US749910A - Regulable self-closing faucet - Google Patents

Description

PATENTED JAN; 19, 1904.

B. L; WALTER. -REGULABLB SELF CLOSING PAUOBT.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

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NO MODEL.

(Juvzwfoz PATENTED JAN. 19, 1904.

E. L. WALTER.

REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUOET.

- APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

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' I v @tbomnmgd No. 749,910. PATENTED JAN."19, 1904.

' WALTER. REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUGBT.

APPLIOATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

No. 749,910. PATENTED JAN; 19,1904.

' I E. L. WALTER.

.REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUOBT.

APPLIOATIOiQ' FILED APR. 8, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 49 m: NORRIS PETERS co. PHoToLvmo" WASHINGTON, o. c.

Patented January 19, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

EDWIN L. WALTER, OF SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

REGULABLE SELF-CLOSING FAUCET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 749,910, dated-January 19,..1904.

Application filed April 8, 1903. Serial Nu. 151,658. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN L. WALTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Scranton, in the county of Lackawanna and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inRegulable Self-Glosing Faucets, of which the following is a specification.

Faucets and like water-fixtures as commonly constructed for automatic closing require to be held open when drawing water therefrom,

hence are inconvenient and prolific of much vexation and annoyance at times, especially when one chooses to wash the face or hands in a running stream and desires to have both hands free.

This invention combines with a cock, faucet, or like device of any pattern, make, or design, a time-lock mechanism of peculiar construction and relative arrangement of parts for holding the valve mechanism open the requisite extent for a predetermined interval of time, as a minute or any fractional part thereof.

A vital feature of the invention isthe combination of parts which are so disposed as not to interfere with the ordinary use of the fixture and which will admit of a stream of water of any size within the capacity of the faucet being had by opening same more or less, the

time-lock holding the valve mechanism open at the required point for the given period.

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof andalso to acquire aknowledge of the details of construction of the means for effecting the result reference is to be had to the following description and drawings hereto attached.

While the essential and characteristic featuresof the invention are susceptible of modiiication, still the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a basinfaucet embodying the invention. N Fig. 2 is a front view, a portion of the bodybeing broken away and the stem being in longitudinal section. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a different type of faucet, showing the invention applied thereto, part being broken away to show the parts on a larger scale.

relative arrangement of theparts. Fig. 4 is a top plan view, the valve portion and inner end 'of the stem being in section. section of the handle or grip on the lineX X of Fig.2. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the barrel containing the spring for operatingthe timel'ock and the cap for said barrel, the parts being separated. Fig. 7 is an inner end view of the handle or grip detached from the faucet. Fig.

8 is a view of the outer end of the sleeve por' tion of the stem provided with the ratchetteeth and in which the valve-stem is mounted. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the post provided with the wing or piston which operates in the space of the handle or grip, the parts of the piston being separated. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the outer end of the stem provided at its innerend with the crank for operating the valve shown in Fig. 3 and the coupling cooperating therewith, the stem and coupling being separated. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the inner sleeve forming the Fig. 5 is a.

barrel for the spring of the time-lock and the gland forming the stufling-box of the cap closing the outer end of the handle or grip,

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated I Q in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

The invention is adapted to be applied to any type of faucet or fixture for controlling the outflow of liquid having valve mechanism adapted to be operated by a rotary grip or handle.

In accordance with this invention the timelock mechanism is combined with the valve mechanism of the faucet or like fixture so as not to interfere with the ordinary use thereof, but which when required will hold the faucet open a short time to admit of utilizing a run. ning stream, the latter being automatically shut off when the interval of time has lapsed.

The faucet illustrated is of the type commonly employed for washstands, Figs. 2 and 1 illustrating the valve-stem threaded into its sleeve and operable by means of a threaded joint, whereas Fig. 3 shows the valve-stem connected to a crank provided at the inner end of a stem journaled in the sleeve. The valve-operating mechanism and the time-lock cooperating therewith are substantially the same in both forms of faucet illustrated. Hence a detailed description of one will apply to both, the specific differences being noted to avoid indefiniteness and uncertainty of structure and operation.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4:, the body 1 of the faucet is provided with a hollow plug 2, having a valve-seat at its inner end, against which valve 3 closes, andprovided at its outer end with an extension constructed to receive a tool to admit of turning said plug for shutting off communication through the faucet, thereby admitting of the valve-stem being removed either to pack valve 3 or for other purpose. The valve-body 1 is provided with a coupling end 4:, to which sleeve 5 is joined by means of the screw-thread connection. Valve-stem 6 is rotatably mounted in sleeve 5 and passes through a stufling-lwx at the inner end of said sleeve, same preventing moisture reaching the closing-spring and lock mechanism. Valvestem 6 is enlarged at its outer end and connected with sleeve 5 by means of a thread, whereby turning of the valve-stem will effect seating or unseating of valve 3. A recess 7 is formed at the outer end of valve-stem 6, and lugs 8 project therefrom to enter notches 9 at the inner end of tubular extension 10 at the inner end of handle or grip 11. The parts 8 and 9 cause the handle or grip and valvestem 6 to rotate in unison, and since the handle turns in a given plane and part 6 has a combined rotary and longitudinal movement the elements 8 and 9 receive a limited longitudinal play to admit of the seating and unseating of valve 3 when operating handle or grip 11. The sleeve 5 is provided at its outer end with an outer flange 12, in which is formed a series of notches 13 to admit of varying the tension of spring 1 1, by means of which valve 3 is automatically seated and the faucet closed. A union 15 connects handle or grip 11 with sleeve 5, its outer end being threaded into an annular extension 16 of part 11 and its inner end having an inner flange to engage the shoulder formed by flange 12. A space is formed between the tubular extension 10 and annular extension 16, in which closings1' ring14is lo cated, one end of said spring" being engaged with part 10 and the opposite end bent, as

shown at 17, to enter one of the series of notches 13 of flange 12.

The handle or grip 11 is hollow, and its outer end is closed by means of a cap-plate 18, fitted in a rabbet thereof and held in place by means of clamp-ring 19, threaded to the outer portion of the handle or grip. A packing-ring 20 is interposed between clamp-ring and parts 11 and 18 to insure the formation of a tight joint. A post 21 is journaled centrally of the handle or grip and passes therethrough, being mounted near its ends in cap-plate 18 and the inner wall of part 11, the end portion of the post passing through stufiing-boxes aplied to the walls of the handle or grip, so as to preclude the escape of any liquid or fluid medium contained within the handle. The inner end of post 21 is provided with pin 22, having an eccentric arrangement and adapted to cooperate with a dog 23 for throwing the latter out of action and releasing the valve mechanism and permitting same to automatically close under tension of spring 14c. The dog 23 is slidably mounted in the space formed between tubular extension 10 and valve-stem 6 and provided with an approximately rectangular opening 24, into which pin 22 projects. Extensions 25 and 26 project from opposite ends of dog 23 and pass through opening 27, formed in tubular extension 10 at diametrically opposite points and which serve to direct the dog in its reciprocating movements and insure rotation thereof with handle or grip 11. The extension 25 is beveled at its outer end and is adapted to projectbeyond the outer side of tubular extension 10 and engage with one of a series of ratchet-teeth 28, formed in the inner wall of sleeve 5 at its outer end. A spring 29 serves to hold the beveled end of extension 25 projected so as to engage with teeth 28 and hold the valve mechanism of the faucet or like fixture open when it is required to obtain a running stream. Normally dog 22-3 is held out of engagement with teeth 28 by the action of spring 30, forming a part of the time-lock mechanism. Spring 29 is light and. preferably of bow form and is held in place by extension 26, passing through an opening thereof. The tension of spring 30 is superior to that of spring 29 to admit of the latter being normally compressed by the former. The post 21 is rotatable independently of the handle 01' grip 11 and is operable by means of capplate 3-1, secured to the outer end of post 21 and connected therewith for simultaneous rotation. The outer end of post 21 is made square, as indicated most clearly in Fig. 9, and cap-plate 31. is provided with a corresponding square opening. Hence when plate 31 is fitted to the outer squared end of post 21 the two will turn in unison.

The vital feature of the time-lock mechanism resides in valved partition 32 and piston 33, the former being secured to the handle or prevent endwise play ofthe post.

grip 11 and the latter attached to post 21.

