Abstract:
An apparatus provides a watering station dispensing clean drinking water for dogs and other animals. The water is dispensed once the apparatus detects the presence of the animal. A solenoid valve regulates water flow in accordance with signals from the sensor. The water is fed to one or more water outlets either along a surface of the bowl or elsewhere along the housing of the watering station. The water is received from an incoming water supply line, which may be connected to a fresh water line within the dog owner&#39;s house or other building. The watering station may be installed in the owner&#39;s bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, outside, etc. Any water not consumed flows by gravity down a drain and can be disposed of through a wastewater line. This effectively eliminates standing water in the bowl. Various sizes of the watering station can accommodate different sized pets or other animals.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a point of use watering fountain that provides clean, fresh water to dogs and other pets, as well as other kinds of animals. 
         [0003]    Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    As part of the care and feeding of their pets, pet owners will often leave a bowl of water out for the animals to drink from. This may require the pet owner to occasionally check to make sure there is sufficient water in the bowl. Also, food particles, hair and other objects may fall into the bowl, potentially contaminating the water. 
         [0005]    While it may be possible to recirculate or filter the water, this may not provide an optimum water supply to the pet. Furthermore, when standing water is maintained in the bowl or held in a reservoir for later use, there is a possibility that the bowl gets knocked over or the water will otherwise be spilled. This can cause a mess and damage the floor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In order to address these issues and potential problems, a watering station is provided that avoids standing water and supplies fresh water when a dog or other pet comes to the watering station. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect, using existing battery powered infrared sensor technology, available from many manufacturers, fresh water may flow into a bowl or other receptacle once the animal approaches or enters the watering station so that its head is beneath the sensor. In accordance with another aspect, saliva and unused water will immediately drain through a fitting in the bottom of the bowl. Thus, there will be no standing water to attract insects and no water being spilled onto the floor, which are certain situations aspects of the invention are designed to address. 
         [0008]    In case of sensor failure or a clog, the watering station will have a built in overflow. In one example, the overflow is positioned on the side of the bowl below the incoming water, creating the necessary air gap to avoid the possibility of contamination of the potable water system. 
         [0009]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the watering station may be manufactured in various sizes to accommodate all canine breeds, and felines as well. Mounting brackets may be employed to secure the watering station to a wall or other support surface at a height appropriate for the animal(s) that will use the watering station. Cats will use their curiosity to quickly learn how the fountain watering station works and most dogs will understand its use after being shown just once. 
         [0010]    Features of the inventive technology are described in detail below. 
         [0011]    In accordance with aspects of the technology, a watering station for use by household pets and other animals is provided. The watering station includes a receptacle adapted to receive at least a portion of a head of an animal during drinking of potable water from the watering station, as well as a bowl element adjacent to the receptacle and configured to receive excess water not consumed by the animal. A sensor is configured to detect a presence of the animal. An incoming water supply line is adapted to provide potable water to the watering station. A water supply regulator is operatively coupled to the sensor and the incoming water supply line. One or more water distribution lines are coupled to the incoming water supply line. The one or more water distribution lines have corresponding outlets adjacent to either the receptacle or the bowl element. A drainage element is disposed along a base region of the bowl element. The water supply regulator is configured to cause the incoming water supply line to dispense the potable water through the one or more water distribution lines in response to a signal from the sensor upon detection of the presence of the animal, and to cease dispensing the potable water upon cessation of the signal from the sensor. The drainage element is configured to remove unconsumed water from the bowl element such that substantially no standing water remains in a bottom region of the bowl element when the water supply regulator has ceased dispensing the potable water. 
         [0012]    In one example, the drainage element includes a drain disposed along the bottom region of the bowl element and an outlet operatively coupled to the drain and configured for coupling to a wastewater pipe to evacuate the excess water from the watering station. Here, the drainage element may include an overflow receptacle disposed along a portion of the bowl element adjacent to the receptacle and operatively coupled to the outlet. 
         [0013]    In another example, the water supply regulator comprises a solenoid device. 
         [0014]    In one scenario, the watering station also includes a mounting bracket system configured to adjustably affix the watering station along a wall. Here, the mounting bracket system desirably includes at least two pairs of bracket elements, each pair having an outer bracket element and an inner bracket element. In one case, each outer bracket element includes two or more angled tabs arranged along a first wall of the outer bracket element. 
