the '772 patent”) teaches a pet leash incorporating compartments for storage and pet care ancillary supplies. The '772 patent teaches a multi-purpose pet leash for tethering an animal with a plurality to better care for a pet on the go. The leash taught by the '772 patent incorporates dispensable disposable bag(s), a reservoir for storing a dispensable product like water or food, and a detachable deployable dish for holding the dispensable product.

Therefore, the present invention is needed to improve the ability to provide water to a pet while away. The present invention is also needed to provide a portable watering system. The present invention is also need to provide a watering system designed for walks, hikes, or other adventures by foot. The device may serve as a cane or walking stick for additional support to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The dog walking and watering device of the present invention delivers fluid such as water to a dog. The device provides an adjustable drinking receptacle that receives a fluid, such as water, from a fluid source secured to the source adapter. The fluid in the source flows through a conduit from the source adapter into the drinking receptacle.

The fluid source secures to the device via the source receiver. In one embodiment, the fluid source is a container filled with a drink, such as a water bottle, a beverage container, or other bottle. A metering valve regulates flow from the source receiver to a reservoir. A dispensing valve regulates flow from the reservoir to the drinking receptacle. The valves control the flow of the fluid from the source receiver to the reservoir and the flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the drinking receptacle.

A pressurization conduit secures to the source receiver to provide a more consistent flow from the source and the reservoir. Air flows through the pressurization conduit from outside the device into the fluid source. Such air flow assists with the flow of the fluid from the fluid source to the reservoir when the metering valve is in the open position.

In one embodiment, the device fills the drinking receptacle while the receptacle is pivoted outward in the use position. To avoid overfilling the receptacle, the present invention provides a reservoir that stores a metered amount of fluid. Such a reservoir fills the receptacle. A metering valve closes the flow from the source to limit flow of the fluid from the source while filling the receptacle. Closing the metering valve allows the animal, such as a dog, to continue drinking while limiting flow of the fluid from the source.

The reservoir fills with fluid from the fluid source. A dispensing valve controls the flow of fluid from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle. Fluid exits the reservoir through a dispensing valve and flows through a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet delivers fluid from the reservoir to the drinking receptacle.

A handle allows the user to grip, control, and transport the device. In one embodiment, the handle of the device provides a leash attachment finger. The handle also provides a dispensing actuator which controls the valves and drinking receptacle. In one embodiment, the dispensing actuator is operated manually. In another embodiment, the dispensing actuator electronically controls the valves and the position of the drinking receptacle.

The dispensing actuator controls the flow of the fluid through the valves and the positioning of the drinking receptacle. The dispensing actuator of the device adjusts the drinking receptacle between the use position and the transport position. To dispense fluid from the device, the user adjusts the dispensing actuator from the transport position to the use position. When the user is finished dispensing fluid, the user then adjusts the dispensing actuator to the transport position.

In the use position, the actuator closes the metering valve and opens the dispensing valve. The drinking receptacle pivots outward for the dog to drink from the drinking receptacle. Closing the metering valve limits the amount of fluid flowing from the source to the reservoir. In the use position, the actuator opens the dispensing valve. The open dispensing valve directs flow of the fluid from the reservoir through the fluid outlet to the extended drinking receptacle.

In the transport position, the actuator opens the metering valve and closes the dispensing valve. The actuator pivots the drinking receptacle inwards toward the support body. In the transport position, the source fills the reservoir. Fluid flows from the fluid source through the metering valve to the reservoir to fill the reservoir with fluid. Because the dispensing valve is closed, fluid collects in the reservoir and no fluid is dispensed to the drinking receptacle. The reservoir then dispenses a metered amount of fluid to the drinking receptacle when the actuator is adjusted to the use position.

The device also serves as a walking stick or cane for the user. The support body of the device allows the user to stabilize himself while on a walk or hike with their pet. The handle allows the user to grip and control the device as needed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that delivers fluid to a pet while on a walk.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that carries both a fluid source and drinking receptacle.

It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the need for a user to bend down to place a drinking receptacle and to fill the drinking receptacle.

It is another object of the present invention to store both a fluid source and a drinking receptacle on a support body.

It is another object of the present invention to dispense a metered amount of fluid into a drinking receptacle.

It is another object of the present invention to dispense the fluid into the drinking receptacle while allowing the user to stand.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce the need to bend over or squat down to fill a drinking receptacle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stowable water drinking receptacle.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections and the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4show the dog walking and watering device100of the present invention. Device100provides support body102that supports various components of device100. The drinking receptacle118and the fluid source104secure to the support body102. The user can then carry the support body102with both the drinking receptacle118and fluid source104attached. The support body102also provides the user with additional support by functioning as a walking stick or other support.

The support body102is constructed from a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. In one embodiment, the support body102is constructed from a lightweight material to decrease the weight of the device. The support body102is constructed from a rigid material that can assist the user with walking, hiking, or other activities by foot.

