Faucet Adapted for Use by Both Humans and Pets

Abstract

An indoor sink faucet is claimed that is adapted for both human and pet use. The faucet substantially resembles a conventional human faucet, but includes integrated features that allow a pet to activate a flow of water and drink therefrom. Pet and human water can be dispensed from the same or separate outlets. Pet water can be mechanically activated, using for example a lever protruding from the pet water outlet. In other embodiments, the pet valve actuator uses a remote sensor to detect a pet using infra-red light, microwaves, or similar means. A timer can allow pet water to flow after actuation for a period that can be adjustable by a user. A flow sensor can prevent pet water flow when human water is flowing. And a training mode selector can cause pet water to flow continuously, thereby allowing a pet to learn how to use the faucet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.