Patent Publication Number: US-6213149-B1

Title: In-line diversion valve with flow-through capability

Description:
RELATED CASES 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/140,004; filed Jun. 18, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates broadly to diversion valves, and more particularly to an in-line, three or more way diversion valve which is of a compact, generally tee-shaped design and which has a flow-through capability especially adapted for point of use residential or commercial water purification systems in allowing a constant flow through the valve run for connection to the water supply line and an interruptible flow to one or more branches for connection to the purification unit. 
     Potable water purification systems are becoming increasingly popular as point of use (POU) installations. As may be seen with reference to FIG. 1, wherein a representative one such POU installation is illustrated in cut-away perspective at  10 , the purification unit,  12 , which may be, for example, of a reverse osmosis or multi-bank filtration variety, typically is located within the interior of a cabinet,  14 , which supports a sink bowel,  16 , and an associated faucet,  18 . Faucet  18  includes a pair of downwardly-depending stands, one of which is referenced at  20 , configured for a threaded, typically ⅜-inch connection with an end of one of a pair of supply tubes,  22   a-b , which may be copper or plastic tubing, or vinyl or braided steel hose. The other end of each of supply tubes  22  is connected to either a hot or a cold shut-off valve,  24   a-b , respectively, which admits water flow from an associated hot or cold supply line,  26   a-b , respectively. Water is supplied to purification unit  12  via a separate branch tube,  28 . 
     Conventionally, and as is described further in U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,903, the connection, referenced in phantom at  30 , of branch tube  28 , to the cold supply tube  22   b  is effected by breaking the tube with a tee fitting, the branch of which fitting is connected to a shut-off valve which may be separate or integral with the fitting. Such a connection  30  allows for water flow to be maintained to the faucet  18  through the in-line “run” of the tee with the flow to the purification unit  12  through the orthogonal tee branch being separately controllable. In this regard, with the water supply to the purification unit  12  being closed, the sink thereby remains available for use in cleaning the filters, cartridges, or the like of the unit. In alternative arrangements, tube  22   b  may be tapped with a piercing or non-piercing saddle valve, or the connection  30  may be made directly to the faucet stand  20 . Representative valves and fittings of the type herein involved are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,552,434; 3,630,231; 3,628,568; 3,896,842; 3,941,145; 3,974,848; 4,177,832; 4,703,956; 4,809,949; 4,832,083; 4,887,644; 5,234,193; 5,269,344; 5,293,903; 5,435,337; and 5,690,135, European Pat. Nos. EP 218,481 and 750,155, and International Pat. Application (PCT) Nos. WO 97/34096 and 98/49474, and are manufactured commercially by Dae Myung Chemical Co., Ltd. (Inchon, Korea); QMP, Inc. (Sun Valley, Calif.), G. A. Murdock, Inc. (Madison, S. Dak.), Mazzer Industries, Inc. (Rochester, N.Y.), SMC Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), and the Parflex Division of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (Ravenna, Ohio). 
     It will be appreciated, however, that the available clearance within the interior of the cabinet  14  is limited by the cabinet back wall,  32 , and, in retrofit installations, by the sink bowel  16 . Thus, the installation and removal of tee and valve assemblies having a relatively large envelope and, for threaded connections, angular displacement, is often timing consuming for the installer who typically is not a skilled plumber. Indeed, the installation of fitting and valves having threaded connections is further complicated by the need to maintain a specific orientation of the tee branch and valve relative to the purification unit. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is believed that improvements in the design of valves and connections for POU water purification systems would be well-received by manufactures and consumers alike. Especially desired would be a diversion valve construction which is both inexpensive and install, and which provides reliable operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed broadly to a diversion valve, and more particularly to an in-line, three or more way diversion valve which is of a reliable and compact, generally tee-shaped design. In having a flow-through capability, the diversion valve of the present invention is especially adapted for residential or commercial POU water purification systems in allowing for a constant flow through the in-line “run” of the valve for connection between the water supply line and the faucet, and an interruptible flow through one or more branches for connection between the water supply line and one or more purification units. Advantageously, the handle or knob of the valve is integrated into the in-line run of the valve to maintain a reduced envelope size as compared to conventional assemblies. 
