Motion interrupting water-saving faucet valve

Abstract

A motion interrupting water saving faucet valve helps users improve their water efficiency. This is achieved through the use of a soft stop that limits the flow rate of water through a faucet by interrupting the motion of the valve that controls the fluid flow. As a result, there will be multiple different flow rates a user can achieve depending on the needs of a given application. A lower flow rate is the result of the soft stop being engaged through the use of a detent mechanism. The higher rate is the maximum flow rate of a faucet and is easily achieved by a user overriding the soft stop. These different flow rates allow a user to reduce their water consumption because they can now choose between using half or full flow through any given faucet.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATION FOR MOTION INTERRUPTING WATER-SAVING FAUCET VALVE BY WESLEY ANDREW WILMERS, DALTON WESLEY WILMERS, CONNOR GRAYSON WILMERS, AND DALE ALLEN CAMPER RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 614,550, filed on March 22, 2024, entitled “Motion Interrupting Water-Saving Faucet Valve”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve that improves the water efficiency of a faucet or other plumbing fixtures. The faucet valve itself has a feedback point built into it that allows a user to limit the flow rate through the faucet. However, the function of the feedback point allows a user to easily switch between high or low flow depending on the needs of a given task. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the United States, there has been tremendous effort made to improve water efficiencies of various plumbing fixtures. Some notable efforts Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperinclude the United States Energy Policy Act of 1992, which mandated the first maximum water efficiencies for plumbing fixtures in both residential and commercial buildings; and in 2016 the California energy commission approved new maximum flow rates for plumbing fixtures in response to the historic drought the state was dealing with at the time. It is estimated that these regulations, including others not named here, combine to save about seven billion gallons of water a day, which is enough to meet the water needs of seven cities that are of similar size to New York City.

[0004] Despite these massive improvements, there is still a significant amount of water that can be saved. There are scenarios when a faucet is in use and a user does not need the maximum flow rate. For example, if the flow rate of a faucet in a shower is 1.8 GPM and a user has an option to halve that flow rate, then over the course of a ten-minute shower that user will be able to save roughly twelve gallons of water per shower. If you expand those savings to include at least one shower a day over the course of a seven-day week, the amount of water saved jumps to ninety-four gallons. That savings will add up and greatly aid in water conservation efforts.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a faucet valve that employs the use of a soft stop to let a user easily reduce their water consumption, is easily used, and comparatively cost effective. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0006] The present invention is a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve that operates to add an intermediate stop point to provide a natural point in the operation of the valve in which the valve is not fully open in order to prevent the complete opening of the valve and thus impede the flow of water. The impediment results in a lower flow rate from the faucet to assist a user in reducing their water consumption. In a preferred embodiment, when a user turns a faucet on, they will feel the handle hit a “feedback point.” This feedback point was designed so that it can be either a hard stop or a soft stop, so that the faucet delivers water at a lower flow rate then what it was designed for. Regardless, in either scenario it is easy for a user to override. If a user wants a higher rate of flow, then they will continue to engage the faucet handle until it turns past the feedback point. Further, if a user initially needs the full flow, but decides that they no longer need it then they can simply turn the valve back to the point where the feedback point is engaged. This is a process that can be repeated as many times as needed for any given task.

[0007] Generally speaking, the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve operates through the use of a valve body that has an actuator element and a detent mechanism. The actuator element itself has a speedbump installed onto it and is joined to a faucet handle through a linkage unit. When a user turns the faucet handle, the actuator element is moved until the speedbump hits the detent mechanism; otherwise known as the feedback point.

[0008] There are a handful of different embodiments currently disclosed in this application. The first is a lever actuated faucet that has the motion interrupting Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperwater saving faucet installed. In this embodiment a user will lift the lever handle until the feedback point is hit, which allows a user to consider the current flow rate. If more is needed, then a user can easily move the lever handle to the fully open position. The second embodiment is a quarter turn faucet valve that has the motion interrupting water saving faucet installed. As a user turns the handle towards the open position, they will eventually hit the feedback mechanism. However, if more fluid flow is desired, then a user can easily turn the handle to overcome the feedback mechanism, to the fully open position. In both embodiments, if a user initially requires the full flow, but realizes later on that a reduce flow will work, then they can easily move the handle to the feedback point.

[0009] The motion interrupting water saving faucet valve disclosed herein is a cost effective and simple solution to helping users greatly reduce their water footprint. Additionally, the present invention can easily be installed into existing fixtures, or be seamlessly integrated into faucets that are currently being produced by manufacturers. BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0011] Figure 1A-1D is a section view of a non-limiting example that illustrates the basic concept behind the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve;

[0012] Figure 2 is a user decision flow chart for a user of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve;

[0013] Figure 3A is a front view of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve in use within a lever actuated faucet;

[0014] Figure 3B is a section view providing a close-up view of the water saving faucet valve and the valve body;

[0015] Figure 4 is a quarter turn faucet with a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed;

[0016] Figure 5 is a section view of a quarter turn faucet with a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve;

[0017] Figure 6 is a top view of a quarter turn faucet with a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve;

[0018] Figures 7A and 7B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed inside of a quarter turn faucet;

