Patent GB-829121-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to taps for controlling the flow of fluids
Inventor: PINKESS LESLIE HAYDN
IPC: F16K35/04
Filed: 1956-07-06
Abstract: 829,121. Pipe couplings. EVERED & CO. Ltd. July 8, 1957 [July 6, 1956], No. 20954/56. Class 99(1). In a tap comprising a body 10 having a passageway 11 for the flow of a fluid and a rotatable valve 13 therein, the body terminating at one end thereof in a disconnectible coupling portion, there is provided in association with the valve a locking member 32 mounted on the valve so as to be displaceable relatively to the valve, when the latter is closed and by means of a face of a complementary coupling component 23, from a normally occupied locking position to a releasing position wherein the member respectively prevents and permits rotation of the valve to an open position, movement of the valve from the closed position thereof then rendering the member effective to prevent disconnection movement of the component 23 so that the component cannot be disconnected from the tap until the valve is closed. As shown, the rotatable, conical, plug valve 13 is provided with a shank 35 of square cross-section carrying a tubular spacer 36 bearing a thrust washer 48 and having a gap in one side thereof; the valve is maintained in pressure-tight engagement with the seat 12 by a nut 38 and cover washer 39, a spring washer being, if desired, interposed between the nut and the washer. The circular locking plate 32 has a rectangular aperture 33 and fits over the spacer 36 so as to be slidable transversely of the axis of the valve and is provided also with diametrically opposed lugs 43 ; a further formation is constituted by a segmental or circular flange 44. The plate is urged into the locking position eccentrically in relation to the axis of the valve by a spring 41. Formed on the body 10 are arcuate guide ribs 45 affording gaps 46 through which the lugs 43 can pass. For detachably connecting a spring-loaded sleeve 26 on a pipe 27 to the body, the latter is formed with slots comprising circumferential portions and axially extending portions 29 these slots receiving pins 25 on the sleeve ; the pipe is formed with a fustroconical or other tapering end portion 22 co-operable with a tapered seating 21 in the passageway 11 of the body. Alternatively, the pipe is connected to the body by a quick-pitch screw-thread. In coupling the pipe 27, the pins 25 of the sleeve 26 are passed into the bayonet slots 29 so that the rim 49 of the sleeve 26 contacts the flange 44 and displaces the plate 32 from the locking position thereby urging the lugs 43 of the plate from the gaps 46 and thus allowing the valve to be opened ; rotation of the valve brings the lugs 43 outside the ribs 45 to maintain the plate in concentric relation with the axis of the valve and prevent disconnection of the pipe 27, the pins 25 of the sleeve having by rotation and rearward movement of the latter passed into further slot portions of the body. By closing the valve, the lugs 43 are brought into register with the gaps 46 and the plate is free to be moved by axial movement of the sleeve and thereby allows the pipe 27 to be disconnected from the body 10. To limit the angular movement of the valve to about 90 degrees, a stop 50 is arranged in the path of one of the lugs. To guard against inadvertent rotation of the valve, a pivoted handle 15 having a locking plate is arranged on the valve, the plate being engageable in one or other of diametrically opposed slots 19 in the body. In a modification, the locking member comprises parts 52, 53, Fig. 6, the part 52 being urged by a spring 41 into a bore in the valve body when the valve is closed. Engagement of the part 53 by the sleeve 26 causes that part to urge back the part 52 and the division between the parts to coincide with the interface between the valve and body, whereby the valve is freed from locked relation with the body and can be rotated. In a further modification, the locking member is arranged to be non-rotatable relatively to the valve body by providing on the latter and the member cooperative keying formations which permit sliding of the member, the slot 33 in the member including a central portion having arcuate side walls which enable the shank 35 of the valve to rotate when the member is moved into concentric relation therewith ; the ribs 45 and abutment elements 43 are omitted. In a still further modification, the locking member is associated with locking formations on the body and provided at the larger diameter end of the valve, the latter having a shank of square or other non-circular section between the handle 15 and the valve and the member being freely slidable but non-rotatable upon the shank.