AU2021104389A4

AU2021104389A4 - Control Valve Sealing Device

Info

Publication number: AU2021104389A4
Application number: AU2021104389A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony Humphreys; Jeff Kane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-21
Filing date: 2021-07-21
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-21

Abstract

Control Valve Sealing Device The present invention relates in general to a control valve sealing device in a fluid supply or distribution network. The control valve sealing device is located within an in-ground housing and has a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of a control valve. A flexible member extends around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate and at least one drainage member is formed in the disc shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device. The flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in ground housing, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing into the accessible region. 1/14 16 17 15 26 18 32 10 -- 40 19 31 12 30 FIG. 1

Description

1/14

16 17 15

26 18 32 10

-- 40

19 31 12

30 FIG. 1

Control Valve Sealing Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a control valve sealing device in a fluid supply or distribution network. In particular, the present invention relates to insect barriers for preventing or reducing the risk of an in-ground control valve being covered with soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.

There are a significant number of applications where flow of a liquid or gas through a line system must be stopped or contained with a valve. For example, valves are found in virtually every industrial process, including water and sewage processing, mining, power generation, processing of oil, gas and petroleum, food manufacturing, chemical and plastic manufacturing and many other fields. Some examples of these valves include ball valves, check valves, gate valves, diaphragm valves, butterfly valves, and the like. Dependent on the application the valves are opened and closed several times during a day or remain open or closed for long periods of time.

A water distribution system is a part of water supply network with components that carry potable water from a centralised treatment plant to water consumers in order to adequately deliver water to satisfy residential, commercial, industrial and supply uninterrupted water at a positive pressure for firefighting purposes. In its most basic form the network consists of a system of pipes, mains and control valves. A large number of valves are provided to carry potable water from a centralised treatment plant or reservoir and allow parts of the distribution system to be isolated for repair, to cut off water to a leak, to perform maintenance and for many other purposes that arise during the day-to day operation of the system.

When utilised for firefighting, an assembly is installed on a branch from a water pipeline, which provides a valved outlet to permit a supply of water to be taken from the pipeline for firefighting. Reticulated water mains have hydrants placed at regular intervals to enable firefighters to connect into the reticulated system. In a typical installation at standard depth a gate valve and hydrant are positioned in close proximity to each other and below the ground level. In most cases the gate valve is installed as an isolating valve and designed for fully open or fully closed service. When operating the valve stem, the gate moves up or down on the threaded part of the stem.

In firefighting reliability of the valve is crucial, since they are installed in systems aimed to protect and save lives and safeguard valuables. In most installations a gate valve is contained in a pit or box below ground level and connected from a water supply reticulated pipework main. The valve is surrounded by a vertical pipe or hollow housing or shroud set within the ground and extending from the ground level downwardly to a position adjacent to the body of the valve. The in-ground valve allows fire services and authorised users' access to control the main water supply. The in-ground valve is typically located on either a road or pathway adjacent to a hydrant. The valve is typically covered by a surface fitting or hinged lid cover and marked appropriately to allow easy identification when required.

The below ground level valves are susceptible to dirt, weeds and ant or insect nest infestation that if allowed to go unattended will fill the valve cavity preventing ease of access. In particular and in most areas, ants roam below ground and keep the soil fertile and aerated. Unfortunately, they see in-ground fire hydrants and valves as a great place to build their nests and, consequently, fill them in with dirt. Ants can excavate the earth from the bottom of an in ground valve and fill the cavity in as little as two to three months. In a fire emergency, it could take firefighters quite some time to dig enough of the ants nest out to gain access to the valve. Often the delay in providing the continuous flow of water from the mains can lead to serious consequences.

In order to address the above problem, attempts have been made in the past to ensure that the surface fitting or hinged lid cover makes a good seal with the pipe or housing so that soil, debris and in some cases insects, are prevented from falling or obtaining access into the housing. Whilst this has some effect in preventing access through the top of the housing, it does not prevent insects entering the housing and filling the housing with soil from the bottom of the housing. Whilst insect infestations within the housings can be controlled to some extent with pesticides, this is usually only effective for a limited period of time.

Another attempt to fix the problem involved the placement of a lower shroud support plate interposed between the valve housing and the bottom edge of the in-ground shroud. However, in order to fit the shroud support plate the shroud must be removed from the valve to allow the plate to be interposed therebetween.

Regular maintenance is required on in-ground hydrants and valves to ensure that they remain readily accessible however the build-up of materials within the housing increases maintenance costs as maintenance workers in order to gain access to the hydrant and valve firstly have to remove soil or insects around and/or covering the hydrant and valve. The build-up of materials within the housing also creates problems in accessing the in-ground hydrants and valves, especially in emergencies. For example, burst mains sometimes cause enormous problems like blowing up a road or flooding a house as well as cutting supply off to large numbers of consumers. Not having immediate access to the valves severely affects the reaction times for emergency maintenance workers.

Another problem associated with in-ground valve installations which are installed deeper than standard depth with an extension spindle attached to the cap on the control valve is that the end of the spindle can be difficult to access when it is leaning against the side wall of the in-ground shroud. This makes it very difficult for maintenance workers to get the valve key onto the end of the spindle extension when the spindle is leaning against the side wall of the shroud. This can further exacerbate the challenges met by emergency maintenance workers and fire fighters in carrying out their duties.

Clearly it would be advantageous if a control valve sealing device in a fluid supply or distribution network could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a control valve sealing device for preventing or reducing the risk of an in-ground valve being covered with soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a control valve sealing device located within an in-ground housing, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of a control valve; a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in-ground housing, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in-ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing into the accessible region.

Preferably, the control valve sealing device may further comprise a continuous wall extending laterally about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate, the continuous wall is positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing.

Preferably, the control valve sealing device may be positionable within the in-ground housing and around any one or more of the cylindrical portions of: i) a stem of the control valve; or ii) a stem extension of the control valve.

Preferably, when the control valve sealing device is positioned on the stem of the control valve, the central opening in the disc shaped sealing plate may be positioned to fit over the stem, the central opening is sized to seal around the stem.

Preferably, when the flexible member and the continuous wall form a seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing, the flexible member and the continuous wall may be positioned to lie substantially aligned and on opposite sides of the disc shaped sealing plate.

Preferably, the in-ground housing may extend downwardly from ground level and an access assembly provides access to the accessible region of the in-ground housing from the upper end thereof, the access assembly being adapted to be located at or adjacent ground level. The access assembly may further comprise a cover or surround having an access opening therein, the access opening being adapted to be closed by a lid which is opened or removed to allow access into the in-ground housing and the control valve therein.

Preferably, the flexible member may comprise a rubber O-ring.

Alternatively, the disc shaped sealing plate may comprise a groove about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate and the flexible member is located within the groove. The disc shaped sealing plate may comprise a rim extending laterally about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate and the groove is formed within the rim.

Preferably, the disc shaped sealing plate, the flexible member and the continuous wall may be formed as a one-piece control valve sealing device made of a suitably resilient or elastic but hard wearing rubber or plastics material such as a thermoplastic elastomer material.

Preferably, the at least one drainage member may comprise a mesh screen sized to allow fluid to pass through while substantially preventing the passage of insects therethrough.

Alternatively, the at least one drainage member may comprise an aperture formed adjacent the periphery of the disc shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device. A plug may be receivable within the aperture, the plug comprising ribs, vanes or a mesh which allows the passage of fluid but prevents movement of ants or insects from below the control valve sealing device to the accessible region of the in ground housing and above the control valve sealing device.

Preferably, the control valve may comprise: a body with at one end a pair of end connectors and at an opposite end a bonnet connected to the body; a stem extending through the body and the bonnet and connecting at a lower end to a wedge member for opening and closing the body between the pair of end connectors; a retaining plate securing an upper end of the stem through the bonnet; and a cap connected to the upper end of the stem, the cap adapted to receive operation torque applied by a user.

Preferably, the control valve sealing device may be positioned on the control valve in situ, a retaining screw is firstly removed from the cap and the control valve sealing plate is positioned on the stem with the central opening in the disc shaped sealing plate positioned to fit around the stem, the control valve sealing plate is seated upon the retaining plate and the retaining screw is reconnected to the cap on the stem.

Alternatively, the control valve sealing device may be positioned on the control valve in situ, the cap is firstly removed from the end of the stem and the control valve sealing plate is positioned on the stem with the central opening in the disc shaped sealing plate positioned to fit around the stem, the control valve sealing plate is seated upon the retaining plate and the cap reconnected to the stem.

Preferably, at least one washer may be positioned between the control valve sealing device and an underside of the cap to accommodate for differences in height or length of the stem extending from the retaining plate of the control valve.

Preferably, the control valve may form part of a water supply component. The water supply component may provide potable water from a centralised treatment plant or a reservoir.

Alternatively, the water supply component may provide a supply of water at a positive pressure for firefighting purposes. A first one of the pair of attachment members may be connected to a water main and the second one of the pair of attachment members may be connected by a pipe to an in-ground fire hydrant. The control valve may be a shut-off valve to open and close the supply of water to the fire hydrant.

Preferably, a lower edge of the in-ground housing may be received upon a support plate, the support plate having an opening for receiving the control valve therethrough to mount the support plate adjacent to a bottom end of the control valve. The lower edge of the in-ground housing may have an O-ring positioned thereon to seal an outer side of the in-ground housing to the support plate.

Preferably, when the control valve sealing device is installed on the control valve in situ, the flexible member and the continuous wall may be adapted to be frictionally engaged against the inner wall of the in-ground housing, and the central opening of the disc shaped sealing plate may be adapted to be frictionally engaged with the cylindrical portion of the control valve, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in-ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in ground housing into the accessible region.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a control valve sealing device located within an in-ground housing, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of a control valve; a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; a continuous wall extending laterally about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member and the continuous wall are positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in-ground housing, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in-ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing into the accessible region.