The opening formed in partition 32 is normally closed by flap-valve 34, which is adapted to open when piston 33 moves upon turning post 21, so as to carry pin 22 out of contact with the inner wall of opening 24 to permit dog 23 to be thrown outward by spring 29 to cause extension 25 to engage withteeth 28, and hold the valve open when turning handle or grip 11 to withdraw water or other liquid from the faucet. The opening closed by valve 34 is of a size to admit of ready passage of the liquid or fluid contained within space 35 of handle or grip 11 when turning post 21 to move piston 33 away from partition 32. The inner edge of partition 32 is packed to make a tight joint with the central portion of post 21,,which is slightly larger than the end portions, thereby providing shoulders to'en-gage with the inner walls of the handle or gripto The pistonf 33 is composed of plates or leaves 36 and 37 and an interposed packing 38. The leaf or jfplate 37 forms a part of or is rigidly attached topost 21, and plate or leaf 36 is secured thereto by means of clamp-screw 39, the latter having a minute opening 40 for the passage of the liquid or fluid therethrough upon the'i'eturn stroke of piston 33 under the action of spring 30. The packing 38 is preferably a strip'of cork, although any suitable material may be employed. A rectangular opening 41 is formed in the center of packing 38, and the edge portions of leaf or plate 36 are beveled upon the inner side, as shown at 42, to admit ofcompressing packing 38 and forcing same outward upon tightening clamp-screw 39'to draw plates 36 and 37 closer together, thereby providing for taking up wear and insuring the formation of a tight joint between the piston and the walls of space or chamber 35, containing the liquid or fluid forming the resisting medium to retard the return of piston 33 to a normal position.

The spring 30, cooperating with post 21, is located within barrel 43 and is secured at one end to said barrel and at its opposite end to sleeve 44, located within said barrel and con centric therewith. Sleeve 44 is provided with notch 45, adapted to engage with pin 46, ex-

tended laterally from the gland 47, forming the stuffing-box applied to the outer side of cap-plate 18.- By this means the inner'end of spring 30 is connected to the handle or grip 11. The cap-plate 31 is providedwith a pin 48 upon its inner side adapted to enter one of a series-of openings 49 formed in the outer end of barrel 43, thereby forming a connection between post 21 and the outer end of spring 30. The tension of spring 30 may be regulated by moving barrel 43 so as to bring any one of the openings 49 into position to receive pin 48. It is to be understood that barrel 43 can be turned independently of capcomprehended. outflow of water or other liquid from the faucet or fixture may be opened to a greater or :less extent, according to the degree of move- 'ment of the handpiece, so as to secure a stream I of water of desired size.

plates 18 and 31. Hence spring 30 may be wound more or less to admit of varying its tension.

In the construction shown in Fig. 3 the valve 3 is adapted to close upward, its stem being loosely connected to crank 50 at the inner end of stem 6, rotatably mounted in extension 4 and-inner flange 51 of coupling sleeve 5*. The outer end of stem 6 is notched, as shown at 52, to receive lug 53 of couplingbar 54, mounted in tubular extension 10 of the handpiece.

The parts being assembled substantially as set forth, the faucet is opened in the accustomed way by grasping the handpiece or grip 11 and turning same against the tension of spring 14, whereby the valve mechanism is actuated to unseat the valve; Upon releasing the hold upon part 11 spring .14, regaining itself, seats the valve and shuts off the flow of I Water or other liquid in the manner well understood. When it is required to utilize the time-lock mechanism for holding the ValX'G unseated and the faucet or like fixture open, the cap-plate or like part 31 isturned so asto rotate post 21 and carry pin 22 away from the inner wall of "opening 24, thereby releasing dog 23 and permitting spring 29 to project the catch extension 25 so as to engage with teeth 28. When the dog is released and the handpiece 11 is turned, catch extension 5 25 rides upon teeth 28 and engages with one of said teeth and holds thefaucet open until dog 23 is released from teeth 28 by contact of pin 22 with inner wall of opening 24.

When the plate or part 31 is turned and post 21 correspondingly turned, piston 33 is carvried'away from valved partition 32, valve 34 opening to permit the liquid or other resisting medium to pass freely into the space formed between parts 32 and 33. 31 is released, it is caused to turn in an opposite direction by spring 30, valve 34 closing and the liquid contained between parts 32 and 33 passing slowly through the minute open- W hen part ing 40 in clamp-screw 39. The length of time the faucet may be permitted to run may be 'varied by turning part 31' through a greater or less arc. The maximum limit of time is dependent upon the capacity of chamber 35 and diameter of opening 40, as will be readily The valve controlling the The time-lock mechanism will hold the valve unseated at the .required point for the desired interval of time according to the movement of part 31.

The generic features of the invention, such as combining with the self-closing valve mechanism a lock for holding the valve open against the action of the self-closing means and an automatic time mechanism operable independent of the valve mechanism or the fluid passing therethrough for releasing the lock to permit instant closure of the valve, are not claimed herein, since they form the basis of a patent issued to me June 23, 1903, No.'

731,639, for a like invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is- 1. In a faucet or like fixture, and in combination with the valve mechanism and chambered handpiece operatively connected therewith, a spring connected with said handpiece and normally tending to hold the valve seated and the faucet closed, a spring-actuated post, a ratchet mechanism controlled by said post and adapted to hold the handpiece against the tension of the valve-closing spring when said handpiece is turned to any desired point to open the faucet, a valved partition fixed with reference to the chamber of said handpiece, and a piston movable with the said post and provided with a minute opening to retard the return of the piston to a normal position, substantially as set forth.

2. In a faucet or like fixture, and in combination with the valve mechanism, a chambered handpiece, interlocking means between said handpiece and valve mechanism, and a spring for normally holding the valve seated and the faucet closed, a ratchet mechanism for holding the faucet open, a spring-actuated post having an eccentric extension for cooperation with the ratchet mechanism to throw same out of action, a fixed valved partition located within the chamber of the handpiece, and a piston connected with the aforementioned post to turn therewith and provided with a minute opening, substantially as specified.

3. In a faucet or like fixture, the combination of the body provided with a tubular portion having ratchet teeth, a stem mounted in said tubular portion and adapted to effect seating or unseating of the valve, a chambered h andpiece rotatably connected with said tubular portion and having a tubular extension adapted to make interlocking connection with the aforesaid stem, a spring acuated dog mounted in the tubular extension of the handpiece and adapted to engage with any one of the aforementioned ratchet-teeth to hold the valve unseated, a closing-spring for holding the valve seated, a spring-actuated post mounted in the handpiece to turn therewith and independently thereof and having an eccentric extension to hold. the dog out of engagement with the ratchet-teeth, and retarding means cooperating with said post consisting of a valved partition and a piston having a minute opening, said piston and partition being applied to and cooperating with the spring-actuated post and chambered handpiece, substantially as described.

4. In a faucet 01' like fixture, the combination of the valve mechanism, chambered handpiece and closing-spring, a ratchet mechanism for holding the valve unseated against the tension of the closing spring, a post having an eccentric portion for throwing the ratchet mechanism out of action, a retarding mechanism cooperating with said post and operating in the chamber of the handpiece and consisting of a piston having a minute opening and a valved partition, a plate attached to the outer end of said post and forming a grip for the hand, and a spring between the chambered handpiece and the plate or grip to effect a return of the post to a normal position, substantially as set forth.

5. In a faucet or like fixture, the combination of the valve mechanism, chambered handpiece and closing-spring, a ratchet mechanism for holding the valve unseated against the tension of the closing-spring, a post having an eccentric portion for throwing the ratchet mechanism out of action, a retarding mechanism cooperating with said post and operating in the chamber of the handpiece and consisting of a piston having a minute opening and a valved partition, a plate attached to the outer end of said post and forminga grip for the hand, a spring having one end connected to the chambered handpiece, and means for adjustably connecting the opposite end of the spring to the said plate or grip, substantially as set forth.

6. In a faucet, the combination of the valve mechanism, and a' chambered handpiece having a tubular extension in interlocking connection with the valve-operating stem, a dog applied to said tubular extension, ratchet-teeth exterior to said tubular extension and connected with the body portion of the faucet, a post journaled in the Walls of the chambered handpiece and having an eccentric portion for throwing the dog out of action, the walls of the chambered handpiece being provided with stuffing-boxes to make a tight joint with the post, a retarding mechanism cooperating with the handpiece and post and located within the chambered handpiece and consisting of a valved partition and a piston having a minute opening, a spring exterior to the handpiece and connected at one end thereto, and a plate forming a grip connected to the outer end of said post and having connection with the opposite end of the spring cooperating with the post, substantially as set forth.

7. In combination, a faucet or like fixture provided with a tubular extension, a valve-operating stem passed through said extension, a stuffing-box near the inner end of said valveoperating stem, a chambered handpiece rotatably connected with the said tubular extension, a closing-spring for cooperation with the handpiece, to normally seat the valve and close the faucet, a ratchet mechanism for holding the valve open against the tension of the closing-spring, a spring-actuated post journaled in the Walls of the chambered handpiece and having an eccentric portion for holding the ratchet mechanism out of action, stufiingboxes applied to the Walls of the chambered handpiece and receiving the end portions of said post, and a retarding mechanism cooperating with said post and comprising a valved

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