     In basic construction, the valve of the present invention includes a body and a generally cylindrical plug which is assembled with the body. The body is provided as having a generally-annular run portion and at least one generally-annular transverse or branch portion. The body run portion extends axially along a first axis from a first end opening configured to define a first fluid port of the valve to a second end opening. The body branch portion extends radially from the run portion intermediate the first and the second end opening along a second axis disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis to a third end opening configured to define a second fluid port of the valve. The plug, in turn, is provided as extending coaxially with the run portion of the body along the first axis thereof from a first end received internally within the body intermediate the first and the third end opening thereof to a second end which extends externally beyond the body second end opening and is configured to define a third fluid port of the valve which is aligned coaxially with the first fluid port. 
     The plug is rotatable within the body about the first axis thereof and is formed as having a first fluid passageway extending coaxially with the first axis through the internal and the external end, and at least one second fluid passageway extending therein along a third axis disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis. The first fluid passageway defines with the first and the third fluid port a first fluid flow path through the valve, with the second fluid passageway communicating with the first fluid passageway in defining with the first fluid flow path and the second fluid port a second fluid flow path through the valve. For directing the flow of water or other fluid through the valve body, the second end of the plug is hand-accessible for the rotation of the plug between a first angular position wherein the third axis of the second fluid passageway is aligned coaxially with the second axis of the body transverse portion to open the second fluid flow path, and a second angular position wherein the third axis is angularly displaced relative to the second axis to close the second fluid flow path. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least the second fluid port of the valve plug is adapted for a releasable, push-in connection with a distal tube end which may be presented from a length of copper, plastic, or other tubing, or, alternatively, from a fitting adapter having a proximal end which is connected to a length of braided hose or the like. In this regard, the plug is configured as having an internal gland defined within the second end thereof the plug coaxially with the first fluid passageway. The gland, in turn, is configured is to receive an annular collet which extends coaxially with the first axis from an internal end journaled within the gland to an external end. The collet is slidably movable within the gland intermediate a rearward position accommodating a radial outward expansion of the collet member for the insertion and removal of the tube end therethrough and an axially spaced-apart forward position effecting the radially inward contraction of the collet member about the tube end delimiting the removal thereof from the collet. The plug thus is rotatable about the collet and the tube end when the tube end is connected to the second fluid port by the collet member. 
     In an particularly preferred embodiment, the first and third posts similarly are adapted for a releasable, push-in connection with a corresponding distal tube end. In such an arrangement, the valve easily may be spliced into an existing line for retrofit installations. With the first and second ports connected to their respective tubing ends in the manner described, the valve also may be swiveled 360° to facilitate the connection of the third port to the branch line. 
     The present invention, accordingly, comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the detailed disclosure to follow. Advantages of the invention includes a plug valve construction wherein the actuation handle or knob is integrated into the valve plug in a compact, in-line arrangement. Additional advantages include a simple and reliable two-piece construction which is economical to manufacture and assemble, and which may be molded entirely of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acetal, or polyethylene terephthalate which is approved for potable water use. Still further advantages include a valve construction which is adaptable for push-in tubing connections for easy installation even in retrofit applications. These and other advantages will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based upon the disclosure contained herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a typical point of use (POU) water purification system; 
     FIG. 2 is a right-side perspective view of a representative in-line flow-though valve assembly according to the present invention which includes a body, a rotatable plug, and a fastening clip for securing the plug within the body; 
     FIG. 3 is a left-side perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2 showing the location of the fastening clip; 
     FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2 taken through line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a front view of the body of the valve assembly of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the valve body of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of FIG. 7 taken through line  9 — 9  of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the plug of the valve assembly of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 11 is a top view of the valve plug of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is an axial cross-sectional view of the valve plug of FIG. 10 taken through line  12 — 12  of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of a pair of o-ring groove inserts for the valve plug of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 14 is perspective view of the clip of the valve assembly of FIG. 2; and 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the installation of the valve of FIG. 2 within the system of FIG.  1 . 
     The drawings will be described further in connection with the following Detailed Description of the Invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology may be employed in the following description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose. For example, the terms “forward,” “rearward,” “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made, with the terms “inward,” “inner,” or “inboard” and “outward,” “outer,” or “outboard” referring, respectively, to directions toward and away from the center of the referenced element, the terms “radial” and “axial” referring, respectively, to directions or planes perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the referenced element, and the terms “downstream” and “upstream” referring, respectively, to locations relative to the fluid flow. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense. 
     For the purposes of the discourse to follow, the precepts of the flow valve of the present invention are described in connection with a configuration which is particularly adapted for push-in tubing connections within a point of use (POU) water purification installation such as that shown in FIG.  1 . It will be appreciated, however, that aspects of the present invention may find application in other fluid systems and which may involve threaded or other connections. Use within those such other applications and with such other connections therefore should be considered to be expressly within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring then to the figures, wherein corresponding reference numbers are used to designate corresponding elements throughout the several views, with equivalent elements being referenced with prime designations, a valve assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at  50  in the perspective views of FIGS. 2-4. In basic construction, valve assembly  50  includes a tubular, generally tee-shaped body member,  52 , a generally cylindrically-shaped plug member,  54 , received for rotation within the body  52 , and a fastening clip,  56 , seen best in the views of FIGS. 3 and 4, which secures the plug member  54  rotatably within the body member  52 . For effecting push-in tubing connections within, for example, the purification system  10  of FIG. 1, valve assembly  50  additionally may include a collet member, referenced collectively at  58 , for each of the connections. 
     Looking now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, and with additional reference to the multi-view projections of FIGS. 7-9, body member  52  may be seen to be molded, machined, or otherwise formed as having a generally-annular run portion,  60 , which extends axially along a first axis,  62 , from a first end opening,  64 , configured to define a first fluid port of valve  50 , to a second end opening,  66 . At least one generally-annular transverse or branch portion,  68 , is formed to extend radially from the run portion  60  intermediate the first and said second end openings  64  and  66  thereof along a second axis,  70 , disposed generally perpendicular to first axis  62 , to a third end opening,  72 . Third end opening  72  is configured similarly to the first end opening  64  in defining a second fluid port of valve  50 . Depending upon the number of branch connections required for the particular application envisioned, body member  52  may be formed as having additional branch portions  68 , one of which is shown in phantom at  68 ′ in FIGS. 8 and 9 as extending along axis  70  opposite branch  68 . Other branches, not shown, may be formed along, for example, the radial axes  70 ′,  70 ″ and  70 ′″ which are referenced in the top view of FIG. 8 as disposed angularly relative to second axis  70 . With such additional branch portions  68 , valve  50  may be provided as having a multi-way flow directing or diversion capability. 
     As may be seen in FIG. 9 with additional reference to the assembly view of FIG. 6, each of the body first and third end openings  64  and  72  may be formed for a tubing connection as having an internal groove,  80 , and an adjoining step,  81 . Each groove  80  is configured to receive an associated o-ring or other annular seal member,  82  (FIG.  6 ), through which the tubing end is inserted to effect a fluid-tight sealing thereof. In turn, each step  81  is configured, to receive an associated insert,  86  (FIG.  6 ), which in the case of a thermoplastic material of construction may be ultrasonically welded therein. Such an arrangement facilitates the manufacturing of body  52  by molding or otherwise. 
