Sanitary hydrant

Abstract

A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Claims

1. A hydrant, comprising: a conduit having a first end and a second end; a head interconnected to the first end of the conduit; a reservoir associated with the second end of the conduit a pressure reducing device positioned within the reservoir and interconnected to the second end of the conduit, the pressure reducing device comprised of a first end, which is interconnected to the conduit, and a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve with a throat between the first end and the second end of the pressure reducing device; and a bypass tube having a first end interconnected to a location adjacent to the first end of the pressure reducing device and a second end interconnected to a bypass valve, the bypass valve also associated with the second end of the pressure reducing device; wherein when the bypass valve is opened, fluid flows from the inlet valve, through the bypass tube, through the conduit, and out the head; and wherein when the bypass valve is closed, fluid flows through the pressure reducing device.

2. The hydrant of claim 1, further comprising a check valve associated with the pressure reducing device that selectively allows access to an internal volume of the reservoir.

3. The hydrant of claim 1, further comprising a freeze recognition button that allows a user to ascertain if fluid has been evacuated from the conduit after flow of fluid from the hydrant is ceased.

4. The hydrant of claim 3, wherein the freeze recognition button is associated with a visual indicator.

5. The hydrant of claim 1, wherein a double check valve is associated with the head of the hydrant.

6. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with threads that are adapted to receive a hose, the valve body also having an inlet volume and an outlet volume separated by an internally-disposed wall, a lower surface of the wall defining a valve seat, the valve body further including a vent that provides a flow path between an outside of the valve body and the inlet volume; a seal positioned within the valve body in a volume located adjacent to the inlet volume, the seal adapted to selectively block the vent; a valve cap interconnected to the valve body that is positioned within the volume that maintains the seal against the valve body, the valve cap having threads for interconnection to a fluid outlet of the head; an inlet check valve comprising: an inlet check spring positioned within the inlet volume, wherein the spring contacts an upper surface of the wall, an inlet check body positioned within the inlet check spring, an inlet check seal interconnected to the inlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage the seal, thereby opening and closing an aperture of the seal to control fluid flow from the valve cap into the inlet volume; a drain spring positioned within the outlet volume that contacts the seat and a plunger that is adapted to engage a hose; an outlet check valve comprising: an outlet check body positioned within the drain spring, an outlet check seal interconnected to the outlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage the seat to either open a flow path between the inlet volume and the outlet volume, or isolate the outlet volume from the inlet volume, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from an interconnected hose into the fluid outlet of the head; and an outlet check spring positioned about the outlet check body that contacts a portion of the outlet check body and a hub of the plunger.

7. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with a fixed inlet volume and a fixed outlet volume, the valve body also having a vent for allowing fluid from inside said valve body to escape, wherein said inlet volume and said outlet volume are separated by a wall; a valve cap; a seal positioned between said valve cap and said valve body; an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume, said inlet check valve including: an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume, wherein said spring contacts an upper surface of said wall; an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring; and an inlet check seal interconnected to said inlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage said seal, thereby opening and closing an aperture of said seal to prevent fluid flow from the valve cap into the inlet volume; and an outlet check valve positioned within said outlet volume, said outlet check valve comprising: an outlet check body; an outlet check seal interconnected to said outlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage said seal to either open a flow path between the inlet volume and the outlet volume or isolate the outlet volume from said inlet volume, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from an interconnected hose into a fluid outlet of the head; and an outlet check spring positioned about said outlet check body that contacts a portion of said outlet check body and a hub of a plunger.

8. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with a fixed inlet volume and a fixed outlet volume, the valve body also having a vent for allowing fluid from inside said valve body to escape, a valve cap, a seal positioned between said valve cap and said valve body, an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume, said inlet check valve includes: an inlet check spring positioned with said inlet volume; an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring; an inlet check seal interconnected to said inlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage said seal, thereby opening and closing an aperture of said seal to prevent fluid flow from the valve cap into the inlet volume, an outlet check valve positioned with said outlet volume, and a plunger interconnected to said valve body.

9. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with a fixed inlet volume; an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume, said inlet check valve comprising: an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume; an inlet check body partially positioned within said inlet check spring; an inlet check seal fixedly interconnected to said inlet check body; wherein said valve body further comprises a fixed outlet volume, wherein said inlet volume and said outlet volume are separated by a wall; and an outlet check body positioned within said fixed outlet volume, wherein said inlet check body is slidingly interconnected to said outlet check body, and wherein said inlet check body and said outlet check body are configured to selectively open a flow path between said inlet volume and said outlet volume or isolate said inlet volume from said outlet volume.

10. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with a fixed outlet volume; an outlet check valve positioned within said outlet volume, said outlet check valve comprising: an outlet check spring positioned within said outlet volume; an outlet check body partially positioned within said outlet check spring; an outlet check seal fixedly interconnected to said outlet check body; wherein said valve body further comprises a fixed inlet volume, wherein said inlet volume and said outlet volume are separated by a wall; and an inlet check body positioned within said fixed inlet volume, wherein said inlet check body is slidingly interconnected to said outlet check body, and wherein said inlet check body and said outlet check body are configured to selectively open a flow path between said inlet volume and said outlet volume or isolate said inlet volume from said outlet volume.

11. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein the double check valve is comprised of: a valve body with a fixed inlet volume and a fixed outlet volume; an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume, said inlet check valve comprising: an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume; an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring; and an inlet check seal fixedly interconnected to said inlet check body; and an outlet check valve positioned within said outlet volume, said outlet check valve comprising: an outlet check spring positioned within said outlet volume; an outlet check body positioned within said outlet check spring; and an outlet check seal fixedly interconnected to said outlet check body; and wherein a portion of said inlet check body is inserted into and slidingly interconnected to said outlet check body.

12. A method of evacuating a sanitary hydrant, comprising: providing a conduit having a first end and a second end; providing a head for delivering fluid interconnected to the first end of the conduit; providing a fluid reservoir associated with the second end of the conduit; providing a venturi positioned within the reservoir and interconnected to the second end of the conduit, the venturi comprised of a first end, which is interconnected to the conduit, and a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve with a throat between the first end and the second end of the venturi; providing a bypass tube having a first end interconnected to a location adjacent to the first end of the venturi and a second end interconnected to a bypass valve, the bypass valve also associated with the second end of the venturi, wherein when the bypass valve is opened, fluid flows from the inlet valve, through the bypass tube, through the conduit, and out the head; and wherein when the bypass valve is closed, fluid flows through the venturi; initiating fluid flow through the head by actuating a handle associated therewith; actuating a bypass button that opens the bypass valve such that fluid is precluded from entering the venturi; actuating the bypass button to close the bypass valve; flowing fluid through the venturi; evacuating the reservoir; ceasing fluid flow through the hydrant; and draining fluid into the reservoir.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising interconnecting a hose to the head with a backflow preventer therebetween.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising a check valve associated with the venturi that selectively allows access to an internal volume of the reservoir.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising actuating a freeze recognition button; and ascertaining if the fluid has been evacuated from the conduit after flow of fluid from the hydrant is ceased.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

(2) FIGS. 1A-1C are a depiction of the operation of a hydrant of the prior art;

(3) FIGS. 2A-2C are a series of figures depicting the use of a flow diverter of the prior art;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross section of a venturi of the prior art;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a venturi system employed by the prior art;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the venturi system of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 6 wherein the reservoir has been omitted for clarity;

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a venturi system that employs a bypass tube of one embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a bypass valve used in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 5 shown in an open position;

(11) FIG. 10 shows the bypass valve of FIG. 9 in a closed position;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a bypass button and an electronic reservoir evacuation button;

(13) FIG. 12 is a graph showing sanitary hydrant comparisons;

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a venturi system of another embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 14 is a detailed cross sectional view of FIG. 13 showing the check valve in a closed position when the hydrant is on;

(16) FIG. 15 is a detailed cross sectional view of FIG. 13 showing the check valve in an open position when the hydrant is off;

(17) FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view showing a hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 is a detail view of FIG. 16;

(19) FIG. 18 is a detail view of FIG. 17

(20) FIG. 19 is a cross section of another embodiment of the present invention; and

(21) FIG. 20 is a table showing a comparison of various hydrant assemblies and the operation cycle of each.

(22) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but that relative dimensions nevertheless can be determined thereby. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

(23) To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

# Component

(24) 2 Hydrant 4 Head 5 Handle 6 Standpipe 10 Drain port 14 Frost line 18 Venturi 22 Diverter 26 Vacuum breaker 30 Siphon tube 34 Check valve 36 Outlet 37 Venturi vacuum inlet and drain port 38 Hydrant inlet valve 42 Bypass 46 Bypass button 50 Casing cover 54 Piston 56 Bypass valve 57 Control rod 58 Secondary spring operated piston 59 Bottom surface 60 EFR button 64 LED 68 Screen piston 72 Reservoir 76 Check valve piston 80 Vent

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(25) The venturi 18 and related components used in the hydrants of the prior art is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and functions when the hydrant issued in conjunction with a vacuum breaker and a diverter. The diverter is needed to allow the venturi to work properly in light of the flow obstructions associated with the vacuum breaker. A typical on/off cycle for this hydrant (see also FIG. 2) requires that the user open the hydrant to cause water to exit the diverter 22 and not the vacuum breaker 26. As the water flows out of the diverter 22, a vacuum is created that draws water through a siphon tube 30 and check valve 34, which evacuates the reservoir (not shown). Flowing water through the diverter 22 for about 30 to 45 seconds will generally evacuate the reservoir. Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the diverter 22 is pulled down to redirect the water out of the vacuum breaker 26. The vacuum breaker 26 allows the hydrant 2 to be used with an attached hose and/or a spray nozzle as the vacuum breaker 26 will evacuate the head when the hydrant 2 is shut off, thereby making it frost proof. When the water is flowing out of the vacuum breaker 26 the venturi 18 will stop working and the one-way check valve 34 will prevent water from entering the reservoir. Once the hydrant is shut off, the water in the standpipe 6 will drain through a venturi vacuum inlet and drain port 37 that is in fluid communication with the reservoir similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,028 to Vandepas, which is incorporated by reference herein. The check valve 34 is also pressurized when the hydrant is turned off because the shut off valve 38 is located above the check valve 34.

(26) A venturi assembly used in other hydrants that employ a pressurized reservoir also provides a vacuum only when water flows through a diverter. A typical on/off cycle for a hydrant that uses this venturi configuration is similar to that described above, the exception being that a check valve that prevents water from entering the reservoir is not used. When the diverter is transitioned so water flows through the vacuum breaker, the backpressure created thereby will cause water to fill and pressurize the reservoir, which prevents water ingress after hydrant shut off. As the reservoir is at least partially filled with water during normal use, the user needs to evacuate the hydrant after shut off by removing any interconnected hose and diverting fluid for about 30 seconds, which will allow the venturi to evacuate the water from the reservoir.

(27) A hydrant of embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5-11 which may employ a venturi with an about diameter nozzle. To account for the decrease in mass flow and associated back pressure that affects the functionality of the venturi described above, a bypass 42 is employed. More specifically, the bypass 42 maintains the flow rate out of the hydrant head 4 and allows for water to be expelled from the head 4 at the expected velocity. Fluid bypass is triggered by actuating a button 46 located on the casing cover 50 as shown in FIG. 11. When the hydrant is turned on the user pushes the bypass button 46 that will in turn move a bypass piston 54 of a bypass valve 56 into the open position as shown in FIG. 9. This will allow water to bypass the venturi 2 and re-enter the standpipe above the restriction caused by the venturi. The increased flow rate is greater than could be achieved with a venturi alone, even if the diameter of the venturi nozzle was increased.

(28) While the bypass allows the mass flow rate to increase greatly, it also causes the venturi to stop creating a vacuum that is needed to evacuate the reservoir. Before normal use, the bypass piston 54 is closed as shown in FIG. 10. Similar to the system described in FIG. 16 below, the venturi 18 and associated bypass 42 are associated with a control rod 57 that is associated with the hydrant handle 5. Opening of the hydrant transitions the control rod 57 upwardly, which pulls the venturi 18 and associated bypass 42 upwardly and opens the hydrant inlet valve 38 to initiate fluid flow. Conversely, transitioning the hydrant handle 5 to a closed position will move the venturi 18 and associated bypass 42 downwardly such that a secondary spring operated piston 58 of the bypass valve 56 well contact a bottom surface 59 of the reservoir. As the secondary spring piston 58 contacts the bottom surface 59, the bypass valve 54 moves to a closed position as shown in FIG. 10. Moving the handle 5 to an open position to initiate fluid flow through the hydrant head will separate the secondary spring operated piston 58 from the bottom surface 59 of the reservoir which allows the bypass piston 54 to move to an open position as shown in FIG. 9 when the bypass button 46 is actuated. When the bypass 42 is in the closed position, water is forced to flow through the venturi causing a vacuum to occur, thereby causing the reservoir to be evacuated each time the hydrant is used. After water flows from the vacuum breaker for a predetermined time, the user will actuate the bypass button 46 which opens the bypass valve 56 to divert fluid around the venturi 2. The secondary spring operated piston 58, which is designed to account for tolerances making assembly of the hydrant easier. The secondary spring operated piston 58 also makes sure the hydrant will operate properly if there are any rocks or debris present in the hydrant reservoir.

(29) The venturi 18 of this embodiment can be operated in a 7 bury hydrant with a minimum operating pressure of 25 psi. The other major exception is the addition of the aforementioned bypass valve 56 that allows the hydrant to achieve higher flow rates.

(30) In operation with a hose, initially the hose is attached to the backflow preventer 26 or the bypass button is pushed to that the venturi will not operate correctly and the one way check valve 34 will be pressurized in such a way to prevent flow of fluid from the reservoir. After the hydrant is shut off, the hose is removed from vacuum breaker 26. Next the hydrant 2 is turned on and water flows through the vacuum breaker 26 for about 30 seconds. When there is no hose attached, and the bypass has not been activated, the venturi 18 will create a vacuum that suctions water from the reservoir 72 and making the hydrant frost proof. Thus, when the hydrant is later shut off, the check valve piston will move up and force open the one way check valve 37 to allow water in the hydrant to drain into the reservoir. This operation will also reset the bypass valve 56 into the closed position.

(31) Some embodiments of the present invention will also be equipped with an Electronic Freeze Recognition (EFR) device as shown in FIG. 11. The EFR includes a button 60 that allows the user to ascertain if the water has been evacuated from the standpipe 6 properly and if the hydrant is ready for freezing weather. The device uses a circuit board in concert with a dual color LED 64 as shown in FIG. 11 to warn the operator of a potential freezing problem. When the EFR button 60 is pushed and the LED 64 glows red it indicates that the hydrant has not been evacuated properly. This informs the operator that the water in the reservoir is above the frost line, and the hydrant needs to be evacuated by the method described above. A green LED 64 indicates the hydrant has been operated properly and the hydrant is ready for freezing weather.

(32) Flow rates for hydrants of embodiments of the present invention compare favorably with existing sanitary hydrants on the market, see FIG. 12. The prior art models are compared with hydrants that use a vacuum breaker and hydrants that use a double check backflow preventer. The venturi and related bypass system will meet ASSE 1057 specifications.

(33) Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13-15 that does not employ a bypass. Variations of this embodiment employ an about 0.147 to an about 0.160 diameter nozzle, which allows for a flow rate of 3 gallons per minute at 25 psi and evacuation of the reservoir at 20 psi. As this configuration meets the desired mass flow characteristics, a bypass is not required to obtain the mass flow rate, and therefore this hydrant can be produced at a lower cost. This embodiment also employs a dual-use check valve. The check valve is closed by a spring when the hydrant is turned on as shown in FIG. 14 to prevent water from filling the reservoir. Again, when water is flowing through the double check backflow preventer a suction can still be produced to pull water from the reservoir through this check valve. When the hydrant is turned off, a screen piston 68 moves up when it contacts the bottom surface 59 of the reservoir which forces the check valve 34 into the open position as shown in FIG. 15. This allows the water in the hydrant to drain into the reservoir, thereby making the hydrant freeze resistant. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a venturi to evacuate a reservoir, but do not need a diverter to operate correctly. More specifically, a venturi is provided that will evacuate a reservoir through a double check backflow preventer.

(34) FIGS. 16-18 show a hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention that is simpler and more user friendly than sanitary hydrants currently in use. This hydrant is limited to a 5 bury depth and a minimum working pressure of about 40 psi, which maximizes the venturi flow rate potential, while still being able to evacuate the reservoir as water flows through a double check. A one-way check valve 34 is provided that is forced open when the hydrant is shut off as shown in FIG. 17.

(35) In operation, this venturi system operates similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 5-11. More specifically, the venturi is interconnected to a movable control rod 57 that is located within the standpipe 6. The handle 5 of the hydrant is thus ultimately interconnected to the venturi 18 and by way of the control rod 57. To turn on the hydrant, the user moves the handle 5 to an open position, which pulls the control rod 57 upwardly and opens the inlet valve 38 such that water can enter the venturi 18. Pulling the venturi upward also removes the check valve 34 upwardly such that the screen piston 68 moves away from the bottom surface 59 of the hydrant 2. To turn the hydrant off, the handle 5 is moved to a closed position which moves the control rod 57 downwardly to move the venturi 18 downwardly to close the inlet valve 38. Moving the venturi downwardly also transitions the screen piston 68 which opens the check valve 34. To allow for evacuation reservoir a vent 80 may be provided on an upper surface of the hydrant.

(36) Generally, this hydrant functions when a hose is attached to the backflow preventer. When the hose is attached, the venturi will not operate correctly and the pressure acting on the one way check valve 34 will prevent water ingress into the reservoir 72. After the hydrant is shut off, the hose is removed from vacuum breaker, the hydrant must be turned on so that the water can flow through the double check vacuum preventer for about 15 seconds. That is, when there is no hose attached, the venturi will create a vacuum sufficient enough to suction water from the reservoir 72, and making the hydrant frost proof. When the hydrant is later shut off, the check valve piston 26 will move up and force the one way check valve to an open position which allows the water in the hydrant to drain into the reservoir 72.

(37) FIG. 19 shows yet another hydrant of embodiments of the present invention that is designed specifically for mild climate use (under 2 bury) and roof hydrants. The outer pipe of the roof hydrant is a smaller 1 diameter PVC, instead of the 3 used in some of the embodiments described above. This hydrant uses a venturi without a check valve in concert with a pressurized reservoir, a diverter is not used. The operation is the same as described above with respect to hydrant with a pressurized reservoir, with the evacuation of the reservoir being completed after the user detaches the hose.

(38) FIG. 20 is a table comparing the embodiments of the present invention, which employ an improved venturi of that employ a bypass system, with hydrants of the prior art manufactured by the Assignee of the instant application. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7, for example, provides an increased flow rate, has an increased bury depth, and can operate at lower fluid inlet pressures. The evacuation time is discussed over the prior art.

(39) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. For example, aspects of inventions disclosed in U.S. Patent. and Published U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,632,303, 5,590,679, 7,100,637, 5,813,428, and 20060196561, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, which generally concern backflow prevention, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,701,925 and 5,246,028, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, which generally concern sanitary hydrants, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,532,986, 6,805,154, 6,135,359, 6,769,446, 6,830,063, RE39235, 6,206,039, 6,883,534, 6,857,442 and 6,142,172, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, which generally concern freeze-proof hydrants, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions disclosed in U.S. Patent and Published Patent Application Nos. D521113, D470915, 7,234,732, 7,059,937, 6,679,473, 6,431,204, 7,111,875, D482431, 6,631,623, 6,948,518, 6,948,509, 20070044840, 20070044838, 20070039649, 20060254647 and 20060108804, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, which generally concern general hydrant technology, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.