Overflow system

• US 6,732,388 B2
• Filed: 05/24/2002
• Issued: 05/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Watersave Enterprises Limited
• Original Assignee: Watersave Enterprises Limited
• Inventors: McKenna, Malachi C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Petsuba, Robert M.
• Application Number:
  US10/155,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20020194674A1
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 466/8, 466/9, 450/8, 468/0, 468/3, 469/4, 137/410, 137/428
• US Class Current: 4/669
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/242 automatically actuating supply or draining valves
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/001 Means for regulating or setting the meter for a predetermined quantity
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/74 for sensing changes in level only at discrete points
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/742 In separate communicating float chamber

Abstract

An overflow system suitable for use in controlling the level of water in, for example, a bathtub (3) is described. The overflow system comprises a conduit attached to the overflow outlet (21) of the bathtub (3) and is arranged so that when the bathtub (3) is overfilled, any excessive flow rate of overflow water through the conduit (19) is detected. The excessive flow rate is detected by arranging for the outlet (25) of the conduit to have a smaller maximum flow rate than the inlet (23) of the conduit so that water backs up within the conduit during an excessive flow rate condition. The backed up water may be detected by a reed switch (31) in conjunction with a magnetic float (27) in order to actuate a solenoid valve (9) to prevent any more water from entering the bathtub (3).

Claims

1. An overflow detector for detecting when overflow liquid flows out of a vessel through an overflow outlet of the vessel, at a flow rate that exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the overflow detector comprising:

a body for mounting to the overflow outlet, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;

a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;

wherein the conduit comprises a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet.

2. A detector according to claim 1, wherein the divider extends to the inlet of the conduit.

3. A detector according to claim 1, wherein the divider is formed by the wall of a tube located within the conduit and wherein the interior of the tube forms the upper portion.

4. A detector according to claim 3, wherein, with reference to the orientation of the detector when the detector is orientated for use, the tube is located in an uppermost part of the conduit.

5. A detector according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a float.

6. A detector according to claim 5, wherein the float comprises a magnet.

7. A detector according to claim 6, wherein the sensor comprises a reed switch.

8. A detector according claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a flange for mounting against the overflow outlet, and a threaded portion on the periphery of the conduit between the inlet and the flange.

9. A detector according claim 1, wherein the detector is adapted for cooperation with a bathtub.

10. The combination of an overflow detector according to claim 1, and a vessel.

11. An overflow system comprising:

a vessel having an overflow outlet;

supply pipes for supplying liquid to the vessel;

an overflow detector including;

a body for mounting to the overflow outlet, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;

a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;

wherein the conduit includes a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet;

valve means operable to reduce the flow rate of liquid being supplied to the vessel by the supply pipes; and

control means operable to activate the valve means in response to the signal from the overflow detector.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the valve means comprises a solenoid valve.

13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the valve means is operable to stop the flow of liquid to the vessel.

14. A system according to claim 11, wherein the control means comprises a latch means operable to cause, response to the signal from the overflow detector, the control means to continue to cause the valve means to reduce the flow rate of liquid until the control means is reset.

15. An overflow system according to claim 11, wherein the control means comprises a relay.

16. A kit of parts comprising:

an overflow detector including;

a body for mounting to an overflow outlet of a vessel, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;

a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;

wherein the conduit comprises a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet;

valve means operable to reduce the flow rate of liquid being supplied to the vessel by a supply pipe; and

control means operable to activate the valve means in response to the signal from the overflow detector.