         [0015]    Each inner bracket element may include slots corresponding to the two or more angled tabs of a respective outer bracket element, where the slots have a size and are arranged at a complementary position to receive a given one of the angled tabs. Preferably, corresponding ones of the outer and inner bracket elements form a U shape when arranged together, the U shape configured to envelope an edge of the wall to adjustably affix the watering station to the wall. The one or more fastener elements of the inner bracket elements can be used to pinch the outer and inner bracket elements together securely along the wall&#39;s edge. The mounting bracket system may include at least a pair of outer bracket elements configured to adjustably secure the watering station to stud members along the wall. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another example, the incoming water supply line and the drainage element each include flexible connections to enable height adjustment of the watering station along a wall. In a further example, the watering station also includes a shut off valve operatively coupled to the incoming water supply line. In yet another example, the watering station further comprises a power receptacle electrically coupled to the water supply regulator. Here, the power receptacle may comprise a battery box configured to store one or more batteries therein. The batteries may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. The power receptacle may include an outer cover having a nameplate thereon. In a further example, a height of the bowl element is adjustable to accommodate animals of different sizes. 
         [0017]    In accordance with other aspects of the technology, a mounting bracket system is provided for affixing an animal watering station to a wall structure. The mounting bracket system comprises at least two pairs of bracket elements, each pair having an outer bracket element and an inner bracket element. Each outer bracket element includes two or more angled tabs arranged along a first wall of the outer bracket element. The outer bracket elements are configured for adjustable placement along a surface of the animal watering station. Each inner bracket element includes two or more receptacles each adapted to receive corresponding ones of the angled tabs of the outer bracket elements. 
         [0018]    In one example, each receptacle comprises a slot. Each slot has a size and is arranged at a complementary position to receive a given one of the angled tabs. In another example, corresponding ones of the outer and inner bracket elements form a U shape when arranged together. The U shape is configured to envelope an edge of the wall structure to adjustably affix the watering station to the wall structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1A-C  illustrate an example of a pet watering station in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2A-C  illustrate another exemplary pet watering station in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate a further example of a pet watering station in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 4A-F  illustrate an example mounting bracket system for use in conjunction with the pet watering stations of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed technology will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. In describing the exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used. Also, similar features in different drawings may be referenced using similar element numbers. Certain features are shown in dashed or “broken” lines to indicate they are below or otherwise covered by a different element. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1A-C  illustrate an exemplary watering station  100  in accordance with aspects of the invention. This example shows one variation of the overall housing of the watering station, while omitting certain plumbing and electrical components for clarity. While dimensions are indicated, they are merely representative of one possible sizing. The dimensions may vary depending on the size of the animal. For instance, the dimensions indicated in  FIGS. 1A-C  may be appropriate for a medium-sized dog breed such as a Labrador Retriever. Smaller dimensions would be more appropriate for smaller breeds, such as Pugs and Chihuahuas. And larger dimensions may be needed for breeds such as a Newfoundland or a Great Dane. As noted above, other types of pets such as cats may also use the watering station, and the dimensions may be varied in according with the size of those animals. Watering stations as described herein may also accommodate barnyard animals and other types of domesticated or undomesticated animals. In the discussion below, references will be made to dogs in the examples but it should be understood that the technology is not limited to such animals. 
         [0025]    The watering station  100  includes a receptacle area  102  for the dog to insert its head to drink the water. A bowl element  104  is disposed at the base of the watering station  100 . As shown, the bowl element  104  is generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes and configurations may be employed (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2A-C ). 
         [0026]    As noted above, there is effectively no standing water in the watering station. Water that is not consumed by the dog is received by the bowl element and is removed via drainage element  106 . The drainage element may include a drain  106   a,  an overflow  106   b  and an outlet  106   c.    
         [0027]    Also shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1C  is surface  108 . In one embodiment, the watering station  100  is installed in the pet owner&#39;s house, for instance in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or basement near an existing potable water supply line. The watering station may be mounted along a wall such that the surface  108  is flush with adjacent parts of the wall. Here, base  110  of the watering station  100  may be flush with the floor. Alternatively, the base  110  may be elevated above the floor, for instance to accommodate very large dog breeds or to prevent the dog from ingesting air as it drinks the water. In this case, one or more support elements (not shown) may be placed along a front area of the bowl  104  for support. 
