GB2410537A - Flow control device - Google Patents
Flow control device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2410537A GB2410537A GB0401771A GB0401771A GB2410537A GB 2410537 A GB2410537 A GB 2410537A GB 0401771 A GB0401771 A GB 0401771A GB 0401771 A GB0401771 A GB 0401771A GB 2410537 A GB2410537 A GB 2410537A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- flap valve
- control device
- flow control
- liquid
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
- B67D7/362—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves combined with over-fill preventing means
- B67D7/365—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves combined with over-fill preventing means using floats
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K21/00—Fluid-delivery valves, e.g. self-closing valves
- F16K21/04—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
- F16K21/18—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation closed when a rising liquid reaches a predetermined level
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
- F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
- F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve
Abstract
The flow control device is for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container. The device comprises a tubular body 10 having a closed upper end 11 and an open lower end 12. The device can be connected to the container by a hook 13 or could be an integral part of a tap. An inlet 14 is attached to or provided for attachment to a liquid feed pipe. The device also includes a flap valve 19 which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body. A float 22 is provided for pivoting the flap valve towards the closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
Description
FLOW CONTROL DEVICE
This invention relates to a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container.
When filling a container, such as a bucket or watering can, it is common practice to walk away from the container while it is being filled and then to return only to find that the container has overflowed.
The present invention seeks to provide a flow control device that will prevent this happening.
According to the invention there is provided a flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body having a closed upper end and an open lower end, an inlet attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and a float for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
Preferred and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 15, inclusive.
The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a sectional side view of one embodiment of a flow control device according to the invention.
Referring to the drawing, the flow control device shown therein can be fitted internally in a container (not shown), such as a bucket or watering can, to dispense liquid to a predetermined level in the container.
The fluid control device comprises a tubular body 10 having a closed upper end 11 and an open lower end 12. The body 10 also has a hook 13 for hooking the device to the rim of the container.
The tubular body 10 has a liquid inlet 14 connected to, and extending through, its closed upper end 11. The outer upper end of the inlet 14 has a plurality of annular serrations or other formations 15 by which a liquid feed pipe, such as hose, can be fitted.
The tubular body 10 also has a side discharge opening 16. An inclined wall 17 separates the discharge opening 16 from a float chamber 18.
A flap valve 19 is pivoted within the tubular body 10 intermediate the upper and lower ends 11 and 12, respectively, and above discharge opening 16. The axis 20 of the flap valve 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, offset to one side of a plane 21 bisecting the flap valve 19. A float 22 is provided in the float chamber 18 below the flap valve 19 for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises. The inclined wall 17 acts as a stop to prevent the flap valve 19 opening too far.
5The float 22, as shown, is a two-part float and is exposed to liquid in the container via the open lower end 12 of the body 10.
The flap valve 19 is weighted so as to move towards an open condition as shown in the single Figure in the absence of external forces applied to the flap valve by the float or water pressure above the flap valve.
An annular seal 23 of generally L-shaped cross-section is provided on the flap valve 19 to seal against the internal wall of the body 10 under liquid pressure when the flap valve is in a closed condition.
The lower, inner end of the inlet 14 is shaped to direct liquid fed into the container past the side of the flap valve l9 remote from the flow chamber when the latter is in a fully open condition and to direct the liquid against said one side of the flap valve 19 as the latter starts to close.
A guide 24, typically defining an inverted U-shaped channel, is provided on the internal wall of the body 10 to encourage water dispensed from the inlet to flow past said one side of the flap valve 19 and through the side discharge opening 16 when the flap valve is in an open condition.
If the axis 20 of the flap valve 19 is offset as described above, the axis 20 divides the flap valve l9 into a first portion 19a and a second portion 19b of greater surface area than the portion 19a and the float 22 acts on the under surface of the smaller portion 19b for a reason which will be explained later.
Regions of the body lO just below the first portion 19a of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition and just above the portion 19_ of the flap valve when the flap valve is considered in a closed condition are outwardly contoured as shown in the single drawing to assist with the accurate operation and lO closing of the flap valve 19 as it is important that the tolerances between the seal 23 and the body to are as close as possible to aid effective sealing with minimal liquid pressure. The body is, therefore, outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve passes as it approaches its closed condition.
lS Also, the flap valve l9 ideally has a round pivot rod mounted in apertures in the body to which apertures are oval or elongate in a plane normal to the axis of the body to facilitate opening and closing of the flap valve.
The flap valve 19 has a manual externally operable member for pivoting the flap valve 19 between closed and open conditions. As shown, this takes the form of a spring loaded plunger 25. The flow control device is also provided with a pressure release valve located above the flap valve 19 when the latter is in a closed condition.
this pressure release valve could be incorporated in the spring loaded plunger 25.
The spring loaded plunger 25 also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve 19 closes in the correct position.
The flow control device can be made of any suitable material and the tubular body 10 typically has a cross sectional dimension of approximately 4 cm, although it could be smaller or larger.