[0019] Figure 8 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0020] Figure 9 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0021] Figures 10A and 10B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet; Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0022] Figure 11 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0023] Figures 12A and 12B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0024] Figures 13A and 13B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0025] Figures 14A and 14B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0026] Figures 15A thru 15C show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0027] Figures 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0028] Figure 17A and 17B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0029] Figure 18A and 18B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0030] Figures 19A and 19B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0031] Figures 20A and 20B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a quarter turn faucet;

[0032] Figures 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed on a lever actuated faucet; Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0033] Figures 22 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed on a lever actuated faucet;

[0034] Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0035] Figure 24A and 24B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0036] Figures 25 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0037] Figures 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0038] Figure 27 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0039] Figure 28 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0040] Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0041] Figures 30 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0042] Figure 31 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0043] Figure 32A and 32B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet; Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0044] Figure 33 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0045] Figure 34 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0046] Figure 35 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0047] Figure 36 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0048] Figure 37 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0049] Figures 38A and 38B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0050] Figure 39 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0051] Figure 40 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0052] Figure 41 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0053] Figure 42 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0054] Figure 43 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet; Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0055] Figures 44 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0056] Figure 45 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0057] Figure 46 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0058] Figure 47A and 47B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0059] Figure 48A and 48B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0060] Figure 49 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0061] Figure 50 shows an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet;

[0062] Figure 51A and 51B show an alternative embodiment of the motion interrupting water saving faucet valve installed in a lever actuated faucet; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] The present invention disclosed is a motion interrupting water saving faucet valve that reduces the water consumption for various different types of faucets. It does so by having a motion interrupting mechanism installed that provides a physical interrupt in the faucet at a predetermined location to prevent Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperthe simple wide-open use of the faucet valve. When a faucet is turned on and opened until reaching the physical interrupt and the user is satisfied with the lower flow of water, then no more action is needed; however, if more flow is desired then, the user can easily overcome the motion interrupting mechanism by opening the faucet to the fully open position, and vice versa. Finally, the present invention can be easily installed onto existing plumbing systems, and provides an affordable solution to lowering the water footprint of a user.

[0064] Referring initially to Figures 1A-1D, a non-limiting example of motion interrupting water saving faucet valve (water saving valve 100) in a basic embodiment is shown. These four figures are intended to illustrate the basics behind the operation of water saving valve 100. Water saving valve 100 is made up of a few critical components, namely actuator element 23, valve body 24, and a motion interrupter, raised lip 5. Valve body 24 in this example is made up of cold-water inlet 102, hot water inlet 104, and outlet 106.

[0065] In Figure 1A, hot and cold water are both able to flow into valve body 24 via their respective inlets, but the resulting mixture cannot exit outlet 106 because actuator element 23 is in the closed position; sealing outlet 106. Actuator element 23 is in this position because the faucet is in the off position. Figure 1B shows the faucet opened to a predetermined position, but the movement is halted once speedbump 12, that is located on actuator element 23, is impeded by raised lip 5. Raised lip 5 stops a user from moving a faucet to the fully open position, so while actuator element 23 is no longer sealing outlet 106, Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperthe water flow through outlet 106 is significantly impeded such that a lower flow rate occurs at the faucet opening. Here, motion is completely halted, but it is fully envisioned that other embodiments can include only momentarily slowing of actuator 23.

[0066] Figure 1C shows a faucet in the fully open position should a user desire the full flow rate that a faucet is capable of. To get to this point, a user just simply opens the faucet to the fully open position by applying enough force for speedbump 12 to overcome the compressive force delivered by raised lip 5. Raised lip 5 was designed such that it does not require a tremendous amount of force to overcome, thus making use of water saving valve 100 widely accessible.

[0067] Referring now to Figure 1D, actuator element 23 has a second speedbump 13 located on it some distance below speedbump 12. In this alternative embodiment there are now two different points of feedback for a user when using water saving valve 100. This will give a user even more flow rates to select from when they do not need the maximum flow rate. Additionally, it is important to note that in any of the disclosed embodiments the interrupting mechanism and feedback mechanism can be located anywhere in water saving valve 100. In a nonlimiting example for the feedback mechanism, second speedbump 13 was located at some distance below speedbump 12, but it could easily have been located closer or farther away from speedbump 12. However, in a nonlimiting example for the interrupting mechanism, raised lip 5 could be located anywhere higher up the interior of valve body 24 or lower. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0068] Referring now to Figure 2, a user decision flow chart for operation of the present invention is shown and generally designated as process 200. The process begins at step 202 when a user needs water flow from a faucet, and immediately proceeds to step 204 by opening the faucet until a first interrupt is reached. Step 206 is the first decision a user will need to make. If the water flow is sufficient, then a user proceeds to step 216 where the task is performed and the water flow effectiveness is considered. If the water flow is not sufficient, the user goes to step 208 and increases the force applied to the faucet until it reaches the full flow position.

[0069] For sake of discussion, it is assumed that the decision made after step 206 was no, and a user is now at step 208. At step 208 a user will increase the force applied to a faucet until it is in the fully open position. Once that is done, a user will then proceed to step 210 and consider the effectiveness of the water flow. At step 212, a user then considers whether the full flow is still needed, if that is a yes then the user will loop back to step 210 and reconsider the water flow effectiveness. If it is a no, a user then proceeds to step 214 to ask whether the task has been completed. If it is instead a yes, then a user moves to step 228 and starts to close the faucet and overcomes the first interrupt once it is encountered so that the faucet can be closed at step 232.

