Mushroom for valve, valve and method for regulating fluid flow through the valve

Abstract

Mushroom (10) for use in a valve assembly, including: a nose portion (12); an annular portion (14); and a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls connecting the annular portion (14) to the nose portion (12), where the plurality of walls define a first plurality of independent openings situated between the nose portion (12) and the annular portion (14). Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Mushroom for valve, valve and method for regulating fluid flow through the valve

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[0002] This application claims priority from the following applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,486 filed on June 28, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,925 filed on June 28, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 754,196 filed on February 5, 2025.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a mushroom for use in a valve and a valve with the mushroom of this disclosure. Various embodiments of this disclosure also relate to a method of regulating fluid flow through a valve with the mushroom of this disclosure.

[0005] Fluid flow control assemblies, whether valves, flow restrictors, or variable flow restrictors, require at least two components that must be assembled together. Fluid flow control assemblies include at least one inlet and at least one outlet that are in fluidic communication with each other under certain operating conditions, and at least one inlet and at least one outlet that are not in fluidic communication with each other under other operating conditions. To ensure the aforementioned fluidic communication, or its absence, the fluid flow control assemblies include a first component and a second component that is movable within the first component.

[0006] As the fluid flows through the assembly, disturbances may occur in the fluid flow. Consequently, it is desirable to provide a device to minimize disturbances in the fluid flow through the assembly and / or to regulate the fluid flow through the assembly.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] A mushroom for use in a valve assembly is disclosed, which mushroom includes: a nose portion; an annular portion; and a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls connecting the annular portion to the nose portion, where the plurality of walls define a first plurality of independent openings situated between the nose portion and the annular portion.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the nose portion is curved or conical in shape to provide a sealing surface.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the first plurality of independent openings are located at the sides of the mushroom.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the first plurality of independent openings are each fluidly isolated from each other.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, each of the plurality of walls extends from the annular part to reach an internal surface of the nose part.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the plurality of walls are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality of independent openings are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, a plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings and the second plurality of independent openings.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the plurality of walls are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality of independent openings are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, a plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings and the second plurality of independent openings, the plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are each fluidically isolated from each other.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, an outer periphery of the annular part is larger than the outermost periphery of the nose part.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the plurality of walls are equally spaced from each other at an external periphery of the mushroom.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the plurality of walls are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality of independent openings are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part and the plurality of walls are spaced equally apart from each other at an external periphery of the mushroom so that the first plurality of independent openings comprises four independent openings of equal size and the second plurality of independent openings comprises four independent openings of equal size.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the mushroom is formed from a polymer.

[0021] A valve assembly for the flow of fluid through it is also disclosed, which assembly includes: a housing defining an internal cavity, the housing having a wall portion extending from an end portion of the housing, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity; a mushroom, the mushroom including: a nose portion; an annular portion; and a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls connecting the annular portion to the nose portion, the plurality of walls defining a first plurality of independent openings situated between the nose portion and the annular portion, where the mushroom is movably retained in the internal cavity of the housing for movement between a first position where the mushroom seals an opening in the end portion of the housing and at least a second position where the opening in the end portion of the housing is not sealed by the mushroom.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, a stressing element is provided to maintain the mushroom in the first position.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the valve assembly is a non-return valve.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the first plurality of independent openings are located at the sides of the mushroom and each of the plurality of walls extends from the annular part until reaching an internal surface of the nose part, and the plurality of walls are spaced apart from each other. so that a second plurality of independent openings are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, a plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings and the second plurality of independent openings.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the wall part has an outwardly flared portion extending away from the internal cavity at an open end of the housing, the open end being opposite the end part of the housing, the wall part having a corrugation near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity.

[0027] A method for reducing turbulence in a mushroom of a valve assembly is also disclosed, which method includes: the movable localization of a mushroom in an internal cavity of a valve assembly housing, the mushroom being capable of moving between a first position in which the mushroom seals an opening in an end portion of the housing and at least a second position in which the opening in the end portion of the housing is not sealed by the mushroom, the mushroom including: a nose portion; an annular portion; and a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls connecting the annular portion to the nose portion, where the plurality of walls define a first plurality of independent openings located between the nose portion and the annular portion,The first plurality of independent openings are located at the sides of the mushroom, and each of the plurality of walls extends from the annular part until it reaches an internal surface of the nose part. The plurality of walls are spaced apart from each other such that a second plurality of independent openings is defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part. A plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings and the second plurality of independent openings, where fluid flow through the valve assembly occurs when the mushroom is in the second position, and fluid flow through the valve assembly passes through a plurality of independent fluid flow paths. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The following descriptions should not be considered exhaustive in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, similar elements have the same numbering:

[0029] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in accordance with this disclosure;

[0030] The [Fig.2] is one side of a fluid flow limiting element or mushroom according to this disclosure;

[0031] The [Fig.3] is a top view of a fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in accordance with this disclosure;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow limiting element or mushroom along lines 4-4 of [Fig.3] in accordance with this disclosure;

[0033] The [Fig.5] is a side view of a housing in which the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom according to this disclosure is received in a movable manner;

[0034] The [Fig.6] is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in accordance with this disclosure;

[0035] The [Fig.7] is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in a first position or a closed position in accordance with this disclosure;

[0036] The [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in a second position or an open position in accordance with this disclosure;

[0037] The [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly without the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in accordance with this disclosure;

[0038] The [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in a first position or a closed position according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] The [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in a second position or an open position according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] The [Fig. 12] is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly inserted in a conduit with the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom in a first position or a closed position according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly inserted into a conduit with the fluid flow restrictor element or mushroom in a second position or an open position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly inserted into a conduit with the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom according to another alternative embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly inserted in a housing with the fluid flow restrictor element according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is presented here by way of non-limiting example with reference to the figures.

[0045] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fluid flow limiting element or a single mushroom 10 having a tapered mushroom design, with flow vanes 16, which reduce turbulence and thus increase the fluid flow through the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10. The fluid flow through the limiting element or mushroom 10 can vary depending on the dimensions of the limiting element or mushroom 10. For example, the diameter and length of the limiting element or mushroom 10 can be increased or decreased.

[0046] With reference now to at least [Fig. 1] to 4, a fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10, as described in this disclosure, is illustrated. In a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 is used in a valve, a check valve, a mushroom valve, or a valve assembly 30.

[0047] The fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 includes a nose portion 12 connected to an annular portion 14 by a plurality of walls or flow vanes 16. The nose portion is curved or conical in shape to provide a sealing surface. The plurality of walls or flow vanes 16 define a plurality of independent openings or a first plurality of independent openings 18 located between the nose portion 12 and the annular portion 14. The plurality of independent openings or a first plurality of independent openings 18 are located at the sides of the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the curved or conical sealing surface of the nose portion 12 transitions to a flat or uncurved surface 17 that terminates at the periphery of the plurality of independent openings. or the first plurality of independent openings 18. Alternatively, the curved or conical sealing surface of the nose part 12 extends to the periphery of the plurality of independent openings or the first plurality of independent openings 18.

[0048] The plurality of independent openings or the first plurality of independent openings 18 are each fluidically isolated from one another. Each of the walls or flow vanes 16 extends from the annular portion 14 to an internal surface 19 of the nose portion 12. Furthermore, the walls or flow vanes 16 are spaced from one another such that a plurality of independent openings or a second plurality of independent openings 20 are defined between the walls or flow vanes 16 and the annular portion 14. The plurality of independent openings or the second plurality of independent openings 20 are each also fluidically isolated from one another. As such, a plurality of independent fluid paths 22 are defined by the fluid flow-limiting element or the mushroom 10.The plurality of independent fluid paths 22 through the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10 are each isolated from each other as they pass through the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an outer periphery of the annular portion 14 is larger than the outermost periphery of the nose portion 12, so that, when the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10 is movablely received in a housing, space is provided to permit fluid flow through the openings 18. As used here, the independent openings 18 refer to the openings 18 that are not in fluidic communication with each other within the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10.As used here, the independent openings 20 also refer to the openings 20 that are not in fluidic communication with each other inside the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10.

[0049] By providing a plurality of independent fluid flow paths 22 through the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10, the turbulence within the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is reduced, as the independent fluid flow paths 22 through the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 do not rejoin until they have left the apex or an end 23 of the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10. As such, the reduction of turbulence in the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 increases the fluid flow through the element. fluid flow limitation or mushroom 10. As used here, independent fluid flow paths 22 refer to flow paths 22 that are not in fluidic communication with each other inside the fluid flow limitation element or mushroom 10.