         [0028]    In accordance with certain aspects, installation of the watering station may be in an area that provides the animal unfettered access. The installation height should be in accordance with the size of the animal. Preferably, a sizing chart may be provided for the pet owner or installer to use as a reference guide. The chart can also consider multiple pet households to accommodate different sized animals. For instance, the chart could indicate that when animals of widely varying sizes (e.g., Chihuahuas and Newfoundlands) are expected to use the watering station, the watering station may be installed at a height accessible by each type of animal. 
         [0029]    An adjustable height unit would be benefit homeowners that change breed or to accommodate the growth of a puppy. Thus, in one alternative, the watering station  100  may be height adjustable. This may be done using a mounting bracket system with mounting points to accommodate different heights. An example of this is shown in  FIGS. 4A-F , which is discussed in detail below. 
         [0030]    As noted above, the watering station may be installed in a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen. The installation may be done as part of new construction or as a retrofit. Preferably, the unit should be installed as close to an existing source of plumbing as possible to simplify the connections and reduce installation and maintenance costs. By way of example only, potable water and waste water connections may be flexible, allowing for easy access to the components that may require future repair or replacement. The flexible connections are also beneficial when adjustably mounting the watering station. Depending on the location and specific implementation, it may be recommended that installation be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor so that all local plumbing codes are considered for a complete and successful installation. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 2A-C  illustrate another exemplary watering station  200  in accordance with aspects of the invention. As in  FIGS. 1A-C , this example shows a variation of the overall housing while omitting certain plumbing and electrical components for clarity. In contrast to the generally rectangular shaped bowl  104  in the prior embodiment, the bowl  204  is shown as a circular bowl in this embodiment. The drainage element in this embodiment includes a drain  206   a,  an overflow  206   b  and an outlet  206   c.    
         [0032]      FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate certain details of a watering station  300  in accordance with aspects of the invention. In particular, these figures illustrate a watering station including plumbing and electrical components. Elements identified in  FIGS. 1A-C  and  2 A-C and described above are also illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-C ; however, for the sake of brevity those descriptions are not repeated below. And as discussed in the examples above, watering station  300  may have a rectangular, circular or other shape for the bowl element. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , the watering station  300  desirably includes a sensor  320  to identify when the dog has approached for a drink of water. The sensor may be an infrared sensor or motion detector, although other conventional sensing elements could be employed. The sensor  320  may be disposed along a surface of receptacle area  302 . Alternatively, the sensor  320  may be disposed along surface  308  or elsewhere on the watering station  300 . In another example, the sensor  320  may be disposed along a portion of a wall adjacent or near the installed watering station (not shown). While only one sensor  320  is shown, multiple sensors  320  may be employed, for instance to provide a more accurate indication of when the dog has approached the watering station. 
         [0034]    Also shown in  FIG. 3A  is a removable cover element  322 , which may be used as a name plate and battery cover. By way of example only, the cover element  322  may indicate the manufacturer of the watering station, or it may be personalized with the name of the dog. Disposed behind the removable cover element  322  is a battery box/receptacle  324 , as shown in the side view of  FIG. 3B . The battery box  324  preferably stores one or more batteries used to power the sensor  320  and/or other components described herein. This also helps to ensure access to fresh water in the case of a power failure, for instance in a home or apartment having a city water supply. The batteries are preferably replaceable, and may be rechargeable or single use type batteries. 
         [0035]    Also shown in  FIG. 3B  is an incoming water supply line  326 , which brings in potable water to the watering station. Along the water supply line  326  is an incoming water supply shutoff valve  328 . The shutoff valve enables the incoming water supply to be turned off in case the system needs to be uninstalled for service or replacement. Water from the water supply line  326  is regulated by solenoid  330 , which may also be powered by the battery in battery box  324 . The solenoid  330  is desirably secured to a back surface of the receptacle area by a mounting bracket  332 . 
         [0036]    When the sensor(s)  320  indicates that the dog is approaching or has arrived at the watering station, the solenoid  330  is actuated to flow water from the incoming water supply line  326  through one or more water distribution hoses/lines  334 . If multiple lines  334  are employed, a tee  336  may be used to split the water flow among the various lines  334 . A pair of lines  334  is shown in  FIG. 3C . The lines  334  lead to respective water outlets  338 . Thus, fresh, potable water is supplied on demand without having to store the water in a reservoir or other receptacle. 
