GB2285302A - A valve module - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve module, particularly for use in water service and metering systems, has a main conduit with one or more branch pipes and is provided at the ends of the conduit with complementary screw-threads so as to be able to be connected in line with further similar modules. A ring 20 at one end of the main conduit carries the female screw-thread and is formed with an integral detent 21 which engages a resilient member 18 adjacent the male screw-thread at the other end of a further module in order to set the relative angular dispositions of two adjoining modules. Flow to each of the branch pipes is controlled by an associated valve 10 having a torque overload device in the form of a stop 30 on the valve actuator and a protrusion on an operating key. Excess force applied to the key causes the protrusion to ride over the stop 30. <IMAGE>

Description

A MODULE The invention relates to the general area of fluid supply and metering. In particular the invention relates to water service pipe and metering systems.

A problem experienced by workers in the field of fluid supply such as plumbers, is the inherent inflexibility of existing pipework systems. In particular, in buildings in which a number of dwellings share a common water service pipe it is often the case that when a problem arises with the water supply in one dwelling, the supply to all dwellings must be interrupted whilst the problem is overcome, causing considerable inconvenience. In addition, where it has become necessary to provide extra outlets from an existing system, it is often necessary to renew the entire system at great expense and inconvenience.

It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for providing fluid flow, comprising a module with an inlet and an outlet for fluid, valve means for controlling flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet, and connector means adapted for connection with a similar module whereby to provide a desired combination of modules.

It is preferred that the apparatus comprises a single inlet and a plurality of outlets, the module comprising a main fluid flow conduit carrying the inlet and outlet or outlets.

The connection means may comprise a screw thread means and an alignment means of the conduit, whereby two connected modules are connected in a desired spatial orientation.

The alignment means may comprise a resilient member adjacent the screw thread adapted for releasable locking cooperation with a detent of another module with which the apparatus may be connected. The resilient member may be an integral projection of the module.

It is further preferred that the module is formed from plastic. This provides a lightweight system and obviates problems caused by release of metal ions from metallic units. especially in areas with water having a low pH.

The valve means may comprise a torque overload device, comprising a stop means on a spigot of the valve means and an override device on a turn key device operable to actuate the valve means, the arrangement being such that the override device engages the stop means for operating the valve means and slides over and disengages from the stop means on a maximum desired torque being exceeded.

The apparatus may further comprise support means for the module adapted to provide stability in use, in the form of for example an L-shaped foot adjacent the connector means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing a fluid service supply pipe with a desired number of outlets, comprising a plurality of apparatus as hereinbefore described.

Such a system may comprising auxiliary means of a fluid supply system adapted for connection with an inlet and/or outlet of a module, the auxiliary means comprising for example a meter device. The meter device may be for example an inline or concentric meter.

Alternatively the system may comprise a meter block outlet adapted to receive a meter device, the outlet being adjustable to a desired position in relation to the inlet and outlet whereby to provide ease of installation. There may be further provided spacers for extending an inlet or outlet.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided awater supply arrangement for a building, including a module and a system as hereinbefore described.

The invention in all its aspects will be further described by way of example, with reference to the following drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of one module embodying the invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a series of various embodiments of module showing a particular method of engagement of modules; Fig. 3 shows a vertical section through a module detailing the operation of a valve which is a conventional screw down stop valve assembly; Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a meter mount suitable for use with modules embodying the invention; Figs. 5A & 5B show respectively perspective and side elevational views of a locking mechanism for securing two modules together; and, Fig. 6 is an exploded side elevational view of an inline meter and meter coupling for connection to a module embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawings there is shown apparatus for providing fluid flow, comprising a module 1 with an inlet 2 and an outlet 3 for fluid, valve means 10 for controlling flow of fluid between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 and connector means 15 adapted for connection with a similar module whereby to provide a desired combination of modules.

Referring to Fig. 1 the module 1 comprises a main fluid conduit 6 on which are mounted valve means 10 to control two outlets 3, the main fluid flow conduit 6 has connector means 15 at either end, comprising a male end 16 having a screw thread on its outer surface (as viewed) and a resilient member 18. The connector means 15 at the other end comprises a female end 19 in the form of a flared ring 20 the inner diameter of which being equivalent to the diameter of the male end 16 and further comprising a screw thread on its inner (as viewed) surface adapted to engage the screw thread of the male end 16 of another module 1. The female end 19 is also provided with locking means in the form of a detent 21 which cooperates with the resilient member 18 of the male end 16 to prevent relative rotation of the modules 1 in use. The module 1 is further provided with support means 22 in the form of an L-shaped foot extending downwards in use from the female end 19 of the module 1.

Referring to Fig. 2 there is shown an illustration of a series of embodiments of module 1, including the module illustrated in Fig. 1 in combination with a second embodiment of module comprising an extra opening 11, for example an inlet such as what is commonly termed a 5.08cm female iron inlet in the art. Also shown is a module 1 comprising a single valve means 10.

Referring to Fig. 3 there is illustrated a valve 10 suitable for use with modules 1 embodying the invention. The valve 10 comprises a stop valve key 23 which is used to rotate a spigot 35 on the stop valve cap ring 24, plunger housing 25 and plunger 26 with washer 27 in relation to the stop valve housing 28. When the stop valve is rotated clockwise in the direction of the arrow, the plunger 26 descends to seal the opening 3 from the fluid retaining means 5. Damage to the valve means 10 by applying continued pressure after the valve is fully open or closed is prevented by provision of a torque overload device, which comprises a stop means 30 located on the spigot 35, and an override device in the form of a protrusion (not shown) located on the stop valve key 23. When pressure is applied to the key 23 in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, the protrusion on the key 23 contacts the stop means 30 on the spigot 35 and the valve 10 turns until the fully open or fully closed position. Further or continued pressure in the same direction forces the- protrusion on the key 23 to "slip" over the stop means 30, preventing damage to the valve means 10 occurring.

One of the major advantages of the modules of the invention is their flexibility in use, particularly in areas such as the provision of water metering facilities in water supply arrangements for buildings. Examples of types of meter that can be used with this particular system are concentric and inline meters. A meter mount for a concentric meter is described in Fig. 4 and referring to Fig. 6 there is shown a coupling 29a for use with an inline meter 36. Fig. 4 is an illustration of a meter mount suitable for use with modules in systems embodying the invention. The meter mount 29 comprises a body 30 in which are mounted a mounting thread 31 with a seal 32 and upon which is placed a meter locking ring 33, the mount 29 is sealed with a blanking plug 34 until it is required that a meter, such as a concentric meter be fitted. The body 30 may further comprise an outlet 3 which may be rotated to a desired position in relation to the inlet 2 and outlet 3 to provide ease of installation.

As will be appreciated, the various embodiments of modules 1 can be combined into virtually any combination to give a product that is suited exactly to the users needs. Further flexibility may be gained through the use of spacers in the form of for example connecting bushes 29a.

In use, the required number of modules having a predetermined number of outlets is decided upon and the components are assembled. Conveniently the apparatus will be assembled in-situ where the nature of the system required can be assessed. Modules 1 comprising the required number of outlets 3 are joined together by offering up the male end 16 of one module 1 to the female end 18 of a second module 1. The male end 16 is then inserted into the female end and rotated in a clockwise direction. Referring to figs.5A and 5B there is illustrated a particular locking mechanism which prevents overtightening and accidental loosening of inter-module connections during installation and service. Thus, when two modules 1 are screwed together the resilient member 18 of the male end 16 engages the detent 21 of the female end 18 ensuring correct alignment of the modules 1. To release the locking mechanism, pressure is applied to the detent 21 by for example the blade of a screwdriver whilst unscrewing the modules 1. The last module 1 in a series is provided with an end cap (not shown) which may comprise for example a member having a screw thread adapted to cooperate with the screw thread of the open end of the module, in order to seal the end of the series.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing the invention may be used for example to divide a water service pipe into virtually any number of outlets, each outlet having its own shut off device and the option for individual metering facilities. The system can be used in crowded areas for multidwelling developments and with its modular construction provides a wide range of different options. In the embodiments described the modules are made from engineering plastic which is tough, lightweight, resistant to corrosion and has a working life considerably in excess of 50 years subject to normal operating and maintenance conditions.

Claims (20)

1. Apparatus for providing fluid flow, comprising a module with an inlet and an outlet for fluid, valve means for controlling flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet, and connector means adapted for connection with a similar module whereby to provide a desired combination of modules.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, there being a single inlet and a plurality of outlets.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, the module comprising a main fluid flow conduit carrying the inlet and outlet.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, the connection means comprising a screw thread means and an alignment means of the conduit, whereby two connected modules are connected in a desired spatial orientation.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, the alignment means comprising a resilient member adjacent the screw thread adapted for releasable locking cooperation with a detent of another module with which the apparatus may be connected.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, the module being made of plastic and the resilient member being an integral projection of the module.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, the valve means comprising a torque overload device.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, a torque overload device comprising a stop means on a spigot of the valve means and an override device on a turn key device operable to actuate the valve means, the arrangement being such that the override device engages the stop means for operating the valve means and slides over and disengages from the stop means on a maximum desired torque being exceeded.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising support means for the module adapted to provide stability in use.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, the support means comprising a substantially L-shaped foot adjacent the connector means.

11. Apparatus for providing a fluid flow, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. A system for providing a fluid service supply pipe with a desired number of outlets, comprising a plurality of apparatus according to any preceding claim.

13. A system according to Claim 12, comprising auxiliary means of a fluid supply system adapted for connection with an inlet and/or outlet of a module.

14. A system according to Claim 13, the auxiliary means comprising a meter device.

15. A system according to Claim 14, the meter device an inline or

16. A system according to Claim 15, comprising a meter block outlet adapted to receive a meter device.

17. A system according to Claim 16, the outlet being adjustable to a desired position in relation to the inlet and outlet whereby to provide ease of installation.

18. A system according to any of Claims 12 to 17, comprising spacers for extending an inlet or outlet.

19. A system for providing a fluid service supply pipe with a desired number of outlets, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A water supply arrangement for a building, including an apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 11 and a system according to any of Claims 12 to 19.