WO2023039372A1

WO2023039372A1 - Timer with flare fittings and tactile dial

Info

Publication number: WO2023039372A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/075976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phil F. CHU
Original assignee: No Worriez International Corp.
Priority date: 2021-09-07
Filing date: 2022-09-06
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

The invention relates to a control valve system for use with a gas grill, and more particularly to a fuel shut off device that is attached to the fuel supply to turn it off, if the integrated timing device is allowed to accrue time equal to the preset amount of time set. A multi-segment tactile dial enables a user to feel the dial and set the appropriate time increment without having to look at the dial.

Description

TIMER WITH FLARE FITTINGS AND TACTILE DIAL

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

[1] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[2] Trademarks used in the disclosure of the invention, and the applicants, make no claim to any trademarks referenced.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[3] This application claims the benefit of United States Patent Application No.

17/467,676 filed on September 7, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

[4] The invention relates to the field of gas grills, and, more particularly to a fuel shut off device that is attached to the fuel supply to turn off the gas grill, if the timing device is allowed to accrue time equal to the preset amount of time set.

2) Description of related art

[5] Currently the state of the art includes a number of automated and non-automated devices which are commonly referred to as a control valve to turn off gas flow to a gas grill.

However, none of these devices provide an easy to use, easy to install, intuitive and simple device. [6] In particular there is a need for an easy to install device which provides all the components needed for a user to install the control valve as part of a single kit and that the controls provide tactile feedback to the user, so that the user can easily set the timing function of the control valve.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[7] The instant invention in one form is directed to an easy to use and install control valve and timer device which can be installed between a propane tank and a gas grill. The control valve and timer device comprises of a control valve and timer. The timer which is part of the control valve and timer device is manually activated by the user who sets the desired time duration that the gas is allowed to flow to the grill. Once the control valve and timer device is turned on the time is set. The control valve timing device allows gas to flow and automatically shuts the gas flow off once the preselected time has passed. The expiration of the timer results in terminating gas flow unless the user increases the preselected time. So, if a gas grill is used and is always shut off prior to the expiration time set by the user no action will result, but if the gas grill is inadvertently left on, once the time on the timer has expired, the control valve will be closed. This device provides a safety feature that when installed provides the safety of knowing that the gas flow to the gas grill is shut off if inadvertently left on, it saves fuel, and it can help prevent a fire hazard if the grill is left unattended and the gas has been left on.

[8] An advantage of the present invention is the ability of the instant invention to provide an easy to install device by providing a kit which has all the components needed for a nonprofessional installer to connect the gas lines to the timer without the need for special tools or sealants. The instant invention is easy for customers to set up, and convenient for users to select the desired time when the timer is not easily visible, such as when it is used at night or when the control valve is installed under a gas grill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[9] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[10] Fig. 1 is an isometric rendering of the instant invention showing the flared fitting and hose attached prior to installation onto a gas grill;

[11] Fig. 2 is an isometric rendering exploded view of the instant invention;

[12] Fig 3 is a line drawing plan view of the instant invention showing the flared fittings and hose attached prior to installation onto a gas grill;

[13] Fig. 4 is a line drawing of the right side view of the instant invention;

[14] Fig. 5 is a line drawing of the left side view of the instant invention;

[15] Fig. 6 is a line drawing of the bottom view of the instant invention;

[16] Fig. 7 is a line drawing of the back side view of the instant invention;

[17] Fig. 8 is a line drawing of the front side view of the instant invention;

[18] Fig. 9 shows a plan view line drawing of the timer and valve of the instant invention without output fitting or the output hose;

[19] Fig. 9A shows a zoomed in isometric view of the notch segments 20 and 30 which are used as refence notch segments for illustration purposes; [20] Fig. 10 shows a plan view rendering of the timer and valve of the instant invention without fittings or the hose;

[21] Fig. 11 shows an isometric line drawing of the timer and valve of the instant invention without fittings or the hose;

[22] Fig. 12 shows an isometric rendering of the timer and valve of the instant invention without fittings or the hose;

[23] Fig. 13 shows a schematic of the instant invention being connected to a gas supply line after a regulator;

[24] Fig. 14A shows a detailed assembly schematic of the instant invention being connected to a gas grill supply line;

[25] Fig. 14B shows a detailed assembly schematic of the instant invention being connected to a gas supply line after a regulator;

[26] Fig. 15 shows a detailed assembly schematic of the instant invention being connected to a gas supply line after a regulator and the gas supply tank and before the gas grill; and

[27] Fig. 16 shows an isometric rendering of the kit of the instant invention.

[28] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[29] While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[30] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art however that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments are described herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token however, no single feature or features of any described embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.

[31] In this application the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise and use of the terms "and" and "or" is equivalent to "and/or," also referred to as “nonexclusive or” unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term "including," as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included," should be considered non-exclusive. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements and components including one unit and elements and components that include more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[32] Lastly, the terms "or" and "and/or" as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" or "A, B and/or C" mean "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C." An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. [33] As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.

[34] The terms gas supply and gas tank are used interchangeably to mean a gas supply that can be attached to the instant invention.

[35] The terms fittings and flared fittings are used interchangeably to mean a flared fitting suitable for use in a gas system.

[36] The term segment notch, segment and notch are used interchangeably to mean an addressable position on the timer dial.

[37] The term tapered fittings as used in the specification is meant to mean either a male or female fitting with tapered threads such as the National Pipe Thread standard thread of any other applicable pipe or tube thread standard.

[38] The term control valve as used in this specification is meant to mean a device for turning off a gas line to a gas appliance such as a gas grill.

[39] The term control valve and timer device and control valve and timer device are used interchangeably in the specification to mean a control valve and timer device of the instant invention.

[40] Prior to a discussion of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that while the features and advantages of the invention are illustrated in terms of an outdoor gas grill, the invention can be used with any type of gas cooking device, such as outdoor portable barbeque grills, outdoor permanent barbeque grills, outdoor gas grills, indoor gas grills, and conventional residential or commercial kitchen stoves. [41] The instant invention is a device which limits fuel supply to a gas burning appliance such as a gas grill. When the timing mechanism of the instant invention expires, the gas grill gas supply is automatically shut off to avoid fire hazard and/or wasting of fuel. An adjustable timer is used to activate the gas supply’s automatic shutoff.

[42] The instant invention protects the user from a grilling accident. The best way to do that is to prevent the possibility of the accident. The instant invention gas grill or appliance shutoff timer turns off your grill after a user’s selected time has been set.

[43] The instant invention comprises the following components: a. Timer comprised of a timer mechanism, timer body and timer dial; b. A control valve which is capable of being turned off by the timer; c. Flared output fitting; d. Supply hose with flared output fitting.

[44] The instant invention is connected to the gas grill or appliance by following these simple steps: a. Connect the gas grill or appliance supply hose to the supply connecter hose. Alternatively, the timer connecter hose can be attached directly to the gas supply or regulator. b. Connect the timer hose to the gas grill or appliance. c. Tighten all connections.

[45] The instant invention prevents unintentional activation of the timer by requiring the user to first “prime the device” by turning the dial clockwise past the “20” or third segment notch mark and then turn it counterclockwise back to “OFF” position, which is the first segment notch mark. By doing so the user activates the internal timer mechanism. This is a safety feature which prevents unintentional activation of the control valve. The control valve of the instant invention has two states, “ON” and “OFF”. The on state is when the gas is allowed to flow through the valve and the off state is when the gas is stopped from flowing through the valve.

[46] The user then needs to start the timer. The user sets the timer to the desired time by turning the dial clockwise to the desired countdown time. In a preferred embodiment, the dial is marked with six ten-minute segment notch increments. The timer will automatically rotate counterclockwise and shut off the gas supply when the time is complete and it reaches the “OFF” segment notch. For example, if the user sets the timer to the number 30 on the dial, the timer will run for 30 minutes which is the fourth segment notch, and turn off the gas supply once the 30 minutes on the timer has expired. The dial may also be turned off early by simply rotating it counterclockwise to the OFF position. The instant invention can utilize any timer which provides the necessary functionality including but not limited to a mechanical timer or electronic timer.

[47] The instant invention also provides the user the ability to easily set the timer due to the tactile feel of the timer dial. The timer dial is designed so that the user receives a tactile response from the dial. The dial is configured into at least eight segments. Each segment has a tactile feel to the segment notch which allows the user to feel the dial and select the appropriate time increment without having to look at the dial. Tactile technology involves a physical interaction with the dial and the operator, such that the operator can identify the status of the dial without having to look at the device. This is useful when a control valve is located above or below an object or has an obstructed view.

[48] The instant invention utilizes a dial which is designed to provide tactile response to the user. The dial is comprised of eight (8) individual segment notches, which have raised and contoured features that provide feedback to the user when using the dial to select a time for the integrated timer of the control valve. In a preferred embodiment the dial is marked with six ten- minute segment notch increments. Starting at the OFF position, and going in a clockwise direction, the first segment notch represents the OFF position, the second segment notch represents the 10-minute position, the third segment notch represents the 20 minute position, the fourth segment notch represents the 30 minute position, the fifth segment notch represents the 40 minute position, the sixth segment notch represents the 50 minute position, the seventh segment notch represents the 60 minute position, the eight segment notch is not addressable and does not set the timer. This provides a safety feature so that the timer cannot be set for longer time durations.

[49] Alternatively, the timer segments can be configured as a 3 hour timer, and in this configuration each segment represents half an hour (30 minutes). Other configurations are possible and depend on the mechanical timing device incorporated into the instant invention.

[50] The segments are configured as a segment notch and each segment notch provides a discernable finger position for the timer. The instant invention segment notches are designed such that each segment notch is comprised of a flat surface which is referred to as a segment floor that is surrounded on three sides by a raised wall. This forms a relief which surrounds the segment notch on three sides. The forward wall of the segment notch which is proximal to the indicator located on the housing body or the next lowest time selection segment, has a relatively straight and vertical forward wall face. The trailing wall face is sloped away from the forward wall face and it is adjacent to the next higher setting. When a segment is viewed at the first position, the trailing wall face is parallel to the line formed by the gas inlet and outlet which is essentially horizontal when viewed, such that the indicator arrow is at the 12 o’clock position. [51] The indicator is an arrow that is formed into the housing of the body of the timer. The indicator can be formed either as a relief or a counter-relief design. The indicator can also have a stencil applied to it to make it stand out and make it easily visible to the user. The user positions the segment they desire, which relates to the desired time that the user wants to set the timer for, so that it is aligned with the indicator. This is easily done because the indicator is raised and it is easy to feel with the users’ fingers.

[52] The segments configuration as a notch provides a discernable finger position for each position of the timer. For example, if the user wants to set a timer to 30 minutes, configured in 10-minute intervals, then they can place their finger on the dial and position their finger so that it is on the fourth segment, which is easily done by using the fingers to count the forward wall of the segment notches. These walls are formed in a relief structure so that the wall stands up over the notch floor which forms the segment. The user can then rotate the dial so the desired notch or segment aligns with the indicator arrow that is formed into the housing of the body of the timer. As noted above, this indicator is also in the form of a relief structure that is raised above the surrounding body of the timer so it is easy to identify when the desired segment is aligned with the indicator using only the users’ fingers.

[53] Additionally, the instant invention provides for a low cost kit which utilizes the control valve and timer of the instant invention, the flare fittings for the output side of the control valve to connect to the gas grill or appliance, the gas supply hose which attaches to the control valve and timer of the instant invention, and the flared fittings which attaches to the gas supply hose which is used to connect the control valve to the gas supply. By packaging all the components together into one kit the instant invention creates a synchronized system or kit which can be easily installed by a non-professional and provides a method to simply control a gas grill or appliance to prevent the user from leaving it on after the user has finished using the gas grill or appliance. The synchronized system can also be combined with single use tools such as low cost wrenches or pliers to provide the user with the tools needed to attach the control valve and fittings to the gas grill or appliance. By creating a complete synchronized kit comprising control valve, connectors, and tools, the instant invention reduces the barriers for the user to purchase and implement the safety device of the instant invention.

[54] The timer of the instant invention can be either mechanical or electronic.

[55] The assembly of all the items into a kit makes the installation simple and easy for the user because the parts necessary to connect the control valve and timer of the instant invention can be assembled to the existing gas line without using special tools or sealants.

[56] Referring now to the drawings Fig. 1 -16, and more particularly to Fig. 1, there is shown an isometric rendering of the instant invention showing assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110, tactile dial 105, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120 and gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125. The proximal end 900 of assembly 100 is at the flared input fitting 115 and the distal end 910 of assembly 100 is at the output hose 120 connecting flared output fitting 125. The control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention has two states an ON state and an OFF state. The ON state is when the gas flow is allowed to flow through the control valve and timer device 110 and the OFF state is when the gas is stopped from flowing through the control valve and timer device 110. When the timer is enabled, the control valve and timer device 110 is on, and when the timer has reached the off position, the control valve and timer device 110 is off which stops the flow of gas through the valve.

[57] Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown an isometric rendering of an exploded view of the control valve and timer device 110. The control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention is comprised of the tactile dial 105, timer mechanism 210 and the valve body 220. The tactile dial has opposing surfaces, a top surface 282, and a bottom surface 283, and an outer edge 280. The instant invention can utilize any timer which provides the necessary functionality including but not limited to a mechanical timer or an electronic timer.

[58] Referring to Fig. 3 is line drawing plan view of the instant invention showing assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120, hose connector 130 which is attached to the output hose 120 which is used to attach the output hose 120 to the gas grill or appliance using the gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125 on the distal end 910 of the output hose 120.

[59] Referring to Fig. 4 is a line drawing right side view of the instant invention showing the assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, and flared input fitting 115. Note that the word “IN” is marked on the right side of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention. The view also shows bottom surface 283, and an outer edge 280.

[60] Referring to Fig. 5 is a line drawing left side view of the instant invention showing the assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, and gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125. Note that the word “OUT” is marked on the left side of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention. The view also shows bottom surface 283, and an outer edge 280.

[61] Referring to Fig. 6 which shows a line drawing bottom view of the instant invention showing assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120, flared output fitting 125 , hose connector 130 attached to output hose 120. The output hose 120 is used to attach the control valve and timer device 110 to the gas grill or appliance (not shown) on the distal end of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, using the gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125 on the distal end 910 of the output hose 120.

[62] Referring to Fig. 7 is a line drawing back view of the instant invention showing assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120, hose connector 130 attached to the output hose 120.

[63] Referring to Fig. 8 is a line drawing front view of the instant invention showing assembly 100, control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120, hose connector 130 attached to output hose 120. The output hose 120 is used to attach the control valve and timer device 110 to the gas grill or appliance (not shown) on the distal side of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention using the gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125 on the distal end 910 of the output hose 120

[64] Fig. 9 shows a plan view line drawing of the instant invention and Fig. 9A is a zoomed in isometric view of the notch segments 20 and 30, 2000, which is used as reference notch segments for illustration purposes. Each notch segment has a segment floor 310 , segment wall 325 that is comprised of the forward wall 315 having a forward wall face, the trailing wall 320 having a trailing wall face and the back wall 305 having a back wall face thereby surrounding the segment floor 310 on three sides by a segment wall 325.

[65] Referring to Fig. 9 and Fig. 9A which show the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, and tactile dial 105 of the instant invention, without input fitting 115 or the output hose 120. The timer indicator mark 135 is shown in the 12 o’clock position. The control valve and timer device 110 is in the “OFF” position when the segment notch 300 with the OFF marking is aligned with the timer indicator mark 135 . The instant invention segment notch 300 is designed such that each segment notch 300 is comprised of a relatively flat surface segment floor 310 which is proximal to the segment wall 325 which can be formed perpendicular to the segment floor 310 and the segment wall 325 can have a slopped or angled wall face where the angle is vertical to 45 degrees. Segment floor 310 and segment wall 325 thereby forms the segment notch 300. The segment wall 325 is further comprised of the forward wall 315 having a forward wall face, the trailing wall 320 having a trailing wall face and the back wall 305 having a back wall face thereby surrounding the segment floor 310 on three sides by a raised segment wall 325. This forms a relief which surrounds the segment notch 300 on three sides. Using the segment notch 10 as a reference, the forward wall 315 of the segment notch 300 is proximal to the indicator 135 located on the housing body. As shown in Fig. 9 when viewing the other segment notches represented in segments marked as off, 20, 30,40, 50, 60 and blank indicators such that the forward wall 315 of segment notch 300 is proximal to the next lowest time or the OFF indicator segment notch 300. The forward wall 315 has a relatively straight and vertical forward wall face. The trailing wall face 320 is sloped away from the forward wall 315 face and it is adjacent to the next higher setting. When a segment notch 300 is viewed at the first position, such as segment notch 10 indicator as shown in Fig. 9, the trailing wall 320 having a trailing wall face is approximately parallel to the reference line 330 formed by the gas inlet and outlet which is essentially horizontal when viewed in a plan view such as Fig. 9 such that the indicator 135 is at the 12 o’clock position. The forward wall 315 has a somewhat vertical face perpendicular segment floor 310. However, in some embodiments it can have a slope of up to a 30-degree angle with respect to the segment floor 310. The trailing wall face 320 is preferably sloped between a 25- to 45-degree angle with respect to the segment floor 310. The back wall face 305 is preferably sloped between a 10- to 45- degree angle with respect to the segment floor 310. The forward wall 315, trailing wall 320 and back wall 305 thereby forms the segment wall 325 which forms a tactile feature, which is easy to identify by a user using only the individual’s finger. This allows the individual to sense the segment notch 300 and segment wall 325 which forms a tactile feature using only their sense of touch associated with a finger which allows them to align the desired segment notch by aligning it with the timer indicator mark 135 to set the desired time on the timer. Once set the timer 210 part of the control valve and timer device 110 holds the valve in the open position until the timer “OFF” indicator is aligned with the timer indicator mark 135. Because of the tactile field of the segment notch 300 the user of the instant invention can easily count the segment notches 300 and align the desired notch with the timer indicator mark 135 thereby setting the desired time.

[66] Fig. 10 shows a plan view rendering of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention and tactile dial 105 of the instant invention without input fitting 115 or the hose 120. The timer indicator mark 135 is shown.

[67] Fig. 11 shows an isometric line drawing of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention and tactile dial 105 of the instant invention without input fitting 115 or the output hose 120. The zoom in area 2000 of Fig. 9A is shown for reference.

[68] Fig. 12 shows an isometric surfaced view of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention and tactile dial 105 of the instant invention without input fitting 115 or the output hose 120.

[69] Fig. 13 shows a schematic of the instant invention being connected to a gas supply line after a regulator 1000. The timer indicator 135 is shown on the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention. The input fitting 115 and the output hose 120 are also identified.

[70] Fig. 14 A shows connecting the instant invention control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, flared input fitting 115 to the input hose 230. Wrench 205 and wrench 215 are used to tighten the input fitting 115. The input hose 230 is attached to the gas supply. Flared output fitting 125 is the connected to the gas grill or appliance in Fig. 14B.

[71] Fig. 14 B shows connecting the instant invention control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention, tactile dial 105, gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125 to the gas grill supply hose 330. Wrench 205 and wrench 215 are used to tighten the flared output fitting 125.

[72] Fig. 15 shows a detailed assembly schematic of the control valve and timer device 110 of the instant invention with tactile dial 105 and the output hose 120 being connected to the gas grill and the flared input fitting 115 is connected to the gas supply hose 230.

[73] Fig. 16 shows an isometric rendering of the synchronized kit 200 of the instant invention which has control valve and timer device 110, flared input fitting 115, output hose 120, gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125, tactile dial 105, hose connector 130 and at least one wrench 205. This provides all the components that a user would need to simply connect the valve and timer of the instant invention 110 to a gas grill appliance and gas supply such as a regulated propane tank. The synchronized kit 200 can alternatively have a second wrench 215 not shown. Alternatively, if desired the kit can be provided without a wrench 215 and would therefore have only the following parts in the kit (1) control valve and timer device 110, (1) flared input fitting 115, (1) output hose 120, (1) gas supply connecting flared output fitting 125, (1) tactile dial 105 and (1) hose connector 130. Preferably the synchronized kit 200 would come in a box with the installation, use inserts, warranty card 1600.

[74] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[75] In addition, the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be noted and understood that various modifications and variations can be crafted by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Further it is intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or materials which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[76] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved. [77] Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should be recognized that the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.

[78] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A control valve and timer comprising: a valve body having a timer indicator mark; a timer mechanism; a tactile dial; said tactile dial comprising at least one segment notch; a gas supply connecting flared output fitting; an output hose; and a hose connector.

2. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said valve body is in communication with said timer mechanism, forming a control valve, and said control valve has an on state and an off state.

3. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said timer mechanism is in communication with said tactile dial.

4. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said tactile dial has said at least one segment notch and said at least one segment notch is formed from a segment floor, and a segment wall, and said segment wall forming three sides of said at least one segment notch.

5. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said at least one segment notch has a segment wall, and said segment wall comprises a forward wall, a trailing wall and a back wall forming three sides of said segment wall.

6. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said at least one segment further comprising a tactile feature that can be recognized by an individual using only their sense of touch associated with a finger.

7. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said at least one segment notch has a segment wall comprising a forward wall having a vertical face, a trailing wall having a sloping face and a back wall having a sloping face. The control valve and timer of claim 7 wherein said vertical face of said forward wall is sloped from 90 to 30 degrees with respect to said segment floor. The control valve and timer of claim 7 wherein said sloping face of said trailing wall is sloped from 25 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to said segment floor. The control valve and timer of claim 7 wherein said sloping face of said back wall is sloped from 10 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to said segment floor. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said tactile dial comprises eight segment notches, and said tactile dial is rotatable relative to said valve body, and said eight segment notches are spaced along a circumference of said tactile dial. The control valve and timer of claim 11 wherein said control valve and timer is primed with gas by turning said tactile dial clockwise past the third segment notch mark and then turning it counterclockwise back to the first segment notch mark. The control valve and timer of claim 1 wherein said timer is set to the desired time by turning said tactile dial clockwise to a desired countdown time represented by said at least one segment notch and said timer mechanism rotates counter-clockwise and shuts off said control valve when said desired time is complete and said at least one segment notch reaches said timer indicator mark. A kit for controlling a gas grill, said kit comprising: a. a valve body having a timer indicator mark; b. a timer mechanism; c. a tactile dial; d. said tactile dial comprising at least one segment notch; e. a gas supply connecting flared output fitting; f. an output hose; g. a hose connector; and h. at least one wrench. The kit of claim 14, wherein said at least one wrench, is a set of two wrenches. A tactile dial for use with a control valve and timer, said tactile dial comprising: at least one segment notch comprising: a segment floor; an outer edge; and a contiguous segment wall adjacent said segment floor and extending away therefrom; said segment wall comprising: a forward wall; a trailing wall; and a back wall. The tactile dial of claim 16, said forward wall further comprising a vertical face sloped between 30 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to said segment floor. The tactile dial of claim 16, said trailing wall further comprising a vertical face sloped between 25 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to said segment floor. The tactile dial of claim 16, said back wall further comprising a vertical face sloped between 10 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to said segment floor.