Abstract:
Systems and methods for watering animals generally include a container having an inner recess. A pump directs water from the inner recess of the container through a fluid column, which may contain filter medium. One or more spouts are located at a terminal end of the fluid column and direct the water in one or more streams back to the inner recess of the container. The spouts may be associated with one of various spout plates that can be interchanged with one another and adjusted to orient the streams of water. Some embodiments employ a restrictor plate that may be variably positioned within the flow of water. Other embodiments provide a variable speed pump that incrementally adjusts the rate of flow.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 
     None. 
     CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §120 
     None. 
     REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Household pets have demonstrated a preference for drinking from streams or other moving bodies of water. Dogs, for example, have historically been drawn toward recently flushed toilets and running garden hoses for drinks of water. Cats have proven especially attracted to free falling water and have been frequently observed crouching next to sinks in kitchens or bathrooms, or jumping into bathtubs or showers. However, animals have found such opportunities to be sporadic or infrequent, causing the animals to seek out leaking faucets or other sources of running water inadvertently left on by the animal&#39; owners. 
     Without sources of moving water, animals have been traditionally left with bowls of standing water that have not held the same level of fascination. More frequently than not, bowls of water have been left to stagnate or otherwise become stale due to the lack of movement. Accordingly, animals have been instinctively drawn to moving, fresh water. Turbulence within the moving water causes aeration by breaking the surface tension of standing water and drawing oxygen into the water from the atmosphere (as evidenced by bubbles in the water). This turbulence and resulting aeration has been most effectively demonstrated by a stream of water falling into a body of water. 
     Pet owners have routinely complained, however, about the animals&#39; tendency to seek untraditional sources of water. Such habits have proven to be a nuisance and an occasional source of embarrassment when quest have found the family pet drinking from the toilette. Worse at times have been repeated begging by cats for faucets to be turned on. Moreover, when owners have forgotten to turn the faucets off, countless gallons of fresh water have been wasted, increasing water bills. The animals&#39; quest for moving water has also proven unsanitary, where the animals have jump onto kitchen counters near food preparation areas. 
     Other considerations specific to cats have included the prevalence of Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) which has been shown to create urinary tract obstruction by mineral crystals, and of kidney disease which has lead to renal failure. It has been demonstrated that easy access to running water causes some cats to drink more than they normally would from a bowl of standing water. The importance of increased water intake and optimal hydration is to: a) create a more dilute urinary output which minimizes crystal formation and possible obstruction; and b) maintain blood pressure at optimal levels to support the filtering duties of diseased kidneys. 
     Previous watering devices have been developed that provided animals with moving water. For example, each of U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,609, U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,437, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,934 disclosed animal watering devices in the form of a free falling, continuous stream of water. Specifically, each device included a pump that moved water from a reservoir to a discharge ramp, where the water flowed into a container in a unidirectional manner. Some embodiments of the devices permitted a user to adjust the rate at which the water flowed. However, in order to do so, the user had to stop the flow of water and then placing one or more washers within a partially submerged water intake tube. Accordingly, while such systems provided sources of continually flowing water for animals, the limited control over the flow of the water proved to be inconvenient. 
     The previous watering device designs have commonly provided single streams of water could not be easily oriented with respect to the container. This often left animals with only a single direction from which the animal could approach the watering device to drink. As such, some prior watering devices have not made it easy for more than one animal to simultaneously drink from the watering device. Moreover, the aesthetic value of such devices has been limited due to the positioning of pumps and secondary reservoirs in plain view. Single streams of moving water, while better than still pools, have also provided limited amounts of aeration within the water due to the single, focused location of the stream&#39;s impact with the main body of water. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Embodiments of a system and methods of use are disclosed for providing water to animals. In various embodiments, the system includes a container having a fluid column that supports one or more spouts above an inner recess in the container. Various embodiments may include a pump of various types to direct a flow of water from the container, through the fluid column, and out of the one or more spouts. The spouts may be oriented to direct one or more streams of water into the container. In some embodiments, one or more spouts may extend from the fluid column in different directions. 
