COUPLING DEVICE AND SELF-SEALING VALVE ASSEMBLIES FOR CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING A HOSE TO A FIRE HYDRANT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to coupling device and valve assembly for use with accessing the water flow in a fire hydrant. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to various coupling device and valve assemblies which are used as a quick connect and disconnect of a fire hose to the hydrant. Additionally, it is advantageous that the coupling device and valve assemblies also provide a self-sealing valve feature, which immediately stops the flow of water when the hose is disconnected from the hydrant. An advantage provided by the present coupling device and valve assemblies is that should a primary valve on a hydrant become unusable, the fire hose can be quickly disconnected from that hydrant and reconnected to a second hydrant without requiring a shutdown of the water grid feeding the disconnected hydrant.

Claims

1. A detachable coupling device for connecting and disconnecting a hose to a fire hydrant, the device comprising: a male component; a female component positioned within a receiver of the fire hydrant and configured for engagement with the male component; and, a valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly is configured to control a flow of water from the fire hydrant when the male component engages the female component.

2. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the male component is configured to attach a hose to the receiver of the fire hydrant.

3. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the receiver is an outlet for water flow from the hydrant.

4. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the male component includes an attachment element for connecting and disconnecting to the female component.

5. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the male component further includes a pair of opposing handles on an outer circumference of the male component.

6. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a first shutter plate and a second shutter plate.

7. The detachable coupling device of claim 6, wherein the first shutter plate overlaps the second shutter plate.

8. The detachable coupling device of claim 7, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a valve interface element for engaging the first shutter plate and second shutter plate.

9. The detachable coupling device of claim 8, wherein the first shutter plate and second shutter plate are rotatable between an open position and a closed position by the valve interface element to control the flow of water from the hydrant.

10. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a cylindrical tumbler valve seated within the female component.

11. The detachable coupling device of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical tumbler valve includes an opening in one side of the valve.

12. The detachable coupling device of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a valve interface element seated within the male component.

13. The detachable coupling device of claim 12, wherein the cylindrical tumbler valve is rotated between an open position and a closed position when the tumbler valve is engaged by the valve interface element.

14. The detachable coupling device of claim 13, wherein the flow of water from the hydrant is controlled through the opening and closing of the cylindrical tumbler valve by the valve interface element.

15. The detachable coupling device of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a plunger valve assembly seated within the female component.

16. The detachable coupling device of claim 15, wherein the plunger valve assembly comprises a plunger seal and a spring valve extending from the plunger seal.

17. The detachable coupling device of claim 16, wherein the plunger valve assembly further includes a valve interface surface within the male component.

18. The detachable coupling device of claim 17, wherein the plunger seal engages the valve interface surface to move the plunger valve assembly between an open and a closed position to control the flow of water from the hydrant.

19. A detachable coupling and valve assembly device for connecting and disconnecting a hose to a fire hydrant, the device comprising: a male component; a female component positioned within a receiver of the fire hydrant and configured for engagement with the male component; and, a self-sealing valve assembly comprising a water flow control element and a valve interface element, wherein the valve interface element is configured for engagement with the water flow control element to control a flow of water from the fire hydrant when the male component engages the female component.

20. The detachable coupling and valve assembly device, wherein the water flow control element is seated within the female component and the valve interface element is seated within the male component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling device incorporating a shutter valve assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the closed position;

[0024] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0025] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the open position;

[0026] FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly of FIG. 3A;

[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the closed position;

[0028] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the open position;

[0029] FIG. 5A illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the closed position;

[0030] FIG. 5B illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and shutter valve assembly in the open position;

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling device incorporating a key valve assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and key valve assembly in the closed position;

[0033] FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and key valve assembly of FIG. 6A;

[0034] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and key valve assembly in the open position;

[0035] FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and key valve assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0036] FIG. 9A illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and key valve assembly in the closed position;

[0037] FIG. 9B illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and key valve assembly in the open position;

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling device incorporating a plunger valve assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly in the closed position;

[0040] FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly of FIG. 11A;

[0041] FIG. 12A illustrates a front view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly in the open position;

[0042] FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate a cut-away view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly of FIG. 12A;

[0043] FIG. 13A illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly in the closed position; and,

[0044] FIG. 13B illustrates a cut-away view of the coupling device and plunger valve assembly in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure relates to an improved detachable coupling device and valve assembly for accessing and controlling the water flow of a fire hydrant. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coupling device assembly for use with a fire hydrant, wherein the coupling device assembly provides a quick connect and disconnect of a hose to the hydrant. Additionally, it is advantageous that the detachable coupling device incorporates a self-sealing valve assembly, which not only permits access to the water from the hydrant, but also immediately stops the flow of water when the hose is disconnected from the hydrant.

[0046] An advantage provided by the present coupling device and valve assembly is that should a primary valve on a hydrant become unusable, the fire hose can be quickly disconnected from that hydrant, which also immediately stops the flow of water from the hydrant and reconnected to a second hydrant without requiring a shutdown of the water grid feeding the initial hydrant. The unique features of the coupling device and valve assemblies of the present disclosure are be effective for maintaining a constant flow of water during a firefighting event.

[0047] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1-13B illustrate embodiments of coupling devices and valve assemblies, which are useful for connecting a hose to a hydrant and for controlling the flow of water from the hydrant. FIGS. 1-5B illustrates a coupling device incorporating a shutter valve assembly 10; FIGS. 6-9B illustrate a coupling device incorporating a key valve assembly 100; and FIGS. 10-13 B illustrate a coupling device incorporating a plunger valve assembly 200. Details of each coupling device and valve assembly will be presented below. All embodiments of the present coupling devices and valve assemblies are designed to quickly connect and disconnect a fire hose (not shown) to a hydrant 50. Additionally, each coupling device and valve assembly is designed to provide a quick shutoff of the water flow from the hydrant when the hose is disconnected from the hydrant.

[0048] Each embodiment of the detachable coupling device and valve assembly 10, 100 and 200 provided herein includes a female component 12, 112, 212 and a male component 14, 114, 214 which engage together to form the coupling device. The female and male components may also be referred to as “female housing” and “male housing,” respectively. The female component is configured for attachment to or seating within the fire hydrant, specifically into a receiver section, which is the opening where the water flows from the hydrant.

[0049] The male component is designed for connecting a firehose (not shown) to the hydrant 50, and for engagement with the female component. In certain embodiments, coordinating components of the various valve assemblies are located within both the female component and the male component. For example, the sealing element of the valve assembly is in the female component, while the complimentary coupler element is in the male component. When the male component engages with the female component, the sealing element is coupled with the coupler element, which activates the valve assembly and controls the flow of water from the hydrant.

[0050] The male component also includes at least one handle 15 and preferably two opposing handles, positioned on the outer circumference or outer surface of the male component. The opposing handles are easily grasped to rotate the male component in a first direction to rotatably engage the male component to the female component, and effectively attaching the hose to the hydrant. The rotatable engagement of the two components also activates the specific valve assembly to release the flow of water from the hydrant. Additionally, the male component is rotatable in an opposite second direction to activate the valve assembly to close the flow of water from the hydrant prior to removal of the hose.

[0051] The female component and the male component engage together through a partial turn locking mechanism, which accomplishes the quick connect functionality feature of the present disclosure. The partial turn simultaneously actuates the valve assemblies, which will be described. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism uses pins 14a on the male component 14, which engage with slots 12a in the female component 12 to mechanically join the components together as well as to accomplish the correct motion for valve actuation (FIG. 1). It should be understood, however, that other forms of locking mechanisms may be incorporated into the present coupling device assemblies.

[0052] FIGS. 1-5B illustrate a first embodiment of a detachable coupling device incorporating a shutter valve assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the coupling device and shutter valve assembly 10 includes a female component 12 and a male component 14, which together construct the coupling device. The female component 12 is configured for seating within a receiver 52, which is an opening or outlet for the water flow from the hydrant 50. In this embodiment, the female component 12 houses two rotating shutter plates, which are parts of the shutter valve assembly. The two rotating shutter plates, a first shutter plate 16 and a second shutter plate 18, are seated in spaced, parallel arrangement to one another within the interior space 12b of the female component 12. The rotating shutter plates 16, 18 have generally a fan or rotor shape. In the present embodiment, the shutter plates have three arms 16a or extensions around a center nut 16b; however, it should be understood that the shutter plates can have any number of arms or extensions forming the overall fan shape.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C and FIGS. 4A and 5A, and until the hydrant is needed, the first shutter plate 16 and second shutter plate 18 overlap such that the arms 16a, 18a of each plate close off the flow of water from the hydrant. In operation, when a hose (not shown) is attached to the hydrant through the male component 14, the user rotates the male component using the outer handles 15 to secure the male component with the female component 12. The male component 14 includes a valve interface element 20 located within the interior space 14b of the male component. When the male component 14 is secured to the female component 12, the valve interface element 20 includes a center opening 20a, which engages with the center nut 16b of the first shutter plate 16.

[0054] The rotation of the male component also rotates the first shutter plate 16 within the female component 12. Rotation of the shutter plate 16 exposes an opening or fluid passage 22 or multiple openings or fluid passages between the arms 16a of the first shutter plate and the arms 18a of the second shutter plate 18. This motion and configuration of the shutter plates and arms effectively releases the flow of water from the hydrant 50, such that water flows from the hydrant through the openings 22 between the arms of the first and second shutter plates (FIGS. 3A through 3C, FIGS. 4B and 5B) and into the waiting hose.

[0055] FIGS. 6-9B illustrate another embodiment of a coupling device assembly incorporating a key valve assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the couple device and key valve assembly 100 includes a female component 112 and a male component 114. The female component 112 is configured for seating within a receiver 52 of the hydrant 50, which is opening or outlet where the flow of water exits the hydrant.

[0056] In this embodiment, the female component houses a cylindrical tumbler valve 116, which includes an opening 116a or key valve in a side of the valve. The tumbler valve 116 further includes a nut 116b centered on an end of the valve. The tumbler valve 116 is seated within the interior space 112b of the female component 112.

[0057] The male component 114 houses a valve interface element 120 located within the interior space 114b of the male component. The valve interface element 120 includes a center opening 120a designed for engagement with the center nut 116b of the tumbler valve 116, when the male component 114 engages the female component 112.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C and FIG. 9A, and until the hydrant is needed, the tumbler valve 116 is rotated such that the opening or key valve 116a is positioned against the interior 112b of the female component, thereby closing off the flow of water from the hydrant. In operation, when a hose (not shown) is attached to the male component 114, the user rotates the male component using the outer handles 115. The rotation engages the center opening 120a of the valve interface element 120 with the nut 116a on the center of the cylindrical tumbler valve 116, thereby rotating the opening 116a into alignment to permit water flow from the hydrant. The rotation and configuration of the tumbler valve 116 effectively releases the flow of water from the hydrant 50, directing the water flow through the open or key valve 116a and out through the attached hose (not shown) (FIGS. 8A through 8C, FIG. 9B).

[0059] FIGS. 10-13B illustrate yet another embodiment of a coupling device incorporating a plunger valve assembly 200. As shown in FIG. 10, the coupling device and plunger valve assembly 200 includes a female component 212 and a male component 214. As with previous embodiments, the female component 212 is configured for seating within a receiver 52 of the hydrant 50, which is where the flow of water exits the hydrant.

[0060] In this embodiment, the female component 212 houses a plunger valve assembly 216, which comprises a plunger seal 217 and a spring 218. The plunger seal 217 has a cone-shape configuration, with a flat top 217a and opposing stem 217b extending from a bottom end of the plunger. The plunger seal 217 is designed to sit snug within an opening 222 to the hydrant. The spring 218 is configured to wrap around the stem 217b of the plunger seal (FIGS. 11B and 11C). As will be described, the spring 218 is designed to actuate the plunger seal 217 between an open and a closed position.

[0061] The male component 214 includes a valve interface mating surface 220 located within the interior space 214b of the male component. The valve interface mating surface 220 contacts the top 217a of the plunger 217 when the male component 214 is locked onto the female component 212 in the rotational manner previously described, which thereby opens and closes the flow of water from the hydrant.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 11A through 11C and FIG. 13A, and until the hydrant is needed, the plunger valve assembly 216 is positioned such that the spring 218 is in a relaxed, extended, effecting the plunger seal 217 to close off the water flow opening 222 within the hydrant. In operation, when a hose (not shown) is attached to the male component 214, the user rotates the male component using the outer handles 215, which engages the male component with the female component 212 and the hydrant. The rotation of the male component 214 also moves the valve interface mating surface 220 into contact with the top end 217a of the plunger seal 217, thereby moving the plunger axially against and compressing the spring 218. This axial motion of the plunger 217 against the spring 218 moves the plunger seal away from the opening 222 within the hydrant, releasing the flow of water from the hydrant 50 and out to the hose (FIGS. 12A through 12C, FIG. 13B). When the male component 214 is rotated to remove the hose from the hydrant, the inward pressure is released on the spring 218, and the plunger seal 217 is moved back into the hydrant opening 222, thereby sealing the opening and stopping the flow of water from the hydrant (FIG. 13A).

[0063] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.