Valve assembly for use with multiple liquid lines

A supply assembly for use with a hydrant comprising a first supply valve adapted for coupling to a first supply line of the hydrant and a second supply valve adapted for coupling to a second supply line of the hydrant. A housing contains a first drain valve and a second drain valve. The first supply valve is coupled to the first drain valve for permitting water to be drained from the first supply line when a first outlet of the hydrant is off, and the second supply valve is coupled to the second drain valve for permitting water to be drained from the second supply line when a second outlet of the hydrant is off. The first supply valve is above the second supply valve to permit radially compact nesting of the first supply valve and the second supply valve. Related assemblies, valves and methods are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to drain assemblies for self-operating hydrants, such as drinking fountains, and more particularly to drain assemblies for multiple self-operating hydrants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drain assemblies for use with hydrants have been provided. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,553,637 and 6,085,776. There is a need, however, for an improved drain assembly that is more compact, more easily manufacturable and more easily scalable to one or more hydrants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A drain assembly is provided that can be used with one or more hydrants, which can be referred to as a single hydrant with a plurality of outlets. The hydrant and outlets can be of any suitable type, for example bubblers of one or more drinking fountains. One or more supply valves can be provided for supplying water or another liquid to the one or more hydrants or outlets by a respective one or more supply lines. The drain assembly can be provided with a reservoir for draining the one or more supply lines when the respective one or more supply valves are in an OFF position. The drain assembly can include a piston, movable between first and second positions, for emptying or draining the accumulated liquid in the reservoir, for example when the one or more supply valves are activated. The piston can be moved to empty or drain the accumulated liquid in the reservoir under the force of the supply water from the one or more activated supply valves. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be easily scaled during manufacture to operate with any number of hydrants or outlets. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can have a compact configuration, for example a relatively small diameter or transverse dimension, for facilitating installation of the drain assembly.

In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be used with a one or more drinking bubblers, each having a supply water inlet. One or more control or supply valves can be provided, each having a water inlet and a water outlet. A drain water reservoir and a piston movable therein between first and second positions can be provided for varying the volume of the drain reservoir. A water delivery line can be connectable to each of the one or more valves and to a first side of the piston. In some methods of operation, when one or more of the valves are operated to an ON position, they permit water to flow from a suitable pressurized water supply to the supply water inlet of the respective one or more bubblers and to the first side of the piston. The piston, under the force of the pressurized supply water moves from its first position to its second position, causing any drain water in the reservoir to exit the drain reservoir. In some methods of operation, when all of the one or more valves are operated to an OFF position, any supply water remaining between the valves and the respective one or more bubblers drains into the reservoir. The drain water reservoir can be formed by the piston moving from its second position to its first position, for example under the force of a spring.

In some embodiments, the drain assembly can include one more drain valves coupled between the respective one or more control or supply valves and the drain reservoir. In some methods of operation, when all of the one or more control valves are in an OFF position, any supply water remaining between the control valves and the respective one or more bubblers drains through the respective one or more drain valves into the drain reservoir. When any combination of the one or more control valves are in an ON position, the supply water that passes through a control valve causes the respective drain valve to move to a closed position so as to prevent pressurized supply water from the control valve to flow into the reservoir. The supply water from the ON control valve flows to the respective bubbler.

In some embodiments, one or more additional valves are provided in the drain assembly and connected in series with respective one or more control valves. In some methods of operation, when any combination of the control valves are in the ON position, water flows from the one or more ON control valves to the respective bubblers and the one or more additional valves prevent supply water from the one or more ON control valves from flowing to the respective bubblers of the one or more OFF control valves.

In some embodiments, the drain assembly can include one more drain valves coupled between the respective one or more control or supply valves and the drain reservoir. In some methods of operation, the piston can be moved from its first position to its second position to empty or drain accumulated drain water in the reservoir. The one or more drain valves inhibit the accumulated water from reentering or flowing into the respective supply lines, which may contaminate the supply lines.

In some embodiments, the one or more control valves communicate respectively with one or more drain valves, which permit water in the respective supply lines to drain to a reservoir when the respective control valve is in an OFF position.

In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be installed underground, for example below the frost line.

The drain assembly of the invention can be used with one or more hydrants21, which can be referred to as a single hydrant with a plurality of outlets. The hydrant21can be of any suitable type, for example bubblers of one or more drinking fountains. Any number of hydrants21can be provided. Three hydrants21are shown inFIGS. 1-3as part of three drinking fountains22, more specifically first fountain22a, second fountain22band third fountain22c. Each fountain22can include a bubbler21and a basin23, for example first bubbler22aand first basin23a, second bubbler21band second basin23band third bubbler21cand third basin23c. A drain24can extend from each basin23, for example first drain24a, second drain24band third drain24c, for emptying the contents of the respective basin23. The drains24can connect or join to a common drain26, which can be provided with a suitable airgap27for facilitating the operation of the drains24,26. A water supply line28of any suitable type can be fluidly coupled to each bubbler21for providing pressurized water to the drinking fountain22from any suitable water source31. Each of the supply lines28can be referred to as a liquid-carrying line, a liquid line, a fluid-carrying line or a fluid line. In this regard, for example, a first supply line28acan be coupled to first bubbler21a, a second supply line28bcan be coupled to second bubbler21band a third supply line28ccan be coupled to third bubbler21c. Each bubbler21can include any suitable activation element32, such as a button32, that can be used by the operator of the drinking fountain22to initiate the flow of water from the bubbler. Each supply line28can include a first or high-pressure portion33and a second or low-pressure portion34, and can be provided with a flow restrictor36of any suitable type between portions33,34for reducing the high-pressure water in first portion33a to low-pressure water in second portion34that is suitable for use in a drinking fountain bubbler, such as bubblers21of drinking fountains22.

Drain assembly41of the invention can include a reservoir42for receiving accumulated water in any or all of supply lines28when the respective hydrant21is not in use, for example not activated by a user. In some embodiments, the reservoir42of drain assembly41is included in a housing43, which can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, housing43is made from any suitable material such as metal or plastic.

A piston46or other suitable movable element or member can be slidably disposed within housing43for at least partially forming the reservoir42and varying the volume of the reservoir. Piston46, which can be made from any suitable material such as metal or plastic, can include a first or lower head47, which can be referred to as a lower or master piston, and a second or upper head48, which can be referred to as an upper or slave piston. A shaft or other elongate element or member49can join the lower head47to the upper head48. Piston46can be made as a single or unitary body, or lower head47, upper head48and shaft49can be separately formed or made and joined together to form the piston46. The housing43can include a first or lower portion51for slidably receiving master piston47and a second or upper portion52for slidably receiving slave piston48. The portions51,52of the housing43can be separated by an internal wall53having an opening54through which the shaft49of the piston46can extend. The upper head48can have a suitable sealing member61extending around its outer periphery for engaging the inner wall of upper portion52of the housing43and forming a fluid-tight seal between the upper head48and the upper portion52. The sealing member61can be of any suitable type such as an annular O-ring made from any suitable elastomeric material.

The lower head47of piston46serves to at least partially form an internal chamber66in lower portion51of the housing43. The lower head47can have a suitable sealing member67extending around its outer periphery for engaging the inner wall of lower portion51of the housing43and forming a fluid-tight seal between the lower head47and the lower portion51. The sealing member67can be of any suitable type such as an annular O-ring made from any suitable elastomeric material.

Piston46is movable within housing, for example upwardly and downwardly, between a first or lower position, for example shown inFIG. 1, and a second or upper position, for example shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. A spring71, such as a coil spring, can extend around piston shaft49between internal wall53and lower head47for urging the lower head47, and thus piston46, to its first or lower position. A bore or passageway72extends vertically through piston46, commencing at an opening73in the bottom surface of lower head47and terminating at an opening74in the upper surface of upper head47. Bore72, in some embodiments, is vertically centered on the piston46. In some embodiments, when upper head48of the piston46is in its first position, the volume of reservoir42is maximized. In some embodiments, movement of the upper head48to it second position serves to minimize the volume of reservoir42, and in some instances reduce the volume of the reservoir42to zero.

One or more supply or control valves81can be provided for supplying water or another liquid to the one or more hydrants or outlets21by the respective one or more supply lines28. The supply valves81can be of any suitable type, such as made by Metcraft Industries, Inc. of Lee's Summit, Mo. In some embodiments, a first supply valve81ais fluidly coupled to first supply line28afor providing water to first bubbler21a, a second supply valve81bis fluidly coupled to second supply line28bfor providing water to second bubbler21band a third supply valve81cis fluidly coupled to third supply line28cfor providing water to third bubbler21c. A suitable fluid outlet connector82of any suitable type, for example an elbow82, can be provided to fluidly couple each of the supply valves81to its respective supply line28. In this regard, a first outlet connector82acan be utilized with first supply valve81a, a second outlet connector82bcan be utilized with second supply valve81band a third outlet connector82ccan be utilized with third supply valve81cfor fluidly connecting the supply valve81to its respective supply line28(seeFIGS. 4-6). Each of the supply valves81can be connected or coupled in any suitable manner (not shown) to the activation element32of the respective bubbler21so that the supply valve81can be controlled by the activation element32between its OFF position and its ON position.

Water source31is fluidly coupled to each of the supply valves81for providing inlet water to the supply valves. A common inlet supply line83can extend from the water source31to each of the supply valves81. In some embodiments, the common inlet supply line83is fluidly coupled to the supply valves81by a plurality of individual inlet supply lines84, for example first individual inlet supply line84ato first supply valve81a, second individual inlet supply line84bto second supply valve81band third individual inlet supply line84cto third supply valve81c. The individual inlet supply lines84can be directly or sequentially fluidly connected to the common inlet supply line83in any suitable manner, for example by one or more suitable Y fluid connectors86. A suitable fluid inlet connector87of any suitable type, for example an elbow87, can be provided to fluidly couple each of the individual inlet supply lines84to its respective supply valve81. In this regard, a first inlet connector87acan be utilized with first supply valve81a, a second inlet connector87bcan be utilized with second supply valve81band a third inlet connector87ccan be utilized with third supply valve81cfor fluidly connecting the supply valve81to its respective individual inlet supply line84(seeFIGS. 4-6).

One or more drain lines91can be provided for draining remaining water in the respective one or more supply lines28to reservoir42after the respective supply valve81of the supply line28has been turned OFF (seeFIGS. 1-4 and 6). Each of the drain lines91can be referred to as a liquid-carrying line, a liquid line, a fluid-carrying line or a fluid line. In some embodiments, a first drain line91ais fluidly coupled to first supply line28afor permitting remaining water in the first supply line to drain into reservoir42, a second drain line91bis fluidly coupled to second supply line28bfor permitting remaining water in the second supply line to drain into reservoir42and a third drain line91cis fluidly coupled to third supply line28cfor permitting remaining water in the third supply line to drain into the reservoir42. In some embodiments, one or more of the drain lines91is fluidly coupled to the respective supply valve81for permitting the remaining water in the respective supply line to drain from the supply line through the supply valve into the drain line and then reservoir42. In some embodiments, each of the drain lines91has an upper portion92extending above housing43, for example between the housing and the respective supply valve81, and a lower portion93extending through a portion of the housing43, for example a third or upper end portion94of the housing. In some embodiments, the lower surface of housing portion94is above reservoir42, for example forms the upper surface or wall of the reservoir42.

One or more drain valves96can be provided for controlling or limiting the flow of supply water from the one or more supply lines28to reservoir42under certain circumstances or conditions (seeFIGS. 1-3 and 8). The one or more drain valves96can each be referred to as a check valve or a selective check valve, for example a valve for limiting flow therethrough in at least one direction under certain circumstances or conditions or a valve for limiting flow therethrough in a first direction under certain circumstances or conditions and in a second direction under certain other circumstances or conditions. In some embodiments, each of the one or more drain lines91flows through a respective drain valve96before reaching reservoir42. In some embodiments, a first drain valve96ais fluidly coupled to first drain line91a, a second drain valve96bis fluidly coupled to second drain line91band a third drain valve96cis fluidly coupled to third drain line91c. The first supply valve81acan be said to be coupled to the first drain valve96a, the second supply valve81bcan be said to be coupled to the second drain valve96band the third supply valve81ccan be said to be coupled to the third drain valve96c, in each case for permitting water to be drained from the respective supply line28when the respective bubbler21is OFF. In some embodiments, drain valves96are located or formed in housing43, for example in the upper end portion94of the housing43.

Drain valves96can be of any suitable type, for example as shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 8. In some embodiments, each of the valves96includes a chamber101(seeFIG. 8). A first valve seat102and a second valve seat103can open into the chamber101. In some embodiments, the chamber101can be formed in upper end portion94of the housing43. In some embodiments, the respective drain line91passes through the valve96. In this regard, the first valve seat102can be located in chamber101at one location where the drain line91opens into the chamber101and the second valve seat103can be located in chamber101at another location where the drain line opens into the chamber101. In some embodiments, first valve seat102is opposite second valve seat103. In some embodiments, the second valve seat103is below the first valve seat102. In some embodiments, the drain line91opens into the top of reservoir42at one of the valve seats102,103, for example at second valve seat103. In some embodiments, a first sealing element106is disposed around first valve seat102and a second sealing element107is disposed run second valve seat103. Each of the sealing elements can be of any suitable type, for example an annular element such as an elastomeric O-ring.

A suitable part108, such as a ball108, can be disposed in the chamber101and movable between a first position in which the ball sealably engages the first valve seat102for inhibiting flow through the first valve seat, a second position in which the ball sealably engages the second valve seat103for inhibiting the flow through the second valve seat and a third position in which the ball is nonsealably disposed between the first valve seat102and the second valve seat103. For example, ball108is shown in its third position in first drain valve96aofFIG. 2, is shown in its first position in phantom lines in third drain valve96cinFIG. 8and is shown in its third position in second and third drain valves96band96cinFIG. 8. A spring109can be provided in chamber101, for example in one of the valve seats102,103, for urging the part or ball108away from sealing engagement with such valve seat. For example, spring109can extend through second valve seat103for urging ball108away from the second valve seat, as illustrated inFIG. 8. The part or ball108can be free in chamber101, that is not attached to any part of the drain valve96and thus able to freely move about chamber101. For example, the part or ball108can be free of the spring109. It is appreciated that drain valve96can have applications outside of a drain assembly for use with one or more hydrants, and in fact can be used in any other suitable application.

Drain assembly41can include a supply line116for providing pressurized water to housing43for moving piston46from its first position to a second position. For example, supply line116, which can be referred to as a piston supply line116, can supply pressurized water from water source31to internal chamber66for acting on master piston head47so as to move the slave piston head48upwardly from its first position to a second position in upper portion52of the housing43. In some embodiments, piston supply line116has a first end portion116afluidly coupled to one or more of supply lines28, for example at one or more ports117, and a second end portion116bfluidly coupled to internal chamber66in lower portion51of the housing43, for example at port118. In some embodiments, piston supply line116has a first end portion116afluidly coupled to first supply line28aat first supply port117a, to second supply line28bat second supply port117band to third supply line28cat third supply port117c. In this manner, piston supply line116can be said to be sequentially coupled to first supply line28a, second supply line28band third supply line28c, and first supply port117a, second supply port117band third supply port117ccan be said to be disposed in series along first end portion116aof the piston supply line. The first end portion116aof the piston supply line116can be directly or indirectly coupled to the one or more supply lines28. In some embodiments, the first end portion116ais coupled to the respective drain line91of a supply line28and thus indirectly coupled to the supply line. For example, first end portion116acan be fluidly coupled to first drain line91aat first supply port117a, to second drain line91bat second supply port117band to third drain line91cat the third supply port117c.

In some embodiments, first end portion116aof the piston supply line116can be fluidly coupled to each of the one or more supply lines28by a respective valve121. For example, first end portion116acan be fluidly coupled to first supply line28aby first valve121a, to second supply line28bby second valve121band to third supply line28cby third valve121c. In some embodiments, each of the check valves121can be indirectly fluidly coupled to the respective supply line28by being fluidly coupled to the respective drain line91of the supply line28. In this manner, piston supply line116can be said to be sequentially coupled to first valve121a, second valve121band third valve121c, and first valve121a, second valve121band third valve121ccan be said to be disposed in series along first end portion116aof the piston supply line. Each of the valves121can be of any suitable type, for example a check valve of any suitable type. In some embodiments, each of the valves121includes a valve seat122adjacent the respective supply port117, a suitable sealing element or member123such as an elastomeric O-ring disposed around the valve seat122and a movable part124(seeFIGS. 9-10). The movable part124, which can be circular, spherical or a ball, can be movable between a first position in which the part124sealably engages the valve seat122for inhibiting flow through the valve seat and a second position in which the part is not disposed in the valve seat, for example nonsealably disposed in the valve121away from the valve seat122, for permitting fluid flow through the valve seat122and valve121. For example, part124is shown in its first position in each of first valve121a, second valve121band third valve121cinFIG. 9and is shown in its second position in first valve121aand third valve121cinFIG. 10. In some embodiments, valves121are located or formed in housing43, for example in the upper end portion94of the housing43.

In some embodiments, upper end portion94of the housing43contains all of one or more valves121and is easily configurable to have a single valve121, two valves121or three valves121. In some embodiments, the upper end portion94is of a compact design and shape, for example having a relatively small radial or transverse dimension so as to facilitate placement of the upper end portion94and thus housing43in a hole in the ground or into a housing in the ground having a relatively small transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the upper end portion94contains all of one or more valves121and all of one or more drain valves96.

In some embodiments, upper end portion94of the housing43is made from a body131, which can be a unitary body of a single material or a laminated body made of a single or multiple materials (seeFIGS. 6-10). End portion94, including body131, can be referred to as a cap94. In some embodiments, the body131is a unitary body made from any suitable material such as brass or plastic. In some embodiments, the body131can have a first surface132and an opposite second surface133and an outer peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces132,133. In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces132,133can be planar, and can be parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface134can be circular in shape. The body131can be in the shape of a disk.

In some embodiments, the body131is provided with a first bore136, a second bore137and a third bore138extending through first surface132. In some embodiments, each of the bores136-138extend through both the first surface132and the second surface133. The bores136-138can be parallel to each other, and in some embodiments extends perpendicularly of surfaces132,133. For simplicity herein, each of the bores136-138can be referred to herein as a vertical bore. The bores136-138can correspond to lower portion93a first drain line91a, second drain line91band third drain line91c. The bores136-138can be adapted to respectively coupled to drain lines91a-91c, for example at first surface132of the body131. In this manner, the bores136-138are adapted to respectively coupled to first supply line28a, second supply line28band third supply line28c, that is indirectly through drain lines91. When body131is viewed in plan, for example at first surface132as illustrated inFIG. 8, bores136-138are equally spaced apart from each other so as to form a triangular configuration on surface132, for example with each bore136-138at a corner of such imaginary triangle. Drain valves96can be formed at the bottom of the respective bores136-138, for example first drain valve96acan be provided at the bottom of first bore136, second drain valve96bcan be provided at the bottom of second bore137and third drain valve96ccan be provided at the bottom of third bore138(seeFIG. 8). The drain valves96can be formed entirely in body131, partially in body131or entirely within an insert such as an externally-threaded annular body that is threaded into the bottom of the respective bore136-138. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 8, each of the drain valves96is formed partially in body131and partially within an externally-threaded annular body139threaded into the bottom of the respective bore136-138.

In some embodiments, body131is provided with a bore extending through outer or cylindrical surface134to each of vertical bores136-138. In some embodiments, each of such bores through surface134extends parallel to one or both of surfaces132,133. For simplicity herein, each of such bores through surface134can be referred to herein as a horizontal or valve bore. For example, a first valve bore141can extend through surface134to first vertical bore136, a second valve bore142can extend through surface134to second vertical bore137and a third valve bore143can extend through surface134to third vertical bore138(seeFIGS. 9-10). In some embodiments, the valve bores141-143extend parallel to each other, for example in a single plane. In some embodiments, the valve bores extend perpendicular to the vertical bores136-138. In some embodiments, each of the valve bores141-143communicates with its respective vertical bore136-138, which corresponds to a drain line91, at a valve seat, for example the valve seat122of the respective check valve121. For example first valve bore141communicates with first vertical bore136, which corresponds with first drain line91a, at valve seat122of first check valve121a, second valve or142communicates with second vertical bore137, which corresponds with second drain line91b, at valve seat122of second check valve121band third valve bore143communicates with third vertical bore138, which corresponds with third drain line91c, at valve seat122of third check valve121c. Each of the valve bores141-143can communicate with its respective vertical bore136-138at a port, for example a supply port117. A connecting bore144extends through outer or cylindrical surface134through each of the valve bores141-143so as to interconnect the valve bores141-143to each other. In some embodiments, the connecting bore144can extend perpendicularly of the valve bores141-143.

In some embodiments, the connecting bore144intersects each of the valve bores141-143near the end of the valve bore and near the respective vertical bore136-138so as to be in the vicinity of the respective valve seat122. In some embodiments, valve bores141-143extend parallel to each other in a single plane and connecting bore144extends perpendicularly of the valve bores141-143in such plane. In such some embodiments, one of the vertical bores136-138is on the opposite side of the connecting bore144from the two other vertical bores136-138. In this manner, one of the check valves121is on the opposite side of the connecting bore144from the two other check valves121. Such one of the vertical bores, for example first valve bore141, can extend between the other two vertical bores, for example second and third valve bores142-143.

Each of the check valves121in body131can be assembled by inserting the sealing element123through the respective valve bore141-143into the respective valve seat122near the end of the valve bore. A movable part or ball124can then be inserted into the respective valve bore141-143. An elongate member or element151, which can be referred to as a limiting element or rod151, is inserted into the connecting bore144, for example along the length of the connecting bore. Limiting element151extends across or transversely through each of the valve bores141-143. The movable part or ball124is disposed between the limiting rod151and the valve seat122of the check valve121. The limiting rod151is sufficiently spaced from the valve seat122so as to retain the movable part or ball124in the vicinity, or sealing proximity, of the valve seat so that during operation of the check valve121the part124can move between its first position in which the part124is in sealing engagement with the valve seat122and its second position in which the part124is away from the valve seat122. When in its second position, part124is not in sealing engagement with the valve seat122, but in the vicinity or sealing proximity of the valve seat. One of the valve bores141-143, for example first valve bore141, can be fluidly coupled to piston supply line116by any suitable fluid coupling device or connector152such as an elbow152joined to the opening of the bore at peripheral surface134. Such opening and elbow152can serve as an outlet port for cap94. Each of the other two of the valve bores141-143, for example second valve bore142and third valve bore143, can be sealed by any suitable closure device or means, for example by a plug153threaded into or otherwise secured to the end of the valve bore at outer peripheral surface134. Similarly, connecting bore144can be sealed and limiting rod151secured within the connecting bore144by any suitable closure device or means, for example by a plug153threaded into or otherwise secured to the end of the connecting bore144at outer peripheral surface134.

Valve bores141-143and connecting bore144, together, form first end portion116aof piston supply line116in body131. Check valves121are formed in the ends of the respective valve bores141-143. Piston supply line116is thus fluidly coupled to each of the supply lines28, indirectly by means of the respective drain lines91. Lower portions93of the drain lines91are formed by vertical bores136-138in the body131. Body131, as preformed for example through injection molding with vertical bores136-138, valve bores141-143and connecting bore141therein, can be easily configured to accommodate one, two or three supply valves81. In this regard, when less than three supply valves81are to be utilized with body131, the unused vertical bores136-138can be capped or otherwise sealed at first and second surfaces132-133and check valves121not formed in the unused valve bores141-143. Similarly, drain valves96are not formed in the unused vertical bores136-138.

The one or more supply valves81can be disposed above upper end portion94of housing43in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, upper portions92of the drain lines91can connect the supply valves81to end portion94in any suitable manner. Remaining water in supply lines28and drain lines91flows by gravity into housing43, including reservoir42in the housing. The one or more supply valves can be arranged above housing43in a compact configuration, for example a configuration which minimizes the radial or transverse dimension of the assembly of valves81. In some embodiments, such radial transverse dimension of the assembly of valves approximates the radial transverse dimension of the housing43. In some embodiments, each supply valve81is aligned relative to housing43so as to be above its respective drain valve96. For example, each of the supply valves81or its respective drain line91can be in linear or vertical alignment with its respective drain valve96. Such vertical alignment, which in some embodiments is enhanced or permitted by the transverse or spatial arrangement of the drain valves96in the horizontal plane of end portion94, as illustrated for example inFIG. 7, can reduce the complexity and size of drain assembly41. In some embodiments, supply valves81are secured to body131by pipes161, which can form part of drain lines91, including upper portions92of the drain lines. The bottom end of each pipe161can be secured to housing in any suitable manner, for example threadedly secured to the top end of the respective vertical bore136-138in body131.

In some embodiments, the one or more supply valves81are sequentially placed above each other relative to the housing43, for example to permit or enhance radially compact nesting of the valves81. In some embodiments, the supply valves81are staggered relative to each other in such vertical arrangement. For example, as discussed above, the supply valves81can be spaced apart relative to the horizontal plane of the housing43to permits such staggering. In some embodiments, for example where one or more of supply valves81is not vertically centered on its respective drain line91and thus has a portion162, which can be called a bulbous portion162, extending transversely or sideways of the vertical axis of the drain line91, the supply valve81can be aligned on the drain line, for example on its respective pipe161, such that the bulbous portion162extends towards the vertical centerline163of drain assembly41(seeFIGS. 4-6).

Drain assembly41can be provided with a suitable line or drain166for permitting water pushed out of reservoir42by piston46to exit the assembly41. The drain line166can extend from the reservoir42, for example, to drain26(seeFIGS. 1-3). In some embodiments, end portion or cap94is provided with a bore167having a bottom end communicating with the reservoir42, for example the top of the reservoir, and a top end exiting the top of cap94and fluidly communicating with a suitable tube or line168extending to drain26.

Some methods of operation of the invention are now discussed. Drain assembly41can be placed in the ground, for example in a chamber, housing or hole provided in the ground. The entire assembly41can be below ground level, shown by reference number211inFIGS. 1-3. At least reservoir42, and in some embodiments check valves121and drain valves96, are placed below the frost line, shown by reference number212inFIGS. 1-3.FIG. 2illustrates the operation of drain assembly41when first supply valve28ais activated, for example by a user of drinking fountain22aactivating button32of the fountain. Since drinking fountains22band22care OFF, first supply valve81asupplies pressurized water from source31through first supply line28ato bubbler21aof the fountain22a. The water out first drinking fountain22adischarges to first bowl or basin23aand then common drain26, for example via first drain24a.

The pressurized water in first supply line28atravels to first drain line91aand forces movable part108of first drain valve96ainto engagement with second sealing element107and second valve seat103, when the water pressure is sufficient to overcome the force of internal spring109, to preclude the pressurized supply water from entering reservoir42of the housing43.

Additionally, the pressurized supply water in drain line91aunseats movable part124of first check valve121ato permit the pressurized water to enter first end portion116aof piston supply line116. The piston supply line116is connected at its second end portion116bto internal chamber66, which can be called lower zone66in lower housing portion or cylinder51, situated below first or lower piston head47in the cylinder51. The pressurized supply water in internal chamber66causes lower piston and47to move upwardly, against the force of spring71, and additionally causes the upper piston head48, rigidly connected to the lower piston head47by shaft49, to move upwardly within reservoir42. When first supply valve81ais ON, the water pressure is greater at first portion33of the supply line28athan in second portion34of the supply line because of variable flow restrictor36. This enables maximum water pressure to operate piston46, by for example by engaging lower piston and47in internal chamber66, and the minimum water required to the drinking fountain22. The movement of the upper piston head48to it second position drives any accumulated water in the reservoir42out of the reservoir through reservoir drain line166. The pressurization of the accumulated water in reservoir42by the movement of piston46to it second position serves to move movable part108in each of second drain valve96band third drain valve96c, which are not pressurized by respective drain lines91b,91cdue to respective supply valves81b,81cbeing OFF, into sealing engagement with the first valve seat102of each of such drain valves so as to prevent the accumulated water from traveling or backflowing into drain lines91b,91cand supply lines28b,28c. Although internal chamber66is connected to reservoir42by bore72, the bore72is transversely or diametrically sized small enough so that any pressurized water flowing therethrough to reservoir42is not sufficient to decrease the force necessary to move the piston46upwardly against the force of spring71. When any one or more of the supply valves81is operated independently, consecutively or at the same time, pressure in internal chamber66moves piston46up discharging stored water in reservoir42out bore167and tube168to airgap27and drain26.

The pressurized water within first end portion116aof the piston supply line116engages the movable parts124of each of second check valve121band third check valve121cto move each of the movable parts124into engagement with respective valve seats122and thus inhibit or preclude the pressurized water within the piston supply line116from entering second supply line28bor third supply line28c. This prevents second bubbler21bof the second fountain22band the third bubbler21cof the third fountain22cfrom undesirably discharging at the same time the first supply valve81ais in an ON position.

When the first supply valve81ais turned OFF, the reduced pressure in first drain line91acauses spring109to disengage the movable part108of the first drain valve96afrom the second sealing element107and second valve seat103so as to permit the now depressurized water within first supply line28aand first drain line91ato pass the first drain valve96aand gravity drain into reservoir42. Similarly, piston supply line116is depressurized and spring71urges the piston46downwardly from its second position to its first position. The movement of the piston46to its first position re-creates reservoir42within upper housing portion52and permits any water within reservoir drain line166to gravity flow into the reservoir42. The now depressurized water in internal chamber66bleeds under the force of piston46moving from it second position to its first position from the internal chamber66through bore72into reservoir42.FIG. 1illustrates depressurized water within first and second supply lines81a,81b, first and second drain lines91a,91aand reservoir drain line166gravity flow draining into reservoir42.

In another method of operation, when second supply valve81bis ON and first supply valve81aand third supply valve81care OFF, second supply valve81bsupplies water pressure through second supply line28bto second bubbler21bof the second drinking fountain22b. Simultaneously, the second supply valve81bsupplies pressurized water past second check valve121bto piston supply line116and thus internal chamber66within lower housing portion51so as to move the piston46upwardly from its first position to its second position and thus empty the contents of reservoir42through reservoir drain line166. When the piston supply line116is pressurized, first check valve121aand third check valve121care closed to prevent first bubbler21aand third bubbler21cfrom discharging at the same time that the second supply valve81bis ON. The pressurized water within second supply line28bpressurizes second drain line91bso as to close second drain valve96b, by forcing movable part108against second sealing element107in second valve seat103of the drain valve when the pressure within the drain line91bexceeds that needed to overcome spring109, so as to prevent water from the second drain line91bentering reservoir42. The pressurization of the accumulated water in reservoir42by the movement of piston46to it second position serves to move movable part108in each of first drain valve96aand third drain valve96c, which are not pressurized by respective drain lines91a,91cdue to respective supply valves81a,81cbeing OFF, into sealing engagement with the first valve seat102of each of such drain valves so as to prevent the accumulated water from traveling or backflowing into drain lines91a,91cand supply lines28a,28c.

In another method of operation, two of the supply valves81can be activated simultaneously, for example by the activation elements32of two of the drinking fountains22being activated by two users. An example when first supply valve81aand second supply valve81bare so activated is illustrated inFIG. 3. As shown therein, water travels from the supply valves81a,81bthrough the respective supply lines28a,28bto respective drinking fountains22a,22b. The pressurized water within supply lines28a,28bpressurizes drain lines91a,91bso as to close drain valve96a,96b, by forcing movable part108against second sealing element107in second valve seat103of each of the drain valves when the pressure within the drain lines91a,91bexceeds that needed to overcome the respective spring109, so as to prevent water from the drain lines91a,91bentering reservoir42. The pressurized water within respective drain lines91a,91bopen and thus pass respective check valves121a,121bto enter first end portion116aof the piston supply line116and pressurize internal chamber66. Piston46is thus moved upwardly under the pressurized force on lower piston and47, by compressing spring71, from its first or lower position to its second or upper position to empty reservoir42out bore167and tube168to airgap27and drain26. Water pressure within piston supply line116closes third check valve121c, by urging movable part124against sealing element123of the check valve121c, to prevent the pressurized water from entering line third drain line91cand thus third supply line28c. The pressurization of the accumulated water in reservoir42by the movement of piston46to it second position serves to move movable part108in third drain valve96c, which is not pressurized by third drain line91cdue to third supply valve81cbeing OFF, into sealing engagement with the first valve seat102of the drain valve96cso as to prevent the accumulated water from traveling or backflowing into third drain line91cand third supply lines28c.

When all three drinking fountains22a-22care OFF, all three of the supply valves81a-81care OFF. Any water remaining in supply lines28a-28cand drain lines91a-91cgravity drains through drain valves96a-96cinto reservoir42, which is located below the frost line212so as to prevent the drinking fountains22a-22cfrom freezing.FIG. 1illustrates the operation of draining assembly41upon turning first and second drinking fountains22a,22bOFF. Water in drinking fountain B1, water in line92drains back into line52to line31. Following the depressurization of first supply line28aand first drain line91a, spring109of first drain valve96aurges movable part108off sealing element107to permit water from lines28a,91ato drain into reservoir42. Similarly, following the depressurization of second supply line28band second drain line91b, spring109of second drain valve96burges movable part108off sealing element107to permit water from lines28b,91bto drain into reservoir42. Similarly, but not shown inFIG. 1, following the depressurization of third supply line28cand third drain line91c, spring109of third drain valve96curges movable part108off sealing element107to permit water from lines28c,91cto drain into reservoir42.FIG. 9illustrates each of check valves121in a closed position, for example when all of the supply valves81are OFF, as illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 10illustrates first check valve121aand third check valve121cin an open position and second check valve121bin a closed position, for example when first supply valve81aand third supply valves81care ON and second supply valve81bis OFF.

The drain valves of the invention can have other configurations and designs for use with drain assembly41or elsewhere. For example, drain valve176illustrated inFIGS. 11-13can be utilized in drain assembly41in place of one or more of drain valves96. Drain valve176can be formed, for example, entirely within a body such as body131, partially within such a body and partially within an insert to be joined to such body or entirely within an insert which can be joined to such body. For illustration purposes, drain valve176is illustrated inFIGS. 11-13as being formed in a body177which can be joined to the bottom of a vertical bore136-138of body131. Body177, which can be annular and referred to as a housing177, can be formed from any suitable material such as metal or plastic. Housing177has a first chamber178and a second chamber179. A passageway181extends between a first opening182in the first chamber178and a second opening183and the second chamber179. A first valve seat186can be provided at the first opening182and a second valve seat187can be provided at the second opening183. In some embodiments, a first sealing element or member188is provided in the first valve seat186and a second sealing element or member18971is provided in the second valve seat187. Each of such sealing elements or members, which can be annular, can be of any suitable type such as an elastomeric O-ring. First chamber178can be provided with another opening191, for example an outlet opening191, and second chamber179can be provided with another opening192, for example an outlet opening192. In some embodiments, opening182and first outlet opening191of first chamber178are linear aligned and opening183and second outlet opening192of second chamber179are linearly aligned. In some embodiments, openings182and191of the first chamber178and openings183and192of the second chamber179are linearly aligned in body177.

A first movable part196, which can be circular, spherical or a ball, can be provided in the first chamber178and movable between a first or closed position in which the part191sealably engages the first valve seat186for inhibiting flow through the valve seat and a second or open position in which the part is not disposed in the valve seat, for example nonsealably disposed in the first chamber178away from the first valve seat186, for permitting fluid flow through the first valve seat186and first chamber178. For example, part196is shown in its second position inFIG. 12. A spring197can be provided in first chamber178, for example in first valve seat186, for urging the part196away from sealing engagement with the valve seat. For example, spring197can extend through the first valve seat186for urging part196away from the first valve seat, as illustrated inFIG. 12. The part196can be free in chamber178, that is not attached to spring197or any part of body177, and thus able to freely move about the chamber178. A second movable part201, which can be circular, spherical or a ball, can be provided in the second chamber179and movable between a first or closed position in which the second part201sealably engages the second valve seat187for inhibiting flow through the valve seat and a second or opened position in which the second part is not disposed in the valve seat187, for example nonsealably disposed in the second chamber179away from the second valve seat187, for permitting fluid flow through the second valve seat187and second chamber179. For example, part201is shown in its first position inFIG. 12. The second movable part201can be free in the second chamber179, for example not attached to any part of body177, and thus able to freely move about the second chamber.

In some embodiments, a first limiting element206can be carried by the housing177for retaining the first movable part196within first chamber178, for example within sealing proximity to first valve seat186, and a second limiting element207can be carried by the housing177for retaining the second movable part201within second chamber179, for example within sealing proximity to second valve seat187. Each of the limiting elements206,207can be a porous screen overlying the respective outlet opening191,192. In some embodiments, a drain valve176is substituted in drain assembly41for each drain valve96above, for example at the bottom of each vertical bore136-138, with first outlet opening191facing upwardly within housing43and second outlet opening192facing reservoir42. It is appreciated that drain valve176can have applications outside of a drain assembly for use with one or more hydrants, and in fact can be used in any other suitable application.

In some methods of operation and use of drain valve176in drain assembly41, when pressurized water is provided to outlet opening191and thus first chamber178of the drain valve176, for example when a respective supply line28and drain line91are pressurized due to the respective supply valve81being ON, first movable part196in the first chamber178is forced against first sealing element188in first valve seat186of the drain valve when the pressure within the drain line91exceeds that needed to overcome spring197, so as to prevent water from the drain line91passing through openings191,192of the drain valve176and entering reservoir42. When the respective supply valve81that provides pressurized water to drain valve176is OFF but one of the other supply valves81of drain assembly41is ON and piston46thus moves from its first position to a second position under the force of pressurized water supplied by such ON supply valve81through piston supply line116to internal chamber66, the pressurization of the accumulated water in reservoir42by the movement of piston46to it second position serves to move second movable part201in second chamber179into sealing engagement against second sealing element189in second valve seat187so as to prevent the accumulated water from traveling or backflowing through openings192,191of the drain valve176into the respective drain line91and supply lines28.

The drain assembly of the invention advantageously saves costs by permitting standard parts thereof to be easily configured to accommodate the number of drinking fountains required. In this regard, for example, any one of the three supply valves81can be removed and the housing43can be capped at the valve exit location, for example where the respective vertical bore136-138exits the housing43.

In one aspect of the invention, a drinking water supply system is provided and includes a drinking bubbler having a supply water inlet, multiple control valves each having a water inlet and a water outlet, a water reservoir and a piston movable therein between UP and DOWN positions, a water delivery line flow connectable to each of said valves, and to said reservoir, at a first side of the piston, whereby for example when the valves are operated to ON position they pass water to flow from a provided supply input and water flows to the bubbler inlet and to the valves from which water flows to the reservoir at one side of the piston, displacing the piston in one direction to exit the reservoir.

All of the valves can be operated to OFF position, and supply water flows to the reservoir at the stored water side of the piston which is displaced in the opposite direction by a spring. The system can include three balls connected respectively in series with the control valves, whereby when all three of said control valves are in an OFF position water flows directly from the bubbler and provided drain lines via check valves through to the reservoir water storage side of the piston. When any combination of the three said control valves are in an ON position the check valves can prevent pressurized water from flowing into the reservoir and can pressurize individual bubblers related to its specific valve. The system can include an additional three balls connected respectively in series with the control valves, whereby when any combination of valves are in an ON position water flows from the control valves to the bubblers via check valves to prevent water from one valve from flowing to multiple bubblers. The piston can be displaced in the opposite direction for driving water from the piston to the exterior, via a path in communication with said control valve and flow restrictions can be provided. All three control valves can be respectively in communication with the three check valves.

In one aspect of the invention, a supply assembly for use in a hydrant to provide water through a first supply line to a first outlet of the hydrant and through a second supply line to a second outlet of the hydrant can be provided and can include a first supply valve adapted for coupling to the first supply line to supply water to the first supply line and a second supply valve adapted for coupling to the second supply line to supply water to the second supply line, a housing containing a first drain valve and a second drain valve, the first supply valve coupled to the first drain valve for permitting water to be drained from the first supply line when the first outlet is off, the second supply valve being coupled to the second drain valve for permitting water to be drained from the second supply line when the second outlet is off, the first supply valve being above the second supply valve to permit radially compact nesting of the first supply valve and the second supply valve.

The first supply valve can be aligned relative to the housing so as to be above the first drain valve and the second supply valve can be aligned relative to the housing so as to be above the second drain valve. The second supply valve can be vertically staggered above the first supply valve. The supply assembly can further include a reservoir below the first and second drain valves for receiving water drained from the first and second supply lines. The supply assembly can provide water through a third supply line to a third outlet, and can further include a third supply valve adapted for coupling to the third supply line to supply water to the third supply line, the housing containing a third drain valve, the third supply valve being coupled to the third drain valve for permitting water to be drained from the third supply line when the third outlet is off, the third supply valve being above the second supply valve. The third supply valve can be aligned relative to the housing so as to be above the third drain valve.

In one aspect of the invention, a supply assembly for use in a hydrant to provide water through a first supply line to a first outlet of the hydrant and through a second supply line to a second outlet of the hydrant can be provided and can include a first supply valve adapted for coupling to the first supply line to supply water to the first supply line and a second supply valve adapted for coupling to the second supply line to supply water to the second supply line, a housing having a reservoir for receiving drain water from the first supply line when the first supply valve is OFF and drain water from the second supply line when the second supply valve is OFF, a piston disposed in the housing and movable from a first position for providing the reservoir and a second position for emptying the reservoir, a piston supply line having a first end coupled to a first check valve and to a second check valve, the first check valve adapted to couple to the first supply line and the second check valve adapted to couple to the second supply line, the piston supply line having a second end coupled to the housing for supplying water to the housing when at least one of the first supply valve and the second supply valve is ON so as to move the piston from its first position to its second position, the first check valve being configured to inhibit flow from the piston supply line to the first supply line when the first supply valve is OFF and the second supply valve is ON and the second check valve being configured to inhibit flow from the piston supply line to the second supply line when the second supply valve is OFF and the first supply valve is ON.

The supply assembly can provide water through a third supply line to a third outlet of the hydrant, and can further include a third supply valve adapted for coupling to the third supply line to supply water to the third supply line and a third check valve coupled to the first end of the piston supply line, the third check valve adapted to couple to the third supply line and being configured to inhibit flow from the piston supply line to the third supply line when the third supply valve is OFF and at least one of the first supply valve and the second supply valve is ON.

In one aspect of the invention, a valve assembly for use with first, second and third liquid lines can be provided and can include a body having a first surface and an opposite second surface and an outer peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces, the body being provided with spaced-apart first, second and third liquid bores extending through the first surface, the first, second and third liquid bores being adapted to respectively couple to the first, second and third liquid lines, the body having first, second and third valve bores extending through the peripheral surface to the respective first, second and third liquid bores, the first valve bore communicating with the first liquid bore at a first valve seat, the second valve bore communicating with the second liquid bore at a second valve seat, the third valve bore communicating with the third liquid bore at a third valve seat, a first part disposed in the first valve bore for sealably engaging with the first valve seat, a second part disposed in the second valve bore for sealably engaging with the second valve seat, and a third part disposed in the third valve bore for sealably engaging with the third valve seat.

The valve assembly can further include a connecting bore extending through the peripheral surface and communicating with each of the first, second and third valve bores. The valve assembly can further include a first closure device sealing the first valve bore at the peripheral surface and a second closure device sealing the second valve bore at the peripheral surface, wherein the third valve bore has an opening at the peripheral surface that serves as an outlet port for the valve assembly. The valve assembly can further include a limiting element disposed in the connecting bore and extending across each of the first, second and third valve bores for retaining the first, second and third parts within sealing proximity to the respective first, second and third valve seats. Each of the first and second surfaces can be planar and the peripheral surface can be circular. Each of the first, second and third parts can be circular. The first, second and third valve bores can be disposed in the same plane. The first, second and third valve bores can extend perpendicularly to the respective first, second and third liquid bores.

In one aspect of the invention a valve for use with a liquid can be provided and can include a housing having a chamber, the housing providing a first valve seat opening to the chamber and a second valve seat opening to the chamber, a part disposed in the chamber and movable between a first position sealably engaging the first valve seat for inhibiting flow through the first valve seat and a second position sealably the second valve seat for inhibiting flow through the second valve seat and a third position nonsealably disposed between the first and second valve seats.

The valve can further include a spring for urging the part away from the first valve seat, the spring being free of the part. The first valve seat can be opposite the second valve seat. The first valve seat can be disposed below the second valve seat. The part can be a ball. The part can be free in the chamber. The housing can be part of a hydrant.

In one aspect of the invention a valve for use with a liquid can be provided and can include a housing having first and second chambers and a passageway extending between a first opening in the first chamber and a second opening in the second chamber, the housing providing a first valve seat at the first opening and a second valve seat at the second opening, a first part disposed in the first chamber and movable between a closed position sealably engaging the first valve seat and an open position spaced from the first valve seat, a spring disposed in the housing for urging the first part away from the first valve seat to the second position, and a second part disposed in the second chamber and movable between a closed position sealably engaging the second valve seat and an open position spaced from the second valve seat.

The valve can further include a first limiting element carried by the housing for retaining the first part within sealing proximity to the first valve seat and a second limiting element carried by the housing for retaining the second part within sealing proximity to the second valve seat. Each of the first part and the second part ca be a ball. The first part can be free in the first chamber and the second part can be free in the second chamber. The housing can be part of a drain assembly for a hydrant.