Abstract:
A replacement for a flow shut off valve is disclosed. A typical flow shut-off valve is normally located between the water supply and the user operated valves that supply water to a faucet. The improvements in this application provides a replacement flow shut off valve where the flow control valve has finite flow steps to reduce water that wasted when the user&#39;s valve is fully opened. The valve has features for a lock that eliminates an unauthorized person from fully opening the valve without unlocking the valve. In addition to the valve providing water savings from the regulation the lower flow through the faucet reduces splatter from the faucet from high flow or pressure water bounces off the bottom of a basin.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional 61/113,562 filed Nov. 11, 2008 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0005]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0007]    This invention relates to improvements in water conservation. More particularly, the present invention is replacement for a flow shut off valve that is normally located between the water supply and the user operated valves that supply water to a faucet. The improvement is to provide a replacement flow shut off valve with a flow control valve with finite flow steps to reduce water that wasted when the user&#39;s valve is fully opened. 
         [0008]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0009]    Typical shutoff-off valves are intended to be either completely opened or closed. While they can offer some form of flow regulation there is no mechanism to prevent tampering of the shut-off valve from regulated flow. These valves are also intended for being either completely opened or completely closed. Setting the valve to a position other than fully open or closed can cause a build-up of deposits such as calcium to form and inhibit adjustment of the valve in the future. Some exemplary examples of shut-off valves and methods to control or reduce flow through a faucet are discussed herein below. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,124,999 and 7,172,173 issued to Hung-Lin Lai U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,339 issued Oct. 16, 2001 to Hsiao-Tsung Chou discloses a Continuously Adjustable Water Flow Control Apparatus. Both of these patents disclose a valve with a flow limiting pin that allows for limited adjustment of flow through the valve. If the flow limiting pin is removed the person will still have the ability to open the valve and allow full flow of the water. While this valve allows for some water saving through a faucet. It does not provide finite steps of water conservation nor does it allow for a locking mechanism to prevent re-adjustment of the flow by an unauthorized person. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,281 issued Feb. 24, 2004 to Edward Chuck Williams Jr. discloses a Water Flow Control Device Incorporating Water Limiting Valve. Continuously Adjustable Water Flow Control Apparatus. This patent mostly includes a motion sensor that stops the flow when a person is not sensed near the faucet. While there is some water savings with this device, the majority of the savings is from water that would be wasted when a person leaves the faucet open and unattended. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,418 issued Jan. 27, 2004 to Gary D. Bierend et al., discloses a Water Flow Control Device. The water flow control device operated mostly as a pressure regulator because a spring located within the valve will allow for nearly an open flow of fluid through the valve when the difference in pressure on both sides of the valve is significantly different. While this valve provides some reduction in flow through the valve it does not allow for finite steps of regulation or provide a lock to prevent tampering. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,339 issued Oct. 16, 2001 to Hsiao-Tsung Chou discloses a Continuously Adjustable Water Flow Control Apparatus. The adjustment is made by turning the spray head of the faucet. When the spray head is turned the flow is reduced. While this reduces the flow rate the pressure at the spray head is also increased whereby the creating a stream that has higher velocity and splatters. There is nothing to prevent a person from adjusting the nozzle to eliminate any water savings. 
         [0014]    What is needed is a flow shut-off valve that is a simple replacement to standard shut-off valves and further includes a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized tampering or adjustment. The proposed disclosure provides this disclosure with a valve that can be retrofit or installed new on a faucet to provide at least one level of water savings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    It is an object of the lockable flow control valve for the valve to regulate the amount or rate of fluid flowing through the valve. The regulation has a closed setting and one or a plurality of finite flow settings. Each setting provides definite steps of flow limitation. Each finite step provides flow rates that are less than a full open setting. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the lockable flow control valve to provide a lock that prevents tampering and adjustment without removal of the lock. The lock can be a variety of type but in general the lock is a plurality of holes that will accept a standard padlock or a simple loop of a tie-wrap or screw and nut. 
         [0017]    It is another object lockable flow control valve to limit the flow rate to reduce splatter if a watering valve is fully opened. When the flow rate to the faucet is not limited a person washing their hands may inadvertently fully opened and the flow stream can bounce off of the bottom of the basin and splatter back onto the person. 
         [0018]    It is still another object of the lockable flow control valve to replace an existing valve. While the flow valve has couplings that will directly replace standard valve it is equally suited for installation in new construction. 
         [0019]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a typical faucet. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of a prior art 90 degree shut-off valve. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of a prior art straight water shut-off valve. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the lockable flow regulation valve. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the locking plate from  FIG. 4 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the three different orifices that provided different flow rates. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  shows a view of an alternative orifice plate showing three different orifices that provided different flow rates. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a cylindrical gate with different sized orifices. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the orifice tube. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  shows a cross sectional view of the finite flow regulation valve. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective sectional view of the finite flow regulation valve. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  shows a top view of a flow valve with variable operation force. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of the flow valve with variable operation force as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a typical faucet. In a typical sink shut-off valves are connected from the supply lines through shut-off valves  10 . Flow from the shut-off valves  10  flow through connecting pipes  15  and  16  to the user operated valves  30  and  32  that a user operates to allow flow to the faucet. There are usually two shut-off valves  10  where one shut-off vales where one valve is connected to the cold water supply  11  and the second valve is connected to the hot water supply  13 . Each valve  10  has a manually operated control knob  12  or  14  that allows for shutting off the supply of water when repair, servicing or replacement of the valves  30 ,  32  or the entire faucet or sink  20  is being replaced. Valves  30  and  32  are opened by turning handles  31 ,  33  or the like to allow flow from the supply through valves  10 ,  30  and  32  through faucet  40 . 
         [0034]    Prior art valves  10  are generally designed for use either in a fully opened or a fully closed condition. Setting these prior art vales to a setting other that fully open or closed can result in damage or corrosion in the valve that makes the valve inoperable. There is no provision on these valves  10  to lock regulate of the flow to reduce water waste. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 2 and 3  shows isometric views of a prior art 90-degree and straight shut-off valves These two valves represent to most common configuration for shut-off valves. Both of these valves have an inlet  50  where water flows from the supply. Knob  15  is turned to open and shut-off the flow from the inlet  50  to the outlet  60 . 
         [0036]    The manually operated valves  30  and  32  shown in  FIG. 1  allow turning of approximately 90 degrees to fully open and close the valve. Because of the minimal amount of rotation that is necessary to open close these manual valves few people open the valves  30  and  32  to a setting of less than full flow. Regulation of the flow by turning down the shut-off valves is easily defeated by an unauthorized person.  FIG. 4  shows a replacement shut-off valve that can replace existing shut-off valves to limit flow through the faucet and further provides a locking feature that prevents unauthorized tampering. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the lockable flow regulation valve. The handle  16  has a knob  15  that is adjustable to identify the limited flow and lock the valve at the desired flow regulation. The indicator knob  17  has an arrow that points to a full flow setting  71 , medium setting  72 , a low flow setting  73  and an offsetting  74 . A series of holes  70  on the handle  18  are used for installation of a lock, tie-wrap, screw and nut, zip tie or other similar mechanism that is placed through the hole to prevent unauthorized adjustment of the flow setting. In one contemplated embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , the locking holes  70  are slotted  75  to allow the valve to be completely shut off in the event of an emergency and only opened to the amount that the valve was previously set. This allows for regulation without compromising the ability to close the valve. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the three different orifices that provided different flow rates. This orifice plate  80  has three sets of different sized orifices that are specifically selected to provide a desired flow rate from a faucet. It should be apparent that orifice  83  provides the most limited flow, orifice  82  provides a medium rate of flow and orifice  81  provides full or maximum flow rate. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  shows a view of an alternative orifice plate showing three different orifices that provided different flow rates. In this embodiment the orifice plate  80  has an elongated orifice with stepped flow rates. This allows for some limited flow regulation between the finite steps of flow. The low flow  86  has the smallest slit or opening, the medium flow level  85  is shown connected to the full flow rate  84 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a cylindrical gate with different sized orifices that pass through the cylindrical gate. It is also contemplated that this configuration can also be used with a ball type valve. The low  93 , medium  92  and full flow orifices  91  are shown passing through the cylindrical body  90 . As the body is rotated within the housing, different orifice will be exposed to the inlet and outlet connections. The cylindrical locating base  95  is shown on the bottom of the cylindrical body  90  and the top of the body has a flange for mounting the handle  18  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the orifice tube. Water flows into the orifice tube  53  from opening  54 . There are three different flow openings  91 ,  92  and  93  that correspond to full, medium and low flow respectively. The flow rate is determined by the opening that is facing the outlet ( 60  in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). On the end that is opposite the inflow  54  there is an elongated shaft or knob shank  34  where the position setting knob is placed. Turning the knob shank  34  allows for setting of the flow rate. The inner tube has a series of annular recesses  35  and  36  for O-rings to be seated to prevent water from flowing outside of the desired area. The inner tube is configured to restrict flow between each plurality of orifices. With this understanding of the preferred embodiment of the inner flow tube  53  the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 10 and 11  will show how this inner flow tube  53  operates within the shut off valve  10 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 10  shows a cross sectional view of the finite flow regulation valve  10 .  FIG. 11  shows a perspective sectional view of the finite flow regulation valve  10 . Water flows  50  into inlet pipe  51 . The inlet pipe  51  is secured with an inlet fitting  52  onto the outer housing  49 . A gasket or seal prevents leaking of the inlet pipe  51 , inlet fitting  52  and the outer housing  49 . In the preferred embodiment the outer housing is made from plastic, but other materials such as metals such as aluminum, stainless steel or brass are also contemplated. The water then flows  44  around an end seal  45 . The end seal stops flow through the flow regulation valve  10  when there is no demand out of the flow regulation valve  10 . 
         [0043]    When there is flow out of the outlet  60 , the flow will overcome the spring force  46  that holds the end seal  45  closed against the outer housing  49 . The flow will then flow  44  past the end seal and into the inner tube  53 . O-Ring seats  38  and  36  will prevent flow around the inner tube  53  and the middle tube  63 . The flow will then progress around the spring  46  where it will seek and opening, in these figures,  93  where the flow will pass through the middle tube  61  and through the outer housing  49  where the flow will exit through the outlet pipe  61  of the outlet  60 . The middle tube  63  has only a single opening that allows flow out of the flow regulation valve  10 . O-Ring seats  35  and  37  will prevent flow around the inner tube  53  and the middle tube  63 . The outlet pipe  61  is secured with an outlet fitting  62  onto the outer housing  49 . 
         [0044]    Adjustment of the flow rate is controlled by rotation of the inner tube  53 . This inner tube  53  is adjusted with indicator knob  17 . An indicator plate  19  has indicium that identifies the flow rate that is selected. The indicator knob  17  is pinned through pinning hole  59  to a central shaft  47  that retains the spring  46  and the end seal  45 . The end seal  45  is also pinned with hole  69  to the central shaft  47 . An end closure cap  48  closes and secures the control side of the flow regulation valve  10  with a seal  43 . From  FIG. 10  the low  93 , medium  92  and full flow  91  orifices can be seen. 
         [0045]    It is further contemplated that the flow regulating orifice can be incorporated into the control valves that are connected to the faucet. This would eliminate the need to replace the shut-off valves and still provide the water savings that are contemplated. Incorporating the regulator into the control valves could be accomplished on every new water faucet being manufactured and result in water conservation. 
         [0046]      FIG. 12  shows a top view of a flow valve with variable operation force and  FIG. 13  shows a side view of the flow valve  30  with variable operation force as shown in  FIG. 12 . From  FIG. 13  the valve  30  has an input flow line  15  and an output flow line  21  mounted on a sink  20  or counter. This is only one contemplated embodiment, but other flow line connections are contemplated. This valve requires a variable amount of force to open the valve  30 . The amount of force is variable based upon how far the valve is opened and thereby the amount of flow thought the valve  30 . The valve  30  is shown and described as a 90 degree operable valve. When the valve is cracked open or operated with low flow the amount of force to open the valve is minimal. The further the valve is opened tea amount of force increases. This prevents someone from casually fully opening the valve. In the embodiment shown the amount of force linearly increases, but it is also contemplated that the amount of force can be logarithmic or stepped. The force function is set or controlled by a cam  22  and follower  23 . 
         [0047]    The cam  22  is integrated into the valve housing and it is further contemplated that the cam can be changeable, adjustable or removed, depending upon the installation and the user/installer preference. As the user turns the valve handle  31  the follower  23  is pushed into the cam  22 . At the closed position the distance  24  between the valve stem  29  and the follower  23  is at a first distance  24 . In the embodiment shown the handle  31  located at position  26  is approximately 30 degrees. At this position the follower  23  just begins to engage into the cam  22 . At full open the handle is shown at position  27 . In this position the distance  25  between the valve stem  29  and the follower  23  is at a maximum  25  whereby the force to open the valve  30  to this extent is the greatest. The follower  23  is connected to the valve or valve stem  29  with an elastomeric link  28 . 
         [0048]    While this embodiment shows an elastomeric member  28  that is being used in extension, it is also contemplated that the valve can be designed where the follower is compressed within a cam cavity. 
         [0049]    Thus, specific embodiments of a lockable flow control valve have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.