US20160348344A1 - Water conservation device for a shower - Google Patents
Water conservation device for a shower Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160348344A1 US20160348344A1 US14/722,130 US201514722130A US2016348344A1 US 20160348344 A1 US20160348344 A1 US 20160348344A1 US 201514722130 A US201514722130 A US 201514722130A US 2016348344 A1 US2016348344 A1 US 2016348344A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shower
- button
- housing
- foot pedal
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/025—Water supply lines as such, e.g. shower hoses
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
- E03C1/0408—Water installations especially for showers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
- E03C1/052—Mechanical devices not being part of the tap, e.g. foot pedals
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
- E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C2001/026—Plumbing installations for fresh water with flow restricting devices
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/40—Protecting water resources
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures, and in particular to a water conservation device for a shower.
- a water conservation device for a shower.
- one of the easiest ways to conserve water is to shut it off while lathering up in the shower, and energy used to heat the water is also conserved.
- significant cost savings may also be realized by using this method.
- the user must put down whatever item is in hand, such as a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, or a washcloth, then shut off the water, then pick up the item again, and repeat the process when turning the water on again.
- the invention is directed to a water conservation device for a shower.
- Two control devices a button and a foot pedal, are provided to manage the water flow by controlling a valve.
- the foot pedal and its connecting cable are easily detached and removed when not in use.
- the button when pushed, causes the water to flow for 15 seconds or until the foot pedal is pressed. The period of 15 seconds may be adjusted by the user.
- the FIGURE is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment installed in a shower, displaying the valve 10 , the housing 11 , the button 12 , the foot pedal 13 , the cable 13 A, the descending pipe 14 , the ascending pipe 15 , and the shower head 16 .
- the invention is directed to a water conservation device for a shower.
- Two control devices a button 12 and a foot pedal 13 , are provided to manage the water flow by controlling a valve 10 .
- the foot pedal 13 and its connecting cable 13 A are easily detached and removed when not in use.
- the button 12 when pushed, causes the water to flow for 15 seconds or until the foot pedal 13 is pressed. The period of 15 seconds may be adjusted by the user. Generically, they button 12 and foot pedal 13 may be configured for selectively allowing the flow of water for a fixed period, for example fifteen seconds, or until another signal, for example th button being pressed again or the foot pedal being pressed again, is received.
- the first exemplary embodiment is intended for installation as an after-market modification of existing shower fixtures, by the user or by a professional plumbing or home improvement service.
- Other embodiments, intended as original equipment by manufacturers of the shower fixtures, are also contemplated.
- the first exemplary embodiment provides a valve 10 , which may be operated to shut off the water flow in a shower and turn it on again.
- the valve 10 is contained within a housing 11 , and is operated by a button 12 and a foot pedal 13 .
- the valve 10 may be placed in electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic communication with the foot pedal 13 and/or the button 12 . Alternate embodiments, providing only the button 12 or only the foot pedal 13 , are also contemplated.
- the valve 10 By pressing either the button 12 or the foot pedal 13 , the valve 10 is opened and the water flow is activated.
- a second press of either the button 12 or the foot pedal 13 causes the valve 10 to close. This sequence is provided by mechanisms which are well-known to the art.
- Both the descending pipe 14 and the ascending pipe 15 may be contained within a cylindrical or other enclosure, for decorative or aesthetic purposes.
- the ascending pipe 15 is understood to be in fluid communication with the shower head 16
- the housing 11 is understood to be in fluid communication with the housing 11 , and with the shower water supply.
- the valve 10 is understood to selectively allow or disallow fluid communication through the housing 11 from the descending pipe to the ascending pipe.
- the foot pedal 13 is connected to the housing 11 via a cable 13 A, which may carry electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic signals. Both the foot pedal 13 and the cable 13 A may be easily removed and reattached as desired, without the use of tools.
- the button 12 also provides a timed shut-off.
- the timer's default setting is 15 seconds, and may be increased or decreased by the user. Pressing the foot pedal 13 before the period expires also causes the water to continue flowing.
- Both the on/off function and the timer mechanism of the preferred embodiment utilize the water pressure of the household plumbing system (specifically, hydraulic communication, as referred to above), however, an alternative embodiment whereby a secondary power supply is contemplated for electronic communication in those shower systems that lack sufficient household water pressure.
