WO2011088512A1

WO2011088512A1 - A tap valve assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2011088512A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Warren A. Ewing; Robert A. Mclean
Original assignee: Mcwin Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-22
Filing date: 2011-01-20
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: AU2011207112B2; AU2011207112A1

Abstract

A tap valve assembly located in a flow passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the assembly having a sealing member, a plunger for moving the sealing member, the plunger reciprocally moveable and a flexible valve seat located across the flow passage and having an opening therethrough, the valve seat providing a laterally extending surface into the flow passage against which fluid pressure can bear to force the valve seat against the sealing member.

Description

A TAP VALVE ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid flow devices and particularly to valves and the like for controlling or preventing flow.

Background Art.

Conventional taps or faucets typically comprise of a tap body having an inlet for a connection to a water supply system and an outlet to deliver and flow this water. In order to control the flow of water between the inlet and the outlet, the tap has a control device usually called a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement commonly comprises of a valve passage being surrounded by a valve seat. The valve arrangement commonly includes a jumper valve positioned with a sealing surface opposed to the valve seat. By rotating a spindle, the jumper valve is forced into sealing a sealing engagement on the tap body with the valve seat. Thereby closing the valve and stemming the water flow. The valve maybe opened by rotating the spindle whereby the jumper valve moves away from the valve seat and permitting water to flow through.

A variety of styles of approved jumper valves are currently available in the market place, and their features are often touted as the best available. They all use the spindle rotation to stem the waterflow. This rotational/translational motion with varying pressures places significant stresses on the jumper valve resulting in eventual failure and the need for frequent replacement of the jumper valve.

A later and newer development has been of ceramic disc valve assembly type for tapware, that enables a tap to be fully operated in less than a single rotation of the spindle and it is of particular benefit to lever type tapware. It has been a departure from the conventional jumper valve type assembly and which is of a substantially different configuration than a conventional valve assembly. These ceramic disc tap valves while they are expected to be a longer life option. They are expensive and not as economic as the original jumper valves and require the expertise of a qualified plumber to install them, thereby limiting their use particularly where there is poor quality water (as country areas).

Other options are regularly brought forward but in most cases they are too complex, too expensive or can not get authority approval for use, and are too difficult to install and operate and not a practical solution. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a tap valve assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a tap valve assembly located in a flow passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the assembly having a sealing member, a plunger for moving the sealing member, the plunger reciprocally moveable and a flexible valve seat located across the flow passage and having an opening there through, the valve seat providing a laterally extending surface into the flow passage against which fluid pressure can bear to force the valve seat against the sealing member.

In the present specification, the direction of terms such as "up" and

"down" and the derivatives such as "upper" and "lower" are used in relation to the direction of flow through the tap with "lower" referring to a direction towards the fluid entry.

The tap valve assembly of the present invention may be used with any type of tap. Usually the tap assembly includes a tap body having the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a fluid passage therebetween. The tap valve assembly is typically located in a fluid passage and is operable to allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, to control the rate at which the fluid flows and also to prevent flow through the passage when the tap is turned off.

No limitation is placed on the configuration of the tap body with which the tap valve assembly of the present invention may be used except that the tap body will normally have a rigid valve seat relative to which the flexible valve seat of the present invention is located. Typically, the rigid valve seat is preferably annular in shape and is normally formed at the end of a short tubular portion located concentrically within the tap body and normally concentrically within the fluid inlet.

Of course, the tap valve assembly of the present invention may be used in relation to any fluid but will normally be to regulate and prevent the flow of water. The tap valve assembly of the present invention includes a sealing member. The sealing member is provided to seal a flow opening in the flow passage in order to prevent the flow of liquid. The sealing member is also used to control the rate of flow through adjustment of the proximity of the sealing member in relation to the flow opening.

The sealing member is normally provided in direct association with the plunger such that movements of the plunger also move the sealing member. Normally, the sealing member is manufactured from a metal material preferably stainless steel but other similar, robust materials may be used such as composites, plastics or ceramics.

The sealing member is normally configured as a planar portion with an extension finger extending from a planar surface thereof. The extension finger is typically provided to attach the sealing member to the plunger, normally by receiving the extension finger into an opening provided in an end of the plunger.

The sealing member is normally circular in shape as the flow opening is normally circular. However, any shape may be used. In particular, the planar portion of the sealing member is typically a cylindrical portion with a small length or height dimension.

The sealing member normally has a sealing surface which is preferably an outer portion of one of the planar surfaces of the planar portion. Normally, the sealing surface is a portion of the planar surface oriented towards the inlet. Typically, the extension finger extends from the opposite planar surface.

The sealing surface is normally an outer, annular portion. It is further preferred that an outer, lower edge on the surface oriented towards the inlet, is chamfered.

The tap valve assembly of the present invention also includes a plunger for moving the sealing member. The plunger is normally reciprocally movable through rotation.

The plunger is normally mounted relative to the tap body using a tap head top. The tap head top normally has an upper portion which in use, forms an outer part of the tap assembly. This upper portion may be threaded in order to attach a cover in some instances. The tap head top also includes a peripherally extending flange. In use, a gasket or similar device is provided on the underside of the flange and is used to seal the tap head top relative to the tap body by sandwiching the gasket in between.

An attachment portion is typically provided below the flange. This attachment portion is typically threaded, normally externally, in order to engage a corresponding threaded portion in order to attach the tap head top to the tap body.

The tap head top may be directly or indirectly attached to the tap body.

A bore is provided through the tap head top through which the plunger extends. The plunger is typically of sufficient length in order to extend out of both ends of the tap head top.

The upper end of the plunger is preferably adapted to fit a handle or similar thereon in order to rotate the plunger.

The plunger typically engages the tap head top through complimentary threaded portions, again directly or indirectly, such that rotation of the plunger moves the plunger reciprocally in relation to the tap head top and the tap body.

The plunger may be provided with a threaded portion at or adjacent a lower end thereof. Typically, an opening is provided in the lower end surface of the plunger, coaxial with the flow opening in the flexible valve seat, in order to engage the extension finger of the sealing member.

The tap assembly of the present invention also includes a flexible valve seat located across the flow passage and having an opening therethrough, the valve seat providing a laterally extending surface into the flow passage against which fluid pressure can bear to force the valve seat against the sealing member when the tap valve assembly is closed.

The flexible valve seat will preferably be mounted at least partially within the tap body and most preferably, abutting a rigid valve seat of the tap body. The most preferred manner of mounting the flexible valve seat within the tap body is through the provision of an inner sleeve portion.

Preferably, the inner sleeve portion will be substantially tubular with a bore therethrough. The portion will preferably be stepped having an upper, larger dimension portion and a lower, smaller dimension portion. Preferably, an externally threaded portion is provided on the inner sleeve portion in order to engage with a corresponding threaded portion of the tap body to attach the inner sleeve portion to the tap body.

A lower surface or portion is preferably provided and adapted to hold or locate the flexible valve seat and to sandwich the flexible valve seat with the rigid valve seat of the tap body.

The inner sleeve portion will also preferably have at least one opening through a sidewall thereof adjacent the flexible valve seat in order to allow fluid flow therethrough when the valve assembly is opened. One or more slot openings are provided and typically, where more than one opening is provided, the openings are preferably spaced about the sidewall.

The inner sleeve portion will preferably have a pair of internally threaded portions located on an inner surface. Normally, one upper threaded portion and one lower threaded portion are provided normally in each of the larger dimension portion and smaller dimension portion.

Preferably, the upper threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded portion provided below the flange on the tap head top in order to attach the tap head top to the sleeve.

The lower threaded portion preferably engages a threaded portion on the plunger. The lower threaded portion is normally provided in a smaller dimension portion in the inner sleeve which is also sized to guide the sealing member during movement.

The inner sleeve portion therefore attaches to the tap body and attaches the tap head top to the tap body as well as preferably attaching to the plunger itself.

