Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/322,249, filed Jan. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,817, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/012,131, filed Jan. 31, 2008, now abandoned, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and device for assisting animals to drink directly from a faucet. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Due to numerous statutes, code provisions, restrictions, and liability issues, pets are typically confined to the homes of their owners and are not allowed to roam free in yards, neighborhoods and streets. Due to these restrictions, it is necessary for the pets to have access to fresh water source that is both safe and accessible. 
         [0004]    Most often fresh water is available through the faucets. However, the downward flow of a common faucet does not facilitate pets drinking 
         [0005]    The most common means of supplying water for the pets to drink is through bowls or cups which are filled by the pet&#39;s owners and left to sit. This method leaves the water stagnant and accessible to debris causing the water to become contaminated. 
         [0006]    Another method for supplying water to the pets is through the use of self-contained systems that have a water containment device, such as a bottle, and a pump to allow the water to circulate from the bottle to the bowl. This method allows for the movement of water but is also accompanied by pump noise and the water can also become contaminated. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, the inventor has observed that pets prefer drinking from moving water compared to water that is still. The prior art does not provide a source of moving water easily available inside the home. 
         [0008]    The present invention attaches to the faucet in the home and redirects the water flow to a direction that allows the pet to drink fresh water without becoming wet themselves and without the water becoming contaminated. It further allows for differing flow patterns for the water which allows the individual pets to choose which flow pattern they enjoy most. 
         [0009]    In U.S. Pat. No. 1,372,213 by Williams, entitled “Drinking Fountain Attachment for Bibbs or Faucets,” the invention disclosed has an attachment to a faucet which requires constant application of force by the user to redirect water upward through the device in order to drink. While this works for humans, it does not function for pets because they lack the dexterity necessary to apply the constant force necessary. 
         [0010]    In U.S. Pat. No. 1,524,484 by Lutz, entitled “Combined Faucet and Drinking Fountain,” the invention disclosed has an attachment to a faucet that redirects water upward for drinking However, in order for the water to flow upward, pressure must be applied to the invention to open the valve and allow the water to flow. If the force on the device is removed, the water ceases to flow. A pet would not be able to operate this device due to the dexterity required. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention addresses the need for supplying fresh flowing water to a pet to drink from a faucet that prevents the pet from becoming wet in the process. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an elbow connection, one end connected to a faucet and the other end connected to a second elbow. The second elbow is connected to a reservoir. The reservoir has a faceplate from the surface of which the animal drinks the water. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the elbows and reservoir are connected together through threadings. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the first and second elbows are manufactured as a single piece and the reservoir is connected through a locking means. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the elbows and reservoir are connected through a locking means between the pieces. The pieces are separated by o-ring seals to prevent leaking The embodiment is held in place against the faucet spout through the use of a strap that fits over the faucet and is locked in place. The strap is positioned by being placed in an indention on the bottom of an elbow. The elastic strap is located at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the faucet. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a telescopic extension is located between the two elbows and allows the user the change the distance between the reservoir and the faucet. This accommodates the differences in size for different pets because some pets can comfortably reach farther into the sink than other pets. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, a vertical extension is located between the faucet and the first elbow. The vertical extension may be provided in different lengths and allows for the invention to be located at different distances from the faucet. This accommodates different heights of faucets and pets. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the second elbow can be bent to a desired position and angle and maintain that position until the pet&#39;s owner decides to change the angle or position of the reservoir connected to the elbow. 
         [0019]    In use, when the water flows from the faucet through the elbows, through the reservoir, and out the faceplate, it reaches the edge of the faceplate and drips into the sink below the faucet. The dripping water allows the pet to drink from a natural position. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment of the present invention, different number and arrangements of holes can be arranged on faceplate to allow for differing water patterns. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the faceplate has slots, in differing arrangements, located on the walls of the reservoir to allow the water to flow horizontally from the spout. 
