GB2156493A

GB2156493A - One-way liquid flow control valves and sprayer attachment with anti-siphon valve

Info

Publication number: GB2156493A
Application number: GB8507670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John P Chap
Original assignee: Selfix Inc
Current assignee: Selfix Inc
Priority date: 1984-03-23
Filing date: 1985-03-25
Publication date: 1985-10-09
Also published as: GB8507670D0; DE3510510A1

Abstract

An antisiphon valve (18) includes a one-piece valve body (20) and a one-piece reciprocable valve member (22). The valve member is guided for reciprocal motion by a support sleeve (28). In its open position the valve member is retained by a retaining barb (38), and when the water flow is reversed a conical valve plug (32) becomes seated upon corresponding seat, thus preventing siphoning. The valve may be used in a flexible base sprayer attachment for use with a domestic tap. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION One-way liquid flow control valves and sprayer attachment with anti-siphon valve The present invention relates generally to a one-way liquid flow control valve and to a sprayer attachment with an anti-siphon valve.

The invention may be used, for example, in connection with a sprayer attachment designed to be connected to a domestic water tap (faucet).

Sprayer attachments for the faucets of sinks and bathtubs are very popular consumer items since they very conveniently permit the water from a faucet to be discharged in a showerlike spray. Such attachments typically include a flexible adapter member which can be removably fitted to the faucet in generally watertight relation, and a flexible hose joined to the adapter through which water flows. A sprayer head is joined to the other end of the hose, with the head defining a multiplicity of openings for creating a shower-like spray.

The flexible nature of the hose permits the sprayer device to be conveniently hand-held as desired, with holding brackets also available whereby the device can be conveniently mounted on a wall or the like. In this manner, such a sprayer attachment permits shampooing or the like above a sink, and further permits a bathtub to be easily converted for use as a shower. Naturally, such attachments can be otherwise used whenever it is desired to generate a shower-like spray from a water faucet.

As will be recognised, there are many times when a sprayer attachment is being used when the water therefrom is collected and held within the sink, basin or bathtub. Naturally, such water may be soapy and/or dirty, and therefore must not contaminate the fresh water supply. While this is ordinarily not a problem when a faucet is used in a conventional manner, the use of a sprayer attachment might inadvertentiy result in undesired fresh water contamination.

Specifically, there can be a tendency in conventional plumbing systems for reverse water pressure or suction to be created at a faucet, typically when water is being drawn from another part of the plumbing system.

While creation of such suction has no deleterious effects attendant to conventional use of a faucet, it will be appreciated that use of a sprayer attachment might result, through inadvertence, in a flow path being provided from the collected dirty water back to the fresh water supply should the sprayer head become immersed in the collected water.

It is for this reason that many sprayer attachments are desirably provided with oneway "anti-siphon" valves. In fact, some municipalities and governments require that faucet sprayer attachments be provided with such one-way valves. The provision of such a valve in a sprayer attachment precludes the possibility of the dirty water in a basin or bathtub being siphoned through the attachment back into the faucet, while still permitting water from the faucet to freely flow to the sprayer head.

Bearing in mind that sprayer attachments are intended to be relatively low-cost consumer items, the provision of an economically fabricated one-way valve is very desirable. In the past, such one-way valves for sprayer attachments have been in the nature of ball check valves wherein a check ball is reciprocably movable within a two-piece body between a position for permitting flow in one direction, and another position for preventing reverse flow. Although relatively straightforward in construction, such ball check valves still require relatively expensive fabrication of the various moulds required for manufacture of the different elements, with further cost being associated with the required assembly of the parts.

Therefore, it is very desirable to provide a one-way anti-siphon valve for a sprayer attachment or the like or simplified and straightforward construction, preferably with a minimal number of separate components configured for economy of manufacture and assembly to facilitate economical and efficient fabrication of such valves.

Thus, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention a one-way liquid flow control valve comprises: a one-piece valve body having an interior bore and defining a valve seat, the body including an integral valve support and a one-piece valve member supported by the valve support for reciprocable movement with respect to the valve body, the valve member including an integral valve plug adapted to mate with the valve seat, whereby the valve member is reciprocable in response to fluid pressure acting thereagainst, and is movable from a first position in which the valve plug is spaced from the valve seat for permitting flow in a first direction through the bore of the valve body, to a second position in which the valve plug mates with the valve seat and prevents reverse flow in a second opposite direction through the bore of the valve body; the valve member including integral means for retaining the valve member in association with the valve body, the retaining means being positionable in association with said valve support means and thereafter retained in association therewith to facilitate assembly of the valve.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a sprayer attachment for a tap comprises: an adapter configured for removable fitment to the tap; a flexible hose joined at one end to the adapter; a sprayer head joined to the other end of the flexible hose, whereby the adapter, the hose, and the sprayer head together define a flow path for water from the tap; and a one-way anti-siphon valve disposed in the flow path for preventing reverse waterflow into the tap; the anti-siphon valve comprising a one-piece valve body having an interior bore and defining a valve seat, the body including an intergral valve support; the anti-siphon valve further comprising a onepiece valve member supported by the valve support for reciprocable movement with respect to the valve body, the valve member including an integral valve plug adapted to mate with the valve seat, whereby the valve member is reciprocable in response to water pressure acing thereagainst, and is movable from a first position in which the valve plug is spaced from the valve seat for permitting flow from said tap, to a second position in which the valve plug mates with the valve seat and prevents reverse water flow into the tap; the valve member including integral retaining means for retaining the valve member in association with the valve body, the retaining means being insertable into association with the valve support and thereafter retained in association therewith to facilitate assembly of the anti-siphon valve.

A sprayer attachment with a one-way antisiphon valve is accordingly disclosed wherein the valve is preferably of a readily and economically fabricated configuration for reliable and durable operation. Notably, the present anti-siphon valve preferably comprises only two separate components which are specifically configured for coaction in a reliable manner to prevent undesired reverse water flow in a sprayer attachment, and which are further configured for economical manufacture and very convenient assembly. Manufacture of the valve components from injectionmoulded plastic enhances the economy of the present valve construction. The valve member and the valve body may be mechanically attachable after manufacture to facilitate assembly of the valve.

The present sprayer attachment may also include an adapter configured for removable fitment to a sink or bathtub faucet, and a flexible hose joined at one end to the adapter.

A sprayer head is joined to the other end of the flexible hose, with the adapter, the hose, and the sprayer head together defining a flow path for water from the faucet to the sprayer head. The sprayer head defines a multiplicity of openings whereby a shower-like spray is created.

A one-way anti-siphon valve is disposed in the water flow path of the sprayer attachment, and is preferably configured for joining the adapter to the one end of the flexible hose.

The one-way valve permits water to freely flow from the faucet through the sprayer attachment, but prevents undesired reverse water flow therethrough. In this manner, any siphoning of dirty water back through the attachment is prevented in the event that the sprayer head is immersed in water collected in the sink basin or bathtub.

In keeping with the desired goals of economical manufacture and reliable operation, the present anti-siphon valve comprises a onepiece valve body preferably comprising resilient plastic material. The valve body defines a longitudinal interior bore, and a frusto-conical valve seat, preferably at one end thereof. The valve body may further include an integral valve support structure comprising a generally cylindrical sleeve portion defining an opening at the axis of the interior bore, and a pair of support webs integrally joined to the sleeve portion which extend into the interior bore generally from the valve seat of the valve body.

The present anti-siphon valve further includes a one-piece valve member, also preferably comprising resilient plastic material, which is supported by the valve support structure of the valve body for reciprocable movement with respect thereto. The valve member includes an integral valve plug having a frusto-conical surface complemental to that of the valve seat for mating therewith in generally watertight relation. The valve member is reciprocable with respect to the valve body in response to water pressure acting thereagainst.Thus, the valve member is movable from a first position wherein the valve plug is spaced from the valve seat for permitting flow in a first direction through the bore of the valve body (i.e., from the faucet to the sprayer head), to a second position wherein the valve plug mates with the valve seat and prevents reverse flow in a second opposite direction through the bore of the valve body.

Significantly, the valve member includes an integral structure for retaining the valve member in operative association with the valve body. The retaining structure of the valve member is positionable in association with the valve support sleeve portion merely by insertion therethrough, with the valve member thereafter retained in association with the valve support for reciprocable movement. As will be appreciated, this arrangement very greatly facilitates convenient assembly of the present anti-siphon valve.

The retaining structure of the valve member may comprise a guide shaft joined to the valve plug of the valve member for coaction with the support sleeve portion of the valve body for guiding the reciprocable movement of the valve member. The retaining structure further includes an integral retaining barb (or other detent) joined to the guide shaft in spaced relation to the valve plug. The retaining barb is preferably conically configured for a cam-like coaction with the support sleeve portion for facilitating "one-way", non-removable insertion of the valve member retaining structure through the opening defined by the sleeve portion during assembly of the valve.

Thus, after fabrication of the one-piece valve body and the one-piece valve member, they are very easily and securely joined together by merely inserting the retaining barb and guide shaft of the valve member into and through the support sleeve portion of the valve body.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways and one specific embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sprayer attachment embodying the present invention in use on the faucet of a sink; Figure 2 is a sectional view taken generally along lines 2-2 of Fig. 1 illustrating a oneway anti-siphon valve of the sprayer attachment shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is an end view of the one-piece valve body of the valve shown in Fig. 2 taken from the end of the valve body into which water flows; Figure 4 is a sectional view of the one-piece valve body of the present anti-siphon valve taken generally along lines 4-4 in Fig. 3; Figure 5 is a further end view of the onepiece valve body shown in Fig. 4 taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;; Figure 6 is a side view of the one-piece, reciprocable valve member of the present antisiphon valve; and Figure 7 is an end view of the valve member shown in Fig. 6 taken generally along lines 7-7 of Fig. 6.

With reference first to Fig. 1, therein is illustrated a sprayer attachment 10, embodying the principles of the present invention, being used on the faucet (top) F of a sink. The sprayer attachment includes a flexible adapter 1 2 configured for removable fitment to the faucet F, and a flexible hose 14 joined at one end to the adapter 1 2. Water from the faucet flows through the adapter and flexible hose to a sprayer head 1 6 joined to the other end of the hose 14, with the sprayer head defining a multiplicity of openings whereby the water from the faucet is discharged in a shower-like spray.While the present sprayer attachment 10 is illustrated in hand-held use, it will be understood that an arrangement embodying the principles disclosed herein may be readily configured for support on a wall or the like, such as for permitting a bathtub to be used for showering. While sprayer attachment 10 has been illustrated as configured for removable fitment to a single faucet, an arrangement embodying the principles disclosed herein may likewise be configured with a suitable "Y-connector" for removable fitment to separate hot and cold water faucets.

As discussed hereinabove, it is desirable to prevent reverse water-flow through the sprayer attachment 10 and into faucet F, and to this end, the sprayer attachment includes a one-way anti-siphon valve 1 8 further embodying the principles of the present invention. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the anti-siphon valve 1 8 is preferably configured for joining the adapter 1 2 and the flexible hose 14, but of course the anti-siphon valve may be otherwise positioned within the sprayer attachment.

As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the anti-siphon valve 1 8 is of desirably straightforward configuration, and preferably comprises but two separate elements, a one-piece valve body 20 and a one-piece valve member 22. The valve body 20 and the valve member 22 each preferably comprise suitably injection-moulded resilient plastic material, such as polypropylene.

The valve body 20 is preferably of a generally elongated cylindrical configuration, with its exterior surface tapering toward respective ends thereof to facilitate fabrication and insertion into each of adapter 1 2 and flexible hose 14. The valve body defines a longitudinal interior bore 24 through which water from faucet F flows in a first direction (as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2) during use. The valve body further defines a frusto-conical valve seat 26 at one end thereof, which is configured to mate and abut with the reciprocable valve 22 for preventing reverse flow in a second opposite direction through the bore of the valve body.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 further illustrate the preferred configuration of the valve body 20. The valve body includes an integral support structure for reciprocably supporting the valve member 22, and to this end, includes a support sleeve portion 28 which defines an opening generally at the axis of the longitudinal bore 24 of the body. The sleeve portion 28 is held in position at the center of the bore 24 by a pair of suport webs 30 integrally joined to the sleeve portion 28.

The support webs 30 preferably extend into interior bore 24 generally from valve seat 26 of the body 20. Notably, support webs 30 preferably extend at an acute angle "alpha" with respect to the axis of the interior bore 24 of the body 20. To facilitate economical manufacture of the valve body, it will be observed that the frusto-conical surface of the valve seat 26 is disposed at the same acute angle "alpha" with respect to the axis of the interior bore 24, with the support webs 30 defining generally inwardly facing surfaces which are an extension of the frusto-conical surface of the valve seat 26. In other words, these inner surfaces of the webs 30 are defined by the same frusto-cone that defines the surface of valve seat 26.

With further reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the preferred configuration of the one-piece reciprocable valve memer 22 will now be described. The valve member includes a valve plug 32 having a frusto-conical surface which mates with valve seat 26 and which is preferably complemental thereto. In order to assure that reverse fluid flow through the valve 18 is prevented, the respective mating surfaces of the valve plug 32 and the valve seat 26 are preferably formed to be free of surface irregularities or the like. The valve plug 32 is preferably "hollowed-out" as indicated at 34 for efficient use of material, and to prevent undesired excessive shrinkage of the valve plug as the plastic material from which it is preferably formed cools and cures during manufacture.

In order to retain the valve member 22 in operative association with the valve body 20 for reciprocable movement with respect thereto, the valve member includes a retaining structure comprising a guide shaft 36 and a retaining barb 38. Guide shaft 36 is integrally joined to the valve plug 32, with the retaining barb 38 in turn integrally joined to the guide shaft in spaced relation to the valve plug.

Notably, retaining barb 38 is configured for coaction with support sleeve 28 of valve body 20 whereby the retaining structure of the valve member 22 can be very conveniently inserted into and retained within the support sleeve portion 28. Retaining barb 38 is preferably of a conical configuration, having a conic surface defined by an angle "beta" (Fig.

6) preferably of the order of approximately 30".

In a current embodiment of the present anti-siphon valve, retaining barb 38 has been provided with an axial dimension at "x" of approximately 0.062 inches, 1.6 mm (see Fig. 6), with guide shaft 36 having a diameter of approximately 0.055 inches, 1.4 mm. In this embodiment, the sleeve portion 28 of the valve body support structure has been provided with an outside diameter of approximately 0.115 inches, 2.9 mm (see dimension "a" in Fig. 4), and an axial length of "b" of approximately 0.093 inches, 2.4 mm. The opening in the sleeve portion 28 is dimensioned to correspond to the diameter of guide shaft 36 of the valve member 22.

By the illustrated configuration of the coacting retaining and support structures, and owing to the resilient flexibility of the preferred plastic construction of the valve member and valve body, the valve member 22 can be very easily assembled in association with the valve body by merely inserting retaining barb 38 and guide shaft 36 into and through the opening defined by support sleeve 28. As soon as the retaining barb 38 has passed through the opening of the support sleeve portion 28, the valve member 22 is permanently maintained in operative asociation with the valve body 20, and is thus supported for reciprocable movement with respect thereto by slidable movement of guide shaft 36 within sleeve portion 28. Thus, the valve member 22 is movable from a first position wherein valve plug 32 is spaced from valve seat 26 and water flows from the sink faucet F through the sprayer attachment, to a second position wherein valve plug 32 mates with the valve seat 26 to prevent reverse water flow.

Thus, a sprayer attachment with an antisiphon valve is disclosed which has ben configured for economical manufacture and reliable operation. It will be observed from the foregoing that numerous modifications and variations can be effected.

Claims

1. A one-way liquid flow control valve comprising: a one-piece valve body having an interior bore and defining a valve seat, the body including an integral valve support and a onepiece valve member supported by the valve support for reciprocable movement with respect to the valve body, the valve member including an integral valve plug adapted to mate with the valve seat,whereby the valve member is reciprocable in response to fluid pressure acting thereagainst, and is movable from a first position in which the valve plug is spaced from the valve seat for permitting flow in a first direction through the bore of the valve body, to a second position in which the valve plug mates with the valve seat and prevents reverse flow in a second opposite direction through the bore of the valve body; the valve member including integral means for retaining the valve member in association with the valve body, the retaining means being positionable in association with said valve support means and thereafter retained in association therewith to facilitate assembly of the valve.

2. A one-way valve as claimed in Claim 1 in which the valve member includes a guided portion joined to the valve plug for coaction with the valve support to guide the reciprocable movement of the valve member.

3. A one-way valve as claimed in Claim 2 in which the retaining means comprises detent means joined to the guided portion and spaced from the valve plug, the detent means being configured to coact with the support for facilitating insertion of the retaining means through an opening defined by the support during assembly of the one-way valve whereby the retaining means is received through the opening and retained by the support.

4. A one-way valve as claimed in Claim 3 in which the detent means is a barb.

5. A one-way valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the valve seat and valve plug respectively define complementary frusto-conical mating surfaces.

6. A one-way valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the valve support comprises a sleeve portion defining an opening for receiving the retaining means of the valve member, and web means integrally joined to the sleeve portion for positioning the opening in the sleeve portion at the axis of the interior bore.

7. A one-way valve as claimed in Claim 6 in which the web means extends generally from the valve seat of the valve body and generally at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the bore, and the valve seat has a frusto-conical surface disposed at substantially the same acute angle with respect to the axis of the bore.

8. A one-way valve substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A sprayer attachment for connection to a tap including a one-way valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

10. A sprayer attachment for a tap, comprising: an adapter configured for removable fitment to the tap; a flexible hose joined at one end to the adapter; a sprayer head joined to the other end of the flexible hose, whereby the adapter, the hose, and the sprayer head together define a flow path for water from the tap; and a one-way anti-siphon valve disposed in the flow path for preventing reverse.water-flow into the tap; the anti-siphon valve comprising a one-piece valve body having an interior bore and defining a valve seat, the body including an integral valve support; the anti-siphon valve further comprising a one-piece valve member supported by the valve support for reciprocable movement with respect to the valve body, the valve member including an integral valve plug adapted to mate with the valve seat, whereby the valve member is reciprocable in response to water pressure acting thereagainst, and is movable from a first position in which the valve plug is spaced from the valve seat for permitting flow from said tap, to a second position in which the valve plug mates with the valve seat and prevents reverse water flow into the tap; the valve member including integral retaining means for retaining the valve member in association with the valve body, the retaining means being insertable into association with the valve support and thereafter retained in association therewith to facilitate assembly of the anti-siphon valve.

11. A sprayer attachment as claimed in Claim 10 in which the retaining means comprises a guide shaft joined to the valve plug for coaction with the support for guiding the reciprocable movement of the valve member, and retaining detent means joined to the guide shaft and spaced from the valve plug, the detent means being configured for oneway insertion through an opening defined by the support during assembly of the antisiphon valve, whereby the retaining means is received through the opening and retained during reciprocable movement of the valve member.

1 2. A sprayer attachment as claimed in Claim 11 in which the detent means is a barb.

1 3. A sprayer attachment as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 1 2 in which the valve support comprises a sleeve portion defining the opening at the axis of the bore, and web means integrally joined to the sleeve portion and extending into the bore generally from the valve seat.

14. A sprayer attachment as claimed in Claim 14 in which the web means extend into the bore at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the bore, the valve seat defining a frusto-conical surface disposed at substantially the same acute angle with respect to the axis of the bore, and the web means defining a surface which is an extension of the frustoconical surface of the valve seat.

1 5. A sprayer attachment as calimed in any one of Claims 10 to 14 in which the antisiphon valve extends generally between and joins said one end of the flexible hose and the adapter.

1 6. A sprayer attachment as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 1 5 in which each of the one-piece valve body and the one-piece valve member is comprised of a plastics material.

1 7. A sprayer attachment substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.