EP1723070A1 - Flow control device - Google Patents

Flow control device

Info

Publication number
EP1723070A1
EP1723070A1 EP05701976A EP05701976A EP1723070A1 EP 1723070 A1 EP1723070 A1 EP 1723070A1 EP 05701976 A EP05701976 A EP 05701976A EP 05701976 A EP05701976 A EP 05701976A EP 1723070 A1 EP1723070 A1 EP 1723070A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flap valve
control device
flow control
liquid
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05701976A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
James George
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1723070A1 publication Critical patent/EP1723070A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
    • B67D7/362—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves combined with over-fill preventing means
    • B67D7/365—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves combined with over-fill preventing means using floats
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K21/00—Fluid-delivery valves, e.g. self-closing valves
    • F16K21/04—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
    • F16K21/18—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation closed when a rising liquid reaches a predetermined level
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
    • F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a flow control device that will prevent this happening.
  • a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body having a closed upper end and an open lower end, an inlet attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and a float for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
  • the flow control device shown therein can be fitted internally in a container (not shown), such as a bucket or watering can, to dispense liquid to a predetermined level in the container.
  • a container such as a bucket or watering can, to dispense liquid to a predetermined level in the container.
  • the fluid control device comprises a tubular body 1 having a closed upper end 11 and an open lower end 12.
  • the body 10 also has a hook 13 for hooking the device to the rim of the container.
  • the tubular body 10 has a liquid inlet 14 connected to, and extending through, its closed upper end 11.
  • the outer upper end of the inlet 14 has a plurality of annular serrations or other formations 15 by which a liquid feed pipe, such as hose, can be fitted.
  • the tubular body 10 also has a side discharge opening 16.
  • An inclined wall 17 separates the discharge opening 16 from a float chamber 18.
  • a flap valve 19 is pivoted within the tubular body 10 intermediate the upper and lower ends 11 and 12, respectively, and above discharge opening 16.
  • the axis 20 of the flap valve 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, offset to one side of a plane 21 bisecting the flap valve 19.
  • a float 22 is provided in the float chamber 18 below the flap valve 19 for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
  • the inclined wall 17 acts as a stop to prevent the flap valve 19 opening too far.
  • the float 22 as shown, is a two-part float and is exposed to liquid in the container via the open lower end 12 of the body 10.
  • the flap valve 19 is weighted so as to move towards an open condition as shown in the single Figure in the absence of external forces applied to the flap valve by the float or water pressure above the flap valve.
  • An annular seal 23 of generally L-shaped cross-section is provided on the flap valve 19 to seal against the internal wall of the body 10 under liquid pressure when the flap valve is in a closed condition.
  • the lower, inner end of the inlet 14 is shaped to direct liquid fed into the container past the side of the flap valve 19 remote from the flow chamber when the latter is in a fully open condition and to direct the liquid against said one side of the flap valve 19 as the latter starts to close.
  • Regions of the body 10 just below the first portion 19a of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition and just above the portion 19b of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition are outwardly contoured as shown in the single drawing to assist with the accurate operation and closing of the flap valve 19 as it is important that the tolerances between the seal 23 and the body 10 are as close as possible to aid effective sealing with minimal liquid pressure.
  • the body is, therefore, outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve passes as it approaches its closed condition.
  • the flap valve 19 ideally has a round pivot rod mounted in apertures in the body 10 which apertures are oval or elongate in a plane normal to the axis of the body to facilitate opening and closing of the flap valve.
  • the flap valve 19 has a manual externally operable member for pivoting the flap valve 19 between closed and open conditions. As shown, this takes the form of a spring loaded plunger 25.
  • the flow control device is also provided with a pressure release valve located above the flap valve 19 when the latter is in a closed condition. This pressure release valve could be incorporated in the spring loaded plunger 25.
  • the spring loaded plunger 25 also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve 19 closes in the correct position.
  • the flow control device can be made of any suitable material and the tubular body 10 typically has a cross sectional dimension of approximately 4 cm, although it could be smaller or larger.
  • the body 10 can have any appropriate cross-sectional shape. It does not need to be of circular cross-section.
  • the device In use, the device is placed into the container and hooked on the rim of the container. Water or other liquid is fed into the tubular body 10 via a hose attached to the inlet 14.
  • the flap valve 19 pivots to an open condition as shown in the single Figure. As the liquid level in the container rises and makes contact with the float 22, the flap valve pivots towards a closed condition. As the flap valve 19 pivots towards its closed condition, liquid entering the container from the spigot will impinge on the one side of the flap valve 19 causing the flap valve to close rapidly and seal against the internal wall of the body. If the pivot axis is offset from the plane 21 the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 will cause the latter to remain tightly closed improving the effectiveness of the seal 23.
  • the flap valve In order to release the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 and allow the flap valve to return to an open condition, the flap valve may be manually pivoted by the spring loaded plunger 25. Additionally or alternatively the pressure can be released by opening the pressure release valve. Preferably, in both these cases, the water supply to the inlet 14 should first be turned off to reduce the pressure of inflowing water on the flap valve.
  • the hook could be replaced by any other appropriate attachment device.
  • the float could be provided as an integral part of the flap valve. In this case, there may be no need for the side discharge opening and liquid could be discharged through the open lower end of the tubular body.
  • the flow control device could be used for applications other than those mentioned. For example it could be used in toilet cisterns and cold water tanks or it could form an integral part of a tap for filling, ter alia, basins or baths.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Float Valves (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

A flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body (10) having a closed upper end (11) and an open lower end (12), an inlet (14) attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve (19) which is pivoted within the body (10) below the inlet (14) about an axis (20) extending transversely to the body (10) and which, in the absence of external forces will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and float (22) internally positioned within the body for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.

Description

FLOW CONTROL DEVICE
This invention relates to a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container.
When filling a container, such as a bucket or watering can, it is common practice to walk away from the container while it is being filled and then to return only to find that the container has overflowed.
The present invention seeks to provide a flow control device that will prevent this happening.
According to the invention there is provided a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body having a closed upper end and an open lower end, an inlet attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and a float for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
Preferred and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 15, inclusive. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a sectional side view of one embodiment of a flow control device according to the invention.
Referring to the drawing, the flow control device shown therein can be fitted internally in a container (not shown), such as a bucket or watering can, to dispense liquid to a predetermined level in the container.
The fluid control device comprises a tubular body 1 having a closed upper end 11 and an open lower end 12. The body 10 also has a hook 13 for hooking the device to the rim of the container.
The tubular body 10 has a liquid inlet 14 connected to, and extending through, its closed upper end 11. The outer upper end of the inlet 14 has a plurality of annular serrations or other formations 15 by which a liquid feed pipe, such as hose, can be fitted.
The tubular body 10 also has a side discharge opening 16. An inclined wall 17 separates the discharge opening 16 from a float chamber 18.
A flap valve 19 is pivoted within the tubular body 10 intermediate the upper and lower ends 11 and 12, respectively, and above discharge opening 16. The axis 20 of the flap valve 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, offset to one side of a plane 21 bisecting the flap valve 19. A float 22 is provided in the float chamber 18 below the flap valve 19 for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises. The inclined wall 17 acts as a stop to prevent the flap valve 19 opening too far.
The float 22, as shown, is a two-part float and is exposed to liquid in the container via the open lower end 12 of the body 10.
The flap valve 19 is weighted so as to move towards an open condition as shown in the single Figure in the absence of external forces applied to the flap valve by the float or water pressure above the flap valve.
An annular seal 23 of generally L-shaped cross-section is provided on the flap valve 19 to seal against the internal wall of the body 10 under liquid pressure when the flap valve is in a closed condition.
The lower, inner end of the inlet 14 is shaped to direct liquid fed into the container past the side of the flap valve 19 remote from the flow chamber when the latter is in a fully open condition and to direct the liquid against said one side of the flap valve 19 as the latter starts to close.
A guide 24, typically defining an inverted U-shaped channel, is provided on the internal wall of the body 10 to encourage water dispensed from the inlet to flow past said one side of the flap valve 19 and through the side discharge opening 16 when the flap valve is in an open condition. If the axis 20 of the flap valve 19 is offset as described above, the axis 20 divides the flap valve 19 into a first portion 19a and a second portion 19b of greater surface area than the portion 19a and the float 22 acts on the under surface of the smaller portion 19b for a reason which will be explained later.
Regions of the body 10 just below the first portion 19a of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition and just above the portion 19b of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition are outwardly contoured as shown in the single drawing to assist with the accurate operation and closing of the flap valve 19 as it is important that the tolerances between the seal 23 and the body 10 are as close as possible to aid effective sealing with minimal liquid pressure. The body is, therefore, outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve passes as it approaches its closed condition.
Also, the flap valve 19 ideally has a round pivot rod mounted in apertures in the body 10 which apertures are oval or elongate in a plane normal to the axis of the body to facilitate opening and closing of the flap valve.
The flap valve 19 has a manual externally operable member for pivoting the flap valve 19 between closed and open conditions. As shown, this takes the form of a spring loaded plunger 25. The flow control device is also provided with a pressure release valve located above the flap valve 19 when the latter is in a closed condition. This pressure release valve could be incorporated in the spring loaded plunger 25. The spring loaded plunger 25 also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve 19 closes in the correct position.
The flow control device can be made of any suitable material and the tubular body 10 typically has a cross sectional dimension of approximately 4 cm, although it could be smaller or larger.
The body 10 can have any appropriate cross-sectional shape. It does not need to be of circular cross-section.
In use, the device is placed into the container and hooked on the rim of the container. Water or other liquid is fed into the tubular body 10 via a hose attached to the inlet 14. When the liquid in the container is below the float 22, the flap valve 19 pivots to an open condition as shown in the single Figure. As the liquid level in the container rises and makes contact with the float 22, the flap valve pivots towards a closed condition. As the flap valve 19 pivots towards its closed condition, liquid entering the container from the spigot will impinge on the one side of the flap valve 19 causing the flap valve to close rapidly and seal against the internal wall of the body. If the pivot axis is offset from the plane 21 the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 will cause the latter to remain tightly closed improving the effectiveness of the seal 23.
In order to release the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 and allow the flap valve to return to an open condition, the flap valve may be manually pivoted by the spring loaded plunger 25. Additionally or alternatively the pressure can be released by opening the pressure release valve. Preferably, in both these cases, the water supply to the inlet 14 should first be turned off to reduce the pressure of inflowing water on the flap valve.
The embodiment described above is given by way of example only and various modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the hook could be replaced by any other appropriate attachment device. The float could be provided as an integral part of the flap valve. In this case, there may be no need for the side discharge opening and liquid could be discharged through the open lower end of the tubular body. The flow control device could be used for applications other than those mentioned. For example it could be used in toilet cisterns and cold water tanks or it could form an integral part of a tap for filling, ter alia, basins or baths.

Claims

1. A flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body (10) having a closed upper end (11) and an open lower end (12), an inlet (14) attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve (19) which is pivoted within the body (10) below the inlet (14) about an axis (20) extending transversely to the body (10) and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body (10), and a float (22) internally positioned within the body (10) for pivoting the flap valve (19) towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
2. A flow control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet (14) is arranged to direct liquid fed into the body (10) towards one side of the pivot axis (20) of the flap valve (19).
3. A flow control device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the float (22) is on or acts on the under surface of the other side of the flap valve (19).
4. A flow control device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the tubular body (10) has a side discharge opening (16) for the liquid below said one side of the flap valve (19).
5. A flow control device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the internal wall of the tubular body (10) is provided with guide means (24) for encouraging liquid dispensed from the inlet (14) to flow past said one side of the flap valve (19).
6. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve (19) is provided with an annular seal (23) for sealing against the internal wall of the body (10) when the flap valve (19) is in a closed condition.
7. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve (19) is weighted in order that it will adopt an open condition, in the absence of external forces.
8. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis (20) of the flap valve (19) is offset to one side of a plane bisecting the flap valve (19) so as to divide the flap valve (19) into two portions (19a,19b) of unequal surface area.
9. A flow control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the float (22) is provided on or acts on the under surface of the smaller portion (19a) of the flap valve (19).
10. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising connecting means (13) for connecting the device to the container.
11. A flow control device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the connecting means comprises a hook (13) for hooking over a rim of the container.
12. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve (19) has an externally operable member (25) for pivoting the flap valve
(19) between closed and open conditions.
13. A flow control device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the externally operable member (25) also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve (19) closes in the correct position.
14. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body (10) has a pressure release valve located above the flap valve (19) when the latter is in the closed condition.
15. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (10) is outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve (19), in use, passes as it approaches its closed condition.
16. A flow control device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
EP05701976A 2004-01-28 2005-01-21 Flow control device Withdrawn EP1723070A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0401771A GB2410537A (en) 2004-01-28 2004-01-28 Flow control device
PCT/GB2005/000213 WO2005073125A1 (en) 2004-01-28 2005-01-21 Flow control device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1723070A1 true EP1723070A1 (en) 2006-11-22

Family

ID=31971538

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05701976A Withdrawn EP1723070A1 (en) 2004-01-28 2005-01-21 Flow control device

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20070169840A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1723070A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2007519871A (en)
GB (1) GB2410537A (en)
WO (1) WO2005073125A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9463971B2 (en) 2012-02-21 2016-10-11 Opw Fueling Containment Systems, Inc. Testable overfill prevention valve
DE102013009795A1 (en) * 2013-06-12 2014-12-18 Stephan Krüger Device for filling watering cans
TW201531434A (en) 2014-01-03 2015-08-16 Franklin Fueling Systems Inc Overfill prevention valve with remote testing

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US575172A (en) * 1897-01-12 Fritz rossbach-rotjsset
US1028599A (en) * 1911-08-17 1912-06-04 Robert B Parker Jr Water-regulator.
US1102196A (en) * 1913-04-19 1914-06-30 Knox Pressed & Welded Steel Company Water-cooled damper or valve.
US2299360A (en) * 1941-02-10 1942-10-20 Alvin S Tharp Shutoff valve for storage tanks
US2390108A (en) * 1941-10-16 1945-11-27 Jesse D Langdon Combined check valve and vacuum breaker
US2504450A (en) * 1947-02-12 1950-04-18 Oliver F Rhodes Liquid level controlled filling spout
GB708298A (en) * 1951-09-17 1954-05-05 Roy Whitworth A valve fitting for use with a waste-water discharge arrangement for caravans or other temporary dwellings
CH382656A (en) * 1960-06-20 1964-09-30 Igewa Ag Overfill protection device for liquid containers
US3176728A (en) * 1962-12-03 1965-04-06 Poul H Baumann Automatic valve for use within a funnel
FR1428563A (en) * 1965-01-05 1966-02-18 Safety device intended for filling tanks, tanks and reservoirs of petroleum products and others
FR2205166A5 (en) * 1972-10-26 1974-05-24 Lafon Georges
US3963041A (en) * 1974-02-27 1976-06-15 Mcgillis Engineering, Inc. Safety shutoff valve
US4667711A (en) * 1984-05-10 1987-05-26 Draft Roger A Tank overfill valve
US4777990A (en) * 1985-03-25 1988-10-18 Grant; Richard L. Automatic shut-off liquid dispensing nozzle
CA1291394C (en) * 1987-10-13 1991-10-29 James E. Kesterman Overfill valve construction and method of making the same
GB2280732B (en) * 1992-04-14 1995-11-29 Gary Hawkes Valved outlet
US5564464A (en) * 1994-07-25 1996-10-15 Dover Corporation Storage tank shut-off valve
US6073390A (en) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-13 Baudier; Stephen R. Christmas tree watering device
GB2380992B (en) * 2001-10-22 2005-04-27 Risbridger Ltd Float operated overfill protection device

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *
See also references of WO2005073125A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070169840A1 (en) 2007-07-26
GB0401771D0 (en) 2004-03-03
WO2005073125A1 (en) 2005-08-11
JP2007519871A (en) 2007-07-19
GB2410537A (en) 2005-08-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101317724B1 (en) Canister flush valve
US4471798A (en) Flushing cisterns
US4064572A (en) Level actuated apparatus for delivering chemicals
US4358860A (en) Automatic actuator for air freshener dispenser or the like for toilets
AU592701B2 (en) Adjustable vacuum breaker fill valve
CA2239434C (en) Pressure flushing device discharge extension
CA2165099C (en) Sanitary yard hydrant
US6704945B2 (en) Dual inlet flush valve system for gravity operated toilets
US20070169840A1 (en) Flow control device
EP0011449A1 (en) A toilet and a flush valve therefor
US5745928A (en) Toilet bowl dispensing system
US20080047052A1 (en) Flush valve with float
US6401269B1 (en) Flapper valve with dual action arm
US4928327A (en) Device for reducing rinsing water consumption
US6341385B1 (en) Toilet bowl fluid dispensing system
KR200409455Y1 (en) A waterpipe Anglevalve Discharge Device forpreventing water from flowing backward
US5259074A (en) Flush valve control apparatus
CN210423874U (en) Water outlet device capable of being stopped immediately after being closed, faucet and shower
US5950697A (en) Funnel with on/off valve
US4283802A (en) Toilet tanks with built-in water supply valve
US6427719B1 (en) Hydromagnetic valve for toilets
US20120227172A1 (en) Water saver toilet control valves and methods
JPH05627Y2 (en)
US20220074185A1 (en) System and method for automatic dispensing of a liquid
US5704076A (en) Controlled toilet flushing system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060722

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20070801