         [0022]    In another alternative embodiment, one end of a “T” connection is attached to the second elbow and the remaining two ends of the “T” connection are attached to a third elbow. Attached to each of the elbows are reservoirs and respective faceplates. This allows for more than one reservoir to be connected to a single faucet and allows more than one pet to drink at the same time. It also allows for a multi-pet household to have different reservoirs with different faceplates for each of the pets according to the particular pet&#39;s preference. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, a reservoir can be connected to a faucet to allow the pet to drink. The reservoir is removable from the faucet when not in use and can be disassembled for cleaning 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   a  is a cross-sectional view of connections in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3   b  is a cross-sectional view of connections in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3   c  is a plan view of button on strap in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of extender in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4   b  is a plan view of an elbow in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4   c  is an exploded view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5   a  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5   b  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5   c  is an elevation of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5   d  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5   e  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5   f  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5   g  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5   h  is an isometric view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a reservoir in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a bowl in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a bowl in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , faucet  100  is a typical water faucet located in a home with either a bathroom or kitchen sink. Faucet  100  has channel  125 . Channel  125  traverses the length of faucet  100 . Channel  125  bends with the curves of faucet  100 . Faucet  100  has spout  110 . The exterior of spout  110  has threads  120 . Channel  125  extends through spout  110 . 
         [0046]    Elbow  130  has channel  140  which traverses the length of elbow  130 . Elbow  130  has a bend that is approximately 90°. 
         [0047]    Channel  140  has two ends, entrance  145  and exit  165 . Channel  140  has threads  150  and threads  160 . Threads  150  have similar set spacing as threads  120 . Threads  150  are located in the wall of channel  140  beginning at entrance  145  and extending inward along the vertical axis of channel  140  for a distance of approximately 0.2 cm to 2 cm. Threads  160  are located in the wall of channel  140  and begin at exit  165 . Threads  160  extend inward along the horizontal axis of channel  140  for a distance of approximately 0.2 cm to 2 cm. 
         [0048]    Elbow  130  is connected to faucet  100  by advancing threads  150  into threads  120 . 
         [0049]    Connector  170  has channel  210  which traverses its length. Connector  170  has threaded end  180  and threaded end  190 . Threaded end  180  has threads  195  along its outside walls. Threaded end  190  has threads  200  along its outside walls. Connector  170  is connected to elbow  130  by advancing threads  195  into threads  160 . 
         [0050]    Elbow  220  has channel  230  which traverses its length. Elbow  220  has a bend of approximately 90°. Channel  230  has entrance  235  and exit  255 . Entrance  235  and exit  255  are at the two ends of channel  230 . Channel  230  has threads  240  and  250 . Threads  240  begin at entrance  235  and extend inwardly for a distance of approximately 0.2 cm to 2 cm. Threads  250  begin at exit  255  and extend inwardly for a distance of approximately 0.2 cm to 2 cm. 
         [0051]    Elbow  220  is connected to connector  170  by advancing threads  240  onto threads  200 . When in place in one embodiment, the vertical axis of elbow  220  will be generally parallel with the vertical axis of elbow  130 . In another embodiment, elbow  220  can be rotated approximately 45° to either the right or left of the vertical axis of elbow  130 . 
         [0052]    Elbow  220  is connected to spout  260 . Spout  260  has end  280  and reservoir  275 . End  280  has threads  270 . Set spacing of threads  270  is approximately the same as threads  250  in channel  230  of elbow  220 . Spout  260  is connected to elbow  220  by advancing threads  270  into threads  250 . 
         [0053]    Spout  260  has channel  285  which traverses the length of spout  260 . Cross-section of channel  285  increases respectively with increased cross-section of spout  260  as the cross-section changes from end  280  through reservoir  275 . 
         [0054]    Spout  260  has faceplate  290  which covers the top of reservoir  275 . In one preferred embodiment, faceplate  290  has openings through which the water flows and which allows the pet to drink. Further details regarding different designs for reservoir  275  are discussed later in this specification. 
         [0055]    Elbow  130 , connector  170 , elbow  220 , and reservoir  275  can be made from common plumbing materials, including but not limited to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC), galvanized or cast iron, copper, or brass. In the preferred embodiment, elbow  130 , connector  170 , elbow  220 , reservoir  275  will be made from PVC. 
         [0056]    The longitudinal cross-section of elbow  130 , channel  140 , connector  170 , threaded end  180  and  190 , channel  210 , elbow  220 , channel  230 , and end  280  is circular. 
         [0057]    In practice, to begin the flow of water to faucet  100  a valve (not shown) is opened and the water flows through channel  125 , through channel  140 , through channel  210 , through channel  230 , through channel  285  and through openings of faceplate  290 . As the water flows through faceplate  290 , the water is forced upward and out of the faceplate. Plumber&#39;s tape or other commercially available plumbing materials can be used between threads  120 ,  150 ,  160 ,  195 ,  200 ,  240 ,  250 , and  270  to prevent leaking between the individual components as is known in the art. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Faucet  300  has channel  325  that traverses the length of faucet  300  and bends similarly to faucet  300 . Faucet  300  has spout  320 . Spout  320  has a smaller cross-section than faucet  300  and typically has circular cross-section. Channel  325  extends through spout  320 . 
         [0059]    O-ring  310  fits over spout  320 . The inside circumference of o-ring  310  is larger than the cross-section of spout  320  but smaller than the cross-section of faucet  300 . 
         [0060]    Elbow  330  has channel  340  which traverses the length of elbow  330 . Channel  340  bends similarly to the bends in elbow  330 . Elbow  330  has a bend of approximately 90°. 
         [0061]    Elbow  330  has indention  350  which extends semi-circumferentially around elbow  330 . Indention  350  is between 1 cm and 3 cm wide. Indention  350  does not intersect with channel  340 . The longitudinal axis of indention  350  is at an angle of between 5° and 25° to the vertical axis of faucet  300 . 
         [0062]    Channel  340  has entrance  345  and exit  365 . Along the wall of channel  340  is annular recess  360 . Annular recess  360  is between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm in depth and covers the entire circumference of the wall of channel  340  Annular recess  360  is located between approximately 0.1 cm and 1 cm from exit  365 . 
         [0063]    Elbow  420  has channel  430  which extends along the entire length of elbow  420 . Elbow  420  has a bend of approximately 90°. Channel  430  has exit  455  and entrance  435 . 
         [0064]    Within channel  430  is telescopic extension  370 . Telescopic extension  370  fits within channel  430  beginning at entrance  435  and extending inward. The outside diameter of telescopic extension  370  should be approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm less than inside diameter of channel  430 . The length of telescopic extension  370  is between 1 cm and 15 cm. 
         [0065]    Telescopic extension  370  has channel  410  and end  390 . Channel  410  transverses the length of telescopic extension  370 . End  390  has o-ring  400  and extension  380 . O-ring  400  fits in annular groove  402 . Diameter of end  390  is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm less than diameter of channel  340  of elbow  330 . 
         [0066]    Telescopic extension  370  also has terminal end  422  which is located inside channel  430  of elbow  420 . Telescopic extension  370  has recess  425  in its outside wall and is located approximately 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm from terminal end  422 . Inside recess  425  is o-ring  415 . O-ring  415  creates a seal between telescopic extension  370  and wall of channel  430 . 
         [0067]    In practice, telescopic extension  370  is extended from or retracted into elbow  420  by user until elbow  420  is at the desired distance from faucet  300 . 
         [0068]    Extension  380  extends around the outside wall of end  390  and fits within annular recess  360  of elbow  330 . Extension  380  and o-ring  400  are positioned such that when end  390  is pushed within channel  340 , extension  380  locks into annular recess  360  and o-ring  400  creates a seal between elbow  330  and rest of telescope extension  370 . 
         [0069]    Channel  430  has recess  450  in its wall. Recess  450  is cut around the entire circumference of the wall of channel  430 . Recess  450  is located between 0.1 cm and 1 cm from exit  455 . Depth of recess  450  is such that it does not intersect with exterior walls of elbow  420  and should be between approximately 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm. 
         [0070]    Spout  460  has end  480  and reservoir  475 . Reservoir  475  has faceplate  490 . Further, spout  460  has channel  485  which extends through reservoir  475  and end  480 . The cross-section of channel  485  increases and/or decreases consistent with and in relation to changes in the cross-section of end  480  and reservoir  475 . 
         [0071]    End  480  has o-ring  465  and extension  470 . O-ring  465  fits in annular groove  467 . Diameter of end  480  is between 0.01 mm and 1 mm less than diameter of channel  430  of elbow  420 . O-ring  465  has interior diameter which fits snugly around outside diameter of end  480 . Outside diameter of o-ring  465  is no larger than the outside diameter of elbow  420  but no smaller than the diameter of channel  430 . 
         [0072]    Extension  470  extends outward from end  480 . The length of extension  470  from end  480  is such that it fits within recess  450 . The location of recess  450  on elbow  420  is such that when extension  470  is in recess  450 , o-ring  465  creates a seal between reservoir  475  and elbow  420 . 
         [0073]    Reservoir  475  is positioned adjacent end  480 . The cross-section of reservoir  475  is generally equal to or larger than cross-section of elbow  420 . Faceplate  490  is positioned adjacent reservoir  475 . Channel  485  does not extend through faceplate  490 . Faceplate  490  covers the surface of reservoir  475 . 
         [0074]    In practice, end  480  of spout  460  is pushed into channel  430  of elbow  420  until extension  470  is lodged into recess  450 . O-ring  465  creates a seal between reservoir  475  and elbow  420 . 
         [0075]    Elbow  330 , telescopic extension  370 , elbow  420 , and reservoir  475  can be made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC), galvanized or cast iron, copper, or brass. In the preferred embodiment, elbow  330 , telescopic extension  370 , elbow  420 , and reservoir  475  will be made from PVC. 
         [0076]    The longitudinal cross-section of elbow  330 , channel  340 , telescopic extension  370 , end  390 , channel  410 , channel  430 , elbow  420 , and end  480  is circular. 
         [0077]    Strap  305  is a flexible runner strip used to secure the invention to the faucet. Strap  305  has end  385  and end  175 . Strap  305  has even spaced holes  335 . Holes  335  are generally centered along the latitudinal axis on the face of strap  305 . The diameter of holes  335  is between 1 mm and 10 mm. Holes  335  are separated at a distance between 1 mm and 10 mm. 
         [0078]    Strap  305  includes button  355 .  FIG. 3   c  shows illustration of button in one preferred embodiment. Button  355  is a rigid cylindrical stanchion anchored in the surface of strap  305 . It extends approximately 0.5 mm to 10 mm from the surface of strap  305 . Button  355  includes a reduced diameter neck  354  and head  352 . The diameter of head  352  is 0.1 mm to 3 mm larger than the diameter of holes  335 . The diameter of neck  354  is approximately 0.1 mm to 2 mm less than the diameter of holes  335 . 
         [0079]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in practice, end  480  is secured in channel  430  of elbow  420  until extension  470  is located in recess  450  and seal is created by o-ring  465  between elbow  420  and reservoir  475 . End  390  is secured in channel  340  until extension  380  is secured in annular recess  360  and o-ring  400  creates a seal between telescopic extension  370  and elbow  330 . The o-ring is placed over spout  320  and spout  320  is placed within channel  340  of elbow  330  through entrance  345 . Elbow  330  is advanced until a seal is created by o-ring  310  between elbow  330  and faucet  300 . To maintain the position of the invention, strap  305  is placed within indention  350  and wrapped around faucet  300 . Once desired pressure is being exerted by strap  305 , button  355  is pushed into one of holes  335  to maintain the location of strap  305  on faucet  300 . 
         [0080]    Telescopic extension  370  is then extended until spout  460  is at the desired distance from faucet  300 . Elbow  420  can be rotated approximately 45° to either the right or left of the vertical axis of elbow  330  as the user prefers. The faucet valve is opened and allows water to flow through channel  325 , channel  340 , channel  410 , channel  430 , channel  485  and faceplate  490 . A pet then can drink water flowing through faceplate  490 . 
         [0081]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate two different forms of the means provided for connection between annular latch  384  on telescopic extension  390  and annular groove  364  of elbow  330 .  FIG. 3   a  includes an annular latch  384  fit within annular receiving groove  364 . The dimensions of annular receiving groove  364  are generally between 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm larger than annular latch  384 . In use, during maintenance, the combination of the annular latch and groove allow telescopic extension  390  to be “snapped” into elbow  330  in a manner that prevents removal, but allows rotation of the two pieces with respect to each other. 
         [0082]    In  FIG. 3   b , a cross-section of elbow  330  and telescopic extension  390  is shown. Annular groove  362  is provided in elbow  330  Annular receiving extension  382  is provided on telescopic extension  390 . The combination of the annular extension and annular receiving groove allows for detachable connection of the pieces and rotation while connected. 
         [0083]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 ; the connection between extension  470  and recess  450  can take the same form as described in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b.    
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 4   a , in another embodiment, it is desirable to lower the invention from the faucet. In that situation, extender  312  is inserted between faucet  300  and elbow  338 . Elbow  338  serves same function as elbow  330  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0085]    Elbow  338  has channel  326 , entrance  319 , and recess  324 . Entrance  319  is the beginning of channel  326 . Recess  324  extends around the entire circumference of wall of channel  326  and is located between 1 mm to 100 mm from entrance  319 . Depth of recess  324  is less than the width of the wall of elbow  338 . 
         [0086]    Extender  312  has channel  314  and end  318 . Channel  314  traverses the length of extender  312 . 
         [0087]    Diameter of end  318  is between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm less than diameter of channel  326 . End  318  has o-ring  316  and extension  322 . O-ring  316  fits in annular groove  313 . Internal diameter of o-ring  316  is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm more than the diameter of end  318 . Outside diameter of o-ring  316  is no less than the diameter of channel  326 . 
         [0088]    Recess  324  is located such that when end  318  is inserted into channel  326  and extension  322  is inserted into recess  324 , a seal is created between elbow  338  and extender  312  by use of o-ring  316 . 
         [0089]    Design of recess  324  and extension  322  can be similar to those described in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b.    
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 4   b , in another embodiment, elbow  502  serves a similar function as elbow  220  (of  FIG. 1 ) and elbow  420  (of  FIG. 2 ). Elbow  502  is constructed from material known in the art to allow elbow  502  to be bent into different positions and angles and hold the desired position after being bent. 
         [0091]    Elbow  502  has channel  504 . Inside channel  504  is annular groove  514 . Annular groove  514  will connect to reservoir  475  (of  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0092]    Elbow  502  has end  506  on which is located extension  508  and annular groove  516 . Inside annular groove is o-ring  512 . Extension  508  is inserted into recess  360  (of  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0093]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Faucet  452  has channel  456  that traverses the length of faucet  452  and bends similarly with faucet  452 . Faucet  452  has spout  458 , which has a smaller cross-section than faucet  452 . Cross-section of spout  458  is typically circular. Channel  456  extends through spout  458 . 
         [0094]    Elbow  466  has bends  474  and  478 . Bends  474  and  478  have an angle of approximately 90° and give elbow  466  a “U” shape. 
         [0095]    Elbow  466  has channel  464  which traverses the length of elbow  466  and bends similarly to bends  474  and  478 . Channel  464  has entrance  462  and exit  484 . Cross-section of channel  464  is larger than the cross-section of spout  458  but smaller than cross-section of faucet  452 . 
         [0096]    Channel  464  has annular recess  482  which is between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm in depth and covers the entire circumference of the wall of channel  464  Annular recess  482  is located between approximately 0.1 cm and 1 cm from exit  484 . 
         [0097]    Elbow  466  has indention  468  which extends semi-circumferentially around elbow  466 . Indention  468  does not intersect with channel  464  and is between 1 cm and 3 cm in width. The longitudinal axis of indention  468  is at an angle of between 5° and 25° to the vertical axis of faucet  452 . 
         [0098]    Spout  496  has end  488  and reservoir  494 . Cross-section of end  488  is between 0.01 mm and 1 mm less than cross-section of channel  464 . End  488  has annular extension  492  which extends outward from circumference of end  488 . Length of annular extension  492  is such that it fits within annular recess  482 . 
         [0099]    Reservoir  494  is positioned adjacent to end  488 . The cross-section of reservoir  494  is generally equal to or greater than the cross-section of elbow  466 . Faceplate  498  is adjacent to reservoir  494 . 
         [0100]    Spout  496  has channel  483  which traverses end  488  and reservoir  494 . The cross-section of channel  483  increases and/or decreases consistent with and in relation to the changes in the cross-section of end  488  and reservoir  494 . 