Preferably, the length of the reciprocating movement of the plunger relative to the inner sleeve portion is limited and particularly the degree to which the plunger and the attached sealing member can be moved toward the flexible valve seat. The limitation is normally achieved through limiting the length of the threaded portion which engages the plunger, and particularly, the corresponding threaded portions provided on the plunger that attach the plunger relative to the tap body. The limitation is preferably provided in order to prevent over-tightening of the plunger which, in conventional taps causes damage to the sealing member and/or tap washer. This damage in turn normally leads to leaking taps. Any separation difference between the sealing member and the flexible valve seat when the tap is closed is preferably taken up by deformation of the flexible valve seat under the pressure of the fluid from the fluid inlet.

Normally, in use, the flexible valve seat will be deformed toward the outlet of the tap body by the fluid pressure when the valve is open. When closed, the sealing member will preferable abut the flexible valve seat r about the opening therethrough before forcing the flexible valve seat back into a less deformed condition.

Further, the opening in the flexible valve seat will normally be spaced inwardly from the inner sleeve and the tap body. The sealing member is preferably dimensioned to be smaller than the inner sleeve and the tap body and so is also spaced from those components. This difference in size means that tightening the plunger to move the sealing member cannot clamp the flexible valve seat between the sealing member and the inner sleeve and the tap body when the valve is repeatedly opened and closed, thereby minimising damage to the flexible valve seat. The shape of the flexible valve seat will preferably minimise major deformation under fluid pressure but still allow movement of the flexible valve seat in order to provide the seal.

In assembly, the upper end of the inner sleeve portion preferably abuts an underside of the flange of the tap head top and normally, a gasket or similar sealing means is provided between the two portions.

The flexible valve seat is typically T-shaped in cross-section and circular when viewed in plan. The flexible valve seat preferably forms a secondary valve seat on the tap body.

The flexible valve seat typically functions as a "bellows" or similar and is able to flex within the tap body, normally in the direction of the fluid flow under the fluid pressure. The flexible valve seat also typically has a bore therethrough with a larger upper section and a smaller lower section.

Typically, the flexible valve seat has a radially extending flange portion with a circumferential upstand and downcomer portion extending from a lower side of the radially extending flange. The circumferential upstand preferably fits into an annular depression provided on a lower face of the inner sleeve portion in order to locate the flexible valve seat relative thereto. A portion of the radial flange will also typically abut the lower surface of the inner sleeve portion. An inner portion of the radial flange is preferably adapted to provide a sealing surface against which the sealing member can abut when the tap valve assembly is closed.

The flexible valve seat may include an annular metal body, typically in the form of a washer of similar. The body will normally have an associated resilient portion shaped to function as the bellows seal. Preferably, the resilient portion is at least partially overmoulded about the annular metal body.

The downcomer portion typically extends from a lower surface of the radially extending flange portion and extends partially into the fluid inlet and/or short tubular portion of the tap head top. In addition, some portion of a lower surface of the radially extending flange portion, that is, an annular surface may be exposed in the inlet as well. The surface exposed to the fluid inlet (the annular surface and any downcomer provided) provides a pressure surface against which the fluid in the inlet can exert pressure in order to force the flexible valve seat against the sealing member.

The sealing member typically covers the bore through the flexible valve seat, or at least a portion thereof, when the tap valve assembly is closed and the fluid pressure exerted against the portions exposed to the fluid inlet deform the flexible valve seat to either form or strengthen the seal between the two components in order to prevent fluid flowing or leaking through the assembly when closed.

The tap head top with plunger and the inner sleeve portion can therefore be attached to the tap body such that the flexible valve seat is not deformed in the sandwiching process and the plunger then manipulated to form the seal. The plunger, being prevented from over-tightening will also not damage the flexible valve seat which is flexible enough to take up any small discrepancies in the clearances to form a fluid tight seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention resides in a tap head top for a tap assembly including a tap body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the tap head top mounting a plunger for moving a sealing member to allow fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and adapted to locate the plunger relative to the tap body, wherein the tap head top has a peripherally extending flange, a threaded portion below the flange to attach to the tap body and a portion above the flange shaped to be engagable with a tool to tighten the tap head top.

In a preferred form, the tap head top has a rectangular upper portion above the flange but the portion above the flange may have any shape that allows engagement by a tool to tighten the tap head top. The portion preferably has a constant cross-section over its height.

Normally, the rectangular cross-section of portion is formed by providing a number of upstands extending from the upper side of the flange.

