Patent Publication Number: US-9432763-B2

Title: Water leak warning device

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/837,759 filed on Mar. 15, 2013 which is a continuation-in-part U.S. application Ser. No. 13/477,183 filed on May 22, 2012 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/488,914, filed on May 23, 2011, the contents of all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed at detecting water leak and signaling a warning. More particularly, this invention provides an easy-to-use, installation-free system to detect water leak and trigger an audible alarm. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many household devices use, store, and transport water in everyday life. A few examples of such devices include washing machines, water heaters, dish washers, toilets, fish tanks, flower beds, and sinks. These devices significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people. However, when not functioning properly or being handled erroneously, these devices may leak water that can cause sanitation hazards, health risks, and structural damages. In addition, some spots, such as basements and bathrooms, are prone to have water leakage and flood problems. It would be convenient to have a device that detects the water at the potential leak or flood spots and provides warnings regarding the leakage. 
     The current invention relates to a water leak warning device that provides immediate audible warnings when a water leak is detected. The utility of the invention is primarily to enable people to become aware of a water leakage close to a water-using device or a flood spot. In such a manner, whoever receives the warning will be able to act promptly to prevent further leakage and mitigate the damages. 
     Some previous inventions have tried to address the problem of water leakage and minor flooding. These devices are usually expensive and/or hard to use. The current invention enjoys a succinct yet elegant design that makes the device inexpensive, affordable, and maintenance-free. Moreover, the current invention is sturdy, easy to use, and does not require any installation. The user can simply put the device embodying the current invention at the spot that is flood-prone or likely to have a water leak. The device will deliver a warning when water leak or flooding does take place. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,455 discloses a water leak detector and method thereof. The water leak detector has a pair of electrical contacts separated by a material that becomes frangible when moistened. When the separating material becomes moist, it breaks and the electrical contacts close, triggering an alarm. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,873,263 discloses a battery powered water leak detector and audible alarm held on a credit card sized plastic board that has sufficient unobstructed area for visible messages, such as advertising, to be printed of otherwise affixed thereon. 
     Various implements are known in the art, but fail to specifically and adequately address all the problems solved by the invention described herein. Two embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A water leak warning device is described and taught having a hollow body having an interior space and an outer surface, the hollow body having walls comprising a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall having a bottom flat surface; at least two electrodes each extending out of the bottom flat surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface; a power supply enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body; and a speaker enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body; wherein the at least two electrodes, the power supply, and the speaker are operatively connected by conducting elements such that when the at least two electrodes are connected by a conductive material, an audible signal is emitted by the speaker. 
     The water leak warning device may also have a plurality of protruding elements having substantially equal height, being rooted on the lower end of the side wall and extending from the side wall in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface, with gaps between the protruding elements. The protruding elements may also be rooted directly from the bottom surface. Such designs may allow any water that leaks onto the ground to flow through the gaps between the protruding elements and reach under the bottom flat surface of the water leak warning device. 
     The water leak warning device may further have two or more electrodes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends of the electrodes protruding out of the flat surface of the hollow body in a direction generally perpendicular to the flat surface, the length of the first ends extending out of the hollow body may be shorter than, equal to, or slightly longer than, the length of the protruding elements extending out of the peripheral edge of the bottom flat surface, the second ends of the electrodes being enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body. When the user puts the water leak warning device on the ground, the first ends of the electrodes may or may not have constant contact with the ground because the part of the electrodes extending out of the bottom flat surface may be slightly longer than, equal to, or shorter than, the length of the protruding elements extending out of the peripheral edge of the bottom flat surface. The gaps between the protruding elements ensure that leaked water can flow through to make contact with the first ends of the electrodes. 
     The water leak warning device further has a power supply, a speaker, and an amplifier, all of which are enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body. The electrodes, the power supply, the speaker and the amplifier are operatively connected by conducting elements such that when the first ends of the electrodes are connected by conductive material, such as water, an audible signal is emitted by the speaker. When leaked water reaches the spot where the warning device is placed, the first ends of the electrodes are connected through the water, thereby triggering an alarm. The user of the device can thus be warned and take actions to prevent further leakage and mitigate any damage. 
     In another embodiment there is a water leak warning device having a rectangular hollow body having an interior space, the hollow body having rigid walls comprising at least a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls, wherein there is an adhesive disposed on at least one of the plurality of side walls; at least two electrodes each having a first end extending out of the bottom wall in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom wall; a power supply enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body; a speaker enclosed in the interior space of the hollow body; an aperture traversing at least one of the plurality of the side walls, wherein the at least two electrodes, the power supply, and the speaker are operatively connected by conducting elements such that when the first end of each of the at least two electrodes are connected by a conductive material, an audible signal is emitted by the speaker through the aperture traversing the at least one side wall; and a reverberating chamber partially or wholly surrounding the aperture. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water leak warning device that is easy to use and does not require activation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a water leak warning device that does not require installation and maintenance. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water leak warning device that makes an audible alarm after the device is triggered. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water leak device that may be triggered by different depths of water under the water leak warning device. 
     Still another object of the present invention is provide a water leak warning device that may be triggered immediately after water reaches the bottom of the water leak warning device. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is provide a water leak warning device that may be triggered after some water has accumulated under the water leak warning device. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a water leak warning device that is sturdy and resistant to damages. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water leak warning device that is inexpensive, disposable, and does not require battery changes. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a water leak warning device that is small in scale and may be easily placed at any location. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the shallow cross section of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the shallow cross section of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the cross section across the middle of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 13  is a back view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 16  is a first side view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 17  is a second side view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of a third preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 20  is a back view of a third preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment in one intended usage. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Where possible, identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference will be made in detail to the two embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
       FIG. 1  shows a bottom perspective view of a water leak warning device  1 . Shown are a hollow body  10  having side wall  15  and bottom wall  50 , the bottom wall  50  having a bottom flat surface  60 , bottom peripheral edge  70 , a plurality of protruding elements  130  having substantially equal height disposed on a lower end of the side wall  15  as extensions of the side wall  15  in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface  60 , wherein there are gaps  140  between the protruding elements  130 ; and electrodes  80  extending through the bottom wall  50 , and the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  protruding out of the bottom flat surface  60  in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface  60 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device  1 . Shown are a hollow body  10  having side wall  15  and top wall  20  with a top surface  30 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , and an opening  45  on the top wall  20 . 
     The hollow body  10  is preferably made out of a hard and non-conductive material, such as, but not limited to a plastic or a composite material. Other possible materials for the hollow body  10  may include polymers and resins including but not limited to plastic, rubber, foam, silicone, ABS, Polycarbonate, Noryl™, PVC, Polystryrene, ABS/PVC, PVC/Acrylic, Polysulfone, Acrylic, Polyethylene, and Kydex™. The rigid hollow body  10  is preferred to be able to sustain pressure such as the incidental stepping by the user of the water leak warning device  1 . The hollow body  10  is pictured to have a substantially tapered column shape, but may be cubic, tetrahedral or any other shape that may represent functional or decorative purposes. 
     The first preferred size of the hollow body  10  is between one and two inches in height, between one and 1½ inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in top wall  20  diameter and between 1½ and two inches (3.8-5.1 cm) in bottom wall  50  diameter. The precise dimensions of an embodiment may be dictated by a potential or actual application. But the embodiment is preferred to be small so that the water leak warning device  1  can be place in clustered spots. If the embodiment is in a shape other than a tapered column, the overall width of the water leak warning device  1  is preferred to be less than two inches. The water leak warning device  1  may be placed on or near a potential water leak spot such as, but not limited to, to sinks, fish tanks, refrigerators, dish washers, water heaters and flower beds. 
     The first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  preferably extend outside the bottom wall  50  of the hollow body  10  for about two millimeters. The extension of the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  out of the bottom flat surface  60 , defined as a first height, should be close to the length that tip of the protruding elements  130  extending beyond the bottom surface  70 , defined as a second height. Since the first height and the second height are close, the electrodes  80  do not bear most of the weight of the water leak warning device  1  even if the first height is larger or exactly the same as the second height. The protruding elements  130  provide most of the support for the water leak warning device  1 . When the first height is larger or exactly the same as the second height, the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  constantly touch the ground, ensuring triggering of the water leaking warning device even with minimum amount of water. When pressure is placed on the hollow body  10 , the protruding elements  130  may prevent the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  from being damaged by physical force. It is also possible that the first height is smaller than the second height. With such a design, the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  do not touch the ground when the water leak warning device is placed on a flat surface. Thus, only some accumulation of water under the device would trigger the device. This design is suitable for locations that may susceptible to regular moisture but substantial accumulation of water may result in damages. The exact design as to the compared length of the first height and the second height may be determined according to the intended use of the water leak warning device. 
