STEP-ON WATER FLOW REGULATION DEVICE

Abstract

A water flow regulation device having a body with an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. Each outlet opening is associated with an actuating device that controls the flow of water out of the associated outlet opening. A pedal or cap may be depressed by a user in order to selectively control the water flow to one of the outlets.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/813,447 filed on Mar. 4, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flow control devices and, more particularly, to a foot operated flow control device especially useful for use with garden hoses and gardening implements like sprinklers and water sprayers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most homes and residential buildings have a spigot (or hose bib) for connecting to a hose for supplying water to outdoor spaces. For example, many homes and residential buildings have gardens and other plants grown by the residents. In many regions, rain is not consistent enough to support the plants grown by the residents. Accordingly, water is provided to the plants via a hose or other flexible conduit from the spigot. Similarly, many people use the water from the spigot for other activities like washing a car, cleaning a sidewalk, or other water-based activities.

For some people, reaching the spigot can be difficult due to conditions such as arthritis or other mobility impairments. Additionally, actuating the spigot, often by turning the wheel handle may be difficult as it is difficult to grasp and turn on and off.

In addition, the spigot of a building is often found in a difficult-to-reach position, like under a deck, behind bushes, or otherwise situated in an awkward location. Thus, it is difficult or cumbersome to have to turn on and off the spigot each time the flow of water is started and stopped. Permanently moving the spigot is a costly solution.

Additionally, many times, the water from the spigot is used for multiple applications. If there is only one bib accessible, this requires moving a hose or water device between the various applications. Thus, the problems of turning on and off the spigot are exasperated when the spigot must be turned on/off each time the hose is moved, or gardening implements are changed.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device which provides a more accessible way to control the flow of water from a spigot. Additionally, there is a further need for a device which provides a more accessible position for controlling the flow of water, and more particularly there is need for a device that allows multiple hoses to be controlled, even when only one bid or spigot is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A new flow regulation device has been invented. This new flow regulation device allows for water flow to be controlled by a foot pedal. This allows for the flow to be controlled without bending over and without gripping and manipulating the control at the spigot. In some embodiments, the device has a plurality of outlet openings that are each controlled by a foot pedal. The present flow regulation device has an inlet to be coupled with a hose, allowing the flow regulation device to be placed in a more convenient, easily accessible location. To start or stop a flow of water, a user need merely step on one of the pedals.

Accordingly, in at least one aspect of the present invention, the present invention may be generally characterized as providing a flow regulation device with: a body having an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening; and, at least one foot pedal. Each outlet opening is associated with a foot pedal. Each foot pedal being is configured to start or stop a flow of water out of the associated outlet opening. It is contemplated that the foot pedals are disposed on an upper surface of the body. It is also contemplated that the inlet opening is located on one side of the body, and the outlet openings from the plurality of outlet openings are located on an opposite side of the body. It is further contemplated that the flow regulation device includes a plurality of spikes located on an opposite side of the body relative to a side of the body that includes the foot pedals from the plurality of foot pedals. It is further contemplated that the body is formed by two members. It is even further contemplated that the body comprises a manifold for the distribution of water. It is still further contemplated that the outlet openings are disposed in a wear plate that is removably secured to the body. It is also contemplated that the device includes a plurality of actuating devices, and each foot pedal communicates with one of the actuating devices from the plurality of actuating devices. It is further contemplated that each foot pedal includes a side wall that is visually distinguishable from a top surface of the foot pedal in order to provide a visual indication of a position of the foot pedal.

In another aspect, the present invention may be generally characterized as providing a device for regulating a flow of water having: a body having an inlet opening and at least one outlet openings; and, at least one pedal. Each outlet opening may be associated with one pedal, and each pedal may be configured to move to start or stop a flow of water though the associated outlet opening. It is contemplated that at least one pedal is disposed on an upper surface of the body. It is further contemplated the inlet opening is located on one side of the body, and the at least one outlet opening is located on an opposite side of the body. It is also contemplated that the device includes a plurality of spikes located on an opposite of the body relative to the at least one pedal. The body may be formed by two members. The body may form a manifold for distributing of water. It is contemplated that the device includes at least one actuating device, and that each pedal communicates with one actuating device. Each pedal may have a side wall that is visually distinguishable from a top surface of the pedal in order to provide a visual indication of a position of the pedal.

In still another aspect, the present invention may be broadly described as providing a device for regulating a flow of water which includes: a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet, and, a plurality of actuating devices. Each actuating device is associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device includes a member with an aperture extending through the member. The members are configured to be moved to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet. It is contemplated that each actuating device includes an upper cam member and a lower cam member. The upper cam members and the lower cam members may each have complementary configured surfaces configured to engage each other and rotate the lower cam member. Each actuating device may also include at least one spring for biasing one of the upper or lower cam members. Each actuating device may further include a cap configured to be operated by a user to rotate the lower cam member. It is contemplated that each actuating device includes at least one seal disposed between the aperture and the inlet, and each seal may have a wall with an undulating surface. It is also contemplated that the body includes a plurality of cylindrical housings and that each cylindrical housing contains one of the members of the actuating devices. Each cylindrical housing may have a cap configured to be operated by a user to move the member to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet. The caps may be configured to rotate the members.

In yet another aspect, the present invention may, generally, be characterized as providing a device for regulating a flow of water having: a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet; and, a plurality of actuating devices, each actuating device associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device including an upper cam member and a lower cam member having an aperture extending through the lower cam member. The lower cam members may be configured to be rotated to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet. It is contemplated that the device also includes a plurality of caps, each cap associated with one of the actuating devices.

Additional aspects, embodiments, and details of the invention, all of which may be combinable in any manner, are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top and side perceptive view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom elevational view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom and side perceptive view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective side and front view of another device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of the device depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a cap of the device depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10A is a top view of a seal used in the device depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the seal depicted in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the seal depicted in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is another side view of the seal depicted in FIG. 10A which is rotated 90-degrees compared with the side view of FIG. 10C;

FIG. 11A is a top exploded view of conduits used in the device depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8; and,

FIG. 11B is front exploded view of the conduits in FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned above, a new water flow regulation device has been invented. The new device has a pedal to control the flow of water, preferably by a user's foot operating the pedal. Thus, with the push of a user's foot, water pressure to a hose can controlled without having to return to the spigot each and every time. The present flow regulation device may be placed in a convenient location and connected via a hose to the building spigot. Once the spigot has been turned on and flows to the flow regulation device, the water flow out of the flow regulation device is controlled by stepping on the foot pedal(s).

With these general principles in mind, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the new flow regulation device 10 includes an upper body member 12 and a lower body member 14 which together form a body 16. The body 16 includes an inlet opening 18. The inlet opening 18 is disposed on a front end 20 of the body 16. Opposite the front end 20 is a back end 22 of the body 16 which includes at least one outlet opening 24a, 24b, 24c. While the depicted embodiment includes three outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c, any number of outlet openings may be included, including one, two, four, five, six, etc. The inlet opening 18 and the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c are each located on necks 26, or fluted portions, that extend away from the body 16.

According to at least one aspect, the body 16 may form a manifold for the distribution of water to the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c Therefore, the materials of the body 16 should be sufficiently strong to withstand the pressure of water from a household supply. Alternatively, the body 16 may contain piping or other conduits 29 (FIG. 7) which distribute water within the body 16.

The inlet opening 18 is coupled to a hose (not show) and thus includes a coupling member 28 which may be a ¾-inch threaded female hose coupling. Preferably, the coupling member 28 is freely rotatable on the neck 26. Additionally, each of the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c is intended to be coupled to a hose as well. Accordingly, each of the necks 26 associated with the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c include a coupling member 34 which may be a ¾-inch male threaded hose coupling. The depicted coupling members 28, 34 are merely exemplary.

In the depicted embodiment, a first outlet opening 24b is in line with the inlet opening 18. By “in line”, as shown in FIG. 1, it is meant that the approximate centers of the inlet opening 18, and outlet opening 24b are located along a center axis A1-A1 of the body. The additional openings 24a, 24c are located such that lines A2-A2, A3-A3 intersecting the approximate center of that outlet opening 24a, 24c and the center of the inlet opening 18 center axis A1-A1 form angles α1, α2 of approximately 45° with the center axis A1-A1. Moreover, to provide for even flow distribution, the additional outlet openings 24a, 24c are preferably equidistantly spaced from the first outlet opening 24b. The depicted arrangement is merely preferred.

With reference to FIG. 5, the necks 26 of outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c are preferably located on a wear plate 38 that is separate from the body 16. This will allow of the wear plate 38 to be switched and made from a different material relative to the body 16. Additionally, the wear plate 38 may protect the couplings 34.

Turning to FIG. 1, disposed on an upper surface 40 of the flow regulation device 10 are a plurality of pedals 42a, 42b, 42c, preferably sized and arrangement to be manipulated by a foot. Each foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c controls the flow of water through one of the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c in the body 16. While the depicted embodiment includes three foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c, any number of foot pedals may be included, including one, two, four, five, six, etc. provided that each outlet opening 24a, 24b, 24c is associated with one of the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c.

Accordingly, turning to FIG. 6, each foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c communicates with an actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c which either permits or prevents the flow of water through the respective outlet opening 24a, 24b, 24c. The actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c may be any structure which is moved between on and off configurations to either allow or prevent the flow of water. Exemplary actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c include ball valves, butterfly valves, stopcocks, pistons, and other structures which can be moved in and out of the path of water to control the flow of water. The actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c may be directly engaged by the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c, or the actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c may be in pneumatic, electrical, or other indirect communication with the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c (i.e., with an intervening structure).

