U.S. patent application number 12/764441 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for remote control water valving system for shower or sink.
Invention is credited to Paul E. Connors.
Application Number | 20100200789 12/764441 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41200340 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100200789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Connors; Paul E. |
August 12, 2010 |
Remote Control Water Valving System for Shower or Sink
Abstract
A remote controlled valve for cessation of water flow from an
outflow component such as a showerhead or faucet during periods
where water flow is not required by the user to provide for water
conservation. The device features a remote control, having a large
contact area for contact with the user's arm or leg or hip, to
allow for activation without the use of their hands and fingers to
generate a piezoelectrically generated or sonic signal. The large
size also renders the remote control unit easily located by sense
of touch and without the user's eyesight to encourage use by users
who might otherwise be concerned about reinitiating water flow
during shampooing or while using the device on a sink with their
hands wet or occupied.
Inventors: |
Connors; Paul E.;
(Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONN K. HARMS;PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW CENTER
SUITE 100, 12702 VIA CORTINA
DEL MAR
CA
92014
US
|
Family ID: |
41200340 |
Appl. No.: |
12/764441 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12398731 |
Mar 5, 2009 |
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12764441 |
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61047085 |
Apr 22, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
251/129.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 51/00 20130101;
F16K 19/006 20130101; F16K 31/02 20130101; E03C 1/057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/129.04 |
International
Class: |
F16K 31/02 20060101
F16K031/02 |
Claims
1. A water flow control apparatus comprising: an electric valve,
said electric valve engageable between a pressurized water supply
and an outflow component from a group of outflow components
including a showerhead and faucet; means to electrically power said
electric valve; said electric valve activateable between two
positions, a first of said positions being an open position
allowing a flow of said water to said outflow component, and a
second of said positions being a closed position preventing said
flow of water to said outflow component; a control, said control
having an exterior contact surface adapted for a contact with a
portion of the body of a user; said control having means to
wirelessly communicate a said signal to said electric valve, upon a
said contact by said user with said contact surface; said control
surface having a size sufficiently large to provide means for
tactile locating of said control, without said user viewing said
control; and whereby a said contact by said user with said contact
surface, will cause said electric valve if in said open position to
move to said closed position, and if in said closed position to
move to said open position providing said user with closed eyes a
means to locate and subsequently contact said contact surface with
a body part such as a leg, hip or arm, to cease said water supply
when not needed to save water.
2. The water flow control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means
to wirelessly communicate a said signal to said electric valve
comprises: a piezoelectric element operatively engaged to said
contact surface; and said contact with said surface by said user
activating said piezoelectric element to generate said signal
communicated to said electric valve.
3. The water flow control apparatus of claim 2 additionally
comprising: said signal being an RF signal.
4. The water flow control apparatus of claim 2 additionally
comprising: said signal being a sonic signal.
5. The water flow control apparatus of claim 1 additionally
comprising: means to move said electric valve to said closed
position after a defined time period.
6. The water flow control apparatus of claim 2 additionally
comprising: means to move said electric valve to said closed
position after a defined time period.
7. The water flow control apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: a timer communicating with said electronic
valve, said timer moving said electronic valve to said closed
position after a predetermined amount of time.
8. The water flow control apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: a timer communicating with said electronic
valve, said timer moving said electronic valve to said closed
position after a predetermined amount of time.
9. The water flow control apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: means to electronically sample sound and
move said electronic valve to said closed position in the absence
of sounds other than that generated by water flowing.
10. The water flow control apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: means to electronically sample sound and
move said electronic valve to said closed position in the absence
of sounds other than that generated by water flowing.
11. A water flow control apparatus comprising: an electric valve,
said electric valve engageable between a pressurized water supply
and an outflow component from a group of outflow components
including a showerhead and faucet; means to electrically power said
electric valve; said electric valve activateable between two
positions, a first of said positions being an open position
allowing a flow of said water to said outflow component, and a
second of said positions being a closed position preventing said
flow of water to said outflow component; a control, said control
having an exterior contact surface adapted for a contact with a
portion of the body of a user; said control having means to
wirelessly communicate an RF signal to said electric valve, upon a
said contact by said user with said contact surface; said control
surface having a size sufficiently large to provide means for
tactile locating of said control, without said user viewing said
control; and whereby a said contact by said user with said contact
surface, will cause said electric valve if in said open position to
move to said closed position, and if in said closed position to
move to said open position providing said user with closed eyes a
means to locate and subsequently contact said contact surface with
a body part such as a leg, hip or arm, to cease said water supply
when not needed to save water.