     With the inserts  86 , the body end openings  64  and  72  each define an internal gland,  88 , configured to coaxially receive a rearward end,  89 , of an associated collet member  58  which further has an externally-disposed forward end,  90 . As is conventional in the art of push-to-connect tube fittings, the rearward end  89  of each collet member  58  is divided into a plurality of arcuate segments, one of which is referenced at  92 , for the resilient expansion of the inner diameter thereof to receive the distal end of length of tubing (not shown) therethrough. Each of these segments, as is shown for segment  92 , terminates at a distal end having a radially inwardly extending, wedge-shaped projection or “grip edge,”  94 , and an outer surface or shoulder defining a bearing surface,  96 , of an enlarged outer diameter for operative engagement with a corresponding internal camming surface,  98 , of insert  86 . Each grip edge  94  may be formed by the intersection of a forwardly and a rearwardly presenting inclined surface,  100  and  102 , respectively, the forward surface exhibiting a camming function with an appropriately sized tubing end effecting a radially outward expansion of the collet segments for the insertion of the tubing. That is, collet member  58  may be resiliently enlarged by about 5-10% or more from its normal or relaxed inner diameter, to an expanded inner diameter accommodating the insertion and releasable capture of a corresponding tubing end through, respectively, the body end openings  64  and  72 . 
     Within each gland  88 , the collet rearward end  89  is slidably movable axially for the disposition of the collet at a rearward position wherein the collet forward end  90  is urged toward the insert  86  which may serve as a stop, and a forward position which is spaced-apart axially from the rearward position  80  to define a collet travel or rise length. In operation, collet member  58  may be advanced manually to its rearward position wherein the internal rearward end  89  of the collet is positioned within the gland  88  accommodating the radial outward movement of the segments  92  resiliently expanding the inner diameter thereof both for the insertable connection and for the removable disconnection of the tubing end. Alternatively, with collet member  58  advanced to its forward position responsive to the pressurization of the tubing, or to the application of a forwardly-directed tensile force, the collet internal rearward end  89  is positioned within the gland  88  such that the bearing surface  96  of the collet segments  92  are urged into an abutting, force-transmitting engagement with the insert internal camming surface  98  transferring a radially inwardly directed normal force component to the collet member projections  94 . Such force transfer energizes the collet member  58  by effecting the tightening of the “grip” or compression thereof about the outer diameter of the tubing and the partial penetration of the collet segment projections thereinto. In this way, the removal of the tubing from the body end openings  64  and  72  thereby is delimited, with a fluid-tight seal being effected by the insert. 
     Push-in tubing connections of the type herein involved are described further in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,653,689; 3,999,783; 4,005,883; 4,009,896; 4,059,295; 4,111,575; 4,178,023; 4,302,036; 4,335,908; 4,573,716; 4,600,223; 4,606,783; 4,637,636; 4,645,246; 4,650,529; 4,657,286; 4,722,560; 4,770,445; 4,804,213; 4,884,829; 4,923,220; 4,946,213; 5,024,468; 5,046,763; 5,230,539; 5,303,963; 5,314,216; 5,330,235; 5,370,423; 5,401,064; 5,437,483; 5,439,258; 5,443,289; 5,468,027; 5,511,830; 5,584,513; 5,607,193; and 5,683,120; and in U.K. Pat. No. 1,602,077. Of course, other end connections which may be of a push-in or other type may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this regard, other connections of the push-in type include a variety having a grab ring formed of a plurality of resilient fingers for gripping the tubing which is employed with a release sleeve slidably interposable between the fingers and the tubing outer wall for releasing the tubing from the fitting. Conventional threaded pipe or compression connections also may be substituted, as well as welded or adhesively-bonded connections where reuse of the fitting is not anticipated. 
     Turning next to the multi-view projections of FIGS. 10-12, and with continuing reference to the cross-sectional assembly view of FIG. 6, plug member  54  similarly may be seen to be molded, machined, or otherwise tubularly formed to extend coaxially with the body run portion  60  along first axis  62  from a first end,  110 , to a second end,  112 . As may be seen best in FIG. 6, plug first end  110  is received internally within body member  52  intermediate the first and third end openings  64  and  72 . Plug second end  112 , in turn, extends externally beyond the body second end opening  66  and is configured to define a third fluid port of the valve  50  which port is aligned coaxially with the first fluid port. In this regard, and with momentary reference to FIG. 9, body member  52  may be formed as having an internal end wall,  114 , which serves as an internal stop and/or bearing for the plug first end  110 , with the axial face,  116 , of the body second end opening  66  serving as an external stop and/or bearing for an enlarged outer diameter boss portion,  118  (FIG.  10 - 12 ), of plug second end  112 . Another internal stop or bearing may be provided via the mating of an internal step  120  of body member run portion  60  and a corresponding shoulder,  122 , adjacent plug member first end  110 . Plug second end  112  preferably is configured as a knurled, splined, or, as is shown at  124 , vaned or other knob for the manual rotation of plug  54  within body  52  about axis  62 . 
     For selectably directing fluid flow through valve  50 , plug member  54  is provided as having a first fluid passageway,  130 , formed therein coaxially with first axis  62  through the first and second plug ends  110  and  112 . Depending upon the number of branches  68  of body  52 , plug member  54  further is provided as having at least one second fluid passageway,  132 , formed therein along a third axis,  134 , which may be seen in the assembly view of FIG. 6 to be disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis  62  of body member  52 . 
     As may be seen with continuing reference to FIG. 6, first fluid passageway  130  defines with the first and third fluid ports a first fluid flow path through valve  50  in the direction denoted by the arrows  140 . In turn, second fluid passageway  132  communicates with the first fluid passageway  130  in defining with the first fluid flow path  140  and the second fluid port a second fluid flow path through valve  50  in the direction denoted by the arrows  142 . It will be understood that the directions of the first and second fluid flow paths indicated, respectively, by the arrows  140  and  142  may be reversed depending upon the intended application for valve  50 , and further that for a given application the first, second, and third fluid ports thereby may function within valve  50  as either fluid inlets or outlets. 
     As was the body end openings  64  and  72 , the second end  112  of plug member  54  likewise may be formed for a push-in tubing connection as having an internal groove  80  into which is received an o-ring  82  (FIG.  6 ), and an adjoining step  81  into which is received an associated insert  86  (FIG.  6 ). With the insert  86 , the plug second end  122  defines another internal gland  88  configured to coaxially receive the rearward end  89  of an associated collet member  58  for axial movement intermediate the forward and rearward positions of the collet. Advantageously, in the described push-in tubing connection, plug member  54  thereby is provided to be rotatable about the associated collet member  58  and any tubing end retained therein to accommodate the actuation of valve  50 . As before, other end connections which may be of a push-in or other type may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     With continuing reference to FIG. 6, plug member  54  itself may be sealed within body  52  via an upper and lower o-ring  150   a-b  received within corresponding upper and lower grooves,  152   a-b , defined circumferentially about the plug. Second fluid passageway  132  is sealed for the on/off operation of valve  50  via another o-ring,  153 , which is received within a corresponding annular groove or gland,  154 . As may be seen with additional reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, gland  154  extends generally concentrically about the second passageway  132  as defined within an outer radial surface,  156 , of plug  54  for compression against a confronting inner radial surface,  158 , of the body run portion  60 . Portions of the plug outer radial surface  156  may be recessed as shown at  159  in order to minimize part volume, weight, and material costs. 
     In a preferred arrangement, and as may be seen best in the front view of FIG. 10, gland  154  is defined as having an outer side wall,  160 , of a generally elliptical geometry, and an inner side wall,  162 , of a generally circular geometry such that the curvature of the gland  154  corresponds to the projection of o-ring  82  onto the generally cylindrical radial surface  156  of the plug  54 . In this regard, the circular inner side wall  162  may be defined by a circular insert,  164 , which is fitted into an axially spaced-apart pair of slots, referenced in phantom at  166   a- in FIG. 10, formed into the outer radial surface  156  of the plug. Insert  164  may be provided as a pair of semicircular sections,  164   a-b . Each of the sections  164   a-b  is formed, as may be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 for section  164   b , as having a pair of tangs,  168   a-b , which may be configured for an interference, bonded, or other fit within a corresponding slot  166 . 
     Returning to FIG. 6, and looking additionally to FIGS. 7 and 9, it may be seen that an opening,  170 , is defined within body  52  intermediate the run and traverse portions  60  and  68  thereof for the second fluid flow path  142 . Preferably, such opening  170  is formed as having a generally hyperbolic-shaped web,  172 , extending thereacross. In this regard, as plug  54  is rotated about axis  62  and across the opening  170  for the opening and closing of the second flow path  142 , o-ring  153  is compressibly retained its gland  154  against the web  172 . Such retention minimizes any extrusion of the o-ring  153  into the opening  170  and thereby improves the service life of the o-ring which otherwise may be reduced as a result of wear against the peripheral edge of the opening  170 . The hyperbolic shape of web  172  supports the o-ring while maximizing the available area open for fluid flow. 
     As assembled, and as may be seen in the assembly views of FIGS. 3,  4 , and  6 , fastening clip  56  secures the plug member  54  rotatably within the body member  52 . Turning to the perspective view of FIG. 14, clip  56  may be seen in basic configuration to be of a unitary, generally C-shaped geometry including a retaining portion  180 , which is configured to be insertably received coaxially about the plug member, and an abutment portion,  181 . Retaining portion  180  is configured to define a distal pair of cantilevered segments or legs,  182   a-b , each of which includes a proximal shoulder,  183   a-b . With clip  56  being formed of a resilient polymeric material or the like, segments  182  thereby are provided to be expansible radially outwardly for enlarging inner periphery of the clip accommodating the insertion of retaining portion  180  over the outer diameter of the plug. As may be seen with momentary reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, plug  54  is formed as having a circumferential retaining groove,  184 , configured to receive the clip  56 . 
     With additional reference to FIGS. 7-9, it will be appreciated that clip  56  is insertable into groove  184  via a slot, referenced at  186  (in phantom in FIG.  8 ), which is formed through the wall of body run portion  60 . Slot  186  is provided as having a given peripheral extent which is engagable by the abutment portion  181  of the clip  56  delimiting the axial removal of the plug member  54  from the body run portion  60 . For delimiting the radial removal of the clip  56 , body run portion  60  further is formed as having a pair of upstanding detent surfaces,  188   a-b , each of which is engagable in a snap-fit arrangement by a corresponding shoulder  183  of clip  56 . Advantageously, no tools are required for the assembling or disassembling valve  50  by virtue of the use of clip  56 . 
     Returning to FIG. 4, in operation, the second or knob end  112  of plug member  54  is hand-accessible for rotating the plug in the opposing angular directions referenced at  190   a-b  between a first or fully opened and a second or fully closed setting. In the open setting, which is shown in FIG. 4, the axis  134  of the second fluid passageway  132  (FIG. 6) is aligned coaxially with the axis  70  of the body transverse portion  68  to open the second fluid flow path  142  to the second fluid port of the valve. In the closed setting, represented by the transposition of axis  134  at  134 ′, the passageway is angularly displaced relative to the body axis  70  to close the second fluid flow path  142  by sealing the passageway against the internal surface  158  of the body. Optionally, intermediate settings may be defined been the fully open and fully closed settings wherein the second passageway is partially opened to the second fluid port such that the flow through the second flow path  142  is throttled. For all settings, constant flow is maintained through the first fluid flow path  140  (FIG.  6 ). 
     Preferably, the rotation of plug member  54  between the full opened and full closed settings is limited to a quarter, i.e., 90°, turn of the knob  112 . In this regard, knob  112  may be formed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 as having a semicircular ring,  192 , which extends 90° about the circumference of plug  54  intermediate a pair of upstanding end surfaces, one of which is referenced at  193   a  in FIG.  10 . As may be seen with momentary reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, such ring  192  is configured to be received within a corresponding semicircular groove,  194 , which is formed within the second end opening  66  of body  52  as extending 180° about axis  62 . Each end of groove  194  terminates at a generally upstanding stop surface, referenced at  196   a-b  in FIG. 8, which confronts a corresponding end surface  193  of the plug ring  192 . Accordingly, with reference again to FIG. 4, in the full open setting, the ring end surface  193   a  abuttably engages the groove stop surface  196   a  to delimit further angular displacement of the knob  112  in the direction  190   a . In the full closed setting, the ring end surface  193   b  similarly abuttingly engages the groove stop surface  196   b  (not shown) to delimit further angular displacement of the knob  112  in the direction  190   b.    
     As is shown best in FIGS. 2 and 5, the plug member second end  112  and an outer surface,  198 , of body  52  each may be formed as having visually perceptible indicia for indicating the relative setting of the valve  50 . In the illustrated arrangement, an arrow,  200 , of the plug is disposed in an alignable orientation with a gradation continuum,  202 , of the body. Thus, the fully open setting of valve  50  may be indicated by a first alignment of the indicia  200  and  202  shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, with the fully closed setting being indicated by a second alignment which is shown in phantom at  200 ′, and the intermediate settings being indicated by the range between the first and second alignments. 
     Considering lastly the installation of valve  50  within a representative fluid circuit such as circuit  10  of FIG. 1, connection  30  thereof reappears at  30 ′ in FIG.  15 . In the connection  30 ′, the first and third fluid ports, referenced at  204  and  206 , respectively, of valve  50  each is coupled to the cold supply line  22   b  via a push-in connection, with the third fluid port, referenced at  208 , being coupled to the branch line  28  also via a push-in connection. With lines  22   b  and  28  being provided as plastic or metal tubing, the push-in connections may be effected directly. In retrofit applications, a section of the tubing  22   b  may be removed to accommodate the length of the valve. For hose connections, a conventional tubing to threaded connector may be employed for added versatility. Prior to the connection of the third fluid port  208 , and with ports  204  and  206  being connected to line  22   b , the valve body  52  advantageously is rotatable 360° in the angular directions referenced by arrows  210   a-b  to facilitate the alignment of the branch portion  68  thereof with the tube  28 . Once installed, the plug knob  112  is rotatable about the tube  22   b  for the setting of the valve  50 . 
     Thus, a unique in-line diversion valve construction is described which is economical to manufacture and which provides reliable operation while minimizing the envelope size of the valve for easier installation. 
     Depending upon its material of construction, the valve assembly of the present invention are may be fabricated by molding, forging, machining, or other conventional forming processes. Unless otherwise specified, materials of construction are to be considered conventional for the uses involved. Such materials generally will be corrosion resistant and otherwise selected for compatibility with the fluid being transferred or for desired mechanical properties. Preferred materials of construction for the clip, plug, and body members includes plastics and other polymeric materials, as well as ferrous or nonferrous metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, and brass. Preferred plastic materials include poly(ether ether ketones), polyimides, high molecular weight polyethylenes, polyetherimides, polybutylene terephthalates, nylons, fluoropolymers, polysulfones, and polyesters, with polyethylene terephthalate, acetal homo and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride and, particularly, polypropylene being preferred for potable water applications. Preferred materials for the valve seals include thermoplastic or thermosetting natural or synthetic or rubbers such as fluorocarbon, SBR, polybutadiene, EPDM, butyl, neoprene, nitrile, polyisoprene, silicone, fluorosilicone, buna-N, and copolymer rubbers, with a blend such as ethylene-propylene rubber being preferred for potable water applications. 
     As it is anticipated that certain changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the precepts herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted in as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense. All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference.