SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application derives priority from U.S. non-provisional patent application 12/323,012 filed November 25, 2008, and U.S. provisional patent applications 61/290,367, 61/290,425, and 61/290,430 all filed December 28, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to improvements to a flexible extension device attachable to the faucet stem of a valve used in industrial applications for remotely turning the faucet used to open and close the valve. More particularly, the improvements are directed to an extendible faucet control system for operating valves located well above a floor, or otherwise inaccessible to an operator; a stand alone support for the device; and, a clamp used in attaching the device to a faucet handle.

In U.S. patent application 12/323,012, there is described a flexible extension device for operating a remotely located or relatively inaccessible faucet. Particularly in manufacturing and industrial operations, it is not uncommon for conduits for liquids and gases piped from one area in a facility to another to be located in out-of-the-way places (along the top of a wall or immediately beneath a ceiling, etc.) where an employee servicing the conduits has difficulty in reaching and operating a valve. Many times, the conduits were installed because of considerations other than ease of accessibility by, for example, maintenance and repair people. Further, because other structures may have been put in place since their installation, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to relocate them because of the time, cost, and disruption of ongoing operations. One aspect of the present invention is therefore directed to a system by which one or more flexible connectors are used in combination with fixed, in-place couplers to transmit a force applied by an operator at one location, to open and close a valve located a substantial distance away.

As further discussed in U.S. patent application 12/323,012, it is not uncommon for a faucet such as an outdoor faucet to which a hose is attached for watering the yard to be behind a shrub or bush and thus relatively inaccessible. This is particularly a problem for the elderly, handicapped persons, those with limited mobility, or arthritis or other medical condition that makes it difficult for them to reach or turn a faucet handle. Use of a flexible extension device can help these individuals operate a valve to turn the water on and off. However, it is not often easy to support the end of the device so a handle attached one end of it is convenient for the person to reach and operate it. Also, because of the construction of certain faucet handles, it is difficult to attach one end of a flexible extension to the faucet so a user can readily turn the handle affixed to the other end of the extension to open and close the valve operated by the faucet.

In provisional patent application 61/174,701 , there is described faucet handle connectors for attaching one end of a flexible extension to a faucet handle so to remotely turn the handle to open and close the faucet. However, it has been found that because of the construction of some handles, the connectors described in this application are not readily attachable to the handle.

Accordingly, another feature of the present invention is a support that is readily located for convenient use by one wanting to operate the faucet, but which can be easily moved if necessary from one location to another. And, it is a further feature of the present invention to provide a novel clamp construction which is attached to the faucet handle and enables a user to conveniently operate the faucet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a system employing a plurality of flexible extensions connected to one or more intermediate couplers for connecting a flexible extension device to a faucet stem or faucet handle for a remotely located valve to be turned on and off, as well a support for the device, and a clamp for attaching one end of an extension to a faucet handle to allow the handle to be easily operated from a distance.

One end of a first rigid or flexible extension shaft is connected to a handle turned by an operator opening or closing the valve. The other end of the extension shaft is connected to one end of a coupler which is fixedly mounted in place. An end of a second rigid or flexible extension shaft is connected to the other end of the coupler for the force exerted by the user to be transferred through the coupler from the first shaft to the second shaft. Now, the force applied to the first extension shaft is transferred to the second extension shaft with a minimum loss of the force required to open or close the valve with which the system is used. This enables valves at great distances from the operator to be easily opened and closed.

Different lengths of rigid or flexible extensions shafts are used, the particular lengths being selected to accommodate a chosen routing from the operator's location to the valve. The couplers used are straight line couplers which directly pass through the turning force; or, the couplers are designed to accommodate turns such as 45° or 90°. The end of the extension shaft at the location of the faucet is connected to a faucet handle or stem in a convenient manner that facilitates ready turning of the valve associated with the faucet. At the operator end, the operator can either turn the handle by hand; or, for longer reaches, a reversible motor or controller is connected to the handle to turn the handle in the appropriate direction.

Regarding the support, it includes a stand of a convenient height to comfortably position the handle for use. In one embodiment, the support is secured in place for inserting screws or bolts into a base through openings in a flange portion of the base at the bottom of the support. In a second embodiment, a stake is threaded onto the bottom of the support. The other end of the stake is pointed so it can be pushed into the ground to affix the support in place. One end of the flexible device is Inserted through an opening at the upper end of the support and a handle for turning the device is threaded onto an end of the device protruding through the opening. In a third embodiment, the support includes a piece having an opening formed in it the size of which is slightly larger than the size of the shaft for the one end of the shaft to be inserted through the opening with the handle being attached to a portion of the shaft protruding through the opening to support the handle at a desired height. A stake secures the support in place

Regarding the clamp, in one embodiment, it is off a generally U-shape with one leg of the clamp abutting against an underside of the handle. The other leg of the clamp is "C" shaped with aligned openings formed in upper and lower extensions of this leg. The opening in one of the extensions is threaded to threadably receive the threaded end of a bolt. The bolt is inserted through an opening in a plate which fits over the top of the faucet handle. The bolt is inserted through an opening in the plate, and through the other leg of the clamp. A nut is threaded onto the distal, threaded end of the bolt and tightened so to draw the clamp and plate together. Two or more clamps are installed about the faucet handle in a similar manner so that when the clamps are installed, the assembly is tightened about the handle. Rotation of the flexible extension, by turning a handle at its remote end, then causes the faucet handle to turn in the appropriate direction.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an elevation view of an installation of the flexible extension system of the invention for operating a remotely located faucet;

Fig. 2A is an end view of a valve with a coupling of the system installed about the valve handle, and Fig. 2B is a side view thereof;

Fig. 3A is a plan view of a coupling of the system to which a handle for remotely operating a valve is connected, Fig. 3B is a side view of the coupling, and Fig. 3C is a plan view of an intermediate coupling and its mounting bracket used in the system;

Fig. 4 illustrates rods of a standard length but different diameters used in the system, the rods extending between couplings installed in the system;

Fig. 5 is a simplified representation of use of a first embodiment of a support of the present invention with a flexible extension device;

Fig. 6 is an elevation view of the support;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the support;

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 9 is an elevation view of a stake attachable to the support;

Fig. 10 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the support;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a collar used with the second embodiment;

Fig. 12 illustrates installation of the support with the collar installed;

Fig. 13 illustrates installation of a first embodiment of a clamp and plate to a faucet handle so the faucet handle can be turned;

Figs. 14A and 14B are elevation views of the first embodiment of the clamp thereof;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the clamp;

Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view thereof; and,

Figs. 17A and 17B are elevation views of a third embodiment of the clamp. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to Fig. 1 , a fluid flow line L is shown installed in facility in a relatively inaccessible location; i.e., some distance above the floor of the building. A valve V, for example a ball valve such as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, is shown installed in line L. The valve has a stem S to which a handle H is attached, turning of the handle in the appropriate direction opening and closing the valve. Because of the inaccessibility of the valve, a flexible extension device 10, such as described in the above referenced patent application is utilized to access the valve handle from a distance and to apply sufficient opening and closing forces on valve handle H as to open and shut valve V.

For this purpose, a coupler 20 is installed adjacent valve V. As shown in Fig. 2B, coupler 20 is generally rectangular in cross-section and has an inset formed on one side to accommodate a section of handle H. A flexible shaft 12, as further described hereinafter, is attached to coupler 20. Rotation of the shaft produces rotation or cranking of handle H in the appropriate direction to open and close valve V.

To facilitate installation of device 10, a combination of rigid shafts 11 and flexible shafts 12 is used. Each rigid shaft 1 1 is of a standard length; e.g., 8', while the flexible shafts 12 are, for example, 2', 4', 6', or greater in length. As shown in Fig. 1 , a handle D is located at floor level of the building for a worker to readily access and turn the handle in the appropriate valve opening or closing direction. The handle is attached to one side of a coupler 22, and one end of a flexible shaft 12a is connected to the other side of the coupler. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, coupler 22 is L-shaped with an arm 52 in which spaced holes 53 are formed for attaching the coupler to a wall, a post, or a bulwark, etc. using bolts or other means of attachment. An arm 54 of the coupler has a generally rounded shape. A quick disconnect female connector 56 is attached to one end of a shaft 58 that extends through arm 54 with handle D attached to the other end of the shaft. The shaft is rotatably mounted in arm 54 for connector 56 and flexible shaft 12a to rotate as handle D is turned to open or close valve V.

Again as shown in Fig. 1 , in addition to coupler 22, other intermediate couplers 24-32 are used in the installation. These couplers are shown in Fig. 3C. The couplers are also L-shaped with an arm 62 in which spaced holes 63 are formed for attaching the coupler to a wall or a post, etc. using bolts or other convenient means of attachment. A quick disconnect female connector 66 is attached to one end of a shaft 68 that extends through an arm 64 of the coupler. A male quick disconnect connector 70 is attached to the other end of the shaft. Shaft 68 is rotatably mounted in arm 54 for connectors 66 and 70 to transfer the force from one shaft 1 1 or 12 to the adjacent shaft 1 1 or 12 extending from handle D to valve V. Thus, one end of shaft 1 1 or 12 attaches to one side of a coupler, with the other end of the shaft being connected to one side of an adjacent coupler. The one end of the adjacent shaft 1 1 or 12 now connects to the other side of the respective coupler, and the couplers each provide a pass- through for the force applied to handle D to be transmitted from one shaft to the next shaft.

Accordingly, and as shown in Fig. 1 , the other end of shaft 12a connects to one side of coupler 24, with the adjacent end of a shaft 1 1 a connected to the other side of this coupler. The other end of shaft 1 1 a connects to one side of coupler 26, and the adjacent end of shaft 1 1 b is connected to the other side of this coupler. The other end of shaft 1 1 b connects to one side of coupler 28, with the adjacent end of shaft 1 1 c connecting to the other side of the coupler. The other end of shaft 1 1 c connects to one side of coupler 30, with the adjacent end of shaft 1 d connected to the other side of this coupler. The other end of shaft 1 d connects to one side of coupler 32, with the adjacent end of a flexible shaft 12b connected to the other side of the coupler. One end of flexible shaft 12b connects to the other side of coupler 32 while the other end of this flexible shaft connects to coupler 20 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B as previously described.

The couplers shown in Fig. 1 comprise three types. One type is a straight through or in-line type. Next are 45° couplers such as the couplers which allow a flexible shaft to be routed diagonally or at an angle. Finally, there are 90° couplers which facilitate a right angle turn in the routing path of the fixed and flexible shafts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other couplers may be used which provide different angles or turns in the path routing of the shafts. It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number and combination of couplers used is a function of the particular routing path chosen and that the routing shown in the drawing figure is illustrative only. Regardless of the particular installation, the couplers produce only a minimum loss in the force remotely applied to open and close a faucet or valve.

Next, as shown in Fig. 4, the rigid shafts 1 1 used in the system have a uniform or standard length G. Those skilled in the art will understand that the fixed shafts can be cut to size if required to be less than length G for a particular installation. Further, as shown in Fig. 4, the diameter of the shafts can vary. For installations where a relatively small level of force is required to open a valve V, shafts 1 1A are used. If, however, the valve requires a greater amount of force to open, a thicker diameter shaft 1 1 B is used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that shafts of other diameters can also be provided for a particular installation.

Referring now to Fig. 5, one end of flexible shaft 12 is connected to an attachment 120 by which device 10 connects to faucet F so to remotely operate the faucet. This controls water flow to a hose line L attached to the faucet. Shaft 12 is threaded at each end and a part (not shown) of attachment 120 has a threaded bore into which this one end of the shaft is screwed to secure the shaft to the attachment. Attachment 120 connects to either a handle or valve stem of the faucet to allow a user to operate the faucet by turning a handle 122 connected to the one end of shaft 12. For convenience, rather than setting handle 122 on a peg or bracket, in accordance with the invention, a support 130 is provided. The support is set in an easy to reach location, with the support supporting the end of shaft 12 to which handle 122 is attached, both when the device is in use, and at other times.

Support 130 comprises an upright section 132 which extends upwardly from a base 134 a distance that allows handle 122 to be positioned at a convenient height for users. While both section 132 and base 134 are shown to be circular in the drawings, they can be other shapes as well without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, they can be square or rectangular, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal, as well as other geometric or non-geometric shapes. In the drawings, base 134 is shown to be larger in diameter than section 132, the base therefore providing a flange extending circumferentially about the lower end of the section.

A plurality of holes 136, three of which are shown in the drawings, are equidistantly spaced about the flange. Bolts (not shown) or other fasteners are inserted through these holes to affix support 130 in place. Alternatively, and as shown in Fig. 8, an inwardly extending, internally threaded bore 138 is formed on the underside of base 134. A stake 140 has a threaded upper end 142 sized to be threaded into bore 138. The other end 144 of stake 140 is pointed for the stake to be driven into the ground to affix support 120 in place.

Section 132 of support 130 is of a generally uniform diameter throughout its length; or as shown in the drawings, may be slightly tapered towards its upper end. An opening 146 is formed in section 132, at the upper end of the section. The size (diameter) of this opening is slightly larger than the size (diameter) of shaft 12 for the outer end of the shaft to be inserted through the opening. Once this is done, handle 122 is attached to the end of the shaft protruding through the opening. The support now positions the handle at a height where it is easily reached. The support further holds shaft 12 and handle 122 in a generally horizontal position so the handle is readily grasped by the user.

Support 130 is made of a metal or a lightweight, sturdy plastic material. The exterior of the support is made so that it "blends" into its surrounding and does not create an eyesore. The support is readily installed and removed, and can be reused in other surroundings.

Referring to Figs. 10 - 12, a second embodiment of the support is indicated generally 150. Support 150 is generally smaller in size than support 132, and, as shown in Fig. 10, is supported above the ground by a stake 160. Support 150 comprises a piece 152 having an inwardly extending, internally threaded bore 154 formed on its underside or base 156. Stake 160 is threaded at its upper end 162 for this end of the stake to be threadably received in bore 154. A pointed end 164 of the stake is then pushed into the ground a desired amount for support 150 to be positioned a distance above the ground.

In addition to support 150 and stake 160, a collar 170 can be used to help locate the support and stabilize the installation. Collar 170 has a centrally threaded bore 172 for the collar to be threadably received on stake 160. The collar is positioned on the stake at a location that controls the length of the stake which can be pushed into the ground, as well defines the location of support 150 above the ground. Collar 170 provides a stable base for support 150 and helps stake 160 keep the support in place if the stake or support is bumped into or otherwise pushed about.

An opening 158 is formed in piece 152. The size (diameter) of this opening is slightly larger than that of shaft 12 for the outer end of the shaft to be inserted through the opening. Again, handle 122 is attached to the end of shaft 12 protruding through the opening with support 150 positioning the handle at a height where it is easily reached. As with the previous embodiment, the support further holds shaft 12 and handle 122 in a generally horizontal position so the handle is readily grasped by the user.

Next, as shown in Fig. 13, attachment 12 includes a plate P through which fasteners such as bolts B are inserted. Two or more (up to four) clamps 320 are used for attaching to the plate. Each clamp is generally U-shaped and has a vertically extending leg 322 the upper end of which contacts and bears against the underside of handle H. A horizontally extending section 324 of the clamp extends outwardly from the base of leg 322 beyond the outer rim of handle H, when clamp 320 is installed. An outer leg section 326 of clamp 320 forms a downwardly extending C-shape. Section 326 has an upper horizontal section 328, a vertical, downwardly extending section 330, and a lower horizontal section 332. Aligned bores 334, 336 formed in the upper and lower sections 328, 332 of clamp 320 extend vertically through each respective section. One of the bores is threaded for the shank of a bolt B to be threaded onto the clamp to attach the clamp to plate P. The bolt is inserted through an opening W in plate P, and then through the openings 334, 336 in clamp 320. A nut N is threaded onto the threaded outer end of the shank, and tightening of the nut draws the plate and clamp together, clamping handle H between them.

Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, a second embodiment of the clamp is indicated generally 420. In this construction, the clamp spans two openings W formed in plate P so that only two rather than four claps are required for connecting the plate to the handle. The shape and construction of the clamping sections at each end of clamp 420 are identical to those of clamp 320 and are not described. The two clamp sections are connected together by a curved bridge 440. Each clamp section has a vertical leg 422 that bears against the underside of the handle. Each clamp section also has an upper horizontal extension 424 in which a bore 434 is formed, and a lower horizontal section 432 in which a bore 436 is formed. Again, bores 434 and 436 are aligned bores for insertion of a bolt B onto the clamp. Also, one of the bores is threaded for securing the clamp to plate P. Extensions 424 and 432 are joined together by a leg 430.

In a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs. 17A, 17B, again, two or more clamps 520 are used. Each clamp is generally J-shaped with a vertically extending leg 522. The upper end of the leg contacts and bears against the underside of handle H. A horizontally extending section 524 of clamp 520 extends outwardly from the base of leg 522 beyond the outer rim of handle H, when the clamp is installed. At the outer end of section 524 is a vertically extending leg section 526 which is shorter in height than leg 522.

A threaded bore 528 is formed in leg section 526 of the clamp. The bore is a threaded bore for the shank of bolt B to be threaded onto the clamp. As with the other embodiments, the bolt is inserted through opening W in plate P, and then threaded through bore 526. A nut N is threaded onto the threaded outer end of the shank. Tightening of the nut then draws plate P and clamp 520 together, clamping handle H between them.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present disclosure have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.