12. A water flow control apparatus comprising: an electric valve,
said electric valve engageable between a pressurized water supply
and an outflow component from a group of outflow components
including a showerhead and faucet; means to electrically power said
electric valve; said electric valve activateable between two
positions, a first of said positions being an open position
allowing a flow of said water to said outflow component, and a
second of said positions being a closed position preventing said
flow of water to said outflow component; a control, said control
having means to sense sound and generate an electronic signal; a
microprocessor having software configured to monitor said
electronic signal and ascertain sounds; said control communicating
a said signal to said electric valve to move to said open position,
upon ascertaining a first of said sounds; said control
communicating a said signal to said electric valve to move to said
closed position, upon a ascertaining a second of said sounds;
whereby a said first of said sounds generated by said user will
cause said electric valve to move to said open position, and a
second of said sounds generated by said user will cause said
electronic valve to move to said closed position, thereby providing
said user with closed eyes a means to control said water flow.
13. The water flow control apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: means to sense sound and generate an
electronic signal; a microprocessor having software configured to
monitor said electronic signal and ascertain sounds; said software
configured to ascertain sounds generated by said flow of said
water; and said software configured to cause said electronic valve
to move to said closed position after said defined time period in
the absence of sounds other than said sounds generated by said flow
of said water.
14. The water flow control apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means
to move said electric valve to said closed position after a defined
time period comprises: means to sense sound and generate an
electronic signal; a microprocessor having software configured to
monitor said electronic signal and ascertain sounds; said software
configured to ascertain sounds generated by said flow of said
water; and said software configured to cause said electronic valve
to move to said closed position after said defined time period in
the absence of sounds other than said sounds generated by said flow
of said water.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part Application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/398,731 which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/047,085 filed Apr.
22, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety
by reference. The disclosed invention relates to water flow
control. More particularly, it relates to a system and method
providing for a user operated remote control which may be activated
by contact with any part of the body to temporarily cease the flow
of water already running in a shower or sink.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Background of the Invention
[0002] Water for domestic use is becoming ever-harder to provide
with an expanding population. Over many years dams providing
reservoirs and increased drilling for ground water have managed to
provide water to an ever growing population in the United States
and the industrialized world. Consequently, while water shortages
occur due to drought and other supply interruption, such shortages
have not been too severe.
[0003] In coming years however, and currently in dry venues such as
the Western United States, the supply is already insufficient to
meet the growing population of people and the new homes constructed
for that increased population. This shortage will only become more
acute since building dams and reservoirs has virtually ceased due
to environmental concerns. Further exacerbating the shortages is
the ongoing drought in the Western States which appears to be
cyclical and will as such return again once the current drought
abates.
[0004] In spite of such shortages, new housing continues to be
built for the expanding population. Many homes and businesses, such
as hotels, are equipped with showers and sinks for use in bathing
and hygiene. More showers, sinks, and such, will continue to put
additional perpetual strain on the finite water supply
available.
[0005] Further, statistics show the average person living alone
will use approximately 9490 gallons of water per shower and a ton
of carbon emissions in his home each year. Most of this water is
used on showers and in sinks where water constantly runs during
use. It is estimated that the employment of the device herein, will
save 50% of the water previously used, or 4740 gallons, per person.
Multiplying this savings by the millions of people in the United
States indicates the potential for a staggering amount of water
conservation and concurrent energy conservation with a reduction in
carbon emissions and the use of energy needed to heat the water
contained within hot water heaters.
[0006] During normal water usage by individuals there are times
when the water is uselessly running down the drain. Such instances
occur because by default, once valves for water flow are turned on,
water will flow until the valves are closed. This is by design in
that persons using a shower in the past, wanted the water to run
continuously while bathing.
[0007] To that end for instance, during a shower people will soap
up or put shampoo in their hair and concurrently step out of the
stream of water, which is always on by default, to avoid the flow.
Once soap has been spread or shampoo massaged through the hair,
most users then step back into the water stream for a short rinse
period. With many users, the time out of the stream of water in a
shower, will actually be longer than their time within the stream
of water.