[0050] For example, and given that the fluid flows into the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 by passing through the plurality of independent openings or a first plurality of independent openings 18, the vanes or walls 16 reduce the turbulence created by the fluid flow as they prevent the independent fluid flow paths 22 from interfering with each other inside the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10.Furthermore, and given that the walls or blades 16 essentially define separate cavities in the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10, each of the separate cavities is smaller than if there were only one internal cavity in the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 which was in fluidic communication with multiple openings 18 located between the nose part 12 and the annular part 14.

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, the walls or flow vanes 16 are equally spaced from each other at the outer periphery of the fluid flow-limiting element or the mushroom 10. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the walls or flow vanes 16 are equally spaced from each other at the outer periphery of the fluid flow-limiting element or the mushroom 10, and four independent openings 18 and 20 of equal size are provided. Of course, the number and size of the openings 18 and 20 may vary, and these openings 18 and 20 may have different sizes relative to each other, instead of being identical.

[0052] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is formed from a polymer or equivalents thereof. For example, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 may be formed by an injection molding process.

[0053] With reference now to at least [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 9], an assembly 30 of the present disclosure is illustrated. As used herein, "assembly" refers to at least two components assembled together in accordance with this disclosure. Here, one of the two components is the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10. The assembly 30 defines a fluid flow path through the assembly 30 that can be restricted, closed, or open depending on the states at opposite ends of the fluid flow path through the assembly 30. In other words, and as discussed herein, the assembly 30 can be a fluid flow restrictor that allows a limited amount of fluid flow in a first state or position and a A greater quantity of fluid flow in a second state or position. In one embodiment, the first state or position may always allow some fluid flow through the assembly, or alternatively, the first state or position may prevent any fluid flow. As used here, "fluid" means any liquid, gas, or other flowable material, or combinations thereof, that can move or deform continuously under shear stress or an applied external force.

[0054] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the assembly 30 includes a housing or body 32 and the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 as illustrated at least in [Fig. 1] to 4. The housing or body 32 defines an internal cavity 34 in which the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 is movablely received. The housing or body 32 has a wall portion 36 extending from an end portion 38 of the housing or body 32. The end portion 38 defines at least one opening 39 that is sealed and unsealed by the nose portion 12 of the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10. At an opposite end from the end portion 38 of the housing or body 32, an insert 40 is located in the internal cavity 34 of the housing or body 32.The insert 40 is fixed to the housing or body 32 after the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is located in the internal cavity 34.

[0055] The insert 40 is fixed to the housing or body 32 by any suitable method such as, but not limited to, crimping and / or tight fitting and once fixed to the housing or body 32, the insert 40 prevents the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 from being removed from the internal cavity 34 while also allowing the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 to move between at least the first position (see at least [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7] where the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 prevents fluid flow through the assembly 10 and the second position (see at least [Fig. 8]) where the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 allows fluid flow through the assembly 10.

[0056] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure and with reference now to at least [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 9], the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is stressed in a first state or the first position by a stressing element or a spring 4L. Alternatively, the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 can be held in the first state or the first position solely by a pressure difference on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 or a combination of the pressure difference on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 and the stressing force. of the stressing element or spring 41. In both cases and in a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the insert 40 provides a reaction surface 43 for the stressing element or spring 41 in the assembly 30 with the stressing element or the insert 40 provides the reaction surface 43 for the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 in the assembly 30 without the stressing element or spring 41.

[0057] With reference now at least to [Fig. 10] to 14, yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Here, the wall portion 36 of the housing or body 32 has an outwardly flared portion 42 extending away from the internal cavity 34 at an open end 44 of the body 12. In one embodiment, the outwardly flared portion 22 is located at a distal end of the wall portion 36 of the housing or body 32.

[0058] The open end 44 being opposite the end part 38 of the housing or body 32. The wall part 36 having at least one corrugation 46 or a plurality of corrugations 46 in the vicinity of the outwardly flared part 42, the at least one corrugation 46 or the plurality of corrugations 46 extend towards the internal cavity 34. In other words, the outwardly flared part 42 and the at least one corrugation or the plurality of corrugations 46 extend in opposite directions.

[0059] According to various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, the body or housing 32, including the wall portion 36 and / or the end portion 38, defines a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body. According to one non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, and with particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 14, the body or housing 32, including the wall portion 36 and / or the end portion 38, is formed from metal or alloy, such as steel or stainless steel. Of course, other materials are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure, provided they can be deviated from and formed as described herein.

[0060] According to various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of separate undulations 46 are provided in the wall portion 36 or the undulation is a single undulation 46 which circumscribes or extends around the internal periphery of the internal cavity 34 defined by the wall portion 36.

[0061] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is movablely received in the internal cavity 34 for movement between at least a first position (see at least [Fig. 10], 12 and 14) in which the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity 34 and a second position (see at least [Fig. 11] and 13) in which the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 permits or increases fluid flow through the internal cavity 34.

[0062] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, at least one undulation or plurality of undulations 46 are formed in the wall portion 36 of the body 32 after the insertion of the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 into the internal cavity 34. At least one undulation 46 or plurality of undulations 46 extend into the internal cavity 34 and the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 and at least one undulation 46 or plurality of undulations 46 prevent the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 from being completely dislodged from the internal cavity 34 after the formation of at least one undulation 46 or plurality of undulations 46 in the wall portion 36 of the body 32.

[0063] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid flow restrictor element or mushroom 10 is retained in the internal cavity 34 by a stop element 48, which is also inserted into the internal cavity 34 before the formation of at least one undulation 46 or the plurality of undulations 46 in the wall portion 36 of the body 32. In a non-limiting embodiment, the stop element 48 is a circular element or a disc having an external dimension or diameter that is slightly smaller than an internal dimension or diameter of the internal cavity, and the stop element 48 has at least one internal opening 50 to allow fluid flow through it. In the embodiment illustrated at least in [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 9], the insert 40 has at least one opening 50 ensuring fluid communication in the internal cavity 34.

[0064] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, and referring now at least to [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 14], the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 is stressed in a first state or position by the stressing element or spring 41. It should be noted that the stressing element or spring 41 is not always shown in the accompanying figures. Alternatively, the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 can be held in the first state or position solely by a pressure difference on opposite sides of the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10, or a combination of the pressure difference on opposite sides of the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 and the stressing force of the stressing element or spring 41.In both cases and in a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the stop element 38 or the insert 40 provides a reaction surface for the stressing element or the spring 41 in the assembly 30 with the stressing element or the spring 41 or a surface of . reaction for the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 in the assembly 30 without the stressing element or spring 41.

[0065] As illustrated, the end portion 38 of the body 32 includes the opening 39. The opening 39 shown in the embodiment of [Fig. 10] to 15 is, in a non-limiting embodiment, formed in the end portion 38 by a stamping process or step. Alternatively, and in the embodiment of at least [Fig. 5] to 9, the opening 39 in the end portion can be formed by a molding process used to form the end portion of the housing or body 32. The opening 39 is configured to be sealed or partially closed by the fluid flow restrictor or the mushroom 10 when the fluid flow restrictor or the mushroom 10 is in the first position or state.

[0066] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 completely seals the opening 39 when it is in the first position. For example, and as illustrated at least in [Fig. 1], 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 has a sealing portion or a nose portion 12 which completely seals the opening 39 when the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is in the first position.

[0067] In one embodiment, and when the assembly 30 does not include a stressing element or a spring 41, the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is held in the first position or moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa by a difference in fluid flow pressures acting on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10.

[0068] For example, when the fluid flow pressure or fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on one side of the end portion 38 that is opposite the internal cavity 34 is greater than the fluid flow pressure or fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on one side of the end portion 38 that faces the internal cavity 34, the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 will move in the direction of the arrow 52 away from the first position, so that the sealing portion or the nose portion 12 is no longer placed around the opening 39. In other words, the sealing portion or the nose portion 12 of the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 has a contact surface 54 that seals the opening 39 when the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is in the first position.In a non-limiting embodiment, the contact surface 54 has a curved surface in order to. to facilitate sealing of the opening 39 when the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is in the first position.

[0069] Conversely, when the fluid flow pressure or fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on one side of the end portion 38 opposite the internal cavity 34, is less than the fluid flow pressure or fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on one side of the end portion 38 facing the internal cavity 34, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 will move in the direction of arrow 56 towards the first position so that the sealing portion or nose portion 12 is placed around the opening 39. In other words, the sealing portion or nose portion 12 of the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 has a contact surface 54 that seals the opening 39 when the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is in the first position.For example, and when the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 is in a second position or any position other than the first position when the sealing part or nose part 12 is not placed around the opening 39 and the aforementioned differences in fluid flow pressures occur on opposite sides of the sealing part or nose part 12, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 will be moved from a position or second position where fluid flow is allowed through assembly 30 to the first position where the sealing part or nose part 12 is placed around the opening 39.

[0070] As mentioned previously and in a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 is held in the first position by a flexural force of the spring or the flexural element 41 in the direction of the arrow 56. In this embodiment, and in order to move the fluid flow limiting element or the mushroom 10 in the direction of the arrow 52 away from the first position, the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 38 that is opposite the internal cavity 34 must be greater than the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 38 that faces the internal cavity 34 and the flexural force of the spring or the flexural element 41 in the direction of the arrow 56.

[0071] In a non-limiting alternative embodiment, the fluid flow limiting element or mushroom 10 defines a cavity (not shown) to retain a part or an end of the stressing element 41 within it.

[0072] Alternatively, and as illustrated in [Fig. 14], the sealing portion or the nose portion 12 may have an opening 57 or a plurality of openings 57 extending through it. In this embodiment, the opening 57 or the plurality of openings 57 always provide a fluid flow path through the sealing portion or the nose portion 12, regardless of the position of the fluid flow restrictor element or the mushroom 10.In other words, assembly 30 can be called flow-limiting assembly 30 as long as there is always flow through assembly 30 (e.g., a lower flow rate when the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10 is in the first position and a higher flow rate when the fluid flow-limiting element or mushroom 10 is moved away from the first position to the second position due to an increase in delta P (AP) as the system pressure increases.

[0073] Alternatively, and as previously mentioned, the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 in one embodiment does not have an opening 57 or a plurality of openings 57. As such, and in this embodiment, fluid flow through the assembly 30 occurs only when the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 is in the second position, or when the fluid flow restrictor or mushroom 10 is moved from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, the assembly 30 may be called a valve, valve assembly, or check valve.

[0074] As mentioned above and in some embodiments, the wall portion 36 has an outwardly flared portion 42 that extends away from the internal cavity 34 at an open end 44 of the body 32. The outwardly flared portion 42 circumscribes the entire periphery of the open end 44 of the body 32 and the outwardly flared portion 42 extends further from the wall portion 36. This allows the outwardly flared portion 42 to retain the assembly 30 in a conduit or pipe 58 (see at least [Fig. 12] and 13) or an opening 70 in a wall 72 (see [Fig. 15]) of a housing 74 that defines a cavity 76 of the housing 74.As such, the assembly 30, when inserted into the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72 in the direction of the arrows 78, the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 42 will engage with a surface 80 of the conduit or pipe 58 or of an opening 70 in the wall 72 in order to retain the assembly 30 in the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72. In one embodiment, the conduit or pipe 58 is made of rubber, plastic, nylon, or any material that can be engaged by the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 42 when inserted into it.

[0075] As illustrated, the body 32 and / or the end portion 38 that defines a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body 32 has a dimension that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72, so that the assembly 30 can be inserted and slid into it in the direction of the arrow 78 during the installation of the valve in the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72, and then the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 42 will engage with the surface 80 of the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72 in order to retain the assembly 30 in its desired position in the conduit or pipe 58 or the opening 70 in the wall 72, as the fluid flow pressures on opposite sides of the assembly 30 vary, thus preventing its removal of the conduit or pipe 58 or of the opening 70 in the wall 72 in a direction opposite to the arrow 78.In other words, the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 42 will allow movement in the direction of arrow 78 during valve installation in conduit or pipe 58 or opening 70 in wall 72 but will prevent movement in the opposite direction to arrow 78 once assembly 30 is in its desired location in conduit or pipe 58 or opening 70 in wall 72.

[0076] Although various configurations of the housing or body 32 are illustrated in the accompanying figures, it is understood that in accordance with this disclosure, the housing or body 32 of the assembly 30 is not specifically limited to the configurations illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0077] The term "approximately" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "approximately" may include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0078] The terminology used herein is intended to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "Ic / la" are understood to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "includes" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0079] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and that some of its elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure will not be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed as the best envisaged means of implementing this disclosure, but will include all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Mushroom (10) for use in a valve assembly, comprising: a nose portion (12); an annular portion (14); and a plurality of walls (16), the plurality of walls (16) connecting the annular portion (14) to the nose portion, where the plurality of walls (16) define a first plurality of independent openings (18) situated between the nose portion (12) and the annular portion (14).

2. Mushroom (10) according to claim 1, wherein the nose portion (12) is curved or conical in shape to provide a sealing surface.

3. Mushroom (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plurality of independent openings (18) are located at the sides of the mushroom.

4. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first plurality of independent openings (18) are each fluidly isolated from each other.

5. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of walls (16) extends from the annular portion (14) until it reaches an internal surface of the portion (12) of

6. link. Mushroom (10) according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of walls (16) are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality of independent openings (20) are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part (14).

7. Mushroom (10) according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of independent fluid flow paths (22) through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings (18) and the second plurality of independent openings (20).

8. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of walls (16) are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality (20) of independent openings are defined between the plurality of walls (16) and the annular part (14).

9. Mushroom (10) according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of independent fluid flow paths (22)

10.

11.

12.

13.

14. through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings (18) and the second plurality of independent openings (20), the plurality of independent fluid flow paths through the mushroom are each fluidly isolated from each other. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an outer periphery of the annular part (14) is larger than the outermost periphery of the nose part (12). Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of walls (16) are equally spaced from each other at an external periphery of the mushroom. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of walls (16) are spaced apart from each other such that a second plurality of independent openings (20) are defined between the plurality of walls (16) and the annular part (14) and the plurality of walls (16) are spaced equally apart from each other at an external periphery of the mushroom such that the first plurality of independent openings (18) comprise four independent openings of equal size and the second plurality of independent openings (20) comprise four independent openings of equal size. Mushroom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mushroom is formed from a polymer. Valve assembly for fluid flow through it, comprising: a housing (32) defining an internal cavity, the housing having a wall portion (36) extending from an end portion of the housing, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity; a mushroom (10), the mushroom (10) including: a part (12) of a nose; an annular part (14); and a plurality of walls (16), the plurality of walls connecting the annular part (14) to the nose part (12), the plurality of walls (16) define a first plurality of independent openings (18) situated between the nose part (12) and the annular part (14), where the mushroom is movably retained in the internal cavity of the housing for a movement between a first position where the mushroom seals an opening in the end part (38) of the housing and at least one second position where the opening in the end part (38) of the housing is not sealed by the mushroom.

15. Valve assembly according to claim 14, further comprising: a stressing element (41) holding the mushroom in the first position.

16. Valve assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the valve assembly is a non-return valve.

17. Valve assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first plurality of independent openings (18) are located at the sides of the mushroom and each of the plurality of walls (16) extends from the annular part (14) to reach an internal surface of the nose part (12) and the plurality of walls (16) are spaced apart from each other so that a second plurality of independent openings (20) are defined between the plurality of walls and the annular part (14).

18. Valve assembly according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of independent fluid flow paths (22) through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings (18) and the second plurality of independent openings (20).

19. Valve assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the wall portion (36) has an outwardly flared portion (42) extending away from the internal cavity at an open end (44) of the housing, the open end being opposite the end portion (38) of the housing, the wall portion having a corrugation (46) near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity.

20. A method for reducing turbulence in a mushroom-shaped element of a valve assembly, comprising: the movable localization of a mushroom-shaped element (10) in an internal cavity of a valve assembly housing, the mushroom-shaped element being capable of moving between a first position in which the mushroom-shaped element seals an opening in an end portion (38) of the housing and at least a second position in which the opening in the end portion of the housing is not sealed by the mushroom-shaped element, the mushroom-shaped element including: a nose portion (12); an annular portion (14); and a plurality of walls (16), the plurality of walls connecting the annular part (14) to the nose part (12), where the plurality of walls (16) define a first plurality of independent openings located between the nose part (12) and the annular part (14), the first plurality of independent openings (18) are located at the sides of the mushroom and each of the plurality of walls extends from the annular part (14) until reaching an internal surface of the nose part (12), and the plurality of walls (16) are spaced from each other such that a second plurality of independent openings (20) are defined between the plurality of walls (16) and the annular part (14), and a plurality of independent fluid flow paths (22) through the mushroom are defined by the first plurality of independent openings (18) and the second plurality of independent openings (20),where the fluid flow through the valve assembly occurs when the mushroom is in the second position and the fluid flow through the valve assembly passes through a plurality of independent fluid flow paths (22).

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