The upstands are also preferably provided with a series of grooves and ridges which together form a thread in order to allow attachment of a cover, rose or similar thereto if required.

The upstands may be formed by removing sidewall portions from a tubular threaded portion extending from the other side of the flange in order to leave an upstand at each of four corners.

A circumferential top ring may be provided in order to stabilise the respective upper end of the upstands in order to resist torsion forces. The top ring may be integrally formed with the upstands or formed separately from them and attached thereto.

According to a further embodiment, the invention resides in a spindle for a tap, the spindle having a lower end adapted to engage a valve member and an upper end adapted to mount a tap handle, the upper end having at least one flattened side portion, at least one threaded portion in an area other than the flattened side portion, and a series of external splines in the at least one threaded portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the spindle of the tap of the present invention may have an upper portion adapted to mount a tap handle. Preferably, the upper portion will be adapted to mount tap handles with different configurations. For example, it is preferred that the upper portion be adapted to mount a button handle as well as an anti-vandal handle. In order to mount a button handle, and the upper portion of the spindle may be provided with at least one and preferably a pair of flattened side portions. In use, the button handle will have an opening therethrough with a pair of parallel planar edges which abut the pair of flattened side portions in order to transfer rotational force to the spindle.

The upper portion of the spindle may also include at least one threaded portion. Typically, the at least one threaded portion is provided on the arcuate sides of the spindle and the thread, although preferably continuous will be interrupted by the one or more flattened side portions. It is further preferred that the at least one threaded portion be provided with a series of splines in order to suit an anti-vandal handle. Typically, a series of narrow external splines are formed longitudinally around the circumference of the spindle on the threaded portion, that fit into corresponding internal splines in the mating handle and are used to prevent movement between two parts, especially in transmitting torque. Preferably, the thread is formed by the series of splines.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a tap assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view from above of the tap assembly illustrated in Figure

1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view from the side of the tap assembly illustrated in Figure 1 along line A- A illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the tap assembly illustrated in Figure ] .

Figure 5 is an isometric section view of an inner sleeve portion according to a preferred embodiment along line D-D in Figure 8.

Figure 6 is an isometric section view of an inner sleeve portion according to a preferred embodiment along line D-D in Figure 8.

Figure 7 is an axonometric view of an inner sleeve portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is an end view from above of the inner sleeve portion illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the inner sleeve portion illustrated in Figures 5-8 along line D-D in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a front view of the inner sleeve portion illustrated in Figure

7.

Figure 1 1 is a side view of the inner sleeve portion illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 12 is a view from above of a tap head top according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the tap head top illustrated in figure 12.

Figure 14 is a side view of the tap head top illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a sectional side view of the tap head top illustrated in Figure 12 along Line A- A.

Figure 16 is an isometric view of a tap head top according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is an isometric view of a flexible valve seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a view from above of the flexible valve seat illustrated in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a sectional side view of the flexible valve seat illustrated in figure 17 along line C-C in Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a view from below of a sealing member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is an isometric view of the sealing member illustrated in

Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a side view of the sealing member illustrated in Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a sectional side view of the sealing member illustrated in Figure 21 along line B-B in Figure 20.

Figure 24 is a photograph of an exploded tap assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a portion of the tap body removed.

Figure 25 is a photograph of the tap assembly illustrated in Figure 24 in the assembled condition.

Figure 26 is an axonometric view of an inner sleeve portion as illustrated in Figure 24.

Figure 27 is a view from above of an alternative embodiment of the tap valve assembly of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a view from the side of the tap valve assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a sectional view from the side of the tap valve assembly illustrated in Figure 27 along line AA-AA.

Figure 30 is a view from below of the tap valve assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

Figure 31 is an exploded view of the tap valve assembly illustrated in Figures 27 to 30.

Figures 32 to 37 are top, side, front, sectional along line E-E in Figure 32, axonometric and bottom views respectively of an inner sleeve or body according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 27 to 30.

Figure 38 to 42 are top, axonometric, side, sectional along line F-F in Figure 32, and bottom views respectively of a tap head top according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 27 to 30.

Figures 43 to 45 are side, font and axonometric views respectively of the spindle of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figures 46 to 48 are top, sectional along line G-G in Figure 46, and axonometric views of a bellows seal of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 49 to 52 are top, detailed axonometric, detailed side and detailed front views of the spindle illustrated in Figures 43 to 45.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tap valve assembly is provided.

The tap valve assembly is located in a flow passage between a fluid inlet 1 1 and a fluid outlet 12 in a tap body 13, one form of which is provided in the Figures.

The illustrated tap assembly 10 includes a tap body 13 having the fluid inlet 11 and the fluid outlet 12 and a fluid passage therebetween.

The illustrated tap body 13 has a rigid valve seat 14 relative to which the flexible valve seat 15 is located. As best illustrated in Figure 24, the rigid valve seat 14 is annular in shape and is normally formed at the end of a short tubular portion 16 located concentrically within the tap body 13.

The tap valve assembly includes a sealing member 17, and a plunger 18 for moving the sealing member 17. The plunger 18 is reciprocally moveable by rotation.

The sealing member 17 (best illustrated in Figures 20-23) is provided to seal a flow opening 19 in the flexible sealing member 15 in the flow passage in order to prevent the flow of liquid. The sealing member 17 is also used to control the rate of flow through adjustments in the proximity of sealing member 17 in relation to the flow opening 19.

The illustrated sealing member 17 is configured as having a planar portion 20 with an extension finger 21 extending from a planar surface thereof. The extension finger 21 is provided to attach the sealing member 17 to the plunger 18, by receiving the extension finger 21 into an opening 22 provided in an end of the plunger 18.

The sealing member 17 is circular in shape as the flow opening 19 is circular. As illustrated in Figure 22 and 23 in particular, the planar portion 20 of the sealing member 17 is a cylindrical portion with a very small length dimension. An outer, lower edge on the surface oriented towards the inlet is chamfered, as illustrated in Figure 23.

As illustrated, the plunger 18 is mounted relative to the tap body 13 using a tap head top 23. The illustrated tap head top 23 has an upper portion 24 which in use forms the outer part of the tap assembly. This upper portion 24 can be threaded in order to attach a cover in some instances.

The tap head top 23 also includes a peripherally extending flange 25. In use, a gasket 26 is provided on the underside of the flange 25 and is used to seal the tap head top 23 relative to the tap body 13 by sandwiching the gasket 26 in between.

An attachment portion 27 is provided below the flange 25. This attachment portion 27 is normally threaded externally in order to engage a corresponding threaded portion in order to attach the tap head top 23 relative to the tap body 13.

The tap head top 23 of the illustrated embodiment is indirectly attached to the tap body 13.

A bore 28 is provided through the tap head top 23 through which the plunger 18 extends. The plunger 18 is typically of sufficient length in order to extend out of both ends of the tap head top 23 as illustrated in Figure 24.

In the illustrated embodiments, the tap head top 23 has a rectangular cross section above the flange 25.

As illustrated in Figures 12 to 16, the rectangular cross-section of upper portion 24 is formed by providing a number of upstands 29 extending from the upper side of the flange 25. The upstands 29 are provided with a series of grooves and ridges which together form a thread in order to allow attachment of a cover or similar thereto if required.

The upstands 29 of the illustrated embodiment are formed by removing sidewall portions from a tubular threaded portion extending from the upper side of the flange 25 in order to leave an upstand 29 at each of four corners.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16, a circumferential top ring 30 is provided in order to stabilise the respective upper end of the upstands 29 in order to resist torsion forces. The top ring 30 is integrally formed with the upstands 29.

The upper end of the plunger 18 is preferably adapted to fit a knob or similar (not shown) thereon in order to rotate the plunger 18.

The plunger 18 engages the tap head top 23 through complimentary threaded portions such that rotation of the plunger 18 moves to plunger 18 reciprocally in relation to the tap head top 23 and the tap body 13.

The illustrated plunger 18 is provided with a threaded portion 31 at or adjacent a lower end thereof.

The tap assembly of the present invention also includes a flexible valve seat 15 located across the flow passage and having a flow opening 19 therethrough. The flexible valve seat 15 provides a laterally extending surface into the flow passage against which fluid pressure can bear to force the flexible valve seat 15 against the sealing member 17.

The flexible valve seat 15 is mounted within the tap body 13 abutting a rigid valve seat 14 of the tap body 13. The illustrated manner of mounting the flexible valve seat 15 within the tap body 13 is through the provision of an inner sleeve 32.

The illustrated inner sleeve 32 is substantially tubular with a bore therethrough. The inner sleeve 32 is stepped internally having an upper, larger dimension portion and a lower, smaller dimension portion as illustrated in Figure 26 in particular.

An externally threaded portion 33 is provided on the inner sleeve 32 in order to engage with a corresponding threaded portion 34 of the tap body 13 to attach the inner sleeve 32 to the tap body 13.

A lower portion of the inner sleeve 32 is provided with an annular depression 36 in the lower end adapted to hold or locate the flexible valve seat 15 and to sandwich the flexible valve seat 15 with the rigid valve seat 14 of the tap body 13 as illustrated in Figure 25.

The inner sleeve 32 has an opening 35 through sidewall thereof adjacent the flexible valve seat 15 in order to allow fluid flow therethrough when the valve assembly is opened. Slot openings are preferred.

As illustrated best in Figure 26, the inner sleeve 32 has a pair of internally threaded portions located on an inner surface. Normally, one upper threaded portion 37 and one lower threaded portion 38 are provided normally in each of the larger dimension portion and smaller dimension portion of the inner sleeve.

The upper threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded portion 39 on the lower side of the flange 25 on the tap head top 23 in order to attach the tap head top 23 to the inner sleeve 32.

The lower threaded portion 38 engages the threaded portion 31 on the plunger 18. The lower threaded portion 38 is provided in a smaller dimension portion in the inner sleeve 32 which is also sized to guide the sealing member 17 during movement.

The inner sleeve 32 therefore attaches to the tap body 13 and attaches the tap head top 23 to the tap body 13 as well as preferably attaching to the plunger 18 itself.

The length of the reciprocating movement of the plunger relative to the inner sleeve portion is limited and particularly the degree to which the plunger and the attached sealing member can be moved toward the flexible valve seat. The limitation is normally achieved through limiting the length of the threaded portion which engages the plunger, and particularly, the corresponding threaded portion is provided on the plunger and the tap head top. The limitation is preferably provided in order to prevent over tightening of the plunger which, in conventional taps causes damage to the sealing member and/or tap washer. This in turn leads to leaking taps.

Any separation difference between the sealing member and the flexible valve seat when the tap is closed is preferably taken up by deformation of the flexible valve seat under the pressure of the fluid from the fluid inlet.

In assembly, the upper end of the inner sleeve 32 preferably abuts an underside of the flange 25 of the tap head top 23. As illustrated in Figures 17 to 19, the flexible valve seat 15 is T-shaped in cross-section and circular when viewed in plan. The flexible valve seat 15 also typically has a flow opening 19 therethrough with a larger upper section 40 and a smaller lower section 41.

The flexible valve seat 15 has a radially extending flange portion 42 with a circumferential upstand 43 and downcomer portion 44 extending from a lower side of the radially extending flange 42. The circumferential upstand 43 fits into the annular depression 36 provided on a lower face of the inner sleeve 32 in order to locate the flexible valve seat 15. An inner portion of the radial flange 42 is adapted to provide a sealing surface against which the sealing member 17 can abut when the tap valve assembly is closed.

The downcomer 44 extends from a lower surface of the radially extending flange portion 42 and extends partially into the short tubular portion 16 of the tap body 13. In addition, some portion of a lower surface of the radially extending flange portion that is an annular surface may be exposed in the inlet as well. The surface exposed to the fluid inlet (the annular surface and any downcomer provided) provide a pressure surface against which the fluid in the inlet can exert pressure in order to force the flexible valve seat against the sealing member.

The sealing member 17 typically covers the flow opening 19, or at least the portion thereof, through the flexible valve seat 15 when the tap valve assembly is closed and the fluid pressure exerted against the portions exposed to the fluid inlet deform the flexible valve seat 15 to either reform or strengthen the seal between the two components in order to prevent fluid flowing or leaking through the assembly.

In assembly, a lower portion of the plunger 18 is provided with O-rings 45 to seal the plunger 18 relative to the inner sleeve 32 and a circlip 46 to prevent removal of the plunger 19 from the inner sleeve 32.

Figures 27 to 52 illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

There are small changes in this embodiment to the earlier described embodiment with the main changes being to the tap head, the inner sleeve or body portion and the bellows seal. The changes to each of these components are more clearly illustrated in Figures 32 to 48.

Figures 32 to 37 are top, side, front, sectional along line E-E in Figure 32, axonometric and bottom views respectively of a inner sleeve portion according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 27 to 30.

The inner sleeve portion of this embodiment is substantially tubular with a bore therethrough. The portion will preferably be stepped having an upper, smaller dimension portion and a lower, larger dimension portion.

Preferably, an externally threaded portion 51 is provided on the inner sleeve portion in order to engage with a corresponding internally threaded portion of the tap head top to attach the inner sleeve portion to the tap head top. A further threaded portion may be provided.

A lower shaped recess 52 is provided and adapted to hold or locate the flexible valve seat 15 and to sandwich the flexible valve seat 15 with the rigid valve seat of the tap body (not shown).

The inner sleeve portion 32 also has openings 35 through a sidewall thereof adjacent the flexible valve seat 15 in order to allow fluid flow therethrough when the valve assembly is opened. The openings 35 are provided in the lower portion of the inner sleeve portion 32 and as illustrated, are formed through the provision of leg members 53 extending from the upper portion to a lower ring member 54. The legs 53 are spaced with the openings 35 formed between them. The lower ring member 54 includes the shaped recess 52 adapted to hold or locate the flexible valve seat 15.

The inner sleeve portion 32 has an internally threaded portion 55 located on an inner surface. The internally threaded portion 55 engages a threaded portion 56 on the plunger 18. The threaded portion 55 is normally provided in the smaller dimension portion in the inner sleeve.

Figure 38 to 42 are top, axonometric, side, sectional along line F-F in

Figure 32, and bottom views respectively of a tap head top according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 27 to 30.

The tap head top has an upper portion which in use, forms an outer part of the tap assembly. This upper portion may be threaded in order to attach a cover in some instances. The tap head top 23 also includes a peripherally extending flange 25. In use, a gasket 26 or similar device is provided on the underside of the flange and is used to seal the tap head top 23 relative to the tap body by sandwiching the gasket in between.

An attachment portion 27 is typically provided below the flange 25.

This attachment portion is threaded, in order to engage a corresponding threaded portion in order to attach the tap head top to the tap body.

The tap head top 23 has a rectangular upper portion 24 above the flange. According to this embodiment, the upper portion tubular and is provided with the rectangular cross-section formed by providing a number of flattened sides 57 on the upper portion 24. These flattened portions 57 are normally formed by removal of material from the tubular upper portion.

The corners 58 of the upper portion formed by the provision of the flattened sides 57 are provided with a series of grooves and ridges which together form a thread in order to allow attachment of a cover or similar thereto if required.

Figures 46 to 48 are top, sectional along line G-G in Figure 46, and axonometric views of a flexible valve seat in the form of a flexible valve seat or bellows seal of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

The flexible valve seat of this embodiment is frustoconical in shape in cross-section and circular when viewed in plan. The flexible valve seat preferably forms a secondary valve seat on the tap body.

Typically, the flexible valve seat has a radially extending flange portion with a circumferential upstand and tapered downcomer portion extending from a lower side of the radially extending flange. The circumferential upstand preferably fits into an annular depression provided on a lower face of the inner sleeve portion in order to locate the flexible valve seat relative thereto. A portion of the radial flange will also typically abut the lower surface of the inner sleeve portion. An inner portion of the radial flange is preferably adapted to provide a sealing surface against which the sealing member can abut when the tap valve assembly is closed.

The tapered downcomer portion extends from a lower surface of the radially extending flange portion and extends partially into the fluid inlet and/or short tubular portion of the tap head top.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the spindle 18 has an upper portion adapted to mount tap handles with different configurations. For example, it is preferred that the upper portion be adapted to mount a button handle as well as an anti- vandal handle. In order to mount a button handle, the upper portion of the spindle 18 is provided with a pair of flattened side portions 59. In use, the button handle has an opening therethrough with a pair of parallel planar edges which abut the pair of flattened side portions in order to transfer rotational force to the spindle.

The upper portion of the spindle 18 also includes at least one threaded portion 60. As illustrated, a threaded portion is provided on each of the arcuate sides of the spindle and the thread, although continuous is interrupted by the flattened side portions.

The threaded portion also has a series of splines in order to suit an anti- vandal handle. Typically, series of narrow external splines are formed longitudinally around the circumference of the spindle on the threaded portion, that fit into corresponding internal splines in the mating handle and are used to prevent movement between two parts, especially in transmitting torque. According to the illustrated embodiment, the thread is formed by the series of splines.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. A tap valve assembly located in a flow passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the assembly having a sealing member, a plunger for moving the sealing member, the plunger reciprocally moveable and a flexible valve seat located across the flow passage and having an opening therethrough, the valve seat providing a laterally extending surface into the flow passage against which fluid pressure can bear to force the valve seat against the sealing member.

2. A tap valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing member is provided in direct association with the plunger such that movements of the plunger also moves the sealing member.

3. A tap valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein sealing member and the opening in the flexible valve seat are spaced inwardly from the flow passage.

4. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sealing member is a planar portion with a sealing surface on a planar surface and an extension finger extending from an opposite side of the planar surface.

5. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plunger is mounted relative to the tap body using a tap head top, the plunger engaging the tap head top through complimentary threaded portions, such that rotation of the plunger moves the plunger reciprocally in relation to the tap head top and the tap body.

6. A tap valve assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the length of the reciprocating movement of the plunger relative to the flexible valve seat is achieved through limiting the length of the threaded portions associating the plunger with the flexible valve seat.

7. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including an inner sleeve portion associated with the tap body to which the plunger is reciprocally mounted.

8. A tap valve assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plunger is reciprocally mounted to the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is mounted to the tap body.

9. A tap valve assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plunger is reciprocally mounted to the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is mounted to a tap head top which is mounted to the tap body.

10. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein a lower portion is provided and adapted to positively locate the flexible valve seat and to sandwich an outer portion of the flexible valve seat with a rigid valve seat on the tap body.

1 1. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the inner sleeve portion has at least one opening through a sidewall thereof adjacent the flexible valve seat in order to allow fluid flow therethrough when the valve assembly is opened.

12. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plunger is reciprocally movable through rotation.

13. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein any separation difference between the sealing member and the flexible valve seat when the tap is closed is taken up by deformation of the flexible valve seat under the pressure of the fluid from the fluid inlet.

14. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible valve seat sits transversely across the flow passage and movement of the sealing member relative thereto closes the opening therethrough when the tap valve assembly is closed and the fluid pressure exerted against the portions exposed to the fluid inlet deform the flexible valve seat to prevent fluid flowing or leaking through the assembly when closed.

15. A tap valve assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the laterally extending surface is adjusted in size by adapting an angle of the surface to the flow passage to adjust a degree of deformation.

16. A tap head top for a tap assembly including a tap body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the tap head top mounting a plunger for moving a sealing member to allow fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and adapted to locate the plunger relative to the tap body, wherein the tap head top has a peripherally extending flange, a threaded portion below the flange to attach to the tap body and a portion above the flange shaped to be engagable with a tool to tighten the tap head top.

17. A tap head top for a tap assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the tap head top has an at least partially rectangular upper portion above the flange.

18. A tap head top for a tap assembly as claimed in claim 16or claim 17 wherein the upper portion is provided with a series of grooves and ridges which together form a thread.

A spindle for a tap, the spindle having a lower end adapted to engage a valve member and an upper end adapted to mount a tap handle, the upper end having at least one flattened side portion, at least one threaded portion in an area other than the flattened side portion, and a series of external splines in the at least one threaded portion.

A spindle for a tap as claimed in claim 19 wherein a series of external splines are formed longitudinally around at least a part of the circumference of the spindle and the at least one threaded portion is formed by the series of splines.