- the user may turn on the water and achieve the desired mixture of hot and cold water.
- the water mixture flows into the housing 11 and stops at the valve 10 .
- the user may then step into the shower and proceed with showering.
- the user may press the button 12 or the foot pedal 13 to activate the water flow.
- the button 12 or foot pedal 13 may be pressed again. If the user pressed the button 12 to turn the water on, the timer's expiration will also turn the water off again.
- the valve 10 , the housing 11 , the button 12 , the foot pedal 13 , the the descending pipe 14 , the ascending pipe 15 , and the shower head 16 are preferably manufactured from durable, rigid materials which are corrosion resistant, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.
- the cable 13 A is preferably manufactured from steel wire sheathed in plastic.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
Abstract
A button and a foot pedal control a water conservation device for a shower. The device controls are provided to manage water flow by controlling a battery-powered electric valve. The foot pedal and its connecting cable are easily detached and removed when not in use. The button, when pushed, causes the water to flow for 15 seconds or until the foot pedal is pressed. The period of 15 seconds may be adjusted by the user.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures, and in particular to a water conservation device for a shower. As many water conservationists have observed, one of the easiest ways to conserve water is to shut it off while lathering up in the shower, and energy used to heat the water is also conserved. In addition to limiting environmental impact and saving thousands of gallons of water annually, significant cost savings may also be realized by using this method. Unfortunately, it introduces several minor annoyances. The user must put down whatever item is in hand, such as a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, or a washcloth, then shut off the water, then pick up the item again, and repeat the process when turning the water on again. Furthermore, most shower hardware requires the user to carefully adjust the mixture of hot and cold water when turning it on again, risking a moment of scalding hot or ice cold water. Most people who take a shower instead of a bath are trying to save a few minutes, and in addition to the frustration and discomfort they cause, these annoyances cost those precious minutes. Other devices have been developed but they have their shortcomings, and compound these issues in households with multiple residents, only some of whom are concerned about conservation. As a result, the use of this conservation method is limited, even among people who are conservation-minded. A water conservation device for a shower, which enables the user to turn the water on or off by simply pressing a button or a foot pedal, would resolve this problem.
- Accordingly, the invention is directed to a water conservation device for a shower. Two control devices, a button and a foot pedal, are provided to manage the water flow by controlling a valve. The foot pedal and its connecting cable are easily detached and removed when not in use. The button, when pushed, causes the water to flow for 15 seconds or until the foot pedal is pressed. The period of 15 seconds may be adjusted by the user.
- Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.
- The accompanying drawing is included to provide a further understanding of the invention and is incorporated into and constitutes a part of the specification. It illustrate two embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- The FIGURE is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment installed in a shower, displaying the
valve 10, thehousing 11, thebutton 12, thefoot pedal 13, thecable 13A, the descendingpipe 14, the ascendingpipe 15, and theshower head 16. - Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a water conservation device for a shower. Two control devices, a
button 12 and afoot pedal 13, are provided to manage the water flow by controlling avalve 10. Thefoot pedal 13 and its connectingcable 13A are easily detached and removed when not in use. Thebutton 12, when pushed, causes the water to flow for 15 seconds or until thefoot pedal 13 is pressed. The period of 15 seconds may be adjusted by the user. Generically, they button 12 andfoot pedal 13 may be configured for selectively allowing the flow of water for a fixed period, for example fifteen seconds, or until another signal, for example th button being pressed again or the foot pedal being pressed again, is received. - The first exemplary embodiment is intended for installation as an after-market modification of existing shower fixtures, by the user or by a professional plumbing or home improvement service. Other embodiments, intended as original equipment by manufacturers of the shower fixtures, are also contemplated.
- The first exemplary embodiment provides a
valve 10, which may be operated to shut off the water flow in a shower and turn it on again. Thevalve 10 is contained within ahousing 11, and is operated by abutton 12 and afoot pedal 13. Thevalve 10 may be placed in electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic communication with thefoot pedal 13 and/or thebutton 12. Alternate embodiments, providing only thebutton 12 or only thefoot pedal 13, are also contemplated. By pressing either thebutton 12 or thefoot pedal 13, thevalve 10 is opened and the water flow is activated. A second press of either thebutton 12 or thefoot pedal 13 causes thevalve 10 to close. This sequence is provided by mechanisms which are well-known to the art. - Water which has already been adjusted to the preferred temperature by the user flows down to the
valve 10 through a descendingpipe 14, and then flows up to theshower head 16 through an ascendingpipe 15. Both the descendingpipe 14 and the ascendingpipe 15 may be contained within a cylindrical or other enclosure, for decorative or aesthetic purposes. Generically, the ascendingpipe 15 is understood to be in fluid communication with theshower head 16, and thehousing 11, and thehousing 11 is understood to be in fluid communication with thehousing 11, and with the shower water supply. Thevalve 10 is understood to selectively allow or disallow fluid communication through thehousing 11 from the descending pipe to the ascending pipe. Thefoot pedal 13 is connected to thehousing 11 via acable 13A, which may carry electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic signals. Both thefoot pedal 13 and thecable 13A may be easily removed and reattached as desired, without the use of tools. - The
button 12 also provides a timed shut-off. The timer's default setting is 15 seconds, and may be increased or decreased by the user. Pressing thefoot pedal 13 before the period expires also causes the water to continue flowing. Both the on/off function and the timer mechanism of the preferred embodiment utilize the water pressure of the household plumbing system (specifically, hydraulic communication, as referred to above), however, an alternative embodiment whereby a secondary power supply is contemplated for electronic communication in those shower systems that lack sufficient household water pressure. - To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may turn on the water and achieve the desired mixture of hot and cold water. The water mixture flows into the
housing 11 and stops at thevalve 10. The user may then step into the shower and proceed with showering. Whenever the user reaches a point where water must be used, the user may press thebutton 12 or thefoot pedal 13 to activate the water flow. When the user needs to shut off the water flow, thebutton 12 orfoot pedal 13 may be pressed again. If the user pressed thebutton 12 to turn the water on, the timer's expiration will also turn the water off again. - The
valve 10, thehousing 11, thebutton 12, thefoot pedal 13, the the descendingpipe 14, the ascendingpipe 15, and theshower head 16 are preferably manufactured from durable, rigid materials which are corrosion resistant, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Thecable 13A is preferably manufactured from steel wire sheathed in plastic. - Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.
- While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (9)
1. A water conservation device for a shower comprising a valve, an ascending pipe, a descending pipe, and a shower head; a housing; said ascending pipe being fluid communication with said shower head and with said housing; said descending pipe being in fluid communication with said housing; and said valve being disposed within said housing so as to selectively permit fluid communication through said housing from said descending pipe to said ascending pipe.
2. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 1 wherein said valve is controllable by a button in communication therewith; said button being disposed on said housing.
3. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 1 wherein said valve is controllable by a pedal in communication therewith; said pedal being connected to said housing by a cable.
4. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 1 wherein said valve is controllable, equivalently, by a button in communication therewith; said button being disposed on said housing, and by a pedal in communication therewith; said pedal being connected to said housing by a cable.
5. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 3 wherein said cable is detachable from said housing.
6. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 4 wherein said cable is detachable from said housing.
7. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 2 wherein said button is configured for selectively allowing fluid communication through said housing for a fixed period or until said button is pressed again.
8. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 3 wherein said foot pedal is configured for selectively allowing fluid communication for a fixed period or until said foot pedal is pressed again.
9. The water conservation device for a shower of claim 4 wherein said button and said foot pedal are configured for selectively allowing fluid communication for a fixed period or until said button or said foot pedal is pressed again.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/722,130 US20160348344A1 (en) | 2015-05-26 | 2015-05-26 | Water conservation device for a shower |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/722,130 US20160348344A1 (en) | 2015-05-26 | 2015-05-26 | Water conservation device for a shower |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160348344A1 true US20160348344A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
Family
ID=57398193
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/722,130 Abandoned US20160348344A1 (en) | 2015-05-26 | 2015-05-26 | Water conservation device for a shower |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20160348344A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9422694B2 (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2016-08-23 | Michel Pelletier | Manually operated valve for a shower installation system |
-
2015
- 2015-05-26 US US14/722,130 patent/US20160348344A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9422694B2 (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2016-08-23 | Michel Pelletier | Manually operated valve for a shower installation system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |