Abstract:
An adaptive fitting for valves. The adaptive fitting has a fitting body having a first end and a second end. The fitting body defines an inner passageway extending from the first end of the fitting to the second end. The fitting is provided with a valve-engaging portion disposed on the first end of the fitting body. This valve-engaging portion has a threaded region for threadably engaging a threaded section of a valve. On the second end of the fitting body is disposed a sealing portion. The fitting is provided with one or more ports disposed about or near the first end of the fitting body for allowing flow there through.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to connectors or adapters for valves that allows or permits the valve to be joined to a flow line. More specifically, the present invention relates to a valve adapter that enables a valve found in a water hydrant to be replaced with a different valve.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     Damage often occurs to water pipes and faucets that are externally exposed to freezing conditions due to the expansion of water when it freezes. As a solution to this problem, hydrants or faucets have been designed that are mounted within the wall of a building, for example, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,243. This placement of the hydrant is typically warm enough to prevent freezing of the piping, although the faucet head that is exposed to the elements can still be subject to freezing. Water that may have collected in the hydrant piping in the wall can be kept above freezing simply from the heat of the building that it is placed in. Further, this piping is typically placed in the wall at a slight angle so that water is directed towards the faucet head. In doing so, water within the valve body of the hydrant is able to discharge from the body prior to a freezing situation.  
         [0005]     Still, this design is not foolproof in preventing any water within the wall hydrant from freezing during acclimate conditions. For example, a hose may be connected to the faucet head. This hose can be in a position where it is at an elevation higher than the wall hydrant, such as mounted on a reel above the hydrant. Further, the hydrant may be installed improperly with the discharge end not lower than the supply end. Also, the building may settle so that the discharge end is not lower than the supply end.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a commercially available sill cock or wall hydrant with the hydrant generally designated as numeral  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , it is seen that the hydrant includes a handle  14 , a faucet head  13  and a valve body or housing  15 . The valve housing  15  can be of any material suitable for use in wall hydrant applications, such as copper, stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, etc. Typically, the housing  15  is copper tubing. The housing  15  can be of any length through the wall required to connect the externally mounted head  13  with an internal fluid supply line (not shown).  
         [0007]     At the supply end  11  of the housing  15  is mounted a valve body connector  16  for connecting the wall hydrant  10  with the water supply. At least part of the adapter  16  is threaded for connecting with the internal supply line. Preferably, the connector  16  is both internally and externally threaded  20 . The connector  16  can be threadedly connected to the housing  15 , but is typically soldered to the housing  15  in order to secure the connection from any leaks. The connector  16  can also be integral with the housing  15 . The connector  16  further includes a valve seat (not shown) concentric to a fluid channel through the hydrant  10 . Centrally positioned within the valve seat is a valve port (not shown) through which flow through the hydrant  10  is controlled, as will be explained below.  
         [0008]     Running internally through the housing  15  from the faucet head  13  to the adapter seat is a valve stem  21 . Like the housing  15 , this stem  17  can be of any material suitable for use in wall hydrant applications, and typically is copper. At the supply end  11  of the stem  17  is a valve nut or like element  18  for mating with the connector valve seat. The stem  17  is positioned substantially centrally within the housing  15 , and has an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the housing  15 . The stem  21 , and therefore the element  22 , is positioned within the housing  15  so that it covers the adapter valve port  17  when seated on the connector seat. In this manner, fluid flow through the hydrant  10  is prevented. The valve element  18  can include a valve gasket  19  for ensuring that the seal created by the element  18  seating on the seat is complete and that no flow is permitted there through. The valve stem element  18  is able to freely rotate around the valve stem  21 . Such design enables the element  18  to be stationary upon the connector seat as the stem  17  is extended by the rotation of the handle  25  against the element  22 . The element  18  is secured around the end of the stem  17  by a screw or valve stem element connector (not shown).  
         [0009]     At the discharge end  12  of the hydrant  10 , the stem  17  is connected to the handle  14  by a screw or stem handle connector  26 . At least a portion of the stem handle  20  is threaded (not shown) for sealingly engaging with a handle-to-faucet connector  29 . At least a portion of the connector  21  is externally threaded  22  for threadedly engaging with the faucet  13 . The connector  21  further includes a nut portion  24  whereby one is able to screw the connector  21 , and therefore the handle  14  and stem  21 , into the faucet  13  and valve body  15 . The connector  21  includes a gasket  23  for creating a seal when securedly engaged with the faucet  13 . In this manner, both the faucet  13  and the connector  21  remain stationary while the handle  14  and valve stem  17  are rotated.  
         [0010]     Rotation of the handle  14  in one direction moves the stem  17  and its element  18  towards the connector seat until the element  18  sealingly engages with the seat over the port, thereby blocking flow through the valve  10 . Rotation of the handle  14  in the other direction moves the stem  17  and its element  18  away from the connector seat, thereby permitting flow through the valve  10 .  
         [0011]     Many times a hose or other accessory may be attached to the end of the faucet  13 . This accessory may already contain fluid in it that has frozen, causing the outlet of the faucet to be blocked. Water within the valve body  15  is trapped. In freezing conditions, that water can freeze, thereby increasing in volume within the faucet valve body  15 . As that volume increases, the pressure within the valve  10  increases to a point that can be in excess of that which is needed to rupture the valve body  15 . Should such a rupture occur, the subsequent leakage through the body  15  can be extremely damaging due to its camouflaged nature, as the leakage occurs within the confines of the wall space.  
         [0012]     Valves designed to remedy problems such as that described above have only recently been described. These include, for example, the valve described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,391. Still, these valves are not readily adapted for replacing valves in wall-mounted faucets or stand-alone faucets. Accordingly, there is a need for an adapter that enables the simple and quick installment of a valve into a wall hydrant or stand-alone hydrant.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The present invention disclosed herein alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to enabling a valve such as that described in the &#39;391 patent to be installed in a water hydrant. The valve adapter of the present invention is easily installed in presently available wall-mounted and stand-alone hydrants. It allows replacement of the valve without breaking up the wall to gain access.  
         [0014]     In one aspect the adapter includes a substantially hollow member having an outer surface, a posterior inner shaft having a posterior inner diameter and an anterior inner surface having an anterior inner diameter. The adapter can include an anterior inner threaded surface extending at least a portion of the anterior inner surface, as well as an anterior outer threaded surface extending about at least a portion of the anterior inner surface. The adapter can have a posterior sealing portion and additionally one or more ports positioned on the hollow member for allowing flow from the inner surface to the outer surface.  
         [0015]     In another aspect the adapter also includes a backflow preventer for preventing flow from returning through the posterior-sealing portion. This backflow preventer can comprise a threaded portion for threadedly engaging with the anterior inner threaded surface.  
         [0016]     In one aspect, the posterior sealing portion of the adapter includes a gasket. In another aspect, the posterior sealing portion includes a resilient elastomeric seal such as an o-ring. In one aspect, the anterior outer threaded surface includes an anterior gasket for sealingly engaging with a faucet head.  
         [0017]     The adaptive fitting of the present invention can serve in connecting a valve to a water hydrant. The fitting includes a fitting body having a first end and a second end, wherein the fitting body defines an inner passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A valve-engaging portion disposed on the first end of the fitting body is provided. The valve-engaging portion has a threaded region for threadably engaging a threaded set of a valve. The fitting is provided with a sealing portion disposed on the second end of the fitting body, as well as one or more ports disposed about or near the first end of the fitting body for allowing flow there through.  
         [0018]     In one aspect, the fitting also includes a backflow preventer for preventing flow from returning through the sealing portion. This backflow preventer can have a threaded portion for threadedly engaging with the valve-engaging portion.  
         [0019]     In one aspect, the sealing portion of the fitting includes a gasket. In another aspect, the first end of the fitting has a hydrant-engaging portion for securing the fitting to a hydrant. In one aspect, this hydrant-engaging portion further includes a gasket for sealingly engaging with a faucet head.  
         [0020]     As designed, the valve adapter of the present invention is easily and conveniently installed in a faucet. Its simple design allows it to be inexpensively manufactured. It may be manufactured in a wide range of sizes, based upon the size of the hydrant to be served.  
         [0021]     The general beneficial effects described above apply generally to each of the exemplary descriptions and characterizations of the devices and mechanisms disclosed herein. The specific structures through which these benefits are delivered will be described in detail herein below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a sill cock or wall hydrant found in the art illustrating the valve portion of hydrant.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional lengthwise view of one embodiment of a valve adapter according to the present invention suitable for use in the wall hydrant of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a valve adapter according to the present invention illustrated with an optional backflow preventer.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a valve adapter according to the present invention illustrating placement of the adapter with a commercially available valve and a water hydrant for housing the adapter and valve.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a water hydrant assembled with a valve adapter according to the present invention and a commercially available valve. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. For example, although described as for use in a water hydrant, it should be understood that the adapter could be used in other hardware as appropriate.  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the valve adapter of the present invention is generally indicated at  25 . The adapter or valve coupling or adaptive fitting  25  has a fitting body having a first or anterior end  28  and a second or posterior end  29 , with the anterior end  28  adapted for engaging with a valve  41  of a faucet or hydrant  10 . The adapter  25  includes a hollow member or cylindrical housing  27  having an internal passageway. The housing  27  is provided with external anterior stem threads  32  for communication or secured connection with the faucet head  13 . The housing  27  can have one or more ports  38  positioned thereon. The ports  38  and their function will be described more fully hereinafter. The external diameter of the housing or fitting body  27  should be of such size that it is able to fit within the valve housing  15 .  
         [0029]     In one embodiment, the posterior or sealing end  29  of the coupling  25  is provided with a posterior gasket or resilient elastomeric seal  36  whereby a seal is effected between the coupling  25  and the internal diameter of the valve housing  15 . Accordingly, the external diameter of the posterior gasket  36  should be equal to or slightly larger than the internal diameter of the valve housing  15 . The flexible nature of the elastomeric seal  36  should allow it to be positioned within the valve housing  15 . One skilled in the art will recognize that by varying the length of the coupling  25 , the depth within the housing  15  at which the seal is effected can be varied. In one embodiment, the sealing end  29  is provided with a posterior gasket seat  37 . In this manner, the posterior elastomeric seal  36  can be positioned within the valve housing  15 .  
         [0030]     As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2 , the interior of the adapter  25  stem includes an internal passageway. This passageway is comprised of an upper anterior interior wall or bore  30  and a lower posterior interior wall or bore  39 . In one aspect, the upper bore  30  is of a larger diameter than the lower bore  39 . By being of differing diameters, an anterior end seat  35  is formed between the upper bore  30  and the lower bore  39 , the function of which will be described more fully herein below.  
         [0031]     The upper bore  30  is capable of receiving an appropriately sized valve stem by mating an anterior internal threaded portion  31  with an externally threaded portion of the valve  41 . In one aspect, either the valve  41  or the anterior end  28  of the adaptive fitting  25  is provided with a gasket for effecting a seal between the valve  41  and the coupling  25 . In one embodiment, where the valve  41  is provided with the gasket, the anterior or valve engaging end  28  of the adapter  25  has a seat  40  for fittingly disposing the valve gasket therein, thereby effecting the seal between the valve  41  and the adapter  25 .  
         [0032]     Once connected to the coupling  25 , the stem of the valve  41  can be longitudinally or lengthwise moved along the upper bore  30  by rotation of the valve handle  14 . In the valve-closed position, the valve stem sealingly abuts the anterior gasket seat  35 , thereby preventing flow through the hydrant. By opening the valve  41 , the valve stem is moved away from the anterior seat  35 , allowing flow from the posterior end  29  through the lower and upper bores  30 ,  39 , out the port(s)  38  and out the discharge end  12  of the hydrant.  
         [0033]     The anterior end  28  of the coupling  25  is further provided with an externally threaded portion  32 . The diameter of this portion  32  is such that it is able to threadedly engage with the faucet head  13 . The anterior end  28  can be further provided with an anterior end nut  33  for tightening the coupling  25  to and loosening it from the faucet head  13 . In one embodiment, positioned between the nut  33  and the threaded portion  32  is an anterior gasket  34  for sealing the connection between the coupling  25  and the faucet head  13 .  
         [0034]     In an optional embodiment, the coupling  25  is further provided with a backflow connector  42  and backflow preventer  43 . This backflow preventer  43  can be any of a variety of designs known in the art such as a ball-type backflow preventer. As illustrated, the backflow preventer  43  is a vented or slotted type that allows flow through from the posterior end  29  toward the anterior end  28 , but not back. In the embodiment illustrated, the backflow preventer  43  and backflow connector  42  are slightly smaller in diameter than the anterior internal bore  30 . The backflow preventer  43  has a ring portion  44  for mating with the anterior end seat  35 . In one aspect, the external diameter of the ring portion  44  is of the same or similar diameter as the external diameter of the connector  42 .  
         [0035]     The connector  42  has a threaded portion  45  that is threadedly engageable with the internal anterior threaded end  31  of the coupling  25 . The connector  42  and preventer  43  are of such length as to extend from the anterior seat  35  to at least a portion of the internal threaded end  31 . The threaded portion  45  of the backflow connector  42  is preferably smaller than the anterior internal threaded end  31 . In this manner, as the valve  41  threadedly engages with the fitting  25 , the turning of the valve  41  onto the fitting  25  will turn the connector  42  and preventer  43  into the anterior bore  30  until the preventer  44  sealingly mates with the anterior seat  35 . In another embodiment, the anterior passageway through the connector  42  is of such a design that a tool such as a hex wrench can secure the connector  42  and preventer  43  within the inner passageway of the adapter  25 .  
         [0036]     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken as a limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of any claims presented hereafter.  
         [0037]     Industrial Applicability. The present invention finds applicability in the valve industry, and more specifically in adaptive fittings for valves. Of particular importance is the invention&#39;s ability to enable the replacement of current water hydrant valves. For those valves installed in walls, the present invention accomplishes this without damaging the wall that the hydrant may be installed in.