Devices and methods for a mechanical automatic shut-off to fluid reservoirs

• US 9,574,679 B2
• Filed: 10/19/2012
• Issued: 02/21/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Peoples and Plumbing, LLC
• Original Assignee: Peoples and Plumbing, LLC
• Inventors: Schwarzbek, Craig, Penfil, Robert, Penfil, Sylvia, Brown, Howard, Skolnik, Bruce, Kaczperski, Jeff
• Primary Examiner(s): McManmon, Mary
• Assistant Examiner(s): BARRY, DAPHNE MARIE
• Application Number:
  US14/345,085
• Publication Number:
  US 20140373924A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,586 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 21/16 closing after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been delivered F16K21/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/18 actuated by a float floats F16K33/00; float-actuated valves in steam-traps F16T1/20, in boilers F22D5/08
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/32 actuating a tap or cock
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7439 Float arm operated valve

Abstract

Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward.

Claims

1. An automatic fluid shut off device, comprising:

a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin;

a second rod end of the movable rod extending into a bore of an actuation assembly having a fluid supply base;

the second rod end terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end of the actuation assembly;

the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin;

the latch arm pivotably connected to a handle of the actuation assembly turnable on an axis to cause a shut-off valve to rotate to an open and closed position; and

the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch arm is restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward at about a 3.5 degree angle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein a buoyancy force of the float is up to 680 gms against the latch arm and the rotational force against the shut-off valve is greater than 8164 grams.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotation force is supplied by a torsion spring.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the torsion spring is formed from music wire with a diameter of 3 mm.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve is 19 mm in diameter.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base and latch arm are formed from and acetal polymer.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the catch basin is disposed under a water heater and is configured to displace the latch arm to a point of release in response of 25 to 50 mm of water in the catch basin.

9. A method to shut off a water supply, comprising the steps of:

using the device of claim 1 for providing a first force in response to unanticipated presence of a fluid;

displacing a restrained latch arm connected to a shut-off valve handle past a stop in response to the first force;

rotating the shut-off valve connected to a fluid supply by a second force in response to a latch arm displacement beyond a release point.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the restrained latch arm is restrained by the second force.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first force is provided by a buoyancy force and the second force is provided by a torsion spring.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first force is 680 gms and the second for is greater than 8164 grams.