The fluid within the fluid source104dispenses into the drinking receptacle118. In one embodiment, the fluid flows from the fluid source104into the drinking receptacle118. In such an embodiment, a dispensing valve114located between the fluid source104and the drinking receptacle118controls the flow of the fluid from the fluid source104into the drinking receptacle118.

In another embodiment, the fluid flows from the fluid source104into a reservoir112and then into the drinking receptacle118. Such an embodiment provides two valves, a metering valve110located between the source receiver106and reservoir112, and a dispensing valve114located between the reservoir112and the drinking receptacle118.

Source receiver106secures to the support body102. Source receiver106accepts fluid source104. The fluid source104attaches to the support body102at the source receiver106. In one embodiment, the source receiver106provides a threaded connection that corresponds with a fluid source with a threaded top. The threaded connection secures the fluid source104to the source receiver106.

In one embodiment, fluid source104is a water bottle. Fluid source104stores the fluid until the dispensing actuator122opens the valve to deliver the fluid to drinking receptacle118.

The attachment of the fluid source104with the source receiver106enables flow of the fluid within the fluid source104to the metering valve110. If the metering valve110is open, the fluid flows to the reservoir112. If the metering valve110is closed, the fluid stops at the metering valve110. In one embodiment, the metering valve110is open when the dispensing actuator122is positioned in the transport position. Opening the metering valve110in the transport position of such an embodiment fills the reservoir112. The fluid source fills the reservoir112for usage.

Dispensing actuator122controls the position of drinking receptacle118. In one embodiment, the dispensing actuator122is operated manually. The drinking receptacle adjusts between a transport position and a use position.

To dispense fluid to drinking receptacle118, the user adjusts dispensing actuator122to the use position. Adjustment of the actuator122to the use position opens the dispensing valve114for flow of the fluid into the bowl. In an embodiment with one valve, the adjustment of the actuator to the use position opens the dispensing valve114to release the fluid from the outlet into the bowl. In the embodiment that provides reservoir112, the adjustment of the dispensing actuator122to the use position opens the valve between the reservoir and the outlet. Opening such a valve releases the water from the reservoir out the outlet into the bowl.

The dispensing actuator122controls the opening and closing of the metering valve110and dispensing valve114. These valves control the flow of the fluid from the fluid source104through the fluid outlet116into the drinking receptacle118. Fluid flows from the fluid source104through a source conduit138secured to the source receiver106to a metering valve110. In the transport position, the metering valve110is open. The fluid travels from the fluid source104into the reservoir112.

The dispensing valve114limits the flow of the fluid through the fluid outlet116. The dispensing valve114located between the reservoir112and the fluid outlet116closes while the dispensing actuator122is positioned in the transport position.

Adjusting the dispensing actuator122to the use position opens the dispensing valve114for the fluid to flow to the drinking receptacle118. Adjustment of the dispensing actuator122to the use position moves adjustment arm126causing metering finger128to open the dispensing valve114. The fluid then flows out the fluid outlet122into the lowered drinking receptacle118.

In one embodiment, the metering valve110and the dispensing valve114alternate between open and closed as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. In such an embodiment with a reservoir112, the metering valve110remains open while the dispensing valve114remains closed as shown inFIG. 9in the transport position. Likewise, the dispensing valve114remains open while the metering valve110remains closed as shown inFIG. 10in the use position to deliver fluid, such as water, to the drinking receptacle.

In such an embodiment, the adjustment of the dispensing actuator122to the use position opens the dispensing valve114and closes the metering valve110. Adjustment of the dispensing actuator122adjusts metering finger128to close the metering valve110. The adjustment of metering finger128also causes adjustment arm130to adjust dispensing finger132to open the dispensing valve114.

In the transport position, drinking receptacle118is pivoted inward toward the support body102. In this position, the metering valve110is open and the dispensing valve114is closed. In the transport position, the dispensing valve114is closed to limit fluid delivered to the drinking receptacle118. In the use position, the drinking receptacle118is extended away from the support body102, metering valve110is closed, and dispensing valve114is open. In the use position, fluid is delivered to the drinking receptacle118.FIGS. 2-3show the device in the transport position.FIGS. 1 and 4show the device in the use position.

The source receiver106connects to a source conduit138to direct the fluid to the metering valve110and the reservoir112. The fluid flows from the fluid source104into the source receiver106. The source receiver106provides an opening for the fluid to flow to the metering valve110and the reservoir112.

A source pressurization conduit108passes through the source receiver106. In one embodiment, the source pressurization conduit108extends above the fill line of the source. The pressurization conduit108permits air to enter the fluid source104. Such air flow assists the flow of the fluid from fluid source104through the device100. Pressurization conduit108extends upwards toward handle120of device100.

Metering valve110regulates the flow of fluid between fluid source104and reservoir112. Metering valve110opens and closes for the flow of the fluid to the reservoir112. In one embodiment, pivot finger128opens and closes metering valve110. When the metering valve110is closed, no fluid flows from fluid source104to reservoir112. In the open position, fluid from fluid source104flows through metering valve110to reservoir112. Metering valve110is located upstream of reservoir112while dispensing valve114is located downstream of reservoir112.

Reservoir112attaches to the support body102. Reservoir112stores fluid from fluid source104prior to dispensing the fluid to drinking receptacle118. Reservoir pressurization conduit113attaches to the reservoir112. The reservoir pressurization conduit113provides passage for air to flow to and from reservoir112. The reservoir pressurization conduit113assists with the flow of fluid into the reservoir112and the flow of fluid out of the reservoir112to fill the drinking receptacle118.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir112stores a measured amount of fluid. This measured amount coincides with the amount of fluid drinking receptacle118can receive. The sizing of the reservoir112allows the user to dispense an amount of fluid sufficient to fill drinking receptacle118without overflowing the drinking receptacle118.

Dispensing valve114controls the flow of fluid from reservoir112into drinking receptacle118. Dispensing valve114opens and closes to dispense the fluid into the drinking receptacle118. Adjustment of dispensing finger132opens and closes the dispensing valve. When the dispensing valve114is closed, no fluid flows thorough dispensing valve114. When the dispensing valve114is open, fluid from reservoir112flows through dispensing valve114, through fluid outlet116into drinking receptacle118.

Fluid outlet116is located downstream of reservoir112but upstream of drinking receptacle118. Fluid outlet116directs the flow of fluid from reservoir112into drinking receptacle118of the device.

Drinking receptacle118of the device is pivotally mounted to support body102. Drinking receptacle118adjusts between the transport and use positions. In the transport position, drinking receptacle118is pivoted inward towards the support body102of the device. In the use position, drinking receptacle118pivots down to a position to enable a dog to drink from drinking receptacle118.

Attachment finger124allows the user to attach various items to the dog walking and watering device. Namely, attachment finger124provides a place to attach the user's dog leash. The user may also attach other items to attachment finger124including dog waste bags.

FIG. 3shows a view of the air flow apparatus. Pressurization connector111connects ambient pressurization conduit109, source pressurization conduit108, and reservoir pressurization conduit113. Source pressurization conduit108provides air flow to and from source receiver106. Reservoir pressurization conduit113provides air flow to and from reservoir112. Ambient pressurization conduit109enables air flow to and from source receiver pressurization conduit108and reservoir pressurization conduit113. Air flow to and from source receiver106and reservoir112assists with flow of fluid flow to and from source receiver106and reservoir112.

FIGS. 5 and 6show the operation of the present invention to the transport position.FIG. 5shows the embodiment with at least one valve.FIG. 6shows the embodiment with at least two valves. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the user adjusts the dispensing actuator to the transport position at step140. Adjusting the dispensing actuator to the transport position also closes the dispensing valve at step144. The drinking receptacle adjusts inwards towards the support body at step146due to adjustment of the dispensing actuator. Closing the dispensing valve146ceases dispensing of the fluid into the drinking receptacle at step148.

FIG. 6shows the operation of the metering valve in connection with the reservoir. The embodiment shown inFIG. 6operates similarly to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5.FIG. 6shows the embodiment that dispenses fluid from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle. Closing the dispensing valve at step144limits flow of the fluid from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle at step148. Opening the metering valve at step142causes the fluid to flow from the fluid source to the reservoir at step142. Opening the metering valve at step142transfers water from the fluid source to the reservoir. Fluid, such as water, flows from the source into the reservoir past the metering valve. The dispensing valve limits the fluid from flowing from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle.

FIGS. 7 and 8show the use of the present invention while dispensing the fluid into the drinking receptacle.FIG. 7shows an embodiment with at least one valve.FIG. 8shows an embodiment with at least two valves. The user adjusts the dispensing actuator to the use position at step150. Such adjustment of the dispensing actuator adjusts the drinking receptacle away from the support body to the use position at step152. In one embodiment, such adjustment pivots the drinking receptacle outward. Adjustment of the dispensing actuator to the use position also opens the dispensing valve at step156to dispense fluid into the drinking receptacle at step158.

FIG. 8shows the operation of the metering valve in connection with the reservoir for filling the drinking receptacle. The embodiment shown inFIG. 8operates similarly to the embodiment shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 8shows the dispensing of fluid from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle. Opening the dispensing valve at step156dispenses the fluid from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle at step158. Closing the metering valve at step152limits the flow of fluid flow from the fluid source to the reservoir at step154. Opening the dispensing valve at step156transfers water from the reservoir to the drinking receptacle. Fluid, such as water, flows from the reservoir into the drinking receptacle past the dispensing valve. The metering valve limits the fluid from flowing from the source into the reservoir.

The present invention has been shown as a mechanical device that implements rams to open and close the valves and raise and lower the drinking receptacle. Other embodiments may be implemented that electronically open and close the valves and raise and lower the drinking receptacle. The valves may be implemented as a solenoid valve. The adjustment of the drinking receptacle may be implemented mechanically or electronically with a motor or other electric device that can adjust the drinking receptacle.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.