Fluid Manifold

A fluid manifold for distributing a source of fluid is described, and which includes a valve body having a plurality of fluid outlets which are coupled in fluid receiving communication relative to an internal cavity, and which is defined by the valve body, and a selectively adjustable valve member is received within the internal cavity of the valve body, and is further operable to meter the source of fluid delivered into the internal cavity and which then escapes the valve body by way of the plurality of fluid outlets for distribution to a predetermined destination.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fluid manifold, and more specifically to a fluid manifold which is utilized to distribute a source of a fluid, such as water, to remote, predetermined locations, and which further provides a convenient means for controlling the precise, volumetric flow of the source of fluid to the given destinations in a manner not possible heretofore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various fluid manifold arrangements have been developed through the years, and have been in use in various industry segments. Generally speaking, these prior art fluid manifolds have been utilized to distribute a working fluid to various locations to achieve various advantages during a manufacturing or other operational process. For example, in the agricultural industry, the distribution of a source of fluid, such as water, to various plants has been accomplished, heretofore, by means of various sprinklers which have operated with various degrees of success.

While sprinklers, of various designs have operated to broadcast an irrigating fluid, such as water, to a given plant growing area, the only practical means available to control the volume of fluid delivered has been by means of either changing the type of sprinkler head being employed at the given location, or increasing or decreasing the pressure of the fluid being delivered. Further, and while drip irrigators of various types have been utilized through the years for more precise watering or supplying of irrigation fluids to a given plant area, again, the control of the volume of fluid delivered could only be achieved by either a substitution of the irrigation heads which are located adjacent to the plant being watered, or by increasing and decreasing the water pressure. Of course, ambient environmental factors may impact the supply of an appropriate amount of water. For example, drought conditions, or excessive rain, may dictate that greater amounts of water, or lesser amounts of water, as the case may be, needs to be supplied to a plant, or plant region, in order to achieve optimal growth.

Absent the almost continuous change of irrigation drip heads being employed, or the adjustment in the overall supply of water delivered, there is presently no convenient means available to optimize the delivery of a source of fluid, such as irrigating water, to plants that are being grown in large numbers. This problem is somewhat exacerbated when plants are grown under hydroponic conditions, and which require a much closer control of the amount of water being supplied to the plant. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in many hydroponic operations, irrigation water may further include various nutrients and other minerals. Using the various hydroponic methodologies which are available, it will be understood that various plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to this water/mineral solution, or in an environment where the roots may be supported by an inert medium such as gravel, perlite or the like.

An improved means for precisely delivering a source of fluid such as when a user is engaged in the hydroponic growth of various plants is the subject matter of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid manifold which includes a valve body defining an internal cavity which is coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to a source of fluid to be distributed, and wherein the valve body further includes a plurality of fluid outlets which are coupled in fluid receiving communication relative to the internal cavity thereof; and a selectively adjustable valve member which is received within the internal cavity of the valve body, and which further is selectively moveable relative to the internal cavity so as to meter the source of fluid delivered into the internal cavity of the valve body, and which then escapes the valve body, by way of the plurality of fluid outlets, for distribution to a predetermined destination.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid manifold which includes an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped main body having a first end which is releasably coupled with a source of fluid to be distributed, and an opposite second end, and wherein the cylindrically shaped main body has an exterior facing surface, and an interior facing surface, and wherein the interior facing surface defines, at least in part, an internal cavity having a predetermined cross section dimension, and which extends from the second end of the cylindrically shaped main body, and in the direction of the first end thereof, and wherein the interior facing surface further defines a valve seat which is located in an upstream position relative to the first end of the valve body, and which further communicates in fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of the valve body, and further has a cross sectional dimension which is less than the cross sectional dimension of the internal cavity of the valve body, and wherein a plurality of fluid outlets are made integral with the valve body, and define individual fluid passageways which extend from the internal cavity of the valve body to a distal end of each of the fluid outlets; a manifold cap which releasably cooperates with the second end of the valve body, and which further has an inside and outside facing surfaces, and a peripheral and circumscribing sidewall, and wherein the circumscribing sidewall matingly cooperates with the exterior facing surface of the valve body at the second end thereof, and wherein a threaded aperture is formed in the manifold cap, and extends between the inside and outside facing surfaces thereof; and a selectively adjustable valve member having an elongated main body with a first end, which is received within the internal cavity of the valve body, and which further cooperates with the valve seat, and when appropriately positioned, meters the source of fluid into the internal cavity of the valve body, and an opposite, second end which is located externally relative to the manifold cap, and the valve body, and which further includes a threaded region near the second end thereof, and which matingly, and threadably cooperates with the threaded aperture formed in the manifold cap, and wherein a rotational force applied to the second end of the valve member is effective to threadably adjust the first end of the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to cause an effective metering of the source of fluid into the internal cavity of the valve body, and the delivery of the source of fluid to each of the fluid outlets for subsequent delivery to predetermined individual destinations.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The fluid manifold of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral10, inFIG. 1, and following. As seen in the drawings, the fluid manifold10is defined, at least in part, by a valve or main body1, and which is generally elongated, and otherwise cylindrically shaped, at least in part. The valve body11has a first end12, and an opposite, and distal, second end13. Still further, the valve body11has an exterior facing surface14, and an opposite, interior facing surface15. The first end12of the valve body11is coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to a source of fluid16to be distributed. The source of fluid16may include water, for example, or water which includes minerals and other nutrients that might be useful in a hydroponic growing operation for various types of plants (not shown). The source of fluid16is typically supplied by means of a threaded conduit and which is generally indicated by the numeral17.

The interior facing surface15of the valve body11, defines, at least in part, an internal cavity which is generally indicated by the numeral20. As noted in the paragraphs, above, the first end12, of the valve body11, is releasably coupled in a downstream, fluid receiving relationship relative to the source of fluid16to be distributed. In this regard, the first end12, of the valve body11, further is defined by a female coupler cavity, and which is generally indicated by the numeral21, and which is further formed, or otherwise defined by the first end12, of the valve body11. The female coupler cavity21is defined, at least in part, by a first, uniformly dimensioned portion22, and which is operable to matingly receive or cooperate with the distal end of the fluid conduit17as seen inFIG. 6. Further, the same female coupler cavity21has a downstream, second portion23, and which is defined, at least in part, by a threaded sidewall24which is operable to threadably mate with the distal end of the conduit17. Positioned downstream relative to the second portion23, of the female coupler cavity21, is a valve seat30, and which is positioned, therebetween, the female coupler cavity, and the internal cavity20. The second portion23of the coupler cavity is disposed in fluid delivering relation relative to the internal cavity20, by means of fluid intake passageways which are generally indicated by the numeral25. This is best seen by reference toFIG. 5. As seen inFIG. 5, it should be understood that the valve seat30is positioned downstream relative to the female coupler cavity21, and upstream relative to the internal cavity20. The valve seat30is defined by a bottom surface31. As should be appreciated by a study ofFIG. 5, the fluid intake passageways25pass therethrough the bottom surface31, thereby coupling the valve seat30in fluid receiving relation relative to the female coupler cavity21. The valve seat30is defined by a continuous, circumscribing sidewall32. As will be appreciated by a study ofFIG. 5, the valve seat30has a given cross sectional dimension33, which is less than the cross sectional dimension of the internal cavity20, and which is measured along the line34, as seen in the drawings. The purpose and function of the valve seat30will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.

As seen in the drawings, the valve body11, and more specifically the exterior facing surface14thereof, is defined, in part, by a corrugated region which is generally indicated by the numeral40. The corrugated region40is seen inFIG. 1and is illustrated as including spaced, tapering, and radially outwardly directed walls. This structure assists, to some degree, in the installation of the valve body11when the valve body is being threadably attached to the fluid delivery conduit17, as earlier discussed. Of course these same spaced, tapering and radially outwardly directed sidewalls could assume other shapes, such as an elongated, and rectangular block shape which would cooperate with a wrench, for example. Still further, and as seen inFIG. 4, a threaded region41is formed on the exterior facing surface14, of the second end13of the valve body. This threaded region41assists in the releasable, threadable attachment of a manifold cap, as will be described in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow. As further seen inFIG. 4, a plurality of fluid outlets or ports50are made integral with the valve body11, and are further coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to the internal cavity20thereof. The individual fluid outlets50, and which are illustrated as being positioned on opposite sides of the valve body11, each include a main body51which extends generally radially, outwardly relative thereto. The main body51of each fluid outlet or port50defines an internal fluid passageway52which is coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to the internal cavity20of the valve body11. Further each of the fluid passageways52has a given cross sectional dimension53. In one possible form of the invention10, the given cross sectional dimension of the respective fluid passageways52are the same. In another possible form of the invention10, the cross sectional dimension of the respective fluid passageways52are different (not shown). This feature allows the present invention10to be designed so as to allow a user to distribute either a greater or lesser amounts of fluid16when the internal cavity20is supplied with the source of fluid16. As seen inFIG. 4, the main body51is further defined, at least in part, by a barb-shaped exterior facing surface54. The barb-shaped exterior surface assists in the frictional engagement with a resilient conduit, not shown, and which may be extended to a predetermined destination, such as, for example a plant receiving hydroponic treatment.

The fluid manifold10of the present invention includes a manifold cap60which releasably cooperates with the second end13, of the valve body11. The manifold cap60is defined, at least in part, by a main body61, and which further has an exterior facing surface62, and an opposite, interior facing surface63. The main body61further has a peripheral edge64. The exterior facing surface could include printed indicia which might indicate to a user (not shown) the direction that the selectively adjustable valve member could be turned or rotated so as to open or close the fluid manifold10. The valve member will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. As seen in the attached drawings, a depending, and circumscribing sidewall65extends downwardly from the peripheral edge64. The circumscribing sidewall65further is defined by an inwardly facing threaded region66, and which is operable to matingly cooperate with the threaded region41, and which is made integral with the exterior facing surface14, and which is located at the second end13of the valve body11. The manifold cap60is further defined, in part, by a circumscribing seal cavity70which is formed in a given location on the interior facing surface63, and which further is sized so as to receive a flexible, water resilient seal, or gasket71therein. The circumscribing seal cavity70is oriented so as to position the flexible seal or gasket71so that it may releasably, and fluid sealably engage the second end13of the valve body (FIG. 4). As further seen inFIG. 4, it should be understood that the manifold cap60includes a depending circumscribing sidewall72, and which is mounted on the interior facing surface63of the manifold cap60, and is further positioned radially, inwardly relative to the circumscribing sidewall65. The depending sidewall72defines a valve member cavity73, and which will be discussed in greater detail, below. Formed substantially centrally relative to the main body61is a threaded passageway74, and which extends between the exterior and interior facing surfaces62and63, respectively. The threaded passageway74is operable to matingly and threadably cooperate with a portion of a valve member as will be discussed in the paragraphs, which follow. The threaded passageway74is received or otherwise oriented and communicates substantially centrally relative to the valve member cavity73. As should be understood, the valve member cavity73has a given cross sectional dimension75, and which is less than the cross sectional dimension34of the internal cavity20. This relationship is clearly seen by reference toFIG. 4.

As best seen in the drawings, the fluid manifold10includes a selectively adjustable valve member, and which is generally indicated by the numeral90, and which further is defined, at least in part, by an elongated main body91. The elongated main body91has a first end92, and an opposite, second end93. As seen inFIG. 3, it should be noted that the elongated main body91, has a reduced cross-sectional dimension when that cross-sectional dimension is measured between the first end92, and the second end93, respectively. As will also be seen inFIG. 3, it will be recognized that the first end92has a peripheral edge94, and which has formed therein, a circumscribing, seal cavity95. The seal cavity95is sized so as to receive, and secure a flexible seal96therein. When received in the circumscribing seal cavity95, the flexible seal96is operable to movably, and sealably engage the circumscribing wall32which defines, at least in part, the valve seat30. The seal96further operates to substantially inhibit the delivery of the source of water16into the internal cavity20of the valve body11, when the first end92of the adjustable valve member90is operably received within the valve seat30, and the valve member90is threadably advanced in a direction toward, and is received in an occluding or sealing orientation relation relative to the valve seat30(FIG. 4). Still further, the selectively adjustable valve member90includes an intermediate portion100. As seen in the drawings, the intermediate portion100has a reduced cross-sectional dimension when that same cross-sectional dimension is measured between the first and second ends92and93, respectively. The intermediate portion100includes, or is otherwise defined, at least in part, by multiple channel regions101which facilitate the flow of the source of water, or other fluid16past the valve member90, as the water or other fluid16enters, or passes into the internal cavity20once the first end92is displaced from the valve seat30(FIG. 5). The second end93of the selectively adjustable valve member90also includes a threaded region102which is sized so as to matingly and threadably engage or otherwise cooperate with the threaded passageway74, and which is formed in the manifold cap60, as earlier described. In addition to the foregoing, and as should be understood from a study of the attached drawings, the second end93defines an exterior facing, tool engagement region103. Still further, the selectively adjustable valve member90also includes an enlarged intermediate portion104, and which is further located near, but in spaced relation relative to, the second end93, and is yet further positioned within the internal cavity20, of the valve member11, and also within the valve member cavity73, when the selectively adjustable valve member90is operably coupled to the manifold cap60, as earlier described. Moreover, and as should be further appreciated from a study of the drawings, the enlarged intermediate portion104also is defined, at least in part, by a circumscribing seal cavity105. The circumscribing seal cavity105, is operable to receive or cooperate with a flexible seal106which is sized so as to be received within the valve member cavity73. This same seal106is operable to impede the passage of the source of the fluid16into the valve member cavity73, and thus prevents the source of fluid16from passing through the threaded passageway74. This feature will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.

The present invention10includes a manifold flow adjustment tool110, and which is operable to impart rotational force to the second end93of the adjustable valve member90, and which is positioned exteriorly relative to the manifold cap60, and the valve body11, respectively. The manifold flow adjustment tool110includes an engagement member or end111, and a force receiving end112. In one possible form of the invention the force receiving end112which is square shaped (FIG. 7) could be formed with a reduced thickness dimension so that it may be used as screw driver, and which further could be employed to threadably advance a fastener123into occluding relation relative to the passageway74as seen inFIG. 6. As seen inFIG. 6the fastener123secures a seal member124between the manifold cap60, and the threaded fastener123. In the configuration as seen inFIG. 6the fastener123converts the present fluid manifold10into an arrangement where the flow of fluid is uncontrolled. The engagement member111matingly engages, or otherwise cooperates with the second end93of the selectively adjustable valve member90, and is further operable to move the valve member90along a first path of rotational movement113; or a second path of rotational movement114(FIG. 7). As will be appreciated from a study of the drawings the rotational path of movement or travel113or114produces a resulting linear, and longitudinally oriented path of movement120, for the selectively adjustable valve member90(FIGS. 4 and 5). In this regard, rotation of the selectively adjustable valve member90in a first direction113, causes the first end92to be positioned in a first operational orientation121where it is sealingly received within the valve seat30(FIG. 4). Still further, rotation of the selectively adjustable valve member90along a second path of rotation or movement114threadably withdraws, or moves the first end92along the path of movement120to a second, operational orientation122, and which is displaced from the valve seat30, thereby allowing the source of water or other fluid16to pass into the internal cavity20of the valve body11, and thereby travel to, and then pass along, and out through, the plurality of fluid outlets50, so that the source of fluid16may be delivered at predetermined, remote locations. Of course, the selective adjustment of the valve member90relative to the valve seat30results in a controllable flow of the source of fluid16within the internal cavity20so as to allow a user to meter the precise flow or volume of fluid16which is necessary for their desired end use.

OPERATION

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention10is believed to be readily apparent, and is briefly summarized at this point. In its broadest aspect, the fluid manifold10of the present invention includes a valve body11which defines an internal cavity20, and which further is coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to a source of fluid16be distributed. The valve body11further includes a plurality of fluid dispensing outlets50which are coupled in fluid receiving communication relative to the internal cavity20, thereof. The fluid manifold10also includes a selectively adjustable valve member90which is received within the internal cavity20, of the valve body11, and which further is selectively movable relative to the internal cavity20, so as to meter the source of fluid16, and which is delivered into the internal cavity20of the valve body11, and which then escapes from the valve body11by way of the respective fluid outlets50for distribution to predetermined remote destinations.

The fluid manifold10of the present invention, as noted above, includes a valve body11which is elongated in shape, and which further has a given length dimension. The valve body11also has opposite first and second ends12and13, respectively. The internal cavity20has a predetermined length dimension which is at least a preponderance of the length dimension of the valve body11. Still further, it should be understood that the valve member90has an elongated shape, and further has opposite, first and second ends92and93, respectively. The valve member90, as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, is at least partially, and longitudinally movable relative to the internal cavity20of the valve body11. As seen in the drawings, the first end12of the valve body11is releasably coupled in a downstream, fluid receiving relationship relative to the source of fluid16to be distributed. Still further, the first end12of the valve body11defines a valve seat30, and which is positioned in a downstream, fluid-flowing position relative to the first end12, of the valve body11, and which is further located within the internal cavity20thereof. The valve seat30has a predetermined cross-sectional dimension33, and which is less than the cross-sectional dimension34of the internal cavity20of the valve body11. The first end92of the valve member90has a peripheral edge94which mounts a resilient seal96, and which further movably and sealably engages the valve seat30. In addition to the foregoing, the resilient seal96substantially inhibits the delivery of the source of water or fluid16into the internal cavity20of the valve body11when the first end92of the valve number90is received within the valve seat30(FIG. 4).

The fluid manifold10of the present invention further includes a detachable manifold cap60which is releasably coupled with the second end13, of the valve body11, and which further defines a centrally disposed, and threaded passageway74. The threaded passageway74threadably and matingly cooperates, at least in part, with the second end93of the valve member90. As should be understood, a predetermined rotational force applied to the second end93of the valve member90is effective to either longitudinally advance120, the first end92, of the valve member90in a direction toward the valve seat30(FIG. 4); or longitudinally withdraws or moves the first end92of the valve member90in a direction away from the valve seat30(FIG. 5). In addition to the foregoing, a valve member cavity73is defined by the detachable manifold cap60, and is further oriented substantially concentrically about the threaded passageway74, and is further located within the internal cavity20of the valve body11. The second end93of the valve member90movably and sealably cooperates with the valve member cavity73so as to substantially prohibit the source of fluid16which is entering into the internal cavity20of the valve body11from traveling, and then passing, at least in part, through the threaded passageway74, and then escaping from the internal cavity20, of the valve body11. As earlier discussed, the detachable manifold cap60has an inside facing surface63. Still further a fluid seal71is mounted on the inside facing surface63of the detachable manifold cap60, and is further operable to sealably engage the second end13of the valve body11. Still further, and in a second possible form of the invention10as seen inFIG. 6, a threaded fastener123is provided and which is threadably advanced into the threaded passageway74which is defined by the detachable manifold cap60following the removal of the valve member90, from the internal cavity20, of the valve body11, and the threadable detachment of the second end93, of the valve body90from the detachable manifold cap60so as to convert the valve body11into an uncontrolled fluid manifold for the distribution of the source of fluid16. In one particular form of the invention the respective fluid passageway52which are defined by each of the fluid outlets50have a predetermined cross sectional dimension which is the same (FIG. 6). In another possible form of the invention10the respective fluid passageways52which are defined by each of the fluid outlets50have a predetermined cross sectional dimension which is different (not shown). In one possible form of the invention10a seal124is provided and which is positioned between a threaded fastener123, and the manifold cap60(FIG. 6).

Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention10provides a convenient means whereby a user may precisely meter the amount of fluid16being delivered by the fluid manifold10to given, predetermined locations, and which are coupled in downstream, fluid flowing relation relative to the plurality of fluid outlets or ports50, and which are made integral with the valve body11. The present invention10is easy to utilize, is controllable by means of a manifold flow adjustment tool110, is reliable, and is further operable to provide predetermined volumes of fluid16in a manner not possible, heretofore.