Pet fountain

A pet fountain having a housing of snap together construction formed of a base and cover. The base includes a basin in which an integrally formed filter-holding divider is disposed that separates the basin into a return sump and pumping chamber. The cover includes a water holding bowl, an inlet and a drain overlying the return sump that encloses a pump that provides fluid to the bowl via inlet when attached to the base. The cover includes a downwardly extending tube that fluidly registers with a discharge of the pump when attached to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the cover has upper and lower bowls connected by a spillway that conveys overflow from the upper bowl to the lower bowl where it is return via drain to the return sump. The cover can be configured to mate with the housing to enclose the entire basin, pump, and filter.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a pet fountain, and more particularly, a pet fountain having a relatively simple construction that allows for continuous recirculation and filtering of water for a pet.

BACKGROUND

Pet fountains that create flowing water for attracting pets are well known. Exemplary pet fountains generally include a spout or other water directing means for providing a continuous flow of water from a reservoir to a container such that the pet is able to drink either directly from the flowing water stream or from the container. The container typically includes a drain for recirculating water stored therein to the reservoir for filtering and delivery to the spout or other water directing means. A pump is typically provided for drawing water from the container and into the reservoir through an inlet thereof. The pump also includes a discharge for pumping water received thereby to the spout. A filter is usually provided between the container and the pump for filtering water such that the water is filtered of animal hair and other such debris before being recirculated through the pet fountain for drinking.

There have been a number of commercially successful pet fountains. However, known pet fountains suffer from a number of disadvantages. As such, an improved pet fountain is desirable. Such pet fountains generally require a large number of pieces and thus require a great deal of time and effort to assemble. Further, manufacturing of such pet fountains is generally more difficult due to the large number of pieces thereby increasing the manufacturing cost associated with producing these pet fountains. These pet fountains are also difficult to clean and maintain because of the large number of parts. Accordingly, changing the filter and/or cleaning the pet fountain takes a great deal of effort.

Thus, an improved pet fountain that overcomes the disadvantages of these known pet fountains is desirable. For instance, it is desirable to provide a pet fountain that is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble and that comprises relatively few parts. Further, it is desirable to provide a pet fountain that is easy to clean and service. In addition, it is desirable to provide a pet fountain that is relatively inexpensive yet reliable.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a pet fountain that is relatively easy to manufacture, assemble and maintain. The pet fountain has a housing, which defines an interior for holding water. The housing includes a base and a cover. The base is configured with a basin to hold water for use with the pet fountain, and the cover is configured to be releasably secured to the base to form a housing that can enclose the entire basin.

The cover includes an upper surface defining an upper bowl positioned rearwardly from a lower bowl. A spout is integrally provided within the upper bowl through a hole formed therein for continuously delivering a flow of water to the upper bowl. A sloped spillway extends between the upper bowl and the lower bowl such that when the upper bowl is filled with water above a certain level, overflowing water flows down the spillway into the lower bowl. The lower bowl includes a drain that can be an aperture formed in a sidewall of the bowl such that when the lower bowl is filled to a predetermined level, the water is drained therefrom through the aperture and into the basin.

The basin includes a return sump positioned beneath the lower bowl and in communication with the drain such that water flowing from the lower bowl through the drain is received in the return sump. A divider including a filter is provided between the return sump and a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber includes a submersible pump for drawing water from the return sump through the filter and into the pumping chamber such that the pump may discharge the filtered water through its discharge port through the spout and into the upper bowl. As such, water is continuously recirculated through the pet fountain of the present invention. The water is cleaned by the filter each time it is recirculated through the pet fountain thereby removing any debris, animal hair, or other contaminants therefrom.

In one preferred embodiment, the divider includes integrally formed divider wall segments that each has an integrally formed filter holding channel that receives one end of a filter such that the divider wall segments and filter define the divider. In another preferred embodiment, the divider is formed by a filter chamber having at least two pairs of filter holding channels that enable receipt of first-stage and second stage filters.

