GB2324565A

GB2324565A - Radiator valve clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2324565A
Application number: GB9708041A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Paul Holly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-21
Filing date: 1997-04-21
Publication date: 1998-10-28
Also published as: GB9708041D0

Abstract

A valve clamp is provided which has a generally "C" shaped body for extending around a radiator valve. Tines (16,18) extend either side of a radiator pipe to hold the clamp in place. A threaded rod can be adjusted to bear against a control stem in order to hold the valve shut.

Description

VALVE CLAMP The present invention relates to a valve clamp. Such a clamp is suitable for holding a thermostatic valve, such a radiator valve, in the closed position.

It is commonplace for radiators in central heating systems to be fitted with thermostatic valves. The valve is responsive to the ambient temperature and regulates the flow of heating water through the radiator as a function of the ambient temperature. Such valves usually include a frost guard function. This means that, even when at the nominally closed position, the valve will allow a small flow of heating water when the ambient temperature approaches freezing point. This serves to protect the central heating system from damage due to pipe bursts at low temperatures. However, if the radiator has been removed, then the valve will inadvertently open at low temperatures thereby causing a leak.

According to the present invention there is provided a valve clamp for holding a thermostatic valve closed, the clamp comprising a body having a first portion for engaging a first side of the valve and a moveable member, moveable with respect to the body for releasably engaging a control stem of the valve.

Advantageously the first portion comprises one or more tines defining a "C" or "U" shaped recess. The recess is dimensioned such that the or each tine can reach around a pipe that extends from the body of the radiator valve. The recess serves to hold the clamp in position with respect to the valve. Additionally, the tines abut the valve toddy thereby holding the clamp fixed with respect to the valve body thereby enabling a force to be applied via the moveable member to the control stem. In an alternative arrangement, the first portion may engage with the inlet or outlet portions of the valve body.

Advantageously the body of the clamp is substantially "C" shaped such that the body can reach around the body of the valve without coming into contact therewith.

Advantageously the moveable member is a screw threaded element in threaded engagement with a second portion of the clamp body. The moveable member may be a bolt having an enlarged head for manipulation by hand or with a spanner.

Advantageously a locking device may be provided to hold the moveable member locked in position. The locking device may be a lock nut provided on the moveable member.

The present invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a side view of a valve clamp constituting an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows the clamp when viewed along the direction indicated by arrow A in figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the clamp; and Figure 4 schematically illustrates the clamp in use.

As shown in the figures, the clamp has a generally "C" shaped body 2. When viewed as shown in figure 1, the body 2 has a vertical portion 4 interconnecting upper and lower horizontal portions 6 and 8, respectively. The upper portion 6 has a hole 7 formed therein through which an externally threaded member 10 passes. The member 10 is in threaded engagement with corresponding threads formed either in the hole 7 in the first portion 6 or with a threaded element such as a nut, secured to the first portion 6 and aligned with the hole 7. The uppermost portion of the member 10 is provided with an enlarged head which, in use, can be manually grasped in order to screw the element 10 up or down with respect to the body 2.

The lower portion 8 is provided with two tines 14 and 16 which serve to define a open recess 18, as shown in figure 3.

A nut 20 is provided on the threaded element 10 such that the nut can be brought into engagement with the upper portion 6 of the body in order to lock the threaded element 10 in position. The nut 20 is an optional feature and may be ommitted or removed.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates the clamp in use. A radiator valve 30 typically comprises having an inlet port 32 and an outlet 34 to the radiator. In use, the clamp is positioned such that the tines 14 and 16 extend either side of a hot water inlet pipe 36. A control stem 38 extends from the top of the valve 30. The control stem 38 is normally covered by the valve control knob, but is exposed when the knob has been removed. The threaded element 10 is screwed inwardly such that the lowermost end abuts the control stem and presses it down into the valve closed position, thereby clamping the valve shut. The lock nut 20 is then screwed down into engagement with the upper portion 6, thereby securing the clamp on the radiator valve. It is now safe to leave the radiator disconnected without fear of the valve opening irrespective of the ambient temperature.

Once the radiator has been replaced, the clamp can be removed thereby enabling normal operation of the thermostatic valve.

The clamp can fit a plurality of radiator valve types, irrespective of the size of the valve or the size or pitch of thread used to secure the control knob to the valve. The clamp may be formed from metal by bending or casting, or may be made of plastics.

It is thus possible to provide a simple and inexpensive radiator valve clamp to hold thermostatic radiator valves in the closed position.

Claims

1. A valve clamp for holding a thermostatic valve closed, the clamp comprising a body having a first portion for engaging a first side of the valve and a movable member movable with respect to the body, for releasably engaging a control stem of the valve.

2. A valve clamp as claimed in claim 1, in which the first portion comprises one or more tines defining a 'V' or "C" shaped recess.

3. A valve clamp as claimed in claim 2, in which the recess is dimensioned such that the or each tine can reach around a pipe that extends from the body of the radiator valve.

4. A valve clamp as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which the tines abut the valve body thereby holding the clamp fixed with respect to the valve body thereby enabling a force to be applied via the movable member to a control stem of the valve.

5. A valve clamp as claimed in claim 1, in which the first portion is arranged to engage with an inlet portion or an outlet portion of the valve body.

6. A valve clamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the body of the valve clamp is substantially "C" shaped such that it can reach around the body of the valve.

7. A valve clamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the movable member is arranged, in use, to bear against the control stem of the valve and to hold the valve closed.

8. A valve clamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the movable member is a screw threaded element in threaded engagement with a second portion of the clamp body.

9. A valve clamp as claimed in claim 8, in which the movable member has an enlarged head to facilitate manipulation thereof.

10. A valve clamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a locking device is provided for locking the movable member in position.