GB2373859A

GB2373859A - A float device for a container

Info

Publication number: GB2373859A
Application number: GB0105405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Errington Watson; Valerie Short
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-06
Filing date: 2001-03-06
Publication date: 2002-10-02
Also published as: GB0105405D0

Abstract

A float device 10 for a container such as a bath having a tap 15 for introducing a liquid into the container, comprises a float 11 and a motion transmission mechanism 12, 14 interconnecting the float 11 and the tap 15. The mechanism acts to close the tap 15 as the level of liquid in the container approaches a threshold level which can be adjusted by varying the relative position of the float 11 on part of the motion transmission mechanism 12, 14.

Description

A FLOAT DEVICE

The present invention is directed to a float device for a container having a tap for introducing liquid thereinto that, at least partially, reduces the risk that the container overflows The float device of the present invention is particularly, although not exclusively, intended for use with a bath, sink or like container It is common to provide a bath with an outlet pipe in its upper section so as to reduce the possibility that water may overflow if the tap is left running. Whilst such overflow pipes are of undoubted effectiveness to cope with occasional fluctuations in the water level, for example by movements of a person whilst bathing, they are nevertheless usually inadequate when the tap is, for one reason or another, left running because the capacity of the overflow is often simply not designed to dispose of water at the rate at which it can be introduced into the bath by one, let alone two, taps The risk of overflow of baths by running taps is particularly high when the bath is prepared by, for example, elderly people who may be susceptible to loss of memory or temporary incapacity If, in addition, the person running the bath lives alone, or in a flat the risk of damage and/or injury caused by the overflow can be substantial.

The present invention aims to reduce the risk of overflow of a bath by running taps, especially when unattended, by providing means for turning off the taps when a certain, threshold level of water has been reached in the bath Accordingly, the present invention provides a float device for a container having a tap for introducing a liquid thereto, comprising a float and a motion transmission mechanism interconnecting the float and the tap and operable to tend to close the tap as the liquid level in the container approaches a threshold level In one embodiment of the present invention the motion transmission means comprise a lever mechanism. In an alternative embodiment the motion transmission means comprise a pulley and cable arrangement In preferred embodiments of the invention the motion transmission means further comprise tap engagement means. Preferably the tap engagement means comprise means for engaging the handle of the tap. More preferably the means for engaging the handle of the tap include means for securing frictional engagement therewith In one embodiment the tap engagement means comprise a cylindrical sleeve which is dimensioned to fit over or around the handle of the tap. The sleeve may also be provided with screw for securing engagement between the sleeve and the handle of the tap. The sleeve may be particularly suitable to the full bodied taps found on many modern baths and may be provided with indentations on its inner surface so as to complement protrusions provided on the tap for grip. The tap engagement

means may alternatively comprise a hollow cylindrical sleeve having a castellated end section. The castellated end section will preferably be dimensioned so as to engage the handle prongs found on more traditional taps In an alternative embodiment the tap engagement means comprise means for engaging the screw spindle of the tap. Preferably the means for engaging the screw spindle include gear means In one embodiment it is required that the handle of the tap be removed so that the screw spindle is wholly revealed. The means for engaging the spindle may take the form of a half closed, hollow cylindrical sleeve in which the closed end carries an inwardly protruding boss having an inner thread in a centrally disposed hole. The boss may further comprise sections forming outward gear teeth so as to engage a gear mechanism including a drum on which the cable is unwound or wound. Preferably the gear mechanism will allow a small movement of the cable to lead to a large movement in the screw spindle.

In other embodiments of the present invention gear means may be provided between the cables and the tap engagement means.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the motion transmission means is mounted on or within support means.

Preferably the support means comprise attachment means for attaching the support means to the container.

The attachment means may comprise such means as are known in the art. In particular, the attachment means may be a flexible suction cup providing attachment of the support means to a surface of the bath by the application of a vacuum In one embodiment of the present invention the suction cup, is made integral to the support means and allows attachment of the support means to an inside wall of the container In another embodiment, however, the suction cup is provided with connecting means to the support means. The connecting means may be a C-shaped or Vshaped arm allowing the suction cup to be positioned on or in the container without interference from an overflow For example, the suction cap may be positioned between the taps on an upward face of the container with the connecting arm allowing the support means to rest against the inside wall of the container Preferably, the connecting arm is a pivot arm. Alternatively, or additionally the connecting means may have other adjustment means. In any case the suction cup is preferably provided with a lever for help in releasing the vacuum when the float device of the present invention is no longer used The float of the present invention may be provided with a float arm or other substantially cylindrical elongate member. In one embodiment the float arm is constrained to vertical movement by the support means. Preferably the float arm passes axially through the support means

In one embodiment of the present invention, the respective ends of the cable are attached to the tap engagement means and the float arm. The attachment may be permanently fixed or removably fixed. In one embodiment a cable end may be welded to a metal spindle provided in the float arm transverse its longitudinal length In another embodiment a cable end may penetrate and connect to a resiliently biased clamp provided within the tap engaging sleeve. Of course any number of attachment means may be envisaged as may be known in the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongate element attached to the float may comprise at least one telescoping section. Preferably the extent of telescoping can be controlled or pre-selected.

Preferably the float of the present invention comprises a spherical or rectangular material of low density. Although the float should be buoyant it need not be so buoyant as to float entirely on the surface of the liquid rising in the container.

Rather, it may be submerged. In these embodiments of the invention the float arm may be provided with stabilisers. The stabilisers may comprise generally circular plates having a centrally disposed aperture through which the float arm passes axially. However, preferably the stabilisers will be such that they can be folded away with the telescoping action of the float arm.

The invention also comprehends a kit of parts for assembling the float device according to the present invention. In this aspect the kit may comprise a number of different tap engagement means for use on different types of tap handles.

The present invention will now be described by reference to non-limitative examples and the drawings in which ; Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the float device of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cut away, part view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the cable and pulley arrangement on one half shell of the housing.

With reference now to Figures 1 and 2, a bath turn-off device according to the present invention, generally designated 10, comprises a ball float 11 having a float arm 12 which is constrained to vertical movement, in a manner described below, within a generally rectangular housing 14 which is fixed to the inside wall of the bath over which the taps 15 are provided.

The housing 14, which is of a generally rectangular shape, may be constructed from two half shells 141,142 that snap fit together. Each half shell 141,142 is provided with a centrally disposed, generally curvilinear recess 16 which extends across the lateral width of the shell so that the assembled housing defines a channel The channel is suitably dimensioned to allow the float arm to just pass axially therethrough. Any friction between the float arm and the channel may be reduced by providing the contacting surfaces of the channel and the longitudinal length of the float arm 12 as low-friction surfaces or by treating or coating them with a friction-reducing compound such as polytetrafluoroethylene or by lubrication with a water-resistant lubricant.

An inwardly facing edge of a longitudinal wall of each half shell 141, 142 is further provided with a plurality of laterally disposed, generally rectangular recesses 143,144. The recesses 143,144 define apertures in an upper face of the housing 14 allowing entry and exit of a cable 17 attached to the float arm 12 Cables 17, which may be of any suitable material, carry hooks 18 at each end thereof so that they may be attached to the upper section of the float arm 12 by loops 19 provided on respective sides thereof Cables 17, which may be provided with cable sleeves between the float arm 12 and the housing 14 pass through apertures into the housing and around two pulleys 20 disposed towards the lateral edges the housing. The pulleys 20, which are freely rotatable, are mounted on an the inside wall of the housing closest the bath, in use, by means of a pin 21 engaging an aperture within a bosses or embossments (not shown) formed in one half shell 141 of the housing. The pulleys 20, may take the form of wheels provided with a collar forming a channel dimensioned so as to avoid escape of the cable, and will preferably have a contacting surface suitable for frictional engagement of the cable.

Cables 17 exit the housing 14 through apertures by which they enter towards hollow cylindrical sleeves 22 which are each closed at one end. The sleeves 22, which are made from a suitably flexible material, are dimensioned so as to be suitable for use with taps 15 of the full bodied handle type.

In this embodiment the sleeves 22 slide over the tap handles 15 and are provided with corrugations (not shown) on and along the longitudinal length of their inside surfaces. The corrugations provide frictional contact by complementary engagement with the corrugations or grips provided on and along the longitudinal length of the outside surface of the tap handles.

A centrally disposed aperture (not shown) in the closed end of the sleeve 22 is, in any case, provided, so as to allow the screw 23 securing the tap handle to the tap to be unthreaded and re-threaded therethrough. A circular washer 24 having a suitable friction engaging surface is also provided.

Cables 17, which may be provided with cable sleeves between the housing 14 and the sleeves 22 pass toward raised portions 25 on the outer surfaces of the sleeves The raised portions 25, which extend partly around sleeves 22, are each provided with an aperture, so as to form a closed channel along their length which is capable of receiving a cable 17. Raised portions 25 are each further provided with an aperture, substantially transverse this channel and at a suitable position along their length so as to allow receipt of a resiliently biased, fastening pin 26 intersecting the closed channel. The pin 26 can therefore engage a loop carried at each end of the cable 17 entering the channel by simple lifting and dropping back into place.

The housing 14, which is preferably made of a plastics material, is attached to the inside wall of the bath by means of a suction cup 27 provided on an outside wall thereof Suction cup 27 comprises a generally circular, curved, flexible membrane

capable of forming and holding a vacuum between itself and the wall of the bath In this embodiment the suction cup 27 is rubber and attached by hot melting to a boss or embossment formed on the outside wall of housing 14 A lever arm 28 is provided as an aid to lifting the device off the bath wall after use Of course, it will be realised that the positioning of the device on the bath wall will to some extent be determined by the length of the float arm 12 and cables 17 as well as the position of the sleeve on the tap handle For example, where the user desires to use the device on taps already open, which are generally turned off by movement of the tap handle in a clockwise direction, the user will ensure that the float arm 12 is fully extended away from the housing 14 before attaching the suction cup 13 to the inside wall of the bath A peg 29 extending through a hole formed transverse the length of the float arm 12 in its upper section prevents the arm from slipping out through the channel which it occupies in the housing 14 The user will then position the sleeves on the tap handles so that the left hand cable passes round the right side of the left hand side tap and the right hand cable passes round the right side of the right hand side tap, in each case being wrapped around the respective sleeve by at least 180 , preferably with the device so arranged that the float 11 is at its furthest distance from the taps 15 and a certain degree of slack in the cables 17

As the water level in the bath rises and the float 11 comes into contact with the water, the buoyancy of the float 11 acts on the float arm 12 displacing it upwards in line with the rise in the water level The upward displacement of the float arm 12 with rise in the level of water in the bath, applies a tension to the cables 19 which act across pulleys 20 on the pins 26 provided in the raised portions 25 on sleeves 21 causing them to be drawn towards the pulleys 20 The sleeves 21, by virtue of their frictional engagement with the tap handles are constrained to turn around the arc of a circle thus tending to effect closure of the taps 15.

Of course, it will be realised that whether the extent of closure of the taps is sufficient to close the taps entirely will depend on the extent to which they were turned on in the first place and the distance through which the sleeves can travel before the cables reach a dead centre point. If it is desired, in this embodiment, to be certain that the taps are fully turned off during this operation, it is preferable that they be first opened to an extent where simple movement of a finger in tangential contact on the tap handle is sufficient to turn them off (roughly one half revolution of the tap handle).

However, it will be apparent that having used the device satisfactorily thus, that there will be no need to repeat the above steps since all that is required to run a further bath is to depress the float arm 23 to its fullest extent and open the taps until the slack in cables 18 is just taken up.

Having described the invention thus far, it will be realised that variations of the above are possible which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In particular, it will be apparent that the device may be made integral or otherwise permanently installed to a bath In addition it will be realised that unwinding of cables 17 from sleeves 21 coupled with gearing means may provide for several revolutions of the tap handle during the displacement of the float arm 15. In these embodiments, the float arm 15 may advantageously comprise telescopic sections 30 (see Figure 1) so as to control displacement of its upper section according to the level of water desired in the bath before closure of the taps. Further, suitable means may be provided for selecting the telescoping action or not

Claims

1 A float device for a container having a tap for introducing a liquid there into, comprising a float and a motion transmission mechanism interconnecting the float and the tap, which mechanism is operable to tend to close the tap as the liquid level in the container approaches a threshold level

2 A float device according to Claim 1, in which the motion transmission mechanism comprises lever means

3 A float device according to Claim 1, in which the motion transmission mechanism comprises a cable and pulley

4 A float device according any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the motion transmission means further comprise means for engaging the tap.

5 A float device according to any preceding Claim, in which the transmission means are at least in part mounted within or upon support means.

6 A float device according to any preceding Claim, in which the support means include means for attachment to said container.

7 A float device according to any preceding Claim, in which the float is provided with an elongate member which is constrained by said support means to substantially vertical displacement with respect to the container.

8 A float device according to any Claim 8, in which respective ends of the cable are attached to the tap engagement means and the elongate member

9. A float device according to any of Claims 4 to 8 in which the tap engagement means comprise means for engaging the handle of the tap.

10 A float device according to Claim 9, in which the means for engaging the handle the tap comprise securing means for securing frictional engagement therewith

11. A float device according to Claim 10, in which the tap engagement means comprise means for engaging the screw spindle of the tap.

12. A float device according to Claim 11, in which the means for engaging the screw spindle comprise gear means.

13 A float device according to any of Claims 7 to 12, in which the elongate element comprises at least one telescoping section.

14. A float device according to Claim 13, in which the elongate element is provided with means for controlling the extent of the telescoping action.

15. A float device according to any preceding Claim, in which the float is spherical or rectangular.

16 A float device according to any preceding Claim for use with a bath, sink or like container having a screw or plug tap. 17. A float device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing 18 A kit of parts comprising means for assembling the float device according to any preceding Claim.

19 A kit of parts for assembling a float device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown, in the accompanying drawing.