In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a control valve sealing device located within an in-ground housing, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of a control valve; a rim extending laterally about a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate and a groove formed within the rim; a flexible member received within the groove of the rim and extending around the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in-ground housing, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in-ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing into the accessible region.

In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides in combination, an in-ground control valve connected to a mains water supply conduit, an upright in-ground housing located in the ground and extending downwardly from ground level, and a control valve sealing device positioned within the in-ground housing to prevent or inhibit the passage of insects, soil or debris into the in-ground housing from below the control valve sealing device whilst allowing direct access to the control valve from above the control valve sealing device, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of the control valve; a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in-ground housing.

Preferably, the combination may further comprise any one of the features of the control valve sealing device of the first aspect.

In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing ingress of soil, debris and/or insects or vermin into an in ground housing located in the ground and extending downwardly from ground level and which surrounds a control valve connected to a water supply conduit, the method comprising the steps of: providing a control valve sealing device, the control valve sealing device comprising a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of the control valve, a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate, and at least one drainage member formed in the disc shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; mounting or positioning the control valve sealing device within the in-ground housing and located on the cylindrical portion of the control valve; and wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in ground housing, to thereby prevent or inhibit the passage of soil, debris and/or insects or vermin into the in-ground housing from below the control valve sealing device whilst allowing direct access to the control valve from above control valve sealing device.

Preferably, the method may further comprise any one of the features of the control valve sealing device of the first aspect.

Any one or more of the above embodiments or preferred features can be combined with any one or more of the above aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. Fig. 1 shows an in-ground valve assembly incorporating a control valve protection plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the control valve protection plate installed on a valve assembly; Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of Fig. 2; Figs. 4 to 6 show top, bottom and side views of the control valve protection plate of Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a perspective part view of the in-ground valve assembly incorporating the control valve protection plate and the shroud of Fig. 1 with some components removed for clarity; Figs. 8 and 9 show enlarged side sectional views of the control valve protection plate installed between the valve stem cap and the bonnet of the valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another control valve protection plate installed on a valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of Fig. 10; Figs. 12 and 13 show top and side views of the control valve protection plate of Fig 10; Fig. 14 shows an enlarged side sectional view of the control valve protection plate installed between the valve stem cap and the bonnet of the valve of Fig. 10; Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate a washer which can be installed between the control valve protection plate and the valve stem cap to accommodate different heights of the exposed valve stem; and Fig. 17 illustrates yet a still further embodiment of an in-ground valve assembly incorporating a control valve protection plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description, given by way of example only, is described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of embodiments will be given numerical designations and in which embodiments will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It will be further noted that the figures are schematic and provided for guidance to the skilled reader and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of components shown in the figures may be purposely distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to understand. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.

A control valve or shut-off valve can be used in applications where flow of a liquid or gas through a line system must be stopped or contained. For example, valves are found in virtually every industrial process, including water and sewage processing, mining, power generation, processing of oil, gas and petroleum, food manufacturing, chemical and plastic manufacturing and many other fields. Dependent on the application the valves are opened and closed several times during a day or remain open or closed for long periods of time.

The present invention was designed to provide a control valve sealing device 40, 60 for water supply networks to prevent or reduce the risk of an in ground control valve 30 being covered with soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation. While the present invention will be described and illustrated in relation to a control valve 30 for a water supply component, such as a water supply component which provides a supply of water at a positive pressure for firefighting purposes, it is understood that the present invention is not only limited to that application.

The present invention in its broadest form provides a control valve sealing device 40, 60 located within an in-ground housing 18. The control valve sealing device 40, 60 has a disc shaped sealing plate 41, 61 with a central opening 45, 65 for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion 28 of a control valve 30. A flexible member 42, 62 extends around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 41, 61. The disc-shaped sealing plate 41, 61 has at least one drainage member 44, 64 formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41, 61 to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device 40, 60. The flexible member 42, 62 is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18, with the disc shaped sealing plate 41, 61 configured to extend, within an accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 28 to the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing 18 into the accessible region 26.

Typically an in-ground valve installation 10 is located on either a road or pathway. In use, a maintenance worker lifts flap 17 to have access to the interior of the in-ground housing or pipe 18 from above ground 15 for the purpose of operating the control valve 30 within the accessible region 26 within the in-ground housing 18. To allow access to the main's water pipe 11 for such purposes as providing potable water and firefighting the control valve 30 is opened or closed for operation. The cap 32 located on the stem 28 of the valve 30 is rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise to open or close the valve 30.

In order for the maintenance worker to perform the operation of connecting the valve key to the cap 32 of the control valve 30 it is important that the control valve 30 be readily accessible once the flap 17 is lifted. A problem with prior art control valves 30 is that they tend to fill up with soil and debris over time. In some circumstances insect infestations occur within the in-ground housings 18. This therefore inhibits ready access to the control valve 30. In particular, ants can excavate the earth from the bottom of an in-ground housing 18 below the control valve 30 and fill the accessible region 26 formed around the control valve 30 by the in-ground housing 18 in as little as two to three months.

Figs. 1 to 9 illustrate the control valve sealing device 40 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 illustrates a common standard depth installation of a control valve 30 used to control the flow of water from a mains supply 11 to a pipe 12 which may be connected to an in-ground fire hydrant (not shown). As best shown in Fig. 3, the control valve 30 has a main body 31 with a pair of couplings or flanges 34 positioned at the bottom of the main body 31 and on opposite sides thereof. A first coupling 34 is connected to the mains water supply 11 and the second coupling 34 is connected to the pipe 12. A stem extends through the main body 31 and the bonnet 35 and connects at a lower end to a wedge member for opening and closing the main body 31 between the pair of end connectors 34. A retaining plate 36 secures an upper end 28 of the stem through the bonnet 35. A cap 32 is connected to the upper end 28 of the stem and is adapted to receive operation torque applied by a user. As the control valve 30 is positioned in ground a valve key (not shown) is configured to operatively couple with the cap 32 of the fluid control valve 30, the valve key is actuated in use by a user or field operator. Turning the valve key when it is operatively coupled to the fluid control valve 30 would effect a movement of the stem mechanism such that the control valve 30 is operated between its open, partially open and closed states.

Surrounding the control valve 30 is a vertical in-ground housing or shroud 18 in the form of a pipe which extends from proximate ground level 15 downwardly to surround the control valve 30. The upper end of the pipe or housing 18 is covered with a closure flap or lid 17 which is hingedly mounted to a concrete or plastics surround 16, the flap or lid 17 allowing access within the control valve installation 10. The closure flap 17 and the surround 16 are designed to prevent, when the flap 17 is in the closed position, water such as rain water, entering the in-ground control valve installation 10 and therefore possibly filling the pipe 18 with water. In addition, when in the closed position the flap 17 and the surround 16 will prevent or inhibit the entry of debris, soil or other materials or insects into the pipe 18 from above.

Typically the flap 17 and surround 16 may be constructed of concrete, metal or plastics material and the surround 16 has a central access opening which is substantially rectangular. Preferably the flap 17 is a cast iron flap. The flap 17 is also of a rectangular or circular shape and substantially complementary to the opening in the surround 16. The central access opening may be provided with some form of sealing material such that when the flap 17 is located within the opening in the surround 16 the sealing material aids in preventing the entry of water and other debris into the pipe 18. The sealing material may be for example seals of rubber or elastomeric material. The flap 17 may also have one or two slots therein for the insertion of a suitable elongated tool to force the flap 17 open when required.

The lower end of the housing or pipe 18 sits on a base plate 19 positioned or seated on the ground adjacent to the bonnet 35 of the control valve 30. The top of the in-ground housing 18 ends in a position just inside the bottom of the surround 16. Typically an annular seal 25 may also be provided between the outer side of the in-ground housing 18 and the base plate 19.

The control valve sealing device 40 is positioned on the control valve 30 by first removing the retaining screw 33 from the cap 32 of the control valve 30 and then pressing the sealing device 40 with the central opening 45 over the cap 32 and onto the stem 28. The resilient material from which the control valve sealing device 40 is manufactured allows the central opening 45 to expand to fit over the cap 32 and then spring back into shape to fit around and seal against the stem 28 of the control valve 30. The retaining screw 33 is then replaced in the cap 32 with the upper surface of the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 seated against the bottom side of the cap 32. Alternatively, the control valve sealing device 40 is positioned on the control valve 30 by first removing the cap 32 from the control valve 30 by loosening the retaining screw 33. The central opening 45 in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 is positioned over the end 37 of the stem 28 and the control valve sealing device 40 is pressed downwardly until the underside 46 of the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 is seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30. The cap 32 is then repositioned on the stem 28 with the upper surface of the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 seated against the bottom side of the cap 32. The diameter of the central opening 45 is slightly less than the outer diameter of the end 37 of the stem 28 to ensure that the central opening 45 forms a tight seal around the stem 28. By way of example, the central opening 45 has a diameter of approximately 16mm and seals against the stem 28 which has a diameter ranging in sizes from 19mm to 32mm.

The disc shaped sealing plate 41 extends within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18, from the outer peripheral wall of the stem portion 28 to the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. A flexible member 42 extends around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The flexible member 42 forms an outer diameter on the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and is sized to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the in-ground housing 18. As such, as the control valve sealing device 40 is pressed downwardly within the in-ground housing 18 the flexible member 42 is forced upward to lie against the inner wall 20 and be positioned substantially perpendicular to and above the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The elasticity of the flexible member 42 allows it to flex upwardly to be substantially perpendicular to the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and form the seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18.

A continuous wall 43 extends laterally from and about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The continuous wall or skirt 43 is positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. The continuous wall 43 is positioned on the disc shaped sealing plate 41 at a diameter which is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the in-ground housing 18. In use, as the control valve sealing device 40 is positioned on the control valve 30 the continuous wall 43 forms a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18 and at the same time the flexible member 42 also forms a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. The flexible member 42 and the continuous wall 43 are positioned to lie substantially aligned with each other and on opposite sides of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The combination of the flexible member 42 and the continuous wall 43 allow the control valve sealing device 40 to substantially seal the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 to prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing 18 into the accessible region 26.