[0008] The same problem of water and energy waste arises with
facial washing or tooth brushing at a sink or while hand-washing
dishes. Since water is initially turned on by opening the valves to
the spigot or faucet, during the period of time of facial
scrubbing, or actual tooth brushing, valuable water continues to
run down the drain. With dishes, when rinsing, water from the tap
continues to run even when the user is not rinsing. As such, a
device which allows for selective cessation of flow by the user,
without touching the water spigots, would save large amounts of
water and in the case of hot water, would save energy too.
[0009] As a consequence of water running from showers and faucets
continually by default, a device which allows for the user to cease
this water flow, during periods in which they would normally avoid
the stream of running water, would eliminate the need to step out
and save a large portion of the hot and cold water that currently
runs right down the drain.
[0010] Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a method and
apparatus which may be easily employed to minimize water usage in
new and old homes to conserve the finite supply so that more people
may be serviced. Such a device should be easily engageable to the
installed base of showers, faucets and the like. Such a device
should be easily employable by users once water is running, to
encourage usage. Such a device should be easily included in new
construction and should be easy to retrofit into old construction,
to thereby save water and reduce carbon emissions through
conservation of electricity or gas or propane, in the maximum
number of homes and businesses.
[0011] It is thus an object of the invention to provide a device
and method for water conservation in homes and businesses.
[0012] It is a further object to provide such a device and method
that provides for easy remote control for periods of cessation of
water flow from a faucet or shower head.
[0013] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a device
adapted for easy installation on the installed base of showers
through the employment of an activation switch requiring no power
and a control valve engageable to conventional piping, using low
voltage or battery power, to encourage widespread use on installed
systems with minimal modification being required.
[0014] Further, such a device should be easily operated by the user
using their hand, elbow, hip, or foot, depending on installation to
thereby encourage actual use once installed.
[0015] These together with other objects and advantages which will
become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the water
conservation device and method of employment herein, as more fully
hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the
accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
[0016] With respect to the above, before explaining at least one
preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and to the arrangement of the
components or steps set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The various apparatus and methods of
the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to
those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0017] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing other user employable systems for
temporary cessation of flowing water in a shower or sink, and the
like, and for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the objects and
claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and
methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Testing and experimentation with the disclosed system has
shown it to provide a novel and easily engageable set of components
for the temporary cessation of already flowing water in an outflow
component such as a shower head in a shower or a faucet in a sink.
During experimental use, the device has been shown to allow users
to easily initiate a cessation of flowing water, with a simple
touch of an area of their body to a controller, or the employment
of a defined sound or undefined sound to activate and continue use,
encourages use, since they need not see it or have to employ a hand
or finger or make the appropriate noise. Thus, elimination of water
and energy waste is encouraged during periods the user is occupied
in a non-water task such as lathering, shampooing, or brushing
their teeth, since the user need not employ the dexterity of a hand
or finger to cease water flow. This is an important consideration
when the eyes may not be opened, such as when shampooing.
[0019] The device features a remote control component, which is
water resistant, sufficient to be waterproof in the environment,
and provides a large, user-activated button on a switch component
to activate a signal from the remote location to temporarily cease
water flow. The remote control component is adapted preferably with
a very large contact area for activation which is easily depressed
by a hand, foot, elbow, hip, or other body part of the user. Thus,
the user need not see it, to initiate a cessation of water flow, or
reinitiate water flow.
[0020] In a preferred mode of the device the remote control has no
need for batteries or other power. Instead it employs a
piezoelectric means to generate a signal to the controller of water
flow. Such devices simply need contact by the user sufficient to
mechanically activate the piezo element which thereafter
communicates the signal to the remotely located water flow
controller receiver. This mode of the device is especially
preferred since it never requires batteries and may thus avoid the
hazards of corrosion in a high humidity environment like a shower.
Further, installation requires no wiring or hole drilling, for
wiring and the like, and the water tight walls of the shower are
thus maintained in their original state, avoiding leaks.
[0021] The remote switching component can be battery powered,
sonic, or have an internal pump engaged to a flexible conduit and
activate the flow controller valve with fluid or air pressure
developed during button depression.
[0022] In the sonic mode, the device can employ an intelligent
means to ascertain activation from sound such as software adapted
for voice recognition by user, or for recognition of the words
themselves. Thus the user may simply say a word such as "shower on"
to activate the water flow and "shower off" to deactivate it. A
concurrent touching of the switching component might be required to
avoid voices distant from the shower from accidentally activating
it for water flow.
[0023] As a safety switch in all modes of the device, the flow
controller valve may be equipped with a timer to limit the time of
water flow, or may be equipped with a noise sensor which
continually "looks" for sounds of shower use, other than the noise
of the water which would be filtered from the sound monitoring. If
no sounds other than water flow are sensed for a defined time
duration, the flow controller would cease water flow.
[0024] In use, a power supply communicates with a water flow
controller which acts to communicate power to an electrically
activated valve, such as a value employing a solenoid, during
periods of activation initiated by depression of the button of the
remote control. The valve will move between an open position
allowing water flow and a closed position ceasing water flow.
[0025] The controller may require continuous contact by a body
part, somewhat like a deadman's switch, or the controller may have
a flip-flop type switching circuit that alternatively energizes and
de-energizes the communication of power to the valve controlling
water flow. The device would thus cease the flow of already running
water and immediately restart the flow using a simple activation of
the remote control component mounted on a wall or in the case of a
sink, a cabinet.
[0026] In use, the user while lathering or shampooing when the user
cannot easily see or while brushing their teeth or lathering their
face at a sink, an easy cessation of water flow is provided by a
simple contact with a contact surface of the remote control
component. This contact by a body part, will cause a RF, sonic,
hydraulic, pneumatic, or optical signal, to be communicated to the
water flow controller which will act to energize the water valve to
cease flow or in the case of an electronic signal, the water valve
itself may be the control if it is already wired to move to the
opposite position when signaled electronically.
[0027] Energizing the flow control valve, through which water
flows, to a closed position, employs wires energized by the closing
of an actuator such as a electro magnetic solenoid which is
activated by the remote control component. The remote control
component as noted in an electronic version, may be a wireless,
hardwired, or a radio or light transmission device, which transmits
a signal to a receiver, which causes the valve to close or open
directly or using a switching means such as a solenoid. Or in the
especially preferred mode, it may be piezoelectric and activated by
user contact. Or it might have a pump that would generate a
pneumatic signal through a conduit connected between the pump in
the control and a pneumatic receiver engaged to actuate the
electric control valve between the open an closed positions. To
restart water, the button on the control is simply released if
permanent pressure is required, or pressed again and released in
the case of a flip-flop type of circuit activation.
[0028] Consequently, the user can easily, without the aide of
eyesight, and with some body part, activate the remote control
component to cause a cessation of the water flow when they are
occupied in a fashion where water is not needed. A second contact
with the contact area on the control would restart water flow. This
would occur for instance in the case of lathering or shampooing in
the shower. Water and energy are thus saved for this duration. The
user need not be able to see the remote control component to
activate it to turn the water off and on, thereby encouraging
use.
[0029] Finally as noted, a safety flow circuit may be included to
cease flow after a defined time or when noise sensed does not
include anything but water flow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device showing a typical
installation with a wireless control button for at-will water flow
cessation in a conventional outflow component such as a
showerhead.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a mode of the device employing
electronic switching for cessation of water flow.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a pneumatic mode of the device of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a typical installation of the device herein on
a faucet in bathroom or kitchen sink to initiate temporary flow
cessation of the water therefrom.
[0034] FIG. 5 depicts a control component employing a piezoelectric
component to generate electricity without batteries or a power
source other than user touching the control component.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the device employed in a shower using the
control component of FIG. 5.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a graphic depiction of the device installed on the
wall of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 where similar
components are identified in one or more of the drawings with the
same numerals, the disclosed device 10 provides a novel system for
the temporary cessation of already-flowing water in an outflow
component such as a shower head 18 in a shower 12 or a faucet 19 in
a sink 14 (FIG. 4).
[0038] During activation of the device 10 a user, need not employ
any special dexterity or even their eyesight since the device 10
employs a control component 16 adapted with a contact area of
sufficient size to provide a means for tactile location with
impaired eyesight. Currently, a size from two square inches in
size, to thirty six square inches in size, have proven to work well
to allow the user to "find" the contact surface on the control
component 16 with impaired eyesight, such as when shampooing. A six
inch by six inch tile would work especially well on shower
installations having this size tile as it would blend into the wall
if positioned correctly and provide the large area necessary to
provide a contact surface locatable without eyesight. This means
for tactile locating of the control component 16 thus encourages
use for the control of water flow in a shower during periods where
the user might be visually impaired, thereby eliminating wasted
water and energy from running in periods when the user is occupied
in a non-water task such as shampooing, lathering or in the case of
a sink 14, brushing their teeth. The device 10 employed with a sink
14 would encourage use since the user need not see the control
component 16 or touch it with already occupied hands which might be
washing their face or brushing their teeth. The size and location
of the control component 16 make it easy to locate with the side of
the leg or arm or even an elbow.
[0039] The device 10 using an electronic signal from the remote
control component 16 which is substantially water proof and
provides for a large, user activated, contact area, provides a
surface which may be found with the tactile sense, without the aid
of eyesight. As noted a size between 1 inches in height and width
and 6 inches in height and width (1 sq. in. to 36 sq. in.) have
worked well in experimentation. Currently a face 17 of
substantially 3 inches by 2 inches has been shown to work very
well, but those skilled in the art will realize that other sizes
might be employed as long as the contact surface of the control
component 16 is easily located by a sense of touch and without the
aid of eyesight.
[0040] A touch of the contact surface on the control component 16
will cause it, in all modes, to transmit a signal from the control
component 16 to cease water flow to the shower head 18 or faucet 19
as shown in FIG. 4. The control component 16 is adapted preferably
with this large contact area of which is sensitive to a touch, such
as a capacitance type switch, or uses an actuated button for the
contact surface which is easily depressed by a hand, foot, elbow,
hip, or other body part of the user to allow locating without
eyesight.
[0041] A number of modes of signal transmission from the control
component 16 to actuate the water flow valve 20 between the open
and closed position may be employed. The control component 16 can
be battery or otherwise low voltage powered to produce an
electrical, sonic, or light, or pneumatic signal which is
communicated to a means to switchably energize the flow valve 20 to
move to the opposite position from one of closed and open. This
battery powered mode is one preferred mode of the device due to the
water environment, and, it allows the control component 16 to
simply be adhered to the tile or wall of the shower.
[0042] If the signal is electrical, contact with the contact
surface of the control component 16 by a body part, will initiate
the communication of a signal through wires 22, or by light
transmission from a light emitter 23, or sonic transmission from a
sonic signal generator, or by activation of an electric pump
located on the control component 16. Or it will initiate an RF
signal from a transmitter 37, and no wires 22 or other direct
contact with the controller 28 to cease and restart water flow will
be required. The RF or light transmission mode of signaling lends
itself to easy installation of a wireless, battery powered control
component 16 and are therefor preferred for ease of installation
and safety.
[0043] An especially preferred mode of the device 10 features a
transmitter 37 which requires no batteries or onboard power supply
to generate a signal to communicate with the controller 28 to
control water flow. This will eliminate corrosion of electrical
parts and especially batteries which can tend to corrode over time
in a high humidity environment. The RF or sonic signal in this mode
is generated by the user action of touching the face 17 of the
control unit 16 which employs the large surface area noted for such
user contact.
[0044] In use employing piezoelectric means for wireless signal
generation as in FIG. 7, a face 17 is part of, or mechanically
engaged to, a translating member 21, which in operative engagement
to the piezo element 23 is mechanically activated to generate an
electrical current or RF signal. The element may also be adapted to
generate a specific sound wave which is transmitted during the
touching to activate. Other means to activate the piezo element 23
may also be employed which cause it to generate a current or
wireless signal such as RF or light, or acoustic signals, and such
are anticipated withing the scope of this application.
[0045] Touching the face 17 of the control unit 16 will cause
movement of the translating member 21 and generation of the
piezoelectric electronic signal which is concurrently communicated
to the controller 28. Alternatively the specific sound and sound
wave generated by the mechanical activation or a similar mechanical
sound generation device may be employed to activate water flow.
[0046] This mode of the device thus employs a control unit 16 which
needs no batteries or connected electrical power supply since the
physical action of the user, touching the surface are of the
control unit 16 with a body part, cause a mechanical action to
generale the signal using the piezoelectric signal generation means
housed internally with the control unit 16. This is an especially
preferred mode of the device 10 since it allows for simply a "peel
and stick" installation of the control unit 16 on a wall of the
shower and requires no drilling or wires, or batteries which might
corrode. This will encourage installation on the installed base of
showers as owners generally shy away from devices which require
holes in the water tight walls of a shower or have any corrosive
elements within them, such as batteries which tend to corrode at
their poles in a high humidity environment.