Preferably, the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c are movable in and out of a home orientation which indicates whether the associated actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c is in one of the on or off configurations. In order to provide a visual indication as to whether or not the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c are in the home position (and thus whether or not the actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c are in the on or off orientations), sidewalls 45 of the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c may be visually distinguished from top surfaces 47 of the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c with, for example bright colors or different surface textures. The foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c may be biased to return to the home orientation mechanically with, for example springs, or via the material of the foot pedals, or via pressure, from for example, the pressure of the water within the body 16.

For example, if the home orientation indicates that the actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c are in an off configuration, the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c may be spaced and extend above the upper surface 40 of the body 16 so that the sidewalls 45 are visually perceived. If a foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c is stepped on to change the actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c to an on configuration, when the user's foot is removed from the foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c, it stays in a displaced orientation (relative to the home orientation) where the sidewalls 45 are not easily visually perceived. Thus, by the orientation of the foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c, the user is provided with information relating to whether or not the actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c is in the on or off configuration. This explanation is intended to be exemplary and as would be appreciated, in the home orientation of the foot pedals 42a, 42b, 42c, sidewalls 45 may be visually perceived, or the actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c may be in the on configuration, or both.

In order to better maintain the flow regulation device 10 in the desired location when deployed by a user, a plurality of spikes 46 extending away from a bottom surface 48 of the flow regulation device 10. The spikes 46 may be made from a material that is sufficiently rigid to be able to be driven into the ground. Additionally, a pad 50 is secured to the body 16, with, for example the spikes 46. The pad 50 is located between the body 16 and the ground, and may be made from a material that also maintains the flow regulation device 10 in the desired location. Additionally, the pad 50 protects the body 16 from damage, for example, by a rock or other hard object adjacent the flow regulation device 10.

In use, a water supply hose, having one end at the spigot, is coupled, at its second end, to the inlet opening 18 via the coupling member 28. Additional hoses maybe coupled to the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c via their respective coupling members 34. The water may be turned on at the spigot.

If the actuating devices 44a, 44b, 44c are in the “off configuration”, no water will flow out of the outlet openings 24a, 24b, 24c. When a user wants to start the flow of water to a particular hose, the desired foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c is depressed, changing the configuration of the associated actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c to an “on configuration”, and thus starting the flow of water to through the respective outlet opening 24a, 24b, 24c. To stop the flow of water, the same foot pedal 42a, 42b, 42c is depressed to change the configuration of the associated actuating device 44a, 44b, 44c back to the “off configuration”.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, another device 110 of present invention is shown, in which similar features to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 have the same reference numbers that have been increased by “100.”

In the device 110 of FIGS. 7 and 8, there are two outlets 124a, 124b, again, each associated with an actuating device 144a, 144b.

As shown in FIG. 8, each actuating device 144a, 144b includes an upper cam member 152, an upper spring 154, a lower cam member 156, and a lower cam spring 158. The components of each actuating device 144a, 144b are held within cylindrical housings 160 which extend out of the body 116. A cover 162 may be threadedly secured to the lower end of each cylindrical housing 160, while a cap 142a, 142b may be slidably secured to the upper end of each cylindrical housing 160. The cap 142a, 142b is able to move up and down on the cylindrical housing 160 to control the flow of fluid out of the associated outlets 124a, 124b.

Disposed at a top of each cylindrical housings 160 is at least one tab 161. Preferably, there are two or more tabs 161. Each tab 161 includes an extension 163 that projects outwardly away from an outer surface 165 of the cylindrical housings 160. The extensions 163 are sized to interfere with an annular flange 167 on the bottom of the cap 142a, 142b. (See FIG. 9). The tabs 161 are inwardly displaceable, so that the cap 142a, 142b can be slid downward over the extensions 163. The extensions 163 may have a sloped top surface to allow for easier assembly. Once the flange 167 has passed over the extensions 163, the tabs 161 may return to the depicted configuration in which the extensions 163 are positioned prevent the flange 167 from being removed from the cylindrical housings 160. However, to allow for removable, each cap 124a, 124b includes access portals 169 allowing the tabs 161 to be depressed inwardly with a pin or the like, so that the flange 167 may clear the extensions 163 and be removed from the cylindrical housings 160.

As shown in FIG. 8, each lower cam member 156 includes a body 166 that has an aperture 168 extending therethrough. In an “on configuration” for the actuating device 144a, 144b the aperture 168 is aligned with the inlet opening 118 and the associated outlet opening 124a, 124b. Thus, water is permitted to flow from the inlet opening 118, through the body 166 of the lower cam member 156 and out of the device 110 through the associated outlet opening 124a, 124b. In an “off configuration” for the actuating device 144a, 144b, the aperture 168 is misaligned with the inlet opening 118. Accordingly, water is prevented from flowing out of the device 110 through the associated outlet opening 124a, 124b by the body 166 of the lower cam member 156.

To change from the “on configuration” to the “off configuration,” and vice versa, the lower cam member 156 includes an upper surface 170 that is configured complementarily to a lower surface 172 of the upper cam member 152. The upper cam member 152 includes vertical slots 174 that engage protrusions 175 (see FIG. 11A) on an inner surface of the cylindrical housings 160.

In a known manner, when the cap 142a, 142b is depressed by a user, the upper cam member 152 is displaced downward. The upper surface 170 of the lower cam member 156 and the lower surface 172 of the upper cam member 152, along with the biasing of the springs 154, 158, and the slots 174 and protrusions, cooperate to rotate the lower cam member 156 45-degrees around its vertical longitudinal axis. When the user releases the cap 142a, 142b, the lower cam member rotates another 45-degree rotation.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, the device 110 may include seals 176 disposed on opposite sides of the lower cam member 156 to reduce any leaking from water flowing into and out of the body 166 of the lower cam member 156. The seals 176 may include a wall 178 extending away from the seal 176. The wall 178 has an undulating outer surface 180 such that it appears, when viewed from the side, that the outer surface 180 of the wall 178 is concave (FIG. 10C) but when rotated 90 around its longitudinal axis, the outer surface 180 of the wall 178 is convex (FIG. 10D). This configuration allows the seal 176 to accommodate the cylindrical shape of the body 166 of the lower cam member 156.

Turning now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the conduits 129 of the flow regulation device 110 are shown with greater detail. More specifically, the conduits 129 and the cylindrical housings 160 are secured together with complementary threaded portions 190a, 190b. The conduits 129 include two conduits 129a, 129b having one of the outlet openings 124a, 124b, and one conduit 129c having the inlet opening 118. Each of these conduits 129a, 129b, 129c includes a male threaded extensions 190a which is received in a female threaded aperture 190b in the cylindrical housings 160.

Accordingly, with the present flow regulation device 10, 110, a user does not need to bend over at the spigot to start and stop water. Rather, a mere push of a pedal with the user's foot will start/stop the water flow. Additionally, by providing multiple outlets, each having an independent control, the flow regulation device 10, 110 allows for multiple hoses to be selectively provided with water and controlled independently for each other. Finally, by using a design that can be controlled with a user's foot, the device 10, 110 can be placed in an easy-to-reach place and may be operated with minimal effort providing for a more enjoyable gardening experience.

It should be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other components were not shown in the drawings as it is believed that the specifics of same are well within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art and a description of same is not necessary for practicing or understanding the embodiments of the present invention. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for regulating a flow of water, the device comprising:

a body having an inlet opening and at least one outlet openings; and,

at least one pedal, each outlet opening associated with one pedal, and each pedal configured to move to start or stop a flow of water though the associated outlet opening.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one pedal is disposed on an upper surface of the body.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet opening is located on one side of the body, and wherein the at least one outlet opening is located on an opposite side of the body.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spikes located on an opposite of the body relative to the at least one pedal.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is formed as by two members.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a manifold for distributing of water.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one actuating device, each pedal communicating with one actuating device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein each pedal comprises a side wall that is visually distinguishable from a top surface of the pedal in order to provide a visual indication of a position of the pedal.

9. A device for regulating a flow of water, the device comprising:

a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet, and,

a plurality of actuating devices, each actuating device associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device comprising a member with an aperture extending through the member,

wherein the members are configured to be moved to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein each actuating device comprises an upper cam member and a lower cam member.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the upper cam members and the lower cam members each comprises complementary configured surfaces configured to engage each other and rotate the lower cam member.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein each actuating device further comprises at least one spring for biasing one of the upper or lower cam members.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein each actuating device further comprises a cap configured to be operated by a user to rotate the lower cam member.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein each actuating device further comprises at least one seal disposed between the aperture and the inlet.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein each seal comprises a wall with an undulating surface.

16. The device of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a plurality of cylindrical housings, each housing containing one of the members of the actuating devices.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of caps, each cylindrical housing having a cap, and each cap configured to be operated by a user to move the member to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the caps are configured to rotate the members.

19. A device for regulating a flow of water, the device comprising:

a body with an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured to be secured to source of water and each outlet from the plurality of outlets in communication with the inlet, and,

a plurality of actuating devices, each actuating device associated with an outlet from the plurality of outlets, and each actuating device comprising an upper cam member and a lower cam member having an aperture extending through the lower cam member,

wherein the lower cam members are configured to be rotated to align the apertures with the inlet and the associated outlet in order to start the flow of water from the inlet through the associated outlet.

20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of caps, each cap associated with one of the actuating devices.