Patent Document

FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates generally to a water flow restriction device and method. More specifically, the invention relates to an improved device and method for installing and preventing tampering with a flow restrictor assembly for restricting water flow to bathroom fixtures, such as a showerhead and bathtub faucet. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A number of tools and systems are designed for use in connection with the task of resisting or reducing water flow in showerheads. The concern over global warming and the potential for drought in some areas continues to draw attention towards conserving water and energy. Water consumed through indoor and outdoor appliances represents a considerable share of a household&#39;s daily water usage in developed countries. Specifically, domestic use ranges from ten to thirty percent of overall water consumption in developed countries, with shower usage being typically the third largest water use in a residence. 
         [0003]    In addition to environmental concerns, the Federal government through the Energy Policy Act of 1992, has mandated that many household fixtures must reduce water flow. In particular, all showerheads manufactured or imported into the United States must meet reduced flow requirements of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Prior to this regulation, shower users could consume five to eight gpm. 
         [0004]    In order to conform to the federal regulations as well as reduce water and energy consumption, flow restrictors have been utilized in showerhead fixtures. These restrictors are simple disks with small openings, wherein the disks are either incorporated into the showerhead or manufactured as “after-market” inserts, installed at a point between the shower arm and the showerhead. 
         [0005]    Despite its proposed utility, this device suffers from a number of deficiencies. For example, because of the configuration of these restrictors, a user may easily remove the disk, resulting in an increase in flow rate to a level that exceeds the 2.5 gpm maximum allowable flow rate. This problem is encountered by landlords in particular who typically must also endure the added water and heating costs without being able to pass those costs on to tenants. 
         [0006]    Previous devices have attempted to provide an “after-market” tamper-resistant external flow restrictor using a rotating sleeve to cover the set screw that locks the fitting in place on the showerhead arm. The rotating sleeve of these devices is held in place by an additional screw set. However, a user could easily unscrew the screw holding the rotating sleeve in place, rotate the sleeve, and remove the second set screw in order to detach the flow restrictor from the showerhead arm. 
         [0007]    One solution to remedy this problem is provided in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/657,838 (“Schwartz”). Schwartz discloses providing a flow restrictor concealed behind a shower wall and using a tamper-resistant fitting that is curved on all sides thereby hindering a user from utilizing any tool to unscrew the fitting. Instead, a knowledgeable worker must first remove the flow-restrictor disk from a fitting and insert a tool into a tool-hole hidden behind the flow-restrictor disk in order to completely remove the remaining portion of the flow-restrictor assembly. However, in order to optimize flow restriction, it is desirable for the flow-restrictor disk to always fit securely and tightly against all walls of the flow restrictor assembly. A flow-restrictor assembly that utilizes a flow-restrictor disk that can be dislodged in some manner to create a gap between the flow-restrictor disk and fitting within which it is positioned may decrease the effectiveness of the flow restrictor assembly and potentially lead to increased water usage. Furthermore, another deficiency in the prior art is the current water flow restrictor devices are designed solely for use along with a showerhead fixture, with no corresponding water flow restrictor device designed for use with bathtub fixtures. Because usage of a bathtub faucet is typically associated with filling a bathtub to a desired water level while the drain of the bathtub is blocked with a stopper, there appears to be no incentive to use of a flow restrictor device in a bathtub faucet. However, many use bathtub faucets for other purposes, such as running water for use in bathroom or household cleaning. In these situations, the drain stopper may be left open while water flows from the bathtub faucet. Thus, there is a need for a flow restrictor device to be used with a bathtub faucet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved water flow restriction device and method for use in connection with all bath fixtures in order to promote effective water flow restriction and reduction. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention to provide an improved tamper-resistant water flow restriction device and method, which includes a tamper-resistant water flow restrictor concealed behind a shower wall. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tamper-resistant water flow restriction device which includes a flow restrictor disk and a surrounding ring assembly to securely fit in a fitting thereby assuring that the flow restrictor remains in a fully operational position during water flow. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a water flow restriction device and method for use in connection with a bathtub fixture to reduce water flow. 