[0070] However, if a user at step 214 has not completed their task, but no longer needs the faucet fully open, then they can move to step 226 and turn the faucet handle to the off position until the first interrupt point is encountered. This Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperwill greatly reduce the water flow of the faucet, but still provide the user with the water flow they need for a task. While at the first interrupt point, a user will once again evaluate the water flow effectiveness at step 224 prior to determining whether the water flow is still sufficient at step 218. If the water flow is sufficient then a user will evaluate whether the task is complete at step 220. If the is complete, then a user will move the faucet handle to the off position at step 230 in order to complete their water use at step 232. However, if the water flow is not sufficient at step 218, then a user will loop ack to step 208 and increase the force applied to the faucet so it is in the fully open position.

[0071] Reverting back to the first decision at step 206, the water flow is actually sufficient. When this is the case, a user will proceed to step 216 and consider the water flow effectiveness prior to asking whether the water flow is sufficient at step 218. If the flow is sufficient, then a user will then proceed to step 220 to ask themselves whether the task is complete, if it is not then the user will loop back to step 216. However, if the task is complete, user will follow steps 230 and 232 to close the faucet and complete their water use. However, if the water flow is not sufficient at step 218, then a user can go to step 208 and increase the force applied towards the faucet and fully open it.

[0072] Referring now Figures 3A an 3B, an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of water saving valve 100 that is installed inside a lever faucet system is shown. In this embodiment mixing valve faucet 20 is coupled to the bottom of valve body 24, and the top of actuator mechanism 23 is coupled to Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperactuator handle 21 through linkage 22. A close-up view of valve body 24 and actuator mechanism 23 can be seen in Figure 3B. This view shows speedbump 12, which is a part of actuator mechanism 23, and positioned such that the opening of actuator handle 21 is halted when it hits screw-in interrupting mechanism 11, which screws into corresponding threaded aperture 6.

[0073] To use this embodiment, the user begins by moving attached actuator handle 21 to the open position, placing actuator element 23 in motion. As actuator element 23 passes a predetermined point (or points) of travel within valve body 24, its motion is interrupted by screw-in interrupting mechanism 11 and corresponding speedbump 12 (otherwise known as the feedback point). This halting of motion prompts a user to decide whether the water flow is sufficient for the task at hand. If the user prefers more water flow, they apply more force to actuator handle 21 towards the open position until the resistance generated by screw-in interrupting mechanism 11 is overcome and actuator element 23 motion resumes, allowing more water flow. If, however, the user is satisfied with the water flow, they stop applying force to actuator handle 21, and the faucet remains in water-saving mode. If the user is in water-saving mode and then decides they require higher water flow, they apply additional pressure to actuator handle 21 towards the open position until the resistance generated by the screw- in interrupting mechanism 11 overcome and the actuator element 23 motion resumes, allowing a higher volume of water flow. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0074] Alternatively, if the user initially needed more water flow, but then subsequently determines that they now want a lower flow of water, they can get the lower flow rate by closing the actuator element 23 by moving actuator handle 21 towards the closed position until the motion is again interrupted by screw-in interrupting mechanism 11. When they wish to end water flow, they apply force to the actuator handle 21 causing the attached actuator element 23 to overcome the resistance generated by screw-in interrupting mechanism 11 and move towards the closed position until it reaches the fully closed position.

[0075] This embodiment of water saving valve 100 can easily be installed onto existing lever style faucet systems. All a user needs to do is disassemble an existing faucet, place valve body 24 inside mixing valve 20 and connect the actuator mechanism 23 to actuator handle 21 prior to reassembling the entire faucet system. This is an incredibly cost-effective way to reduce water consumption, while still preserving the ability to achieve the full flow rate of the lever faucet system. Additionally, the amount of force generated by screw-in interrupting mechanism 11 can be adjusted to provide more or less force by simply turning screw-in interrupting mechanism 11 in the corresponding direction.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 4, a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, water saving valve 100 is part of a new design for a conventional quarter turn style faucet. This embodiment has conventional handgrip 45 mated to splined handgrip interface 41 which is the end point of rotating cartridge valve stem 43. The Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperunique feature of this embodiment is the use of a ball and spring detent system to reduce the fluid flow. Additionally, another unique feature of this embodiment is that the amount of feedback provided by the ball-and-spring 31 can be increased or lowered through the use of a spring with a higher or lower stiffness.

[0077] This can be better illustrated when discussing the section view displayed in Figure 5 and the top view displayed in Figure 6. In this view ball-and- spring 31 is fully engaged inside depression 32. As a user begins to rotate the cartridge valve 43 towards the open position by turning conventional handgrip 45 so that faucet aperture 46 of faucet 40 will start to open. Once faucet aperture 46 is opened a predetermined amount, cartridge valve 43 will be at a position such that ball-and-spring 31 is fully engaged inside depression 32. If a user desires more flow, then the engagement of ball-and-spring 31 and depression 32 can easily be overcome by applying more rotational force to conventional handgrip 45.