The cover and base are configured for releasable attachment to facilitate easy assembly, disassembly, filling and maintenance. The cover and base are configured with a plurality of spaced apart and opposed latching arrangements that are of snap-fit construction. In a preferred embodiment, each latch arrangement includes a snap carried by the cover or the base and a snap-engaging detent carried by the other one of the cover or base.

The cover and base define a housing that encloses the basin, pump and filter therein. One of the cover and base has a seat about its periphery that mate with a peripheral edge of the other one of the cover and base to enclose the basin, pump and filter. Such a seat can formed at least in part by an outwardly extending lip or skirt that extends about the outer periphery of the cover or base.

The base can also be configured with an integrally formed upraised cord conduit that receives an elastomeric cap with a cord-receiving channel and a cord inserting slot so as to provide a water tight seal therebetween while also providing cord strain relief. The base can also include an integrally formed pump seat that positions the pump so its discharge is in fluid-flow registry with an intake tube that extends downwardly from the cover when the cover is attached to the base.

A fountain constructed in accordance with the present invention advantageously has a minimum of parts, is easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe, and is easy to assemble, take apart, maintain, fill and clean. In addition, a fountain constructed in accordance with the invention has a minimum of parts that minimizes cost and assembly and which is simple, reliable and economical to operate.

Other advantages, benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description and viewing the related drawings.

Before explaining one or more embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments, which can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-10, a first embodiment of a pet fountain20according to the present invention is illustrated. Pet fountain20includes a housing22having a base24and a cover26releasably secured to one another. Cover26has a contoured outer surface28with an upper pet drinking bowl30formed therein from which overflowing water31flows down a downwardly angled spillway32into a lower pet drinking bowl34located below the upper bowl30. With reference toFIGS. 6-7and9, the base24includes an internal water-holding basin36that holds a supply of water that a pump38discharges through an inlet40in the cover26into upper bowl30. After flowing down the spillway32into the lower bowl34, water31flows through a drain42in the lower bowl34back into the basin36where it can be pumped back into the upper bowl30, producing a pet fountain20of recirculating construction.

The outer surface28of the cover26also includes a pair of elongate upraised shoulders44and45that extend along opposite sides of the spillway32to help keep water flowing along the spillway32by preventing spillage. Each shoulder44,45can have a portion that extends alongside the opposite sides of the upper bowl30and lower bowl34thereby also helping to funnel spilled water back into a respective one of the bowls30,34. Although not shown in the drawing figures, if desired, shoulders44,45can converge along the front of the lower bowl34to help return water spilled from lower bowl34back into the bowl34.

Upper bowl30is positioned rearward with respect to lower bowl34and at a level that is at least somewhat higher than the lower bowl34such that gravity causes water31in the upper bowl30to freely flow downwardly into the lower bowl34when the water level reaches the desired height in the upper bowl30. Upper bowl30and lower bowl34are configured to retain water31therein for drinking by a pet, such as a cat or dog. The inlet40includes an upwardly extending discharge spout46that receives water from the pump38and discharges it as a free flowing stream37of water into upper bowl30helping to entice a pet to drink from fountain20. Spout46is received in a hole48formed in the cover26that preferably is located in part of the upper bowl30opposite the spillway32. In a preferred embodiment, the spout46received in the hole48in a manner that fixes it to the cover26.

Spout46is disposed in an upraised and generally downwardly canted surface50of upper bowl30such that the stream37of water discharged therefrom can be generally arched to land in upper bowl30helping to attract attention of a pet while also reducing splashing. The upper bowl30is of concave construction defined by a sidewall52that is bounded by a top peripheral edge54. The bowl sidewall52includes canted upper sidewall surface50that is generally located opposite the spillway32and borders a portion of the top edge54of the bowl30that is higher than that which borders the spillway32.

As such, the upper bowl30can be tilted relative to a generally horizontal plane downwardly toward the spillway32so water filling the bowl30flows out and down the spillway32without overflowing any other portion of the bowl30. To put it another way, the top peripheral edge54of the upper bowl30can be generally disposed along a plane that is angled downwardly at an acute angle relative to horizontal toward the spillway32. The lower bowl34need not be so inclined or angled such that it can be oriented with its top peripheral edge56disposed along a generally horizontal plane.

