Flow control apparatus and method

#The present invention relates to a flow control apparatus that allows fluid to flow through a valve under a first set of conditions and which prevents fluid from flowing through the valve under a second set of conditions. The invention is particularly well suited for use with outside water spigots and hoses to ensure that water flows when the temperature of the water and/or the surrounding air is at or close to the freezing temperature of water to prevent pipes and hoses from bursting as a result of water freezing and expanding therein.

#During winter months when the air temperature drops below freezing (32° F.), water pipes and hoses may burst as a result of water within them freezing and expanding. It is common to allow water to flow through these conduits in order to prevent the water from freezing. Another alternative is to purge the conduits of water prior to the temperature dropping below freezing in order to ensure that they do not fracture in the event that the temperature drops below freezing.

#Various types of devices have been developed that automatically enable water to flow through conduits when the air temperature drops below a certain temperature in order to prevent the conduits from bursting. However, these devices typically are relatively complicated and are comprised of many moving parts. Consequently, the devices are more likely to malfunction and thus require replacement or repair.

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the flow control apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the flow control apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3A illustrates the bi-metal strip positioning within the bi-metal cradle of the housing of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the flow control apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The flow control apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B comprises an end 2 having female threads 3 for connection to a hose bib of a water spigot or a male-threaded end of a water hose. The end 2 of the flow control apparatus 1 has a hose washer (not shown) seated therein to facilitate coupling the end 2 to a hose bib. When the apparatus 1 is coupled by the end 2 to a water spigot (not shown), the male-threaded end 4 of the apparatus 1 may be connected to the hose bib of a water hose (not shown).

#The apparatus 1 preferably comprises a shut-off valve 5 that can be opened by turning lever 6 to enable water to flow through the apparatus 1 and into a water hose coupled to the male threaded end 4. In the event that the apparatus 1 is coupled to a water spigot but not to a water hose, the valve 5 can be turned off by turning the lever 6 to a closed position to prevent water from flowing out of the end 4 of the apparatus 1. In this case, the apparatus 1 functions as a cap for capping the end of a water spigot.

#As shown in FIG. 1B, the housing 7 of the flow control apparatus 1 has an opening 8 formed therein. A flow control valve (not shown) is comprised in a flow control valve encasement 9 of the housing 7. The flow control valve within the encasement 9 automatically opens to allow water to flow through the opening 8 and out of the housing 7 under a first set of conditions and automatically closes under a second set of conditions to prevent water from flowing through the opening 8 and out of the housing 7. More particularly, when the temperature of water flowing through the apparatus 1 reaches a temperature that is near or at the freezing temperature of water, the flow control valve automatically opens thereby allowing water to flow out of the opening 8. When the temperature of the water rises to some temperature above freezing, the flow control valve closes thereby preventing water from flowing through the opening 8. By allowing water to flow through the opening 8 and out of the housing 7, the flow control apparatus 1 prevents the water from freezing and thus protects the conduit to which the apparatus 1 is connected from first.