[0078] Alternatively, if the user is satisfied with the water flow, they stop rotating the cartridge valve 43 by ceasing rotational pressure on conventional handgrip 45 and the faucet remains in water-saving mode. If the user is in water- saving mode and then decides they require higher water flow, they apply rotational force to the cartridge valve 43 using conventional handgrip 45 towards the open position until the resistance generated by the ball-and-spring 31 and corresponding depression 32 is overcome and the cartridge valve 43 rotation resumes, allowing a higher volume of water to flow. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0079] In another scenario where the user has initially chosen more water flow, but then determines they want a lower flow of water, they would begin closing the cartridge valve 43 by turning conventional handgrip 45 towards the off position until the rotation is again interrupted by the ball-and-spring 31 and corresponding depression 32, easily allowing them to adjust to a lower water flow. When they wish to end water flow, they apply rotational force to the cartridge valve 43 using the attached handgrip 45 towards the closed position until it is fully seated in the closed position.

[0080] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 300 is shown. System 300 uses adjustable spring plunger 308 to provide the physical interrupt the opening of the quarter turn faucet valve. When a user turns faucet body 302, speed bump 306 located on cartridge valve 304 will eventually come into contact with adjustable spring plunger 308. If a user wants more water flow, then they can simply apply more rotational force to overcome speed bump 306. The benefit of this embodiment is that adjustable spring plunger 308 can be configured to provide more or less stopping force a user may want. A user simply needs to turn adjustable spring plunger 308 in the corresponding direction depending on whether they want more or less force.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 310 is shown. System 310 uses adjustable rod 314, which is installed internally on Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperactuator 312, to provide the physical interrupt during the opening of the lever actuated faucet when it encounters detent 318 that is a part of the interior of cartridge 316. Adjustable rod 314 is threaded and a user can adjust the amount of force required to fully open the faucet by turning adjustable rod 314 in the corresponding direction.

[0082] Referring now to Figure 9, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 320 shown. Faucet handle 321 can be variably positioned due to threaded rod 322 that is screwed into the interior of faucet handle 321 and actuator 327. Threaded rod 322 in this embodiment does not impact the force requirement for operation, but instead allows a user to change the height of faucet handle 321. This provides a user with a tremendous flexibility for the overall appearance of their system without impacting the overall function.

[0083] The physical interrupt is created when speedbump 324 reaches the end of fingers 326. When a user overcomes the physical interrupt, fingers 326 expand outwards and compresses o-ring 325. Once speedbump 324 passes fingers 326, the elastomeric properties of o-ring 325 will push fingers 326 back to their original position.

[0084] Referring now to Figures 10A and 1.0B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 330 is shown. System 330 uses beam 334 to provide the physical interrupt when the quarter turn faucet is in use. As can be seen by the middle Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperfigure of Figure 10A, beam 334 mimics the operation of a locking mechanism that impedes the movement of speedbump 336. Beam 334 is located on cartridge body 332 and locks faucet handle 338 in place once speedbump 336 reaches beam 334. However, much like the other embodiments already mentioned, the interrupt can be easily overridden by continuing to open the faucet, but the feedback to the user is much more pronounced.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 11, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 340 is shown. Similar to system 330, system 340 uses narrow beam 344 provides the physical interrupt for the system when narrow beam 344 encounters detent 348. Narrow beam 344 is constructed out of a flexible material such as a hard rubber or flexible plastic. The ensures that narrow beam 334 has the proper spring like properties that are needed to ensure long and continued use of system 340. Narrow beam 344 itself is located on faucet handle 346 and extends radially outward. The physical interrupt is created when narrow beam 344 encounters speedbump 348 that is located on cartridge body 342.

[0086] Referring now to Figures 12A and 12B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 350 is shown. System 350 uses lip 356 and speedbump 354 to create the physical interrupt. Lip 356 is located on cartridge 358 and was designed such that the requisite force needed to fully open the quarter turn faucet is greater than the force needed to close the faucet. This is due to the different slopes of lip 356, Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperthe side of lip 356 that is contacted by speedbump 354 when opening the faucet has a steeper slope then the side speedbump 354 encounters when closing faucet handle 352.

[0087] Referring now to Figures 13A and 13B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 360 is shown. System 360 has two different physical interrupts to provide additional flow options. The variance in flow is due to the incorporation of first raised lip 365, divot 366, and second raised lip 367; all of which are located on cartridge 364. Once speedbump 368, located on faucet handle 362, contacts first raised lip 365 the flow is at a low rate of flow. To achieve a medium rate of flow, a user just needs to apply more rotational force to the faucet handle so that speed bump 368 rests inside divot 366. For full flow, a user needs to apply force once again so speed bump 368 can traverse second raised lip 367. If a user wants to lower the flow, then they just need to reverse the order of operations previously mentioned in this paragraph.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 14A and 14B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 370 is shown. The physical interrupt of system 370 is created when speedbump 376 on faucet handle 372 encounters lip 377 that is located on cartridge 374. To overcome the contact between speed bump 376 and lip 377, a user applies additional rotational force so that cartridge 374 and handle body 372 separate, which compresses spring 378. Once the turning operation is complete Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperspring 378 can return to its original shape by pushing faucet handle 372 and cartridge 374 back together.

[0089] Referring now to Figures 15A thru 15C, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 380 is shown. System 380 uses an adjustable friction system to provide feedback to the user. Adjustable screw 386 can provide more or less force to plug 387 depending on the amount of force a user prefers to employ. Plug 387 creates a contact point once it encounters raised lip 385 which will require a user to apply more rotational force to the faucet so that the valve is now fully open. Like with all other embodiments, the user will simply need to reverse the order of operations to reduce the flow or turn the valve off completely. To overcome the physical interrupt, faucet handle 382 will push up and away from cartridge 384 which remains stationary.

[0090] Referring now to Figure 16, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 410 is shown. This alternative embodiment is generally designated as system 410 and employs the use of two different magnets to provide the physical interrupt. First magnet 414 is installed to wrap around actuator 415, while there are two different second magnets installed on cartridge 412. As a user opens the lever actuated faucet, first magnet 414 will travel up towards second magnet 416. These magnets will be diametrically opposed to each other and halt the full opening of the lever actuated faucet due to a weak magnetic force. It is important that the Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Campermagnetic force be relatively weak, because if it is too strong, then a user will not be able to easily overcome it.

[0091] Referring now to Figures 17A and 17B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 420 is shown. System 420 and employs the use of adjustable plunger 424 that is installed on faucet handle 422. As adjustable plunger 424 is turned, plunger tip 426 extends farther down or retracts up depending on the direction adjustable plunger 424 rotates. The farther plunger tip 426 extends down, the more requisite force is needed to fully open the quarter turn faucet once plunger tup 426 contacts lip 427 that is located on cartridge 428.

[0092] Referring now to Figures 18A and 18B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 430 is shown. System 430 uses adjustable plunger 434 has plunger ball 436 that locks into place once it is aligned with divot 437 located on cartridge 438. Adjustable plunger 434 is located on faucet handle 432 and if a user wants a different amount of force, then they simply need to turn adjustable plunger 434 in the corresponding direction.

[0093] Referring now to Figures 19A and 19B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet is shown. System 440 operates the same way as system 430, but instead, adjustable plunger 444 is installed into cartridge body 446 as opposed to faucet handle 442. Once plunger 444 hits the contact point, plunger ball 445 will simply retract back into the housing when a Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperuser applies the requisite rotational force to open the quarter turn faucet all the way.

[0094] Referring now to Figures 20A and 20B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a quarter turn faucet and generally designated as system 450 is shown. System 450 has plunger 456 extending out of the side of faucet handle 454. Once plunger 456 hits speedbump 453 located on cartridge 452, plunger ball 457 will simply retract back into the housing when a user applies the requisite rotational force to open the quarter turn faucet all the way.

[0095] Referring now to Figures 21A and 22B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 in a lever actuated faucet is shown. This alternative embodiment is generally designated as system 460. In this embodiment, actuator element 462 still has speedbump 464. The main difference for this embodiment is the use of fingers 468 with raised lip 466 installed onto them. When speedbump 464 reaches the contact point with raised lip 466, a user will have to apply additional force such that fingers 468 expand outwardly towards the interior of cartridge body 469. Once speedbump 464 passes raised lip 466, fingers 468 will simply return to their original position.

[0096] Generally, Figures 21 through 38, disclose an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet. More specifically, these figures show water saving valve 100 with frictional devices installed to provide the tactile feedback to the user when the shaft reaches a certain point. The key for this design is that it can be integrated at a number of different Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperlocations in between the lever and the cartridge, which results in a tremendous amount of flexibility. Generally, these embodiments employe the use of a frictional element that is installed on the inside of a housing unit that wraps around the corresponding actuator and speedbump. The physical interrupt of each embodiment shown in these figures result from the frictional element impeding the movement of the speedbump on the actuator.

[0097] Referring now to Figure 21, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 and generally designated as system 500 is shown. In this embodiment, water saving faucet valve 100 is installed on a lever actuated faucet is shown installed within housing unit 501. Housing unit 501 encases actuator element 504, and does so at a location that corresponds with the location of speedbump 506. Of importance is O-ring 502 and wear resistant sleeve 508 that encapsulates actuator element 504. These two components make up the frictional element for this embodiment and create the desired tactile feedback point when wear resistant sleeve 508 comes in contact with speedbump 506. The elastomeric nature of o-ring 502 allows it to repeatedly compress and expand while in use and having the wear resistant sleeve 508 covering it will elongate the service life of the embodiment shown here.

[0098] Referring now to Figure 22, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 510 is shown. The main difference between the system 510 and the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 21, is that the wear resistant sleeve 512 is Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperpermanently fixed to housing 511 and there is no o-ring or any other elastomeric component. Instead, when the exterior of wear resistant sleeve 512 comes into contact with speedbump 514, housing unit 511 expands outwardly instead of relying on the compression of an o-ring to absorb the forces. Thus, the physical interrupt is largely dependent on the ability of housing 511 to absorb the resulting force by flexing.

[0099] Referring now to Figure 23 an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 520 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, housing 522 operates as both a flexible clamp and the frictional element. Adjustable screw 524 controls the amount of force that will be required to overcome the frictional forces that will occur when the speedbump on actuator 521 encounters housing 522. The presence of adjustable screw 524 allows a user to vary amount of force needed to overcome the physical interrupt by turning the screw in the corresponding direction.