In the preferred fountain embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10, the top edge54of the upper bowl30provides an upraised rim54extending substantially about the entire periphery of the bowl30. As is best shown inFIGS. 1-4, upper bowl30can be configured to include an integrally formed interruption57in the basin rim54that is in fluid flow cooperation with the spillway32that sets the water level in the upper bowl30while helping to ensure water flowing out of the bowl30efficiently flows onto the spillway32. Where configured with such an interruption57, it can include a flat portion59that extends rearwardly into the upper bowl34.

The top edge56of the lower bowl34can be flush or substantially flush, e.g., of rimless construction, with an immediately adjacent surrounding portion of the outer surface28of the cover26. As previously mentioned, lower bowl34further includes a drain42integrally formed into a lower bowl sidewall58that allows water in the bowl34to drop into the basin36integrally formed in the base24. As is best shown inFIG. 2, the drain42preferably is an integrally formed oblong aperture62that extends completely through the lower bowl sidewall58that is defined by a top drain edge64that extends along a portion of the top edge56of the lower bowl34and a bottom drain edge66spaced below the top drain edge64. The bottom drain edge66is generally horizontal or circumferentially extending within the lower bowl sidewall with it being spaced from generally circumferentially extending top edge64a sufficient distance so as to enable debris that has accumulated in the lower bowl34to be flushed through the drain42into return sump98where it can be filtered by filter106. The height of the drain42from the bottom of the bowl34defines a maximum water level of the bowl34. In a preferred embodiment, the drain42is disposed in the sidewall58adjacent to but below the bowl top edge56. The size or surface area of the drain42is selected to enable the drain42to allow a flow rate of water to be drained from the lower bowl34that is at least as great as the maximum flow rate of water entering the upper bowl30.

Referring now to FIGS.3and5-7, the base24and cover26are configured with at least one releasable latch arrangement68that provides a snap-together housing and fountain construction that is quick and easy for a user to assemble, disassemble, fill, drain, and clean. The base24includes a pair of integrally formed upwardly extending tabs70for cooperating with a pair of detents72(FIG. 7) integrally formed in cover26to releasably secure base24and cover26to one another. However, if desired, the cover26can be configured with the tabs70and the base24can be configured with the detents72. Tabs70and detents72are preferably provided on opposite lateral sides of base24and cover26respectively. As is best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, each tab70is a resilient cantilever snap74with an outturned hook76at its free end and each detent72includes a projection78that releasably engages the snap hook76preventing cover removal. Base24includes an integrally formed recess73and cover26includes an outwardly extending integrally formed finger hold75that enables a finger of a user to engage the finger hold75to pull the projection78of at least one of the detents72free of its corresponding snap hook76to release at least one of the latch arrangements68thereby enabling the cover26to be removed from the base24.

Referring toFIG. 8, mating surfaces of the base24and cover26are configured to provide a locational clearance fit between the base24and cover26when they are assembled to one another. These mating surfaces preferably extend substantially around the entire periphery of the base24and cover26. These mating surfaces include an outwardly offset skirt or lip82that extends outwardly from an outer sidewall80of the cover26having a downwardly facing bottom edge that defines a downwardly facing seat84. These mating surfaces also include a top edge86of an upwardly extending sidewall88of the base24upon which the seat84can abut when the cover26is assembled to the base24. When assembled, abutment between the seat84of the cover26and the base sidewall top edge86locates the cover26on the base24preventing relative vertical movement therebetween. When assembled, cooperation between the lip82and base sidewall88prevents relative lateral movement between the cover26and base24thereby further locating the cover26relative to the base24.

As is also shown inFIG. 7, the base24can also have an outwardly extending flange81below its sidewall top edge86that can also help locate the cover26relative to the base24when the cover26is assembled to the base24. If desired, the lip82can have an inner complementary recess83formed therein in which at least part of flange81can be received.

