Patent Application
20210298269
The present invention relates to outdoor drinking fountains and, more particularly, to a pet outdoor drinking fountain.
A drinking fountain, also called a water fountain, is a fountain designed to provide drinking water. The fountain includes of a basin with either continuously running water or a tap. Outdoor pet drinking fountains typically include a bowl lower to the ground to be accessed by pets. In colder climates, the water pipes of the outdoor pet drinking fountain freezes and is thereby unable to be used.
As can be seen, there is a need for an outdoor pet drinking fountain that does not freeze.
In one aspect of the present invention, a pet service structure comprises: a housing comprising a floor, upstanding sidewalls, a ceiling, and water piping connectable to a water source; and a pet fountain disposed outside of the housing and comprising a frame coupled to one of the sidewalls, a bowl coupled to the frame and disposed near a ground level, a water spout connected to the water piping and directed towards the bowl, and a valve configured to open and close the water spout.
In another aspect of the present invention, a pet water fountain comprises: a frame; a heating element coupled within the frame; a water piping coupled within the frame and in communication with the heating element; a bowl coupled to the frame; a water spout connected to the frame and the water piping, wherein the water spout is directed towards the bowl; and a valve configured to open and close the water spout, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the water piping.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
The present invention includes a pet drinking fountain incorporated into a pet wash vending unit. The pet drinking fountain is incorporated into the pet wash unit using an existing water hook-up and the top, sides and back are exposed to a heat source to prevent water from freezing in cold climates.
The pet drinking fountain includes a frame with a valve, a water spout, and water hosing. The structure, such as a pet wash vending unit, contains the frame. A button may control the valve so that when engaged, water is delivered from the spout and into the bowl. The bowl has a small hole in the bottom to allow it to drain until empty.
Referring to
The housing 22 may include any structure with insulated walls, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and water piping 28. In certain embodiments, the housing 22 is a structure used for pet maintenance. For example, a pet bath 32 is disposed inside of the housing 22. The pet bath 32 includes a tub 34 and a hose 36. The hose 36 is coupled to the water piping 28.
The frame 12 includes a base, sidewalls walls upstanding from the base with an open front, and top portion. The frame 12 may be made out of metal. The bowl 14 is coupled to the base and the waterspout 15 is coupled to the top and disposed over the bowl 14. The bowl 14 may include a drain hole at the bottom which allows unused drinking water to drain out, leaving the bowl 14 empty, so water does not freeze or stagnate. The sidewall 22 may include a cutout portion. The frame 12 is coupled within the cutout portion so that the pet fountain 10 is inset with the housing 22. Exposing the top, sidewalls, and base of the frame 12 to the heat source of the housing 22 prevents freezing which allows the pet fountain 10 to remain operational during cold weather.
In certain embodiments, the pet fountain 10 further includes a push button 18 coupled to the top portion of the frame 12 and operable to open and close the valve 17. User may bring their pet 24 to take a bath within the housing 22 or have a drink by pressing the button 18 of the pet fountain 10.
As illustrated in
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
