Patent Publication Number: US-2020284004-A1

Title: Step-on water flow regulation device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/813,447 filed on Mar. 4, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to flow control devices and, more particularly, to a foot operated flow control device especially useful for use with garden hoses and gardening implements like sprinklers and water sprayers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most homes and residential buildings have a spigot (or hose bib) for connecting to a hose for supplying water to outdoor spaces. For example, many homes and residential buildings have gardens and other plants grown by the residents. In many regions, rain is not consistent enough to support the plants grown by the residents. Accordingly, water is provided to the plants via a hose or other flexible conduit from the spigot. Similarly, many people use the water from the spigot for other activities like washing a car, cleaning a sidewalk, or other water-based activities. 
     For some people, reaching the spigot can be difficult due to conditions such as arthritis or other mobility impairments. Additionally, actuating the spigot, often by turning the wheel handle may be difficult as it is difficult to grasp and turn on and off. 
     In addition, the spigot of a building is often found in a difficult-to-reach position, like under a deck, behind bushes, or otherwise situated in an awkward location. Thus, it is difficult or cumbersome to have to turn on and off the spigot each time the flow of water is started and stopped. Permanently moving the spigot is a costly solution. 
     Additionally, many times, the water from the spigot is used for multiple applications. If there is only one bib accessible, this requires moving a hose or water device between the various applications. Thus, the problems of turning on and off the spigot are exasperated when the spigot must be turned on/off each time the hose is moved, or gardening implements are changed. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a device which provides a more accessible way to control the flow of water from a spigot. Additionally, there is a further need for a device which provides a more accessible position for controlling the flow of water, and more particularly there is need for a device that allows multiple hoses to be controlled, even when only one bid or spigot is provided. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A new flow regulation device has been invented. This new flow regulation device allows for water flow to be controlled by a foot pedal. This allows for the flow to be controlled without bending over and without gripping and manipulating the control at the spigot. In some embodiments, the device has a plurality of outlet openings that are each controlled by a foot pedal. The present flow regulation device has an inlet to be coupled with a hose, allowing the flow regulation device to be placed in a more convenient, easily accessible location. To start or stop a flow of water, a user need merely step on one of the pedals. 
     Accordingly, in at least one aspect of the present invention, the present invention may be generally characterized as providing a flow regulation device with: a body having an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening; and, at least one foot pedal. Each outlet opening is associated with a foot pedal. Each foot pedal being is configured to start or stop a flow of water out of the associated outlet opening. It is contemplated that the foot pedals are disposed on an upper surface of the body. It is also contemplated that the inlet opening is located on one side of the body, and the outlet openings from the plurality of outlet openings are located on an opposite side of the body. It is further contemplated that the flow regulation device includes a plurality of spikes located on an opposite side of the body relative to a side of the body that includes the foot pedals from the plurality of foot pedals. It is further contemplated that the body is formed by two members. It is even further contemplated that the body comprises a manifold for the distribution of water. It is still further contemplated that the outlet openings are disposed in a wear plate that is removably secured to the body. It is also contemplated that the device includes a plurality of actuating devices, and each foot pedal communicates with one of the actuating devices from the plurality of actuating devices. It is further contemplated that each foot pedal includes a side wall that is visually distinguishable from a top surface of the foot pedal in order to provide a visual indication of a position of the foot pedal. 
     In another aspect, the present invention may be generally characterized as providing a device for regulating a flow of water having: a body having an inlet opening and at least one outlet openings; and, at least one pedal. Each outlet opening may be associated with one pedal, and each pedal may be configured to move to start or stop a flow of water though the associated outlet opening. It is contemplated that at least one pedal is disposed on an upper surface of the body. It is further contemplated the inlet opening is located on one side of the body, and the at least one outlet opening is located on an opposite side of the body. It is also contemplated that the device includes a plurality of spikes located on an opposite of the body relative to the at least one pedal. The body may be formed by two members. The body may form a manifold for distributing of water. It is contemplated that the device includes at least one actuating device, and that each pedal communicates with one actuating device. Each pedal may have a side wall that is visually distinguishable from a top surface of the pedal in order to provide a visual indication of a position of the pedal. 
     In still another aspect, the present invention may be broadly described as providing a device for regulating a flow of water which includes: a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet, and, a plurality of actuating devices. Each actuating device is associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device includes a member with an aperture extending through the member. The members are configured to be moved to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet. It is contemplated that each actuating device includes an upper cam member and a lower cam member. The upper cam members and the lower cam members may each have complementary configured surfaces configured to engage each other and rotate the lower cam member. Each actuating device may also include at least one spring for biasing one of the upper or lower cam members. Each actuating device may further include a cap configured to be operated by a user to rotate the lower cam member. It is contemplated that each actuating device includes at least one seal disposed between the aperture and the inlet, and each seal may have a wall with an undulating surface. It is also contemplated that the body includes a plurality of cylindrical housings and that each cylindrical housing contains one of the members of the actuating devices. Each cylindrical housing may have a cap configured to be operated by a user to move the member to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet. The caps may be configured to rotate the members. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention may, generally, be characterized as providing a device for regulating a flow of water having: a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet; and, a plurality of actuating devices, each actuating device associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device including an upper cam member and a lower cam member having an aperture extending through the lower cam member. The lower cam members may be configured to be rotated to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet. It is contemplated that the device also includes a plurality of caps, each cap associated with one of the actuating devices. 
     Additional aspects, embodiments, and details of the invention, all of which may be combinable in any manner, are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top view of a device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a top and side perceptive view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom elevational view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom and side perceptive view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of another device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective side and front view of another device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded front view of the device depicted in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a cap of the device depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a top view of a seal used in the device depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a bottom view of the seal depicted in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  is a side view of the seal depicted in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10D  is another side view of the seal depicted in  FIG. 10A  which is rotated 90-degrees compared with the side view of  FIG. 10C ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top exploded view of conduits used in the device depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; and, 
         FIG. 11B  is front exploded view of the conduits in  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As mentioned above, a new water flow regulation device has been invented. The new device has a pedal to control the flow of water, preferably by a user&#39;s foot operating the pedal. Thus, with the push of a user&#39;s foot, water pressure to a hose can controlled without having to return to the spigot each and every time. The present flow regulation device may be placed in a convenient location and connected via a hose to the building spigot. Once the spigot has been turned on and flows to the flow regulation device, the water flow out of the flow regulation device is controlled by stepping on the foot pedal(s). 
     With these general principles in mind, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the new flow regulation device  10  includes an upper body member  12  and a lower body member  14  which together form a body  16 . The body  16  includes an inlet opening  18 . The inlet opening  18  is disposed on a front end  20  of the body  16 . Opposite the front end  20  is a back end  22  of the body  16  which includes at least one outlet opening  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . While the depicted embodiment includes three outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , any number of outlet openings may be included, including one, two, four, five, six, etc. The inlet opening  18  and the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  are each located on necks  26 , or fluted portions, that extend away from the body  16 . 
     According to at least one aspect, the body  16  may form a manifold for the distribution of water to the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  Therefore, the materials of the body  16  should be sufficiently strong to withstand the pressure of water from a household supply. Alternatively, the body  16  may contain piping or other conduits  29  ( FIG. 7 ) which distribute water within the body  16 . 
     The inlet opening  18  is coupled to a hose (not show) and thus includes a coupling member  28  which may be a ¾-inch threaded female hose coupling. Preferably, the coupling member  28  is freely rotatable on the neck  26 . Additionally, each of the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  is intended to be coupled to a hose as well. Accordingly, each of the necks  26  associated with the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  include a coupling member  34  which may be a ¾-inch male threaded hose coupling. The depicted coupling members  28 ,  34  are merely exemplary. 
     In the depicted embodiment, a first outlet opening  24   b  is in line with the inlet opening  18 . By “in line”, as shown in  FIG. 1 , it is meant that the approximate centers of the inlet opening  18 , and outlet opening  24   b  are located along a center axis A 1 -A 1  of the body. The additional openings  24   a ,  24   c  are located such that lines A 2 -A 2 , A 3 -A 3  intersecting the approximate center of that outlet opening  24   a ,  24   c  and the center of the inlet opening  18  center axis A 1 -A 1  form angles α 1 , α 2  of approximately 45° with the center axis A 1 -A 1 . Moreover, to provide for even flow distribution, the additional outlet openings  24   a ,  24   c  are preferably equidistantly spaced from the first outlet opening  24   b . The depicted arrangement is merely preferred. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the necks  26  of outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  are preferably located on a wear plate  38  that is separate from the body  16 . This will allow of the wear plate  38  to be switched and made from a different material relative to the body  16 . Additionally, the wear plate  38  may protect the couplings  34 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , disposed on an upper surface  40  of the flow regulation device  10  are a plurality of pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , preferably sized and arrangement to be manipulated by a foot. Each foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  controls the flow of water through one of the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  in the body  16 . While the depicted embodiment includes three foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , any number of foot pedals may be included, including one, two, four, five, six, etc. provided that each outlet opening  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  is associated with one of the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c.    
     Accordingly, turning to  FIG. 6 , each foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  communicates with an actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  which either permits or prevents the flow of water through the respective outlet opening  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . The actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  may be any structure which is moved between on and off configurations to either allow or prevent the flow of water. Exemplary actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  include ball valves, butterfly valves, stopcocks, pistons, and other structures which can be moved in and out of the path of water to control the flow of water. The actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  may be directly engaged by the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , or the actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  may be in pneumatic, electrical, or other indirect communication with the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  (i.e., with an intervening structure). 
     Preferably, the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  are movable in and out of a home orientation which indicates whether the associated actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  is in one of the on or off configurations. In order to provide a visual indication as to whether or not the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  are in the home position (and thus whether or not the actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  are in the on or off orientations), sidewalls  45  of the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  may be visually distinguished from top surfaces  47  of the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  with, for example bright colors or different surface textures. The foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  may be biased to return to the home orientation mechanically with, for example springs, or via the material of the foot pedals, or via pressure, from for example, the pressure of the water within the body  16 . 
     For example, if the home orientation indicates that the actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  are in an off configuration, the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  may be spaced and extend above the upper surface  40  of the body  16  so that the sidewalls  45  are visually perceived. If a foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  is stepped on to change the actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  to an on configuration, when the user&#39;s foot is removed from the foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , it stays in a displaced orientation (relative to the home orientation) where the sidewalls  45  are not easily visually perceived. Thus, by the orientation of the foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , the user is provided with information relating to whether or not the actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  is in the on or off configuration. This explanation is intended to be exemplary and as would be appreciated, in the home orientation of the foot pedals  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c , sidewalls  45  may be visually perceived, or the actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  may be in the on configuration, or both. 
     In order to better maintain the flow regulation device  10  in the desired location when deployed by a user, a plurality of spikes  46  extending away from a bottom surface  48  of the flow regulation device  10 . The spikes  46  may be made from a material that is sufficiently rigid to be able to be driven into the ground. Additionally, a pad  50  is secured to the body  16 , with, for example the spikes  46 . The pad  50  is located between the body  16  and the ground, and may be made from a material that also maintains the flow regulation device  10  in the desired location. Additionally, the pad  50  protects the body  16  from damage, for example, by a rock or other hard object adjacent the flow regulation device  10 . 
     In use, a water supply hose, having one end at the spigot, is coupled, at its second end, to the inlet opening  18  via the coupling member  28 . Additional hoses maybe coupled to the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  via their respective coupling members  34 . The water may be turned on at the spigot. 
     If the actuating devices  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  are in the “off configuration”, no water will flow out of the outlet openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . When a user wants to start the flow of water to a particular hose, the desired foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  is depressed, changing the configuration of the associated actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  to an “on configuration”, and thus starting the flow of water to through the respective outlet opening  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . To stop the flow of water, the same foot pedal  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  is depressed to change the configuration of the associated actuating device  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c  back to the “off configuration”. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another device  110  of present invention is shown, in which similar features to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  have the same reference numbers that have been increased by “100.” 
     In the device  110  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there are two outlets  124   a ,  124   b , again, each associated with an actuating device  144   a ,  144   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each actuating device  144   a ,  144   b  includes an upper cam member  152 , an upper spring  154 , a lower cam member  156 , and a lower cam spring  158 . The components of each actuating device  144   a ,  144   b  are held within cylindrical housings  160  which extend out of the body  116 . A cover  162  may be threadedly secured to the lower end of each cylindrical housing  160 , while a cap  142   a ,  142   b  may be slidably secured to the upper end of each cylindrical housing  160 . The cap  142   a ,  142   b  is able to move up and down on the cylindrical housing  160  to control the flow of fluid out of the associated outlets  124   a ,  124   b.    
     Disposed at a top of each cylindrical housings  160  is at least one tab  161 . Preferably, there are two or more tabs  161 . Each tab  161  includes an extension  163  that projects outwardly away from an outer surface  165  of the cylindrical housings  160 . The extensions  163  are sized to interfere with an annular flange  167  on the bottom of the cap  142   a ,  142   b . (See  FIG. 9 ). The tabs  161  are inwardly displaceable, so that the cap  142   a ,  142   b  can be slid downward over the extensions  163 . The extensions  163  may have a sloped top surface to allow for easier assembly. Once the flange  167  has passed over the extensions  163 , the tabs  161  may return to the depicted configuration in which the extensions  163  are positioned prevent the flange  167  from being removed from the cylindrical housings  160 . However, to allow for removable, each cap  124   a ,  124   b  includes access portals  169  allowing the tabs  161  to be depressed inwardly with a pin or the like, so that the flange  167  may clear the extensions  163  and be removed from the cylindrical housings  160 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each lower cam member  156  includes a body  166  that has an aperture  168  extending therethrough. In an “on configuration” for the actuating device  144   a ,  144   b  the aperture  168  is aligned with the inlet opening  118  and the associated outlet opening  124   a ,  124   b . Thus, water is permitted to flow from the inlet opening  118 , through the body  166  of the lower cam member  156  and out of the device  110  through the associated outlet opening  124   a ,  124   b . In an “off configuration” for the actuating device  144   a ,  144   b , the aperture  168  is misaligned with the inlet opening  118 . Accordingly, water is prevented from flowing out of the device  110  through the associated outlet opening  124   a ,  124   b  by the body  166  of the lower cam member  156 . 
     To change from the “on configuration” to the “off configuration,” and vice versa, the lower cam member  156  includes an upper surface  170  that is configured complementarily to a lower surface  172  of the upper cam member  152 . The upper cam member  152  includes vertical slots  174  that engage protrusions  175  (see  FIG. 11A ) on an inner surface of the cylindrical housings  160 . 
     In a known manner, when the cap  142   a ,  142   b  is depressed by a user, the upper cam member  152  is displaced downward. The upper surface  170  of the lower cam member  156  and the lower surface  172  of the upper cam member  152 , along with the biasing of the springs  154 ,  158 , and the slots  174  and protrusions, cooperate to rotate the lower cam member  156  45-degrees around its vertical longitudinal axis. When the user releases the cap  142   a ,  142   b , the lower cam member rotates another 45-degree rotation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D , the device  110  may include seals  176  disposed on opposite sides of the lower cam member  156  to reduce any leaking from water flowing into and out of the body  166  of the lower cam member  156 . The seals  176  may include a wall  178  extending away from the seal  176 . The wall  178  has an undulating outer surface  180  such that it appears, when viewed from the side, that the outer surface  180  of the wall  178  is concave ( FIG. 10C ) but when rotated 90 around its longitudinal axis, the outer surface  180  of the wall  178  is convex ( FIG. 10D ). This configuration allows the seal  176  to accommodate the cylindrical shape of the body  166  of the lower cam member  156 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the conduits  129  of the flow regulation device  110  are shown with greater detail. More specifically, the conduits  129  and the cylindrical housings  160  are secured together with complementary threaded portions  190   a ,  190   b . The conduits  129  include two conduits  129   a ,  129   b  having one of the outlet openings  124   a ,  124   b , and one conduit  129   c  having the inlet opening  118 . Each of these conduits  129   a ,  129   b ,  129   c  includes a male threaded extensions  190   a  which is received in a female threaded aperture  190   b  in the cylindrical housings  160 . 
     Accordingly, with the present flow regulation device  10 ,  110 , a user does not need to bend over at the spigot to start and stop water. Rather, a mere push of a pedal with the user&#39;s foot will start/stop the water flow. Additionally, by providing multiple outlets, each having an independent control, the flow regulation device  10 ,  110  allows for multiple hoses to be selectively provided with water and controlled independently for each other. Finally, by using a design that can be controlled with a user&#39;s foot, the device  10 ,  110  can be placed in an easy-to-reach place and may be operated with minimal effort providing for a more enjoyable gardening experience. 
     It should be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other components were not shown in the drawings as it is believed that the specifics of same are well within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art and a description of same is not necessary for practicing or understanding the embodiments of the present invention. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.