When the cover26is placed on the base24, the tab70of each latch arrangement68releasably engages a corresponding detent72thereby releasably but positively attaching the cover26to the base24. As the cover26is being placed on the base24, the outwardly offset lip82locates the cover26relative to the base24positioning the seat84on top of the top edge86of the base sidewall88aligning the cover26on the base24. When the cover26is attached to the base24, the cover26completely covers the basin36preventing debris and other matter from entering the basin36. The pump38and filter106are also advantageously enclosed within the housing22such that the the pump38and filter106are protected by the housing22.

Referring now toFIGS. 6,7and9, tubular spout46is shown inserted into hole48formed in the outer surface28of the cover26that cooperates with a coupling tube90integrally formed in an underside92of the cover26extending outwardly therefrom. Spout46has a curved discharge opening96that directs the stream37of water discharged therefrom into upper bowl30. Spout46includes an outwardly extending key97that is received in a complementary slot99in hole48to orient the discharge opening96toward the spillway32.

Spout46preferably is an elongate curved tube having an inner diameter at its intake end that is smaller than the inner diameter of its discharge opening96. Outer diameter is similarly tapered from being larger at the discharge opening96than the intake end opposite the discharge opening. Such an arrangement not only facilitates assembly but flow through the spout46during operation using a relatively high flow rate pump38, such as a submersible aquarium pump or the like. Spout46is also replaceable enabling a worn spout or dirty spout to be removed and replaced.

Coupling tube90is used to fluidly couple the spout46with the pump38in a manner that also advantageously helps locate and anchor the pump38during use and assembly when the cover26is attached to the base24. A pump locator tube94extends outwardly from the coupling tube90. The pump locator tube94telescopically couples with a discharge port120of the pump38. An end95of the pump locator tube94is outwardly beveled so as to facilitate guidance of the discharge port120of the pump38during attachment of the cover26to the base24.

In one preferred embodiment, the discharge spout46is fixed in hole48and the pump locator tube94is fixed in coupling tube90. If desired, the discharge spout46and coupling tube90can be formed as a unit, such as being of one-piece, unitary and homogenous construction. If desired, coupling tube90can be extended in length so as to directly couple with the pump discharge port120eliminating the need for pump locator tube94.

The base24is configured to hold a supply of water in its basin34for use in pet fountain20according to the present invention. The basin34includes a return sump98and a pumping chamber100separated from one another by an integrally formed divider102that includes an integrally formed filter holding arrangement104that holds at least one removable filter106. When the cover26is mounted on the base24, return sump98is positioned beneath drain42for receiving water from the lower basin34flowing out the drain42. The front portion of the sidewall88of the base24has a curved chute108against which water flowing down from the drain42impinges, advantageously propelling the water toward the pumping chamber100. Chute108is integrally formed of base sidewall88.

Divider102includes a pair of laterally extending opposed divider walls110,112that each extends inwardly from a corresponding side of base sidewall88. Each divider wall110,112has a vertically extending filter-holding channel114integrally formed in its free end. Filter106includes an outer frame116that holds filter media118that can be or include a layer or the like of charcoal filter media, e.g. activated charcoal filter media. Filter106is of generally planar construction with it being slidably inserted into the filter-holding channels114of both divider walls110,112such that it is removably received therein enabling quick and easy replacement.

The pump38is received in pumping chamber100. Pump38includes an intake119(FIG. 9) in its side or bottom and a discharge port120that extends outwardly from its top. The intake119of the pump38is configured to draw water from within the pumping chamber100that has passed from the return sump98through filter106such that the water in pumping chamber100is filtered prior to being pumped into the upper bowl30. Where the filter106is equipped with a purifying filter media, such as activated charcoal or the like, the water is both filtered and at least somewhat purified as it passes through the filter106.

Discharge port120is configured for pumping the water in pumping chamber100into tube94which conveys it to spout56from which it is discharged into the upper bowl30. Pump38is preferably a variable flow pump that has a movable lever121or other such mechanism for enabling manual adjustment of its flow rate. In a preferred embodiment, pump38is a submersible pump, such as a submersible aquarium pump or the like. An example of a suitable type of pump38is a magnetic impeller pump that preferably is of submersible construction. Pump38is located relative to an inlet95of tube94by an upraised pump seat124that is integrally formed in a bottom wall126of the base24to ensure registry when the cover26is attached to the base24.