     The first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2  includes two electrodes. However, it should be noted that the number of electrodes may vary according to the specific design of the circuits. The number of electrodes in a single water leak warning device may be 2, 3, or 4, wherein a person skilled in the art may arrange the circuits so that the alarm may be triggered by connecting all the electrodes or by connecting any 2 of the electrodes. 
     The protruding elements  130  are preferably natural extensions of the side wall  15 . However, the protruding elements  130  may also be rooted directly on the bottom wall  50 . As long as the protruding elements  130  serve to elevate the hollow boy  10  from the floor, the positioning of the protruding elements  130  may vary. The protruding elements  130  may be any shape, but they preferably have about the same height. It is preferable that the protruding elements  130  be evenly distributed on the bottom peripheral edge  70 . There should be gaps between the protruding elements  130  so that leaked water may flow pass the protruding elements  130  and reach the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  under the bottom flat surface  60 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the bottom flat surface  60 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , and the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80 .  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the top wall  30 , the side wall  15 , and the opening  45  on the top wall  30 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a front view of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the side wall  15 , the protruding elements  130 , and the gaps  140 . Since this preferred embodiment of the water leak warning device  1  has a tapered column shape with a round top wall  20  and round bottom wall  50 , the rear view of the water leak warning device  1  is a minor image of  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  shows a side view of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the side wall  15 , the protruding elements  130 , and the gaps  140 . Since this preferred embodiment of the water leak warning device  1  has a tapered column shape with a round top wall  20  and round bottom wall  50 , the side view of the water leak warning device  1  is an exact replica of  FIG. 5  and the view from the other side is a mirror image or  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a shallow cross section of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the hollow body  10 , the side wall  15 , the bottom wall  50 , the protruding elements  130 , a power supply  110 , representative wires  180 , a lower compartment  160 , an upper compartment  150 , the second ends  100  of the electrodes  80 , an amplifier  120 , and a circuit board  125 . 
     The preferred power source  110  for the present invention is a battery producing 12 Volts. However, higher or lower battery power may be required depending on the size and expected duration of the water leak warning device  1 . The power supply  110  may not be replaceable during the regular operation of the device. More particularly, the power supply  110  may be irreplaceably disposed in the water leak warning device  1 , meaning that the power supply  110  cannot be replaced without damaging the physical integrity of the enclosing structures, such as the side, bottom, and/or top walls. The water leak warning device  1  may be designed to be disposable and that it should therefore be replaced after being in use for a certain period of time that may be indicated by the easily read indicium. It may also be recommended that the device be replaced after a water leak is detected. 
     The first preferred amplifier  120  for the present invention is a transistor amplifier. It may be a single transistor amplifier or it may be a more complex multiple transistor amplifier. In consideration of keeping the water leak warning device  1  more affordable, a single transistor amplifier is preferred. The amplifier  120  may, for instance, be lodged on a circuit board  125 . 
     The interior space of the hollow body  10  may be roughly divided into an upper compartment  150  and a lower compartment  160 . The division of the interior space of the hollow body  10  facilitates the arrangement of the elements for the water leak warning device  1 . However, other designs for arranging the interior space are also possible as long as the elements can be effective connected. 
       FIG. 8  shows a lower perspective view of a shallow cross section of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the hollow body  10 , the side wall  15 , the bottom wall  50 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , the power supply  110 , representative wires  180 , the lower compartment  160 , the upper compartment  150 , the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80 , the amplifier  120 , the circuit board  125 , a speaker  170 , and an indicium  190  on the bottom flat surface  60  to indicate the time after which the device may no long function effectively. 
     The interior space of the hollow body  10  may be roughly divided into an upper compartment  150  and lower compartment  160 . The power supply  110 , the second ends  100  of the electrodes  80 , the amplifier  120 , and the circuit board may be enclosed in the lower compartment  160 . The speaker  170  may be enclosed in the upper compartment  150 . Overall, the hollow body  10  may enclose all the essential elements of the water leak warning device  1 . In such a manner, the sturdy walls of the hollow body  10  provide protection to the circuit and prevent damages that may affect the function of the device. 
     The electrodes  80 , the power supply  110 , the amplifier  120 , and the speaker  170  may be operatively connected by conductive elements such as wires  180 . The wires  180  that are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  are only representative. A person skilled in the art should be able to connect the electrodes  80 , the power supply  110 , the amplifier  120 , and the speaker  170  to ensure that: when the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  are connected by conductive material, the circuit closes and the speaker may emit an audible signal. In addition, a light, such as a small LED bulb, may be added to the circuit to enhance the signaling of the device. After the water leak warning device  1  is placed at a potential leak or flooding spot, leaked water may flow through the gaps  140  between the protruding elements  130  and reach the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80 , thus triggering an audible alarm and possibly a light and providing a warning to the user of the water leak warning device  1  to take actions to prevent further leakage and mitigate damages. 
     The speaker  170  can be any type of device capable of producing an audible signal. To make the speaker fit into the hollow body  10 , the speaker is preferably small in size. The speaker is preferred to be less that one inch for its longest dimension. The speaker may be an electronic magnetic buzzer or a piezoelectric ceramic buzzer that is capable of emitting audible sound to warn the user of the water leak warning device  1 . 
       FIG. 8  also shows an optional easily read indicium  190  on the bottom flat surface  60  of the hollow body  10 . The optional indicium  190  serves to indicate a time after which the device may no longer function effectively. The easily read indicium  190  may, for instance, be an alphanumeric marking such as, but not limited to, a recommended replacement date, a date after which the device&#39;s battery may no longer be operative, or date after which the manufacturer is no longer willing to guarantee functioning, or some combination thereof. The indicium  190  may be marked on the bottom flat surface  60 . But it can also be marked on other exterior surfaces of the hollow body  10  as long as the indicium  190  is clearly visible. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of a cross section across the middle of the hollow body  10  of the water leak warning device  1 . Shown are the hollow body  10 , the side wall  15 , the protruding elements  130 , the power supply  110 , the lower compartment  160 , the upper compartment  150 , the first ends  90  and second ends  100  of the electrodes  80 , the amplifier  120 , the circuit board  125 , the speaker  170 , and an opening  45  on the top wall  20 . 
     The opening  45  on the top wall  20  may be adjacent to the upper compartment  150 , which houses the speaker  170 . The opening  45  allows effective spreading of the signal emitted by the speaker  170  once the water leak warning device  1  is triggered. The opening is preferred to be not too small to prevent the emission of sound. However, the opening is preferred to be not too big to allow high possibility of contamination by water or other liquid. In the first preferred embodiment, the opening may be between 1/16 to ¼ inches. 
       FIGS. 10-16  as a group show the details of a second preferred embodiment of the current invention. This embodiment shares most of the features of the embodiments described above, with the key difference being the addition of a reverberating chamber and a plurality of releasing orifices. It should be noted that not all the limitations for the first preferred embodiment will be recited in describing  FIGS. 10-16 . The designs included in the description of the first preferred embodiment, especially the ones related to the internal structures of the first preferred embodiment, are deemed included as long as such designs do not conflict with the additional features. 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown are a hollow body  10  having side wall  15  and bottom wall  50 , the bottom wall  50  having a bottom flat surface  60 , bottom peripheral edge  70 , a plurality of protruding elements  130  having substantially equal height rooted on a lower end of the side wall  15  as extensions of the side wall  15  in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface  60 , wherein there are gaps  140  between the protruding elements  130 ; and electrodes  80  extending through the bottom wall  50 , and the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  protruding out of the bottom flat surface  60  in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom flat surface  60 . A reverberating chamber  210  is disposed on top of the hollow body  10 . There are releasing orifices  200  through the side wall  15  beneath the bottom flat surface  60 . For clarity purposes, not all the protruding elements  130  and gaps  140  are marked. 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown are a hollow body  10  having side wall  15  and top wall  20 , the protruding elements  130  and the gaps  140 . A reverberating chamber  210  is disposed on top of the hollow body  10 , the reverberating chamber encircles a top opening  45  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) on the top wall  30  and having a sound outlet  220 . There are releasing orifices  200  through the side wall  15  beneath the bottom flat surface  60 . 
     The reverberating chamber  210  is designed to enhance the audio signals coming out of the top opening  45 . The reverberating chamber  210  may be any shape encircling the top opening  45  and having a sound outlet  220 , preferably on top. Field tests confirm the effectiveness of the reverberating chamber  210 , which increases the decibel level of the sound output. 
     Just like the first preferred embodiments, the extension of the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  out of the bottom flat surface  60 , defined as a first height, may be shorter than, equal to, or longer than the length that tip of the protruding elements  130  extending beyond the bottom surface  70 , defined as a second height. The first height may have a range of 1/32 to 1 inch (0.8 to 25.4 mm); the second height may have a range of 1/32 to 1 inch (0.8 to 25.4 mm). 
     When the first height is shorter than the second height, the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80  do not touch the ground when the water leak warning device is placed on a flat surface. Thus, only with some accumulation of water under the device, would the device be triggered. This design is suitable for locations that may susceptible to regular moisture but substantial accumulation of water may result in damages. For example, water leak warning device having such a design may be put in water heater pans or HVAC condensing pans. Two preferred models of the water leak warning device have a first height ⅛ inch or 1/16 inch shorter than the second height, respectively. 
     On the other hand, the first height may be the same as or minimally longer than the second height. Such a design allows the electrodes to touch the ground when the water leak warning device is placed on a flat surface. With such a design, the water leak warning device is triggered with minimal amount of moisture. For example, water leak warning device having this design may be paced close to water heaters, sinks, sump pumps, washing machines, hydronic heating apparatus, toilets, and other structures that need immediate warning for water leak. 
     The releasing orifices are designed to deal with another problem. Excessive accumulation of water may result in air being sealed under the bottom wall  50  and even the tipping over of the water leak warning device  1 . In that case, even if the warning sound is properly triggered, it may stop if the water leak warning device is toppled. The releasing orifices  200  are designed to solve this problem. When water flows through the gaps  140  under the water leak warning device  1 , air under the bottom surface  60  may be compelled away through the releasing orifices  200 , preventing the toppling of the water leak warning device  1 . 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 12  is the hollow body  10  having a side wall  15 , a top wall  30 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , and releasing orifices  200 . There is a reverberating chamber  210  on the top of the hollow body  10 . The front blank space of the side wall may be used to receive inscriptions such as a logo or a trademark. An indicium  190  shows a potential expiration date of the device. 
       FIG. 13  is a back view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 13  is the hollow body  10  having a side wall  15 , a top wall  30 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , and releasing orifices  200 . There is a reverberating chamber  210  on the top of the hollow body  10 . In addition, shallow ridges on the side wall  15  make up a label area  240 . The label area is preferred to have a 1×1.5 inch (2.5×3.8 cm) size. The label area may be used to receive labels that may serve as mini-advertisements for plumbers or other merchants. 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 14  is the hollow body  10  having a top wall  30  and top opening  45  on the top wall  30 . There is a reverberating chamber  210  on the top of the hollow body  10  encircling the top opening  45 . 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 15  is the hollow body  10  having a bottom wall  50  with a bottom flat surface  60 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , and the first ends  90  of the electrodes  80 . 
       FIG. 16  is a first side view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 16  is the hollow body  10  having a side wall  15 , a top wall  30 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , the reverberating chamber  210  on the top of the hollow body  10 , the label area  240 , and releasing orifices  200 . 
       FIG. 17  is a second side view of the second preferred embodiment of a water leak warning device. Shown in  FIG. 16  is the hollow body  10  having a side wall  15 , a top wall  30 , the protruding elements  130 , the gaps  140 , the reverberating chamber  210  on the top of the hollow body  10 , the label area  240 , and releasing orifices  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , there is a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the water leak warning device  1  has a substantially rectangular hollow body  10 . The hollow body  10  generally comprises a top wall  20 , bottom wall  50 , and a plurality of sidewalls  15 . On one of the plurality of sidewalls  15  there may be an indentation  212 . This indentation  212  is sized for a label or other advertisement (inlay) to be permanently or removably positioned. The indentation  212  should allow for the label or the like to be adhered and held flush to the sidewall surface. Along the top wall  20  there is an indicium  190  which, in this case, is an expiration date. This is the date after which the device may no longer function correctly and may need to be replaced or have some component of the device replaced. 
     Additionally, on one of the plurality of sidewalls  15  there is an opening  45 . This opening  45  provides an avenue for the sound emitted by the speaker  170  (see  FIG. 8 ) to emanate from the hollow body  10 . The opening  45  is surrounded by a reverberating chamber  210  extending perpendicularly from one of the plurality of sidewalls  15 . The reverberating chamber  210  is designed to enhance the audio signals coming out of the opening  45 . As such, the reverberating chamber  210  may be any shape and may surround the opening wholly or in part. 
     The bottom edge of the plurality of sidewalls  15  has a number of gaps  130  and protruding elements  140 . The protruding elements  140  allow the water leak warning device  1  to sit substantially flat in relation to the surface on which it is resting. The gaps  130  provide a channel for water or another liquid to pass through and contact the electrode(s)  80  (see  FIG. 19 ). The gaps  130  and protruding elements  140  are present around the entire periphery of the hollow body  10  along the bottom edge of the plurality of sidewalls  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , there is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 . Each of the plurality of sidewalls  15 , the top wall  20 , and bottom wall  50  are shown. The reverberating chamber  210  is shown protruding from one of the plurality of sidewalls  15 . The size of the reverberating chamber  210  may vary and the distance of protrusion may vary as well. Different sounds may be created by shaping and changing the dimensions of the reverberating chamber  210 . 
     Protruding from the bottom wall  50 , there is an electrode  80  with a first end  90 . The electrode  80  functions as described above and preferably in tandem with a second electrode (see  FIG. 8 ). When the first end  90  of each of the electrodes  80  contacts a liquid, the circuit is completed, and the speaker produces a sound which alerts an individual to the presence of the liquid, leak, flood, or the like. 
     In  FIG. 20 , there is a back view of the water leak warning device  1 . The hollow body  10  has a top wall  20 , bottom wall  50 , and a plurality of sidewalls  15 . On one of the plurality of sidewalls  15  there is an adhesive  101  disposed thereon. The adhesive  101  may be any type of adhesive substance such as but not limited to tapes, glues, epoxies, and the like or any combination thereof. The adhesive  101  may be permanent or removable. Preferably, the adhesive  101  is a double sided tape. 
     The adhesive  101  allows the water leak warning device  1  to be abutted against a secondary object such as a hot water heater. The presence of the adhesive  101  helps to ensure the water leak warning device  1  is not knocked over inadvertently or by a torrent of liquid. Further, there is at least one air release hole  214  which helps to facilitate the flow of air under and through the water leak warning device  1 . These air release holes  214  may be present in any number along any of the plurality of sidewalls  15  of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , the water leak warning device  1  is shown in one potential usage. The water leak warning device  1  has been positioned in a pan  270  with a water heater  250  also positioned therein. The water leak warning device  1  is sized to fit alongside the water heater  250  without obstructing the function of the water leak warning device  1 . The water leak warning device  1  is further sized to fit between the hot water heater or similar device and the pan  270 . As such, the thickness of the water leak warning device  1  may vary while the preferred ratio of about 2:1 of the length and width remain the same. In some cases, the length, width, and thickness can all independently vary based on the required needs and spatial arrangements. The adhesive  101  ensures the water leak warning device  1  is coupled to the outer surface of the water heater  250  to prevent the device from being knocked over or otherwise inadvertently positioned incorrectly. 
     In addition, the adhesive  101  provides securement when the pan  270  is not present for added support. Thus, this provides the flexibility for the water leak detection device  1  to easily and effectively be used with any number of objects having a surface to which the device can be coupled. When water leaks into the pan  270  and makes contact with the electrodes  80  (see  FIG. 19 ) the speaker generates an alarm which is emanated through the opening  45  and is amplified by the reverberating chamber  210  thereby alerting the presence of water to any of those in the area. 
     The embodiment shown and described in  FIGS. 18-21  is generally rectangular in shape and is preferably about 4.7 cm (1⅞″ inch) wide, about 10 cm (4 inch) in length, and about 1.6 cm (⅝″ inch) deep. However the dimensions may vary depending on a number of factors. The width may range from about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) to about 20 cm (8 inch). The length, or height, may range from about 2.5 cm (1 inch) to about 40 cm (16 inch). The device may be about 0.64 cm (0.25 inch) to about 5 cm (2 inch) deep or thick. 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.