Cartridge assembly retainer

Abstract

A sillcock for supplying various amounts of water at various temperatures includes a retainer for positioning a cartridge assembly in a sillcock. The sillcock includes a sillcock tube and a valve body attached to the sillcock tube. A cartridge assembly is provided in the valve body, and an actuation assembly extends through the sillcock tube. The actuation assembly cooperates with the cartridge assembly to control the volume and temperature of water exiting the sillcock according to the axial and rotational movements of a knob. The retainer is operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly and, thus, allows the cartridge assembly and other components of the sillcock to be removed from the sillcock from the exterior of a building.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 60/757,803 filed Jan. 10, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to a sillcock for supplying varying amounts of water at various temperatures to the exterior of a building. More particularly, the present invention is related to a sillcock including a retainer for positioning a cartridge assembly in the sillcock that detachably interfaces with the cartridge assembly.

BACKGROUND

A sillcock can be used to supply water to the exterior of a building, and can be mounted to a wall thereof. Typically, a portion of the sillcock is provided on the exterior of the building, and another portion of the sillcock extends through the wall toward the interior of the building. Generally, the portion of the sillcock provided on the exterior of the building includes a spout and a handle. The handle is provided to actuate a valve mechanism disposed within the portion of the sillcock extending toward the interior of the building. Actuation of the valve mechanism using the handle serves to control the supply water exiting the sillcock through the spout.

To prevent cold temperatures on the exterior of the building from adversely affecting the operation of the sillcock, the valve mechanism can be disposed within the sillcock at the opposite end thereof from the handle. To illustrate, the portion of the sillcock in which the valve mechanism is disposed extends through the wall toward the interior of the building. Furthermore, the valve mechanism is provided adjacent the interior of the building because the valve mechanism is provided at the opposite end of the sillcock from the handle. As such, warmth from the interior of the building serves to warm the valve mechanism, and, despite cold temperatures on the exterior of the building, to allow for the efficient operation of the sillcock.

However, when the valve mechanism is disposed within the sillcock at the opposite end thereof from the handle, positioning the valve mechanism becomes difficult. For example, because the valve mechanism is disposed within the sillcock adjacent the interior of the building, the sillcock may have to be removed or unmounted from the building to gain access to the valve mechanism to allow portions thereof to be removed for servicing or replacement of parts. Furthermore, if the sillcock is not removed or unmounted from the building, a specialized tool may be needed to reach through the sillcock to gain access to the valve mechanism to allow portions thereof to be removed for servicing or replacement of parts. Therefore, there is a need for a sillcock having a valve mechanism that can be positioned without having to remove or unmount the sillcock from a building to which it is attached and without having to use a specialized tool.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides a valve assembly comprising a retainer for positioning a cartridge assembly in a sillcock. The retainer is operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly.

Another aspect provides a valve assembly comprising a cartridge assembly and a retainer for positioning the cartridge assembly in a sillcock. The retainer is operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell includes an inner shell projection and the outer shell includes an outer shell passage for detachably interfacing the inner shell projection and an outer shell projection. The retainer includes a retainer passage for detachably interfacing the outer shell projection.

Another aspect provides a sillcock comprising a valve body, a valve assembly disposed within the valve body, and a retainer for positioning the cartridge assembly in the sillcock. The valve assembly includes a cartridge assembly. The retainer is operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sillcock incorporating a retainer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sillcock shown in FIG. 1 including an exterior assembly, an actuation assembly, and a cartridge assembly incorporating an outer shell and an inner shell.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sillcock shown in FIG. 2 depicting the cartridge assembly and a portion of the retainer.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sillcock orthogonal to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3A depicting the cartridge assembly and a portion of the retainer.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the outer shell of the cartridge assembly depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the retainer depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view of the sillcock shown in FIG. 3A depicting a portion of the cartridge assembly.

FIG. 5 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view of the sillcock shown in FIG. 4 depicting a portion of the cartridge assembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the end portion of the inner shell of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A sillcock incorporating a retainer for positioning a cartridge assembly in the sillcock is generally indicated by the numeral 11 in the accompanying drawings. The sillcock 11 is provided for supplying varying amounts of water at various temperatures to the exterior of a building (not shown). For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sillcock 11 includes an exterior assembly generally indicated by the numeral 12. The exterior assembly 12 includes an escutcheon assembly 13, a spout 14, a knob assembly 15, and a vacuum-breaker extension 16. The exterior assembly 12 can be disposed on the exterior of the building, and the remainder of the sillcock 11 can extend through a wall (not shown) toward the interior of the building.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum-breaker extension 16 serves in housing a vacuum-breaker assembly 17. Furthermore, the spout 14 is provided to deliver water, and, as discussed below, the knob assembly 15 is provided for controlling both the volume and temperature of the water exiting the spout 14. Moreover, as depicted in FIG. 2, the escutcheon assembly 13 includes a wall plate 19 that can be fixedly attached to the wall of the building, and includes an escutcheon nut 20 serving to support components on the interior of the sillcock 11.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sillcock tube 22 extends rearwardly from the escutcheon assembly 13. Furthermore, a valve body 24 is provided on the end of the sillcock tube 22 opposite from the escutcheon assembly 13. The valve body 24 is attached to a hot-water conduit 26 and a cold-water conduit 27. As discussed below, the interior of the sillcock 11 includes a valve assembly 30 (FIGS. 2-5) provided inside the sillcock tube 22 and valve body 24. The valve assembly 30 is used to control the volume and temperature of water exiting the spout 14. As depicted in FIG. 2, the valve assembly 30 includes an actuation assembly 32 and a cartridge assembly 34. The sillcock tube 22 defines a cavity 36 for receiving portions of the actuation assembly 32 and cartridge assembly 34, and the valve body 24 defines a valving area 38 for receiving the other portions of the actuation assembly 32 and cartridge assembly 34.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the cartridge assembly 34 includes an outer shell 40 and an inner shell 42. The outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 can be cup-shaped, and the inner shell 42 is received within the outer shell 40. The outer shell 40 can include a base 44 and a sidewall 45 extending outwardly from the base 44, and the inner shell 42 can include a base 46 and a sidewall 47 extending outwardly from the base 46. To maintain the position of the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 relative to one another, and to the sillcock tube 22 and valve body 24, the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 are specially configured, and a retainer 48 is provided.

The retainer 48 can, as shown in FIG. 3D, have a generally cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the sillcock tube 22. However, the shape of the retainer 48 is not limited to a cylinder, and can have any number of shapes fitting within the sillcock tube 22. The retainer 48 defines an interior cavity 49 extending therethrough, and, as discussed below, is configured to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly 34. In doing so, the retainer 48 allows the cartridge assembly 34 and other components of the sillcock 11 to be positioned in (e.g., inserted in and removed from) the sillcock 11. Upon removal, the components of the sillcock can be serviced or replaced from the exterior of the building. Moreover, the retainer 48 allows water from the cartridge assembly 34 to be directed through the interior cavity 49 of the retainer 48 toward the spout 14 to be discharged from the sillcock 11.

To inhibit rotational movement of the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 relative to one another, projections or ears 50 and 51 (FIG. 3A) formed on the sidewall 47 of the inner shell 42 are received within passages or slots 52 and 53, respectively, provided in sidewall 45 of the outer shell 40. The slots 52 and 53 provided in the sidewall 45 of the outer shell 40 extend in axial directions. Therefore, when the ears 50 and 51 are inserted into the slots 52 and 53, respectively, the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 are inhibited from rotational movement relative to one another, but can be repositioned axially.

To inhibit axial movement of the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 relative to one another, projections or ears 54 and 55 (FIGS. 3B and 3C) formed on the sidewall 45 of the outer shell 40 are received within passages or slots 56 and 57, respectively, provided in the retainer 48. The slots 56 and 57 provided in the retainer 48 extend in axial and rotational directions. Therefore, when the ears 54 and 55 formed on the sidewall 45 of the outer shell 40 are inserted into the slots 56 and 57, respectively, the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 received therein can be repositioned axially and rotationally relative to the retainer 48. Because of the configuration of the slots 56 and 57, fully inserting the ears 54 and 55 therein repositions the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 received therein so that an end 60 of the retainer 48 is positioned adjacent the ears 50 and 51 of the inner shell 42. As such, the interaction of the ears 54 and 55 with the slots 56 and 57 serves to clamp the ears 50 and 51 of the inner shell 42 between the outer shell 40 and the retainer 48, and, in doing so, inhibit axial movement of the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 relative to one another. The interaction of the ears 54 and 55 with the slots 56 and 57 also attaches the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 received therein to the retainer 48.

In one embodiment, the slots 56 and 57 each include an axial component 202 and a rotational component 204, as shown in FIG. 3D for slot 56. When the ears 54 and 55 are inserted into the slots 56 and 57, respectively, the ears 54 and 55 are initially received in the axial components 202 and then received in the rotational components 204. When received in the axial components 202, the ears 54 and 55 move through the slots 56 and 57, respectively, to initially axially reposition the cartridge assembly 34 relative to the retainer 48. In doing so, the ears 54 and 55 are thereby moved into the rotational components 204 of the slots 56 and 57, respectively. When received in the rotational components 204, the ears 54 and 55 move through the slots 56 and 57, respectively, to then rotationally reposition the cartridge assembly 34 relative to the retainer 48.

To insure that the cartridge assembly 34 is properly oriented relative to the retainer 48, the sizes of the ears 54 and 55 and of the slots 56 and 57 can be specially configured. For example, the ear 54 and the slot 56 can have sizes adapted for one another, and the ear 55 and the slot 57 can have different sizes adapted for one another. As such, to interface the cartridge assembly 34 with the retainer 48, the ear 54 can only be received in the slot 56 and the ear 55 can only be received in the slot 57. Therefore, the sizes of the ears 54 and 55 and the slots 56 and 57 can be configured to serve in insuring that the cartridge assembly 34 is properly oriented relative to the retainer 48.

In addition, the ears 54 and 55 and the slots 56 and 57 can also be spaced a matching number of degrees (other than 180 degrees) apart from one another to insure the cartridge assembly 34 is properly oriented relative to the retainer 48. As such, the ears 54 and 55 and the slots 56 and 56, respectively, must be aligned in the proper orientation to interface the cartridge assembly 34 with the retainer 48. Therefore, the spacing of the ears 54 and 55 and the slots 56 and 57 can be configured to serve in insuring that the cartridge assembly 34 is properly oriented relative to the retainer 48.

In one embodiment, a deflectable member or catch 206 is provided in each of the slots 56 and 57, as shown in FIG. 3D for slot 56. The catch 206 of the slots 56 and 57 is provided for maintaining the cartridge assembly 34 in position relative to the retainer 48. For example, the catches 206 of the slots 56 and 57 are provided adjacent the rotational components 204, and, when the ears 54 and 55 are fully inserted into the slots 56 and 57, respectively, the catches 206 maintain the ears 54 and 55 therein.

During movement of the ears 54 and 55 through the rotational components 204 of the slots 56 and 57, respectively, the catches 206 are configured to deflect from their original undeflected position to permit the ears 54 and 55 to move into the rotational components 204. Once the ears 54 and 55 move past the catches 206, the catches 206 return to their original undeflected position, and, in doing so, maintain the ears 54 and 55 in the slots 56 and 57, respectively. As such, engagement of the catches 206 with the ears 54 and 55 prevents the detachment of the retainer 48 and the cartridge assembly 34. If desired, the catches 206 can be manually deflected from their undeflected position to permit the detachment of the retainer 48 and the cartridge assembly 34. Because the retainer 48 is attached to the escutcheon assembly 13, the interaction of the ears 54 and 55 with the slots 56 and 57 also serves in maintaining the position of the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 42 on the interior of the sillcock 11 relative to the sillcock tube 22 and the valve body 24. In doing so, the retainer 48 allows the cartridge assembly 34 to be positioned relative to the interior of the sillcock 11.

Although specific structures for detachably interfacing the retainer 48 with the cartridge assembly 34 have been shown (i.e., the ears, slots, and catches), one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other structures for detachably interfacing the retainer 48 with the cartridge assembly 34 could be used. For example, snap mechanisms or threads could be used.

The retainer 48 allows the cartridge assembly 34 and the retainer 48 to be inserted into and removed from the sillcock tube 22 and the valve body 24 as a single unit. As a result, the cartridge assembly 34 is readily removable from the sillcock 11 for servicing and replacement of parts. For example, to remove the cartridge assembly 34, the escutcheon nut 20 is removed from the escutcheon assembly 13 to gain access to the interior of the sillcock 11. The escutcheon nut 20 can be removed after the knob assembly 15 is first removed from the sillcock 11. After the escutcheon nut 20 is removed, the cartridge assembly 34 can be removed from the valve body 24 (and the valving area 38) through the cavity 36 of the sillcock tube 22 by removing the retainer 48. As such, using the retainer 48, the cartridge assembly 34 can be removed from the sillcock 11 from the exterior of the building without having to remove or unmount the sillcock 11 from the building, and without having to use a specialized tool to reach through the cavity 36 into the valving area 38 to remove the cartridge assembly 34. Once removed, the retainer 48 can be detached from the cartridge assembly 34 if desired.

As depicted in FIG. 3B, the hot-water conduit 26 and cold-water conduit 27 can communicate with the valving area 38 via a hot-water inlet 62 and a cold-water inlet 64, respectively, and the configuration of cartridge assembly 34 serves in directing hot and cold water toward an interior 65 of the inner shell 42. For example, as depicted best in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exterior of the sidewall 45 includes a first flange 66, a second flange 67, a third flange 68, a fourth flange 69, a fifth flange 70, a sixth flange 71, a seventh flange 72 and an eighth flange 73. The first flange 66 and second flange 67 receive an o-ring 76 therebetween, and the third flange 68 and fourth flange 69 receive a check seal 77 therebetween. Furthermore, the fifth flange 70 and sixth flange 71 receive an o-ring 78 therebetween, and the seventh flange 72 and eighth flange 73 receive a check seal 79 therebetween. The 0-rings 76 and 78 provide for an interference fit between the valve body 24 and outer shell 40, and inhibit the flow of water therearound. The o-ring 76 and check seal 77 define a hot-water chamber 80 therebetween for receiving hot water from the hot-water inlet 62, and the o-ring 78 and check seal 79 define a cold-water chamber 82 for receiving cold water from the cold-water inlet 64. When hot water enters the valving cavity 38 via the hot-water inlet 62, the check seal 77 allows the hot water to enter the hot-water chamber 80, and when cold water enters the valving cavity 38 via the cold-water inlet 64, the check seal 79 allows the cold water to enter the cold-water chamber 82. The o-ring 76 serves in preventing the hot water from exiting the hot-water chamber 80, and the o-ring 78 serves in preventing the hot water entering the valving cavity 38 from mixing with the cold water in the cold-water chamber 82.

As depicted in FIG. 3A, a first hot-water aperture 84 is formed through the sidewall 45 adjacent the hot-water chamber 80, and, as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 4, a first cold-water aperture 85 is formed through the sidewall 45 adjacent the cold-water chamber 82. A hot-water grommet 86 is provided on the inner shell 42 adjacent the first hot-water aperture 84 and a cold-water grommet 87 is provided on the inner shell 42 adjacent the first cold-water aperture 85. The hot-water grommet 86 and cold-water grommet 87 are sandwiched between the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 to provide for an interference fit therebetween. The hot-water grommet 86 and cold-water grommet 87 also define a second hot-water aperture 88 and a second cold-water aperture 89, respectively. As such, the hot-water chamber 80 can communicate with the interior 65 of inner shell 42 via the first and second hot-water apertures 84 and 88, and the cold-water chamber 82 can communicate with the interior 65 of the inner shell 42 via the first and second cold-water apertures 85 and 89.

The hot water and cold water directed toward the interior 65 of the inner shell 42 are manipulated by the actuation assembly 32 according to actuation of the knob assembly 15 to control the volume and temperature of the water exiting the spout 14. For example, the actuation assembly 32 includes a stem 90 and a stem coupler 92. The stem 90 extends through the interior cavity 49 of the retainer 48, and the stem coupler 92 is supported relative to the sillcock tube 22 by the escutcheon nut 20. The stem 90 is operatively interconnected by the stem coupler 92 (FIG. 2) to the knob assembly 15. Furthermore, the knob assembly 15 is attached to the stem coupler 92 via a mechanical fastener 94. To attach the knob assembly 15 to the stem coupler 92, the mechanical fastener 94 is received within a threaded aperture 152 provided in the knob assembly 15, and within a threaded aperture 154 provided in the stem coupler 92. As such, the stem 90 is capable of axial movement via inward and outward movement of the knob assembly 15, and capable of rotational movement via rotational movement of the knob assembly 15.

As depicted best in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the actuation assembly 32 also includes a piston 96 received in the cartridge assembly 34. The piston 96 is operatively interconnected with the knob assembly 15 via the stem 90 and stem coupler 92. The piston 96 is moveable axially and rotationally within the interior 65 of the inner shell 42. Movement of the piston 96 axially and rotationally relative to the cartridge assembly 34 serves to control the volume and temperature, respectively, of the water exiting the cartridge assembly 34. As such, actuation of the knob assembly 15 serves to control the axial and rotational position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34, and, in doing so, control the volume and temperature of the water exiting the cartridge assembly 34.

As depicted best in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the piston 96 includes a first end plug 98 and a second end plug 99 defining a mixing area 100 therebetween. Furthermore, the piston includes a hot-water aperture 102, a cold-water aperture 104, and exit openings 105.

Depending on the rotational position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34, varying proportions of hot water and cold water are allowed to enter the mixing area 100. For example, depending on the rotational position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34, varying proportions of communication are afforded between the hot-water aperture 102 and the first and second hot-water apertures 84 and 88, and between the cold-water aperture 104 and the first and second cold-water apertures 85 and 89. As such, the rotational position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34 as afforded by rotation of the knob assembly 15 serves to allow varying proportions of hot water and cold water to mix in the mixing area 100.

Furthermore, depending on the axial position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34, varying amounts of water enter the piston 96. For example, depending on the axial position of the piston relative to the cartridge assembly 34, the hot-water aperture 102 and cold-water aperture 104 are uncovered to afford varying amounts of communication with the mixing area 100. The hot-water grommet 86 and cold-water grommet 87 seal against the piston 96, and prevent hot water and cold water from entering the mixing chamber 100 when the hot-water aperture 102 and cold-water aperture 104 are covered. However, as the hot-water aperture 102 and cold-water aperture 104 are uncovered, greater amounts of hot water and cold water can enter the piston 96. If the rotational position of the piston 96 remains unchanged during axial movement of the piston 96 that uncovers the hot-water aperture 102 and cold-water aperture 104, the proportions of hot water and cold water entering the piston 96 will remain unchanged. As such, the axial position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34 as afforded by axial (i.e. inward and outward) movement of the knob assembly 15 closes and opens the sillcock, respectively, and, in doing so, serves to allow varying amounts of mixed water to exit the piston 96.

The first end plug 98 is provided at one end of the piston 96, and serves to inhibit water from the mixing area 100 from entering a water collection chamber 106 formed in the cartridge assembly 34. The water collection chamber 106 increases and decreases in size according to the axial position of the piston 96 relative to the cartridge assembly 34, and, as discussed below, serves in collecting water if backpressure is present in the sillcock 11. An o-ring 107 is provided in an annular recess 108 around the first end plug 98, and provides for an interference fit between the inner shell 42 and first end plug 98 that inhibits the flow of water therearound. As such, the water provided in the mixing area 100 is inhibited by the o-ring 107 from mixing with water received in the water collection chamber 106.

The second end plug 99 is provided at the other end of the piston 96 to connect the piston 96 to the stem 90, and to direct water exiting the mixing area 100 into the interior cavity 49 of the retainer 48. For example, the second end plug 99 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 111, and a rim 112 formed between the first portion 110 and second portion 111. The first portion 110 is received within the stem 90 and can be adhesively or otherwise secured thereto. Furthermore, the second portion 111 is received within the piston 96 and can be adhesively or otherwise secured thereto. As depicted best in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rim 112 abuts the ends of the stem 90 and piston 96 through which the first portion 110 and second portion 111 are received, respectively. Furthermore, the second end plug 99 includes a frusto-conical surface 113 formed on the second portion 111, and positioned adjacent the exit holes 105. The frusto-conical surface 113 serves to direct water from the mixing area 100 through the exit holes 105 into the interior cavity 49 of the retainer 48. Thereafter, water is transferred through the interior cavity 49 of the retainer 48 through an aperture 114 into the spout 14, so that water can exit the sillcock 11.

If backpressure is present in the sillcock 11, the check seal 77, check seal 79, and a backpressure relief valve 115 serve in inhibiting possibly contaminated water from being forced backwardly through the sillcock 11. For example, if the sillcock 11 is attached to a garden hose (not shown) that is filled with possibly contaminated water, and the sillcock is left opened, the check seal 77 and check seal 79 inhibit the possibly contaminated water from being forced backwardly through the sillcock 11 when there is a pressure loss in the hot-water conduit 26 and cold-water conduit 27. As such, the check seal 77 inhibits the possibly contaminated water from being forced backwardly through the hot-water chamber 80 into the hot-water conduit 26, and the check seal 79 inhibits the possibly contaminated water from being forced backwardly through the cold-water chamber 82 into the cold-water conduit 27.

In addition, the backpressure relief valve 115 serves to further inhibit possibly contaminated water from being forced past the check seal 77 and check seal 79 by relieving backpressure. For example, even during normal operation of the sillcock 11 (when no backpressure is present in the sillcock 11), water can enter at 116 between the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42. However, when backpressure is present in the sillcock 11, possibly contaminated water from the garden hose, rather than being forced backwardly through the sillcock 11 past the check seal 77 and check seal 79, can enter at 116 into water collection areas 118 provided between the inner shell 40 and outer shell 42. The backpressure relief valve 115 allows the water collected in the water collection areas 118 to then be expelled from the sillcock 11. As such, the backpressure relief valve 115 serves in expelling the possibly contaminated water collected in the water collection areas 118 between the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 to prevent such water from being forced past the check seal 77 and check seal 79, and, in doing so, relieves the backpressure in the sillcock 11.

As depicted best in FIG. 5, the backpressure relief valve 115 is formed by an expandable and contractable o-ring 120 provided within a recess 122 provided in the end portion of the inner shell 42. The recess 122 is formed in the base 46 of the inner shell 42, and, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, is defined by a wall 124, an outer sidewall 126 and an inner sidewall 128. The outer sidewall 126 can have a cylindrical shape, and the inner wall 128 can include a semi-cylindrical segment 130 and a chordal segment 131. The o-ring 120 is provided in the recess 122 between the outer sidewall 126 and inner sidewall 128, and forms an interference fit between the base 44 of the outer shell 40 and base 46 of the inner shell 42.

The o-ring 120 can expand and contract between a first position P1 adjacent the inner sidewall 128 when backpressure is present (for example, in this embodiment, corresponding to pressure loss in the cold-water conduit 27), and a second position P2 adjacent the outer sidewall 126 when backpressure is not present. An aperture 132 is provided in the base 44 of the outer shell 40, and, when backpressure is not present, water is compelled through the aperture 132. Because of a gap G provided between the base 44 and base 46, water from the aperture 132 can enter the recess 122. Water compelled through the aperture 132, and provided between the o-ring 120 and inner sidewall 128 serves to expand the o-ring 120 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Otherwise, without the water compelled through the aperture 132, and provided between the o-ring 120 and inner sidewall 128, the o-ring 120 returns to the first position P1.

Under normal operation of the sillcock 11, the o-ring 120 is expanded into the second position P2 by the water compelled through the aperture 132. In the second position P2, the o-ring 120 seals around the perimeter of the recess 122, and, in doing so, inhibits communication of openings in the form of apertures 136 provided through the base 46 with another opening in the form of a groove 138 provided in the base 46. The apertures 136 are formed through the base 46, and allow for communication of the recess 122 with the water collection chamber 106 formed in the cartridge assembly 34. The groove 138 is formed in the base 46 adjacent the perimeter of the recess 122. The groove 138 allows for communication of the recess 122 with the water collection areas 118 formed between the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42. In the second position P2, the communication between the apertures 136 and groove 138 is inhibited, and, therefore, communication between the water collection chamber 106 and recess 122 is also inhibited.

However, when backpressure is present (corresponding to pressure loss in the sillcock) causing the o-ring 120 to return to the first position P1, communication is afforded between the apertures 136 and groove 138 via the recess 122. The chordal segment 131 is provided to insure that, when in position P1, the o-ring 120 is sufficiently deformed to allow communication between the apertures 136 and groove 138 via the recess 122. As such, when the o-ring 120 is in position P1, the possibly contaminated water collected in the water collection areas 118 which is subject to the backpressure can be transferred into the water collection chamber 106. Thereafter, the water provided in the water collection chamber 106 can, as discussed below, be expelled from the sillcock 11 through the actuation assembly 32.

As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the stem 90 includes an interior cavity 140, and a tube 142 extends through the piston 96 between the first end plug 98 and second end plug 99. The tube 142 is received in an aperture 144 extending through the first end plug 98, and is received in an aperture 145 extending through the second end plug 99. The tube 142 allows for communication between the water collection chamber 106 and the interior cavity 140. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2, the interior cavity 140 communicates with an interior cavity 148 formed in the stem coupler 92, and the interior cavity 148 of the stem coupler 92 communicates with the atmosphere via vent holes 150. The vent holes 150 allow water from the water collection chamber 106 to be expelled from the sillcock 11. The vent holes 150 communicate with the threaded aperture 154 in the stem coupler 92. Furthermore, the threaded aperture 154 communicates with the interior cavity 148 via an interconnection cavity 160 formed in the stem coupler 92. As such, the interior cavity 148 communicates with the vent holes 150 via the threaded aperture 154 and the interconnection cavity 160.

The possibly contaminated water from the water collection chamber 106 can be transferred from the tube 142 into the interior cavity 140 and interior cavity 148. Subsequently, the water provided in the interior cavity 148 can be transferred into the threaded aperture 154 via the interconnection cavity 160, and then be expelled from the sillcock 11 through the vent holes 150. As such, the backpressure relief valve 115 relieves backpressure, and, in doing so, allows (through deformation of the o-ring 120) the possibly contaminated water collected between the outer shell 40 and inner shell 42 to be expelled through the actuation assembly 32 to the atmosphere via the vent holes 150, so that such water is prevented from being forced past the check seal 77 and check seal 79.

While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and exemplary embodiments have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising:

a retainer for positioning a cartridge assembly in a sillcock:

the retainer being operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly including a projection;

wherein the retainer includes a passage for detachably interfacing the projection.

3. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the retainer is axially and rotationally positioned relative to the cartridge assembly if the projection interfaces with the passage.

4. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the passage includes a deflectable member operable to maintain the projection in the passage.

5. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the passage includes an axial component and a rotational component.

6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein:

the projection first moves in the axial component of the passage and then moves in the rotational component of the passage if the projection interfaces with the passage.

7. A valve assembly, comprising:

a cartridge assembly; and

a retainer for positioning the cartridge assembly in a sillcock, the retainer being operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly;

wherein:

the cartridge assembly includes an inner shell and an outer shell;

the inner shell includes an inner shell projection;

the outer shell includes: an outer shell passage for detachably interfacing the inner shell projection, and an outer shell projection; and

the retainer includes a retainer passage for detachably interfacing the outer shell projection.

8. The valve assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the inner shell is rotationally positioned relative to the cartridge assembly if the inner shell projection interfaces with the outer shell passage; and

the inner shell and the outer shell are axially and rotationally positioned relative to the retainer if the outer shell projection interfaces with the retainer passage.

9. The valve assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the retainer passage includes a deflectable member operable to maintain the outer shell projection in the retainer passage.

10. The valve assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the retainer passage includes an axial component and a rotational component.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein:

the outer shell projection first moves in the axial component of the retainer passage and then moves in the rotational component of the retainer passage if the outer shell projection interfaces with the retainer passage.

12. A sillcock, comprising:

a valve body;

a valve assembly disposed within the valve body, the valve assembly including a cartridge assembly; and

a retainer for positioning the cartridge assembly in the sillcock;

the retainer being operable to detachably interface with the cartridge assembly.

13. The sillcock of claim 12, wherein:

the cartridge assembly includes a projection;

the retainer includes a passage for detachably interfacing the projection, and

the retainer is axially and rotationally positioned relative to the cartridge assembly if the projection interfaces with the passage.

14. The sillcock of claim 13, wherein:

the passage includes a deflectable member operable to maintain the projection in the passage.

15. The sillcock of claim 13, wherein:

the passage includes an axial component and a rotational component; and

the projection first moves in the axial component of the passage and then moves in the rotational component of the passage if the projection interfaces with the passage.

16. The sillcock of claim 12, wherein:

the cartridge assembly includes an inner shell and an outer shell;

the inner shell includes an inner shell projection;

the outer shell includes: an outer shell passage for detachably interfacing the inner shell projection, and an outer shell projection;

the retainer includes a retainer passage for detachably interfacing the outer shell projection;

the inner shell is rotationally positioned relative to the cartridge assembly if the inner shell projection interfaces with the outer shell passage; and

the inner shell and the outer shell are axially and rotationally positioned relative to the retainer if the outer shell projection interfaces with the retainer passage.

17. The sillcock of claim 16, wherein:

the retainer passage includes a deflectable member operable to maintain the outer shell projection in the retainer passage.

18. The sillcock of claim 17, wherein:

the retainer passage includes an axial component and a rotational component; and

the outer shell projection first moves in the axial component of the retainer passage and then moves in the rotational component of the retainer passage if the outer shell projection interfaces with the retainer passage.

19. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein:

the cartridge assembly detachably interfaces with the retainer before the cartridge assembly and the retainer are positioned in the sillcock.

20. The valve assembly of claim 19, wherein:

the interface between the cartridge assembly and the retainer is detached after the cartridge assembly and the retainer are removed from the sillcock.