The pump seat124is formed by four upraised generally L-shaped cradles128, only two of which are shown inFIG. 5, arranged to receive a generally rectangular or square end of the pump38in a manner that locates its discharge port120is generally coaxially with tube inlet95. The pump locator cradles128bracket all four corners of the pump38in a manner that locates the pump38while also preventing the pump38from moving away from its desired location when seated in the cradles128.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 9, when the cover26is attached to the base24, the discharge port120of the seated pump38is telescopically received in the inlet95of the locator tube94. Since the locator tube94is rigidly attached to the cover26via coupling tube90, attachment of the cover26to the base24helps secure (along with cradles128of seat126) the seated pump38in its desired location within the pumping chamber100.

In a method of assembly, the pump38is seated in the pump seat124with its bottom corners bracketed by the upraised cradles128of the seat124. The pump38can have one or more suction cups123or the like on its bottom that facilitate at least temporary attachment to the bottom126of the base24. If desired, the cradles128can be configured to engage part of the pump38during seating of the pump38in helping to keep the pump38in place at least temporarily until the cover26is attached to the base24. Attachment of the cover26onto the base24also locates the inlet95of locator tube94so it telescopically receives the pump discharge port120, in effect capturing the pump38in its desired location between the cover26and base24. As a result, when the cover26is attached to the base24, the pump38is securely captured and retained in place in its desired location, namely seat124.

Referring again toFIGS. 5-10, pump38includes a power cord130that has a conventional electrical plug131(FIG. 5) for insertion into a standard electrical power outlet (not shown), e.g., wall outlet, that provides electrical power having a voltage of at least 110 volts AC (e.g., between 110 volts AC and 240 volts AC). Power cord130is preferably sealed to prevent shorting, electric shock, and damage due to water coming into contact therewith. Power cord130is attached to the pump38in a manner that also prevents shorts and electrical shocks when immersed in water in the pumping chamber100. Power cord130extends from pump38through a cord conduit134extending vertically from a bottom or floor126of base24that preferably is integrally formed thereof. Conduit134is of tubular construction, has a generally rectangular cross section, and is of a height sufficient to extend above a maximum water level in the pumping chamber100.

Conduit134is sealed such that water is incapable of leaking therethrough by a sealing cap136that seals the conduit134while securing cord130. With reference toFIG. 10, sealing cap136is of flexible and resilient construction and in a preferred embodiment is of elastomeric construction. In a preferred embodiment, cap136is a rubber or plastic seal configured to maintain a water-tight seal with respect to an upper opening138of conduit134that is disposed within the pumping chamber100. The cap136has a top137, a sidewall139depending from the top137, and, as shown inFIG. 5, a bottom141. Cap136includes a pair of flexible arms140,142formed of part of the sidewall139that define a cord insertion slot144that communicates with a cord retainer channel145that enables part of cord130to pass through cap136. The slot144and channel145extend through the top137of the cap136to a distal end143of the sidewall139. As is shown inFIG. 5, the cord130is received in the channel145which extends to the bottom141of the cap136. Slot144is about the width of the cord130at its narrowest extent and channel145is about the width of the cord130at its widest extent. Slot144can have a width that provides a force fit between the cap136and cord130when its narrowest extent is first inserted into slot144when attaching the cord130to the cap136. Thereafter, channel145can have a width that also provides a force fit between cap130and cord130when it is rotated so its widest extent is inserted into the channel145after the cord130is manipulated through slot144during cord attachment.

When the sealing cap136is inserted into conduit opening138, a force fit provided between the cap136and conduit134pinches the part of the cord130in channel145while also urging the arms140,142together in a manner that provides a water tight seal. An outwardly extending flange147about its top periphery abuts a top edge149of the conduit134further facilitating a water tight seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing cap136is configured to provide a force fit with the conduit134when inserted into the conduit opening138, causing the cap136to compress in the region of the cord channel145causing the cap136to seal about the part of the cord130received in the channel145. Insertion also causes arms140,142to be urged together which further facilitates substantially water-tight clamping of the cord130. Finally, depending on the configuration of the arms140,142and their initial pre-insertion spacing from each other, insertion of the cap136into the conduit134can cause the arms140,142to be urged sufficiently tightly together essentially closing slot144and providing a substantially water-tight seal therebetween.