         [0012]    Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows. 
         [0013]    In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an improved flow restrictor assembly having a metallic fitting or housing that accommodates an interior ring assembly comprising a ring and a ring casing, and a flow-restrictor disk. Together, the interior ring assembly and flow-restrictor disk act as a flow regulator for regulating water flow. The fitting is substantially tubular with a top section and a bottom section, having a first opening and a second opening, respectively. The top section of the fitting is further defined by a hollow interior and a ledge upon which the interior ring assembly and flow-restrictor disk are positioned when the flow restrictor assembly is installed and in use. The bottom section of the fitting is formed with a substantially smooth and rounded outer surface. The bottom section further comprises a pair of gripping planes which can be gripped by a specialized tool for purposes of uninstalling the improved flow restrictor assembly. 
         [0014]    There is also provided an improved method for restricting the flow of water and reducing water flow in the context of bath fixtures, and in particular bathtub fixtures. The method comprises the steps of providing an improved flow restrictor assembly and installing the assembly between the water supply line and bathtub faucet, preferably behind the shower wall. 
         [0015]    Additional features of the invention are described below in more detail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the top of a flow restrictor assembly with a flow restrictor disk and ring assembly positioned within a flow restrictor fitting; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the flow restrictor assembly showing the flow restrictor fitting, ring casing, ring and flow restrictor disk; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a flow restrictor fitting; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a flow restrictor fitting taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a flow restrictor assembly with a flow restrictor disk and ring assembly positioned within the top section of the flow restrictor fitting; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a conventional showerhead installation with a cross-sectional view of a shower wall. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a conventional showerhead installation showing a showerhead arm disconnected from an elbow that connects to a water supply line; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a showerhead arm and the flow restrictor assembly prior to installation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of a showerhead arm with the flow restrictor assembly installed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a showerhead arm detached from the flow restrictor assembly during removal; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a shower wall with a tool engaging an installed flow restrictor assembly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective illustration of a water flow restriction system including a showerhead fixture coupled with a flow restrictor assembly and a bathtub faucet coupled with a flow restrictor assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 12 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of a system and method of installation of a flow restrictor device or assembly  100  of the present invention. Generally, the flow restrictor assembly contains a fitting  160  comprising a top section  110 , a bottom section  130  and an intersection  120  at which the top section  110  meets the bottom section  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the fitting  160  of the flow restrictor device  100  is formed of a metal or alloy, such as brass or copper. However, it should be understood that other metals, alloys or materials may be used as well. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the top section  110  of the flow restrictor device  100  is a cylindrically shaped portion, surrounded by an exterior screw thread  111 , which is open at the top to produce an upper edge portion  114 . The top section  110  is hollow along the inside forming a cylindrically shaped interior or cavity  112  adapted to receive a flow restrictor disk  140  and interior ring assembly  150 . The interior ring assembly  150  and flow restrictor disk  140  combine to form a flow regulator. The base of the top section  110  includes an interior ledge  113  which directly supports the interior ring assembly  150  and the flow restrictor disk  140  therein. The interior ledge  113  contains a rounded aperture  122  which continues through the intersection  120  of the flow restrictor device  100 . 
         [0031]    The bottom section  130  of the flow restrictor device  100  is substantially cylindrical in shape and meets the top section  110  at the intersection portion  120 . The base of the bottom section  130  makes up an open second end  133  of the flow restrictor device  100  whereby the open second end  133  is curved on the inside forming a rounded inside edge  135 . The exterior of the bottom section  130  is substantially curved to create an outside rounded surface  131  with the exception of at least two gripping planes  132 ,  132  that are rounded on the inside edge  135  and flat on the exterior. The gripping planes  132 ,  132  are preferably located opposite each other along the circumference of the open second end  133 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the flow restrictor assembly  100  with the flow restrictor disk  140  separated from ring  151  and ring casing  152 . The flow restrictor disk  140  comprises a perimeter with interior spaces through which water may flow at a reduced flow rate. The sizes of the spaces generally dictate the desired flow. The ring  151  and ring casing  152  come together to form the interior ring assembly  150 , wherein the ring  151  fits within the casing  152 , having a diameter that approximates that of the ring casing  152 . The relative dimensions of the casing  152  and ring  151  allow the ring  151  to be manually removed by a user if needed, but otherwise enables it to stay in place. The flow restrictor disk  140  is securely held above the ring  151  and within the ring casing  152 . In a preferred embodiment the restrictor disk  140  and ring casing  152  are formed of a resilient plastic material, while the ring, which functions like a gasket, is formed of a more flexible material. 
         [0033]    Notably, it is possible to form a somewhat larger flow restrictor disk to fit snugly within the top section of the fitting  160 , without an interior ring assembly  150 . A larger disk can be utilized without the interior ring assembly  150  to restrict water flow entering from a water supply line. However, differences in water pressure may result in different flow rates. Accordingly, it is desirable to utilize a regulator having a restrictor disk and an interior ring assembly which should limit water flow to a particular flow rate, regardless of differences in water pressure. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show cross-sectional views of the flow restrictor fitting  160 .  FIG. 4  illustrates the fitting  160  without the flow restrictor disk  140  and interior ring assembly  150 .  FIG. 5  includes a cross-sectional view of the flow restrictor disk  140  and interior ring assembly  150 . The fitting  160  is shaped such that the flow restrictor disk  140  and interior ring assembly  150  are received by the fitting  160  and fit snugly within the cylindrically shaped interior  112  and upon the interior ledge  113  of the top section  110 . The intersection  120  contains a rounded hole  112  which is positioned below the interior ring assembly  150  and ends at the bottom section  130  creating an intersection wall  121 . When the flow restrictor assembly is in use, water passes through the spaces in the flow restrictor disk  140 , through the bottom of the interior ring assembly  150 , through rounded hole  112  and then onward eventually to the fixture. 
         [0035]    The interior ledge  113  of the top section  110  and the surrounding interior space  112  illustrated in  FIG. 4  provides continuous support for the flow restrictor disk  140  and ring assembly  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The presence of the ledge blocks movement of the assembly  150  and disk  140  in the direction of water flow. This snug fitting and corresponding dimension of the parts allow the flow restrictor  140  and ring assembly  150  to remain in place throughout use without tumbling, turning to one side or becoming dislodged, particularly when the flow of water alternates repeatedly such as when a user turns on the water, turns off the water or otherwise varies its flow. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a prior art example of a showerhead arm  7  coupled with a showerhead  6  connected to a water supply line  10 . The showerhead arm  7  extends beyond a cover plate  2  that conceals an opening  5  into a cavity  4  of a shower wall  1 . Inside the cavity  4  of the shower wall  1 , the showerhead arm  7  is preferably connected to an elbow  11  that attaches a water supply line  10  to the showerhead arm  7 . The elbow  11  functions as an access point to redirect the flow of water from an upward vertical direction to a horizontal direction, making the water supply available through an opening  5  in the shower wall  1 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7 through 11  illustrate the installation and/or removal of the flow restrictor device  100 . While the installation and removal depicted is of a showerhead, the same installation and removal process may be used for all bath fixtures, including, for example, a bathtub faucet. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  first shows the removal of the showerhead arm  7  coupled with a showerhead  6  from the elbow  11  that is connected to the water supply line  10 . The elbow  11  contains an internally threaded opening (not shown) in the horizontal direction. The showerhead arm  7  disconnects from the elbow  11  by unscrewing the external thread  8  of the second end  9  of the showerhead arm  7  from the internal thread of the elbow  11 . Although it is possible to remove the cover plate  2  during installation, it does not necessarily have to be removed in order to connect or disconnect the showerhead arm  7  as the cover plate  2  has an opening that allows the showerhead arm  7  to extend beyond and pass through the shower wall  1 . This allows the second end  9  of the showerhead arm  7  to remain concealed behind the cover plate  2  when installed. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  shows the flow restrictor device  100  placed between the showerhead arm  7  and the elbow  11 . The external thread  111  on the top section  110  of the flow restrictor device  100  may be screwed into the internal threading of the elbow  11 . The external thread  8  of the showerhead arm  7  screws into the interior screw thread  134  of the bottom section  130  of the flow restrictor device  100 . In this manner, the flow restrictor device  100  may be installed between the showerhead arm  7  and the elbow  11 . Further, once installed, the flow restrictor assembly may be concealed behind the cover plate  2  of the shower wall  1  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  demonstrates an assembled flow restriction system including the flow restrictor device  100  and a portion of the showerhead arm  7  concealed behind the cover plate  2  of the shower wall  1 . The flow restrictor device  100  and the showerhead arm  7  are capable of being attached to the elbow without removal of the cover plate  2  as the flow restrictor assembly  100  and showerhead arm  7  are extendable through an opening  5  of the shower wall  1 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  illustrates the removal of the showerhead arm  7  from the flow restrictor device  100 , leaving the flow restrictor device  100  screwed into the elbow  11  of the water supply line  10 . The flow restrictor device  100  remains behind the shower wall  1  and can only be accessed with a specialized tool  12  that can extend beyond the shower wall  1  through an opening  5  as demonstrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0042]    To remove the flow restrictor device  100 , a specialized tool  12 , shown in  FIG. 11 , is provided to engage gripping planes  132  on the outside surface  131 , which are hidden behind the shower wall  1 . Once the gripping planes  132  are engaged with the tool  12 , the flow restrictor device  100  may be unscrewed from the elbow  11 . Significantly, since the intersection wall  121  of the fitting  160  partially conceals and hinders physical access to the flow restrictor disk  140  and interior ring assembly  150 , it is difficult for a user to even notice the flow restrictor disk  140  without first removing the entire flow restrictor assembly  100 . Without noticing the presence of the restrictor disk  140 , a user will likely not even attempt to engage in its removal. By the same token even after noticing the presence of a restrictor disk  140 , a user may not attempt to engage in its removal after recognizing that it will be a difficult process. 
         [0043]    It should be understood that the rough opening  5  in the shower wall  1  has minimal clearance due to a plurality of tiles  4  with grout filling that often surround the opening  5 . Thus, the opening  5  would be somewhat irregular as determined by the trimming skill of the tiler and would require a specific tool  12  to engage the gripping planes  132 . 
         [0044]    The arrangement of the system shown in  FIG. 9 , and the process of removal of the flow restrictor device  100  demonstrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrates one way in which a user is prevented from removing the flow restrictor device  100 . A user may desire to remove the flow restrictor device  100 , and perhaps a user may even attempt to employ the use of pliers or the like in an effort to remove the flow restrictor device  100 . However, because the flow restrictor device  100  is hidden behind the shower wall  1 , and the opening  5  has minimal clearance, there is typically not enough space to allow a pair or pliers or the like to pass in order to grip the gripping planes  132 . Instead, as  FIG. 11  illustrates, a specialized tool  12  in the form of a cylindrically-shaped tube with flattened end portions to engage the gripping planes  132 , is needed in order to pass through the minimal clearance provided by the opening  5  and grip the gripping planes  132 . It should be understood that other similar tools may be formed or utilized with the same goal and to accomplish the same function as provided by specialized tool  12 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a full bath fixture system including a showerhead  6  coupled with a showerhead arm  7  as well as a bathtub faucet  13  coupled with a faucet arm  14 . Both the showerhead arm  7  and faucet arm  14  are each attached to a flow restrictor device  100 , resulting in reduced water flow from the water supply line  10  that is connected to the both the bathtub faucet  13  and the showerhead  6 . It should be understood that different flow restrictor disks may be used to allow for different flow rates as desired. For example, a flow restrictor disk allowing a flow rate of 2.5 gpm may be used in connection with water leaving out of the bathtub fixture while, at the same time, using a flow restrictor disk allowing a flow rate of 1.8 gpm for water leaving out of the showerhead fixture. 
         [0046]    The accompanying drawings only illustrate a flow restrictor assembly, its constituent parts, and method of use. However, other types and styles are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be noted that the terms “first,” “second” and similar terms may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

Technology Category: 4