WO2014022892A1

WO2014022892A1 - Liquids line flushing cap

Info

Publication number: WO2014022892A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000879
Authority: WO
Inventors: Owen Edward Lindsay NOTT
Original assignee: Nott Owen Edward Lindsay
Priority date: 2012-08-09
Filing date: 2013-08-09
Publication date: 2014-02-13

Abstract

There is provided a flushing cap (10) for a liquids line, the flushing cap (10) comprising a body (12) having a width periphery an inlet connection, an outlet, a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means (50) prevents fluid entering the inlet connection in use from exiting via the outlet and an open configuration at which the valve means (50) allows fluid entering the inlet connection in use to exit via the outlet and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means (50), the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the width periphery of the body (12), at least in the closed configuration of the valve means (50).

Description

LIQUIDS LINE FLUSHING CAP

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a flushing cap and in particular to a flushing cap for a liquids line. The invention has been developed primarily for use in the plumbing industry and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

In building new structures such as houses or buildings, the water lines are required to be flushed before water fittings (e.g. taps) are fitted. This is to ensure any debris (e.g. sand, soil or dust) within such lines are flushed out and do not damage the internal portions of the water fittings, particularly the seals. The end portions of such water lines are closed by a test cap during construction. The water supply for the structure is turned off typically at the water meter. The test cap of one water line is removed by a first person and a second person would turn on the water supply to flush that water line. Once flushed, the second person would turn off the water supply, the first person would then close that water line with the test cap, and the first person would then move to the next water line end portion and the process is repeated. This process is thus time laborious and time consuming.

The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body having a width periphery; an inlet connection, an outlet, a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering the inlet connection in use from exiting via the outlet, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the inlet connection in use to exit via the outlet; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the width periphery of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

Preferably, the body comprises an external surface defining the width periphery and the inlet connection. Preferably, the body defines the outlet, and an internal passage extending between the inlet connection and the outlet.

Preferably, the valve means in the closed configuration blocks the passage and prevents fluid communication between the inlet connection and the outlet, and in the open configuration the valve means allows fluid communication between the inlet connection and the outlet. Alternatively, valve means defines the outlet.

Preferably, the valve actuating means is recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

Preferably, the inlet connection is a threaded connection.

Preferably, the outlet is formed as a connection. Preferably, the outlet connection is a threaded connection.

Preferably, the inlet connection comprises a male connection formation and the outlet comprises a female connection formation.

Preferably, the body is generally elongated and tubular.

Preferably, the body comprises a first end which defines the inlet connection. Preferably, the body comprises a second end which defines the outlet.

Preferably, the inlet connection comprises a sealing means for fluidly sealing the inlet connection to a fluid line in use.

Preferably, the outlet connection comprises a sealing means for fluidly sealing the outlet connection to a fluid line in use. Preferably, the valve means is disposed within the body.

Preferably, the valve means comprises a ball valve mounted in a valve seat formed within the body, the ball valve comprising an aperture which extends therethrough between substantially opposing sections thereof, wherein the ball valve is rotatable relative body for moving the aperture between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Preferably, the valve actuator comprises a disc disposed in a recess of the external surface of the body.

Preferably, the disc comprises a slot which is engageable by a screwdriver head.

Preferably, the valve actuator at most extends from the width periphery in both the open and closed configurations thereof by a small predetermined distance.

Preferably, the predetermined distance is up to a maximum of 25 mm.

Alternatively, the valve actuator comprises a formation which can be turned by hand.

Preferably, the body comprises a formation for engagement by a tool for fitting/removing the flushing cap to a fluids line. Preferably, the valve actuator comprises two portions located on opposing sections of the body.

Preferably, the flushing cap further includes an indicator to indicate the closed configuration of the valve means.

Preferably, the flushing cap further includes an indicator to indicate the open configuration of the valve means.

Preferably, the flushing cap is made from inexpensive plastics material.

Preferably, the valve actuating means is recessed, flush or substantially flush with the width periphery of the body, in the open and closed configuration of the valve means.

In one embodiment, the valve actuator comprises an elongated handle disposed in a recess formed in the body.

Preferably, in a closed position of the handle, an external surface of the handle is recessed, flush or substantially flush with an external surface of the body.

Preferably, the recess has a flat lower surface which extends to opposing lateral sides of the body. Preferably, in the closed position of the handle, the handle is fully within the recess and generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, in an opened configuration of the handle, end portions of the handle extend out of the recess and outside of the width dimension of the body. The present invention in another aspect provides a flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body comprising an external surface, an inlet connection and an outlet; a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering the inlet connection in use from exiting via the outlet, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the inlet connection in use to exit via the outlet; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means. The present invention in another aspect provides a flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body comprising an external surface, a first inlet connection and a second inlet connection; a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering one of the first and second inlet connections in use from exiting via the other of the first and second inlet connections, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the one of the first and second inlet connections in use to exit via the other of the first and second inlet connections; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

Preferably, the first inlet connection is a male connection and the second inlet connection is a female connection.

The present invention in another aspect provides a method of flushing at least one fluid line which receives fluid from a fluid supply, the method comprising: shutting off the fluid supply; using the flushing cap of the above in the closed configuration to close each fluid line; turning the fluid supply on; and moving the valve means of one flushing cap to the open configuration, and then to the closed configuration to flush the respective fluid line. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a flushing cap in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a flushing cap in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the handle valve actuator thereof in its opened position; and Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the flushing cap of Figure 2 with the handle valve actuator thereof in its closed position.

Description of Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Fig. 1 shows a flushing cap 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The flushing cap 10 comprises a generally elongated tubular body 12 having an external surface 13, a first end 20, a mid-portion 25, a second end 30, and a passage 40 extending between the first end 20 and the second end 30.

The first end 20 includes a portion 22 which has a reduced diameter relative to the mid- portion 25. The reduced diameter portion 22 comprises an external thread 23 for fitting into an internally threaded end (female end) of a fluid line. The portion 22 thus defines a male end of the flushing cap 10. The junction between the portion 22 and the mid-portion 25 defines a shoulder 26 which acts as a seat for a rubber ring seal 27. When the portion 22 is fitted onto a female end of a fluid line, the seal 27 is compressed between the shoulder 26 and an end face of the female end to provide a liquid seal therebetween. The second end 30 includes an internally threaded portion 32 having threads 33 for fitting onto an externally threaded end (male end) of a fluid line. The portion 32 thus defines a female end of the flushing cap 10. A junction between the portion 32 and the passage 40 defines a shoulder 36 which acts as a seat for a rubber ring seal 37. When the portion 32 is fitted onto a male end of a fluid line, the seal 37 is compressed between the shoulder 36 and an end face of the male end to provide a liquid seal therebetween.

The flushing cap 10 further comprises a valve means 50 for the passage 40, the valve means 50 being disposed and supported within the body 12. The valve means 50 in the embodiment is a ball valve 42 mounted in a valve seat 44 formed within the body 12. The ball valve 42 includes an aperture 46 which extends therethrough between opposing sections of the ball valve 42, and the ball valve 42 is rotatable relative to the valve seat 44 between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve aperture 46 is not aligned with the passage 40 such that the ball valve 42 blocks the passage 44 and prevents fluid communication between the first and second ends 20 and 30. In the open configuration, the valve aperture 46 is at least partly aligned with the passage 40 such that the ball valve 42 allows fluid communication between the first and second ends 20 and 30.

The flushing cap 10 further comprises a valve actuator 60 for selecting the configuration of the valve means 50 relative to the body 12 between the open and closed configurations thereof. The valve actuator 60 in the embodiment comprises a disc 62 disposed in a circular recess 63 of the external surface 13 of the body 12, such that the disc 62 is flush with the external surface 13. The disc 62 is connected to the ball valve 42, and the disc 62 includes a slot 64 formed therein which is engageable by a screwdriver head. A screwdriver can thus be used for pivoting the ball valve 42 between the closed and open configurations as desired.

In other embodiments, the valve actuator 60 can be recessed relative to the external surface of the body 12, or substantially flush with the external surface 13. The valve actuator 60 being substantially flush in this case means the valve actuator 60 at most extends from the external surface 13 in both the open and closed configurations thereof only by a small predetermined distance, preferably up to a maximum of 25 mm. Other possible forms of the valve actuator include a formation which can be turned by hand, such as a small lever, knob or a disc with spaced protrusions.

In use, a plurality of the flushing caps 10 are used to close the respective ends of fluid lines, in one embodiment water lines, prior to installation of tap fittings. The water supply is shut off and the flushing caps 10 are mounted with the valve means 40 in the closed configuration. When the water lines are to be flushed, the water supply is turned on and a person uses a screwdriver to turn the valve means 50 of one flushing cap 10 to the open configuration, and then to the closed configuration when the water line is flushed. If the flushing cap 10 is mounted to the water line via the male end 22 as the inlet, the female end 32 forms the outlet of the flushing cap 10. Conversely, if the flushing cap 10 is mounted to the water line via the female end 32 as the inlet, the male end 22 forms the outlet of the flushing cap 10. The person then moves to the next water line and repeats the process with the respective flushing cap 10. The valve means 50 is a quarter turn valve and indicators are provided on the external surface 13 to indicate the open and closed configurations of the valve means 50.

The flushing cap 10 makes it easier to flush water lines after installation. In contrast to existing methods, it eliminates the need to shut off the water supply to remove an individual test cap one at a time. With the water supply on, a person can simply turn the valve actuator 60 of the flushing cap 10 and flush the water line into a bucket. As the valve actuator 60 is recessed, flush, substantially flush or at most extends from the external surface 13 of the body 12 only by a small predetermined distance, the width dimension of the flushing cap 10 is kept to a minimum. This allows the flushing cap 10 to be inserted into access holes of vanity units, cupboards or other structural fittings as required without having to widen such access holes. For example, a water line end closed by the flushing cap 10 can be inserted into an access hole of a bathroom vanity cabinet.

The flushing cap 10 will save time and money in the plumbing industry. Time is saved as flushing water lines after pipe installation will become a one person job. Money is saved as it is now a one person job and the plumber is not paying for new tap fittings that are damaged due to fluid lines not being flushed properly. Further, after bathroom or kitchen fit out is complete (tiles down, vanity cabinet, cupboards or toilet installed), the flushing caps 10 need to be removed to allow the permanent plumbing fittings to be installed. When the water supply has been shut off at the water meter, the water lines can then be drained through the flushing cap 10 first. Once the water has been drained out, the flushing cap 10 can be simply removed by hand and there is no water spilt onto the cabinet, cupboard or floor and therefore there are no wet spots and no water damage is caused. As the flushing cap 10 includes both male and female threaded formations, the flushing cap 10 can be attached to both female and male ends of fluid lines. The flushing cap 10 can be made from any desired material, such as metal, brass or plastics, and can also be made from inexpensive plastics material, so as to be disposable if desired. The flushing cap 10 thus significantly saves time and money in the plumbing industry. It is easy to install and can also be used in other industries. For example, the flushing cap 10 can be used to close and flush other fluid lines as desired, such as air, liquid, oil and gas fluids. The flushing cap 10 for example can be used in the air conditioning, automotive, high pressure air and gas industries. In these applications, the valve means 40 can be adapted as required to the specific fluid application.

Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, the flushing cap can include one threaded end only, which will allow the flushing cap to be manufactured with a shorter body and be less expensive. Also, the external surface of the body can include formations for engagement by a spanner or other tool for fitting/removing the flushing cap to a fluids line. The valve actuator can also include two portions located on opposing sides of the body to ensure easy access to turning of the valve means, irrespective of the rotation orientation of the flushing cap to the fluids line when mounted. In another possible modification, the valve means can form the outlet of the flushing cap. For example, the ball valve can be disposed at the second end of the body and the aperture of the ball valve forms the outlet of the flushing cap in the open configuration thereof.

Figures 2 and 3 shows a flushing cap 10b in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second flushing cap 10b is similar to the first flushing cap 10 and similar parts are labelled with the same reference numerals.

The valve actuator 60b in this embodiment however comprises an elongated handle 62b disposed in an elongated recess 63b formed in the body 12. The recess 63b is dimensioned such that, in the closed position of the handle 62b, an external surface 71b of the handle 62b is substantially flush with at least a portion of the external surface 13 of the body 12, and end portions 72b of the handle 62b are disposed within the recess 63b. The handle 62b is connected to the ball valve 42 at a mid-portion 74 thereof, and the recess 63b has a flat lower surface 68b which extends to opposing lateral sides of the body 12 and thus allows the handle 63b to be turned for moving the ball valve 42 between the closed and open configurations.

In the closed position of the handle 62b, the handle 62b is fully within the recess 63b and generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 12, as shown in Figure 3. This provides the user with a quick visual confirmation that the valve 42 is closed. The handle 62b can be turned by hand to its opened position at which the end portions 72b extend out of the recess 63b and outside of the width dimension of the body 12, as shown in Figure 2.

This embodiment has the advantage in that the user is not required to use a tool to move the valve actuator and can easily see if the flushing cap 10 is in the opened position of the valve 42 from a quick visual confirmation provided by the position of the handle 62b. Also, if the mains water is off, the end portions 72b in the opened position will physically prevent the flushing cap 10 from being insertable into an access hole of a furniture or fitting. This can thus prevent water damage to such furniture or fitting. This embodiment can also be modified to have the valve 42 attached to one end portion 72b of the handle which will provide more leverage if needed.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

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, appearances 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, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the plumbing and other liquids handling industries.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body having a width periphery; an inlet connection, an outlet, a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering the inlet connection in use from exiting via the outlet, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the inlet connection in use to exit via the outlet; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the width periphery of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

2. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body comprises an external surface defining the width periphery and the inlet connection.

3. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body defines the outlet, and an internal passage extending between the inlet connection and the outlet.

4. The flushing cap of claim 3 wherein the valve means in the closed configuration blocks the passage and prevents fluid communication between the inlet connection and the outlet, and in the open configuration the valve means allows fluid communication between the inlet connection and the outlet.

5. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve means defines the outlet.

6. The flushing cap of claim 2 wherein the valve actuating means is recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means

7. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the inlet connection is a threaded connection.

8. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the outlet is formed as a connection.

9. The flushing cap of claim 8 wherein the outlet connection is a threaded connection.

10. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the inlet connection comprises a male connection formation and the outlet comprises a female connection formation.

11. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body is generally elongated and tubular.

12. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a first end which defines the inlet connection.

13. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a second end which defines the outlet.

14. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the inlet connection comprises a sealing means for fluidly sealing the inlet connection to a fluid line in use.

15. The flushing cap of claim 8 wherein the outlet connection comprises a sealing means for fluidly sealing the outlet connection to a fluid line in use.

16. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve means is disposed within the body.

17. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve means comprises a ball valve mounted in a valve seat formed within the body, the ball valve comprising an aperture which extends therethrough between substantially opposing sections thereof, wherein the ball valve is rotatable relative body for moving the aperture between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

18. The flushing cap of claim 2 wherein the valve actuator comprises a disc disposed in a recess of the external surface of the body.

19. The flushing cap of claim 18 wherein the disc comprises a slot which is engageable by a screwdriver head.

20. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve actuator at most extends from the width periphery in both the open and closed configurations thereof by a small predetermined distance.

21. The flushing cap of claim 20 wherein the predetermined distance is up to a maximum of 25 mm.

22. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve actuator comprises a formation which can be turned by hand.

23. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a formation for engagement by a tool for fitting/removing the flushing cap to a fluids line.

24. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve actuator comprises two portions located on opposing sections of the body.

25. The flushing cap of claim 1 further including an indicator to indicate the closed configuration of the valve means.

26. The flushing cap of claim 1 further including an indicator to indicate the open configuration of the valve means.

27. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the flushing cap is made from inexpensive plastics material.

28. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve actuating means is recessed, flush or substantially flush with the width periphery of the body, in the open and closed configuration of the valve means.

29. The flushing cap of claim 1 wherein the valve actuator comprises an elongated handle disposed in a recess formed in the body.

30. The flushing cap of claim 29 wherein, in a closed position of the handle, an external surface of the handle is recessed, flush or substantially flush with an external surface of the body.

31. The flushing cap of claim 29 wherein the recess has a flat lower surface which extends to opposing lateral sides of the body.

32. The flushing cap of claim 29 wherein, in the closed position of the handle, the handle is fully within the recess and generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body.

33. The flushing cap of claim 29 wherein, in an opened configuration of the handle, end portions of the handle extend out of the recess and outside of the width dimension of the body.

34. A flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body comprising an external surface, an inlet connection and an outlet; a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering the inlet connection in use from exiting via the outlet, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the inlet connection in use to exit via the outlet; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

35. A flushing cap for a liquids line, the flushing cap comprising: a body comprising an external surface, a first inlet connection and a second inlet connection; a valve means configurable between a closed configuration at which the valve means prevents fluid entering one of the first and second inlet connections in use from exiting via the other of the first and second inlet connections, and an open configuration at which the valve means allows fluid entering the one of the first and second inlet connections in use to exit via the other of the first and second inlet connections; and a valve actuating means for selecting the configuration of the valve means, the valve actuating means being recessed, flush or substantially flush with the external surface of the body, at least in the closed configuration of the valve means.

36. The first inlet connection is a male connection and the second inlet connection is a female connection.

37. A method of flushing at least one fluid line which receives fluid from a fluid supply, the method comprising: shutting off the fluid supply; using the flushing cap of any one of claims 1 to 30 in the closed configuration to close each fluid line; turning the fluid supply on; and moving the valve means of one flushing cap to the open configuration, and then to the closed configuration to flush the respective fluid line.