     In a variety of different embodiments of the system, a number of separate streams of flowing water in the system may be conveniently varied. In some embodiments, the system is provided with interchangeable spout plates having one or more spouts per plate that can be interchanged with one another. In at least one embodiment, the spout plates may be adjusted with respect to the container to cause the streams of water to pour from the one or more spouts to particular areas of the container&#39;s inner recess. Where spout plates are provided with multiple spouts, the spout plates may be oriented to provide separate streams of water that flow in different directions. In other embodiments, the spouts may be provided in one or more fixed orientations. 
     In some embodiments, the flow rate of the water can be adjusted using a variable flow pump. The variable flow pump may include a flow control arm, which can be moved in opposite directions to increase or reduce the rate of fluid flow while the system is operating. In other embodiments, a restrictor plate may be selectively positioned in and out of the flow of water to vary its flow rate. Some such embodiments may provide a knob near the top of the fluid column for easily manipulating the restrictor plate. 
     In different embodiments, a filter medium may be associated with the fluid column to remove particulate and other materials from the water. In some embodiments a filter cartridge is removably positioned within an upper end portion of the fluid column for relatively easy access for maintenance and replacement. The filter medium may be formed from various natural and synthetic materials that inhibit the passage of particulate or waste materials. 
     In other embodiments, the watering device may include a component cover having an inner chamber defined by a continuous sidewall that extends between an open first end portion and an open second end portion. The first end portion of the component cover may be removably coupled with the bottom wall of the container to provide access to the pump or other components that are protected from interference from animals or other outside forces within the cover. One or more openings may be provided through the sidewall of the component cover to place the inner chamber of the component cover in open fluid communication with the inner recess of the container. 
     These and other aspects of the present system and method will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention shall be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether given subject matter addresses any or all issues noted in the Background or includes any features or aspects recited in this Summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a top plan view of one embodiment of a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a top plan view of another embodiment of a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a top plan view of a further embodiment for a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a top plan view of a another embodiment for a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4E  depicts a top plan view of another embodiment for a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 4F  depicts a top plan view of a further embodiment for a spout plate that may be used with the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 7  depicts another exploded view of a embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a top plan view of the system for providing water to animals; and 
         FIG. 10  depicts a partial top plan view of an embodiment of the system for providing water to animals. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The system presented in this application, and methods of using the same, will now be described with reference to the figures contained herein. While the system will be explained with reference to systems to provide water to animals and the like, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other applications are possible. Moreover, the system of the present application also will be described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described should be considered exemplary unless specifically identified to the contrary. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a system  10  for watering animals may be provided with a container  12 , having an inner recess  14  that is at least partially defined by a bottom wall  16 , an open upper portion  18  and at least one sidewall  20  that extends between the bottom wall  16  and the open upper end portion  18 . While the shape of the bottom wall  16  is depicted in the figures as being circular and generally planar, the shape and orientation of the bottom wall  16  can vary according to various intended uses. In various embodiments, three or more generally straight sidewalls  20  may be provided and define nearly any number of shapes, including square, rectangle, triangle or other desired polygon. However, the system  10  may include one or more curved sidewalls  20  to define common shapes, such as a circle or other fanciful shapes. The side wall  20  may also be provided in various heights so as to define increased or decreased inner recess capacities, as desired. It is further contemplated that the container  12  could be provided with multiple, separate or interconnected, inner recesses  14  at least temporarily holding a supply of water or other fluid. Irrespective of the configuration of the container  12 , the open upper portion  18  may be shaped to enable animals to drink from the inner recess  14  of the container  12 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , various embodiments of the system  10  will include a pump  22  of various designs, such as a low voltage submersible pump with a flow rate of 36 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the pump  22  is an electrical water pump, having an inlet  24  and outlet  26 , whereby water is drawn through the inlet  24  and expelled from the outlet  26  at continuous or variable flow rates. In at least one embodiment, the pump may be centrally located on the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . The bottom wall  16  of the container  12  may be provided with a recess  28  that is shaped to releasably receive a portion of the pump  22 . In this manner, the pump  22  may be easily located in a common location and resist movement with respect to the container when the system  10  is operated. In such a location, the inlet  24  may be readily placed in open, fluid communication with the inner recess  14  of the container  12 . It is contemplated, however, that the pump  22 , may be located externally of the inner recess  14 , so long as the inlet  24  is placed in open fluid communication therewith. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , embodiments of the system  10  may be provided with an elongated fluid column  30  that extends above the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . The fluid column  30  may have an open fluid pathway that extends between an open first end portion  32  and a second end portion  34 . The first end portion  32  may be shaped to be secured with the outlet  26  of the pump to receive the fluid output of the pump  22 . In some embodiments, the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  is positioned in a vertically spaced relationship above the open upper portion  18  of the container  12 . In this manner, water may be directed by the pump  22  from the inner recess  14  of the container  12 , through the fluid pathway of the fluid column  30 , out the open second end portion  34  and into the inner recess  14  of the container  12 . 