[0100] Referring now to Figures 24A and 24B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 is shown and generally designated as system 530. In this alternative embodiment, housing 532 also takes the shape of a clamp that dually performs as the frictional element. However, a key distinction is that adjustable screw 534 has spring 536 installed directly below it to absorb part of the compressive force that will result from housing 532 expanding and contracting. This greatly improves the service life of each system 530 that will be Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperinstalled because it can absorb a significant amount of the force that would otherwise be placed on housing 532. Figure 24B shows the side view of the alternative embodiment that shows speedbump 539 encountering housing 532. As speedbump 539 passes through housing 532, spring 536 compresses and then will return to its original shape once speedbump 539 clears housing 532.

[0101] Adjustable screw 534 and spring 536 can be adjusted to change the amount of force required. To require additional, a user simply needs to turn adjustable screw 534 in the corresponding direction. For spring 536, springs that have different spring stiffness can be used. The variability of both spring 536 and adjustable screw 534 creates a tremendous amount of flexibility in the final setup of system 530.

[0102] Referring now to Figure 25, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 is shown and generally designated as system 540. In this embodiment, housing unit 542 encases actuator element 544, but the amount of frictional force applied to speedbump 543 is adjustable due to set screw 546. Frictional element 547 will be secured internally and directly apply frictional force to speedbump 543 that is dependent on the position of set screw 546. Frictional element 547 has elastomeric properties so that it can compress and expand to its original shape. The amount of frictional force that is applied by frictional element 547 is entirely dependent on the position of set screw 546; if a user would like a more pronounced feedback point, then they simply need to turn the screw in the corresponding direction. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0103] Referring now to Figure 26 an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 560 is shown. This embodiment operates mechanically similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 25, but instead of a set screw being used, adjustable spring plunger 566 is used. When speedbump 563 encounters frictional element 564, the ball portion of spring plunger 566 decompresses. The ball portion of spring plunger 566 will never fully compresses, and as a consequence temporarily halts the movement of actuator element 561 due to the frictional forces present between the surface of frictional element 564 and speedbump 563. Frictional element 564 itself is located within cavity 568 within housing 562.

[0104] Referring now to Figure 27, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 is shown installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 570. This alternative embodiment is mechanically similar to the one shown in Figure 32. The main distinction is that set screw 572 is installed within actuator element 571. Set screw 572 itself has hard rubber tip 573 that creates frictional force when it interacts with speedbump 574.

[0105] Referring now to Figure 28, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 580. Actuator element 581 is encased within housing 582, and there is only set screw 584 with hard rubber tip 585. When a user opens the faucet, the frictional force occurs when speedbump 583 encounters hard rubber tip 585. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen CamperSystem 580 also has variable force that can be required, which is entirely dependent on the needs of the user. If the user wants a higher level or lower level of force, then set screw 584 just needs to be turned in the corresponding direction.

[0106] Referring now to Figure 29, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated system 590 is shown. This embodiment operates mechanically similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 28, but instead uses spring plunger 594 to provide the friction force with speedbump 593. When speedbump 593 reaches spring plunger 594, the ball portion compresses within the interior of spring plunger 594. Once speedbump 593 passes spring plunger 594 the ball portion will return to its original position. Spring plunger 594 is adjustable to provide a varying amount of force and a user simply needs to locate spring plunger 594 within housing 592 to turn spring plunger in the corresponding direction.

[0107] Referring now to Figure 30, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 600 is shown. In this embodiment, housing 602 has two different set screws 604 that are installed directly opposed to each other. Both of the set screws 604 are adjustable and have plungers 606 installed and are done so to provide the requisite frictional force. Each plunger 606 and set screw 604 have disk spring 605 installed in-between them. When speedbump 601 encounters plunger 606, plunger 606 will compress disk spring 605. Once speedbump 603 is Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperout of contact with plunger 606, both plunger 606 and disk spring 605 will return to their original position. The main benefit of this current embodiment is that having two different points of contact will create a more uniform feeling when system 600 reaches the physical interrupt.

[0108] Referring now to Figure 31, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 610 is shown. This embodiment operates mechanically similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 30, however, there are no plungers or disk springs used, instead only set screws 616 with hard rubber tips 615 are used to provide the frictional force when speedbump 613 interacts with hard rubber tips 615. Both set screws 616 remain fully adjustable and directly opposed to each other so that a more uniform feel at the feedback point is achieved.

[0109] Referring now to Figures 32A and 32B, an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 620 is shown. Both of these figures show a system that operates the same way as described when discussing Figure 31, but in this embodiment, the varied amount of force is dependent on the design of speedbump 622 installed on actuator 621 instead of turning set screw 624. In Figure 32A, speedbump 622 on actuator 621 as a much longer flat portion that increases the duration of the physical interrupt. While in Figure 32B, speedbump 622 on actuator 621 has a much shorter flat portion which makes the feeling of physical interrupt much briefer. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0110] Generally, Figures 33 through 51 disclose an alternative embodiment of water saving valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet that uses circumferential detent mechanisms to create the feedback point. These systems generally use a detent mechanism that is installed within the cartridge and a speedbump on the actuator that interact with each other once the actuator is raised a certain distance. Once the feedback point is reached, the user can then decide whether the amount of flow is adequate. These figures can be generally classified into three different subgroups; the fingers group, o-ring group, and the rigid piece group.

[0111] The first sub-group is shown in Figures 33 through 40, and these systems all use either flexible or rigid fingers that operate in a similar manner to flexible beams. The fingers will either interact directly with either the cartridge valve or speedbump to create the physical interrupt and the fingers will be able to flex back and forth as needed. Additionally, there are some embodiments that have an o-ring installed to provide an extra elastomeric force that will help improve the service life of the fingers and reduce wear and tear on the system as a whole.

[0112] Referring now to Figure 33, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet with fingers and detent mechanisms and generally designated as system 630 is shown. Fingers 632 are installed within sleeve 635 and are supported by o-ring 636 near the top of fingers 632. When fingers 632 expand outward, o-ring 636 compresses, and Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperonce a user opens the faucet valve to overcome the physical interrupt, o-ring 636 will push fingers 632 back to their original position.. The entirety of system 630 will be encased within sleeve 635, which itself was intentionally designed to fit within existing valve assemblies.

[0113] Referring now to Figure 34, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 640 is shown. The main difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in Figure 33 is that there is no sleeve used. Instead, this embodiment only uses fingers 644 and o-ring 642 to control the flow of water and can be placed within an existing valve assembly. The feedback point is created once speedbump 643 interacts with detent 645. If a user wants more flow, then additional force is needed for speedbump 643 to overcome the force applied by fingers 644 and o-ring 642. When this occurs, fingers 644 will simply expand radially outward and retract again due to the elastomeric properties of o-ring 642.

[0114] Referring now to Figure 35, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 650 is shown. In this embodiment, only fingers 652 are used, and there is no o-ring or sleeve to aid in the operation of the system. Instead, this embodiment relies entirely of the flex properties of fingers 652 to control the operation of the entire system.

[0115] Referring now to Figure 36, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Campersystem 660 is shown. This embodiment has a finger cage 662 installed onto actuator element 661. Finger cage 662 is installed directly onto actuator element 661 through the use of e-ring 663. Cartridge 661 is installed within the interior of finger cage 662 and has its own corresponding edges 664 that create the physical interrupt once they encounter individual fingers 666 of finger cage 662. This embodiment was intentionally designed so that more force is required to ensure that a more pronounced physical interrupt occurs.

[0116] Referring now to Figure 37, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 670 is shown. In this embodiment cartridge 672 is configured to receive fingers 674 rest on the top surface of it. Internally, there are individual flexible beams 676 that are installed directly onto cartridge 671. These individual flexible beams 676 are able to flex to overcome the feedback point those results when individual beams 676 encounter fingers 674.

[0117] Referring now to Figures 38A and 38B an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 680 is shown. In this embodiment, actuator element 681 has individual flexible beams 682. Cartridge 684, has detents 685 that extend in towards the interior of cartridge 684. The physical interrupt is created once individual flexible beams 682 interact with detent 685. To overcome the interrupt a user just needs to apply additional force and flexible beams 682 will be able to flex in the corresponding direction. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0118] Referring now to Figure 39, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 690 is shown. This embodiment operates with finger cage 692 that is installed directly onto cartridge 691. The physical interrupt occurs when finger cage 692 encounters rigid piece 694 that itself is installed directly onto cartridge 696. For full flow, finger cage 692 will be entirely outside of rigid piece 694, and flow is off once finger cage 692 is fully located within the interior of rigid piece 694.

[0119] Referring now to Figure 40, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 700 is shown. In this embodiment flexible disk 702 is secured in place by disk housing 704. Disk housing 704 has two different halves that secure flexible disk 702 and the sides of disk housing 704 are sized to fit within the interior of an existing valve assembly. Disk 702 is made out of a flexible plastic and is able to flex in the corresponding direction when a user with fully opens of closes the faucet.

[0120] The second sub-group is shown in Figures 41 through 45. All of these embodiments use o-rings and either a speedbump on the actuator, a detent on the cartridge valve, or a recess on the cartridge valve create the physical interrupt. The elastomeric properties of the o-ring will create the feedback point because the o-ring will either expand or retract based on the specific embodiment to impede the movement of the actuator. Further, there are Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperembodiments within this subgroup that have multiple feedback points to provide better flow control.

[0121] Referring now to Figure 41, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 710 is shown. In this embodiment, o-ring 714 is installed directly onto actuator element 711 within recess 715. The feedback point is created once o- ring 714 is able to expand into detent 716. When a user needs more or less flow, then additional force is needed to make o-ring 714 compress back into recess 715.

[0122] Referring now to Figure 42, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 720 is shown. This embodiment operates in the same manner as the embodiment that was discussed for Figure 41, but here there are multiple detents 722 within cartridge 721. Having multiple detents 722 within cartridge 721 creates multiple different flow rates that a user can select from. This provides a great deal of flexibility for a user of system 720 while also retaining the simplicity of installation.

[0123] Referring now to Figure 43, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 730 is shown. In this embodiment cartridge 731 has a wider diameter so that o-ring 732 is fully expanded when it moves within the interior. The physical interrupt is created by the interaction between detent 734 and o-ring 732. Detent Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper734 was intentionally designed to have much steeper slope when a user wants full flow, and a much more gradual slope when a user wants to either reduce flow or turn off the faucet completely. This means that a user will need to apply more force to fully open the faucet then they will need to fully close said faucet.