         [0101]    In practice, end  488  is pushed into channel  464  until annular extension  492  fits into annular recess  482 . 
         [0102]    Strap  305  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3   c  is also used with this embodiment. 
         [0103]    In use, spout  458  is inserted into channel  464 . Strap  305  is inserted into indention  468 . Ends  385  and  175  are pulled over faucet  452  until the desired pressure is being asserted by elbow  466  against faucet  452 . Button  355  is inserted through appropriate hole  335  to maintain the pressure. 
         [0104]    Owner will open valve (not shown) and allow water to flow through channel  456 , through channel  464 , through channel  483 , and then out faceplate  498  allowing the pet to drink. 
         [0105]    Different designs of faceplate  490  and reservoir  475  (of  FIG. 2 ), faceplate  290  and reservoir  275  (of  FIG. 1 ), and faceplate  498  and reservoir  494  (of  FIG. 4   c ) allow for different water flows from which the pet can drink.  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   h  illustrate alternate designs of reservoirs and their respective faceplates. 
         [0106]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates reservoir  520  with faceplate  530 . Faceplate  530  has numerous holes  525 . Holes  525  can be arranged in a random pattern or in a pre-determined pattern. Number of holes  525  can range from approximately 2 to 50. The diameter of holes  525  can range between approximately 1 mm to 1 cm. Holes  525  provide an exit path for water and provide an interesting “bubbling” characteristic. The remainder of faceplate  530  allows the water to collect before flowing off of faceplate  530  creating a water “layer” on top of faceplate  530  during use. 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIG. 5   b , reservoir  500  has faceplate  510 . Faceplate  510  has single hole  505 . Hole  505  allows water to flow through faceplate  510  in a single stream, similar to a fountain. Diameter of hole  505  can range between approximately 1 cm to 6 cm. The remainder of faceplate  510  has a layer of water that forms from the water exiting hole  505  before flowing off faceplate  510 . The arrangement of one hole  505  will create a single stream of water. 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 5   c , in this alternative preferred embodiment, reservoir  540  has faceplate  550  and wall  560 . Wall  560  has holes  570  which allow water to flow from the side of reservoir  540 . The number of holes  570  can range between approximately 2 to 25 holes and can either be arranged in a predetermine pattern or in random pattern. This arrangement allows for the water to flow out the side of reservoir  540  in horizontal fashion. As one skilled in the art will realize, the greater the number of holes  570  the lower the pressure of the stream of water from each hole  570  for any given flow rate. 
         [0109]    Referring to  FIG. 5   d , in this preferred embodiment, reservoir  580  has faceplate  590 . Faceplate  590  has holes  600 . Holes  600  can be arranged in a random pattern or in a predetermined pattern. Number of holes  600  can range from approximately 2 to 10. The diameter of holes  600  can range between approximately 2 mm to 4 cm. Notably, in this embodiment, the holes are of different diameter. Also notably, the holes are bored at different angles allowing for a predetermined direction of water flow. Number of holes  600  of between 2 and 4 will allow the water flowing from holes  600  to have a “fountain like” characteristic. The remainder of faceplate  590  allows the water to collect before flowing off of faceplate  590  creating a water layer on top of faceplate  590  from which the pet can drink. 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIG. 5   e , in this alternative preferred embodiment, reservoir  610  has faceplate  630  and wall  620 . Wall  620  has a single hole  640  which allows water to flow from reservoir  610 . This arrangement allows for the water to stream out the side of reservoir in horizontal motion from the side of reservoir  610 . 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIG. 5   f , in this alternative preferred embodiment, reservoir  650  has faceplate  660  and wall  680 . Wall  680  has slots  670  which allow water to flow from the side of reservoir  650 . Slots  670  are approximately rectangular is shape with a height of between 2 mm to 4 mm and a width of between 1 mm and 10 mm. The number of slots  670  can range between approximately 1 to 20 slots and can either be arranged in a pre-determine pattern or in random pattern. This arrangement allows for the water to flow from the side of the reservoir in a “waterfall” effect. The more slots  670  the less strength of the stream of water from each slot  670 . 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIG. 5   g , in the alternative preferred embodiment, reservoir  690  has floor  725 , wall  740 , and hole  720 . Wall  740  extends generally perpendicularly from perimeter of floor  725  for approximately 1 cm to 7 cm. Wall  740  then extends frustoconically toward the center of reservoir  690  at an angle of between about 25° and about 65° ending in hole  720 . Thickness of wall  740  is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Channel  730  is provided within reservoir  690 . Within channel  730  is ball  710 . Diameter of ball  710  will be greater than both hole  720  and hole  700  such that ball  710  will not fall out of reservoir  690 . 