The force fit between the cap136and conduit134also anchors the cap136in the conduit134in a manner that advantageously provides a cord strain relief to the clamped cord130. Providing such a strain relief advantageously keeps the tension on that portion of the cord130that lies outside the fountain20from being transmitted to the part of the cord130within the fountain housing22.

With continued reference toFIG. 5, the underside146of the bottom126of base24is shown. The bottom141of the seal cap136is shown received in cord conduit134with cord130received in an elongate cord channel151integrally formed in the bottom surface146of base bottom126. The bottom surface146also includes a number of feet148around a perimeter thereof for preventing fountain20from sliding along the ground or other surface upon which the fountain20is placed. That is, feet148provide a frictional interface between the ground or other surface and base24such that pet fountain20is incapable of sliding along the surface preventing spilling of water. Feet148are preferably constructed from rubber, plastic or similar such material.

FIGS. 11-13illustrate another currently preferred embodiment of a pet fountain20′ that is of essentially the same construction as fountain20shown inFIGS. 1-10with the exception of the differences discussed below. In the preferred fountain embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10, the upper bowl30′ is configured without any interruption in its top edge56such that spillway32′ extends continuously between upper bowl30′ and lower bowl34′. Where spillway32′ and top edge56′ converge can be generally straight as depicted inFIG. 11. Spillway32′ is smooth and convexly curved along its transverse direction as generally shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. Spillway32′ is also smooth in its longitudinal or lengthwise direction.

The upper bowl30′ is oriented and configured so that the end of the bowl30′ that borders spillway32′ is lowest so that water overflowing the bowl30′ freely flows from the bowl30′ onto the spillway32′. As with the fountain embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10, water flows down the spillway32′ into the lower bowl34. In the preferred fountain embodiment shown inFIGS. 11-13, the upper bowl30′ is integrally formed in the cover26′ in a manner that lacks any break in the basin top edge54′.

FIG. 13illustrates a preferred embodiment of a base30′ that is similar to base30shown inFIGS. 1-10but which has a divider102′ configured with an integrally formed filter chamber150that holds a plurality of filters106aand106b.Each divider wall section110′ terminates in a generally perpendicularly extending filter chamber wall152,154that each has a pair of filter-receiving channels112,114integrally formed at their respective ends. First filter106acan be a pre-filter or first stage filter with filter media that lacks any purifying capability. Second filter106bis a second-stage filter that can provide purifying capability such as by including activated charcoal or the like.

The upstream filter106aprovides a pre-filter or first stage of filtration of water being drawn from the return sump98toward the pumping chamber100. The downstream filter106bprovides a second stage of filtration that filters the water before it is drawn into the pumping chamber100and expelled by the pump38into the upper bowl30′. In one implementation, the first stage filter106ahas a filter media that lacks any purifying filter media and the second stage filter106bincludes a purifying filter media, such as activated charcoal or the like. If desired, the first stage filter106acan include purifying filter media.

In assembly, pump38is placed in seat124with its discharge port120facing upwardly toward the center of the base24and with its cord130extending through cord conduit134. Part of cord130is manipulated through slot144in cap136until it is disposed in channel145. Cap136is then inserted into the opening of conduit134until its outwardly extending flange147abuts the top edge149of the conduit134. Filter106is inserted into filter holding channels114forming divider102with divider wall segments110. Where two filters106aand106bare used, both filters106aand106bare inserted into their respective filter holder channels112,114of filter chamber150.

Thereafter, cover26is manipulated over base24until its seat84overlies top edge86of the base sidewall88. Cover26is brought toward base24until releasable latch arrangements68releasably engage the cover26to the base24. As the cover26is being attached to the base24, locator tube94coaxially registers with the pump discharge port120ensuring proper fluid flow to the upper bowl30while also helping to capture the pump38in place in its seat124. Cover26can have discharge spout46inserted into hole48in upper bowl30before or after attachment of cover26to base24. Tube94is inserted into tube90before the cover26is attached to base24.

