Devices and methods for a mechanical automatic shut-off to fluid reservoirs

A method to shut off a water supply, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first force in response to unanticipated presence of a fluid;
• displacing a restrained latch arm connected to a shut-off valve handle from a first position past a stop to a second position in response to the first force;
• rotating the shut-off valve connected to a fluid supply by a second force in response to a latch arm displacement from the first position to the second position beyond a release point;
• and
• closing the shut-off valve by overcoming the first position of the restrained latch arm handle of the valve to the second position by a rotational force of a torsion spring;
• and
• wherein the restrained latch arm is restrained by the second force;
• wherein the rotation force is supplied by a torsion spring;
• wherein the base and latch arm are formed from an acetal polymer;
• wherein the catch basin is disposed under a water heater and is configured to displace the latch arm to a point of release in response of 25 to 50 mm of water in the catch basin;
• and
• wherein the resistance of the rotational force of the torsion spring restrained by the restrained latch arm against the base is overcome and the rotational force of the torsion spring acting on a valve handle is released, thus rotating the handle of the valve to the closed position.

An automatic fluid shut off device, comprising:

• a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a connector, which is moveable in response to increased fluid levels in the catch basin;
• a second connector end of the movable connector extending into a bore of an actuation assembly having a fluid supply base;
• the actuation assembly having a latch arm connected to the float by the connector, the latch arm moveable in response to increased fluid levels in the catch basin via the float to actuate the actuation assembly;
• the restrained latch arm having an end configured to be pivotably displaceable from a restrained position upon movement by the connector in response to increased fluid levels in the catch basin;
• the latch arm pivotably connected to a handle of the actuation assembly turnable on an axis to cause a shut-off valve to the fluid supply to rotate to an open and closed position;
• and
• the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is in its restrained position, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second connector end;
• wherein the rotation force is supplied by a torsion spring;
• wherein the base and latch arm are formed from an acetal polymer;
• wherein the catch basin is disposed under a water heater and is configured to displace the latch arm to a point of release in response of 25 to 50 mm of water in the catch basin;
• and
• wherein the resistance of the rotational force of the torsion spring restrained by the restrained latch arm against the base is overcome and the rotational force of the torsion spring acting on a valve handle is released, thus rotating the handle of the valve to the closed position.