         [0113]    In practice, when water enters reservoir  690  through hole  700 , ball  710  will be forced upward toward hole  720 . The pet will be able to push ball  710  down into channel  730  allowing water to flow and pet to drink. By including ball  710 , the pet not only is able to drink fresh water, but also have a toy with which it can play. In a further preferred embodiment, the ball is constructed of a phosphorescent plastic, providing a source of light to locate the invention in the dark. 
         [0114]    Referring to  FIG. 5   h , reservoir  750  has walls  770 . Walls  770  extend frustoconically upward at an angle of about 100° and about 134° from the base of reservoir  750  forming channel  760 . Walls  770  have a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. This creates a bowl shape from which the pets can drink. As the water flows, it will overflow walls  770  and flow into the sink below. 
         [0115]    Referring then to  FIG. 6 , in another preferred embodiment, reservoir  800  allows for two animals to drink at the same time. Reservoir  800  has end  810  with o-ring  820  and extension  830 . O-ring  820  fits in annular groove  822 . End  810  functions similarly to end  480  as described in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0116]    Reservoir  800  has leg  805  which is connected to end  810 . Leg  805  extends upward and then branches into two 90° angles toward opposite directions, creating leg  815  and leg  825 . Leg  815  then bends at an approximate 90° angle, and creates leg  875 . Leg  815  and leg  875  form elbow  880 . Leg  825  bends at an approximate 90° angle and creates leg  885 . Leg  825  and leg  885  form elbow  870 . Leg  875  and leg  885  are parallel to leg  805 . 
         [0117]    Channel  840  traverses the length of leg  805 ,  815 ,  825 ,  875 , and  885  and bends consistent with the bends of these legs. Channel  840  has exit  950  at end of elbow  880  and exit  960  at end of elbow  870 . Affixed to end of elbow  880  is reservoir  860  and affixed to end of elbow  870  is reservoir  850 . 
         [0118]    Reservoir  860  has end  890 . End  890  has extension  940  and o-ring  862 . O-ring  862  fits in annular groove  864 . Channel  840  has recess  930  in wall of channel  840  between approximately 1 mm and 10 mm from exit  950 . Extension  940  fits within recess  930 . Recess  930  does not extend past walls of elbow  880 . O-ring  862  is situated so as to create a seal between reservoir  860  and elbow  880  when end  890  is placed inside channel  840  and extension  940  is within recess  930 . 
         [0119]    Reservoir  850  has end  900 . End  900  has extension  920  and o-ring  852 . O-ring  852  fits in annular groove  854 . Channel  840  has recess  910  in wall of channel  840  between approximately 1 mm and 10 mm from exit  960 . Extension  920  fits within recess  910 . Recess  910  does not extend past walls of elbow  870 . O-ring  852  is situated so as to create a seal between reservoir  850  and elbow  870  when end  900  is placed inside channel  840  and extension  920  is within recess  910 . 
         [0120]    Extensions  940  and  920  and recesses  930  and  910  can be designed similar to those described in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b.    
         [0121]    Reservoirs  860  and  850  can have any of the designs described in  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   h.  Further, reservoir  860  and  850  can have different designs depending on the choice of owner and preference of the pet. 
         [0122]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment is described. Spout  1000  includes connector  1060  and reservoirs  1070 . Connector  1060  includes channel  1010  which traverses the length of connector  1060 . The channel  1010  includes entrance  1040  and exit  1050 . Embedded in the inside wall of channel  1010  is annular recess  1020 . In one preferred embodiment annular recess  1020  is between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm in depth and annular recess  1020  is located between approximately 0.1 cm and 1 cm from entrance  1040 . 
         [0123]    O-ring  1120  is fitted in annular recess  1020 . The dimensions of o-ring  1120  are sufficient to create a press fit between o-ring  1120  and the outside diameter of faucet  1061 . 
