WO2024254679A1

WO2024254679A1 - Improved valve for controlling fluid flow

Info

Publication number: WO2024254679A1
Application number: PCT/CA2024/050755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Muhammad Nouman Khan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-12
Filing date: 2024-06-05
Publication date: 2024-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-12

Abstract

Provided herein is a valve, a system including the valve, and a localized valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture. The valve has a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member, a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member, and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion. The valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion. The valve may be rotatable between the first position and the second position.

Description

IMPROVED VALVE FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/472,404, filed June 12, 2023, and the entire content of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/472,404 is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The embodiments herein generally relate to fluid valves, and in particular, to valves for controlling fluid flow at individual plumbing fixtures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0004] Various plumbing fixtures are commonplace in residential and commercial building settings, such as toilets, sinks and taps. These plumbing fixtures are supplied with water through the plumbing system of the building. A challenge, however, is encountered when a plumbing fixture requires maintenance, such as replacement. Water flowing to the fixture must be centrally turned off in order to complete the maintenance, which results in turning off the water supply to the whole building. This tends to be disruptive as it prevents the use of not only the plumbing fixture undergoing maintenance but other plumbing fixtures in the building as well. Accordingly, there is a need to better control water flow to plumbing fixtures when desired without turning off the water supply to the whole building.

SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided a valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture. The valve has a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member, a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member, and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion. The valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the connecting means includes a bushing for connecting and sealing the male portion and the female portion.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the male portion has a first cylindrical shell and the female portion has a second cylindrical shell, the second cylindrical shell having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical shell.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the bushing connects an outer surface of the first cylindrical shell to an inner surface of the second cylindrical shell to connect the male portion and the female portion.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the valve includes a rivet extending through the male portion and the female portion to facilitate connection between the male portion and the female portion.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first cylindrical shell has a first crosssection and the second cylindrical shell has a second cross-section.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, at least one opening and the at least one engagement member of the male portion are located on the first cross-section, and the at least one opening and the at least one engagement slot of the female portion are located on the second cross-section.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first cross-section of the male portion and the second cross-section of the female portion each have at least two openings.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first cross-section of the male portion has at least two engagement members and the second cross-section of the female portion has at least two engagement slots.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first cross-section of the male portion has at least three engagement members and the second cross-section of the female portion has at least three engagement slots. [0016] In one or more embodiments, with the valve in the first position, the at least one opening of the male portion is in alignment with the at least one opening of the female portion to allow fluid flow through the valve.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, with the valve in the second position, the at least one opening of the male portion is out of alignment with the at least one opening of the female portion to prevent fluid flow through the valve.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the male portion is rotatable from the first position to the second position.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, rotation of the male portion moves the at least one engagement member along the at least one engagement slot.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the female portion is rotatable from the first position to the second position.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, rotation of the female portion moves the at least one engagement slot around the at least one engagement member.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the male portion is connected to a first pipe and the female portion is connected to a second pipe.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the valve is connected to the first and second pipes by pipe connectors.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the male portion is connected to the individual plumbing fixture and the female portion is connected to a pipe.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the valve is made of stainless steel, bronze, G10, G11 , or aluminum alloy.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the at least two engagement members are diametrically opposed.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the bushing is made of stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, aluminum alloy or plastic.

[0028] In a second aspect, there is provided a system for controlling fluid flow through a pipe connected to an individual plumbing fixture, the system including a valve connected to the plumbing fixture. The valve has a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member, a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion. The valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion, and rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the male portion of the valve, transitioning the valve between the first position and the second position.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture to rotate the valve from the first position to the second position is a one-quarter turn.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a second direction causes rotation of the male portion of the valve in the second direction, transitioning the valve between the second position and the first position.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the individual plumbing fixture is a faucet.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, in the first position, the fluid flow is directed into the valve by the female portion and directed out of the valve by the male portion.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, in the second position, the fluid flow is stopped between the female portion and the male portion.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the connecting means comprises a bushing for connecting and sealing the male portion and the female portion.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the male portion has a first cylindrical shell and the female portion has a second cylindrical shell, the second cylindrical shell having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical shell.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the bushing connects an outer surface of the first cylindrical shell to an inner surface of the second cylindrical shell to connect the male portion and the female portion.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the valve further includes a rivet extending through the male portion and the female portion to facilitate connection between the male portion and the female portion. [0038] In a third aspect, there is provided a localized valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture at a facility, the facility including a plurality of plumbing fixtures and a central valve for controlling fluid flow to the plurality of plumbing fixtures, the localized valve being located proximate to the individual plumbing fixture and away from the central valve. The localized valve includes a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member, a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member, and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion. The localized valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion, and the localized valve prevents the fluid flow through the at least one opening when the central valve is open.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the localized valve is located between a fluid supply line to the individual plumbing fixture and the plumbing fixture.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the male portion is coupled to a fluid supply line and the female portion is coupled to the plumbing fixture, and the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the female portion of the localized valve, transitioning the localized valve between the first position and the second position.

In one or more embodiments, the female portion is coupled to a fluid supply line and the male portion is coupled to the plumbing fixture, and the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the male portion of the localized valve, transitioning the localized valve between the first position and the second position.

[0041 ] It will be appreciated that the aspects and embodiments may be used in any combination or sub-combination. Further aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment, and in which:

[0043] Figure 1 A is an exploded view of an example valve;

[0044] Figure 1 B is another exploded view of the valve of Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a male portion of the valve of Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a female portion of the valve of Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 4A is a front view of a female and male portion of an example valve;

[0048] Figure 4B is a front view of a female and male portion of an example valve;

[0049] Figure 4C is a front view of a female and male portion of an example valve;

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to an adaptor;

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to two fixtures within a residence;

[0052] Figure 7A is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a faucet in a first configuration;

[0053] Figure 7B is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a faucet in a second configuration;

[0054] Figure 7C is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a faucet in a third configuration;

[0055] Figure 7D is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a faucet in a fourth configuration;

[0056] Figure 7E is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a faucet in a fifth configuration;

[0057] Figure 8A is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a toilet in a first configuration;

[0058] Figure 8B is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a toilet in a second configuration; [0059] Figure 9A is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to an outdoor tap in a first configuration;

[0060] Figure 9B is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to an outdoor tap in a second configuration;

[0061] Figure 9C is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to an outdoor tap in a third configuration;

[0062] Figure 10A is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a shower system in a first configuration;

[0063] Figure 10B is a schematic illustration of the valve of Figure 1 connected to a shower system in a second configuration;

[0064] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicants' teachings in any way. Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0065] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

[0066] It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” when used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0067] In addition, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0068] The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0069] As used herein and in the claims, two or more elements are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more elements are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the element are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more elements are joined together.

[0070] The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0071] Reference is now made to Figures 1A and 1 B, which show exploded views of an example valve 100. The valve 100 is for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture. The valve 100 is suitable for controlling all types of fluids, including liquids, such as water, and gases, such as air. The valve 100 may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel, bronze, G10, G11 , or aluminum alloy. The valve 100 may have an overall diameter suitable for use with piping of various sizes, such as 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch piping. In some embodiments, the valve 100 may have a diameter of up to 1 inch. The valve 100 may have any suitable length, with a range of 1 inch to 10 inches or more. [0072] The valve 100 comprises a male portion 104 and a female portion 116. The male portion 104 has one or more openings 108. The example male portion 104 shown in Figures 1A and 1 B has two openings 108A and 108B. In some other embodiments, the male portion 104 may have more than two openings 108. The male portion 104 also has one or more engagement members 112. The example male portion 104 shown in Figure 1A has two engagement members 112A and 112B. In other embodiments, the male portion 104 may have more than two engagement members 112. The engagement members 112A and 112B shown in Figure 1A are diametrically opposed. In other embodiments, the engagement members 112 may be provided in different configurations.

[0073] The female portion 116 has one or more openings 120 (shown in Figure 3). In various embodiments, the male portion 104 and the female portion 116 have the same number of openings. The female portion also has one or more engagement slots 124 (shown in Figure 3). Each engagement slot 124 is shaped to receive a corresponding engagement member 112 of the male portion 104. The engagement member 112 may be placed inside the engagement slot 124 and may slide along the engagement slot 124. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3, the female portion 116 has two openings 120A and 120B and two engagement slots 124A and 124B. In other embodiments, the female portion 116 may have more than two openings 120 and more than two engagement slots 124.

[0074] Referring back to Figures 1 A and 1 B, the valve 100 has a connecting means for connecting the male portion 104 and the female portion 116. In the example embodiments, the connecting means may be a bushing 128. The bushing 128 may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, aluminum alloy or plastic. The bushing 128 may connect and seal the male portion 104 and female portion 116. In another example embodiment, the connecting means may include any other method of connecting while allowing for rotation of the male portion 104 and the female portion 116, such as a silicon ring, or any other method. In some embodiments, the bushing 128 may expand in size when subject to heat. In said embodiments, the bushing 128 may expand when water is running through valve 100. This expansion may increase the strength of the connection between the male portion 104 and the female portion 106. [0075] The valve 100 may have a rivet 132. The rivet 132 extends through the male portion 104 and the female portion 116 to facilitate connection between the male portion 104 and female portion 116.

[0076] Figures 1A and 1 B illustrate that valve 100 is connected to a first pipe 136 on one end and second pipe 140 on the other end. In the example shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, the first pipe 136 is an inlet pipe and the second pipe 140 is an outlet pipe. The valve 100 has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the one or more openings 108, 120 of each of the male and female portions 104, 116, as shown in Figure 1A. In the first position, the one or more openings 108 of the male portion 104 are in alignment with the corresponding one or more openings 120 of the female portion 116 to allow fluid to flow through the valve 100. In the first position, fluid passes from the first pipe 136 through the valve 100 and to the outlet pipe 140.

[0077] The valve 100 has a second position for preventing the flow of the fluid through the one or more openings 108, 120 of each of the male and female portions 104, 116, as shown in Figure 1 B. In the second position, the openings 108 of the male portion 104 are out of alignment with the openings 120 of the female portion 116 to prevent flow of the fluid through the valve 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the male portion 104 is rotatable from the first position to the second position. Rotation of the male portion 104 moves the engagement members 112 along the engagement slots 124 of the female portion 116. In some other embodiments, the female portion 116 is rotatable from the first position to the second position. Rotation of the female portion 116 moves the engagement slots 124 around the engagement members 112. Therefore, either the male portion 104 or female portion 116 may be rotated to open or close the valve 100.

[0079] In the various embodiments illustrated herein, each engagement slot 124 is configured to allow for rotation of the male portion 104 or the female portion 116 by a predetermined distance. For example, in the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 3, the engagement slots 124A, 124B are configured to allow for rotation of approximately 45°. In some other embodiments, the engagement slots 124 may be configured to allow for rotation between 25° and 65°. In another embodiment, the engagement slots 124 may be configured to allow for rotation up to 90°. [0080] When the male portion 104 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the engagement member 112 travels from one end of the engagement slot 124 to the other end of the engagement slot 124 it engages with. When the engagement member 112 reaches the end of the engagement slot 124, further rotation of the male portion 104 is prevented. On the other hand, when the female portion 116 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the engagement slot 124 travel around the fixed engagement member 112 from one end to the other end of the engagement slot 124. When the engagement slot 124 has been rotated so the at least one engagement member 112 is in contact with an end of the engagement slot 124, further rotation of the female portion 116 is prevented.

[0081] In some embodiments, the valve 100 may be coupled to an individual plumbing fixture. Rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction may cause the rotation of the male portion 104 of the valve 100, transitioning the valve 100 between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture to rotate the valve 100 from the first position to the second position may be a one-quarter turn. In other embodiments, the individual plumbing fixture may be rotated more or less than a one-quarter turn. Rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a second direction may cause rotation of the male portion 104 of the valve 100 in the second direction, transitioning the valve 100 between the second position and the first position. In some other embodiments, the rotation of the plumbing fixture may cause the rotation of the female portion 116 of the valve 100 transitioning the valve between the first position and the second position.

[0082] Figures 1 A and 1 B show the female portion 116 connected to the first pipe 136 and the male portion 104 connected to the second pipe 140. In this configuration, when the valve 100 is in the first position, the fluid flow is directed into the valve 100 by the female portion 116 and directed out of the valve 100 by the male portion 104, as illustrated in Figure 1A. In other embodiments, the male portion 104 may be connected to the first pipe 136 and the female portion 116 may be connected to the second pipe 140. In this configuration, when the valve 100 is in the first position, the fluid flow is directed into the valve 100 by the male portion 104 and directed out of the valve 100 by the female portion 116. In either configuration, when the valve 100 is in the second position, the fluid flow is stopped between the female portion 116 and the male portion 104, as illustrated in Figure 1 B.

[0083] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which shows the male portion 104. The male portion 104 has a cylindrical shell 144 with a first cross-section 148. The first crosssection 148 extends within the circumference of the first cylindrical shell 144 in a disktype formation. The opening 108 and the engagement member 112 of the male portion 104 are located on the first cross-section 148. As shown, the first cylindrical shell 144 has an outer surface 152. In the example shown, the first cylindrical shell 144 may have a predetermined diameter at the first cross-section 148 and a larger diameter at the opposing end of the first cylindrical shell 144. The difference in diameter between the first cross-section 148 and the opposing end may create a step, as illustrated in Figure 2. In another embodiment, the male portion 104 may have a first cylindrical shell 144 with a consistent diameter.

[0084] The first cross-section 148 of the male portion 104 further has a central opening 150. The central opening 150 allows the rivet 132 of the valve 100 to extend through the male portion 104.

[0085] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which shows the female portion 116. The female portion 116 also have a cylindrical shell 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical shell 156 has a larger diameter than the cylindrical shell 144 of the male portion 104. The second cylindrical shell 156 has an inner surface 160.

[0086] The cylindrical shell 156 of the female portion 116 also has a cross-section 164, extending within the circumference of the cylindrical shell 164 in a disk-type formation. The openings 120 and the engagement slots 124 of the female portion 116 are located on the cross-section 164. The cross-section 164 further has a central opening 168. In operation, the central opening 150 of the first cross-section 148 and the central opening 168 of the second cross-section 164 align to allow the rivet 132 to extend through each of the male portion 104 and the female portion 116.

[0087] As shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, bushing 128 connects the outer surface 152 of the cylindrical shell 144 (of the male portion 104) to the inner surface 160 of the cylindrical shell 156 (of the female portion 116) to connect the male portion 104 and the female portion 116. In one embodiment, bushing 128 may sit on the outer surface 152 of the male portion 104 in abutment with the step between the diameter of the cross-section 148 and the larger diameter at the opposing end of the cylindrical shell 144. In said embodiment, bushing 128 may remain abutted against the step to prevent movement between the bushing 128, the male portion 104 and the female portion 116 when connected.

[0088] Reference is now made to Figures 4A-4C, which show other examples of male and female portions. Figure 4A shows a male portion 204 with a first cross-section 248. The first cross-section 248 has three engagement members 212A-212C. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the engagement members 212A-212C have circular crosssections. As shown, the engagement members 212A and 212C are spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from engagement member 212B. Other embodiments of the male portion may have three engagement members spaced apart in other configurations. Figure 4A also shows a female portion 216 with a second cross-section 264. Engagement slots 224A and 224B are located on the second cross-section 264. In order to receive the engagement members 212A-212C and properly rotate, the female portion 216 has two engagement slots, where one of the engagement slots 224B is longer than the other engagement slot 224A and can accommodate two engagement members at the same time. Accordingly, in some embodiments, there may be fewer engagement slots than engagement members.

[0089] Figure 4B shows a male portion 304 with a first cross-section 348. The first cross-section 348 has two engagement members 312A and 312B. In the example shown in Figure 4B, the engagement members 312A and 312C are spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from each other. Other embodiments of the male portion may have two engagement members spaced apart in other configurations. Figure 4B shows a female portion 316 with a second cross-section 364. Engagement slots 324A and 324B are located on the second cross-section 364, and engage with engagement members 312A and 312B respectively to open and close the valve.

[0090] Figure 4C shows a male portion 404 with a first cross-section 448. The first cross-section 448 has two engagement members 412A and 412B. In the example shown in Figure 4C, the engagement members 412A and 412B have cross-sections that are triangular. Other embodiments of the male portion may have engagement members 412 with cross-sections that differ from circular or triangular shapes. Such alternatives may include square, rectangular or other geometric shape. Figure 4C shows a female portion 416 with a second cross-section 464. Engagement slots 424A and 424B are located on the second cross-section 464. The engagement slots 424A and 424B are shaped to receive the triangular engagement members 412A and 412B. In other embodiments, the engagement slots 424 may be shaped to receive engagement members 412 of any other shape.

[0091] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which shows an example embodiment of valve 100 in a use case scenario. Valve 100 is shown connected to a pipe connector 500. The pipe connector 500 may be used to connect valve 100 to an example pipe 502 made of a different material from the valve 100, such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe. In the example shown in Figure 5, the valve 100 is attached to the pipe connector 500 at one end and soldered directly to piping 504 at the other end. In other examples, the valve 100 may connect to first and second pipes on either side of the valve 100 using pipe connectors. In other embodiments, the valve 100 may be soldered to first and second pipes on either side of the valve 100. For example, the valve 100 may be soldered to copper pipes. In other embodiments, the valve 100 may connect to PEX piping on either side of the valve using a friction fit and without a pipe connector.

[0092] The valve 100 is a localized valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture. The individualized plumbing fixture may be within a facility. Conventional facilities typically have a plurality of plumbing fixtures and a central valve for controlling fluid flow to the plurality of fixtures. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the valve 100, as a localized valve, may be located proximate to the individual plumbing fixture and away from the central valve. In particular, the valve 100 may be located between a fluid supply line to the individual plumbing fixture and the plumbing fixture. Even when the central valve is open, the localized valve 100 can be used to turn off the water supply to the individual fixture to which it is coupled, thereby not disrupting the supply of the water to other plumbing fixtures in the facility.

[0093] Reference is now made to Figure 6, which is a schematic illustration of the use of the valve 100 in a residence 508. Water may enter the residence 508 through a main supply line 512. The water line may continue through a central shutoff valve 516. The central shutoff valve 516 may be used to turn off the water supply throughout the residence 508. The water line may feed through other features, such as meters or water heaters, which are not shown in Figure 7. Subsequent to the central shutoff valve 516, the water line may divide into different lines to supply water to various fixtures throughout the residence, including into hot and cold water lines. Figure 7 shows a water line feeding a toilet 520 and an outdoor tap 524. The toilet 520 and outdoor tap 524 each have a valve 100 installed proximate thereto. In this embodiment, valve 100 is a localized valve. The valve 100 controls the fluid flow through each of the toilet 520 and outdoor tap 524 separately. For example, if the toilet 520 requires maintenance, the valve 100 proximate to the toilet 520 may be used to turn off the water flow to the toilet 520 without turning off the central shutoff valve 516. In another example, if the outdoor tap 524 needs to be replaced, the valve 100 proximate to the outdoor tap 524 may be used to turn off the water flow to the outdoor tap 524 without turning the central shutoff valve 516 off.

[0094] Reference is now made to Figures 7A-7D, which are schematic illustrations of the valve 100 connected to a sink 528 in several configurations. The sink 528 has a faucet 532. The faucet 532 is connected to a hot water line 536 and cold water line carrying hot and cold water to the faucet 532. In Figures 7A-7D, only the hot water line 536 is shown for simplicity, however, the connection of the valve 100 to the cold water line is similar. In Figures 7A-7C, the hot water line 536 runs through a wall 544 adjacent to the sink 528. This configuration may be suitable, for example, for interior walls within a building. In Figure 7D, the hot water line 536 runs through a floor 548 below the sink 528. This configuration may be suitable, for example, for sinks that are adjacent to exterior walls within a building. The hot water line 536 includes a T junction 552 and hot water outlet piping 556. The faucet 532 includes hot water connection piping 560. The hot water connection piping may be, for example, flexible braided hosing. In each example shown in Figures 7A-7D, the valve 100 connects the hot water outlet piping 556 to the hot water connection piping 560. Any of the piping connections described herein may be facilitated using various connectors or adaptors, as required.

[0095] Figure 7A shows the valve 100 in a “partially hidden” configuration. In this configuration, the valve 100 may be partially hidden within a wall, floor or other surface. In the example shown in Figure 7A, the connection between the valve 100 and the hot water outlet piping 556 is within the wall 544 and the connection between the valve 100 and the hot water connection piping 560 is outside the wall 544. In said configuration, rotation of the valve 100 may be facilitated by rotating the portion of the valve 100 that is outside the wall 544.

[0096] Figure 7B shows the valve 100 in a “completely hidden” configuration. In this configuration, the valve 100 may be completely hidden within a wall, floor or other surface. In the example shown in Figure 7B, the connection between the valve 100 and both the hot water outlet piping 556 and hot water connection piping 560 is within the wall 544.

[0097] Figure 7C shows the valve 100 in a “completely unhidden” configuration. In this configuration, the valve 100 may not be hidden within a wall, floor or other surface. In the example shown in Figure 7C, the connection between the valve 100 and both the hot water outlet piping 556 and hot water connection piping 560 is outside the wall 544.

[0098] Figure 7D shows the valve 100 in a “partially hidden” configuration within the floor 548. In this configuration, the connection between the valve 100 and the hot water outlet piping 556 may be within the floor 548 and the connection between the valve 100 and the hot water connection piping 560 may be outside the floor 548. The valve 100 may also be in a “completely hidden” or “completely unhidden” configuration with the floor 548.

[0099] Reference is now made to Figure 7E, which shows an additional configuration of the valve 100 with the faucet 532. The valve 100 may be connected directly to a plumbing fixture. The male portion 104 of valve 100 may be connected to an individual plumbing fixture and the female portion 116 may be connected to a pipe 556, 564. In other embodiments, the female portion 116 may be connected to an individual plumbing fixture and the male portion 104 may be connected to a pipe 556, 564. The example shown in Figure 7E shows two valves 100, each connected to one of the hot water outlet piping 556 or to cold water outlet piping 564. Both valves 100 may also be connected directly to the faucet 532 through a faucet cold water input point 568 and a faucet hot water input point 572. In other words, this configuration may not use any piping between the faucet 532 and the valve 100.

[00100] Reference is now made to Figures 8A and 8B, which are schematic illustrations of the valve 100 connected to a toilet 600. The toilet 600 may have a water input point 604 and water connection piping 606. Figures 8A and 8B show a cold water line 608. Cold water line 608 may include a T junction 620 similar to T junction 552 and cold water outlet piping 624 similar to hot water outlet piping 556. The valve 100 may be connected to the cold water outlet piping 624 on one end and to the water connection piping 606 on the other end.

[00101 ] Figure 8A shows the cold water line 608 running through a wall 612 and the valve 100 in a “partially hidden” configuration within the wall 612, as discussed in relation to Figure 7A. Figure 8B shows the cold water line 608 running through a floor 616 and the valve 100 in a “completely hidden” configuration within the floor 616, as discussed in relation to Figure 7B. In other embodiments, the valve 100 may be in a “partially hidden”, “completely hidden” or “completely unhidden” configuration with the wall 612, floor 616 or other surface. In other embodiments, the valve 100 may be connected directly to the toilet 600, for example, at water input point 604.

[00102] Reference is now made to Figures 9A-9C, which are schematic illustrations of the valve 100 connected to an outdoor tap 700. The outdoor tap 700 may be installed in the exterior wall of a building, such as a residential or commercial building. Figures 9A- 9C show the outdoor tap 700 installed in an exterior wall 704. Inlet piping 708 may be located within the exterior wall 704 to carry water to the outdoor tap 700. Valve 100 may be connected to the inlet piping 708 on one side and to the outdoor tap 700 on the other side. In the examples shown in Figures 9A-9C, the valve 100 is connected directly to the outdoor tap 700. This connection directly to the outdoor tap 700 may allow for the outdoor tap 700 to be rotated in order to move the valve 100 between its first and second positions. In other embodiments, an adaptor, connector or other piping may be used to connect the valve 100 to the outdoor tap 700. In Figure 9A, the valve is in a “fully hidden” configuration with the exterior wall 704. In Figure 9B, the valve is in a “partially hidden” configuration with the exterior wall 704. In Figure 9C, the valve is in a “completely unhidden” configuration with the exterior wall 704.

[00103] Reference is now made to Figure 10A, which is a schematic illustration of two example valves 100a, 100b connected to a shower system 800. The shower system 800 may include a central valve 804. The central valve 804 may have two inlets and two outlets. The central valve 804 may be controlled by an operator of the shower using a handle 816. The central valve 804 may control the mixing of hot and cold water from hot water piping 808 and cold water piping 812. In certain configurations of the central valve 804, the mixed water may travel upward through shower head piping 820 to a shower head 824. In another configuration of the central valve 804, the mixed water may travel downward through faucet inlet piping 828 to a shower faucet 832.

[00104] The example shown in Figure 10A shows the shower system 800 with two valves 100a, 100b. The valves 100a, 100b may be connected on a first side to the central valve 804 at each of the inlets of the central valve 804. On the other side of valve 100a may be hot water piping 808. Hot water piping 808 may carry hot water to the valve 100a. On the other side of valve 100b may be cold water piping 812. Cold water piping 812 may carry cold water to the valve 100b. The valves 100a, 100b may therefore be used to control the flow of hot and cold water into the central valve 804. This may be useful, for example, if the central valve 804 needs maintenance or replacement. In the example shown in Figure 10A, the valves 100a, 100b are connected directly to the central valve 804 at the inlets of the central valve 804. In other embodiments, the valves 100a, 100b may not be connected directly to the central valve 804, and there may be, for example, intermediate piping, connectors or adaptors.

[00105] In another example embodiment, the shower system 800 may be installed in the wall of a shower. Figure 10B is a detailed view of the shower system installed in a shower wall 804. The shower piping may be located within the shower wall 804, and the shower head 824, handle 816, and shower faucet 832 may be external to the shower wall 804. Figure 10B shows another example of the valve 100 connected to a shower system 800. The valve 100 may be connected to the faucet inlet piping 828 on one side and to the shower faucet 832 on the other side. In the example shown in Figure 10B, the valve 100 is connected directly to the shower faucet 832. This connection directly to the shower faucet 832 may allow for the shower faucet 832 to be rotated in order to move the valve 100 between its first and second positions. In other embodiments, an adaptor, connector or other piping may be used to connect the valve 100 to the shower faucet 832.

[00106] In some embodiments, the shower system 800 may have a valve 100a, 100b connected to each of the hot water piping 808 and cold water piping 812 (as shown in Figure 10A) in addition to a valve 100 connected to the faucet inlet piping 828. [00107] While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture, the valve comprising: a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member; a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member; and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion; wherein the valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion.

2. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the connecting means comprises a bushing for connecting and sealing the male portion and the female portion.

3. The valve of claim 2, wherein the male portion has a first cylindrical shell and the female portion has a second cylindrical shell, the second cylindrical shell having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical shell.

4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the bushing connects an outer surface of the first cylindrical shell to an inner surface of the second cylindrical shell to connect the male portion and the female portion.

5. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising a rivet extending through the male portion and the female portion to facilitate connection between the male portion and the female portion.

6. The valve of claim 3, wherein the first cylindrical shell has a first cross-section and the second cylindrical shell has a second cross-section.

7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the at least one opening and the at least one engagement member of the male portion are located on the first cross-section, and the at least one opening and the at least one engagement slot of the female portion are located on the second cross-section.

8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the first cross-section of the male portion and the second cross-section of the female portion each have at least two openings.

9. The valve of claim 8, wherein the first cross-section of the male portion has at least two engagement members and the second cross-section of the female portion has at least two engagement slots.

10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the first cross-section of the male portion has at least three engagement members and the second cross-section of the female portion has at least three engagement slots.

11 . The valve of claim 1 , wherein, in the first position, the at least one opening of the male portion is in alignment with the at least one opening of the female portion to allow fluid flow through the valve.

12. The valve of claim 11 , wherein in the second position, the at least one opening of the male portion is out of alignment with the at least one opening of the female portion to prevent fluid flow through the valve.

13. The valve of claim 12, wherein the male portion is rotatable from the first position to the second position.

14. The valve of claim 13, wherein rotation of the male portion moves the at least one engagement member along the at least one engagement slot.

15. The valve of claim 12, wherein the female portion is rotatable from the first position to the second position.

16. The valve of claim 15, wherein rotation of the female portion moves the at least one engagement slot around the at least one engagement member.

17. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the male portion is connected to a first pipe and the female portion is connected to a second pipe.

18. The valve of claim 17, wherein the valve is connected to the first and second pipes by pipe connectors.

19. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the male portion is connected to the individual plumbing fixture and the female portion is connected to a pipe.

20. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve is made of stainless steel, bronze, G10, G11 , or aluminum alloy.

21. The valve of claim 9, wherein the at least two engagement members are diametrically opposed.

22. The valve of claim 2, wherein the bushing is made of stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, aluminum alloy or plastic.

23. A system for controlling fluid flow through a pipe connected to an individual plumbing fixture, the system comprising: a valve connected to the plumbing fixture, the valve having: a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member; a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member; and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion; wherein the valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion; and wherein rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the male portion of the valve, transitioning the valve between the first position and the second position.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture to rotate the valve from the first position to the second position is a one-quarter turn.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a second direction causes rotation of the male portion of the valve in the second direction, transitioning the valve between the second position and the first position.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the individual plumbing fixture is a faucet.

27. The system of claim 23, wherein in the first position, the fluid flow is directed into the valve by the female portion and directed out of the valve by the male portion.

28. The system of claim 23, wherein in the second position, the fluid flow is stopped between the female portion and the male portion.

29. The system of claim 23, wherein the connecting means comprises a bushing for connecting and sealing the male portion and the female portion.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the male portion has a first cylindrical shell and the female portion has a second cylindrical shell, the second cylindrical shell having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical shell.

31 . The system of claim 30, wherein the bushing connects an outer surface of the first cylindrical shell to an inner surface of the second cylindrical shell to connect the male portion and the female portion.

32. The system of claim 23, wherein the valve further comprises a rivet extending through the male portion and the female portion to facilitate connection between the male portion and the female portion.

33. A localized valve for controlling fluid flow at an individual plumbing fixture at a facility, wherein the facility comprises a plurality of plumbing fixtures and a central valve for controlling fluid flow to the plurality of plumbing fixtures, the localized valve being located proximate to the individual plumbing fixture and away from the central valve, the localized valve comprising: a male portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement member; a female portion having at least one opening and at least one engagement slot, the at least one engagement slot corresponding to the at least one engagement member; and connecting means for connecting the male portion and the female portion; wherein the localized valve has a first position for allowing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion and a second position for preventing fluid flow through the at least one opening of each the male and female portion, and wherein the localized valve prevents the fluid flow through the at least one opening when the central valve is open.

34. The localized valve of claim 33, wherein the localized valve is located between a fluid supply line to the individual plumbing fixture and the plumbing fixture.

35. The localized valve of claim 34, wherein the male portion is coupled to a fluid supply line and the female portion is coupled to the plumbing fixture, and the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the female portion of the localized valve, transitioning the localized valve between the first position and the second position.

36. The localized valve of claim 34, wherein the female portion is coupled to a fluid supply line and the male portion is coupled to the plumbing fixture, and the rotation of the individual plumbing fixture in a first direction causes rotation of the male portion of the localized valve, transitioning the localized valve between the first position and the second position.