     In various embodiments, one or more spouts  36  can be provided to extend radially from the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  define a terminal end of the fluid pathway that extends through the fluid column  30 . In such embodiments, water is expelled from the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  and through the one or more spouts  36 . Accordingly, fluid may be allowed to pass through the one or more spouts  36  in a continuous, free falling manner into the container  12 . In one embodiment, the system  10  may have one spout  36  that causes fluid to flow in a single, continuous stream. In another embodiment, the system  10  may have a plurality of spouts  36  that extend radially from the second end portion of the fluid column  30  in different directions. In such embodiments, fluid flows in different directions, in separate, continuous streams. In either such embodiments, it is contemplated that the spouts may be integrally formed with the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30 . The one or more spouts  36  may also be shaped to have a generally round cross-section and expel one or more column-shaped streams of water. Other embodiments may shape the one or more spouts to have generally flat, elongated cross-sections to produce one or more ribbon-shaped streams of water. 
     In other embodiments, with reference to  FIGS. 4A through 4F , the system may be provided with plurality of separate spout plates  38  that are removably interchangeable within the system  10 . Each spout plate  38  may have a generally annular shape with an open center portion  40  and a peripheral edge portion  42 . Spouts  36  of various sizes and configurations may be formed in the peripheral edge portion  42  so that they are in open fluid communication with the open center portion  40 . A bottom end  44  of each spout plate  38 , around the open center portion  40 , may be shaped to removably engage the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30 . In at least one embodiment, a lower peripheral edge of the bottom end  44  may define a socket that is shaped to releasably receive a portion of the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30 . Accordingly, the spout plates  38  may be secured in position with the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  through frictional engagement, or the use of mechanical fastening structures, such as one or more detents, mating threads, fasteners, or the like. Rotation of the spout plate  38  with respect to the fluid column  30  will permit the user to redirect the terminal end or each water stream to a particular area of the inner recess  14  of the container  12 . 
     Various embodiments of the fluid column  30  may be provided with an end wall  46  that extends across the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30 . In some embodiments, the end wall  46  may have at least one end wall opening  48  that penetrates the end wall  46 . The end wall  46  may have a variety of end wall openings  48  of different shapes and sizes. With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a plurality of end wall openings  48  may be oriented with respect to one another to define a strainer that prevents the passage of particulate from within the fluid column  30 . Irrespective of the number or shape of the end wall openings  48 , fluid flows from the pump outlet  26  through the fluid column  30 , and out the second end portion  34 . 
     Various embodiments of the system  10  may be provided with one or more controls that enable a user to selectively vary the rate of fluid flow through the system  10  with relative ease. In some embodiments, such controls may be provided to enable rate control while the system  10  is in use. With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , at least one such embodiment of the system  10  may include a restrictor plate  50  that is removably coupled with the end wall  46  of the fluid column  30  in a manner that permits the restrictor plate  50  to be selectively moved between different positions with respect to at least one end wall opening  48 . The restrictor plate  50  may be provided in various shapes and configurations. In some embodiments, the restrictor plate is provided with a generally planar lower surface that is positioned closely adjacent a surface of the end wall  46 . In at least one embodiment, the restrictor plate is rotatably coupled with the end wall  46  to permit the restrictor plate  50  to rotate laterally with respect to the one or more end wall openings  48 . A post and socket connection between the restrictor plate  50  and end wall  46  may permit the rotatable relative movement between the structures. The different positions of the restrictor plate  50  may place incremental portions of the restrictor plate  50  within a fluid pathway extending through the one or more end wall openings  48 . 
     In some embodiments, a cap  52  may be coupled with the restrictor plate  50 . While the cap  52  may provided to have nearly any shape, various embodiments of the cap  52  are generally planar with an annular peripheral edge, which may be knurled for gripping ease. A threaded post  54  may be provided to extend outwardly from a bottom surface of the cap  52  and may be shaped to be disposed within a socket formed in the restrictor plate  50 . The restrictor plate  50  can be manually rotatable with respect to the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  and the rotation of the cap  52  may be provided to move the restrictor plate  50  between different flow rate positions with respect to the one or more end wall openings  48 . In some embodiments, the cap  52  may be coupled with the restrictor plate  50 , which, in turn, may engage the end wall  46  in a pivoting manner. In other embodiments the cap  52  may also be used to secure the spout plate  38  in place within the system  10 . The threaded post  54  of the cap  52  may be inserted into a reciprocally threaded opening  56  located within the end wall  46  and restrictor plate  50 . 
     As an alternative or in addition to the restrictor plate  50 , various embodiments of the system  10  may include an elongated flow control arm  58  that extends outwardly from the pump  22 . In at least one embodiment, a lever arm  60  may extend outwardly at an angle from a distal end portion  62  of the flow control arm  58  and a distal end portion  64  of the lever arm  60  may be positioned near or beyond the open upper end portion  18  of the container  12 . In some embodiments, the flow control arm  58  may be associated with a variable flow control of the pump  22 . Accordingly, the lever arm  60  and flow control arm  58  may be used to dictate the fluid flow rate between the pump inlet  24  and the pump outlet  26  when the lever arm  60  is moved in a first direction and can increase the fluid flow between the pump inlet  24  and the pump outlet  26  when moved in a second direction. In some embodiments, the distal end portion  64  of the lever arm  60  is shaped to be easily gripped by a user and positioned to not reside within a body of water residing within the container. In this manner, the distal end portion  64  of the lever arm  60  may be easily manipulated by the user without getting the user&#39;s hand wet. 
     In at least one embodiment of the system  10 , the flow control arm  58  is provide with an open fluid pathway that extends between an opening in the distal end portions  62  and an opening in the proximal end  65  of the flow control arm  58 . In some embodiments, the proximal end portion  65  of the flow control arm  58  may be coupled with the pump inlet  24 . Accordingly, the open distal end portion  62  of the flow control arm  58  may extend into the inner recess  14  of the container  12  and serve as a remote inlet for the pump  22 . It is further contemplated that the openings in the flow control arm  58  could be positioned at one or more positions along a length of the flow control arm  58 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second end portion  34  of the fluid column  30  may be removably coupled with a central body portion  66  of the fluid column  30 . The second end portion  34  and the central body portion  66  of the fluid column  30  may be coupled with one another at a distal opening  68  in the central body portion  66  that is sized to permit the passage of a filter medium  70  through the distal opening  68  and into a filter chamber  72  within the central body portion  66  of the fluid column  30 . The filter medium  70  may be provided in various embodiments. The filter medium  70  may include one of various common materials used for filtering fluids. For example, various natural and synthetic materials may form one or more filter element configurations that inhibit the passage of debris and various organic and inorganic waste. With reference to  FIG. 10 , the filter medium  70  may be provided in the form of a cylindrical cartridge with various compartments  74  wherein fluid, such as water, can pass through. One or more of the compartments  74  may contain the necessary media to inhibit the passage of particulate or waste materials. At least one of the open compartments  74  could further be provided to receive one or more additives that could be used to treat the water for various organic or inorganic compounds within the water. Such additives may also be provided in the form of vitamins or other dietary compounds for animals 
     One or more embodiments may provide the fluid column  30  with a flexible lower section  76  having opposite open ends that place the pump outlet  26  in fluid communication with the central body portion  66  of the fluid column  30 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , the system  10  may be provided with a fluid column support  78  to secure at least a portion of the fluid column  30  in place. In some embodiments, the fluid column support  78  may be integrally formed with the bottom wall of the container  12  while, in other embodiments, a removable connection between the structures is contemplated. In some embodiments, a support arm  80  may be provided to extend radially from the fluid column support  78 . A distal end portion  82  of the support arm  98  may be shaped to secure a portion of the fluid column  30 . In some embodiments, the distal end portion  82  is shaped to have an open recess into which a potion of the fluid column  30 , such as the flexible lower section  76 , may reside. In some embodiments, the support arm  80  may be provided with an opening that passes through a proximal end portion  84  of the support arm  80  that is shaped to slidably receive a portion of the fluid column support  78 . Frictional tolerances between the two structures may be provided such that the support arm  80  may be selectively positioned at any point along a length of the fluid column support  78  and retain its position for extended periods of time. In at least one embodiment, the fluid column support  78  and support arm  80  may be shaped to engage one another in a manner that resists rotational movement with respect to one another. For example a tongue  86  may be provided to extend radially from a length of the fluid column support  78  while a groove  88  is formed in the support arm  80  and shaped to slidably receive the tongue  86 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , various embodiments of the system  10  may include a component cover  90  having an inner chamber  92  defined by a continuous sidewall  94  that extends between an open first end portion  96  and an open second end portion  98 . While the component cover  90  is depicted as a frusto conical shape, the component cover  90  may take the form of various other shapes, such as a pyramid, sphere, cube or various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inner chamber  92  of the component cover  90  is shaped to house at least the pump  22  and a portion of the fluid column  30 . The first end portion  96  of the component cover  90  may be removably coupled with the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , some embodiments of the cover  90  may have a plurality of elongated notches  100  formed in the peripheral edge of the first end portion  96 . One end of the elongated notches  100  may be provided with a recessed receiving tab  102  while the opposite end of the elongated notches  100  may be open. A plurality of locking tabs  104  may be formed in the bottom wall  16  of the container  12  and positioned to be simultaneously passed through the open end portions of the notches  100  when the first end portion  96  of the component cover  90  is placed on the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . In at least one embodiment, the locking tabs  104  will be shaped to cantilever above the bottom wall  16  a sufficient distance to receive the receiving tabs  102  between the bottom wall  16  and the locking tabs  104 . Accordingly, the component cover  90  may be rotated between locked and unlocked positions with the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . Other temporary securement structures, such as opposing posts and sockets, mating threads and the like may also be used to removably secure the cover  90  with the bottom wall  16 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 10 , there may be one or more openings  106  formed through the sidewall  94  that places the inner chamber  92  of the component cover  90  in open fluid communication with the inner recess of the container  12 . A plurality of relatively small openings  106  may be provided in the component cover  90  that permit water to pass between the inner recess of the container  12  and the inner chamber  92  of the component cover  90 , while keeping a substantial amount of debris from passing into the inner chamber  92  of the component cover  90 . In at least one embodiment, the openings  106  are arranged with respect to one another in a manner resembling a debris screen. In other embodiments, at least one opening  108  may be sized to permit a portion of the flow control arm  58  to pass through the opening  108  into the inner chamber  92  of the component cover  90 . In such embodiments, the use of a component cover  90  and flow control arm  58  may be simultaneous. 
     Although the system  10  has been described in language that is specific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9992, and so forth).