CA1217098A - Interchangeable cap for trigger drinker - Google Patents
Interchangeable cap for trigger drinkerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1217098A CA1217098A CA000498179A CA498179A CA1217098A CA 1217098 A CA1217098 A CA 1217098A CA 000498179 A CA000498179 A CA 000498179A CA 498179 A CA498179 A CA 498179A CA 1217098 A CA1217098 A CA 1217098A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- supply line
- watering device
- telescopically
- interfitting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
A trigger drinker-type watering device is pro-vided having a valve housing formed from telescopically interfitting elements locked together by rotatably releas-able mating hooks. At least one of those telescopically interfitting elements is adapted to be interchangeably connected directly to the fluid supply line. That connec-tion with the supply line can employ a tapered insertion into the supply line with a threaded, sealing retainer arrangement.
A trigger drinker-type watering device is pro-vided having a valve housing formed from telescopically interfitting elements locked together by rotatably releas-able mating hooks. At least one of those telescopically interfitting elements is adapted to be interchangeably connected directly to the fluid supply line. That connec-tion with the supply line can employ a tapered insertion into the supply line with a threaded, sealing retainer arrangement.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to poultry watering devices and, more particularly, to trigger or pin-type drinkers for that purpose.
Various trigger drinkers have been developed and used previously. Trigger drinkers can be a particularly advantageous means of watering poultry and small animals since the valve pin can be conveniently and easily oper-ated by the animal directly. One such trigger drinker is illustrated in U~S. Patent 4,284,036, assigned to the same assignee of the present application.
Different manufacturers have secured trigger drinkers to fluid supply lines by different means. For consistency and ease of assembly, each manufacturer typi-cally uses the same attachment means throughout an entire watering system. However, where one manufacturer would thread the trigger drinker directly into the supply pipe, another would ultrasonically weld a saddle over the supply pipe and snap fit the trigger drinker into the saddle.
Unfortunately, when it is desired to switch from the trigger drinkers made by one manufacturer to the trigger drinkers of another, or switch from a floor system to a cage system, it was previously necssary to replace the entire watering system, including, for example, hundreds of feet of otherwise acceptable piping. ThuS, the cost oE
retrofitting a poultry house with a new or improved pro-duct line could easily become prohibitively expensive. A
~' similar problem also arose where a poultry watering system would switch from cup drinkers to trigger drinkers, even of the same manufacturer.
Further, prior trigger drinker assemblies have typically been over~structured, complicated to assemble or repair and difficult to install. These drawbacks are especially important considering that a complete watering system will usually involve hundreds and thousands of trigger drinkers. On the other hand, it is critical that trigger drinkers are essentially leakproof and reliable over long periods of continuous use. If possible, trigger drinkers should also be constructed so as to permit fluid flow by very slight actuating contact while ensuring a positive fluid seal when not actuated.
It is therefore an object of the present inven-tion to provide an improved, ine~pensive trigger drinker for poultry which is easy to assemble and retrofit into existing watering systems.
Another object is the provision of a trigger drinker having a cap portion which is readily interchange-able so as to accommoodate different preexisting fluid supply connections.
A further object is to provide a simplified trig-ger drinker construction which can be easily attached to a water supply line adjacent a poultry cage.
Yet another object is the provision of a trigger drinker which can be installed at any selected position on a fluid supply line to provide a fluid-sealed connection therewith.
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Still another object is to provide a trigger drinker having a simplified housing assembly with im-proved sealing against inadvertent water leakage.
According to the invention there is provided a watering device, for poultry and small animals, including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line, comprising: first and second telescopically inter fitting ele~ents which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween; mating hook means, provided on the exterior surface of each of said first and second telescopically interfitting elementsg for releasably inter-locking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion; wherein said first telescopically inter- fitting element is directly connected to said supply line; and wherein said first telescopically interfitting element is interchangeably connectable with said second telescopically interfitting element so as to accommodate various alternative means of connection to said supply line.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the following detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a - 3~
'7~
mounting of a plurality of watering devices upon a water supply line according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating the connection of a watering device o the present invention to a water supply line.
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Figure 3 is a view o the watering device of Figure 2 taken at right angles to the position of the parts shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating the component parts of the watering device of the present in-vention.
Figure 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the watering device of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a hook part of the housing of the watering device taken on line 6-6 of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 5.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Figure 1, which illustrates an application of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shows a portion of a fluid supply line or water conduit lO with intermediate portions 12 deleted for simplicity of pre-sentation. In practical applications, each such supply line 10 can be over 40 meters in length. These supply lines are typically adjustably suspended by wires or chains to the roof of the poultry house or attached alongside cage arrangements. Poultry or small animals are, for example, free to wander about the floor system beneath the watering device assemblies. Fluid is often supplied to line 10 through a pressure regulator 14 from primary conduit 16. A plurality o~ lines 10 may be sup-plied with fluid in a series and/or parallel arrangement in a given poultry house.
Watering devices 20 of the trigger or pin-drinker type are mounted in spaced-apart relation on line 10 and directed downwardly to be accessible to the animals.
Where the supply line is mounted adjacent a cage arrange-ment, watering devices are positioned to be accessible to the occupants of each individual cage. With floor sys-tems, spacing is a function of the number and type of animals involved.
As shown in Figures 2-4, each watering deYice 20 includes valve housing parts 22 and 24. It has been found to be advantageous to mold these parts from plastic ma-terials. Housing parts 22 and 24 are telescopically interfitting such that cap part 22 includes a cylindrical portion 32 that slides within cylindrical portion 50 of lower part 2~. Cap part 22 also includes a portion 26 having reduced dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, portion 26 has a slight taper toward its extreme end and includes external threading 28 along all or part of its length. Portion 26 serves to sealingly connect cap 22 directly to supply line 20. For this purpose, threading 28 is such that a fluid-tight seal and supporting connec-tion is formed by threaded insertion into supply line 10.
Although not specifically illustrated, portion 26 can, alternatively, employ ferrule connecting and sealing means, especially where the supply line is formed ~rom soft rubber or elastic material.
Portion 26 merges into enlarged portion 30.
Selected areas 39 of enlarged portion 30 are longitudinal-ly flattened. These flattened areas permit cap 22 to be more securely gripped and rotated with respect to supply line 10 and/or lower part 24. The dimensional separation and orientation between the flattened areas is preferably such that a standard-sized wrench or pliers can grip cap 22.
Cylindrical portion 32 extends from enlarged por-tion 30 and fits snugly within cylindrical portion 50 such that a valve chamber is formed therebetween. As shown in the drawings, cylindrical portion 32 has a smaller dia-meter than the outer dimensions of enlarged portion 30.
Portion 32 includes therein an enlarged cylindrical bore 31. The bore is connected with a passageway through por-tion 26. This passageway serves as the fluid inlet to the valve chamber from supply line 10.
Valve seal 80, trigger pin valve actuator 82 and ball valve 88 are inserted within the valve chamber formed by cylindrical portions 32 and 50. Where the diameter of ball valve sa is substantially less than the internal dia-meter of bore 31, it has been found to be advantageous to provide longitudinal ribs 36 along at least a portion of bore 31 to guide ball valve 36. As shown in the drawings, the lowermost interior portion 38 of bore 31 does not include rib 36. It has also been found to be advantageous 7U~
to provide slots 90 at the interior base of bore 31 about the inlet of the passageway through portion 26 such that fluid is permitted to flow into the valve chamber even if hall valve 88 is forced against that inlet.
Cap 22 also includes lateral projection 40 at one side thereo~. A portion of projection 40 extends over and is spaced apart from cylindrical portion 32 to define a groove or channel 42 therebetween (see Figure 5). Pre-ferably this groove is arcuate with corresponding, con-centric curved surfaces on both portion 32 and the surface of projection 40. However, the present invention speci-fically contemplates embodiments wherein this inward sur-face is substantially flat. Projection 40 has a hook ele-ment 44 of limited circumferential extent at its termina-tion. Hook element 44 includes at least one surface por-tion 46 having an arcuate contour. This hook element is employed to matingly receive another hook element and rotatably lock and/or release cap 22 in the telescopic fit with lower part 24.
The lower part of the valve housing has a gene-rally cup-shaped configuration with a tapered bottom.
When cylindrical portion 32 sides into portion 50, portion SO concurrently slides into groove 42. In the drawings, the upper edge of portion 50 seats against the base of groove 42, although the present invention specifically contemplates embodiments wherein cylindrical portion 50 projects into only a portion of groove 42.
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Lower part 24 includes an enlarged bore formed by portion 50 which is axially stepped with a first and second reduced concentric diameter at portions 52 and S~.
These axial steps correspond with the lower dimensions of valve seat 80. Outlet passageway 58 extends from the valve chamber formed by bore 31 and the enlarged bore of cylindrical portion 50 through end portion 56 of lower part 24. In a preferred embodiment, passageway 58 is in-wardly tapered to provide a circumferential shoulder 60 substantially concentric with bore portion 54 and the lower opening of passageway 58. It has been found to be advantageous to provide a metal liner for passageway 58 to reduce wear. In the drawings, this liner is provided by sleeve 62, having an outwardly projecting annular flange 64 which seats on shoulder 60. Alternatively, where valve seat 80 is formed from metallic materials, the liner for passageway 58 can be formed as an integral extension of the valve seat.
Lower part 24 also includes lateral projection 66 having a hook element 68 extending upwardly from its outer end. Hook element 68 has a return bend 70 which is formed to be engageable with hook element 44 of cap 22. Return bend 70 includes a conigured lip surface having an arcuate central socket 72 and inclined ramp surfaces 74 on opposite sides of socket 72, as illustrated in Figure 6.
Cap 22 and lower part 24 are cooperatively locked and unlocked by relative rotation of these elements while cylindrical portions 32 and 50 are telescopically inter-~ $
fit. During locking rotation, return bend 70 first en-gages arcuate surface 46 of the internal groove of hook element 4~. Continued locking rotation causes progressive engagement of the leading inclined ramp surface 74 upon arcuate surface ~6 until socket 72 seats upon that surface being formed complementarily to surface 46. Hook element 68 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate this snap-fit engagement with hook element 44. The dimensional rela-tionship between cylindrical portions 32 and 50 is adapted to accommodate the relative rotation necessary to lock and unlock these hook elements.
Valve seat 80 is received within the lower part 24 and supported over shoulder 60 on flange 64. Valve seat 80 is also supported at st~p portions 52 and 54.
Valve seat 80 includes a central internal bore dimensioned to receive valve actuator 82 therein and support actuator 82 at its enlarged head 84. A passageway through the bot-tom of valve seat 80 is provided to receive the stem of actuator 82 with clearance and direct it through and out of passageway 58~ Valve seat 80 includes on its upper edge a thin, marginal flange 86 which defines a portion of a stepped or tapered interior surface for receiving and sealing ball valve 88. In a preferred em~odiment, this flange projects upwardly free of side support from the valve housing.
Actuator 82 preferably includes a recess or con-cavity 85 on the top surface of head 84. This concavity and valve seal 80 are formed so as to receive ball valve ,...
7`~
88 thereon, as in the norrnally fluid-sealed position illustrated in Figure 5. Ball valve 88 is dimensioned so as to be rotatable and longitudinally movable within the valve cham~er, preferably with slight clearance with re-spect to the valve housing elements.
The valve housing is fluid sealed from the snug telescopically interfitting of cap 22 and lower portion 24 and under locking pressure from the mating hooks. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to form cylin-drical portion 32 such that it also seats circumferential-ly against a portion of valve seat 80, thereby assisting to positively locate the valve seat. Alternatively, O-ring seals about or above cylindrical portion 32 are contemplated by the present invention, especially where valve seat 80 are formed from metallic materials and/or where cylindrical portion 32 does not seat on that valve seat.
Effective sealing against fluid flow from the inlet passageway through cap 22, into the valve chamber and out passageway 58 is provided by seating of ball valve 88 on the inner surface of valve seat 80. This inner sur-face is preferably a stepped double seat seal employing flange 86. Alternatively, a tapered sealing surface can be employed in some embodiments. The seating of actuator head 84 on valve seat 80 provides a further fluid seal, cooperative with the ball valve sealing.
Recess 85 is in contact with or adjacent to ball valve 88 during fluid sealing. These elements are co---1~--7~ 3 operatively associated such that any longitu~inal, lateralor angular ~ovement of actuator 82 relative to the valve housing will cause leveraged actuation of ball valve 88 and fluid flow past ball valve 88 and actuator head 84 and out passageway 58 along the stem of actuator 82. This arrangement provides significantly increased responsive-ness o the watering device to direct actuation by poultry and small animals, even to day-old chicks. The fluid flow is permitted only to the limited extent actually required to satisfy the thirst of the animal. The valve immedi-ately seals agaimst fluid flow when actuation ceases.
Ball valve 88 is sufficient weight so as to properly seal on valve seat 80 under the influence of gravity alone.
The present invention does, however, contemplate parti-cular embodiments where spring biasing is employed on the ball valve.
Valve elements 88 and ~2 and sleeve 62 are pre-ferably formed from metallic materials, such as stainless steel, that will not rust or corrode with exposure to water and medicated fluids in the watering system. Valve seat 80 can be formed from a resilient material or a metallic material, depending upon the needs of the speci-fic application. Another advantage of the valve arrange-ment of the present invention is that intermittent valve actuation provides self-cleaning and even wear of the valve seal and valve ball. It is believed that this occurs because of the rotation induced in the valve ball relative to the valve seat by the leveraged actuation of ~ 7 ~ ?v,~
actuator 82. It has been found that such leveraged actua-tion is greatly improved by the concave head/ball valve association oE the pres~nt invention.
Watering devices of the present invention can be installed on new or pree~isting supply lines at any de-sired location. Where the supply line is, for example, formed from plastic materials, and without preexisting threaded apertures, an aperture can be made of the ap-proximate size of the end of cap portion 26 and the water-ing device can be self-threaded in place. Where the sup-ply line is a resilient hose, cap 22 can be readily sub-stituted with a cap haviny ferrules rather than threading.
The valve chamber interior is readily accessible for inspection or replacement of the valve elements by unlocking rotation of the mating hooks. The seating of socket 72 onto surface 46 will initially resist such rota-tion, but hook element 68 is sufficiently flexible to per-mit this resistance to be intentionally overcome. Inad-vertent unlocking rotation, however, will be prevented.
The present invention permits standardization of watering devices by providing a single valve housing which can be readily adapted to any desired supply line connec-tion arrangement, even in the field. Complicated and sen-sitive valve element alignment is not dependent upon hous-ing assembly. The present invention permits the valve housing to be secured by the valve cap alone. Freeing the lower part of the valve housing from this function also permits greater standardization of components since only the valve cap needs connection diversity The valve hous-ing cap can be quickly and easily removed ~or substitution or valve repair, even by untrained consumers. At the same time, the valve construction itselE has been greatly sim-plified and made more reliable and versatile.
Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation.
The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
~ ;,!, /.'~ '.''.
The present invention relates generally to poultry watering devices and, more particularly, to trigger or pin-type drinkers for that purpose.
Various trigger drinkers have been developed and used previously. Trigger drinkers can be a particularly advantageous means of watering poultry and small animals since the valve pin can be conveniently and easily oper-ated by the animal directly. One such trigger drinker is illustrated in U~S. Patent 4,284,036, assigned to the same assignee of the present application.
Different manufacturers have secured trigger drinkers to fluid supply lines by different means. For consistency and ease of assembly, each manufacturer typi-cally uses the same attachment means throughout an entire watering system. However, where one manufacturer would thread the trigger drinker directly into the supply pipe, another would ultrasonically weld a saddle over the supply pipe and snap fit the trigger drinker into the saddle.
Unfortunately, when it is desired to switch from the trigger drinkers made by one manufacturer to the trigger drinkers of another, or switch from a floor system to a cage system, it was previously necssary to replace the entire watering system, including, for example, hundreds of feet of otherwise acceptable piping. ThuS, the cost oE
retrofitting a poultry house with a new or improved pro-duct line could easily become prohibitively expensive. A
~' similar problem also arose where a poultry watering system would switch from cup drinkers to trigger drinkers, even of the same manufacturer.
Further, prior trigger drinker assemblies have typically been over~structured, complicated to assemble or repair and difficult to install. These drawbacks are especially important considering that a complete watering system will usually involve hundreds and thousands of trigger drinkers. On the other hand, it is critical that trigger drinkers are essentially leakproof and reliable over long periods of continuous use. If possible, trigger drinkers should also be constructed so as to permit fluid flow by very slight actuating contact while ensuring a positive fluid seal when not actuated.
It is therefore an object of the present inven-tion to provide an improved, ine~pensive trigger drinker for poultry which is easy to assemble and retrofit into existing watering systems.
Another object is the provision of a trigger drinker having a cap portion which is readily interchange-able so as to accommoodate different preexisting fluid supply connections.
A further object is to provide a simplified trig-ger drinker construction which can be easily attached to a water supply line adjacent a poultry cage.
Yet another object is the provision of a trigger drinker which can be installed at any selected position on a fluid supply line to provide a fluid-sealed connection therewith.
.,",, , ?~
Still another object is to provide a trigger drinker having a simplified housing assembly with im-proved sealing against inadvertent water leakage.
According to the invention there is provided a watering device, for poultry and small animals, including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line, comprising: first and second telescopically inter fitting ele~ents which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween; mating hook means, provided on the exterior surface of each of said first and second telescopically interfitting elementsg for releasably inter-locking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion; wherein said first telescopically inter- fitting element is directly connected to said supply line; and wherein said first telescopically interfitting element is interchangeably connectable with said second telescopically interfitting element so as to accommodate various alternative means of connection to said supply line.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the following detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a - 3~
'7~
mounting of a plurality of watering devices upon a water supply line according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating the connection of a watering device o the present invention to a water supply line.
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Figure 3 is a view o the watering device of Figure 2 taken at right angles to the position of the parts shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating the component parts of the watering device of the present in-vention.
Figure 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the watering device of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a hook part of the housing of the watering device taken on line 6-6 of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 5.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Figure 1, which illustrates an application of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shows a portion of a fluid supply line or water conduit lO with intermediate portions 12 deleted for simplicity of pre-sentation. In practical applications, each such supply line 10 can be over 40 meters in length. These supply lines are typically adjustably suspended by wires or chains to the roof of the poultry house or attached alongside cage arrangements. Poultry or small animals are, for example, free to wander about the floor system beneath the watering device assemblies. Fluid is often supplied to line 10 through a pressure regulator 14 from primary conduit 16. A plurality o~ lines 10 may be sup-plied with fluid in a series and/or parallel arrangement in a given poultry house.
Watering devices 20 of the trigger or pin-drinker type are mounted in spaced-apart relation on line 10 and directed downwardly to be accessible to the animals.
Where the supply line is mounted adjacent a cage arrange-ment, watering devices are positioned to be accessible to the occupants of each individual cage. With floor sys-tems, spacing is a function of the number and type of animals involved.
As shown in Figures 2-4, each watering deYice 20 includes valve housing parts 22 and 24. It has been found to be advantageous to mold these parts from plastic ma-terials. Housing parts 22 and 24 are telescopically interfitting such that cap part 22 includes a cylindrical portion 32 that slides within cylindrical portion 50 of lower part 2~. Cap part 22 also includes a portion 26 having reduced dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, portion 26 has a slight taper toward its extreme end and includes external threading 28 along all or part of its length. Portion 26 serves to sealingly connect cap 22 directly to supply line 20. For this purpose, threading 28 is such that a fluid-tight seal and supporting connec-tion is formed by threaded insertion into supply line 10.
Although not specifically illustrated, portion 26 can, alternatively, employ ferrule connecting and sealing means, especially where the supply line is formed ~rom soft rubber or elastic material.
Portion 26 merges into enlarged portion 30.
Selected areas 39 of enlarged portion 30 are longitudinal-ly flattened. These flattened areas permit cap 22 to be more securely gripped and rotated with respect to supply line 10 and/or lower part 24. The dimensional separation and orientation between the flattened areas is preferably such that a standard-sized wrench or pliers can grip cap 22.
Cylindrical portion 32 extends from enlarged por-tion 30 and fits snugly within cylindrical portion 50 such that a valve chamber is formed therebetween. As shown in the drawings, cylindrical portion 32 has a smaller dia-meter than the outer dimensions of enlarged portion 30.
Portion 32 includes therein an enlarged cylindrical bore 31. The bore is connected with a passageway through por-tion 26. This passageway serves as the fluid inlet to the valve chamber from supply line 10.
Valve seal 80, trigger pin valve actuator 82 and ball valve 88 are inserted within the valve chamber formed by cylindrical portions 32 and 50. Where the diameter of ball valve sa is substantially less than the internal dia-meter of bore 31, it has been found to be advantageous to provide longitudinal ribs 36 along at least a portion of bore 31 to guide ball valve 36. As shown in the drawings, the lowermost interior portion 38 of bore 31 does not include rib 36. It has also been found to be advantageous 7U~
to provide slots 90 at the interior base of bore 31 about the inlet of the passageway through portion 26 such that fluid is permitted to flow into the valve chamber even if hall valve 88 is forced against that inlet.
Cap 22 also includes lateral projection 40 at one side thereo~. A portion of projection 40 extends over and is spaced apart from cylindrical portion 32 to define a groove or channel 42 therebetween (see Figure 5). Pre-ferably this groove is arcuate with corresponding, con-centric curved surfaces on both portion 32 and the surface of projection 40. However, the present invention speci-fically contemplates embodiments wherein this inward sur-face is substantially flat. Projection 40 has a hook ele-ment 44 of limited circumferential extent at its termina-tion. Hook element 44 includes at least one surface por-tion 46 having an arcuate contour. This hook element is employed to matingly receive another hook element and rotatably lock and/or release cap 22 in the telescopic fit with lower part 24.
The lower part of the valve housing has a gene-rally cup-shaped configuration with a tapered bottom.
When cylindrical portion 32 sides into portion 50, portion SO concurrently slides into groove 42. In the drawings, the upper edge of portion 50 seats against the base of groove 42, although the present invention specifically contemplates embodiments wherein cylindrical portion 50 projects into only a portion of groove 42.
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Lower part 24 includes an enlarged bore formed by portion 50 which is axially stepped with a first and second reduced concentric diameter at portions 52 and S~.
These axial steps correspond with the lower dimensions of valve seat 80. Outlet passageway 58 extends from the valve chamber formed by bore 31 and the enlarged bore of cylindrical portion 50 through end portion 56 of lower part 24. In a preferred embodiment, passageway 58 is in-wardly tapered to provide a circumferential shoulder 60 substantially concentric with bore portion 54 and the lower opening of passageway 58. It has been found to be advantageous to provide a metal liner for passageway 58 to reduce wear. In the drawings, this liner is provided by sleeve 62, having an outwardly projecting annular flange 64 which seats on shoulder 60. Alternatively, where valve seat 80 is formed from metallic materials, the liner for passageway 58 can be formed as an integral extension of the valve seat.
Lower part 24 also includes lateral projection 66 having a hook element 68 extending upwardly from its outer end. Hook element 68 has a return bend 70 which is formed to be engageable with hook element 44 of cap 22. Return bend 70 includes a conigured lip surface having an arcuate central socket 72 and inclined ramp surfaces 74 on opposite sides of socket 72, as illustrated in Figure 6.
Cap 22 and lower part 24 are cooperatively locked and unlocked by relative rotation of these elements while cylindrical portions 32 and 50 are telescopically inter-~ $
fit. During locking rotation, return bend 70 first en-gages arcuate surface 46 of the internal groove of hook element 4~. Continued locking rotation causes progressive engagement of the leading inclined ramp surface 74 upon arcuate surface ~6 until socket 72 seats upon that surface being formed complementarily to surface 46. Hook element 68 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate this snap-fit engagement with hook element 44. The dimensional rela-tionship between cylindrical portions 32 and 50 is adapted to accommodate the relative rotation necessary to lock and unlock these hook elements.
Valve seat 80 is received within the lower part 24 and supported over shoulder 60 on flange 64. Valve seat 80 is also supported at st~p portions 52 and 54.
Valve seat 80 includes a central internal bore dimensioned to receive valve actuator 82 therein and support actuator 82 at its enlarged head 84. A passageway through the bot-tom of valve seat 80 is provided to receive the stem of actuator 82 with clearance and direct it through and out of passageway 58~ Valve seat 80 includes on its upper edge a thin, marginal flange 86 which defines a portion of a stepped or tapered interior surface for receiving and sealing ball valve 88. In a preferred em~odiment, this flange projects upwardly free of side support from the valve housing.
Actuator 82 preferably includes a recess or con-cavity 85 on the top surface of head 84. This concavity and valve seal 80 are formed so as to receive ball valve ,...
7`~
88 thereon, as in the norrnally fluid-sealed position illustrated in Figure 5. Ball valve 88 is dimensioned so as to be rotatable and longitudinally movable within the valve cham~er, preferably with slight clearance with re-spect to the valve housing elements.
The valve housing is fluid sealed from the snug telescopically interfitting of cap 22 and lower portion 24 and under locking pressure from the mating hooks. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to form cylin-drical portion 32 such that it also seats circumferential-ly against a portion of valve seat 80, thereby assisting to positively locate the valve seat. Alternatively, O-ring seals about or above cylindrical portion 32 are contemplated by the present invention, especially where valve seat 80 are formed from metallic materials and/or where cylindrical portion 32 does not seat on that valve seat.
Effective sealing against fluid flow from the inlet passageway through cap 22, into the valve chamber and out passageway 58 is provided by seating of ball valve 88 on the inner surface of valve seat 80. This inner sur-face is preferably a stepped double seat seal employing flange 86. Alternatively, a tapered sealing surface can be employed in some embodiments. The seating of actuator head 84 on valve seat 80 provides a further fluid seal, cooperative with the ball valve sealing.
Recess 85 is in contact with or adjacent to ball valve 88 during fluid sealing. These elements are co---1~--7~ 3 operatively associated such that any longitu~inal, lateralor angular ~ovement of actuator 82 relative to the valve housing will cause leveraged actuation of ball valve 88 and fluid flow past ball valve 88 and actuator head 84 and out passageway 58 along the stem of actuator 82. This arrangement provides significantly increased responsive-ness o the watering device to direct actuation by poultry and small animals, even to day-old chicks. The fluid flow is permitted only to the limited extent actually required to satisfy the thirst of the animal. The valve immedi-ately seals agaimst fluid flow when actuation ceases.
Ball valve 88 is sufficient weight so as to properly seal on valve seat 80 under the influence of gravity alone.
The present invention does, however, contemplate parti-cular embodiments where spring biasing is employed on the ball valve.
Valve elements 88 and ~2 and sleeve 62 are pre-ferably formed from metallic materials, such as stainless steel, that will not rust or corrode with exposure to water and medicated fluids in the watering system. Valve seat 80 can be formed from a resilient material or a metallic material, depending upon the needs of the speci-fic application. Another advantage of the valve arrange-ment of the present invention is that intermittent valve actuation provides self-cleaning and even wear of the valve seal and valve ball. It is believed that this occurs because of the rotation induced in the valve ball relative to the valve seat by the leveraged actuation of ~ 7 ~ ?v,~
actuator 82. It has been found that such leveraged actua-tion is greatly improved by the concave head/ball valve association oE the pres~nt invention.
Watering devices of the present invention can be installed on new or pree~isting supply lines at any de-sired location. Where the supply line is, for example, formed from plastic materials, and without preexisting threaded apertures, an aperture can be made of the ap-proximate size of the end of cap portion 26 and the water-ing device can be self-threaded in place. Where the sup-ply line is a resilient hose, cap 22 can be readily sub-stituted with a cap haviny ferrules rather than threading.
The valve chamber interior is readily accessible for inspection or replacement of the valve elements by unlocking rotation of the mating hooks. The seating of socket 72 onto surface 46 will initially resist such rota-tion, but hook element 68 is sufficiently flexible to per-mit this resistance to be intentionally overcome. Inad-vertent unlocking rotation, however, will be prevented.
The present invention permits standardization of watering devices by providing a single valve housing which can be readily adapted to any desired supply line connec-tion arrangement, even in the field. Complicated and sen-sitive valve element alignment is not dependent upon hous-ing assembly. The present invention permits the valve housing to be secured by the valve cap alone. Freeing the lower part of the valve housing from this function also permits greater standardization of components since only the valve cap needs connection diversity The valve hous-ing cap can be quickly and easily removed ~or substitution or valve repair, even by untrained consumers. At the same time, the valve construction itselE has been greatly sim-plified and made more reliable and versatile.
Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation.
The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
~ ;,!, /.'~ '.''.
Claims (23)
1. A watering device, for poultry and small animals, including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line, comprising:
first and second telescopically interfitting elements which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween;
mating hook means, provided on the exterior surface of each of said first and second tele-scopically interfitting elements, for releasably interlocking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion;
wherein said first telescopically inter-fitting element is directly connected to said supply line; and wherein said first telescopically inter-fitting element is interchangeably connectable with said second telescopically interfitting element so as to accommodate various alterna-tive means of connection to said supply line.
first and second telescopically interfitting elements which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween;
mating hook means, provided on the exterior surface of each of said first and second tele-scopically interfitting elements, for releasably interlocking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion;
wherein said first telescopically inter-fitting element is directly connected to said supply line; and wherein said first telescopically inter-fitting element is interchangeably connectable with said second telescopically interfitting element so as to accommodate various alterna-tive means of connection to said supply line.
2. The watering device according to Claim 1 wherein disconnection of said first and second telescopi-cally interfitting elements provides accessibility to said valve chamber for repair and replacement of components therein.
3. The watering device according to Claim 1 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element includes a portion having reduced dimensions to enable insertion into said supply line during connection therewith.
4. The watering device according to Claim 1 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element includes threaded means for providing fluid sealing connection with said supply line.
5. A watering device for poultry and small animals including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line and actuatable by said poultry and small animals to permit fluid flow therethrough, wherein said valve housing comprises first and second separately formed elements, said first element having means for tele-scopically interfitting within a portion of said second element so as to form a valve chamber therebetween, said first and second elements each including mating hook means on their exterior surfaces, for releasably, rotatably lock-ing said first and second elements in said telescopically interfitting relation, said first element includes means for interchangeably providing alternative direct, sealing connection to said supply line such that fluid is pro-vided to said valve chamber.
6. The watering device according to Claim 5 wherein said valve housing includes means for fluid sealing said telescopically interfitting relation of said first and second elements.
7. The watering device according to Claim 5 wherein said means for providing direct, sealing connec-tion to said supply line includes a portion of said first element having reduced dimensions for at least partial insertion into said supply line.
8. The watering device according to Claim 7 wherein said portion having reduced dimensions includes a tapered diameter.
9. The watering device according to Claim 8 includes a threaded means for sealingly connecting said first element to said supply line.
10. The watering device according to Claim 8 includes a ferrule means for sealingly connecting said first element to said supply line.
11. The watering device according to Claim 5 wherein said first element includes flattened portions thereon for facilitating rotational locking and unlocking of said mating hook means.
12. The watering device according to Claim 5 wherein said second element includes additional means for connecting said valve housing to said supply line.
13. The watering device according to Claim 5 wherein said first element includes a fluid passage from said supply line to said valve chamber when said first element is connected to said supply line, said second element supports a valve seat and a ball/pin valve arrangement therein, and said second element includes a fluid outlet through which a portion of said ball/pin valve arrangement extends.
14. A watering device for poultry and small animals including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line and having an inlet, an outlet, a valve chamber, a valve seat means within said valve cham-ber, a valve member within said valve chamber engageable with said valve seat means to restrict fluid flow through said valve chamber, and a valve actuator operably asso-ciated with said valve member and including a portion thereof extending through said outlet, comprising:
said valve chamber being formed from first and second telescopically interfitting elements, said first telescopically interfitting element including said inlet and said second telescopi-cally interfitting element including said outlet;
and said first telescopically interfitting element and said second telescopically inter-fitting element including mating hook means on their exterior surfaces such that said first telescopically interfitting element is releas-ably, rotationally engageable with said second telesopically interfitting element whereby said first telescopically interfitting element is interchangeably connectable to said fluid supply line by alternative connection means.
said valve chamber being formed from first and second telescopically interfitting elements, said first telescopically interfitting element including said inlet and said second telescopi-cally interfitting element including said outlet;
and said first telescopically interfitting element and said second telescopically inter-fitting element including mating hook means on their exterior surfaces such that said first telescopically interfitting element is releas-ably, rotationally engageable with said second telesopically interfitting element whereby said first telescopically interfitting element is interchangeably connectable to said fluid supply line by alternative connection means.
