Patent ID: 12188212

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fire hydrants form a critical part of our infrastructure by providing an on-demand supply of water to firefighters. But occasionally fire hydrants are damaged, for example in collisions with automobiles. In such accidents the hydrant is usually removed from its riser entirely, resulting in a large discharge of water. This high-pressure flow presents a direct danger to persons nearby. The large volume of water discharged often floods nearby streets, businesses, and homes. The economic devastation from these floods is significant.

Furthermore, stopping the discharge of water from the riser is non-trivial. The shutoff valve is generally located underground at some distance from the riser. The valve cover must be located and unearthed before it can be operated to stop the discharge. Sometimes the valve cover has accidently been covered over with asphalt during routine street maintenance and must be located by using street plans and instinct or more usual, is the use of a metal detector in 6 inches to 2 feet of water to pin point the exact location of the valve cover. The valve is 3 to 6 feet below the street level grade. Once the cover is removed, then the 6-inch diameter pipe valve shaft is filled with water, making it very cumbersome and difficult to lower the 6 ft tall valve key, into the flooded shaft, and must engage the top of the gate valve in order to begin the valve shutoff process. The number of turns required to shut off a gate valve is about 20 to 30 rotations by two firemen. Street intersections must be closed during this time; sometimes this process takes hours, by which time the volume of water discharged is in the thousands of gallons lost into the street storm drains, and the resulting damage is extensive to the municipality infrastructure and private property.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide automatic shutoff valve for breakaway wet barrel fire hydrants. These hydrants are designed to break away when struck by a vehicle or the like, generally through the use of a breakaway collar, breakaway bolts, or both. According to these embodiments, when the hydrant breaks away, an activation rod causes a valve assembly to shut, thereby stopping the discharge of water. The valve assembly is designed to fit within the existing main water supply riser. This feature makes the valve assembly ideal for retrofitting existing hydrants.

The disclosed technology is described in terms of fire hydrants and water. But as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, this technology is readily applicable to other valves and other fluids.

FIGS.2-57illustrate a first embodiment of an automatic shutoff valve for breakaway wet barrel fire hydrant. A list of parts shown in the drawings of the first embodiment is presented below, along with example materials, quantities and dimensions. However, it should be understood that various embodiments of the disclosed technology may be implemented with more or fewer parts, with other materials and dimensions, and combinations thereof.Hydrant100, qty 1Water shutoff valve assembly101Main body assembly102, qty 1Main body103, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Bottom saddle104, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Side slide pin105, qty 2Compression spring106, stainless steel, qty 2Slotted spring pin107, qty 2Countersunk screws108, stainless steel, may be 10/32″, qty 4Seal109, may be 1/16″ rubber sheet, may be bonded, qty 4Flapper assembly110, qty 1Pedal assembly111, qty 2Pedal112, qty 2Dowel pin113, qty 2Slide114, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Pin115, may be 0.25″ DIA×5.2″ LONG, qty 2Slide pin116, qty 1Slotted spring pin117, qty 2Lockout plate119, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Break off collar120, qty 1Countersunk screws121, may be 10/32″, qty 6Activation rod122, qty 1Washer123, may be ¼″, qty 2Nut124, may be ¼″, qty 2Lock washer125, may be ¼″, qty 2Breakaway bolt126, with nuts, qty 6Bolt127, with nuts, qty 6Riser140Retention tabs204, qty 2Valve seat206

FIG.1illustrates a conventional fire hydrant installation.FIG.2illustrates a fire hydrant installation200according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. Referring toFIG.2, portions of the main body assembly102and lockout plate119are visible. In some embodiments, breakaway bolts126and nuts127are used to secure the lockout plate119between the hydrant100and the breakoff collar120. This arrangement allows the hydrant to break away cleanly, at the bolts126, at the breakoff collar120, or both. An alternative breakoff collar implementation is shown inFIGS.60-63. Either implementation of the breakoff collar may be used with any of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG.3illustrates components of the fire hydrant installation200ofFIG.2according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.4is an exploded view of the fire hydrant installation200ofFIG.2according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.5illustrates the water shutoff valve assembly101and breakoff collar120ofFIG.4according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.6is an exploded view of the water shutoff valve assembly101ofFIG.5according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When assembled, the lockout plate119may be secured to the top flange of the breakoff collar120, and the main body assembly102may be secured to the lower flange of the breakoff collar, by screws121. The upper end of the activation rod122may be secured to the crossbar of the lockout plate119by nuts124, washers123, and lockwashers125.

FIG.7illustrates the water shutoff valve assembly101and breakoff collar120ofFIG.5according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.8is a cutaway view of the water shutoff valve assembly101and breakoff collar120ofFIG.7according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.9is an exploded view of the main body assembly102ofFIG.8according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. The main body assembly102may include the main body103, the flapper assembly110, two side slide pins105, compression springs106, and the saddle104. The two side slide pins105may be disposed in corresponding holes in the saddle104, and retained therein with two slotted spring pins117. The compression springs106may be placed over the side slide pins105. The flapper assembly110may then be placed over the side slide pins105. Holes in the flapper assembly110allow the flapper assembly to slide up and down along the side slide pins105. The main body103may be placed over these elements, and may be secured to the saddle104by screws108. Seals109may be used on both sides of the flange of the main body103.

FIG.10is an internal view of the main body assembly102of FIG. with the pedals112in the open position according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.11is a cutaway view of the main body assembly102ofFIG.10according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In the open configuration, the slide114is held in the lower position against springs106by the slide pin116, and the pedals112are held in the open position through engagement with the saddle104.

FIG.12is an internal view of the main body assembly102ofFIG.8with the pedals in the closed position according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.13is a cutaway view of the main body assembly ofFIG.12according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When the activation rod122is not present, for example due to accidental removal of the fire hydrant100, the springs106force the slide upward and away from the saddle, freeing the pedals112from the saddle104. The force of the flowing water urges the pedals112upward against the valve seat206of the main body103, thereby shutting off the flow of water. Some embodiments may include one or more springs to assist with the motion of the pedals.

FIG.14illustrates the main body103of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.15is a top view of the main body according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.16is a cutaway view of the main body ofFIG.15according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.17is a cutaway view of the main body ofFIG.15according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.18illustrates the saddle104of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.19is a detail view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.20is a top view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.21is a side view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.22is a cutaway view of the saddle ofFIG.19according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.23is a cutaway view of the saddle ofFIG.21according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In these views the retention tabs204of the saddle are visible.

FIG.24illustrates the side slide pin105of the main body assembly102according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.25is a side view of a seal109according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.26is an isometric view of a seal109according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.27is a top view of a seal109according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.28is an isometric view of the flapper assembly110of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.29is a side view of the flapper assembly110according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.30is a top view of the flapper assembly110according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In the described embodiments, the flapper assembly110has two pedals112. Other embodiments may have other numbers of pedals. The pedals112are hinged with the slide114by pins115. The flapper assembly110also includes the slide pin116.

FIG.31is an isometric view of a pedal assy111of the flapper assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.32is an isometric view of the pedal112according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.33is a bottom view of the pedal112according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.34is a side view of the pedal112according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.35is a side view of the pedal112according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.36is a cutaway view of the pedal112ofFIG.33according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.37is a magnified view of the of the cutaway view of the pedal112ofFIG.36according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When the slide114is in the lower position, the pedals112are held in the open position through engagement of the dowel pins with the retention tabs204of the saddle104.

FIG.38is an isometric view of the slide114of the flapper assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.39is a top view of the slide114according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.40is a side view of the slide114according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.41is a cutaway view of the slide114ofFIG.39according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.42illustrates the pin115of the slide114of the flapper assembly110according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.43is a top view of the slide pin116of the flapper assembly110according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.43is an isometric view of the slide pin116according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.44is a top view of the slide pin116according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.45is a detail view of the slide pin116according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.46is a cutaway view of the slide pin116ofFIG.45according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. As can be seen in these views, the upper end of the slide pin116may have a recess to accommodate the lower end of the activation rod122.

FIG.47is an exploded view of the lockout plate119and its seals109according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.48is an isometric view of the lockout plate119and its seals109according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.49is an isometric view of the lockout plate119according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.50is a top view of the lockout plate119according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.51is a side view of the lockout plate119according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.52is a cutaway view of the lockout plate119ofFIG.50according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.53is a cutaway view of the lockout plate119ofFIG.50according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.54is an isometric view of the break off collar120according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.55is a side view of the break off collar120according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.56is a top view of the break off collar120according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In these views it can be seen that the breakoff collar120is scored in one or more places. During an accident, the breakoff collar may break away along these scores.

FIG.57is a side view of the activation rod122according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. The upper end of the activation rod122may be threaded for attachment to the lockout plate119. The bottom end of activation rod122may be rounded to insert into cupped slide pin116.

During an accident, the fire hydrant100will break away at the breakoff bolts126, at the breakoff collar120, or both. When this occurs, the lockout plate119and the activation rod122will follow. Without the pressure of the activation rod122, the springs106will urge the slide114upwards, freeing the pedals112from the retention tabs204. The flowing water will force the pedals112against the valve seat206, thereby shutting off the flow of water.

FIGS.58-93illustrate a second embodiment of an automatic shutoff valve for breakaway wet barrel fire hydrant. A list of parts shown in the drawings of the second embodiment is presented below, along with example materials, quantities and dimensions. However, it should be understood that various embodiments of the disclosed technology may be implemented with more or fewer parts, with other materials and dimensions, and combinations thereof. Some of the parts illustrated and described may be used in both the first and second embodiments.Hydrant300, qty 1Water shutoff valve assembly301, may be all or mostly stainless steelMain body assembly302, may be all or mostly stainless steel, qty 1Main body plate303, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Bottom saddle304, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Side slide pin305, qty 2Compression spring306, qty 2Slotted spring pin107, qty 2Countersunk screws108, may be 10/32″, qty 4Seal109, may be 1/16″ rubber sheet, may be bonded, qty 4Flapper assembly310, qty 1Pedal assembly311, qty 2Pedal312, qty 2Dowel pin313, qty 2Slide314, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Pin315, may be 0.25″ DIA×5.2″ LONG, qty 2Slide pin116, qty 1Slotted spring pin117, qty 2Lockout plate119, may be stainless steel 304, qty 1Break off collar120, qty 1Countersunk screws121, may be 10/32″, qty 6Activation rod122, qty 1Washer123, may be ¼″, qty 2Nut124, may be ¼″, qty 2Lock washer125, may be ¼″, qty 2Breakaway bolt126, with nuts, qty 6Bolt127, with nuts, qty 6Riser140Retention tabs404, qty 2Valve seat406Lockable socket head screws502, qty 4Lockwire504, qty 2

FIG.58illustrates a fire hydrant installation300according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. Referring toFIG.58, portions of the main body assembly302and lockout plate119are visible. In some embodiments, breakaway bolts126and nuts127are used to secure the lockout plate119between the hydrant300and the breakoff collar120. This arrangement allows the hydrant to break away cleanly, at the bolts126, at the breakoff collar120, or both.

FIG.59is an exploded view of the fire hydrant installation300ofFIG.58according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.60illustrates the water shutoff valve assembly301and breakoff collar120ofFIG.59according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.61is an exploded view of the water shutoff valve assembly101ofFIG.5according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When assembled, the lockout plate119may be secured to the top flange of the breakoff collar120, and the main body assembly302may be secured to the lower flange of the breakoff collar, by screws121. The upper end of the activation rod122may be secured to the crossbar of the lockout plate119by nuts124, washers123, and lockwashers125.

FIG.62illustrates the water shutoff valve assembly301and breakoff collar120ofFIG.60according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.63is a cutaway view of the water shutoff valve assembly301and breakoff collar120ofFIG.62according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.64is an exploded view of the main body assembly302ofFIG.63according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. The main body assembly302may include the main body plate303, the flapper assembly310, two side slide pins305, compression springs306, and the saddle304. The two side slide pins305may be disposed in corresponding holes in the saddle304, and retained therein with two slotted spring pins117. The compression springs306may be placed over the side slide pins305. The flapper assembly310may then be placed over the side slide pins305. Holes in the flapper assembly310allow the flapper assembly to slide up and down along the side slide pins305. The main body plate303may be placed over these elements, and may be secured to the saddle304by screws502and lockwires504. Seals109may be used on both sides of the flange of the main body plate303.

FIG.65is an internal view of the main body assembly302ofFIG.64with the pedals312in the open position according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.66is a cutaway view of the main body assembly302ofFIG.65according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In the open configuration, the slide314is held in the lower position against springs306by the slide pin116, and the pedals312are held in the open position through engagement with the saddle304.

FIG.67is an internal view of the main body assembly302ofFIG.63with the pedals in the closed position according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.68is a cutaway view of the main body assembly ofFIG.67according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When the activation rod122is not present, for example due to accidental removal of the fire hydrant300, the springs306force the slide upward and away from the saddle, freeing the pedals312from the saddle304. The force of the flowing water urges the pedals312upward against the valve seat406of the main body plate303, thereby shutting off the flow of water. Some embodiments may include one or more springs to assist with the motion of the pedals.

FIG.69illustrates the main body plate303of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.70is a top view of the main body plate303according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.71is a cutaway view of the main body plate303ofFIG.70according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.72is a cutaway view of the main body plate303ofFIG.70according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.73illustrates the saddle304of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.74is a detail view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.75is a top view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.76is a side view of the saddle according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.77is a cutaway view of the saddle ofFIG.74according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.78is a cutaway view of the saddle ofFIG.76according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In these views the retention tabs404of the saddle are visible.

FIG.79illustrates the side slide pin305of the main body assembly302according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.80is an isometric view of the flapper assembly310of the main body assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.81is a side view of the flapper assembly310according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.82is a top view of the flapper assembly310according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. In the described embodiments, the flapper assembly310has two pedals312. Other embodiments may have other numbers of pedals. The pedals312are hinged with the slide314by pins315. The flapper assembly310also includes the slide pin116.

FIG.83is an bottom view of a pedal assy311of the flapper assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.84is an isometric view of the pedal assy311according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.85is a bottom view of the pedal312according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.86is a side view of the pedal312according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.87is a side view of the pedal312according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.88is a cutaway view of the pedal312ofFIG.85according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. When the slide314is in the lower position, the pedals312are held in the open position through engagement of the dowel pins with the retention tabs204of the saddle304.

FIG.89is an isometric view of the slide314of the flapper assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.90is a top view of the slide314according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.91is a side view of the slide314according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.FIG.92is a cutaway view of the slide314ofFIG.90according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

FIG.93illustrates the pin315of the slide314of the flapper assembly310according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

During an accident, the fire hydrant300will break away at the breakoff bolts126, at the breakoff collar120, or both. When this occurs, the lockout plate119and the activation rod122will follow. Without the pressure of the activation rod122, the springs306will urge the slide314upwards, freeing the pedals312from the retention tabs204. The flowing water will force the pedals312against the valve seat406, thereby shutting off the flow of water.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, the description of resources, operations, or structures in the singular shall not be read to exclude the plural. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.