GB2302147A

GB2302147A - A quck release stop valve system

Info

Publication number: GB2302147A
Application number: GB9511258A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Philip Fox; Shaun David Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-06-03
Filing date: 1995-06-03
Publication date: 1997-01-08
Also published as: GB9511258D0

Abstract

The stop valve system, e.g. for connection to a radiator value 3, comprises a tubular body having a first port adapted to be connected to the end of a pipework system 6, an internal valve 5 adapted to prevent the flow of water from the pipework system when the valve is in its closed condition, an operating mechanism for the valve, a second port adapted to be connected to a domestic radiator system, the stop valve system including a connector 2 associated with the second port, wherein the connector is adapted to sealingly engage the radiator port by an axial movement.

Description

Quick Release StoP Valve System The invention relates to a quick release stop valve used in a central heating system.

Radiators hitherto have been connected to the central heating system piping in such a way that it is often necessary to drain down the complete system and remove the radiator to decorate behind it. A similar drainage procedure is required for maintenance and replacement of the radiator.

According to the present invention, a quick release stop valve can be closed, enabling the radiator to be removed by hand without tools and without the need to drain the system.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows in perspective the quick release radiator valve system fitting.

Fig. 2 shows alternative uses of the quick release valve for a piping system.

Referring to Fig. 1, the radiator (1) can now be removed by pulling down the spring loaded sleeve (2), enabling the radiator to be lifted with the valve (3) and male fitting (4) still connected, but with the valve (3) in a closed position.

The quick release valve (5) will now be in a sealed position inside the spring loaded sleeve (2), preventing water escaping from the system piping (6). The spring loaded sleeve (2) will be secured to the system piping (6) by means of a male fitting (7) and standard female fitting (8).

Fig. 2 shows that the male fitting (4) and female fitting (5) are adaptable to many plumbing situations. Threaded pipe fitting (9) can be connected to the male fitting (4) by means of the female nut (10). Fittings (2), (5), (7) and (8) can then be used to connect to any water supply pipe.

Claims

1. A quick release stop valve device for a domestic radiator system comprises a tubular body having a first port adapted to be connected to the end of a pipework system, an internal valve arrangement adapted to prevent the flow of water from the pipework system when the valve is in its closed condition, an operating mechanism for the valve arrangement, a second port adapted to be connected to a domestic radiator system, the stop valve device including a connector arrangement associated with the second port, wherein the connector arrangement is adapted to sealingly engage the radiator system by an axial movement.

2 A quick release stop valve device for a domestic radiator system wherein the sealing engagement is effected by axial movement alone between the connector arrangement and the radiator system.

3. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the stop valve device includes an external sleeve, axially displaceable on the tubular body.

4. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 3 when dependent on claim 1 alone wherein the external sleeve is adapted to move both axially and circumferentially.

5. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 3 or 4 wherein the movement of the external sleeve effects engagement and disengagement of the internal valve.

6. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the movement of the external sleeve follows a screw thread or bayonet type mounting on the tubular body.

7. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the external sleeve interacts with the internal valve by means of a pin or other device engaging the valve or an actuating mechanism therefore.

8. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pin or other device engages an aperture, groove or projection.

9. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the pin engages and/or moves an internal valve actuating element in the tubular body.

10. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the aperture or groove is helical.

11. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the proiection engages a cam surface on the external sleeve.

12. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cam surface is helical, at least in part.

13. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the aperture or groove is L-shaped.

14. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 8 or 9 or 13 wherein the aperture or groove extends circumferentially and axially.

15. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pin or other device engages a helical or L-shaped groove or aperture or other cam surface controlling the internal actuating element.

16. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 15 wherein the external sleeve is adapted to effect and release the sealing engagement.

17. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 16 wherein the external sleeve is spring biassed towards the radiator system.

18. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the external sleeve includes a locking arrangement to secure it in the bias engaging condition.

19. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the locking arrangement is key operated.

20. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claims 18 or 19 wherein the locking arrangement comprises one or more Allen screws for engagement by an Allen key.

21. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 20 wherein the axially displaceable external sleeve is adapted for manual displacement.

22. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 21 wherein the sleeve is externally knurled.

23. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the internal valve is adapted to move automatically to the closed condition on separation of the second port and the end of the radiator system.

24. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said sealing engagement includes one or more resilient O-rings.

25. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a domestic radiator stop valve.

26. The combination as claimed in claim 25 wherein the radiator stop valve is adapted to releasably engage the said second port.

27. The combination as claimed in claim 26 wherein the releasable engagement is by means of a bayonet or screw thread mechanism or fitting.

28. A quick release stop valve device as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

29. The combination as claimed in claim 25 and substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.