Fluent material handling – with receiver or receiver coacting mea – Filling means with receiver or receiver coacting means – Continuous flow or overflow type supply
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-15
2001-07-10
Maust, Timothy L. (Department: 3751)
Fluent material handling, with receiver or receiver coacting mea
Filling means with receiver or receiver coacting means
Continuous flow or overflow type supply
C141S018000, C141S198000, C119S051010, C119S051500, C119S072000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257288
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to watering devices for use with open basins.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An open basin, such as a pet's water dish, a Christmas tree stand, or the like, can be supplied with water from a watering device. A particular type of watering device includes a tank structure with a nozzle. A surface seal between the nozzle and the open basin controls the flow of water into the basin. Since the use of a surface seal requires the fluid reservoir inside the tank to be elevated above the open basin, the device is generally top heavy and inherently unstable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for use with an open receiving basin. In accordance with a principal feature of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank structure and a support structure. The tank structure encloses a reservoir and is configured to have an upright position. The support structure supports the tank structure above a floor surface in the upright position. A nozzle on the tank structure drains the reservoir to an open receiving basin when the tank structure is in the upright position. The tank structure is configured to have a stable rest position when overturned from the upright position. Importantly, the nozzle is oriented not to drain the reservoir when the tank structure is in the stable rest position.
In accordance with another principal feature of the invention, the tank structure and the nozzle have pivot edges configured to direct the apparatus from its upright position to the stable rest position when the apparatus is overturned. When the apparatus is in the stable rest position, it is supported by a planar upper surface of the tank structure.
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Butler David L.
Davidian Steven L.
Nicholl Benson T.
Davidian Steven L.
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue
Maust Timothy L.
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