[0124] Referring now to Figure 44, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 740 is shown. In this embodiment, housing 742 has o-ring 744 installed on the interior within concave 743. Actuator element 741 has speedbump 745 installed and the physical interrupt is created when speedbump 745 interacts with o-ring 744. Housing 742 will not flex, which will cause o-ring 744 will fully compress when speedbump 745 reaches it. Additionally, speedbump 745 was designed so that more force is required to fully open the faucet then is necessary to close the faucet.

[0125] Referring now to Figure 45, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 750 is shown. In this embodiment, the detent mechanism is created by the interaction between cover 754 and speedbump 753 on actuator 754. Cover 754 is located within housing 756 and ensures that o-ring 752 remains within the interior of housing 756. O-ring 752 still expands and contracts as speedbump 753 moves past detent 757, however, the service life of o-ring 752 is greatly increased because cover 754 will also serve to protect it. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

[0126] The final sub-group is shown in Figures 46 through 51 which all use a rigid piece to create the physical interrupt. The term rigid is only meant to be used a generic descriptor because each rigid rigid piece is stiff enough to create the feedback point but still has spring-like properties so that the piece can flex and return to its shape as needed while in use. There are those within this subgroup that also have multiple feedback points providing a tremendous amount of flexibility to the user.

[0127] Referring now to Figure 46, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 760 is shown. In this embodiment, actuator 761 is encased by housing 762, which has rigid piece 764 installed within the interior. Rigid piece 764 itself is shaped as a disk, but it is constructed out a flexible material so that it can expand and retract based on its interaction with speedbump 766. Rubber piece 765 is what will enable rigid piece 764 to return back to its original position because rubber piece 765 is the elastomeric element of the entire assembly.

[0128] Referring now to Figures 47A and 48B, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 770 is shown. In this embodiment, flexible component 776 provides the feedback point when speedbump 774 reaches it. Flexible component 776 can be constructed out of spring steel wire, but other similar materials like high density polyethylene can be used. What is important is that the material used for flexible component 776 have proper spring like Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper

Claims

characteristics so that it can expand and return to its original position without permanently deforming. [00129] Referring now to Figures 48A and 48B, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 780 is shown. In this embodiment, flexible component 782 has a more complex geometry that increases the effective beam length within the same amount of space as prior embodiments. This means that the physical interrupt is much more pronounced due to the increased stiffness of flexible component 783. Additionally, in this embodiment flexible component 783 is sized to fit within channel 783 that will be built into actuator 781. [00130] Referring now to Figures 49 and 50, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as systems 790 and 800, respectively, are shown. These two embodiments shown operate with the same flexible component has shown in Figure 48, but these two embodiments have multiple different feedback points built into actuator 791 and 801. These multiple feedback points provide a user with more flow options then what is available in other embodiments. [00131] Referring now to Figures 51A and 51B, an alternative embodiment of water saving faucet valve 100 installed on a lever actuated faucet and generally designated as system 810 is shown. In this embodiment, actuator 811 will be located within housing 812 alongside spring 814. Actuator 811 has recess 813 that allows for spring to expand into once the feedback point is reached as the Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camperfaucet is opened. The top of spring 814 rests within actuator 811 and has legs 815 that push into the bottom of housing 812 when spring 814 is compressed by actuator 811 when actuator 811 moves past the feedback point. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper11. The quarter turn faucet valve of claim 10, wherein the cartridge further comprises of a second speed bump some distance apart from the first speedbump.

12. The quarter turn faucet valve of claim 10, wherein the cartridge further comprises of a spring on the bottom surface of the cartridge.

13. The quarter turn faucet valve of claim 10, wherein the interrupt mechanism is an adjustable spring plunger.

14. The quarter turn faucet valve of claim 10, wherein the interrupt mechanism is an adjustable plunger.

15. A lever actuated faucet with a motion interrupting water saving valve installed comprising: a hollow valve body that has a top and bottom and also has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet; two flexible fingers that are installed within the interior of the hollow valve body, having a space between the fingers and the interior walls of the hollow valve body, and extend up from the bottom of the hollow valve body; an actuator element with a proximal and a distal end that is sized to fit within the fingers that are located within the interior of the hollow valve body; an interrupt mechanism that is located on the actuator element some distance up from the proximal end; and a linkage mechanism that connects the actuator element to a lever faucet handle, Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper Page 41 of 43 2434-PCT01Awherein the fingers in the interior of the hollow valve body impede the opening of the lever faucet handle when the lever faucet handle is partially open and the interrupt mechanism contacts the fingers.

16. The lever actuated faucet of claim 15 wherein there is an o-ring located in the space that is formed between the fingers and the hollow valve body.

17. The lever actuated faucet of claim 16 wherein the interrupt mechanism is a speedbump.

18. The lever actuated faucet of claim 15 wherein the interrupt mechanism is a flexible disk. Title: Motion Interrupting Water Saving Faucet Valve Inventor: Wesley Andrew Wilmers, Dalton Wesley Wilmers, Connor Grayson Wilmers, and Dale Allen Camper Page 42 of 43 2434-PCT01A

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