15. The watering device according to Claim 14 wherein said valve member includes a ball element and said valve actuator includes a pin element having an enlarged head with a recessed portion thereof adjacent said ball element.
16. The watering device according to Claim 15 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element includes slotted portions adjacent said inlet to prevent inadvertent closing of said inlet by said ball element.
17. The watering device according to Claim 16 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element sealingly engages said valve seal within said valve chamber so as to prevent fluid leakage between said first and second telescopically interfitting elements.
18. A watering device for poultry and small animals including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line and having an inlet, an outlet, a valve chamber, a valve seat means within said valve chamber, a valve member within said valve chamber en-gageable with said valve seat means to restrict fluid flow through said valve chamber, and a valve actuator operably associated with said vavle member and includ-ing a portion thereof extending through said outlet, comprising:
said valve chamber being formed from first and second telescopically interfitting elements, said first telescopically interfitting element including said outlet;
and said first telescopically interfitting element including means for securing said watering device to said fluid supply line and being releasably, interchangeably secured to said second telescopically interfitting element;
said valve member including a ball element and said valve chamber including interior ridges to guide said ball element, and said first telescopically interfitting element including slotted portions adjacent said inlet to prevent inadvertent closing of said inlet by said ball element;
said means for securing said watering device to said fluid supply line including a tapered, threaded tubular stem.
said valve chamber being formed from first and second telescopically interfitting elements, said first telescopically interfitting element including said outlet;
and said first telescopically interfitting element including means for securing said watering device to said fluid supply line and being releasably, interchangeably secured to said second telescopically interfitting element;
said valve member including a ball element and said valve chamber including interior ridges to guide said ball element, and said first telescopically interfitting element including slotted portions adjacent said inlet to prevent inadvertent closing of said inlet by said ball element;
said means for securing said watering device to said fluid supply line including a tapered, threaded tubular stem.
19. The watering device according to Claim 18 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element sealingly engages said valve seat within said valve chamber so as to prevent fluid leakage between said first and said second telescopically interfitting elements.
20. The watering device according to Claim 19 wherein said first telescopically interfitting element engages said valve seat so as to retain said valve seat against displacement within said valve chamber.
21. The watering device according to Claim 19 wherein said first and said second telescopically inter-fitting elements are releasably secured together by means of mating hook arrangements on their respective surfaces exterior to said valve chamber.
22. A watering device for poultry and small animals including a valve housing adapted to be connected to a fluid supply line, comprising:
first and second telescopically interfitting elements which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween;
mating hook means on the exterior surface of each of said first and second telescopically interfitting elements for releasably interlocking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion;
said second telescopically interfitting element including separable valve and seat elements which control fluid flow through said valve chamber;
said first telescopically interfitting element being engageable with said seat element to restrain longitudinal motion of said seat element within said valve chamber;
said first telescopically interfitting element including connection means for directly connecting said fluid supply line to said valve chamber; and said mating hook means accommodating al-ternative structures of said connection means included in said first telescopically inter-fitting element.
first and second telescopically interfitting elements which form said valve housing and create a valve chamber therebetween;
mating hook means on the exterior surface of each of said first and second telescopically interfitting elements for releasably interlocking said first and second telescopically interfitting elements by relative rotational motion;
said second telescopically interfitting element including separable valve and seat elements which control fluid flow through said valve chamber;
said first telescopically interfitting element being engageable with said seat element to restrain longitudinal motion of said seat element within said valve chamber;
said first telescopically interfitting element including connection means for directly connecting said fluid supply line to said valve chamber; and said mating hook means accommodating al-ternative structures of said connection means included in said first telescopically inter-fitting element.
23. The watering device according to Claim 22 wherein an interior surface portion of said first tele-scopically interfitting portion which forms said valve chamber provides a longitudinal motion guide for said valve element.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000498179A CA1217098A (en) | 1985-12-19 | 1985-12-19 | Interchangeable cap for trigger drinker |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000498179A CA1217098A (en) | 1985-12-19 | 1985-12-19 | Interchangeable cap for trigger drinker |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1217098A true CA1217098A (en) | 1987-01-27 |
Family
ID=4132131
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000498179A Expired CA1217098A (en) | 1985-12-19 | 1985-12-19 | Interchangeable cap for trigger drinker |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1217098A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5857429A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1999-01-12 | Hostetler; Eldon | Poultry watering system |
-
1985
- 1985-12-19 CA CA000498179A patent/CA1217098A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5857429A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1999-01-12 | Hostetler; Eldon | Poultry watering system |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |