Abstract:
A water faucet providing a digital temperature readout indicating the temperature of the water exiting the faucet is herein disclosed. The faucet provides a switch to change the display between Fahrenheit and Celsius and is powered by a small integral solar cell and an internal battery for periods of low ambient light. The display and corresponding circuitry is mounted inside of a waterproof enclosure which is removably mounted to the faucet spout by locking fasteners. The display is removable and allows for replacement or maintenance should it malfunction or break. During use, an internal thermocouple senses a change in temperature to activate the apparatus, thereby conserving energy. Such features are ideal for measuring the temperature of water used to wash hands or dishes to ensure compliance with health department requirements.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/209,435 filed Mar. 9, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to water faucet assemblies, and in particular, to a faucet and display assembly adapted to present a user with real time data regarding the temperature of water flowing through the faucet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional residential and commercial water faucets including both cold and hot water supplies are ubiquitous in modern society. The uses of such faucets vary greatly, and as a result, the required operating temperatures span a great range as well. Sanitary operations such as the washing of hands often require high temperatures for maximum efficiency, while other simple operations prefer the use of cold temperatures in order to conserve energy. In either case, risks are present in the form of injuries from excessively high temperatures and extreme discomfort as a result of temperatures both too high or too low. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide water supplies with temperature regulating means. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,120, issued in the name of Bowen, describes a water temperature sensor adapted for mounting on a conventional shower or the like. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,660, issued in the name of Hansen, describes a temperature sensing automatic faucet. The Hansen system includes a thermostat, valves, temperature monitoring, sensors, and the like to provide an automated temperature control system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. RE 37,888, issued in the name of Cretu-Petra, describes a water faucet with touchless controls. The Cretu-Petra device provides a complete automated system via proximity sensor actuation and an internal automated means for providing a consistent temperature of water. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a water faucet with temperature control features exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 525,345. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such systems are complicated and difficult or impossible to retrofit to existing residential systems. Also, many such systems do not provide an easy readout to a user for them to determine the current state of the system. Furthermore, many such systems are not suited for use with faucet systems with both hot and cold water inflows. In addition, many such systems are not detachable for simple cleaning, maintenance, or storage during periods of non-use. Accordingly, there exists a need for a water faucet temperature monitoring system without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide an apparatus adaptable to conventional residential water faucet assemblies which provides a user with easily viewable and reliable temperature data in a manner which is simple, retrofittable, selectively removable, and replaceable. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for sensing a temperature of outlet water exiting from a faucet assembly and display the temperature to a user via an easy to read display assembly. The apparatus comprises a water temperature display assembly which is removably attached to a water faucet assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a conventional counter or sink-mounted water faucet with features such as a base, a spout, and hot and cold water valves and handles. The faucet assembly further provides removable electrical and mechanical attachment to the display assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a base and mounting means which allow the faucet assembly to be mounted to a surface such as a sink, countertop, or the like in a conventional manner, replacing an existing faucet assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise a protruding spigot attachment feature which provides a removable electrical and mechanical attachment means to the display assembly. The spigot attachment feature comprises a horizontal profile to the display assembly in order to discreetly conceal the removable functionality of the display assembly, thus deterring theft and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a display assembly having a display screen, a solar cell, a control button, and a battery. The display assembly further comprises internal components necessary to sense and display a temperature of mixed water exiting from the spout. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a removable attachment means for the display assembly and to enable temperature measurement within either faucet assembly to be displayed upon the display assembly. The attachment feature further comprises gaskets to provide a safe waterproof seal about the electrical connectors. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a numeric display of the temperature of water flowing through the spout and a control button to provide a user with a means of switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a solar panel which provides electrical current to charge an internal battery and power the apparatus. 
     The battery provides power to the temperature sensing and display functions of the apparatus during periods of low ambient light. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an access door portion along a rear surface of the housing of the display assembly for the replacement of batteries. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise a circuit board which provides additional onboard components such as microprocessors, memory chips, display drivers, software and the like necessary for the processing and display of temperature data. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise temperature sensors located within a probe well integral to a wall portion of both the cold water and hot water spouts. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensors comprise conventional thermocouple wires. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of installing the faucet assembly in the location of an existing conventional sink or faucet, attaching the display assembly, providing real-time data regarding the temperature of water flowing through the system, and allowing a user to disconnect the display assembly during periods of non-use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front environmental view of a water faucet with integral temperature gauge and display  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front environmental view of a water faucet with integral temperature gauge and display  10  depicting an alternate spigot assembly  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of a display assembly  20  and attachment means, according to either embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the water faucet with integral temperature gauge and display  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to either embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical block diagram of a water faucet with integral temperature gauge and display  10 , according to either embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 water faucet with integral temperature gauge and display 
               
               
                 20 
                 display assembly 
               
               
                 21 
                 digital display 
               
               
                 22 
                 solar cell 
               
               
                 23 
                 housing 
               
               
                 24 
                 control button 
               
               
                 25 
                 fastener aperture 
               
               
                 26 
                 battery 
               
               
                 28 
                 battery compartment 
               
               
                 30 
                 gasket 
               
               
                 40 
                 faucet assembly 
               
               
                 41 
                 base 
               
               
                 42 
                 spout 
               
               
                 43 
                 hot water inlet 
               
               
                 44 
                 cold water inlet 
               
               
                 46 
                 spigot attachment feature 
               
               
                 47 
                 insulation 
               
               
                 48 
                 locking fastener 
               
               
                 49 
                 probe well 
               
               
                 50 
                 hot water valve/handle 
               
               
                 52 
                 cold water valve/handle 
               
               
                 60 
                 first male connector 
               
               
                 62 
                 second male connector 
               
               
                 64 
                 first female connector 
               
               
                 66 
                 second female connector 
               
               
                 67 
                 thermocouple wire 
               
               
                 68 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 70 
                 circuit board 
               
               
                 72 
                 voltage regulator 
               
               
                 80 
                 alternate faucet assembly 
               
               
                 81 
                 alternate spigot base 
               
               
                 82 
                 alternate spout 
               
               
                 83 
                 alternate locking fastener 
               
               
                 84 
                 alternate hot water valve handle 
               
               
                 86 
                 alternate cold water valve handle 
               
               
                 88 
                 alternate spigot attachment feature 
               
               
                 89 
                 alternate probe well 
               
               
                 100 
                 water 
               
               
                 105 
                 hot water line 
               
               
                 110 
                 cold water line 
               
               
                 120 
                 mounting surface 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a water faucet with an integral temperature gauge and display (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for sensing a temperature of outlet water  100  exiting from a faucet assembly  40  and displaying said temperature to a user via an easy to read display assembly  20 . The apparatus  10  is envisioned to provide a user an easy to install replacement faucet assembly  40  equipped with the display assembly  20  to provide accurate exiting water temperature while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic appearance. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a water temperature display assembly  20  being removably attached thereto a water faucet assembly  40 . The faucet assembly  40  is envisioned to comprise expected features similar to other common commercially available counter or sink-mounted water faucets, such as a base  41 , a spout  42 , a hot water valve/handle  50 , and a cold water valve/handle  52 . Although illustrated here depicting a preferred embodiment, it is understood that said faucet assembly  40  may be introduced in various shapes, colors, designs, and materials which may utilize the teachings of the apparatus  10  enabling a user to decoratively match said faucet assembly  40  thereto a desired room décor while providing equal benefit and function (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     The base  31  is envisioned to be mounted thereto a mounting surface  120  such as a sink, counter top, or the like in a conventional manner. The hot water valve/handle  50  and cold water valve/handle  52  are envisioned to be attached thereto an upper surface of said base  41  thereat opposing end portions. The hot water valve/handle  50  provides a variable flow control means to hot water from a connected hot water line  43  to the spout  42 . In like manner, the cold water valve/handle  52  provides a variable flow means to cold water from a cold water line  44  to the spout  42 . The control valve/handles  50 ,  52  are envisioned to be similar to other commercially available variable flow rate valves. The hot and cold water flow  100  is mixed internally within the faucet assembly  40  and the spout  42 . Although illustrated here comprising two (2) control valve/handles  50 ,  52 , it is understood that the faucet assembly  40  may be introduced in various designs including a single valve/handle configuration, and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  provides removable attachment of the temperature display assembly  20  thereto a side surface portion of said spout  42  via a protruding spigot attachment feature  46  being cast or molded into the spout  42  preferably along a side surface. The spigot attachment feature  46  provides sealed and fixtured attachment of said temperature display assembly  20  thereto the spout portion  42 . The display assembly  20  and spigot attachment feature  46  comprise similar horizontal profile shapes so as to discreetly conceal the removable functionality of the display assembly  20 . When affixed thereto the spigot attachment feature  46 , the temperature display assembly  20  extends horizontally from said spigot attachment feature  46 , being ergonomically tilted therein a rearward orientation at an approximate angle of forty-five degrees (45°), thereby improving a user&#39;s viewing angle. The display assembly  20  provides a user a sealed electronic interface further comprising a display screen  21 , a solar cell  22 , and a control button  24 . The display assembly  20  is further envisioned to comprise various colors, shapes, and physical design features which aesthetically match that of the faucet assembly  40 , thereby providing a pleasant appearance thereto the entire apparatus  10 . 
     The display assembly  20  provides internal components necessary to sense and display a temperature of mixed water  100  exiting from the spout  42  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an alternate faucet assembly  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate faucet assembly  80  comprises an alternate spigot base  81 , an alternate spout  82 , an alternate hot water valve/handle  84 , an alternate cold water valve/handle  86 , and an alternate spigot attachment feature  88 . Said alternate faucet portions  81 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  provide similar construction, materials, and function as the previously described preferred embodiment  10 . It is further understood that the integration of the display assembly  20  may be incorporated into additional faucet assembly designs and configurations in like manner, and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up perspective view of the display assembly  20  and attachment means, according to either embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Each spout portion  42 ,  82  provides removable attachment of the display assembly  20  via a pair of mechanically locking fasteners  48 ,  83  which are correspondingly engaged into mating fastener aperture portions  25  being molded into a side surface of the display assembly  20 . Said locking fasteners  48 ,  83  comprise integrally-molded or fastened ball-end appendages being diametrically sized so as to result in an interference fit when engaged into the correspondingly positioned fastener apertures  25 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , the locking fasteners  48 ,  83  pass through said fastener apertures  25  and protrude slightly into an inner space of the display assembly  20 , thereby providing a secure snap-fit between. The display assembly  20  also comprises a rectangular sealing gasket  30  affixed thereto and extending from a side perimeter edge of said display assembly  20  which makes compressive contact therewith either spigot attachment feature  46  in a coplanar fashion along a vertical plane, thereby sealing the display assembly  20  against. The gasket  30  is envisioned to be made of soft rubber or equivalent sealing material and attached thereto said display assembly  20  using common industrial adhesives. The display assembly  20 , gasket  30 , and either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  all comprise similar horizontal profile shapes so as to discreetly conceal the removable functionality of the display assembly  20  to deter possible theft of the display assembly  20 . The removal of said display assembly  20  provides a means for convenient cleaning, repairing, assembly replacement, battery replacement, or the like. 
     An electrical connection between the display assembly  20  and either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  is coincidentally established during the previously described mechanical joining thereof. Each spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  comprises a first male connector  60  and a second male connector  62 . Correspondingly, the display assembly  20  comprises a first female connector  64  and second female connector  66 . During mechanical engagement of the aforementioned locking fasteners  48 ,  83  and fastener apertures  25 , said male  60 ,  62  and female  64 ,  66  connectors are coincidentally engaged to establish electrical communication between the thermocouple wire portion  67  of either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  and the display assembly  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). Said male  60 ,  62  and female  64 ,  66  connectors are envisioned to comprise commercially available heavy-duty banana-type connectors common in the industry and capable of numerous connection and disconnection cycles without loss of electrical performance. Electrical communication between either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  and the display assembly  20  enables temperature measurement within either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  to be displayed thereupon the display assembly  20  via internal electronic components (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The display assembly  20  also comprises a digital display  21 , a miniature solar panel  22 , a housing  23 , and a control button  24  along a front surface thereof. The housing  23  provides a protective water-resistant rectangular plastic enclosure thereto electrical and electronic equipment necessary thereto the operation of the apparatus  10  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The display  21  provides numeric display of the temperature of the water  100  as it flows through either spout  42 ,  82 . The solar panel  22  provides an electrical current to display the water temperature and/or to charge an internal battery  26  based upon available ambient light. The battery  26  subsequently powers the temperature sensing and displaying functions of the apparatus  10  during times of low ambient light. The control button  24  provides a switching means which converts the displayed water temperature into Fahrenheit or Celsius scales based upon a user&#39;s selection. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to either embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The display assembly  20  further comprises a miniature rechargeable battery  26 , a battery compartment  28 , interconnecting wiring  68 , and a circuit board  70 . The electric power received from the aforementioned solar panel  22  is conducted thereto a voltage regulator circuit  72  located upon the circuit board  70 , which in turn conducts a charging voltage thereto the battery  26 . The battery  26  is accessed in a conventional manner for replacement purposes via a battery compartment  28  having an access door portion along a rear surface of the housing  23 . 
     The circuit board  70  also provides additional on-board components such as, but not limited to: microprocessors, memory chips, a display driver, and embedded executable software. The connection of the first  60  and second  62  male connectors therewith the first  64  and second  66  female connectors conducts a signal voltage from a thermocouple wire  67  within either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  thereto the circuit board  70  within the display assembly  20 . 
     The apparatus  10  provides accurate temperature sensing capability within the water flow  100  via a thermocouple wire  67  located within a probe well  49 ,  89  integral thereto a wall portion of either spout  42 ,  82  adjacent thereto either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88 . The thermocouple wire  67  extends from said first  60  and second  62  male connectors, through either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  and into the probe well portion  49 ,  83  of either spout  42 ,  82 . The measurement of the water temperature is accomplished preferably using a conventional thermocouple wire  67 . The thermocouple wire  67  comprises two (2) wires made of different metals forming a junction, thereby conducting an electrical potential to the circuit board  70  to determine the temperature of the water  100 . Said thermocouple wire  67  is held in close proximity to the flowing water  100  using a solidified insulating potting fluid  47  within the spigot attachment feature  46  and probe well  49 . 
     The apparatus  10  is depicted here utilizing a thermocouple device  67 , however, various other methods for detection and measurement of a water temperature may be provided without deviating from the concept, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to either embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The solar cell  22  comprises a standard photovoltaic cell which converts solar energy into electricity through a photovoltaic effect. The variable voltage electrical power produced by the solar cell  22  is conducted thereto a standard voltage regulator  72  envisioned to be located thereupon the circuit board  70 , to maintain a constant output voltage to the circuit board and the battery  26 . The battery  26  comprises a miniature standard replaceable or rechargeable cell which provides electrical power thereto the apparatus  10  during low light conditions. The internal circuit board  70  comprises suitable electronics to manage inputs and outputs to receive and communicate the temperature of the water  100  from the thermocouple  67  to the display  21 . The control button  24  provides an input signal thereto the circuit board  70  enabling embedded software within said circuit board  70 , to switch between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius and vice versa when engaged by a user. The thermocouple wire  67  measures the temperature of the outlet water  100  and in turn transmits an input signal thereto the circuit board  70  which provides a processing and displaying means thereto the digital display  21 . The circuit board  70  is to display a measured temperature thereupon the digital display  21  for a predetermined period of time following a change in sensed water temperature, thereby remaining in an “off” state to conserve power when either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  is not being utilized to provide water  100 . The display screen  21  is envisioned to be a standard backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or equivalent display technology, providing a means of visually indicating the temperature of the outlet water  100 . All electrical communication within the apparatus  10  is conducted via common electrical wiring  68 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  having either faucet assembly  40 ,  80 , may be achieved by performing the following steps: preparing a mounting surface  120  such as a sink, counter top, or the like, for installation of either faucet assembly  40 ,  80 ; installing either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  thereto the mounting surface  120  in a conventional manner; connecting the hot water line  105  thereto the hot water inlet  43  using normal plumbing methods; connecting the cold water line  110  thereto the cold water inlet  44 ; attaching the display assembly  20  thereto either spigot attachment feature  46 ,  88  by engaging the locking fasteners  48  into the fastener apertures  25 , if not previously installed; ensuring the locking fasteners  48  are securely engaged thereto the fastener apertures  25 ; enabling a water supply thereto the apparatus  10  by opening appropriate remote supply valves; opening either hot water valve/handle  50 ,  84  and either cold water valve/handle  52 ,  86  thus allowing the hot and cold water  100  to mix within either spout  42 ,  82  to produce an outlet water mixture  100 ; viewing the display  21  which is to indicate the temperature of the outlet water  100 ; manipulating the variable flow valve/handles  50 ,  84 ,  52 ,  86  until a desired outlet water  100  temperature is achieved; engaging the control button  24  to change the temperature display nomenclature from Fahrenheit to Celsius and visa versa, as desired; removing the display assembly  20  from either faucet assembly  40 ,  80 , if necessary, by pulling the display assembly  20  horizontally to disengage the locking fasteners  48  from the fastener apertures  25 ; and, benefiting from an accurate display of outlet water  100  temperature from either faucet assembly  40 ,  80  afforded a user of the present apparatus  10 . 
     The method of replacing the battery  26  may be accomplished by removing the door portion of the battery compartment  28 ; removing the spent battery  26  from the display housing  23 ; installing a fresh battery  26 ; and, replacing the access door of the battery compartment  28 ; and, resuming normal operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.