As shown in Figs. 2 to 5 the control valve sealing device 40 has two drainage members 44 formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device 40. In its broadest form the drainage members 44 are simply formed as apertures formed adjacent the periphery of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. Alternatively, a plug with ribs, vanes or a mesh is receivable within the aperture. The plug allows the passage of fluid but prevents movement of ants or insects from below the control valve sealing device 40 into the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 and above the control valve sealing device 40.

As shown in Fig. 3, the stem 28 consists of a stepped configuration that is adapted to allow the cap 32 to be retained upon the stem 28. A recess 38 is located between the stem end 37 and the stem base 39, the recess having an outer diameter which is less than the diameters of the stem end 37 and stem base 39. The recess 38 forms a step down from the respective stem end 37 and stem base 39. When the cap 32 is positioned over the stem 28, the cap retaining screw 33 is located adjacent to the recess 38. The retaining screw 33 is tightened against the recess 38 and the cap 32 is retained on the stem 28 of the control valve 30.

The underside of the control valve sealing device 40 is shown in Fig. 5. The continuous wall or skirt 43 is formed as an annular shaped member 47 with a plurality of recesses 48 formed extending radially around the underside of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and within the skirt 43. The recesses 48 reinforce the outer edge of the control valve sealing device 40 while also reducing the overall weight of the control valve sealing device 40. Within diametrically opposite recesses 48, a pair of drainage members 44 is positioned to allow the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device 40. The bottom side 46 surrounding the central opening 45 in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 is seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30 when the control valve sealing device 40 is in place on the in-ground control valve 30.

As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 the continuous wall or skirt 43 extends laterally from and about the peripheral portion or flexible member 42 of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The skirt 43 forms a slight curved section at the junction between the skirt 43 and the flexible member 42 and then extends approximately perpendicular to the flexible member 42. The shape allows the perpendicular portion of the skirt 43 to form a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18 when a downward force is applied to the control valve sealing device 40 and the flexible member 42 is forced upwardly against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. The flexible member 42 extending around the periphery of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 is positioned and sized to accommodate for variations in the diameter of the in-ground housing 18 to ensures that the control valve sealing device 40 will seal against the inner wall 20. The combination of the flexible member 42 and the perpendicular portion of the skirt 43 seals the outer edge of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and the control valve sealing device 40 in place within the in-ground housing 18 and prevents the ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing 18 into the accessible region 26. Fig. 7 shows the flexible member 42 extending substantially vertically above the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and sealed against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. Fig. 7 also shows the annular seal 25 in position on the lower outer edge of the in-ground housing 18. The annular seal 25 can be used to form a seal between the in-ground housing 18 and the base plate 19 shown in Fig. 1.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate an enlarged view of the control valve sealing device 40 positioned within the in-ground housing 18 and beneath the cap 32 on the stem 28 of the control valve 30. In Fig. 8, the underside or bottom of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 is seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30 and the upper side of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 is seated beneath the underside of the cap 32. The flexible member 42 is shown extending vertically above the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and sealed against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. Likewise, the skirt 43 extends vertically below the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and is sealed against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. In this embodiment the retaining screw 33 is screwed into the recess 38 to secure the cap 32 in place and a user can access the cap 32 within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 and above the control valve sealing device 40 to operate the control valve 30.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment utilised to account for differences in length or height of the stem 28 which extends above the retaining plate 36.

Different manufacturers of control valves 30 can produce slight differences in the length or height of the stem 28 which extends from the retaining plate 39. In most cases, the control valve sealing device 40 will be positioned with the underside or bottom of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30. In order to always align the recess 38 with the retaining screw 33 at least one washer 50 may be positioned on the upper side of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 to raise the underside of the cap 32. This will account for any difference in length or height of the stem 28 between different types of control valve 30. The washer 50 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 15 and 16.

Figs. 10 to 14 show a further embodiment of the control valve sealing device 60 positioned within the in-ground housing 18 and beneath the cap 32 on the stem 28 of the control valve 30. A control valve sealing device 60 is positioned on the control valve 30 by first removing the cap 32 from the control valve 30 by loosening the retaining screw 33. The central opening 65 in the disc-shaped sealing plate 61 is positioned over the end 37 of the stem 28 and the control valve sealing device 60 is pressed downwardly until the underside of the disc-shaped sealing plate 61 is seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30. The opening 51 in at least one washer 50 may be positioned over the end 37 of the stem 28 and the washer 50 is pressed downwardly and seated upon the upper-side of the disc-shaped sealing plate 61. The cap 32 is then repositioned on the stem 28 with the upper surface of the washer 50 seated against the bottom side of the cap 32. The diameters of the central opening 65 and the opening 51 are slightly less than the outer diameter of the end 37 of the stem 28 to ensure that both the central opening 65 and opening 51 form a tight seal around the stem 28.

The disc shaped sealing plate 61 extends within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18, from the outer peripheral wall of the stem portion 28 to the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. A flexible member 62 extends around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 61. The flexible member 62 forms an outer diameter on the disc shaped sealing plate 61 and is sized to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the in-ground housing 18. As such, as the control valve sealing device 60 is pressed downwardly within the in-ground housing 18 the flexible member 62 forms a tight seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18.

The control valve sealing devices 40, 60 comprises a disc shaped body 41, 61 which is formed from any one or more of a suitably resilient or elastic but hard wearing rubber material or a plastics material such as nylon.

An enlarged peripheral rim 63 extends around the outer edge of the disc shaped body 61 and has an annular groove (not shown) formed about the rim 63 for receiving the flexible member in the form of a sealing ring 62 therein. The sealing ring 62 may be any form of gasket or an O-ring with a cross sectional shape that is designed to be received within the annular groove of the rim 63 on one side and on the opposing side tapers to a point which is engaged to seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. In use, the control valve sealing device 60 is pressed downwardly within the in-ground housing 18 over the end of the stem 28 of the control valve 30. The sealing ring 62 is frictionally engaged against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18 to form a seal and support the outer edge of the disc shaped body 61 in place. The outer diameter of the control valve sealing device 60 is such that the seal 62 is a snug fit with the inner wall 20 of the housing 18 to seal the control valve sealing device 60 to the in-ground housing 18.

Like the control valve sealing device 40, the control valve sealing device 60 operates to isolate the control valve 30 from the surrounding earth so that the control valve sealing device 60 prevents insect activity below or in the region of the control valve sealing device 60 from forcing soil and associated debris into the accessible region 26 of the housing 18. Furthermore, insects are further prevented from climbing up into the in-ground housing 18 by the presence of the control valve sealing device 60.

Figs. 12 and 13 show top and side views of the control valve sealing device 60. The disc shaped body 61 extends radially from the central opening 65. The outer edge is formed from the upper and lower peripheral rims 63 which extend around the outer edge of the disc shaped body 61. Between the upper and lower rims 63 an annular groove (not shown) is formed extending about the rims 63 for receiving the elastomeric member in the form of a sealing ring 62 therein.

As shown in Fig. 12 the control valve sealing device 60 has two drainage members 64 formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate 61 to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device 60. In its broadest form the drainage members 64 are simply formed as apertures formed adjacent the periphery and just inside the rims 63 of the disc shaped sealing plate 61. Alternatively, a plug with ribs, vanes or a mesh is receivable within the aperture. The plug allows the passage of fluid but prevents movement of ants or insects from below the control valve sealing device 60 into the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 and above the control valve sealing device 60.

Fig. 13 shows the outer pointed or tapered profile of the sealing ring 62 when received within the annular groove of the rim 63. The tapered or pointed profile is adapted to ensure that the sealing ring 62 when engaged with the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18 forms a seal therebetween.

Fig. 14 illustrate an enlarged view of the control valve sealing device 60 positioned within the in-ground housing 18 and beneath the cap 32 on the stem 28 of the control valve 30. The underside or bottom of the disc shaped sealing plate 61 is seated upon the retaining plate 36 of the control valve 30 and the upper side of the disc shaped sealing plate 61 is seated beneath a washer 50. The upper side of the washer 50 is positioned on the underside of the cap 32. The sealing ring 62 is shown forming a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in ground housing 18. The retaining screw 33 is screwed into the recess 38 to secure the cap 32 in place and a user can access the cap 32 within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 and above the control valve sealing device 60 to operate the control valve 30.

Figs. 15 and 16 show sectional and perspective views of the washer 50. As described above in relation to Fig. 9, the washer 50 is utilised to ensure that when the cap 32 is positioned on the stem 28 the retaining screw 33 is always aligned with the recess 38. Different manufacturers of control valves 30 vary the length or height of the stem 28 extending from the retaining plate 36. To accommodate the different heights the washer 50 is used to correctly align the retaining screw 33 with the recess 38. The washer 50 has a body 54 with spaced apart top 52 and bottom 53 surfaces with an opening 51 extending centrally therebetween. The top surface 52 has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the bottom surface 53. Fig. 15 shows the cross sectional shape of the washer 50 which is formed in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid with rounded top corners. Fig. 15 also shows the central opening 51 which tapers from the top surface 52 towards the bottom surface 53. The diameter of the opening 51 in the top surface 52 is larger than the diameter of the opening 51 in the bottom surface 53.

The washer 50 is manufactured from a synthetic plastics material or the like. Alternatively, the washer may be manufactured from the same rubber or plastics material as the control valve sealing devices 40, 60.

Fig. 17 illustrates a further embodiment when the control valve 30 is installed deeper than standard depth. In this installation an extension spindle 22 is attached to the cap 32 on the control valve 30. A valve key (not shown) is configured to operatively couple with the cap on the end of the extension spindle 22 of the fluid control valve 30. The valve key is actuated in use by a user or field operator. Turning the valve key when it is operatively coupled to the fluid control valve 30 via the extension spindle 22 would effect a movement of the stem mechanism such that the control valve 30 is operated between its open, partially open and closed states.

As illustrated the control valve 30 is used to control the flow of water from a mains supply (not shown) to a pipe 12 which may be connected to an in ground fire hydrant (not shown). In this case the pipe 12 connected to the left hand side of the valve body 31 would be connected to the mains supply and the pipe 12 on the right-hand side of the valve body 31 would be connected to a fire hydrant. The control valve 30 is identical to that described in relation to Figs. 1 to 14 and will not be repeated here.

Surrounding the control valve 30 is a vertical in-ground housing or shroud 18 in the form of a pipe which extends from the valve surface box 21 downwardly to surround the control valve 30. The upper end of the pipe or housing 18 is located within the valve surface box 21. The lower end or the base of the valve surface box 21 may be positioned on a concrete base which also surrounds the top of the in-ground housing 18. The valve surface box 21 is covered with a closure flap or lid 17 which is hingedly mounted to a concrete or plastics surround 16, the flap or lid 17 allowing access to the accessible region 26 within the control valve installation and allowing an operator access to the drive end cap of the extension spindle 22.

The lower end of the in-ground housing or pipe 18 sits on a shroud support ring 23 positioned adjacent to an upper side of the body 31 of the control valve 30. In this example the support ring 23 is a concrete surround and the bottom edge of the in-ground housing 18 sits upon and is supported by the concrete surround 23. The top end of the in-ground housing 18 is positioned just inside the bottom of the valve surface box 21. Typically an annular seal (not shown) may also be provided between the outer side of the in-ground housing 18 and the support ring 23.

A control valve sealing device 40 is positioned on the shaft of the extension spindle 22 by first removing the spindle cap by loosening the retaining screw. The central opening 45 in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41 is positioned over the end (not shown) of the extension spindle 22 and the control valve sealing device 40 is pressed downwardly along the shaft of the spindle 22. The spindle cap is then repositioned on the extension spindle 22. The diameter of the central opening 45 is slightly less than the outer diameter of the spindle shaft to ensure that the central opening 45 forms a tight seal around the shaft.

The disc shaped sealing plate 41 extends within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18, from the outer peripheral wall of the spindle to the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. A flexible member 42 extends around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The flexible member 42 forms an outer diameter on the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and is sized to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the in-ground housing 18. As such, as the control valve sealing device 40 is pressed downwardly within the in-ground housing 18 the flexible member 42 is forced upward to lie against the inner wall 20 and be positioned substantially perpendicular to and above the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The elasticity of the flexible member 42 allows it to flex upwardly to be substantially perpendicular to the disc shaped sealing plate 41 and form the seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18.

A continuous wall or skirt 43 extends laterally from and about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The continuous wall or skirt 43 is positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall 20 of the in ground housing 18. The continuous wall 43 is positioned on the disc shaped sealing plate 41 at a diameter which is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the in-ground housing 18. In use, as the control valve sealing device 40 is positioned on the extension spindle 22 the continuous wall 43 forms a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18 and at the same time the flexible member 42 also forms a seal against the inner wall 20 of the in-ground housing 18. The flexible member 42 and the continuous wall 43 are positioned to lie substantially aligned with each other and on opposite sides of the disc shaped sealing plate 41. The combination of the flexible member 42 and the flange 43 allow the control valve sealing device 40 to substantially seal the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 to prevent ingress of in ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing 18 into the accessible region 26.

Typically the in-ground housing is a cylindrical housing 18 as illustrated, however other shaped housings 18 such as a rectangular housing 18 may be provided. In this case the corresponding shape of the control valve sealing device 40, 60 would be modified to suit the shape of the in-ground housing 18 to maintain the seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing 18.

As previously described any combination of control valve sealing devices 40, 60 can form the in-ground control valve installation 10. The control valve sealing devices 40, 60 operate to isolate the control valve 30 from the surrounding earth so that the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 prevents insect activity below or in the region of the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 from forcing soil and associated debris into the accessible region 26 of the in ground housing 18. Furthermore, insects are further prevented from climbing up into the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18 by the presence of the control valve sealing devices 40, 60.

As described above the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 are largely manufactured from a rubber or plastics material. The flexible member 42 and the sealing ring 62 may be formed from the same rubber or plastics material or alternatively a rubber or plastics material which is more resilient than the material used to form the control valve sealing devices 40, 60. The rubber or plastics material from which the flexible member 42, the flange 43 and the area surrounding the outer edge of the disc shaped sealing plate 41 are manufactured from has a thickness greater than the thickness of the material which the area surrounding the opening 45 of the control valve sealing device 40 is manufactured from. This ensures that the flexible member 42 and the flange 43 are in firm contact and form a good seal against the inner wall 20 of the shroud 18. Further alternatively, the sealing ring 62 may be any form of gasket or an O-ring. The washer 50 is typically manufactured from a synthetic plastics material or the like. By way of example only, the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 may be manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer or the like.

When the control valve sealing device 40, 60 is installed on the stem 28 of the control valve 30 it has been designed to ensure that the cap 32 on the end of the stem 28 is maintained in the centre of the in-ground housing 18. This allows the easy installation of the valve stem key onto the cap 32 to receive operation torque applied by a user. The disc shaped sealing plate 41,

61 extends within the accessible region 26 of the in-ground housing 18, from the outer peripheral wall of the stem portion 28 to the inner wall 20 of the in ground housing 18. The central opening 45, 65 in the disc-shaped sealing plate 41, 61 positions the stem 28 in the centre of the in-ground housing 18. This is particularly important for control valves 30 which are installed in deeper than standard depth installations.

As noted above the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 comprise a disc shaped body 41, 61 which is formed from any one or more of a suitably resilient or elastic but hard wearing rubber material or a plastics material such as nylon. The material is typically a white coloured material which provides the control valve sealing devices 40, 60 with a contrasting colour to the valve stem cap 32. This allows a maintenance worker to easily identify the valve stem cap 32 even in bright daylight conditions.

ADVANTAGES

The present invention provides a control valve sealing device for fluid supply networks such as in-ground water control valves to prevent or reduce the risk of an in-ground control valve being covered with soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation.

The control valve sealing device provides a structure which prevents or inhibits the passage of insects, soil or debris into the in-ground housing from below the control valve sealing device whilst allowing direct access to the fluid supply component from above the control valve sealing device.

The control valve sealing device has been designed to allow the easy installation with only minimal disassembly of the in-ground valve or water component. The control valve remains in place in the in-ground housing and the retaining screw or alternatively the stem cap is removed to allow the control valve sealing device to be seated upon the retaining plate of the control valve. Alternatively, when an extension spindle is used for deeper than standard installations, the control valve sealing device may be installed between the in ground housing and the cylindrical shaft of the spindle extension.

The present invention when installed on an in-ground water valve provides the respective water authorities with the ability to save time and money, especially in situations which require the urgent shut-off of a valve. The present invention provides an in-ground valve which is accessible at all times and therefore clear of any soil or debris or free from being subject to insect or vermin infestation. This reduces the time it takes for an operator to access the valve and saves the water authority time and money by reducing the maintenance required on such systems. The installation of the present invention on an in-ground valve keeps the valve clear from soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation.

Another associated advantage of the present invention is the ability to keep the valve stem centred especially in deeper than standard depth installations. The present invention assists with maintaining the valve stem in the centre of the shroud, this makes the end of the valve stem easily accessible to the valve key when required by the maintenance worker and once again saves time especially in emergency situations.

Another advantage of the present invention is the colour of the control valve sealing device has been designed to allow a maintenance worker to easily identify the valve stem cap. The use of a contrasting colour for the control valve sealing device ensures that the valve stem cap stands out even in daylight.

The present invention ensures that the accessible region above the in ground control valve remains readily accessible when it is required. For example, in a fire emergency, the firefighter does not have to worry about having to first remove any dirt which may have been excavated by ants from the earth at the bottom of an in-ground control valve. The control valve sealing device ensures that the in-ground housing is free from any soil which may prevent the attachment of the valve key to the control valve stem cap. Thus avoiding any delay in providing the continuous flow of water from the control valve to a hydrant.

The control valve sealing device of the present invention also reduces the chances of the maintenance worker or the firefighter coming into contact with insects and vermin which may have made the in-ground housing their home.

VARIATIONS

It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined in the appended claims.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention.

In the specification the term "fluid" will be understood to include liquid fluid and gaseous fluid, unless the context requires otherwise.

In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

Claims

1. A control valve sealing device located within an in-ground housing, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of a control valve; a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in ground housing, to thereby substantially seal the accessible region of the in ground housing and prevent ingress of in-ground soil and/or debris from below the in-ground housing into the accessible region.

2. A control valve sealing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control valve sealing device further comprises a continuous wall extending laterally about the peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate, the continuous wall is positioned to substantially seal against the inner wall of the in-ground housing.

3. A control valve sealing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein when the flexible member and the continuous wall are sealed against the inner wall of the in-ground housing, the flexible member and the continuous wall are positioned to lie substantially aligned and on opposite sides of the disc shaped sealing plate.

4. A control valve sealing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disc shaped sealing plate, the flexible member and the continuous wall are formed as a one-piece control valve sealing device made of a suitably resilient or elastic but hard wearing rubber or plastics material such as thermoplastic elastomer material.

5. In combination, an in-ground control valve connected to a mains water supply conduit, an upright in-ground housing located in the ground and extending downwardly from ground level, and a control valve sealing device positioned within the in-ground housing to prevent or inhibit the passage of insects, soil or debris into the in-ground housing from below the control valve sealing device whilst allowing direct access to the control valve from above the control valve sealing device, the control valve sealing device comprising: a disc shaped sealing plate with a central opening for receiving therethrough a cylindrical portion of the control valve; a flexible member extending around a peripheral portion of the disc shaped sealing plate; and at least one drainage member formed in the disc-shaped sealing plate to permit the drainage of fluid past the control valve sealing device; wherein the flexible member is positioned to substantially seal against an inner wall of the in-ground housing and the disc shaped sealing plate is configured to extend, within an accessible region of the in-ground housing, from an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion to the inner wall of the in ground housing.