WO2018197877A1

WO2018197877A1 - Valve apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2018197877A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/051095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Delaney
Original assignee: Cassellie Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-28
Filing date: 2018-04-26
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Also published as: GB201806820D0; GB2561987A; GB2561987C; EP3615854A1; GB2561987B

Abstract

A plumbing valve having a body portion that includes an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end, wherein the inlet and outlet in fluid communication with one another via a channel through the body portion. An insert (212) is provided, the insert comprising a blocking member (230) connected to one end of a shaft (235) and an actuation head member (232) connected to the other end of the shaft. The shaft passes through the channel of the body portion and when the value is in a first position, the blocking member is adjacent the inlet end of the channel, thereby blocking the channel and preventing fluid flow therethrough. When the valve is in a second position, the blocking member is spaced back from the inlet end of the channel, thereby allowing fluid flow therethrough. The insert moves from the first position to the second position upon a force being provided upon the actuation head member to cause axial displacement of the blocking member.

Description

VALVE APPARATUS

This invention relates to valve apparatus and to a method of use thereof and, in particular, but not limited to, plumbing valves for use in household environments for pressurized and unpressurized water systems.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to valve apparatus for use in a radiator or water system, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the valve apparatus of the present invention can be used for any valve apparatus which is arranged for the passage of any fluid and/or solid therethrough when in an open position, and to prevent or substantially prevent the passage of fluid and/or solid therethrough when in a closed position, for use in any suitable application.

The provision of valve apparatus for use in water systems to allow control of the flow of water through the valve apparatus is well known. The operation of valve apparatus can be via mechanical actuation, electrical actuation and/or the like. Mechanical actuation can use pivotal movement, sliding movement and/or rotational movement.

An example of mechanically actuated valve apparatus includes a valve member, which is moved in a linear direction between open and closed positions by rotation of one or more actuation members. For example, US4159103 and US3856262 disclose a valve arrangement comprising a body and a sleeve telescopically mounted in the body. A valve arrangement is provided between the body and the sleeve and movement of the sleeve relative to the body moves the valve between open and closed positions. A rotatable hand wheel provided around the sleeve allows movements of the sleeve between the valve open and valve closed positions. However, this type of valve arrangement only functions when the sleeve and body are in engagement with each other. If the body and sleeve are separated, such as due to replacement or repair of the body and/or sleeve, the valve apparatus is no longer functional and any fluid within the sleeve and/or body would flow/leak out of the same. In addition, conventional shut off valves generally require a unique mechanism or special tools to move the same between open and closed positions. This increases the cost and complexity of the valve apparatus, it may require two or more people to operate the valve apparatus, a relatively large amount of space may be needed around the valve apparatus to actuate the same and/or the like.

It is also noted that a central heating system typically comprises one or more radiators which are used to heat a building. Hot water is generated in a central boiler and is circulated by pumps through the one or more radiators in the building. The heat from the hot water is transferred to the surroundings in the locality of the one or more radiators. Each radiator is typically provided with an input valve at one end of the radiator and an output valve at an opposite end of the radiator to allow the flow of hot water into and out of the radiator to be controlled in use.

From time to time, a user may wish to remove a radiator from the central heating system, such as for example, for decorating a room in which the radiator is located, for replacing an old radiator with a new radiator, for cleaning out a radiator and/or the like. Conventionally, in order to remove a radiator, it is necessary to close the input and output valves to the radiator that are provided on the central heating pipes so as to isolate the radiator from the rest of the central heating system. It is then necessary to drain the radiator at the location at which the radiator is fitted prior to removal of the radiator. This can be a messy and time-consuming job. Sludge and rust can often build up in the radiator and this can leak out onto surrounding surfaces adjacent the radiator while it is being drained, such as for example onto carpets, furnishings and/or the like. Where a tap, shower or other arrangement is connected to a mains water supply, that mains water supply needs to be shut off in order to undertake any maintenance or repairs on the tap, shower or other arrangement. This may prove inconvenient, particularly where the mains water supply is off for an extended period. Statements of invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a valve as set out in the accompanying claim 1 , with preferred features are set out in the sub-claims. The invention is further directed to an arrangement as set out in the accompanying claims and a method of operating the same.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plumbing valve comprising:

a body portion having;

an inlet at one end; and

an outlet at the other end;

the inlet and outlet in fluid communication with one another via a channel through the body portion

and

an insert comprising:

a blocking member connected to one end of a shaft; and

an actuation head member connected to the other end of the shaft; wherein the shaft passes through the channel of the body portion, and wherein when the value is in a first position, the blocking member is adjacent the end of the channel, thereby blocking the channel and preventing fluid flow therethrough;

wherein when the valve is in a second position, the blocking member is spaced back from the inlet end of the channel, thereby allowing fluid flow therethrough; and

wherein, the insert moves from the first position to the second position upon a force being provided upon the actuation head member to cause axial displacement of the blocking member.

The present invention provides for a valve that, when in use in a plumbing arrangement, allows the flow of fluid therethrough when the parts each side of the valve are in engagement, When the plumbing arrangement is disconnected such that the parts each side of the valve are disconnected, the valve moves to a closed position to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough. This may be particularly beneficial in a pressurized water system where, when the parts are connected, the actuation head is held such that the valve is put into the second position, but when the parts are disconnected and the actuation head is provided with space to move, the pressure of the water can push against the blocking member and move the valve into the first position.

In a further arrangement, the insert may be biased to be in the first position, which may be put into effect by way of a compression spring arranged axially around the shaft. This is particularly useful in unpressurized plumbing arrangement, such as in disconnect radiators, where the biasing mechanism moves the valve into the first, closed position, when at rest. Such an arrangement allows the sealing of an outlet to prevent fluid flow therethrough when two parts of the arrangement are disconnected.

It is preferred that the actuation head member is provided with at least one aperture therethrough. This allows the flow of fluid through the actuation head so that it does not obtrude on the flow through the valve.

