GB2561546A

GB2561546A - Valve

Info

Publication number: GB2561546A
Application number: GB1704817.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Challis Russell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-27
Filing date: 2017-03-27
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-27
Also published as: GB201704817D0; GB2561546B

Abstract

A valve for a tap comprises a sleeve, removably locatable in engagement with a tap outlet. The sleeve comprises an upper, rigid part 2 for engaging tap, and a lower, elastomeric part manufacture of the valve, the parts2, 4 can be moulded together, or moulded separately and welded together.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Valve Abstract Title: Duckbill valve (57) A valve for a tap comprises a sleeve, removably locatable in engagement with a tap outlet. The sleeve comprises an upper, rigid part 2 for engaging tap, and a lower, elastomeric part manufacture of the valve, the parts2, 4 can be moulded together, or moulded separately and welded together.

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VALVE

Background to the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a valve for a tap (faucet).

[0002] It is usual to locate a diffuser at the outlet of a tap. This ensures that the water flows from the tap in a conveniently shaped stream.

[0003] In institutional situations, such as hospitals, universities, barracks, etc. a tap diffuser can become a breeding ground for microorganisms and must be removed and thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the tap will be located above a waste outlet from a sink. When the water flows directly from the tap to the waste, it can impact bacteria located in the waste. This can liberate an aerosol of bacteria, some of which can enter the tap and contaminate the water supply.

Summary of the Invention [0004] In order to alleviate this problem, the invention provides a valve for a tap, comprising a sleeve, removably locatable in engagement with a tap outlet, the sleeve comprising a duckbill valve for preventing a return flow of water into the outlet.

[0005] The valve of the invention is open only when the tap is turned on. When the flow ceases, the valve closes and prevents the ingress of microorganisms into the tap. Hygiene can be maintained by simply removing the valve and replacing it at suitable intervals.

[0006] The sleeve may comprise an upper, rigid part, for engaging the tap, and a lower, elastomeric part, comprising the duckbill valve. The upper part may be formed from a suitable polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and the lower part may be formed from a suitable elastomer such as neoprene. The two parts may be moulded together or fusion welded and another aspect of the invention provides a method of making the valve.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising a valve described above and an adapter having a threaded portion for attachment to a tap outlet, the adapter and the valve having interfitting means for retaining the valve on the tap. These interfitting means may comprise a shoulder on the adapter and an inward annular protrusion on the valve.

[0008] Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of preventing an ingress of microorganisms into a tap outlet, comprising affixing a valve as set out above to the outlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention in place on a tap outlet, in the closed position;

[0011] Figure 2 is a cross section of the valve of Figure 1, and [0012] Figure 3 is a further cross section of the valve of Figure 1, in the open position.

Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments [0013] The drawings show a tap valve comprising a rigid, generally cylindrical, upper sleeve 2 and a flexible lower sleeve 4. The lower sleeve 4 is formed into a duckbill shape so that in its unstressed state, it closes the passage.

[0014] The rigid upper sleeve 2 can, for example, be formed of ABS whilst the elastomeric lower sleeve 4 can be formed of neoprene. The two sleeves can be moulded together in one mould as an integral body, or the sleeves 2, 4 can be formed separately and welded together.

[0015] The valve is provided as part of a kit also including an adapter 8 which screws onto the outlet of a tap. In order to fit different tap outlets the adapter can be provided with different threads and the appropriate adapter for a given tap can be selected.

[0016] The upper sleeve 2 is formed with an annular groove 6 which causes an inward annular protrusion on the inner surface of the upper sleeve. Thus, the valve can be pushed into place and snap-fitted around an annular shoulder of the adapter 8 when the latter is on the tap outlet.

[0017] In the absence of a flow of water, the duckbill of the lower sleeve 4 is closed and prevents the ingress of droplets of fluid and hence of airborne microorganisms.

[0018] When the tap is turned on the flow of water opens the valve, as shown in Figure 3.

[0019] After a predetermined period of time the valve can simply be pulled off the tap, for example using a pair of pliers, and replaced with a new valve. Optionally, the valves can be colour coded to indicate when they should be changed. In this way hygiene can be maintained conveniently.

[0020] As an additional measure, the material of the valve can be made antimicrobial, for example by incorporating silver particles.

Claims

1. A valve for a tap, comprising a sleeve, removably locatable in engagement with a tap outlet, the sleeve comprising a duckbill valve for preventing a return flow of water into the outlet.

2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises an upper, rigid part, for engaging the tap, and a lower, elastomeric part, comprising the duckbill valve.

3. A valve according to claim 2, wherein the upper part is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

4. A valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lower part is of neoprene.

5. A method of making the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising moulding the upper and lower parts together in one mould.

6. An assembly comprising a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an adapter having a threaded portion for attachment to a tap outlet, the adapter and the valve having interfitting means for retaining the valve on the tap.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the interfitting means comprise a shoulder on the adapter and an inward annular protrusion on the valve.

8. A method of preventing an ingress of microorganisms into a tap outlet, comprising affixing a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to the outlet.

9. A method according to claim 8, comprising a further step of removing the valve and affixing a further such valve.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1704817.4