The body 10 can have any appropriate cross-sectional shape. It does not need to be of circular cross-section.
In use, the device is placed into the container and hooked on the rim of the container. Water or other liquid is fed into the tubular body 10 via a hose attached to the inlet 14. When the liquid in the container is below the float 22, the flap valve 19 pivots to an open condition as shown in the single Figure. As the liquid level in the container rises and makes contact with the float 22, the flap valve pivots towards a closed condition. As the flap valve 19 pivots towards its closed condition, liquid entering the container from the spigot will impinge on the one side of the flap valve 19 causing the flap valve to close rapidly and seal against the internal wall of the body.
If the pivot axis is offset from the plane 21 the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 will cause the latter to remain tightly closed improving the effectiveness of the seal 23.
In order to release the pressure of liquid above the flap valve 19 and allow the flap valve to return to an open condition, the flap valve may be manually pivoted by the spring loaded plunger 25. Additionally or alternatively the pressure can be released by opening the pressure release valve.
The embodiment described above is given by way of example only and various modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the hook could be replaced by any other appropriate attachment device. The float could be provided as an integral part of the flap valve. In this case, there may be no need for the side discharge opening and liquid could be discharged through the open lower end of the tubular body. The flow control device could be used for applications other than those mentioned. For example it could be used in toilet cisterns and cold water tanks or it could form an integral part of a tap for filling, inter alla, basins or baths.
Claims (16)
1 A flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body having a closed upper end and an open lower end, an inlet attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and a float for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.
2. A flow control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet is arranged to direct liquid fed into the body towards one side of the pivot axis of the flap valve.
3. A flow control device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the float is on or acts on the under surface of the other side of the flap valve.
4. A flow control device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the tubular body has a side discharge opening for the liquid below said one side of the flap valve.
5. A flow control device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the internal wall of the tubular body is provided with guide means for encouraging liquid dispensed from the inlet to flow past said one side of the flap valve.
6. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve is provided with an annular seal for sealing against the internal wall of the body when the flap valve is in a closed condition.
7. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve is weighted in order that it will adopt an open condition, in the absence of external forces.
8. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of the flap valve is offset to one side of a plane bisecting the flap valve so as to divide the flap valve into two portions of unequal surface area.
9. A flow control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the float is provided on or acts on the under surface of the smaller portion of the flap valve.
10. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising connecting means for connecting the device to the container.
A flow control device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the connecting means comprises a hook for hooking over a rim of the container.
12. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap valve has an externally operable member for pivoting the flap valve between closed and open conditions.
13. A flow control device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the externally operable member also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve closes in the correct position.
14. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body has a pressure release valve located above the flap valve when the latter is in the closed condition.
15. A flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve, in use, passes as lO it approaches its closed condition.
16. A flow control device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0401771A GB2410537A (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2004-01-28 | Flow control device |
JP2006550280A JP2007519871A (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2005-01-21 | Flow control device |
US10/597,046 US20070169840A1 (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2005-01-21 | Flow control device |
EP05701976A EP1723070A1 (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2005-01-21 | Flow control device |
PCT/GB2005/000213 WO2005073125A1 (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2005-01-21 | Flow control device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0401771A GB2410537A (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2004-01-28 | Flow control device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0401771D0 GB0401771D0 (en) | 2004-03-03 |
GB2410537A true GB2410537A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
Family
ID=31971538
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0401771A Withdrawn GB2410537A (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2004-01-28 | Flow control device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070169840A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1723070A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007519871A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2410537A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005073125A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2631211A1 (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2013-08-28 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Testable overfill prevention valve |
US10371283B2 (en) | 2014-01-03 | 2019-08-06 | Franklin Fueling Systems, Llc | Overfill prevention valve with remote testing |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102013009795A1 (en) * | 2013-06-12 | 2014-12-18 | Stephan Krüger | Device for filling watering cans |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB708298A (en) * | 1951-09-17 | 1954-05-05 | Roy Whitworth | A valve fitting for use with a waste-water discharge arrangement for caravans or other temporary dwellings |
GB951809A (en) * | 1960-06-20 | 1964-03-11 | Igewa Ag | Float-operated valves for preventing overfilling of liquid containers |
GB1093313A (en) * | 1965-01-05 | 1967-11-29 | Muller Jacques | Level control apparatus for the filling of containers with liquid |
GB1444260A (en) * | 1972-10-26 | 1976-07-28 | Lafon G | Valve assembly |
US4667711A (en) * | 1984-05-10 | 1987-05-26 | Draft Roger A | Tank overfill valve |
US4777990A (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1988-10-18 | Grant; Richard L. | Automatic shut-off liquid dispensing nozzle |
EP0312320A2 (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-04-19 | Dover Corporation | Overfill valve construction |
GB2280732A (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1995-02-08 | Gary Hawkes | Valved outlet |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US575172A (en) * | 1897-01-12 | Fritz rossbach-rotjsset | ||
US1028599A (en) * | 1911-08-17 | 1912-06-04 | Robert B Parker Jr | Water-regulator. |
US1102196A (en) * | 1913-04-19 | 1914-06-30 | Knox Pressed & Welded Steel Company | Water-cooled damper or valve. |
US2299360A (en) * | 1941-02-10 | 1942-10-20 | Alvin S Tharp | Shutoff valve for storage tanks |
US2390108A (en) * | 1941-10-16 | 1945-11-27 | Jesse D Langdon | Combined check valve and vacuum breaker |
US2504450A (en) * | 1947-02-12 | 1950-04-18 | Oliver F Rhodes | Liquid level controlled filling spout |
US3176728A (en) * | 1962-12-03 | 1965-04-06 | Poul H Baumann | Automatic valve for use within a funnel |
US3963041A (en) * | 1974-02-27 | 1976-06-15 | Mcgillis Engineering, Inc. | Safety shutoff valve |
US5564464A (en) * | 1994-07-25 | 1996-10-15 | Dover Corporation | Storage tank shut-off valve |
US6073390A (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2000-06-13 | Baudier; Stephen R. | Christmas tree watering device |
GB2380992B (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2005-04-27 | Risbridger Ltd | Float operated overfill protection device |
-
2004
- 2004-01-28 GB GB0401771A patent/GB2410537A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2005
- 2005-01-21 US US10/597,046 patent/US20070169840A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-21 JP JP2006550280A patent/JP2007519871A/en active Pending
- 2005-01-21 WO PCT/GB2005/000213 patent/WO2005073125A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-01-21 EP EP05701976A patent/EP1723070A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB708298A (en) * | 1951-09-17 | 1954-05-05 | Roy Whitworth | A valve fitting for use with a waste-water discharge arrangement for caravans or other temporary dwellings |
GB951809A (en) * | 1960-06-20 | 1964-03-11 | Igewa Ag | Float-operated valves for preventing overfilling of liquid containers |
GB1093313A (en) * | 1965-01-05 | 1967-11-29 | Muller Jacques | Level control apparatus for the filling of containers with liquid |
GB1444260A (en) * | 1972-10-26 | 1976-07-28 | Lafon G | Valve assembly |
US4667711A (en) * | 1984-05-10 | 1987-05-26 | Draft Roger A | Tank overfill valve |
US4777990A (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1988-10-18 | Grant; Richard L. | Automatic shut-off liquid dispensing nozzle |
EP0312320A2 (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-04-19 | Dover Corporation | Overfill valve construction |
GB2280732A (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1995-02-08 | Gary Hawkes | Valved outlet |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2631211A1 (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2013-08-28 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Testable overfill prevention valve |
US9463971B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2016-10-11 | Opw Fueling Containment Systems, Inc. | Testable overfill prevention valve |
US11061418B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2021-07-13 | Opw Fueling Components, Llc | Testable overfill prevention valve |
US10371283B2 (en) | 2014-01-03 | 2019-08-06 | Franklin Fueling Systems, Llc | Overfill prevention valve with remote testing |
US11578813B2 (en) | 2014-01-03 | 2023-02-14 | Franklin Fueling Systems, Llc | Overfill prevention valve with remote testing |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005073125A1 (en) | 2005-08-11 |
US20070169840A1 (en) | 2007-07-26 |
EP1723070A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
GB0401771D0 (en) | 2004-03-03 |
JP2007519871A (en) | 2007-07-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5076333A (en) | Pour spout | |
KR101317724B1 (en) | Canister flush valve | |
US4471798A (en) | Flushing cisterns | |
US4358860A (en) | Automatic actuator for air freshener dispenser or the like for toilets | |
CA2666533A1 (en) | Double check back flow prevention device | |
CA2239434C (en) | Pressure flushing device discharge extension | |
CA2165099C (en) | Sanitary yard hydrant | |
US20070169840A1 (en) | Flow control device | |
US4593419A (en) | Flush valve control for water closet | |
US5745928A (en) | Toilet bowl dispensing system | |
US6401269B1 (en) | Flapper valve with dual action arm | |
US4928327A (en) | Device for reducing rinsing water consumption | |
US2923441A (en) | Dispenser for hairdressing liquids | |
US2888685A (en) | Toilet deodorizing device | |
US5259074A (en) | Flush valve control apparatus | |
CN210423874U (en) | Water outlet device capable of being stopped immediately after being closed, faucet and shower | |
US4283802A (en) | Toilet tanks with built-in water supply valve | |
US6427719B1 (en) | Hydromagnetic valve for toilets | |
US20120227172A1 (en) | Water saver toilet control valves and methods | |
US4449259A (en) | Flush tank metering device | |
US7185374B2 (en) | Discharge valve comprising a flexible ringed tube for toilets | |
AU2005239719B1 (en) | Closures for Pipes | |
US11668083B2 (en) | System and method for automatic dispensing of a liquid | |
US3426789A (en) | Fluid flow control device | |
JPH05627Y2 (en) |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |