Adjustable valve

In a valve comprising a body defining a plug-receiving socket defining outwardly extending conduits in communication with the socket;

• and a plug rotatably positioned in the socket, said plug having channel means therein registrable with the conduits, whereby rotation of the plug in the socket selectively controls fluid flow through said conduits;
• first and second flanges respectively carried by said body and said plug, said first flange carried by the body extending about the periphery of said socket, said flanges being of differing diameters and positioned in generally coaxial relationship, whereby one flange occupies a position within the other of said flanges, the inner of said flanges defining a gripping surface for bearing in sliding relation against the outer of said flanges, the improvement comprising, in combination:
• the outer of said flanges defining spaced, inwardly-extending ears, said ears defining gripping surfaces abutting the gripping surface of the inner flange, whereby the inner of said flanges causes the outward flexing of said spaced ears and the outer flange portions adjacent said spaced ears, to constantly urge, by interaction of the respective gripping surfaces, said plug and socket together into sealing relation, while at the same time permitting axial movement between said plug and socket.

In a valve comprising a body defining a plug-receiving socket and defining outwardly extending conduits in communication with the socket, said body having an outwardly extending flange about the periphery of said socket;

• and a plug rotatably positioned in the socket, said plug having slots therein registrable with the conduits whereby rotation of the plug in the socket selectively controls fluid flow through said conduits, said plug including a flange portion about the flange of the body, the improvement wherein the flange on the body includes an upper bearing surface and a lower gripping surface, and the flange portion of the plug carries a pair of spaced, inwardly extending ears, said ears being positioned in opposite relation to each other and defining an upper gripping surface corresponding to the lower gripping surface of the flange on the body, whereby insertion of the plug in the socket causes the upper bearing surface to flex the flange portion of the plug outwardly adjacent said spaced ears, said plug flange portion being maintained in said flexed position so that the upper gripping surface constantly urges the lower gripping surface and the plug toward a sealing relation with the socket.

In a valve comprising a body defining a plug-receiving socket defining outwardly extending conduits in communication with the socket;

• and a plug rotatably positioned in the socket, said plug having channel means therein registrable with the conduits, whereby rotation of the plug in the socket selectively controls fluid flow through said conduit;
• first and second flanges respectively carried by said body and said plug, said first flange carried by the body extending about the periphery of said socket, said flanges being of differing diameters and positioned in a generally coaxial relationship, whereby one flange occupies a position within the other said flange, the inner of said flanges defining a gripping surface for bearing and sliding relation against the outer of said flanges, the improvement comprising, in combination:
• the outer of said flanges carrying a pair of spaced, diametrically opposed, inwardly-extending ears, said ears defining gripping surfaces abutting the gripping surface of the inner flange, and positioned whereby the inner of said flanges causes the outward flexing of said spaced ears and portions of the outer flange adjacent said spaced ears, to constantly urge, by interaction of the respective gripping surfaces, said plug and socket together in sealing relation.