In operation, pet fountain20continually recirculates water31for drinking by a pet, such as a cat or dog. In preparation for operation of pet fountain20, a user removes cover26from base24and fills basin36with water to a height below that of the top of the conduit134. Once filled with water, the cover26is snapped onto the base24and the pet fountain20is positioned at ground level or other such location for easy access by the pet. Pet fountain20is then powered by inserting the prongs of the plug131located distal end of power cord130into a wall outlet (not shown). Once electrical power is supplied to pump38, water in the pumping chamber100is drawn in through the pump intake119and expelled out its discharge port120. As previously discussed, discharge port120is positioned in fluid-flow communication with discharge spout46when the cover26is attached to the base24such that water from the pump38is expelled out the spout46into the upper bowl30or30′. The sight and/or sound of the flow of water being expelled from spout24into upper bowl30or30′ entice the pet to drink from pet fountain20.

As water flows into upper bowl30or30′, it fills up the bowl30or30′ until it overflows onto spillway32or32′. Water flows down spillway32or32′ into the lower bowl34or34′.

Water flowing into the lower bowl34or34′ fills the lower basin34or34′ until it reaches the bottom edge66of the drain42. Once the water level of lower bowl34or34′ reaches the height of drain42, the water and any debris, hair or the like in the lower bowl flows through drain42and falls downwardly into the return sump98in the base24. Gravity causes water flowing through the drain42to fall onto curved chute108where it is propelled by its force of impact, the shape of chute108, and gravity toward the filter106and the pumping chamber100. As the pump38operates, it pulls the water in the return sump98through the filter106(or filters106aand106b) into the pumping chamber100. After passing through the filter106(or filters106aand106b) and entering the pumping chamber100the water is once again drawn into the intake119of the pump38and discharged out spout46into upper bowl30or30′ continuously recirculating the water in a manner that keeps the water fresh and debris free.

As a result of the pump38pulling water through the filter106(or filters106aand106b) pumping losses are reduce and filtering life and efficiency is increased. Pumping losses are decreased because the pump38does not have to push water through the filter. Pump life is increased and flow rate maximized as plugging of the pump38is minimized and preferably prevented because only filtered water enters the pump.

As water passes through the filter106or filters106aand106b,pet hair, particulate matter, and other debris are filtered. Where a filter includes a purifying media, such as activated charcoal, water is also purified to at least some degree as it passes through the filter. Where it is desired to change the rate water recirculates, the cover26can be removed and the user can change the pump flow rate by adjusting or otherwise moving flow control lever121of the pump38.

When it is desired to change the filter106or filters106a,106b,the cover26is unsnapped from the base24exposing the filter(s). The spent filter is grasped and removed from the filter channels112,114of the divider wall110or of pumping chamber150and a new filter is inserted in its place. The pump38can be checked to make sure it is seated before the cover26is snapped onto the base24. As previously discussed, when the cover26is snapped onto the base24, locator tube94coaxially registers with the pump discharge port120thereby helping to locate the pump38and helping to capture the pump38in its seat124. This procedure can also be used when it is desired to fill or refill the basin36with water. As a result, disassembly to perform maintenance and/or filling, the performance of the maintenance and/or filling, as well as assembly following maintenance and/or filling is advantageously quick and easy, even for a novice.

If desired, a reservoir (not shown), such as a reservoir of releasable or removable construction, may be provided for use with pet fountain20. Such a reservoir may be provided to allow a user to add water without interrupting operation of pet fountain20. Such a reservoir may be configured to be easily removed by the user and filled with water before reattaching to pet fountain20. Such a reservoir can be a container, such as a bottle, or another arrangement for providing or holding water. Once attached to pet fountain20, water is allowed to drain from the reservoir into basin36or one of the bowls30,34to provide pet fountain20with additional water to compensate for water drank by the pet or evaporated during operation of pet fountain20.

Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention. It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions, as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.