         [0124]    Connector  1060  includes extension  1110  extending circumferentially from the exterior surface of the connector  1060 . In one preferred embodiment, extension  1110  has an outside radius of between 3 mm and 10 mm greater than the connecter and has a height between 1 mm and 10 mm and has a height of between 1 mm and 10 mm. Extension  1110  has annular indention  1030  located on its top surface. 
         [0125]    Reservoir  1070  includes bowl  1080  and wall  1090 . Wall  1090  is generally shaped as a half-cylinder and includes semi-circular hook  1100 . In one preferred embodiment, wall  1090  has a height of between 0.5 cm and 4 cm. Semi-circular hook  1100  extends from wall  1090  and forms a mating connector with annular indention  1030 . The fit between semi-circular hook  1100  and extension  1110  should be snug but allow for removability. 
         [0126]    Wall  1090  is connected to bowl  1080 . Bowl  1080  in the preferred embodiment is of general oval shape. However, bowl  1080  can have other decorative shapes, such as but not limited to outlines of animals, flora, fauna, or food. 
         [0127]    In one preferred embodiment, the interior of bowl  1080  has a depth of between 0.5 cm and 5 cm while the outside depth of bowl  1080  is between 0.5 cm and 7 cm. The interior of bowl  1080  in the preferred embodiment is smooth; however, it can be imprinted with decorative designs, such as but not limited to facial imprints of cat, scale imprints of fish, or flower petals. Additionally, bowl  1080  can be a variety of colors depending on the decorative design desired. 
         [0128]    In another preferred embodiment, connector  1060  and reservoir  1070  can be manufactured as a single integral unit such that reservoir  1070  is not removable from connector  1060 . 
         [0129]    In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , bowl  1081  can have two chambers,  1082  and  1083  segregated by a wall  1084 . Chamber  1083  can dispense other consumable items to be dispensed such as food or medicines. Bowl  1081  can also include drain  1085  located on the wall of chamber  1082 . Drain  1085  has a generally semi-circular shape removed from the wall of chamber  1082  and directs the flow of water from chamber  1082  such that the consumable items in chamber  1083  do not become wet. The radius of drain  1085  is no more than half the height of the wall of chamber  1082 . 
         [0130]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in another embodiment of the preferred invention, bowl  1091  has two chambers,  1092  and  1093  segregated by wall  1094 . Chamber  1093  can dispense other consumable items to be dispensed. To prevent water from crossing wall  1094  and wetting chamber  1093 , hole  1097  is removed from the bottom of chamber  1092 . The size of hole  1097  can range from between 0.5 mm to 3 mm. 
         [0131]    Returning to  FIG. 7 , in practice, connector  1060  is attached to reservoir  1070  by sliding semi-circular hook  1100  into annular indention  1030  and positioning bowl  1080  in front of faucet  1061 . Connector  1060  is attached to faucet  1061  by placing entrance  1040  over the faucet and applying a vertical axial pressure to connector  1060  until o-ring  1120  seats on faucet  1061 . 
         [0132]    After attachment of connector  1060  to the faucet, a spigot (not shown) is opened and water is allowed to flow through channel  1010  and out exit  1050  into reservoir  1070 . As the water flows, reservoir  1070  will fill and overflow bowl  1080  into the sink below. 
         [0133]    In a preferred embodiment, reservoir  1070  can be rotated around connector  1060  to place bowl  1080  into different preferred locations from which the pet can drink. 
         [0134]    As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, the invention has the advantage that the water flow through spout  1000  can be very slow and can be left flowing for long periods of time. This allows the pet to drink at any time it so chooses. Further, if the embodiment that includes a chamber for food, the pet can be fed with one chamber and have fresh water available at a single location for several days. 
         [0135]    The invention also provides the advantage of disassembly between connector  1060  and reservoir  1070  to allow for cleaning and storage of the separate components. 
         [0136]    Further advantages include that the device can be made from easily available plastic materials, including but not limited to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC), polypropylene. Reservoir  1070  can be made from PVC, polypropylene or other plastics or metals, such as stainless steel or cast aluminum. 
         [0137]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: a