Advantageously, the blocking member and/or the channel adjacent the blocking member is chamfered. The chamfering of the blocking member and/or the channel provides a larger surface area between the two parts and, in turn, a better seal therebetween.

The invention extends to a plumbing arrangement incorporating a valve as described herein, wherein the arrangement comprises:

a first fitting in which the inlet end of the valve is positioned; and

a second fitting in which the outlet end of the value is positioned,

and wherein the first fitting and the second fitting are releasably connectable to one another and, in the connected position, the second fitting moves the insert into the second position and prevents movement of the insert to the first position. The valve may be integral with the first and/or second fitting, or it may be an insert provided there and, preferably secui'ed therein. Where the two fittings are connected together, the valve is arranged in the second position to allow fluid flow therethrough and where the fittings are disconnected, the valve is moved into the first position to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

In an advantageous constiTiction, the first fitting and the second fitting are connectable to one another by way of respective threaded sections and, preferably, when the threaded sections are at least partially disengaged, the insert moves from the second position to the first position, with an advantageous arrangement such that the insert moves from the second position to the first position prior to complete disengagement of the threaded sections. This allows the user to 'crack' the joint between the first fitting and the second fitting and partially disengage the parts to close off the fluid flow. Therefore, the user can unscrew, but not fully disengage the parts to stop fluid flow, thus allowing the water supply to an arrangement to be cut off so that work may be undertaken on the arrangement, without needing to shut off the mains supply.

The first and second fixings may be respective parts of a plumbing arrangement selected from a group comprising: a tap; a cistern; supply to a washing machine or other appliance such as a dishwasher or refrigerator; a water heater; a radiator; a gas over; a bath; a boiler; and a shower. The invention extends to a plumbing arrangement as described herein and selected from the aforementioned group.

In line with an aspect of the present invention there is provided valve apparatus, the valve apparatus including a first body portion and at least a second body portion; said first and/or at least second body portions provided with attachment means for allowing attachment of the same together in use; and wherein valve means are provided on or associated with the first body portion; the valve means arranged so as to be resiliently biased to a closed position with respect to the first body portion when the first and at least second body portions are detached or are in a first engaged position, and wherein fluid and/or one or more items are prevented or substantially prevented from passing through or past the valve means or first body portion in use; and wherein the valve means is arranged so as to be movable to an open position with respect to the first body portion when the first and at least second body portions are attached together and/or when the first and at least second body portions are moveable to a second engaged position, wherein fluid and/or one or more items are able to move through or past the valve means in use.

Thus, the present invention provides valve apparatus that is arranged such that the valve means is biased to be movable automatically from a closed position to an open position on attachment of the first and second body portions together, or when attachment of the first and second body portions is moved from a first engaged position to a second engaged position. In addition, the valve apparatus is arranged such that the valve means is movable automatically from an open position to a closed position upon detachment of the first and second body portions from each other, or when attachment of the first and second body portions is moved from the second engaged position to the first engaged position.

Advantages of the present invention are that the valve means is movable between open and closed positions without the use of any special tools, it can be actuated or used in a relatively confined space, it can be undertaken by a single person, and it reduces the risk of leakage of fluid and/or one or more items via the valve means on separation of the first and second body portions from each other, Thus, the present invention provides, in one embodiment, an automatic shut off valve.

Preferably, movement of the first and second body portions between the first and second engaged positions can also provide adjustment and/or control of the flow of fluid and/or one or more items through or part the valve means. Preferably, the valve means provided on or associated with the first body portion is a standalone unit or is provided entirely on or within the first body portion, such that the valve means is able to remain in a closed position or can be manually moved to an open position even when the second body portion is detached from the same. This is in contrast to some prior art devices where the valve means is formed between the first and second body portions and separation of the first and second body portions results in dismantling of the valve means such that it no longer operates and causes leakage and/or flow of matter from one of the body portions in use.

In one embodiment the at least second body portion is slidably, pivotably and/or rotatably movable relative to the first body portion in order to move the first and at least second body portions into and out of engagement with each other, in order to move the valve means between the open and closed positions and/or to move the first and at least second body portions between the first and second engaged positions in use.

In one embodiment the first and at least second body portions are directly movable relative to each other. For example, a part of the second body portion can directly engage a part of the first body portion and be movable relative to the same in use. In one embodiment the first and at least second body portions are indirectly movable relative to each other. For example, actuation means or an actuation member can be provided between the first and at least second body portions to allow relative movement between the same in use. In one example, the actuation means or actuation member is a nut or screw threaded member that is located with and/or engaged with both the first and at least second body portions.

In a preferred embodiment the second body portion is rotatably movable relative to the first body portion in order to move the first and at least second body portions into and out of engagement with each other, in order to move the body portions between the first and second engaged positions and/or to move the valve means between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment the attachment means includes screw threaded means. Preferably, screw threaded means are provided on one or both of the first and at least second body portions to allow engagement between the same and/or to allow relative movement between the body portions in use. For example, the actuation means or actuation member can be engaged with or between the first and/or second body portions via screw threaded means.

In one embodiment the first and/or second body portions have a channel defined therethrough to allow the passage or flow of fluid and/or one or more items therethrough in use.

Preferably, the valve means is movable relative to the channel of at least the first body portion between the open and closed positions. Prefer ably, the channel of the first body portion is arranged so as to be in communication or fluid communication with the channel of the second body portion when the first and second body portions are attached together or are in the first or second engaged positions, and the valve means is in an open position. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the channel of the first body portion is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel of the second body portion when the body portions are attached together or are in the first or second engaged positions. Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the channels of the first and second body portions are coaxial when the body portions are attached together or are in the first or second engaged positions. Preferably, the channels of the first and second body portions are linear or substantially linear in form, at least adjacent the valve means of the first body portion.

Preferably, a first valve seat is defined in the channel of the first body portion. A part of the valve means sits in or on or engages with the first valve seat when in a closed position.

Preferably, the part of the valve means is moved clear of the first valve seat when in an open position. Preferably, the valve means is arranged to undergo linear movement in moving between the open and closed positions. Preferably, the valve means is arranged to undergo linear sliding movement in moving between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, the first body portion has a first end and a second end. Preferably, the valve means is provided at or associated with the first end of the first body portion. Preferably, the first and second ends of the first body portion are opposite or substantially opposite to each other. Preferably, the channel defined in the first body portion has a narrowing taper or narrowing tapered section at or adjacent the first end. Preferably, the first valve seat is provided on or associated with the narrowing tapered section of the channel.

Preferably, the valve means includes a first part that moves into and out of engagement with the first valve seat defined in the first body portion between the closed and open positions respectively, and a second part that protrudes outwardly from the first end of the first body portion in at least the valve close position, and preferably also the valve open position.

Preferably, the second part of the valve means is the part that is engageable with the second body portion or with a user to allow the valve means to be moved between the open and closed positions. Thus, in one embodiment the second part of the valve means is acting as a push plate or push member for actuation of the valve means.

Preferably, movement of the second part of the valve means, or pushing of the push plate or member towards the first body portion moves the valve means from the closed position to the open position in use. Preferably, this movement or pushing force has to be sufficient to overcome the resilient biasing force of the resilient biasing means which biases the valve means to a closed position. Preferably, the valve means is manually movable from the closed position to the open position in use.

Preferably, the second part of the valve means protrudes outwardly from the first end of the first body portion to a greater extent when the valve means is in a closed position compared to when the valve means is in an open position.

Preferably, a stem or joining portion is provided between the first and second parts of the valve means. Preferably, the valve means is resiliently biased to a closed position via resilient biasing means. Preferably, the resilient biasing means includes a spring, sprung material and/or the like. Preferably _> the resilient biasing means is provided on or associated with the stem or joining portion of the valve means. Preferably, the second body portion has a first end and a second end. Preferably, the first end of the second body portion is opposite or substantially opposite to the second end of the second body portion.

In one embodiment the first end of the second body portion is moved into engagement with the valve means or second part of the valve means in moving the valve means from the closed position to the open position.

In one embodiment, the first end of the second body portion can be engaged with the valve means or second part of the valve means when the valve means is in both the open and closed positions, but preferably the engaging force applied to the valve means or second part of the valve means is greater with the body portions in the second engaged position compared to the first engaged position. The engaging force is sufficient to overcome the resilient biasing force of the valve means in order to allow the valve means to be moved from a closed position to an open position. Preferably, the attachment means of the first and/or second body portions are provided on or associated with at least the first ends of the first and/or second body portions, and further preferably an external surface of the first ends of the first and/or second body portions.

In one embodiment, the first and at least second body portions have at least two engaged positions; the first engaged position wherein the first and second body portions are engaged together and the valve means are in a closed position; and a second engaged position wherein the first and second body portions are engaged together and the valve means are in an open position or can be moved towards an open position.

In one embodiment the engagement force applied by the second body portion on the valve means or second part of the valve means depends on the distance between the first ends of the first and second body portions and/or the number of threads of the screw threads of the attachment means on the first and second body portions that are engaged directly together or via the actuation means or member.

Preferably, the first ends of the first and second body portions are closer together in the second engaged position compared to the first engaged position.

Preferably, a greater number of threads of the screw threads of the attachment means of the first and second body portions are engaged between the first and second body portions and/or with the actuation means or member, in the second engaged position compared to the first engaged position.

In one embodiment, the second part of the valve means has one or more apertures, slots, channels and/or the like defined therein to allow fluid and/or one or more items to pass through the same. Preferably, the one or more apertures, slots, channels and/or the like are in communication with, are aligned or substantially aligned with the channels defined in the first and second body portions when attached together in use to allow fluid and/or one or more items along the same. Preferably, sealing means are provided on or associated with the first part and/or the second part of the valve means. The sealing means prevents or helps to prevent the flow of fluid or one or more items past the same when the valve means is in a closed position. In one embodiment, sealing means are provided on or associated with the first end of the first body portion, and further preferably surround or substantially surround the second part of the valve means protruding outwardly from said first end of the first body portion.

Preferably, the sealing means provided on or associated with the first end of the first body portion is arranged so as to form a seal before, at the same time or substantially at the same time as engagement of the second body portion with the second part of the valve means, or prior to, at the same time or substantially at the same time as an increase in engaging force being applied by the second body portion of the second part of the valve means. This reduces the risk of water or fluid from flowing out of the apparatus via the valve means before a seal has been properly formed between the first and second body portions.

Preferably, the sealing means includes any or any combination of one or more O-rings, rubber members, seal, washer, annular washer and/or the like. Preferably, securing means are provided on or associated with the second end of the first and/or second, body portions to allow attachment of the first and/or second body portions to a pipe, conduit, hose, plumbing fitting, plate member and/or the like.

Preferably, the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more nuts, plumbing olives, outer compression members, inner compression members, screw threads, clips, inter-engaging members, friction fit, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

Preferably, the valve apparatus is arranged for the flow of fluid therethrough, and, further preferably, is arranged for the flow of water therethrough.

Preferably, the valve apparatus is arranged for the flow of fluid or one or more items from the first body portion to the second body portion. Preferably, the valve appai'atus is movable between the open and closed positions on rotation of a nut or rotatable actuation member associated with or between the external surfaces of the first and second body portions. Preferably, the nut or rotatable actuation member can be actuated from either the side of the first body portion and/or the side of the second body portion. This greatly increases the ease of operation of the valve apparatus.

Preferably, operation of the valve apparatus according to the present invention works with the apparatus in-line with other plumbing accessories, pipework and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the valve apparatus can be used on or associated with a radiator. For example, the valve apparatus can be used to allow a radiator to be disconnected from one or more water pipes without draining of the radiator being required.

