AU2020202987A1 - Check valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a check valve assembly comprising a fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a water meter and a coupling for another component, a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a water meter and the coupling for another component, and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves. 1/7 10 12 020 14 16 18 10 Figure 1 16B 16A 20 18 16Figure 2 2412

Description

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CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to check valve assemblies.

Background Art

[0002] Check valves are commonly used for preventing back-flow of a fluid (generally water, but also gasses such as natural gas) in smaller diameter pipes. Typically, check valves consist of a plunger and a spring which are configured to allow a fluid to flow in one direction only. Single check valves are common in hot water systems, for example, whereas dual check valves (two check valves arranged in series with one another) are used in potable water applications, and especially immediately downstream of water meters in order to doubly ensure that back flow and potential contamination of a source of water is prevented.

[0003] The check valve(s) is/are housed in an appropriate assembly, which are themselves also commonly referred to as "check valves" or "dual check valves". However, dual check valves are typically relatively long units, which require other fittings to be assembled in-line in order to adapt them for specific applications, e.g. for coupling to water meters. Furthermore, dual check valves are often not serviceable, meaning that the entire unit has to be replaced, even though it would be rare for anything other than the check valves to wear out or otherwise malfunction.

Summary of Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a water meter and a coupling for another component, and a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a water meter and the coupling for another component. The assembly also comprises a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves.

[0005] As would be appreciated, the orientation of the check valve(s) within the body will determine the direction of flow through the check valve assembly, and hence which of the couplings defines the assembly's inlet and outlet. In one form, the check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter and a fluid outlet that is configured for coupling to another component. In such forms, the assembly is adapted to be positioned downstream of the water meter. In another form, the check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet that is configured for coupling to another component and a fluid outlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter. In such forms, the assembly is adapted to be positioned upstream of the water meter.

[0006] The check valve assembly of the present invention advantageously includes an

integral coupling for a water meter, which greatly simplifies the installation of plumbing

leading from a water meter. The inventor notes that such an assembly eliminates one of the

three connection points conventionally required to plumb a check valve or dual check valve

to a water meter and up/downstream component, and can significantly reduce the overall

length of the fittings (by up to a third) required to incorporate the check valve(s) into the

plumbing up/downstream of the water meter. As would be appreciated, use of the check

valve assembly of the invention in plumbing applications would simplify the installation

process (requiring fewer parts and being simpler to install) as well as reduce the likelihood of

water leaks. These differences from prior art check valve assemblies, at least, are expected to

provide a significant advantage when plumbing check valves into water systems.

[0007] In some embodiments, the integral coupling for a water meter comprises a swivel nut

on a neck of the body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the coupling for another component comprises a nipple that is

configured for coupling to the other component (e.g. via a conventional threading coupling).

In some embodiments, the nipple may have threads on both its inner and outer walls. Such a

coupling provides multiple options for coupling to other fittings, with smaller male fittings

being couplable to the check valve assembly via the nipple's internal threads, and larger

female fittings being couplable to the check valve assembly via the nipple's external threads.

[0009] Alternatively, in embodiments where the other component is a plastic pipe, the

coupling for another component may be a pipe compression fitting (e.g. an integrally formed

pipe compression fitting). Such embodiments of the invention can advantageously even

further reduce the pluming equipment required for installing check valves and hence simplify

the installation of plumbing leading from a water meter. The inventors have found that such

an assembly eliminates two of the three connection points conventionally required to plumb a check valve or dual check valve to a water meter and an up/downstream component, and can even further reduce the overall length of the fittings (by up to half) required to incorporate the check valves into the plumbing up/downstream of the water meter.

[0010] The other component may, for example, be a plastic pipe, such as a polyethylene (PE)

pipe of the type commonly used downstream of water meters in households and light

industrial applications.

[0011] In some embodiments, the check valve assembly may further comprise a ball valve,

which is operable to isolate the assembly in the event of the check valve(s) needing to be

replaced, for example. Replacing conventional check valves typically involves them being

removed from the system and then quickly being replaced, often whilst water gushes out of

the pipes. In some embodiments, the ball valve may be integrally formed with the body,

which advantageously results in an assembly having a reduced number of component parts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body comprises first and second portions, the first and

second portions being separable to access the one or more check valves. Such embodiments

advantageously enable the assembly to be serviced, with faulty check valves being

replaceable, should such ever become necessary, rather than having to throw out an entire

assembly as is often the case with conventional check valve assemblies. The inventor notes

that not only is throwing out an entire assembly (often made out of brass) wasteful, but that it

is often difficult to find a check valve having a length appropriate to the already installed

fittings at a later stage, especially many years after the check valve assembly was originally

installed. Incompatible check valve assemblies can be incorporated, but their

incompatibilities with the other fittings in the system may increase the likelihood of leaks

occurring.

[0013] Such embodiments also provide an adaptability rarely found with conventional check

valves, namely that the orientation of the check valve(s) within the body can be changed to

suit a desired direction of flow through the check valve assembly. Hence, the same assembly

can be adapted for use both upstream and downstream of a water meter, in a simple manner

an on-site.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first and second portions comprise threaded ends which are

screwable together. Such embodiments provide a simple means for joining the two portions

of the body together in a conventional and watertight manner.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a check valve assembly. The check

valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter, a

fluid outlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the outlet to a plastic

pipe, and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a

fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a check valve assembly. The check

valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for

coupling the inlet to a plastic pipe, a fluid outlet comprising an integral coupling for a water

meter, and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining

a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts which comprises a

check valve assembly and a number of check valves (e.g. both for use with assembly

immediately upon its installations and as spares). The check valve assembly comprises a

fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a water meter and a coupling for another

component, a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a water meter and

the coupling for another component, and a body configured to receive one or more check

valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet

through the one or more check valves.

[0018] In fifth and sixth aspects, the present invention provides a kit of parts which

comprises a check valve assembly, a number of check valves and a pipe compression fitting

(and, optionally, a length of a plastic (e.g. PE) pipe). In the fifth aspect, the check valve

assembly comprises a fluid inlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter, a fluid

outlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the outlet to a plastic

pipe, and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a

fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves In

the sixth aspect, the check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet configured to receive a pipe

compression fitting for coupling the inlet to a plastic pipe, a fluid outlet comprising an

integral coupling for a water meter, and a body configured to receive one or more check

valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet

through the one or more check valves

[0019] The inventor also notes that, although described herein primarily in the context of

coupling to water meters, check valve assemblies may also be used to prevent backflow in gas plumbing applications. In another aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a check valve assembly comprising a fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a gas meter and a coupling for another component, a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a gas meter and the coupling for another component and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves.

[0020] Additional features and advantages of the various aspects of the present invention will

be described below in the context of specific embodiments. It will be appreciated, however,

that such additional features may have a more general applicability in the present invention

than that described in the context of these specific embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with

reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a dual check valve assembly in accordance

with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 depicts a side view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 3 depicts a perspective cutaway view of the dual check valve assembly of

Figure 1, showing the location of the check valves within the body;

[0025] Figure 4 depicts a side cutaway view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a dual check valve assembly in accordance

with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 depicts a side view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 5;

[0028] Figure 7 depicts a perspective cutaway view of the dual check valve assembly of

Figure 5, showing the location of the check valves within the body;

[0029] Figure 8 depicts a side cutaway view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 5;

[0030] Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of a dual check valve assembly in accordance

with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 depicts a side view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 9;

[0032] Figure 11 depicts a sectional view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 9;

[0033] Figure 12 depicts a sectional view of the dual check valve assembly of Figure 9, but

with the check valves in the opposite orientation; and

[0034] Figure 13 depicts a perspective view of a dual check valve assembly in accordance

with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0035] As noted above, the present invention provides a check valve assembly. In one

aspect, the check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet or outlet comprising an integral

coupling for a water meter, a fluid outlet or inlet that is configured for coupling to another

component and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body

defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check

valves. In another aspect, the check valve assembly comprises a fluid inlet or outlet

comprising an integral coupling for a water meter, a fluid outlet or inlet configured to receive

a pipe compression fitting for coupling the outlet to a plastic pipe, and a body configured to

receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid

inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves.

[0036] The present invention also provides kits of parts including the assemblies described

herein, or embodiments thereof, as well as one or more check valves and, in some

embodiments, a pipe compression fitting, a plastic (e.g. PE) pipe or a pipe joiner.

[0037] The check valve assembly of the present invention can receive one or more check

valves. Typically, the assembly would be configured for use with one or two check valves,

depending on the intended application and the degree to which back-flow is to be prevented.

Whilst two check valves in series would be expected to substantially eliminate the risk of any

fluid back flow, the assembly could also be configured to hold there or more check valves, if

such were required in a particular application.

[0038] The orientation of the check valve(s) within the check valve assembly governs the

direction in which fluid can flow through the assembly. In some embodiments therefore, the

assembly may be configured to receive the check valve or valves orientated in opposite

directions. As would be appreciated, enabling the internal components of the check valve assembly to be reversed to prevent fluid or gas back flow at the inlet or the outlet makes the design even more versatile.

[0039] The check valve assembly of the present invention includes a fluid inlet or outlet

comprising an integral coupling for a water meter. Any configuration of fluid inlet/outlet

may be used for the assembly, bearing in mind the nature and functional requirements of

check valves and check valve assemblies and the requirements of water meter couplings.

[0040] The integral coupling for a water meter may also take any configuration suitable for

its intended purpose. The integral water meter coupling may, for example, comprise a swivel

nut carried on a neck portion of the body, such a configuration being efficient in terms of

length (i.e. overall length of the assembly) and functionality. The length of the neck need be

only as long as that necessary to enable retraction and advancement of the swivel nut when

coupling of the assembly to the outlet/inlet of the water meter. The neck portion may be

straight or may include a bend, should providing the coupling for a water meter at an angle to

the remainder of the assembly provide any advantages. Sealing elements such as gaskets and

O-rings may be provided as necessary and used in their conventional manner. An annular

flange at or proximal to the end of the neck may, for example, be used to retain the swivel nut

on the neck.

[0041] As would be appreciated, the check valve need not be limited in its use to being

coupled to a water meter, but could just as readily be coupled to other fittings having a

coupling that is compatible with the assembly's water meter coupling.

[0042] The check valve assembly of the present invention also includes a fluid outlet or inlet

that is configured for coupling to another component. Again, any configuration of fluid

outlet/inlet may be used with the assembly, bearing in mind the requirements of the fittings

up/downstream of the check valves.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention (described below in the context of a

first embodiment), the outlet may take a conventional form for coupling with downstream

fittings in a conventional manner. In such embodiments, the outlet may simply be a nozzle or

nipple fitting, with appropriate coupling means provided. In some embodiments, the outlet

may, for example, comprise a nipple that has threads on one or both its inner and outer walls.

Nipples having threads on their inner and outer walls may increase the adaptability of the

assembly for connecting to other fittings. As noted above, for example, smaller male fittings may be coupled to such a nipple via its internal threads, whilst larger female fittings may be coupled via the nipple's external threads.

[0044] In other embodiments of the present invention (described below in the context of a

second embodiment), the outlet may advantageously also include an integral coupling for

another component (i.e. in addition to the fluid inlet's integral coupling for a water meter).

Such embodiments may advantageously be smaller, less prone to leakage and simpler to

install than conventional check valve assemblies, or even the check valve assemblies

described herein in respect of the first embodiment. This integral coupling may also take any

form appropriate for coupling the check valve assembly to a downstream component.

[0045] Often, the component downstream of the water meter and check valve is the piping

which leads from the water meter to a dwelling. Thus, in some embodiments, the other

component to which the assembly's outlet is configured to couple with is a pipe. Typically, plastic (e.g. polyethylene) pipes are used in domestic and industrial applications operating at

mains water pressure, and the outlet's integral coupling is therefore provided having a

configuration that can receive a conventional pipe compression fitting. Such pipes may also

be used, albeit less commonly, upstream of a water meter.

[0046] In some embodiments, additional fittings and components may be provided with the

check valve assembly of the present invention. Any fitting or component compatible with the

functionality of check valves may be used. The fitting may, if beneficial, be integrally

formed with the body. Alternatively, the fitting may be joined to the body in any suitable

manner, for example to the fluid outlet via the nozzle described above.

[0047] In some embodiments, for example, the check valve assembly may further comprise a

ball valve, which may be provided integrally formed with the body or which may be

otherwise coupled to the body (e.g. to the fluid outlet via the nozzle described above). Such a

ball valve may be operable to isolate the assembly when servicing the check valves, for

example, and may be located either upstream or downstream of the check valve(s) (or two

ball valves may be located upstream or downstream of the check valve(s)). In embodiments

where the ball valve is integrally formed with the body, the resultant assembly

advantageously has a reduced number of component parts.

[0048] As noted above, the outlet of the check valve of some forms of the second aspect of

the present invention is provided having a configuration for receiving a pipe compression

fitting for coupling to a plastic pipe. The check valve of the second aspect may otherwise be as described herein in the context of the check valve of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0049] The check valve assembly of the present invention also includes a body configured to

receive one or more check valves therein. The body defines a fluid pathway from the fluid

inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves. Provided that it fulfils these

criteria, the structure of the body may take any form, although strength, durability and

compatibility with other plumbing accessories, fittings, etc. will also influence its structure.

As would be appreciated, the check valve(s) must be housed within the body such that water

flowing through the body can only pass via the check valves, so a snug fit is important.

[0050] As noted above, serviceability of check valve assemblies is advantageous, and the

body (or the assembly more generally) may therefore be configured such that the check

valves are accessible. In this regard, the body may comprise (or be defined by) first and

second portions, the first and second portions being separable to access the one or more check

valves. In such a configuration, the first and second portions may be joined/separated using

any suitable means, perhaps the simplest and most reliable of which is for the first and second

portions to comprise threaded ends that enable them to be screwed together and apart.

[0051] Typically, the body (and its components) would be formed from metallic materials

such as brass, steel or galvanised iron. Some components of the assembly, however, may

include or be formed of non-metallic materials such as plastic (e.g. for components of a

compression fitting) or rubber (e.g. O-rings or gaskets).

[0052] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference

to the accompanying Figures.

[0053] Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, shown is a dual check valve assembly 10 in

accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 10 has a water inlet

12 and a water outlet 14, which are located at opposing ends of its body 16. Inlet 12 includes

a swivel nut 18 positioned on a neck 20 of the body 16 and is retained thereon by the flange

22 at the end of the neck (see Figures 3 and 4). Swivel nut 18 is internally threaded, and can

be threaded onto the outlet of a water meter (not shown) in a conventional manner. O-rings

(not shown) may be provided in this coupling in order to provide a watertight seal.

[0054] In this embodiment, the neck 20 is straight and orientates the water inlet 12 in-line

with the remainder of the assembly. In other embodiments (not shown), the neck may be

provided with a bend in it (e.g. a 90 bend) which would orientate the water inlet at a right angle to the body 16. As would be appreciated, such a configuration may be advantageous in some circumstances and may reduce the need for additional components.

[0055] Providing swivel nut 18 integral to the body 16 is a unique point of difference from other check valve assemblies of which the inventor is aware. The inventor notes that this unique configuration of assembly 10 provides a number of significant practical benefits in use. For example, this configuration eliminates one of the connection points required in installations including conventional check valve assemblies (i.e. where the inlet of a conventional check valve sheath/shell is coupled to a water meter via a water meter coupling), which can significantly reduce the overall length of the fitting (by up to a third). As noted above, use of assembly 10 in plumbing applications would simplify the installation process (requiring fewer parts and being simpler to install), as well as reduce the likelihood of water leaks, which may require subsequent attention.

[0056] Outlet 14, in this embodiment, is provided in the form of a nipple that has threads on both its inner and outer walls. As noted above, such an outlet provides multiple options for coupling to other fittings, with smaller male fittings being couplable to the outlet 14 via its internal threads and larger female fittings being couplable to outlet 14 via its external threads.

[0057] Body 16 includes two portions, inlet portion 16A and outlet portion 16B (see Figures 2 and 4). Inlet portion 16A of body 16 includes an internally threaded skirt 24 (the threads are not shown in the Figures) at the end distal to the water inlet 12. Similarly, outlet portion 16B of body 16 includes an externally threaded skirt 26 (the threads are not shown in the Figures) at the end distal to the water outlet 14. As can best be seen in Figure 3, screwing inlet portion 16A to outlet portion 16B results in the body 16 as depicted. This configuration advantageously enables check valves 28A, 28B (see Figures 3 and 4) to be accessed at any time, for example in the event of one or both of them malfunctioning and needing to be replaced.

[0058] Check valves 28A and 28B can be housed inside the body 16 in a series configuration and orientated in a manner whereby water can pass through the assembly 10 only from its inlet 12 to its outlet 14. The interior of body 16 is sized to snugly receive the check valves 28A, 28B such that water cannot flow through the assembly except for through the check valves (at the expected water pressures) and so that no lateral movement of the check valves is possible one body portions 16A, 16B have been screwed together.

[0059] As noted above, assembly 10 eliminates one of the three connection points conventionally required to plumb a dual check valve to a water meter and downstream component and has overall length that is about two thirds of that of conventional dual check valves.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, shown is a dual check valve assembly 110 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to assembly 10, assembly 110 has a water inlet 112 and a water outlet 114, which are located at opposing ends of its body 116. Inlet 112 includes a swivel nut 118 positioned on a neck 120 of the body 116 (the threads on which are not shown) and operates in the same manner as that described above (and will not be further described here).

[0061] Similarly, body 116 includes two portions, inlet portion 116A and outlet portion 116B. The inlet 116A and outlet 116B portions of body 116 are screwable together in the manner described above to result in the body 116 shown in the Figures. Check valves 28A and 28B (see Figures 7 and 8) can again be housed inside the body 116 in a series configuration and orientated in a manner whereby water can pass through the assembly 110 only from its inlet 112 to its outlet 114. The interior of body 116 is also sized to snugly receive the check valves 28A, 28B such that water cannot flow through the assembly except for through the check valves (at the expected water pressures) and so that no lateral movement of the check valves is possible one body portions 116A, 116B have been screwed together.

[0062] Check valve assembly 10 differs from check valve assembly 110 in the configuration of its outlet 114. Outlet 114, in this embodiment, includes an integral coupling 130 for another component, namely a polyethylene (PE) pipe 132. PE pipes 132 are routinely used to supply mains pressure water between water meters and a household or industrial site, being cheaper and more flexible than metal pipes. Assembly 110 can advantageously even further simplify the pluming requirements when installing check valves downstream from water meters. Indeed, assembly 110 eliminates two of the connection points that would be required in a conventional system, and even further reduces the overall length of the fittings (by up to half).

[0063] Integral coupling 130 is defined by the configuration of the outlet end 114 of the body 116 (and, more particularly, body portion 116B). Outlet 114 has an annular skirt 134 (see Figure 8) into which an end of pipe 132 is receivable. Once so-inserted, the end of the pipe

132 abuts an annular flange 136, which provides a tactile indication that the pipe is in an

appropriate position for coupling to the assembly 110. An O-ring 138 abuts an annular step

142 inside the outlet 114 in order to seal any gap between the inserted pipe 132 and the

outlet, and a metallic ring 140 is positioned over the O-ring in order to shield it from a

clinching ring 144 (which might otherwise catch on and distort the O-ring, adversely

affecting its sealing functionality).

[0064] In order to securely couple the pipe 132 to the outlet 114, the clinching ring 144 and

a nut 146 (through which the end of pipe 132 has already been passed) may then be advanced

along the pipe by sliding until a threaded portion (not shown) of the nut 146 engages with a

complimentary thread (not shown) on the inside of the skirt 134. Tightening the nut 146 with

respect to the body 116 results in the clinching ring 144 clinching the pipe 132, and hence the

pipe being securely clamped in the conventional manner of a compression fitting.

[0065] In the assembly 110, it will be appreciated that the diameter of the outlet body portion

116B is advantageously approximately the same as that of the pipe 132, which does not

restrict the flow of water in any way. As noted above, assembly 110 eliminates two of the

three connection points conventionally required to plumb a dual check valve to a water meter

and downstream component and has an overall length that is about half of that of

conventional dual check valves.

[0066] Referring now to Figures 9 to 11, shown is shown is a dual check valve assembly 210

in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to assembly 10 and

110, assembly 210 has a water inlet 212 and a water outlet 214, which are located at opposing

ends of its body 216. Outlet 214, in this embodiment, is provided in the form of a nipple that

has threads on both its inner and outer walls. Body 216 includes two portions, inlet portion

216A and outlet portion 216B, having a structure similar to that described above for assembly

, for example. This configuration advantageously enables check valves 28A, 28B (see

Figure 11) to be accessed at any time, for example in the event of one or both of them

needing to be replaced.

[0067] In this embodiment, body 216 also includes a ball valve 250. Ball valve 250 has a tap 252 and locking arm 254 and a conventional internal structure that is well known to persons

skilled in the art. In this embodiment, ball valve 250 is coupled to body portion 216B via

screw thread coupling 256. In alternative embodiments, ball valve 250 may be provided

integrally formed with outlet portion 216B (or indeed, with inlet portion 216A), which would reduce the number of connections in the assembly 210, albeit at the expense of some adaptability and additional bulk. In use, tap 252 is operable to open and close the ball valve

250, and hence allow or prevent the flow of water through the assembly 210.

[0068] Figure 12 shows the same dual check valve assembly 210 as that of Figures 9 to 11,

but in which check valves 28A and 28B are orientated in the opposite direction inside of the

body 216. As a consequence of this orientation of check valves 28A and 28B, the inlet 212

of assembly 210 is the nipple that has threads on both its inner and outer walls and the outlet

214 is the water meter coupling. The assembly 210 of Figure 12 is adapted to be used

upstream of a water meter (not shown), whilst the assembly 210 of Figures 9 to 11 is adapted

to be used downstream of a water meter.

[0069] Referring finally to Figure 13, shown is shown is a dual check valve assembly 310 in

accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 310 has a water

inlet 312 and a water outlet 314, which are located at opposing ends of its body 316. In this

embodiment, assembly 310 is similar to assembly 110, in that it has at its fluid outlet 314 an

integral coupling 330 for another component (e.g. a polyethylene pipe, not shown). Integral

coupling 330 has a similar structure to that described above in the context of assembly 110

and will not be described again in detail here.

[0070] Body 316 is defined by body portions 316A, 316B and ball valve 350 arranged, in this embodiment, in series. As previously, in alternative embodiments, ball valve 350 may be

provided integrally formed with body portion 316B (or 316A). The advantages of such

configurations will, in light of the foregoing disclosure, be immediately apparent.

[0071] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of new and useful

check valve assemblies that have significant advantages over presently available assemblies.

For example, specific embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the

following advantages:

* the check valve assembly is shorter and has fewer connection points than

conventional assemblies, making it less expensive to produce, easier to fit and less

prone to leakage;

* the time taken to install the check valve assembly may be reduced;

* the check valve assembly has a number of connection options, making it highly

versatile and suited for a wide range of applications;

• the check valve assembly has familiar components which are commonly used in

the industry, and will hence be useful in combination with existing fittings and

systems; and

• the check valve assembly is easily serviceable, meaning that the same assembly

with fresh check valves can be returned to a water system.

[0072] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many

modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All

such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0073] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the

word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or

addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:

1. A check valve assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a water meter and a coupling

for another component;

a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a water meter and the

coupling for another component; and

a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a

fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check

valves.

2. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the integral coupling for a water meter

comprises a swivel nut on a neck of the body.

3. The check valve assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling for another

component comprises a nipple configured for coupling to the other component.

4. The check valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the nipple has threads on both its inner and

outer walls.

5. The check valve assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the other component is a plastic

pipe and the coupling for another component is an integrally formed pipe compression

fitting.

6. The check valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the plastic pipe is a PE pipe.

7. The check valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a ball valve.

8. The check valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the ball valve is integrally formed with the

body.

9. The check valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body comprises first

and second portions, the first and second portions being separable to access the one or

more check valves.

10. The check valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second portions comprise

threaded ends which are screwable together.

11. The check valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body is configured to

receive two check valves.

12. A check valve assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter;

a fluid outlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the outlet

to a plastic pipe; and

a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a

fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check

valves.

13. A check valve assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the inlet to a

plastic pipe;

a fluid outlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter; and

a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a

fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check

valves.

14. A kit of parts, the kit comprising:

a check valve assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet comprising one of an integral coupling for a water meter and a

coupling for another component;

a fluid outlet comprising the other of the integral coupling for a water meter

and the coupling for another component; and

a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body

defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one

or more check valves; and

one or more check valves.

15. A kit of parts, the kit comprising: a check valve assembly comprising: a fluid inlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter; a fluid outlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the outlet to a plastic pipe; and a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one or more check valves; one or more check valves; and a pipe compression fitting.

16. A kit of parts, the kit comprising:

a check valve assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet configured to receive a pipe compression fitting for coupling the

inlet to a plastic pipe;

a fluid outlet comprising an integral coupling for a water meter; and

a body configured to receive one or more check valves therein, the body

defining a fluid pathway from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the one

or more check valves;

one or more check valves; and

a pipe compression fitting.

17. The kit of claim 15 or claim 16, further comprising a length of a plastic pipe.