Temperature sensitive valve device

A temperature sensitive valve includes a body having an interior area, a top end having an inlet and a lower end having an outlet. The top end is design and configured to be removably secured to an exterior faucet located for allowing water to flow when the temperatures are approaching extreme cold conditions, such as freezing, so as to prevent the pipes from freezing, and eventually bursting. Located within the body, between the inlet and outlet, is a resilient tube situated in a bent position. Affixed to the resilient tube an elongated rod fabricated from a temperature sensitive material. As temperatures approach freezing conditions, the rod will decrease in size and thus move away from the resilient tube, enabling it to move upward and thus, become slightly unbent. This will provide for an opening to exist within the bent region of the tube and enable fluid flow. As temperatures increase and move away from freezing conditions, the rod increases in size, and thus forces the tube downward in a completely bent position, causing a blockage within the bent region. This will prevent fluid flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to a temperature sensitive and 
self-actuating drip valve device attachably secured to any standard 
outdoor faucet which at cold temperatures will enable a slow flow of fluid 
to exit through the outdoor faucet so as to prevent freezing to occur with 
the water pipes leading to the faucet. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
It is ubiquitously recognized that during extreme cold conditions in order 
to prevent water lines from freezing, and innately bursting the particular 
line, water must be allowed to drip, generally slowly, from the external 
facet attached to the pipe. Unfortunately, some may not realize that they 
are experiencing a freeze, and thus fail to activate the water source. 
Others may simply forget to activate their water line during cold weather 
condition while some may be away on vacations, and thus physically unable 
to do so. Whatever the reason, there exists a need to have an external 
water line automatically activated when the temperature decreases and 
approaches freezing conditions. 
To address this problem, several device have been fabricated which can 
attach to an external facet and enable water flow during extreme cold 
condition. Once such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,601 issued 
to Chamberlin. In this patent there is disclose a self-actuating drip 
valve comprising a tube having a collar at one end for securing to the end 
of the faucet. Located within the tube is a stem, which when secured, will 
be adjacent to the facet. Water flow is accomplished via one or more 
ports, which extend between the faucet and the interior of the tube. The 
tube and the stem are fabricated from two different material, each having 
a different coefficient of expansion. Thus, when the outside ambient 
temperature drops, the tube and stem contract at different rates and the 
relative movement opens the orifice in the distal end of the tube so as to 
enable water to drip therethrough. This device, though efficient, does 
suffer some drawbacks. One drawback is that the device appears to be 
exceeding long in length, thereby, providing for an overall structure, 
which may be cumbersome, if not awkward to install. Such an excess length 
provides a device, which is not aesthetically pleasing. An aesthetically 
pleasing product, even on a faucet, is a feature that is a necessity with 
many homeowners today. Yet another drawback is with the use of two 
different types of materials have different coefficients of expansions. If 
not precisely placed and secured, the apparatus will not work. 
Accidentally dropping the device may cause one of the elements made of a 
different coefficient of expansion to become displaced or bend, thus 
causing a malfunctioning of the apparatus, rendering it useless. 
Accordingly, it is seen that there is a need for an apparatus designed and 
configured to enable water to drip from an exterior facet as the 
temperature approaches freezing. The device should be structure so as to 
be simple in design and to include a minimal amount of components, so as 
to innately reduce and/or eliminate the possibility of component failure. 
As will be seen, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, 
objectives and advantages, by accomplishing the needs as identified above, 
through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, 
which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of 
functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and 
by employing only readily available material. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is a temperature sensitive valve design and 
configured to react as the outside temperatures change. This valve device 
of the present invention is ideally suited for use on a faucet located 
exterior from a home, resident, office, or the like. The purpose of this 
valve is to allow water flow when the temperatures are approaching extreme 
cold conditions, such as freezing, so as to prevent the pipes from 
freezing, and eventually bursting. 
The valve of the present invention includes two embodiments. In each 
embodiment the valve is structured to have a first end and a second end. 
The first end includes internal threads for allowing the device to be 
coupled and removable secured to an external facet. The second end 
includes an outlet port. This outlet port will permit water to flow 
therethrough, especially during freezing weather conditions. 
Three separate chambers are located within the valve of each embodiment of 
the present invention. Situated between the first chamber and second 
chamber is a hollow cylindrical tube, fabricated from a resilient 
material. This hollow cylindrical tube includes a first section and a 
second section. The first section is located and secured in a first 
channel located in proximity to the first end. The second section extends 
outward from the first channel and into the second chamber. 
In the first embodiment of the present invention, at least one elongated 
spring, which is fabricated from a material, which is sensitive to 
temperature, such as any metal alloy, is secured within the second chamber 
and extends downwardly therefrom. This will provide for the first end of 
the spring to be secured above the second chamber, while the second end of 
the elongated spring frictionally maintains the bias spring in the 
downward position. This will cause the resilient tube to be bent. As the 
ambient temperature changes, the elongated spring alters in shape that 
will inherently alter the location of the tube. 
In the second embodiment of the present invention, located above and 
butting the first section of the resilient tube, and extending downwardly 
into the second chamber is a substantially L-shape bias spring. Due to the 
resiliency of the tube and the structure of the bias spring, the tube is 
consequently bent and thus, the second section of the bias spring abuts 
the resilient tube. 
A flange is secured to the distal end of the L-shape bias spring, at the 
second section. This flange acts as a stand or landing to maintain an end 
of at least one elongated spring which is fabricated from a material which 
is sensitive to temperature, such as any metal alloy. This end of the 
elongated spring frictionally maintains the bias spring in the downward 
position. As the ambient temperature changes, the elongated spring alters 
in shape that will inherently alter the location of the bias spring. The 
opposite end, or second end, of the elongated spring is located within a 
channel that is located above the second chamber. 
In both the first and second embodiments, coupled to the second chamber is 
the third chamber. Once bent the second end of the hollow cylindrical tube 
will be located within the third chamber. The will provide for the upper 
area of the bent portion to pass the second chamber and then enter into 
the third chamber. This third chamber includes the orifice for the exiting 
means. 
In operation of both embodiments, the valve is attached to an exterior 
faucet and the water is turned on. As ambient temperature decreases and 
approaches freezing conditions, the metal alloy elongated spring will 
reduce in size. This reduction in size will force the resilient tube, in 
the first embodiment, and the bias spring of the second embodiment, to 
extend upward and enable the tube to extend slightly upward. This upward 
movement will cause a gap to be located within the bent area of the tube 
to permit water to flow therethrough. As ambient temperatures increases 
the metal alloy elongated spring will increase in size and width and hence 
will force the second section of the tube downward and provide for no 
opening to exist in the resilient tube. Thereby, preventing water from 
exiting the facet. 
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a 
temperature sensitive valve which will overcome the deficiencies, 
shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior temperature sensitive valves and 
methods thereof. 
Another object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated 
herein, is to provide a temperature sensitive valve in accordance with the 
preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of 
manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a 
device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively 
trouble free in operation. 
Although there have been many inventions related to a temperature sensitive 
valve, none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, low cost, 
and reliable enough to become commonly used. The present invention meets 
the requirements of the simplified design, compact size, low initial cost, 
low operating cost, ease of installation and maintainability, and minimal 
amount of training to successfully employ the invention. 
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the 
invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of 
some of the more prominent features and application of the intended 
invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the 
disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention 
within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of 
the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the 
preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by 
the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
As seen in the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1-7 thereof, the present 
invention, a temperature sensitive valve, denoted by reference numerals 
10a and 10b, will be described. The temperature sensitive valve includes a 
first embodiment, denoted by reference numeral 10a, illustrated in FIGS. 
1-3 and 7 and a second embodiment, denoted by reference numeral 10b, 
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4-7. Shown is a valve, ideally suited for 
outdoor use and one which will enable water to flow from an external 
faucet as the temperature decreases and approaches freezing conditions. 
Such a valve will prevent pipes from freezing and innately reduce the 
possibility of pipes from bursting. This will inherently reduce stress and 
costs generally associated with freezing temperature conditions. 
As seen in the various figures, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, the present 
invention is a substantially cylindrical structure having a first end 12 
and a second end 14. The first end 12 includes internal threads 16 for 
allowing the structure to preferably be removably secured to an outdoor 
faucet. The second end 14 includes an opening to enable the water to exit 
and flow therethrough. The second end is fabricated from any conventional 
material possessing resilient characteristics. 
The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described and as 
seen in the interior view, seen in FIG. 3, the interior of the valve 10a 
includes three chambers 18a, 18b, and 18c. 
The first chamber or upper chamber 18a is located in proximity to the first 
end of the valve 10a. The second chamber 18b or intermediate chamber is 
located on the side of the first chamber and slightly downward from the 
first chamber. Situated directly under the intermediate chamber is the 
third chamber 18c or lower chamber. This chamber extends downward and to 
the second end of the second end 14 of the valve 10a, and thus constitutes 
the opening, which allows for the water to escape. 
Coupling the first chamber 18a to the second chamber 18b is a first channel 
20. This channel 20 includes a unique shape and configuration. As seen in 
the drawing, FIG. 3, the channel 20 includes two sections, 22a and 22b. 
The first section 22a extends downwards from the first chamber 18a. The 
second section 22b of the first channel 20 extends at an obtuse angle, 
with respect to the first section 22a. As can be seen from the drawing, 
the second section 22b extends upwards and towards the second chamber 18b. 
This will provide for the second section 22b to be angularly disposed 
thereby, providing for the second section to extend upward from a lower 
end of the first section 22a. 
Partially located within the second section 22b of the first channel 20 is 
a hollow cylindrical tube 24 fabricated from a resilient material. 
Providing the tube 24 to be partially located within the second section 
will provide for a portion of the tube to extend into the second chamber 
18b. This tube is fictionally maintained within the second section 22b of 
the first channel 20. To aid in the securement of the tube within the 
second section of the channel a step, illustrated, but not labeled can be 
utilized. This step will act as an inherent stop and thus prevent the tube 
from slipping. 
Secured above the second or intermediate chamber 18b is at least one 
elongated spring or elongated rod 38 which is fabricated from a material 
that is sensitive to temperature, such as a temperature sensitive metal 
alloy. This elongated rod as seen in the drawings includes a first end or 
upper end 40 and a second end or lower end 42. The upper end 40 is forced 
into the plug to provide for the elongated rod 38 rod to be frictionally 
maintained therein. For a more secure fit, and as seen in FIG. 3, a seat 
56, can be utilized. Optionally, and as seen in FIG. 3, the elongated rod 
38 can be maintained above the second chamber via holding member 56. 
Holding member 56 is a holding seat and secures the rod to the interior 
area of the present invention. The use of the holding seat 56 prevents the 
upper end 42 of the rod from moving and thereby maintains this end in a 
fixed and secured position. In this fixed and secured position, the lower 
area of the rod can expand, as deemed necessary by the weather, and thus 
allow for the tube to open or close. 
As seen in FIG. 3, this elongated rod 38 extends completely through the 
intermediate chamber 18b and partially down through to the third or lower 
chamber 18c. Maintaining the elongated rod 38 is a retaining system 44. 
The retaining system comprising an elongated stepped channel 46 extending 
through the lower portion of plug 10a of the present invention. Located 
within the first section 46a of the stepped channel 46 is a retaining 
spring 48. This retaining spring is secured to the lower end 42 of the 
elongated rod 40 via holding clamp 50. Holding clamp 50 is a conventional 
component and includes two sections. The first section is a C-section or 
optionally an O-shape section, for receiving the second end of the 
elongated rod, and the second section is a cup member, illustrated, but 
not labeled for receiving an end of the retaining spring 48. This will 
provide for the holding clamp to be secured to the elongated rod and the 
retaining spring, thereby maintaining the rod 38 in a fixed and secured 
position. 
The second section 46b, of the step channel 46 include s a setscrew 52 or 
the like. This set screw is accessible via opening 54, which is 
illustrated in the exterior view of the anti-freeze plug apparatus of the 
present invention, shown in FIG. 2 as well as the interior view shown in 
FIG. 3. The use of this setscrew will enable the rod to be adjusted 
accordingly. Generally, during production, mechanical tolerances will 
arise which may slightly alter the location of the rod from its intended 
position. After assembly, the plug is tested and adjusted via opening 54 
and channel 46 and utilizing set screw 52. Once adjusted, a cover can be 
secured to the opening, or optionally, this opening can be permanently 
closed. This permanent closure is seen in FIG. 1. 
As seen in FIG. 3, the elongated rod 38 will extend from the intermediate 
chamber 18b to the lower chamber 18c in a downward and angular position. 
This will cause a portion of the rod to abut the tube 24 and force it to 
bend downward. This will cause for the bent portion to extend down and 
into the third or lower chamber 18c. An optionally clamp 58 can be used to 
secure this elongated rod 38 to the outer end of the tube 24. As seen, 
this clamp includes two sections. The first section includes a first 
C-shape member, or first O-shape member, which wraps around tube 24, a 
second C-shape member, or O-shape member, is secured to the first member. 
This second member wraps around the elongated rod 38, thus providing for 
the rod to be affixed to tube 24. During temperature changes, the rod will 
either expand or contract. This expansion or contraction will provide for 
the tube to either open or closed. 
Other elements can be used for testing the tolerances and flow rate of the 
water. These elements are optional, and though not necessary, if used 
would merely be utilized after fabrication the final product. After 
fabrication the product would be tested for the verification of 
functionality. One element is the use of an adjustment knob. This knob 
would be located on the top area of the device, as seen in figure 1b, 
illustrated but not labeled. This knob would control flow of the water 
entering the device of the present invention. Hence, this knob would 
extend into the inlet and increase or decrease the size of the opening 
that constitutes the inlet. A setscrew, illustrated, but not labeled, can 
also be used to hold and maintain the knob in a fixed and secured 
position. This setscrew would be such that if it were desirable to change 
or alter the location of the knob, the setscrew would be utilized. This 
will provide for the setscrew to control and manipulate the location of 
the knob. A third element is the setscrew 52, which is discussed above. 
This third element like the knob and the setscrew maintaining the knob, 
are optional, and if used, would only be utilized for testing purposes. 
For exposing the spring 38 to ambient temperatures, a plate 60 is utilized. 
This plate 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 7. As seen this plate 60 is 
secured to the plug and in located in proximity to the second or 
intermediate chamber. Vents 62 extend through the plate, for allowing 
ambient air to circulate therein and for rending the elongated rod 38 to 
be exposed to the changing temperate of the environment. 
In operation, the valve is attached to an exterior faucet. The elongated 
spring 38 is designed to control the bentness of the tube 24. Hence, as 
the temperature sensitive elongated spring increases in size, it forces 
the tube 24 down. The downward motion innately applies pressure to the 
outer surface of the resilient tube. Since the opposite side of the tube 
24 rests against stationary point 34, the downward force from the rod and 
stationary point will cause the tube to bend. Dependent upon the amount of 
force applied, the tube, during "non-freezing" weather conditions will be 
completely bent to provide for a blockage to exist within the interior of 
the tube. Thereby, causing the bent tube to be in a closed position, as 
seen in FIG. 3. 
Due to the vents 62, located within the plate 60, the spring or rod 38 is 
constantly exposed to ambient temperatures. As ambient temperatures 
decrease and approach freezing conditions, the metal alloy elongated 
spring or rod 38 will reduce in size. This reduction in size will force 
the elongated spring to shrink and inherently cause the spring to move 
away from the tube. This movement will cause the tube to extend slightly 
upward. The upward movement will cause the tube to move upward and to 
slightly unbend. This movement causes a gap to be located within the 
semi-bent area of the tube to permit water to flow therethrough. 
Alternatively, the resilient tube 24 can be maintained within the 
connecting channel 20 via a holding clamp. The use of a holding clamp 
constitutes a second embodiment of the present invention and is 
illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 4-6. 
In the second embodiment, securing the first side of the resilient tube 24 
within the second section 22b of the connecting channel 20, is a holding 
clamp 26. The holding clamp 26 is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 
3, 4 and 5. As shown, the holding clamp includes a semi-cylindrical body 
28. This semi-cylindrical body 28 will maintain the hollow resilient tube 
24. It is noted that the body 28 need not be semi-cylindrical or C-shape, 
but rather, can be a hollow cylindrical body. The use of the C-shape 
member will reduce the materials needed for manufacturing the clamp. The 
purpose of the body 28 is to maintain the tube within the channel and to 
enable a resilient L-shape bias spring member 30 to be secured thereto. 
Hence, the body can have any shaped as deemed necessary by the manufacture 
and user. It is further noted that this hollow body 28 can be used with 
the first embodiment of the present invention for securing the resilient 
tube within the channel 20. This is an optional configuration. 
As seen in FIGS. 4-6 secured to the top surface of the holding clamp 26 is 
the L-shape bias spring member 30. The bias spring member 30 includes a 
first segment 32a and a second segment 32b. The angular placement of each 
section innately forms the L-shape structure. 
The bias spring 30 is located above and in close proximity to the hollow 
cylindrical tube. Due to the resiliency of the tube and the substantially 
rigid and L-shape structure of the bias spring 30, the tube is 
consequently bent. The second segment 32b of the spring 30 forces the 
resilient tube 24 to bend. To aid in bending the tube a point 34 is formed 
within the lower portion 14 of the plug to provide for the point 34 to be 
located in proximity to the interior side of the resilient tube 24, 
opposite from the bent elbow region 32c of the spring 30. 
A flange 36 is secured to the distal end of the L-shape bias spring, at the 
second segment 32b. This flange 36 acts as a stand or landing to maintain 
an end of at least one elongated spring 38 which is fabricated from a 
material which is sensitive to temperature, such as any metal alloy. This 
first end 40 of the elongated spring 38 frictionally maintains the bias 
spring in the downward position. As the ambient temperature changes, the 
elongated spring alters in shape that will inherently alter the location 
of the bias spring. 
The second end 42 of the elongated spring 38 is located within a plug and 
is maintained frictionally. Since the plug is fabricated from a resilient 
material, the elongated spring 38 is pushed into the plug, above the 
second chamber 18b, and is thus maintained therein. Optionally, a 
retaining seat, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3 and denoted by 
reference numeral 56, can be utilized. 
For exposing the temperature sensitive spring 38 to ambient temperature, a 
plate 60, substantially the same as the plate utilized in the first 
embodiment, including a plurality of vents 62, extending therethrough, is 
secured exteriorly to the second chamber 18b. The plate 60 is seen in FIG. 
1 and FIG. 2. The vents 62 enable air to enter into the second chamber, 
and thus, allow for the spring 38 to be exposed to the ambient temperature 
for rendering the spring to react accordingly. 
Coupled to the second chamber 18b is the third chamber 18c. Once bent the 
second end of the hollow cylindrical tube 24 will be located within the 
third chamber. This will provide for the upper area of the bent portion to 
pass the second chamber and then enter into the third chamber. This third 
chamber includes the opening for the exiting means 50. 
In operation, the valve is attached to an exterior faucet. The elongated 
spring 38 is designed to control the L-shape bias spring 30 via flange 36. 
Hence, as the temperature sensitive elongated spring increases in size, it 
forces the flange 36 down, consequently causing the elbow region 32c to 
extend down. The downward motion innately applies pressure to the upper 
surface of the resilient tube down. Since the opposite side of the tube 24 
rests against stationary point 34, the downward force from the elbow 32c 
and second segment 32b, will cause the tube to bend. Dependent upon the 
amount of force applied, the tube, during "non-freezing" weather 
conditions, will be completely bent to provide for a blockage to exist 
within the interior of the tube. Thereby, causing the bent tube to be in a 
closed position, as seen in FIG. 4. 
Due to the vents 62, located within the plate 60, the spring 38 is exposed 
to ambient temperature. As ambient temperature decreases and approaches 
freezing conditions, the metal alloy elongated spring 38 will reduce in 
size. This reduction in size will force the bias spring to shrink and 
inherently cause the second end 40 to extend upward and enable the bias 
spring 30 to extend upward. This upward action causes the tube to extend 
slightly upward. This upward movement will cause the L-shape member to 
extend upward. The upward movement will cause the tube to move upward and 
to slightly unbend. This movement causes a gap to be located within the 
semi-bent area of the tube to permit water to flow therethrough, as seen 
in FIG. 5. 
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with 
reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled 
in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without 
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.