[0047] If pneumatic, the signal would be generated with an
electrical pump or pump powered by a depression of the contact
surface of the control component 16. The pump in the control
component 16, would be engaged to a flexible conduit 24 and
hydraulicly activate the controller with air pressure developed
during contact with the control surface or depression thereof.
Since the device 10 operates in a water environment, if electrical
power is employed, it is preferred to be from batteries 25 or
optionally, a low voltage power supply 27 or other low voltage
sources. However, the power supply 27 would not be necessary if the
batteries 25 are self contained in both the control component 16
and the controller 28.
[0048] In use, electrical power from batteries 25 or a power supply
27 communicates with a controller 28, which may be part of the
electronic valve itself or part of the control unit as shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, or may be part of or separate from the power
supply 27 which acts to communicate power to wires 22 during
periods of activation initiated by a body contact with the remote
control component 16. Those skilled in the art will realize there
are many ways to actuate the valve between the open and closed
positions upon receipt of a signal from the control unit 16 and
such is anticipated within the scope of this application.
[0049] Another manner of providing a user interface to control
water flow in a shower and the like is the employment of a voice
activated switching means. Using a microphone 43 or similar means
to receive a user-generated sound, a signal would be subsequently
communicated to the controller 28 to cease or initiate water flow.
Because of the potential for such a sound activated component to
turn water on and off at unintended times where a sound is
communicated to the voice activated type control unit 16, the
device herein would employ a microprocessor 41 and memory in the
sound activating control unit 16 so as to only communicate with the
controller 28 at times the user intends to cease or initiate water
flow. Thus, a sound recognition routine would be included in the
software running on the control unit 16 which would listen for
specific sounds to initiate signals to the controller 28. The sound
can be words, such as "on" or "off" or another recognizable sound
such as a clap of the hands, a whistle, or other user chosen sound
or word. Using sound activation, the control unit 16 will listen
for sounds which the software recognizes as commands and then cause
the signal to be communicated to the controller 28.
[0050] This sound activated mode of the device 10 may also employ
software adapted to listen to a plurality of sounds and thereby
issue a plurality of different flow control signals to the
controller 28. In this manner the device may control the volume of
water outflowing, and the temperature. The user by saying "hotter"
or "colder" or "more" for instance, can control the temperature of
the water disbursed and the volume. Sound and voice recognition
software, and microprocessors adapted to run it, while not employed
for showers and faucet control, are well known art and therefor
need not be overly described.
[0051] In all modes of the device 10, a safety or cessation means
for water flow may be included. This may be a timer which is preset
to cease water flow after a certain amount of time. Or, it may be
an electronic sonic sensing means, which listens for sounds other
than water flow and communicates a signal to a microprocessor 41
running software adapted to cease water flow if sounds associated
with showering, other than water flow, are not discerned by the
software listening to the captured sound from a microphone 43.
[0052] If a low voltage power supply is available, the sound
activated control unit 16 can listen for the command sounds all the
time since power drain is not an issue. However if batteries are
the power source, the software running on the microprocessor 41
would only activate when turned on, for instance by the user
touching the face of the control unit 16, and then issuing a voice
command concurrently.
[0053] Again, as a safety against sounds or commands issued, other
than by a user at appropriate times, a means to control the
communication of a signal by the sound activated control unit 16
can be employed such as the requirement that the user touch the
control unit 16 concurrently with saying or making the sound
required to generate the appropriate signal by the control unit 16
to the controller 28 to control flow and temperature. Electronic or
mechanical means to ascertain user touch may be employed such as a
capacitance sensor or mechanical switch. Of course the large
surface area for touch by the user is especially preferred as such
commands will surely be generated when the user cannot see or might
be shampooing or the like.
[0054] Cessation of water flow by the user can require continuous
contact by a body part for a defined duration of time, somewhat
like a deadman's switch, or preferably the control component 16 or
the valve itself, may have a flip-flop type switching circuit
communicating with it that alternatively energizes and de-energizes
the wires 22 communicating power to a switch or solenoid 30 with
each body contact or release of contact with the control component
16. Requiring a touching for a defined time duration may be a
preferred mode since accidental touching might occur and cause an
unintended cessation of water flow. Or the electric valve might
simply be configured to switch between the open and closed position
upon receipt of the signal. Of course the control component 16 may
have a contact surface which is a simple depressed switch, or some
type of conventional electronic contact sensor for the contact
surface such as a capacitance sensor, which discerns a contact with
the body of a user and initiates the signal.
[0055] Once energized by body contact with the control component
16, the wires 22 energize or the mechanical contact generates the
signal to the flow valve 20 itself if configured in a manner to
actuate, or to an electronic switch or an actuator such as the
solenoid 30 to energize or move the flow valve 20 to close and
interrupt already flowing water in the pipe 32 supplying the shower
head 18 or faucet 19. The control unit 16 can then be contacted
again by the user's body, to de-energize or otherwise switch the
flow valve 20 to move to the open position to again permit water
flow through the pipe 32.
[0056] While shown in the drawings with the battery 25 and switch
or solenoid 20 in the control unit 28, those skilled in the art
will realize that other modes of wiring and operation may be
employed to cause the electrically actuate the flow valve 20 to
turn the water on and off, based on a signal communicated by
contact of the user's body with the control component 16. All such
modes of wiring and operation are considered within the scope of
this invention since a main object of the invention is placing a
control component 16 of a size, and in a position, that makes it
discoverable without eyesight and therefor encourages use by those
with occupied hands or with impaired eyesight, while shampooing,
without having to worry about finding the control component 16.
[0057] For ease of installation, the control unit 28 can engage
using conventional threaded engagements 36 such as in FIG. 2, to
allow for easy installation on the conventional threaded ends of
existing plumbing fixtures. Or, as shown in FIG. 1, optionally the
control unit 28a may be installed in new construction in the wall
leading to the pipe 32 supplying the plumbing fixture to be
switched. Or, the flow valve 20 if adapted with circuitry to cause
it to vacillate between open and closed positions upon receipt of
the signal, might be employed by itself.
[0058] Employed in a sink installation as in FIG. 4, rather than a
shower, the control component 16 configured in any of the
aforementioned modes, would be mounted on a cabinet or wall near
the sink 14 such that the user may contact it with a leg or hip to
initiate the signal to the valve 28 to either cease or restart
water flow through the pipe 32. This would encourage use by
individuals who might be fearful they could not use their hands for
the control when they are wet or occupied.
[0059] As an example of use, the user, while lathering or
shampooing in a shower 12 or while brushing their teeth or
lathering their face at a sink 14, would simply contact the control
component 16, to cause the signal such as an electrical, RF, sonic,
pneumatic, hydraulic, or optical signal, to be communicated to an
actuator or controller or to the control valve itself, to energize
the control valve 20 to temporarily close and cease water flow from
the pipe 32. To restart water, the control component 16 would be
contacted again by the user in a flip-flop type circuit, or in a
circuit requiring continuous contact, the user would simply remove
their body from contact with the control component 16.
[0060] Because of the ease of installation provided, the low
voltage and lack of wiring using an RF or a light signal from the
control component 16, to cause a switching of the flow valve 20, is
one preferred mode. As noted, especially preferred is a control
component 16 employing a piezoelectric means to generate the
wireless signal to initiate and cease water flow since it has no
need for wires or batteries and can be permanently sealed without
need for access which can allow moister to enter. This would allow
the device 10 to be installed simply by adhering the control
component 16 to a wall surface such as tile shown in FIG. 7, and
engaging the control unit 28 by engaging it upon the threaded
portion of the pipe 32 supplying the plumbing fixture on the tile
or bath side of wall.
[0061] If batteries 25 power both the control unit 28 and the
control component 16, no wiring is necessary whatsoever, and the
device 10 will install in minutes in virtually any shower 12 or
sink 14 having pipes 32 adapted to engage the control unit 28
between the pipe 32 and the outflow component such as a shower head
18 or faucet 19. The battery powered mode of the device 10 would
work especially well with a low power RF signal from transmitter
37, or light signal from the light emitter 23, such as an IR
emitting LED, which would be received by optical or RF receiver 39,
to initiate a closure or opening of the flow valve 20. The
piezoelectric mode of the device of course will provide an even
more enhanced activation component since it requires no batteries
for its lifetime and thereby alleviates any possibility of
corrosion failure.
[0062] As noted, the depiction of the means to energize the flow
valve 20 to open and close, in the drawings, is for illustrative
purposes only, as those skilled in the art will realize other
switching means are possible using the signal from the remote
control component 16 to open and close the flow valve 20 when the
user contacts the control component 16. The large surface area of
the control component 16 is preferred so that users need not see it
to initiate the device to cease or restart water flow.
[0063] FIGS. 6-7 depicts a mode of the device 10 installed in a
shower 12 either during initial construction or as a retrofit. As
shown in FIG. 7, the device 10 is deployed in an especially
preferred mode using a wireless transmitter 37 within the control
component 16, which employs the user's energy in pressing upon the
face 17 to generate the power for the wireless signal and thus
requires no batteries or onboard power supply to communicate with
the controller 28 to control water flow. Using this mode of the
device 10, the control component 16 may be permanently sealed
against water and corrosion since battery replacement or electrical
power contacts are not necessary. An adhesive or other means of
attachment to the surface of the shower 12 may be employed to
maintain the water tight nature of the surface of the shower 12. As
noted, a sealed control component 16 will eliminate corrosion of
electrical parts and especially batteries which can tend to corrode
over time in a high humidity environment.
[0064] In use, the electrically generated RF, or light, or sonic
signal, is generated by the user action of touching the face 17 of
the control unit 16 which employs the aforementioned large surface
area for such user contact. The face 17 is operatively engaged to
the piezoelectric component 23 which is activated by the user touch
or contact to then generate an electrical current which may be
employed to generate the wireless RF or other electrically powered
or generated wireless signal to the control unit 28. Since no wires
are necessary for power, no holes need be drilled in the wall 29
for such a power supply wire. As also noted, since no batteries
ever need replacing, the control unit 16 may be totally sealed
during manufacture to thus provide a means to prevent water
intrusion into the interior. Such a seal is superior to control
units 16 requiring a replaceable section for insertion of
batteries.
[0065] The control unit 28 in this mode of the device 10 may be of
either a battery powered model or use low voltage electrical power
from the house or building in which it is employed. If used with a
control unit 28 having batteries and a piezoelectric component 23
in the control component 16, the control unit 28 is placed in a
threaded engagement on the water pipe 32 before the shower head 18.
The wireless signal from the control component 16 will thereafter
activate the control unit 28 to allow or prevent water flow to the
shower head 18.
[0066] If a low voltage power supply 33 such as a 12 volt unit, is
used to power the control unit 28 a receiver 35 is placed between
the control unit 28 and power supply 33. The receiver listens for
the wireless signal from the control component 16 and energizes the
control unit 28 to either allow water passage or block it. The
control unit 28 employs a flow valve 20 within its housing 31 such
as a flow valve 20 operated by a solenoid 30. Of course those
skilled in the art will realize that other electrically activated
flow valves 20 may be employed and any such flow valve 20 which may
be energized or mechanically operated using an electrical component
activated by the receiver 35 to allow, or prevent water flow to the
shower head 18 upon receipt of a signal from the control component
16 is anticipated within the scope of this application.
[0067] Alternatively, as noted, the receiver 35 and flow valve 20
and the solenoid 30 may all be positioned inside the housing 31 to
allow for an easy retrofit installation not needing house power but
instead using batteries 25 (FIG. 2). In this mode the flow valve 20
may be of a type such as an electrically controlled aperture, or a
solenoid 30 activated flow valve 20, which is operated by a power
from the batteries when the receiver 35 senses a signal from the
control component 16.
[0068] Also in this mode of the device 10 an automatic "off"
circuit or signal may also be included to cease water flow by
activating the flow valve 20 to close after a determined duration
of time. This can be provided by an electronic timer or software
running on the microprocessor 41 and which can be set by the user
using a conventional button or knob interface on the housing to set
a duration for an automatic turn-off.
[0069] Finally, as noted above, a sound controller can also be
included to sense sounds and operated by the microprocessor 41 or
some other means to listen for sounds and act accordingly. In an
intelligent version of the sound sensing system, words like "off"
or a sound like a "clap" would be sensed by a microphone 43 and
interpreted by software on the microprocessor 41 to be employed to
turn the shower off if desired, or alternatively back on. Or, the
sound sensing system can be operated to simply listen for sounds
which should be generated with a person on the shower, and if such
are not sensed, operate to turn off the water.
[0070] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of
the improved disclosed remote control water flow system, for
temporary cessation of sink or shower water flow, with reference to
particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various
changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure
and it will be apparent that in some instance, some features of the
invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other
features without departing from the scope of the invention as set
forth. It should be understood that such substitutions,
modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Consequently, all such modifications and variations are included
within the scope of the invention as defined herein.
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