Patent Publication Number: US-2023151904-A1

Title: Fluid valve control device

Description:
This application claims benefit to a provisional application No. 63/158,911, filed on Mar. 10, 2021. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to fluid valve control devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to devices provided to shut off fluid valves. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Fluid valves require specialized tools in order to control pressure flow. These tools are required in order to increase, decrease, and eliminate fluid volume flow levels. Essentially, these tools are required in order to turn the fluid valve on or off. There are a number of solutions for these fluid valve control tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Advantages and Differences of Invention Over Known Prior Art 
     Some of the prior art solutions attempt to be easy and efficient, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because when a valve needs to be turned off quickly to avoid danger, searching for a tool is very time consuming. Failure to find the correct tool within the limited time frame can possibly result in harm. 
     Other solutions attempt to meet these needs but end up being just as difficult. These solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry. Still, other solutions seek to be better, but these solutions also fail to meet industry needs because they are still tools that get lost or misplaced. That is, while many valves may be purchased today with built-in levers, there are still many valves that are currently installed that do not have levers. 
     While one option might be to completely replace all the current valves with valves that have built-in levers, this option has many downsides. These valves are generally not failing, or otherwise malfunctioning, so to remove them before they corrode would be considered extremely wasteful. This waste in addition to increased costs involved for replacing each valve with a new built-in lever valve, in addition to the cost of the additional work, make this an unsuitable option for most contractors. 
     Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device that is attachable to a current valve which would provide levers for easy rotation without the need for a tool to turn valves on or off easily. It would be desirable to have a device which can increase the safety of surroundings and circumstances by replacing the need for searching for a tool and thereby help prevent a dangerous incident with low-pressure (or high-pressure) fluids or gases in the event that a valve needs to be shut off quickly. 
     Similarly, it would be desirable to have an associated method that attaches easily but does not wear easily. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a process that allows for a control device to attached easily on a valve which will not fall off or wear out easily yet will allow the valve to be turned on or off without the need to search for a tool to do so. 
     It is an object of the present invention to meet these needs of the industry by providing an improved fluid control device that replaces the need for a tool to turn a valve on or off which is easily applied to the valve and does not fall off. 
     Another way in which the present invention meets these objectives is by providing an improved fluid control device that is small and efficient. 
     A further way in which the present invention meets these objectives is by providing an improved fluid control device that is strong enough to not easily wear out when turning a valve on or off. 
     The present invention meets these objectives by providing an improved fluid control device having at least one handle or lever. This lever may be made up of high stress components such as high-density plastic or metal. This lever or handle is durable and has additional leverage points to assist in the ease of use. 
     The present invention also meets these objectives by providing an improved fluid valve control device capable of locking engagement with a hex head of a hex head valve. Such a fluid valve control device may have a main body having a top wall and side walls which extend perpendicularly from opposing edges of the top wall. An inner hex head channel may be defined by the top wall and side walls, extending therein. 
     This device generally has at least one lever extending outward from side walls of the main body. In order to lockingly engage the hex head, a locking mechanism extends along an internal surface of the hex head channel. The locking mechanism may have a first curvature and a second curvature opposite the first curvature. 
     The locking mechanism may extend outward from the internal surface of the inner hex head channel. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism has a first curvature and extends inward into the internal surface of the inner hex head channel. 
     In one embodiment, the locking mechanism has at least a first concave curvature and a second convex curvature which is opposite the first curvature. 
     The device itself has a top wall which has varying thicknesses such that a height of the inner hex head channel varies from at least a first height to at least a second height. The improved fluid valve control device have at least one lever extending outward from the side walls of the main body. Alternatively, that at least one lever could be simply a first lever, and a second lever can extend outward from the side walls of the main body opposite the first lever. 
     A height of the at least one lever can be equal to a height of the main body. 
     The present invention also meets these objectives by providing a method for improved fluid valve control of a pre-installed hex head valve having a hex head. This method includes providing a fluid control device such as described above. Then, aligning the inner hex head channel of the fluid control device with the hex head of the hex head valve. The fluid control device can then be manually fastened onto the hex head of the hex head valve by causing the hex head to interact with the locking mechanism extending along the internal surface of the hex head channel. 
     This enables manual engagement of the at least one lever extending outward from side walls of the main body, thereby enabling manual rotation of the fluid control device via the manual engagement of the at least one lever. This in turn facilitates altering a position of the hex head of the hex head valve from at least a first position to at least a second rotated position without any additional tools. 
     This method may involve irreversibly engaging the fluid control device with the hex head valve through irreversible locking engagement of the locking mechanism. Alternatively, this method may simply provide reversibly engaging the fluid control device with the hex head valve through reversible interlocking engagement of the locking mechanism. 
     The improved fluid control device may also have one or more of the following: leverage points, connectors. The improved fluid control device may be comprised of multiple types of plastic or metal and provided in different colors. Similarly, the associated method may also include one or more of the following steps: snap on or mechanically fasten. 
     The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because it provides (1) a quick way to turn the valve; (2) time savings looking for a tool; and (3) a safer method to turn valves on or off. Similarly, the associated method is unique in that it: (1) it can snap onto a valve; (2) it is durable; and (3) it does not easily fall off. Similarly, the disclosed method is unique when compared with other known processes and solutions in that it: (1) it snaps on; (2) it can be mechanically fastened; and (3) has leverage points. 
     The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device is unique due to the presence of (1) it securely fastens; (2) has good leverage; and (3) stays in place. 
     Furthermore, the process associated with the aforementioned device is likewise unique. More specifically, the disclosed process owes its uniqueness to the fact that it (1) turns easily, (2) applies easily, and (3) it holds its shape. 
     This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The present invention is an improved fluid control device that can attach to any fluid valve which eliminates needing a tool for turning it on or off. This device may, however, be embodied in many different forms and the following disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete, and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front top right perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a front bottom left perspective view of the embodiment of the device of the present invention shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front planar view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    showing the placement of section line F 6 -F 6 . 
         FIG.  4    is a top planar view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    showing the placement of section line F 8 -F 8 . 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom planar view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    showing the placement of section line F 7 -F 7 . 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to  FIG.  1    viewed from along section line F 6 -F 6 . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to  FIG.  1    viewed from along section line F 7 -F 7 . 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to  FIG.  1    viewed from along section line F 8 -F 8 . 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged view of details of the embodiment according to  FIG.  1    as identified by line F 9  shown in  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is an alternative enlarged view of details of an alternative embodiment according to  FIG.  1    as identified by line F 9  shown in  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged conceptual front top right perspective view of the shape of the hex head channel of the embodiment according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  12 - 19    are alternative embodiments of the device according to the present inventive concepts having an alternate main body and a various number of handles connected to the main body. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates the method of installation of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    onto a fluid valve (shown in partial cross-section). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 11  and  20   . The present invention is directed to an improved fluid valve control device  10  that attaches to a hex head  6  of a fluid valve  4  for an industrial pipe  2  which eliminates need for a separate tool for turning a valve  4  on or off. This embodiment shown is the most common embodiment, having dimensions suitable for use on a 5/16 hex head fluid valve  4 . 
     This improved valve control device  10  of the present invention can be used to attach to a manifold assembly that has a valve which typically requires a tool to turn the valve on or off. The core components of the improved valve control device include a main body  20  and a pair of levers  50  which are discussed in greater detail further below. Together, this main body  20  and the pair of levers  50  forms a tee shaped device capable of snapping onto the valve head  6 . 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate a front top right perspective view and a front bottom left perspective view, respectively, of one embodiment of the improved control device  10  of the present invention. The top wall  11  of the improved control device  10  has an upper surface  31  of the main body  30  and an upper surface  51  of the pair of levers  50 . The convex filleted corners  19  are continuous and integrated portions of the filleted corners  39  of the main body  30  and the filleted corners  59  of the levers  50 . 
     The filleted corners  19 ,  39 ,  59  work to join the top upper surfaces  31 ,  51  with the walls  34 , 55  in an outwardly gentle curved fashion. In a similar manner, the concave filleted edges  18  meet the main body  30  and the levers  50  in an inverse gentle curved fashion. The filleted corners  19 ,  39 ,  59  have a radius of curvature between 1 to 0.001, more preferably between 0.5 to 0.02 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.050 inches. The filleted edges  18  have a radius of curvature between 1 to 0.01, more preferably between 0.5 to 0.1 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.125 inches. 
     The height  10 H of the improved control device  10  is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.44 inches. The length  10 L of the improved control device  10  is generally between 3 to 0.5, more preferably between 2 to 0.1 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 1.4 inches. The width  10 W of the improved control device  10  is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.56 inches. 
     The embodiment shown here is comprised of integrated components and thus is easier to make when made from molded plastic or metal. These components are durable and lightweight when comprised of HDPE, glass filled, aluminum, and/or steel. It should further be noted that these can be made of many materials that are strong and light weight so long as they do not suffer wear easily. 
     With respect to the improved valve control device  10 , it should be further noted that installation can be performed by being snapped onto or fastened by some sort of set screw or spring-loaded clip to secure it to the valve. By facilitating a secure irreversible attachment, the valve is capable of being turned on or off with the improved valve control device without worry of locating a tool or losing them from falling off easily. 
     Main Body  30   
     The main body  30  of the improved fluid valve control device  10  according to the present invention is shown from various perspectives in  FIGS.  1 - 11   . The main body  30  is capable of permanent attachment to the hex head  6  of a separate, previously installed fluid valve  4 . This eliminates the need for separate tools at later times to turn the valve  4  on or off. 
     The main body  30  has an upper surface  31  and a bottom surface  32  with side walls  34  surrounding and defining the hex head channel  40 . The sidewalls  34  meet the upper wall of the upper surface  31  along filleted corners  39  in a general curve. Being cylindrical in shape, the outer surface of the side walls  34  are also curvaceous, while the inner surface of the side walls  34  forms a hexagon, therefore the side walls  34  of the main body  30  have narrower portions  36  and wider portions  37 . The side walls  34  also have a connecting portion  35  which meet the inner portion  54  of the adjacent lever  50  to form a concave corner  18 . 
     The main body  30  is generally cylindrical and has a diameter between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.56 inches. The height  10 H of the device is equal to the height of the main body  30  and the height of the levers  50 . In this case then, the height of the main body  30  is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.44 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the thickness of the ceiling  11  varies. Or as otherwise stated, a first portion of the main body  30  above the hex head channel  40  has varying thicknesses. A first thickness  11 ′H is defined as the distance from the upper exterior surface  31  to the first interior surface of the first internal portion  44  of the hex head channel  40 . The first ceiling thickness  11 ′H is generally between 2 to 0.05, more preferably between 1 to 0.1 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.128 inches. 
     A second thickness  11 ″H of the ceiling  11  is defined by the distance from the upper exterior surface  31  to the second interior surface of second portion  46  of the hex head channel  40 . The second thickness  11 ″H is generally between 2.5 to 0.05, more preferably between 1.2 to 0.1 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.178 inches. 
     Hex Head Channel  40   
     The hex head channel  40  is shown in  FIG.  2 ,  5 - 10    and the shape of the hex head channel  40  is shown in relief in  FIG.  11   . The hex head channel  40  extends vertically into the main body  30  perpendicularly to the levers  50  extending from the main body  30 . The side walls  34  have an inner surface  41  with sides  48  which meet along corners  47 . The side walls  34  slope inward so that the bottom perimeter  42  is larger than the upper perimeter  43 . The sides  48  of the hex head channel  40  ceiling has a first outer portion  44  at a first height  48 H. A transition portion  45  having a height  45 H extends downward from the first outer portion  44  to meet an inner portion  46 . 
     The hex head channel  40  has an internal distance  48 W which is measured from one side  48  to an opposing side  48  along the larger perimeter  42  of between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.344 inches. The hex head channel  40  has an internal distance  47 W which is measured between diagonally opposing vertices  47  along the larger perimeter  42  of between 2 to 0.1 inches, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.4 inches. 
     As previously discussed, and as shown in  FIG.  8   , the thickness of the ceiling  11  varies, which causes the height of the hex head channel  40  to vary according to each associated portion. The tallest vertical height  48 H of the hex head channel  40 , is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.312 inches (0.44 inches−0.128 inches). The shorter vertical height of the interior ceiling portion  46 , when measured from the base of the main body  40 , is generally between 1 to 0.05, more preferably between 0.5 to 0.1 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.262 inches (0.44 inches−0.128 inches−0.05 inches). The vertical height  45 H of the transitioning ceiling portion  45 , when measured from the main ceiling portion  44  to the interior portion  46 , is generally between 1 to 0.01, more preferably between 0.7 to 0.02 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.05 inches. 
     Levers  50   
     The embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11    has a pair of levers  50  extending from the main body  30  of the improved fluid valve control device  10  according to the present invention. The pair of levers need to be able to clear each side when installed so they do not hit each other when turning and can utilize one or multiple leverage points. 
     The width  50 W of the main portion of the levers  50  is generally between 2 to 0.01, more preferably between 1 to 0.05 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.15 inches. The width  50 W of the levers  50  increases at the inner edge  54  where the levers  50  meet the main body  50  along the connecting portion  35  of the side walls  34 . 
     The height  10 H of the device is equal to the height of the main body  30  and the height of the levers  50 . In this embodiment then, the height of the levers  50  is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.44 inches. In most embodiments, the length  50 L of the lever  50  should be about twice the length of the main body  30  to provide sufficient pressure and leverage. As such, the length  50 L of the levers  50  individual is generally between 2 to 0.1, more preferably between 1 to 0.2 inches, and for this embodiment, about 0.42 inches, (with a combined length of 0.84 inches). 
     Locking Mechanism  70   
     Extending outward from the inner surface  41  of the side walls  34  of the main body  30  within the hex head channel  40  are locking mechanisms  70 . These locking mechanisms  70  extend outwards into the hex head channel  40  so as to form an interference fit with the hex head  6  of the fluid valve  4 . These locking mechanisms  70  serve to connect with the fluid valve  4  that is installed so that the improved fluid valve control device  10  of the present invention can be permanently snapped into place. This prevents the control device  10  from being easily removed, lost, or otherwise displaced. 
     While the locking mechanism  70  may have multiple forms, in this embodiment, there are two curvatures, a first upper concave curvature  72 , and a second lower opposing convex curvature  74 . The first curvature has a radius generally between 1 to 0.001, more preferably between 1 to 0.01 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.03 inches. The second curvature has a radius generally between 1 to 0.001, more preferably between 1 to 0.01 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.012 inches. 
     A third curvature  75  may form an edge of the locking mechanism  70  which meets the side wall  34  in a semi-perpendicular angle to perpendicular angle being normal to the side wall  34 , usually between 80-110 degrees. In this embodiment, the opposite side of the locking mechanism  70  merges smoothly with the inner surface  41  of the side wall  48  of the hex head channel  40 . 
     The height  70 H of the locking mechanism  70 , measured from the top to the bottom of the locking device, is generally between 1 to 0.01, more preferably between 1 to 0.02 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.04 inches. In most embodiments, the height of the locking mechanism  70 , measured from the top of the ceiling of the hex head channel  40  to the bottom of the locking device  70 , is generally between 1 to 0.01, more preferably between 1 to 0.05 inches, and for this embodiment, most preferably about 0.15 inches. An alternative embodiment of the locking device  70  is shown in  FIG.  10    having the position of the curvatures  74 ′ and  75 ′ reversed. 
     Further Embodiments 
     In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the number of levers  50  may be increased or decreased as desired.  FIGS.  12 - 18    show the various embodiments that may be manufactured to meet specific requirements depending on the specific valve and configuration. Another distinction between these embodiments are an increased frictional engagement (not numbered) provided on the upper surface of the ceiling  11  of the main body  30 . 
     Variations in the distance between the levers  50  are also illustrated, for example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  18   . 
       FIG.  19    shows an embodiment that employs a snap ring style for secure mounting as well as a set screw and plastic internal flap. 
     Method of Use 
     As previously discussed, the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11    is dimensioned for use on a 5/16 hex head valve  4 . One method of use discussed will be provided for this embodiment with reference to  FIG.  20   . The valve  4  shown here is a 16 P50N-S Parker SAE™ Hex Head Pipe Plug 1 5/16-12 ORB Male Steel, which is commonly used for industrial pipe fittings. The max pressure that this hex pipe plug is designed to handle is 5500 PSI. 
     Applying the control device  10  to the hex head  6  may be done by snapping it into place or mechanically fastening M it so that the locking mechanism  70  interacts in a locking engagement with the hex head  6  of the fluid valve  4 . After attaching the control device  10  to the valve  4 , the control device  10  may be manually rotated R from a first position to a second position. Thereby enabling the device to turn the valve to the desired setting without further separate tools. 
     The improved fluid valve control device may be applied to any size-fitting fluid valve. Industrial fittings come standard in brass and steel and are also available in stainless steel. The wide variety of configurations in sizes of the control device  10  from ⅛ inch to 2 inches provides convenient solutions for connecting to different size heads  6 . These are ideal for use in hydraulic and other medium and high-pressure applications where hard pipe stability is required. 
     Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing. 
     LIST OF REFERENCED ELEMENTS 
     The following reference numbers are adhered to within the specification to refer to those referenced elements within the drawings of the present application. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 industrial pipe 2 
                 top 11 
               
               
                 standard fluid valve 4 
                 bottom 12 
               
               
                 hex head 6 
                 front 14 
               
               
                 improved control device 10 
                 rear 15 
               
               
                 right side 16 
                 upper first outer surface 44 
               
               
                 left side 17 
                 transition portion 45 
               
               
                 concave filleted corner 18 
                 upper first inner surface 46 
               
               
                 convex filleted edges 19 
                 corners 47 
               
               
                 main body 30 
                 sides 48 
               
               
                 upper surface 31 
                 lever 50 
               
               
                 bottom surface 32 
                 upper surface 51 
               
               
                 side walls 34 
                 bottom surface 52 
               
               
                 connecting wall 35 
                 sloped outer edge 53 
               
               
                 narrow wall portion 
                 inner edge 54 
               
               
                 widest wall portion 37 
                 main wall 55 
               
               
                 filleted corners 39 
                 filleted corners 59 
               
               
                 hex head channel 40 
                 locking features 70 
               
               
                 inner surface 41 (of side walls 34) 
                 upper curvature 72 
               
               
                 first perimeter bottom 42 
                 lower curvature 74 
               
               
                 second perimeter top 43 
                 joining corner 75 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     CONCLUSION 
     Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.