In one embodiment the valve apparatus can be used on or associated with shower apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using valve apparatus.

According to further aspects of the present invention, there is provided a first body portion; a second body portion, shut of valve apparatus; a method of using a first body portion; a method of using a second body portion, and a method of using shut off valve apparatus. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided valve apparatus, the valve apparatus comprising:

a first valve part connectable to a first body; and

a second valve part connectable to a second body,

the first and second valve parts detachably attachable to each other, the first valve part comprising first valve means and the second valve part comprising second valve means, each of the first and second valve means being movable between a closed position, wherein matter is prevented from flowing or passing through the respective valve part, and an open position, wherein matter is able to flow or pass through the respective valve part, and wherein the second valve means is arranged to move from the closed position to the open position on attachment of the first valve part to the second valve part, and the second valve means is arranged to move from the open position to the closed position on detachment of the first valve part to the second valve part. Thus, the present invention provides valve apparatus including two valve parts, the valve means in one of the valve parts being moved automatically from a closed position to an open position on attachment of the two valve parts together, and the valve means in said one valve part being moved automatically from an open position to a closed position on detachment of the two valve parts together.

It will be appreciated that, in one example, if one of the two valve parts was located on a radiator and the other of the two valve parts was located on a central heating pipe, fluid flow into or out of the radiator can be automatically closed on detachment of the radiator from the central heating pipe and automatically opened on attachment of the radiator to the central heating pipe. This allows a user to remove the radiator without having to first drain the radiator.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment the valve apparatus is for use on a radiator. However, the valve apparatus of the present invention could be used on a tap arrangement, boiler arrangement, shower arrangement and/or the like.

The first body and/or second body may include any container, reservoir, conduit, pipe, object, radiator, shower component, hot water pipe, central heating pipe and/or the like in which matter, such as for example a solid or fluid, can be stored in, flow through and/or the like.

In one embodiment the first body is a fluid conduit arranged to allow the flow of a fluid therethrough.

In one embodiment the first body is in the form of a central heating pipe arranged to allow the flow of water or hot water to a radiator and/or therethrough and the second body is in the form of a radiator. The radiator is typically of a type that allows heat to be transmitted from the same into the locality of the radiator. In one embodiment a radiator includes two sets of valve apparatus; one set of valve apparatus on an input aperture or means to the radiator, and one set of valve apparatus on an output aperture or means to the radiator, Preferably, the first and/or second valve part includes input means or an input aperture for allowing matter to pass or flow into the same in use, and output means or an output aperture for allowing matter to pass or flow out of the same.

Preferably, the first valve means is located between the input means or aperture and the output means or aperture of the first valve part. Preferably, the second valve means is located between the input means or aperture and the output means or aperture of the second valve part.

In one embodiment the first and/or second valve parts has thermostatic means provided thereon or associatable therewith.

Preferably, the thermostatic means allows the valve part(s) to be movable between the open and closed positions based on a measured, pre-determined or required temperature, Preferably, the measured, pre-determined or required temperature is the temperature of the first and/or second bodies or of the locality in which the first and/or second bodies are located. Preferably the thermostatic means are provided on or associated with the first valve part. In one embodiment the first and/or second valve part is an angled valve part.

Preferably the input means or aperture of the angled valve part is arranged at an angle, an acute angle, a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular angle or at an obtuse angle with respect to the output means or aperture of the angled valve part.

In one embodiment the first and/or second valve part is a straight or linear valve part. Preferably, the input means or aperture of the straight or linear valve part is arranged in line, straight or in a linear manner, or substantially in line, substantially straight, or in a substantially linear manner with respect to the output means or aperture of the straight or linear valve part.

In one embodiment the first valve means of the first valve part are manually movable between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment the first valve means of the first valve part are automatically movable, remotely controlled and/or electronically controlled to be movable between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment the first and/or second valve part is a lock shield valve.

Preferably, the input means and/or the output means of the first and/or second valve parts include one or more apertures.

Preferably, the first valve part includes first valve part connection means for allowing connection of the valve part to the first body.

Preferably, the first valve part connection means includes any or any combination of a screw threaded arrangement, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, inter-engaging members, friction fit, bayonet fitting, welding, adhesive and/or the like. Preferably, the second valve part includes second valve part connection means for allowing connection of the valve part to the second body. Preferably, the second valve part connection means includes any or any combination of a screw threaded arrangement, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, inter-engaging members, friction fit, bayonet fitting, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

Preferably, the first and/or second valve parts include valve part attachment means for allowing detachable attachment of the first and second valve parts together. Preferably, the attachment means includes any or any combination of a screw threaded arrangement, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, inter- engaging members, friction fit, bayonet fitting and/or the like. Preferably, the first valve means is any valve type that can be moved between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, the second valve means includes a valve arrangement that is in a closed position when an engaging force is removed from at least a part of the valve arrangement and is movable to an open position when an engaging force is applied to the part of the valve arrangement.

Preferably, the engaging force is applied by means provided in the first valve part. However, it will be appreciated that an engaging force could be manually applied to the second valve means to move the same from the closed position to the open position when the second valve part is not connected to the first valve part. This allows a user to manually move the second valve part between the open and closed positions if required.

Preferably the first valve part includes stop means, such as for example in the form of a wall or stop plate which is brought into engagement with part of the second valve means. Movement of the part of the second valve means into engagement with the stop means creates the engaging force necessary to move the valve arrangement from the closed position to the open position.

In one embodiment the second valve part includes a body portion that is engageable to the second body in use via the second valve part connection means. Preferably the body portion includes the attachment means for allowing detachable attachment of at least part of the body portion to at least part of the first valve part,

In one embodiment the body portion has an outwardly protruding flange at one end thereof which engages with an inwardly protruding flange on the attachment means, thereby preventing the attachment means from becoming separated from the body portion, at least in one direction of movement.

In one embodiment a valve insert is located in a channel of the body portion of the second valve part. Preferably, the valve insert includes a channel therethrough and matter can flow or pass through the channel between first and second ends of the valve insert when the second valve means is in an open position. Preferably, a pin or arm member is located through the channel portion and said pin or arm member has stop means on a first end thereof. Preferably, the valve insert is in a closed position when the stop means engages with an end of the valve insert channel. Preferably, the valve insert is in an open position when the stop means is moved clear and out of engagement with the valve insert channel.

In one example, the stop means is in the form of a closure member, stopper and/or the like. Preferably with the first stop means in a closed position at the end of the valve insert channel, the second valve means is in a closed position and matter cannot pass or flow through the channel portion in use. With the first stop means in an open position at the end of the valve insert channel, the second valve means is in an open position and matter can pass or flow through the channel portion.

Preferably, an actuation member is provided at a second end of the pin or arm member. Preferably, the actuation member is provided at an opposite end to the stop means. Preferably, the actuation member protrudes relatively outwardly of the valve insert channel when the first stop means is in a closed position. Preferably, the actuation member is moved towards the valve insert channel, typically to a less extended position, when the first stop means is in an open position. Preferably, the actuation member allows the pin or arm member to be moved between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, resilient biasing means are associated with the actuation member to bias the actuation member, and therefore the pin or arm member, to the closed position when the second valve part is detached from the first valve part. Preferably, the resilient biasing means includes any or any combination of one or more springs, sprung material and/or the like.

Preferably, when the first valve part is attached to the second valve part, this forces the actuation member, and therefore the pin or arm member, to move against the resilient biasing force of the resilient biasing means, thereby allowing the first stop means on the pin or arm member to move to an open position. Preferably, the actuation member engages with a part of the first valve part when the first valve part and second valve part are brought into engagement with each other.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using valve apparatus, especially radiator valve apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided radiator valve apparatus for a radiator, said apparatus including a first valve part connectable to an input or output fluid conduit transporting fluid to or from a radiator in use, and a second valve part connectable to input means or output means provided on the radiator, the first and second valve parts detachably attached to each other in use, said first valve part including first valve means and said second valve part including second valve means, each of said first and second valve means movable between a closed position, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the respective valve part, and an open position, wherein fluid is able to flow through the respective valve part, and wherein the second valve means is arranged to move from the closed position to the open position on attachment of the first valve part to the second valve part, and the second valve means is arranged to move from the open position to the closed position on detachment of the first valve part to the second valve part. Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures wherein:

Figures la- Id show a side view, end view, perspective view and a cross sectional view taken along line B-B in figure la respectively, of a first body portion of valve apparatus for use in a shower arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a and 2b show a cross sectional view and an external view of first and second body portions in a first engaged position with the valve means in a closed position respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3a and 3b show a cross sectional view and an external view of first and second body portions in a second engaged position with the valve means in an open position respectively according to the embodiment shown in figures 2a and 2b; Figure 4 shows a perspective cross sectional view of the first and second body portions shown in figures 2a and 2b;

Figure 5a and 5b (PRIOR ART) show a perspective view of a conventional radiator and an enlarged view of a conventional radiator valve respectively;

Figure 6 illustrates water being discharged from a conventional radiator when the radiator is separated from a conventional radiator valve;

Figure 7 illustrates radiator valve apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with first and second valve parts in a detached position;

Figures 8a to 8d illustrate an exploded view, a partially assembled view and an assembled view of the second valve part shown in figure 7, respectively;

Figure 9 shows a cut through section of the radiator valve apparatus shown in figure 7;

Figures 10a and 10b show a cross sectional view of the second valve part in a closed position and an open position, respectively;

Figure 11 shows a tap comprising a valve in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a perspective sectional view of the tap of figure 11;

Figure 13 shows a cross-section view of the tap of figure 11 ; and

Figure 14 shows a further cross-section view of the tap of figure 11. Referring to figures la to Id, there is shown a first body portion 200 of valve apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in a shower arrangement. The first body portion is a stand-alone unit in that first valve means are provided entirely in or on the first body portion and can be actuated via a second body portion 240 or independently of the same, such as via manual actuation.

The first body portion 200 comprises a first end 204 and a second end 206. A channel 208 is defined internally of body portion 200 between the first and second ends 204, 206. Channel 208 is substantially linear and has a narrowing tapered section 210 adjacent first end 204, This tapered section 210 forms a valve seat for valve means in the form of valve member 212.

Fluid, such as water, is able to flow through an opening in channel 208 provided at the second end 206, past the valve member 212 when it is in an open position, and out through an opening of channel 208 provided at the first end 204. With the valve member 212 in a closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing past the valve member and out of the opening at the first end 204 of the channel 208.

Attachment means are provided on the external surface of first body portion 200 adjacent the first end 204 for attachment to a second body portion 240 in use, as will be described in more detail below. In this example the attachment means are in the form of screw threads 214.

Securing means are provided on the external surface of first body portion 200 adjacent the second end 206 for allowing attachment of the first body portion to a pipe or plumbing fitting, such as a water pipe, gas pipe. In this example the securing means are in the form of screw threads 218.

Further securing means can be provided on an internal surface of the channel 208 adjacent the second end 206 for allowing attachment of the first body portion to a pipe or plumbing fitting, such as a water pipe, gas pipe or base plate 216 for a pipe. In this example the further securing means are in the form of screw threads 220, Complementary screw threads 222 provided on a stem portion 224 of the base plate 216 engage with the screw threads 220 on the internal surface of channel 208. A water pipe, such as a copper water pipe 226 can be located within a channel of the stem portion 224 and engage in place using an inner compression ring or olive 228, with the second end 206 of the first body portion 200 acting as an outer compression nut or an additional compression nut being provided between the olive 228 and the inner surface of the body portion 200.

The valve member 212 comprises a first valve part in the form of a valve sealing member 230 provided in the channel 208 of first body portion 200 and facing towards the second end 206 of the first body portion 200, and a second valve part in the form of a push plate 232 outside of channel 208 and facing away from the first end 204 of the first body portion 200. A stem portion 235 is provided between the valve sealing member 230 and the push plate 232 to join the same together. A spring 236 is provided around the stem portion 235 to resiliently bias the valve member 212 to a closed position in use. The valve member 212 is arranged to undergo reciprocal linear sliding movement relative to channel 208 when moving between the open and closed positions of the valve apparatus. Sealing means in the form of an O-ring 234 is provided around the peripheral edge of valve sealing member 230 to form a seal with the valve seat 210 when in a closed position in use. The O-ring is chosen to be of sufficient size to create a seal between the valve sealing member 230 and the valve seat 210 when the valve member is in a closed position but be sufficiently small so as to allow fluid or water to pass the same when the valve member 212 is in an open position.

An annular sealing washer 237 is provided at first end 204 surrounding the push plate 232 of the valve member 212. The washer is of such size, shape and design that it creates a seal with the second body portion 240 in use prior to the push plate 232 being moved from a closed position to an open position.

With the valve member 212 in a closed position, valve sealing member 230 engages with the valve seat 10 and spring 236 biases the valve sealing member 230 towards first end 204 of first body portion 200. Water flowing through channel 208 from pipe 226 towards the valve member 212 is unable to flow past the valve member 212. In this position, the push plate 232 protrudes a relatively greater distance from first end 204 compared to the open position of valve member 212.

The valve member 212 is movable from the closed position to an open position on movement of the push plate 232 towards first end 204 of first body portion 200. The force to move push plate 232 towards first end 204 needs to be sufficient to overcome the resilient bias of the spring 236 associated with the valve member 212. Movement of the push plate 232 towards first end 204 causes valve sealing member 230 to disengage from the valve seat 210, thereby allowing fluid or water in channel 208 to pass around the O-ring and move towards the push plate 232. Sealing washer 237 prevents water flowing through the valve member 212 from leaking out between the first and second body portions.

It is to be noted that the push plate 232 has a large diameter than the channel opening 233 in which the stem 235 of valve member 212 is located through, such that the peripheral edges of the push plate extend or protrude beyond or outwardly of the opening 233 in use, Apertures 238 are defined through push plate 232 to allow fluid or water to pass through the same when the valve member 212 is in an open position. The apertures 238 are in alignment with the opening 233 of the channel 208 in use. The valve member 212 can be moved from the closed position to an open position either manually, as a result of a user manually pushing push plate 232 towards first end 204, or as a result of a second body portion 240 engaging with the push plate 232 and providing sufficient engagement force to push the same towards first end 204.

The washer 237 is arranged to create a seal before the push plate 232 encounters resistance and allows water to flow through the valve. The O-ring must be large enough to create a seal when in the engaged position, but small enough to allow water to flow when it is not engaged in the body.

Figures 2a-4 show an embodiment of the present invention in which a second body portion 240 is engaged with first body portion 200 for allowing movement of the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions in use. The first body portion 200 is similar to that described in figures la- Id but is provided with a nut 242 in place of the base plate 216. The same reference numerals will be used in figures 2a to 4 to describe the same features as in figures la to Id.

It will be appreciated that the second body portion 240 can be detachably attached to the first body portion 200 to allow total separation between the same when in a detached position.

When in this detached position, the valve member associated with the first body portion will automatically move to a closed position due to the resilient biasing action of spring 236.

However, the second body portion 240 can remain attached to the first body portion 200 and still be moved between a valve open position and a valve closed position. This is advantageous when the valve is required to be moved to a closed position but there is perhaps insufficient space to completely separate the first and second body portions 200, 240, as is often the case in some plumbing arrangements.

The provision of the second body portion 240 being rotatably movable or adjustable relative to the first body portion in this embodiment allows fine adjustment and control of the valve member 212. It also allows actuation of the valve mechanism to take place simply by rotating an external nut or actuation member, thereby removing the requirement for any special tools or actuation mechanisms to be provided, This greatly simplifies the cost and complexity of the valve apparatus. It will be appreciated that the first and second body portions can be attached to or integrally formed with pipework or a plumbing accessory via any suitable means. However, in the illustrated example, the nut 242 is provided and has a channel defined therethrough with an internal screw thread 244 provided on the internal surface defining the channel, thereby allowing engagement with the external screw thread 218 provided at the second end 206 of the first body portion 200.

An outer compression nut 246 is provided for engagement around olive 228. This outer compression nut 246 has screw threads provided on an external surface thereof for engagement with the internal screw threads 220 of the first body portion 200. The nut 242 and compression nut 246 allows engagement of the first body portion 200 to pipe 226.

The second body portion 240 has a first end 248 and a second end 250. A channel 257 is defined in second body portion 240 between first and second ends 248, 250. It is to be noted that the first end 248 of second body portion 240 could engage directly with the first end 204 of the first body portion 200 or it could be engaged via a joining nut 252, as shown in figures 2a to 4. The joining nut 252 has a channel defined through the same with an internal screw thread 254 on the walls of the channel. Internal screw thread 254 is complementary to external screw thread 214 provided on first body portion 200 and complementary to attachment means in the form of an external screw thread 256 provided on an external surface of second body portion 240 adjacent first end 248.

Securing means are provided on an external surface of second body portion 240 adjacent second end 250. In this example the securing means are in the form of a screw thread 258. A copper pipe 260 is located in channel 257 at second end 250 of second body portion 240. An inner compression ring in the form of olive 262 is located around pipe 260 at the join with second end 250. An outer compression ring or nut 264 is provided having a channel defined therethrough. One end of the nut 264 is for engagement with the external surface of olive 262 and the opposite end of nut 264 has an internal screw thread 266 provided for engagement with the screw thread 258 of the second body portion 240, thereby engaging the pipe 260 to the second body portion 240. It is to be noted that the diameter of the push plate 232 of the valve member 212 is larger than the diameter of channel 257 of second body portion 240, such that the peripheral edges of the push plate 232 can be brought into engagement with an end surface of the second end 248 of second body portion 240 in use. As such, as the second end 248 of second body portion 240 is moved towards the first end 204 of first body portion 200, the second end 248 engages against push plate 232 and moves the push plate 232 towards first end 204, thereby causing valve member 212 to be moved from a closed position to an open position. In use, the first and second body portions 200, 240 are engaged together via joining nut 252. When only relatively few screw threads 256 of second body portion 240 are engaged with the complementary screw threads 254 of joining nut 252, the second end 248 of second body portion 240 is a spaced distance from push plate 232 or is in contact with push plate 232 put does not provide sufficient engaging force against the same to overcome the bias of spring 236, as shown in figures 2a and 2b. In this position, the valve member 212 is in a closed position. Water flowing into or contained in pipe 226, as shown by arrow 253 is unable to pass through valve 212 and into channel 257 of second body portion 240, as shown by cross 255. Further rotation of joining nut 252 in the direction of first body portion 200 results in a relatively greater number of screw threads 214 of first body portion 200 engaging with nut 252, thereby moving the second end 248 of second body portion 240 towards first body portion 200 and pushing the push plate 232 towards the first end 204 of the first body portion 200. Once this pushing force is sufficient to overcome the bias of spring 236, this causes the valve member 212 to move from the closed position to an open position, as shown in figures 3a and 3b. With the valve member 212 in an open position, water contained in pipe 226 as shown by arrow 253 can flow through valve 212 and into channel 257 of second body portion 240, as shown by arrow 268. When in open position to allow water through the valve, the nut 252 may be turned twice to a position wherein the nut is still engaged with the screw threads 214, which relieves the pressure on the push plate 232, allowing the push plate 232 to move towards the pipe 260, in turn moving the valve sealing member 230 into contact with the valve seat 210, closing the valve. Referring to figures 5a to 6, there is illustrated a radiator 2 having a central heating inlet pipe 4 with an inlet valve 6 associated with the same, and a central heating outlet pipe 8 with an outlet valve 10 associated with the same. The inlet valve 6 is an angled manual valve, in that the inlet part 12 is perpendicular to the outlet part 14. An actuation member 16 is located on top of valve 6 which is rotatably mounted to allow a user to manually move the valve between an open position, wherein fluid can flow from the central heating inlet pipe 4 into the radiator pipe 18, and a closed position, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing from the central heating inlet pipe 4 into the radiator pipe 18.

Conventionally, on detachment of the inlet valve 6 from the radiator pipe 18 by undoing the screw threaded connection member 20, fluid 24 contained in the radiator 2 flows freely out of the aperture 22 of radiator pipe 18, as shown in figure 2. A user therefore has to collect this fluid 24 and carefully drain the radiator if they wish to remove the radiator 2 from the central heating inlet pipe 4.

In order to address this problem, the present invention provides radiator valve apparatus 102 consisting of two valve parts; a first valve part 104 associated with the central heating inlet pipe 4, and a second valve part 106 associated with the radiator inlet pipe 18, as shown in figures 4a-6b. The second valve part 106 remains in a closed position, such that fluid cannot flow out of radiator pipe 18, unless the second valve part 106 is attached to the first valve part 104. Detachment of the first valve part 104 from the second valve part 106 automatically closes the second valve part 106, thereby removing the requirement for a user to have to drain the radiator in order to remove the radiator from the central heating inlet pipe 4. The same valve arrangement can be provided on the radiator outlet valve.

The first valve part 104 contains a first valve similar to the type that would be used in a conventional radiator valve 6 and is therefore not illustrated in this example. The first valve is movable between the open and closed positions by manual rotation of the actuation member 16, as per the conventional radiator valve.

The first valve part 104 has an inlet aperture 108 for connection to the central heating inlet pipe 4 via a screw threaded connection 110. In particular, the screw threaded connection 110 comprises an inlet neck portion 112 on the first valve part 104, at the end of which the inlet aperture 108 is defined. The inlet neck portion 1 12 has a screw thread 114 on an outer surface thereof. A washer 116 is provided and a nut 117 having an internal screw thread 120 complementary to the screw thread 114 on the neck portion 112 is provided over the heating inlet pipe 4. The end 118 of the central heating inlet pipe 4 is inserted through the aperture 108 of the inlet neck portion 112 and the nut 117 is rotatably secured to the neck portion 1 12, as shown in figures 8a to 8d, to allow engagement of the first valve part to the central heating pipe.

The first valve part 104 has an outlet aperture 122 defined in an outlet neck portion 124. The external surface of the outlet neck portion 124 has attachment means in the form of a screw threaded portion 126 to allow detachable attachment with complementary attachment means provided on the second valve part 106. The first valve part 104 is an angled valve part in that the inlet neck portion 112 is perpendicular to the outlet neck portion 124.

The second valve part 106 comprises a body portion 130 with a channel 132 defined through the same. An external surface of body portion 130 adjacent a first end 134 is provided with screw threads 136, as shown in figure 4a. The body portion 130 is engaged to complementary screw threads 138 provided on an internal surface adjacent the radiator input aperture 140. This allows the second valve part to be connected to the radiator.

The body portion 130 contains a valve insert 142 in channel 132, The valve insert 142 is in the form of a sleeve having a first end 144 and a second end 146. An elongate pin or arm member 148 is located through the channel 150 defined in valve insert 142 and is longer than the length of channel 150.

First stop means in the form of closure member 152 is provided at a first end of the arm member 148 nearest to the radiator and an actuation member 154 is provided at a second end of arm member 148 opposite to the first end (or furthest from the radiator). Resilient biasing means in the form of a spring 156 is located between the actuation member 154 and the second end 146 of the valve insert 142. The spring biases the actuation member 154 and therefore the arm member to an outwardly position of the valve insert channel, thereby causing the closure member 152 to be biased in a direction towards the actuation member and to the closed position. Second valve part attachment means in the form of a nut 143 is located around the external surface of the body portion 130. An internal surface of the nut 143 is provided with a screw thread 145 defined thereon for engagement with the complementary screw thread 126 on the external surface of the outlet neck portion of the first valve part 104 in use. The body portion 130 of the second valve part 106 has an outwardly protruding flange 131 provided at a second end thereof which engages with an inwardly protruding flange 133 provided on the nut 143, thereby preventing the nut from moving in the direction of first valve part 104 and being removed.

With the closure member 152 engaged in the first end 144 of the valve insert 142, which is the normal resting position of the second valve part when the actuation member 154 is not engaging with anything, the valve insert 142 is in a closed position and fluid cannot flow into or out of the second valve part 106. In the closed position, the actuation member 154 is in an extended position with respect to second end 146 of the valve insert 142 under the bias of spring 156.

As the outlet neck portion 124 of the first valve part 104 is brought into engagement with the nut 143 on the second valve part 106, the actuation member 154 contacts an internal stop surface 156 defined in outlet neck portion 124. Further engagement of the outlet neck portion 124 with nut 143 causes actuation member 154 to be depressed inwardly towards the second end 146 of insert 142. This in turn moves the arm member in channel 150 and moves the closure member 152 clear of first end 144 and out of engagement with the same. Thus, the valve insert 142 is moved to an open position and fluid can flow into or out of the second valve part 106. Thus, when the radiator 2 including the second valve part 106 is connected to the first valve part 104, the valve of the second valve part is in an open position. When the radiator including the second valve part 106 is detached from the first valve part 104, the valve of the second valve part automatically moves from the open position to the closed position, thereby preventing the radiator from draining. Once the radiator is detached from the first valve part, if the user wishes to drain the radiator they can depress the actuation member 154 of the second valve part inwardly towards the radiator and this will open the valve of the second valve part independently of the first valve part being engaged with the same. Figures 11 to 14 show a tap 300 comprising an inlet pipe 302 connected to the tap body 304 by respective threaded connections 306. The tap body 304 connects to a tap cartridge 308 by respective threaded connections 310 and a conduit 312 in the tap cartridge 308 provides flow fluid through the cartridge to the tap outlet 314.

A valve mechanism 316 is provided at the junction between the tap body 304 and the tap cartridge 308, the valve mechanism 316 comprising a body portion in the form of the end 306 of the tap body 304, the body portion having an inlet 318 and an outlet 320 to which the tap cartridge 308 is connected, and the body portion having a channel provided in the form of an aperture. The valve mechanism 316 has an insert 324 positioned within the aperture, the insert 324 having a blocking member 326 at one end and an actuation head 328 at the other with apertures 328a therein, the blocking member 326 and the actuation head 328 being connected by shaft 330. A washer 332 is provided on the side of the head 328 adjacent the aperture.

When the tap cartridge 318 is fully connected to the tap body 304, that is to say, the threaded connections 306 are fully engaged, the actuation head 328 is pressed against the tap body 304 and, as such, the blocking member 326 is spaced back from the aperture due to the length of the shaft 330. Upon partial or full disengagement of the threaded sections 306, the blocking member 326 moves towards the aperture due to the pressure of water upon the blocking member 326, and, eventually, the blocking member 326 presses against the end of the tap body 304 with the washer 332 in contact with the end of the tap body 304 and covering aperture, thereby closing the end of the aperture and preventing fluid flow therethrough. The water pressure in the tap body 304 prevents movement of the blocking member 326 away from the aperture. Therefore, as long as the water is pressurized in the tap body 304, the valve remains closed until the tap cartridge 308 re-engages the tap body 304 and forces the actuation head 328 towards the aperture, thereby allowing fluid to flow therethrough once more. This allows the tap to be isolated from the mains supply in order to repair, maintain or replace the tap or tap cartridge 308.

One or more features of the described embodiments may, where not otherwise precluded, be incorporated into another of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A plumbing valve comprising:

a body portion having:

an inlet at one end; and

an outlet at the other end;

and

an insert comprising:

a blocking member connected to one end of a shaft; and

an actuation head member connected to the other end of the shaft;

wherein the shaft passes through the channel of the body portion,

and wherein when the value is in a first position, the blocking member is adjacent the inlet end of the channel, thereby blocking the channel and preventing fluid flow therethrough; wherein when the valve is in a second position, the blocking member is spaced back from the inlet end of the channel, thereby allowing fluid flow therethrough; and

2. A plumbing valve according to claim 1, wherein the insert is biased to be in the first position.

3. A plumbing valve according to claim 2, wherein the biasing comprises a compression spring arranged axially around the shaft.

4. A plumbing valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation head member is provided with at least one aperture therethrough.

5. A plumbing valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the blocking member .and/or the channel adjacent the blocking member is chamfered.

6. A plumbing arrangement incoiporating a valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement comprises:

a first fitting in which the inlet end of the valve is positioned; and

a second fitting in which the outlet end of the value is positioned, and wherein the first fitting and the second fitting are releasably connectable to one another and, in the connected position, the second fitting moves the insert into the second position and prevents movement of the insert to the first position.

7. A plumbing arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first fitting and the second fitting are connectable to one another by way of respective threaded sections.

8. A plumbing arrangement according to claim 7, wherein when the threaded sections are at least partially disengaged, the insert moves from the second position to the first position.

9. A plumbing airangement according to claim 8, wherein the insert moves from the second position to the first position prior to complete disengagement of the threaded sections.

10. A plumbing airangement according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first and second fixings are respective parts of a plumbing airangement selected from a group comprising: a tap; a radiator; and a shower.