Abstract:
A device and method for delivering water to a person who is unable to reach household or other types of water dispensing faucets. In some embodiments, the device comprises a trough for delivering the liquid and an attachment member for attaching the trough to a faucet.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This Application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of earlier filed U.S. Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 13/225,259, filed Sep. 9, 2011, by Susanna Lee, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/381,382, filed Sep. 9, 2010, by Susanna Lee, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The current disclosure relates to faucet attachments generally and specifically to faucet attachments used to enable people to effectively gain access to water that would otherwise be beyond their arm reach. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    When children are young it is common for parents to assist their children in reaching water faucets. Like adults, children need to wash their hands, gain access to drinking water, or access tap water for countless other reasons. Unlike adults, children have a shorter arm reach which can interfere with the usage of faucets that are generally designed for adult use. 
         [0006]    Some methods to solve this problem that have been used include direct parental assistance and the use of foot stools. There are distinct disadvantages to these methods. Adults sometimes are unable or unavailable to assist children, and foot stools require large amounts of floor space. 
         [0007]    The problem is not limited to young children. People with disabilities, the elderly, people with dwarfism, people with arthritis or back pain, or other adults may find it difficult to reach the normal water-flow of a faucet. Users may also desire to alter the water-flow from a faucet to more easily water plants, fill a pet&#39;s water dish, or for many other reasons. 
         [0008]    The solution to this problem is a device that can attach to a faucet and physically bring the water-flow from a faucet closer to the user rather than the user having to come closer to the water-flow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view a faucet attachment device, showing the underside of a trough member and a cross section of an attachment member. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device without a faucet. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts the back side of an embodiment of an attachment member. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a trough member where one portion of the trough member is made from more flexible material than the rest of the trough member. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  depicts an alternate embodiment of a faucet attachment device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an extendable trough member 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a trough member with protrusions. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of an attachment member. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  depicts a top-down view of an embodiment of an attachment member. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device that is secured to a faucet. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  depicts an alternate embodiment of a faucet attachment device that is secured to a faucet in an alternate way. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device with decorative features. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device with a removable faceplate. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device with a temperature sensor, a temperature display, and a power source. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  depicts a circuit with a temperature sensor, a temperature display, and a power source. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device  100 . The faucet attachment device  100  can comprise a trough member  102  coupled with an attachment member  104 . The trough member  102  can comprise a channel  110  and channel walls  116   118  running along the longitudinal edges of the channel  110 . The channel  110  can be partially open. The channel  110  can comprise an entrance  112  at one end, and an exit  114  at the opposing end. The entrance  112  can be narrowly formed or broadly formed depending on the desired application. The exit  114  can also be narrowly formed or broadly formed depending on the desired application. Some embodiments can comprise a tapered channel  110 . The tapering of the channel  110  can occur in either direction from the entrance  112  to the exit  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments the channel  110  can be tapered from a broadly formed entrance  112  toward a narrowly formed exit  114 . The channel  110  and the trough  102  can be any desired length. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the channel walls  116   118  can be extensions of the channel  110  along the edges of the channel  100 , and can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the channel walls  116   118  can be curved extensions of the channel  110 , such that a transverse cross section of the channel  110  and the channel walls  116   118  can be substantially a “U” shape. In alternate embodiments, the channel walls  116   118  can be separate components that can be coupled with the channel with glue, adhesives, tape, cement, screws, bolts, rivets, anchors, clips, brads, staples, or any other known or desired affixing mechanism. The channel walls can be straight, curved, wavy, thick, thin, flat, short, tall, or have any other desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the trough member  102  can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. 
         [0027]    The attachment member  104  can comprise an attachment opening  106 . The attachment opening  106  can be configured to engage a faucet  108 . In some embodiments, the attachment opening  106  can be substantially the size of a transverse cross-section of a faucet arm. In alternate embodiments, the attachment opening  106  can be circular, semi-circular, square, oval, wider horizontally than vertically, or have any other size or shape. In some embodiments, the attachment member  104  can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. In some embodiments the attachment member  104  can be primarily comprised of one material. In alternate embodiments, the attachment member  104  can be comprised of a different, more flexible, material in the area surrounding the attachment opening  106 . In some embodiments, the entire attachment member  104  can be made of a flexible material, such that a user can apply pressure to the sides of the attachment member  104  and can thereby widen the attachment opening  106  such that a faucet  108  can pass through the attachment opening  106 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  depicts the underside of the trough member  102  and a cross section of the attachment member  104 . In some embodiments, the attachment member  104  can comprise a slit  120 . The slit  120  can be formed in the shape of a transverse cross section of the trough member  102 , such that the entrance  112  of the trough member  102  can slide into the slit  120  in the attachment member  104 . The trough member  102  can comprise bumps or ridges  122  extending from the top or bottom sides of the entrance  112 . The slit  120  can comprise depressions  124  along the inside of the slit  120 . In operation, the entrance  112  of the trough member  102  can be inserted into the slit  120 . The depressions  124  inside the slit  120  can engage the bumps or ridges  122  of the trough member  102 . The interaction of the bumps or ridges  122  and the depressions  124  can create friction between the trough member  102  and the attachment member  104  and can keep the two members coupled. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member  104  can be permanently coupled with the trough member  102  via glue, adhesives, tape, cement, screws, bolts, rivets, anchors, clips, brads, staples, or any other known or desired affixing mechanism. In some embodiments, the attachment member  104  can be removably coupled with the trough member  102  by snaps, loops, hooks, clips, interlocking parts, pins, bands, screws, brads, buttons, or any other known or desired affixing mechanism. In still other embodiments, the attachment member  104  can be part of the same unitary body as the trough member  102 , such that they are not separate components. 
         [0029]    In operation, the embodiment of the faucet attachment device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  can engage a faucet  108  by passing the faucet  108  through the attachment opening  106  of the attachment member  104 , such that the faucet  108  can be frictionally coupled with the attachment member  104 . The attachment member  104  can be adjusted to engage the faucet  108  in such a position that the trough member  102  can be positioned below the faucet  108 . When the faucet  108  is operated, water flowing from the faucet  108  can strike the trough member  102  at the entrance  112 . The water can be diverted from its natural course to instead flow along the channel  110 . The channel walls  116   118  can prevent the water from spilling over the edges of the channel  110 . The water can leave the channel  110  at the exit  114  and flow along a course more easily accessible to a user. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  depicts the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  without a faucet. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the attachment member  104  can comprise an extension piece  126  that extends into the attachment opening  106 . The extension piece  126  can have a variety of sizes and shapes, and can extend into the attachment opening  126  from any desired direction or angle. The extension piece  126  can be used to provide additional support to the attachment member  104 , to provide a tighter fit when the attachment opening  106  engages a faucet, to prevent water from spilling backwards along the channel  110  or behind the device, or for any other known or desired reason. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  depicts the back side of an embodiment of the attachment member  104 . In some embodiments, the attachment member  104  can comprise at least one structural support  128  coupled with the attachment member  104 . The at least one structural support  128  can be housed within the attachment member  104 , or coupled with any portion of the exterior of the attachment member  104 . The at least one structural support  128  can be an extension, ridge, bar, pole, bump, or any other known support component. In some embodiments, the at least one structural support  128  can be made of the same material that the attachment member  104  comprises. In alternate embodiments, the at least one structural support  128  can be made of a harder or more rigid version of the same material that the attachment member  104  comprises. In still other embodiments, the at least one structural support  128  can be made of a different material or combination of materials than the attachment member  104  comprises, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. In some embodiments, the at least one structural support  128  can be an extension of the attachment member  104  such that the structural support  128  and the attachment member  104  are one unitary body. By way of a non-limiting example, the at least one structural support  128  can be molded into the back side of the attachment member  104 . In alternate embodiments, the at least one structural support  128  can be a separate component coupled with the attachment member  104  through adhesives, screws, snaps, interlocking parts, fitting the edges of the structural support  128  into holes or grooves within the attachment member  104 , or any other known or desired affixing mechanism. In some embodiments, at least one structural support  128  can be coupled at an angle with at least one other structural support  128 , at any point along any of the structural supports  128 . By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , one structural support  128  is coupled with the attachment member  104  in a horizontal position below the attachment opening  106  and the extension piece  126 , and two other structural supports  128  extend vertically downward from the horizontal support  128  to the bottom of the attachment member  104 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a trough member  502  in which one portion of the trough member  502  can be made from more flexible material than the rest of the trough member  502 . The trough member  502  can be substantially similar to the trough member  102  shown in  FIG. 1 , and can comprise a channel  510 , an entrance  512 , an exit  514 , and channel walls  516   518 . The trough member  502  can have a variety of shapes and sizes. The trough member  502  can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. In some embodiments, the trough member  502  can be made of different materials with different flexibilities, such that some parts of the trough member  502  can have different flexibilities than other parts of the trough member  502 . By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 5 , the exit  514  can be made of a more flexible material than the rest of the trough member  502 , such that the exit  514  can droop when liquid flows over it. In some embodiments, the channel  510  can be substantially linear from the entrance  512  to the exit  514 . In alternate embodiments, the channel can droop, rise, swing left, swing right, have waves, have curves, have ridges, or have any other functional form known, convenient, or desired. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  depicts an alternate embodiment of a faucet attachment device  600 . The faucet attachment device  600  can comprise a trough member  602  coupled with an attachment member  604 . The attachment member can comprise an attachment opening  606 . The attachment member  604  can be one unitary component, or it can be coupled with a removable piece  630 . In some embodiments, the removable piece  630  can be removably coupled with the attachment member  604  via snaps, loops, hooks, clips, interlocking parts, pins, bands, screws, brads, buttons, or any other known or desired attachment mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the removable piece  630  can be coupled with the attachment member  604  by a hinge  632  located at a connection point  634  or any other desired location. In some embodiments, the removable piece  630  can extend across a gap within the attachment member  604  such that the removable piece  630  can form a part of the edge of an attachment opening  606  when the removable piece  630  is coupled with the attachment member  604 . 
         [0034]    In operation, the removable piece  630  can be removed from the attachment member  604 . In alternate embodiments, the removable piece can be rotated away from the attachment member  604  via a hinge  632  at connection point  532 . The attachment member  604  can be positioned underneath a faucet arm, such that the trough member  602  is below the faucet. The removable piece  630  can be placed on top of the faucet arm and coupled with the attachment member  604  at connection point  634  via snaps, loops, hooks, clips, interlocking parts, pins, bands, screws, brads, buttons, or any other known or desired attachment mechanism. 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a trough member  702  that can be comprised of at least two trough pieces  736 . In some embodiments, the at least two trough pieces  736  can interact with one another to extend the trough member  702  to a desired length. In alternate embodiments, the at least two trough pieces  736  can interact with one another to retract the trough member  702  to a desired length. In some embodiments, the at least two trough pieces  736  can interact with each other to extend or retract the trough member  702  to a preset intermediate length between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, or to any desired intermediate length between a fully extended position and a fully refracted position. The at least two trough pieces  736  can comprise grooves  738  and groove inserts  740 . The groove inserts  740  of one trough piece  736  can slide inside the grooves  738  of an adjacent trough piece  736 . In some embodiments, the trough pieces  736  can comprise hollow cavities  742 , such that one trough piece  736  can slide along the grooves  738  and retract into, or extend from, the hollow cavity  742  of an adjacent trough piece  736 . In alternate embodiments, the at least two trough pieces  736  can interact by having trough pieces of different sizes engaged inside one another in a telescoping configuration, by interlocked sliding arms, or by any other known or desired extension or retraction method. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a trough member  802 . The trough member  802  can be substantially similar to the trough member  102  shown in  FIG. 1 , and can comprise a channel  810 , an entrance  812 , an exit  814 , and channel walls  816   818 . The trough member  802  can also comprise one or more protrusions  844 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , one or more protrusions  844  can be located on the outwardly facing sides of the channel walls  816   818 . In alternate embodiments, one or more protrusions  844  may be located on the inwardly facing sides of the channel walls  816   818 , at the tops of the channel walls  816   818 , near the entrance  812 , or at any other location desired on the trough member  802 . The protrusions  844  can take a variety of forms, and can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the protrusions  844  can be a button, resemble body parts such as ears, or take any other size or shape. The protrusions  844  can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. In some embodiments, the protrusions  844  can be more or less flexible than the rest of the overall structure. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of an attachment member  904 . The attachment member  904  can comprise at least one end portion  946 , at least one open area  948 , and at least one faucet interaction region  950 . The open areas  948  can be apertures located within the end portions  946 . In some embodiments, one end portion  946  can be connected to another end portion  946  by at least one faucet interaction region  950 . In some embodiments, the end portions  946  can be removable from the faucet interaction regions  950 . The at least one faucet interaction region  950  can be one or more straps, bands, or any other mechanism capable of interacting with a faucet. The end portions  946  and the faucet interaction regions  950  can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. The end portions  946  can be made of a different material than the faucet interaction regions  950 . In some embodiments, the at least one faucet interaction region  950  can be made of a more flexible or stretchable material than the material used for the end portions  946 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , two end portions  946  are connected by two faucet interaction regions  950 . The open areas  948  can be configured to engage protrusions similar to the protrusions  844  shown in  FIG. 8 , thereby coupling the attachment member  904  to a trough member similar to the trough member  802  shown in  FIG. 8 . The open areas  948  can have a variety of sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the open areas  948  can be circular, rectangular, triangular, semi-circular, or have any other known or desired shape. In some embodiments, an open area  948  can be substantially the same size as a cross section of a protrusion  844  such that the open area  948  can engage the protrusion  844  snugly. In alternate embodiments, an open area  948  can be larger than the cross section of a protrusion  844 , such that the open area  948  can be easily engaged around or removed from the protrusion  844 . In some embodiments that have a plurality of open areas  948 , the open areas  948  can be the same size and shape, or have different sizes or shapes as desired. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  depicts a top-down view of an embodiment of an attachment member  1004 . The attachment member  1004  can comprise two end portions  1046 , an open area  1048  located within each end portion  1046 , and at least one faucet interaction region  1050 . The faucet interaction regions  1050  can be one or more straps, bands, or any other mechanism capable of interacting with a faucet. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , there can be more than one faucet interaction region  1050  located behind each other so that only one is visible from the top-down viewpoint shown. The end portions  1046  can be coupled with the at least one faucet interaction region  1050  at one or more joints  1052  located at each end of each faucet attachment region  1050 . The joints  1052  can comprise a hinge, a ball and socket configuration, rotatably interlocking pieces, or any other mechanism that allows the end portions  1046  to rotate independently of the at least one faucet interaction region  1050  while remaining connected, such that the attachment member  1004  can have a tri-axial configuration. In operation, each end portion  1046  can be rotated to an angle suitable for the open area  1048  on the end portion  1046  to engage a protrusion such as protrusion  844  shown in  FIG. 8 . The at least one faucet interaction region  1050  can be rotated to an angle suitable for it to secure around a faucet. All three components can be oriented at different angles as needed. In some embodiments, the joint  1052  can lock the three components into position after they are rotated to the desired angles. The joint  1052  can lock the components into position by having a hinge with a pin, a clip, interlocking pieces that snap into place at certain angles, or any other known or desired mechanism for locking a joint. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device  1100  that is secured to a faucet  1108 . The faucet attachment device  1100  can comprise a trough member  1102  with at least one protrusion  1144 , and an attachment member  1104  with at least one faucet interaction region  1150 . In some embodiments, the faucet attachment device  1100  can be secured to the faucet  1108  by wrapping the at least one faucet interaction region  1150  above the faucet  1108  and connecting the attachment member  1104  to the at least one protrusion  1144  such that the trough member  1102  hangs below the faucet  1108 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 12  depicts an alternate embodiment of a faucet attachment device  1200  that is secured to a faucet  1208  in a different way. The faucet attachment device  1200  can comprise a trough member  1202  with at least one protrusion  1244 , and an attachment member  1204  with at least two faucet interaction regions  1250 . In some embodiments, the faucet attachment device  1200  can be secured to the faucet  1208  by wrapping one of the faucet interaction regions  1250  above the faucet  1208 , wrapping another one of the faucet interaction regions  1250  below the faucet  1208 , and connecting the attachment member  1204  to the at least one protrusion  1244  such that the trough member  1202  hangs below the faucet  1208 . In alternate embodiments, the at least one faucet interaction regions  1140  can be looped around the faucet  1208 , spun to create a helix form that the faucet  1208  can pass through, or manipulated in any other fashion desirable to secure the overall faucet attachment device  1200  to a faucet  1208 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device  1300  having decorative features. The faucet attachment device  1300  can comprise a trough member  1302 , an attachment member  1304 , and an attachment opening  1306 . In some embodiments, the decorative features can be permanently formed parts of the faucet attachment device  1300 . In alternate embodiments, the decorative features can be removed from the faucet attachment device  1300  and interchanged with other decorative features as desired. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the decorative features include eyes  1354  and feathers  1356  located on the attachment member  1304 . In some embodiments, the attachment opening  1306  can be formed into the shape of a mouth, nose, or any other desirable feature. Some embodiments can include decorative features intended to make the faucet attachment device resemble an animal, such as a duck, cow, chicken, pig, or any other animal. Other embodiments can include decorative features intended make the faucet attachment device resemble cartoon characters, vehicles, plants, or any other desired design. In some embodiments, decorative features can include any other body part or facial characteristic, such as ears, noses, hair or any other desired characteristic. Decorative features are not limited to representations of facial features or body parts, and can include various color schemes, patterns, or any other desired design. 
         [0043]      FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device  1400  that can comprise a removable faceplate  1458 . The faucet attachment device  1400  can be substantially the same as the faucet attachment device  1300  shown in  FIG. 13 , and can comprise a trough member  1402 , an attachment member  1404 , and an attachment opening  1406 . The removable faceplate  1458  can be decorated with a design. Various embodiments of the removable faceplates  1458  can feature pictures of faces, pictures of scenery, graphic designs, artwork, or any other desirable design. In some embodiments, the removable faceplate  1458  can be coupled with the faucet attachment device  1400  by fitting connection components  1460  into corresponding holes  1462  in the attachment member  1404 . In alternate embodiments, the removable faceplate  1458  can be coupled with the faucet attachment device  1400  by using snaps or hooks, sliding it into grooves within the trough member  1402 , by placing it into a windowed pocket coupled to the faucet attachment device  1400 , by attaching it to areas similar to the protrusions  724  shown in  FIG. 8 , or by any other known or desired attachment mechanism. The removable faceplate  1458  can comprise a faceplate opening  1464  that can correspond with the attachment opening  1406 . In operation, a faucet arm can pass through both the attachment opening  1406  and the faceplate opening  1464 . In some embodiments, the structure of the removable faceplate  1458  can provide support to the attachment member  1404  when the faucet attachment device  1400  is connected to a faucet. 
         [0044]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of a faucet attachment device  1500  that can comprise a temperature sensor  1566  and a temperature display  1568 . The faucet attachment device  1500  can be substantially the same as the faucet attachment device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , and can comprise a trough member  1502 , an attachment member  1504 , and an attachment opening  1506 . The faucet attachment device  1500  can also comprise a power source  1570  configured to supply power to the temperature sensor  1566  and the temperature display  1568  in circuit. The power source  1570  can provide power to the temperature sensor  1566  and the temperature display  1568 . The power source  1570  can be a battery, a generator, a hydroelectric generator, a plug attached to an electrical outlet, or any other known or desired mechanism for providing power to a circuit. In some embodiments, the power source can comprise a switch to turn the power source on or off. 
         [0045]    The temperature sensor  1566  can be located on or within the trough member  1502 , or anywhere else on the faucet attachment device  1500 . The temperature sensor  1566  can be a thermistor, thermocouple, resistive thermal device, or any other known or desired temperature sensor. The temperature display  1568  can be in the form of an LCD screen, LED lights, or any other known or desired display. In operation, the temperature sensor  1566  can measure the temperature of the water flowing down the channel of the trough member  1502 , and the water&#39;s temperature can be displayed to the user on the temperature display  1568 . In various embodiments the temperature can be displayed in terms of Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees, icons or colors indicating that the water is generally hot or cold, or any other known or desired method of indicating a temperature. The temperature display  1568  can be located anywhere on the faucet attachment device  1500 . In some embodiments, the temperature display  1568  can be integrated with decorative features that can be present on the device. For example, the eyes  1354  shown in  FIG. 13  can include LED lights that glow red when the water is hot and green when the water is cold, thereby indicating when the water flowing from the device is safe for a user to touch. In alternate embodiments, the faucet attachment device  1500  may not have a temperature display  1568  that operates visually, but can indicate the water temperature to the user by broadcasting audio signals through a speaker, or through any other known or desired mechanism for indicating information. In still other embodiments, the temperature sensor  1566  can comprise a heat-sensitive material that changes color or appearance when exposed to heat, such that the temperature sensor  1566  can indicate a temperature to a user directly without a separate temperature display or a power source. The heat-sensitive material can be a thermochromatic or thermochromic coating, such as an ink, a paint, or a dye, applied to all or a portion of the trough member  1502 , a thermal paper, a thermochromic polymer, or any other known material that changes appearance when exposed to heat. 
         [0046]      FIG. 16  depicts a circuit  1672  comprising the power source  1570  coupled with the temperature sensor  1566  and the temperature display  1568  shown in  FIG. 15 . The circuit  1672  can transmit power between the components. In some embodiments, the circuit  1672  can transmit signals between the components. In some embodiments, the signals can include data transmissions, such as data transmissions regarding the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the power level within the circuit, whether to display temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees, or any other type of data desired. 
         [0047]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.