         [0037]    As shown, the water outlets  338  may be positioned along an upper surface of bowl  304 . However, the water outlets  338  may be placed in various other locations along the watering station. For instance, water outlets  338  may be located along the receptacle area  302  above the bowl  304 . While two outlets  338  are shown, there may be a single outlet or more than two outlets. The number of outlets may be chosen based on the size of the dog. Furthermore, the outlets may be angled to ensure optimal consumption of the water by the dog. The outlets may be preconfigured prior to installation. Optionally, the outlets may be manually adjustable by the installer or pet owner. 
         [0038]    Once installed and adjusted (if needed), the watering station provides fresh water without the owner having to replenish or change out the water as would otherwise be done with a conventional doggie bowl. This convenience may also give the owner piece of mind that his or her pets will have fresh water source even if the owner may be away or otherwise unavailable. 
         [0039]    When the dog is finished drinking and leaves the area in front of the watering station, the sensor  320  provides this information to the solenoid valve  330 , which shuts off water flow to the outlets  338 . Any water not consumed by the dog will flow through drain  306   a  to outlet  306   c  and then to the wastewater plumbing, assuming no clog or debris. Thus, there will be substantially no standing water once the water flow is shut off. If for some reason there is a clog or other obstruction of drain  306   a,  some standing water may remain in the bowl element until the obstruction is removed. If enough water accumulates in the bowl element, excess water will be diverted through overflow  306   b  to outlet  306   c.  However, during normal operation without an obstruction, it should be apparent that effectively no dirty water is retained within bowl  304 . 
         [0040]    This promotes pet health by reducing the risk of germs breeding in dirty standing water. And having a fresh supply of potable water available whenever the animal is thirsty provides the added benefit of reducing the risk that the animal will drink from an unsafe source such as from the toilet. 
         [0041]    Desirably, the exposed components of the watering station may be formed of corrosion resistant stainless steel, making the watering station easy to keep clean with soap and warm water and for many years of trouble free use. Other materials could be used, such as plastic or ceramic. 
         [0042]    As noted above,  FIGS. 4A-F  illustrate a mounting bracket system which can be used, for instance, to provide a height adjustable watering station. The mounting bracket system may be used with any of the example watering stations discussed herein.  FIGS. 4A-C  illustrate an outer bracket element  400 , and  FIGS. 4D-F  illustrate an inner bracket element  420 . Outer bracket element  400  includes a first surface  402  and a second surface  404  preferably arranged perpendicular to one another to form an “L” shape. Similarly, inner bracket element includes a first surface  422  and a second surface  424  preferably arranged perpendicular to one another to form an “L” shape. One or more pairs of corresponding outer and inner bracket elements may be used to adjustably secure the watering station to a wall. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the mounting bracket system is designed to pull the watering station snug to the face of the wall using angled tabs that mate with angled tabs on the unit itself. As shown, each bracket element  400  desirably includes at least two angled tabs  406  to enable the watering station to be set at different heights, accommodating multiple breed sizes. When arranged together, the outer and inner brackets form a U shape that will envelope the wall&#39;s edge. Set screws  428  or other fastener elements on the inner bracket element  420  are used to pinch the two bracket elements together tightly along the wall&#39;s edge. 
         [0044]    In one arrangement, each inner bracket element includes slots  426  corresponding to the angled tabs  406  of a respective outer bracket element. The slots  426  have a size and are arranged at a complementary position to receive a given one of the angled tabs  406 . For instance, if the tabs are ½″ wide and 1/16″ thick, the slots may be of a size slightly more than ½″ wide (e.g., 9/16″ wide or 2-10% wider than the tabs) and slightly more than 1/16″ thick (e.g., 5/64″ thick or 2-10% thicker than the tabs). The angle of each slot  426  also corresponds to the tab angle. 
         [0045]    According to one example, the two-part brackets for the left and the right sides of the watering station will accommodate a range of wall thickness from ½″ -1½″. In one example, the outer brackets  400  are fixedly secured to or are integrally formed as part of the watering station. 
         [0046]    Other mounting bracket configurations and systems may also be used with the watering stations described herein. For instance, the watering station may be surface mounted to a wall using fasteners, adhesive elements or the like. 
         [0047]    Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. Modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology as defined by the appended claims.