Self-sealing breakaway valve

Abstract

To provide a self-sealing breakaway valve capable of being used in connection with an arbitrary fluid pipe, for example, a fuel pipe.SOLUTION: A self-sealing breakaway valve 10 having a poppet-style design may be made from two body portions 12, 14 coupled together by one or more frangible fastening portions 68 in order to form a flow path through the breakaway valve 10. Each body portion may include a valve mechanism responsive to separation of two body portions 12, 14 from each other to cause closure of the flow path in each of the body portions 12, 14. The valve mechanisms may be releasably coupled together by a coupling key configured to restrict movement of each valve mechanism, and the flow path in the breakaway valve 10 remains open. Upon separation of two body portions 12, 14 from each other, the coupling key allows closure of the flow path, so that the valve mechanism closes the flow path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 145,430, filed on February 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to a self-sealing breakaway valve, more specifically, an axial self-sealing breakaway valve having a poppet-type design.

[0003] Self-closing valve assemblies are generally installed in the fuel piping of an aircraft or other vehicle at locations where the fuel piping may be damaged by a collision or other impact. Without a self-closing valve assembly, a damaged fuel pipe can cause fuel in the fuel pipe and / or the fuel tank connected thereto to leak, causing a fire and / or being the cause of a fire.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 is directed to a breakaway joint including two joint bodies each incorporating a tubular valve member and a nose having an elastomeric ring serving as a seat for cooperating with the corresponding tubular valve member. The two tubular valve members are each biased by a compression spring toward a closed position relative to the corresponding elastomeric ring. The two tubular valve members are normally held in an open position retracted by an abutment against corresponding latch members in the form of an angular trigger, and each tubular valve member is adjacent to the outer edge of the relatively long arm of the angular trigger and presses against the angular trigger against the facing nose of the other joint body. By an initial separation of the joint bodies, the two tubular valve members can slide the relatively long arm of each angular trigger until the relatively long arm can pass through the inner peripheral surface and move freely radially outward, thereby closing the two tubular valve members as a result of the corresponding valve springs.

[0005] Another example is Patent Document 2, which is directed toward a valved, destructible connector including an annular ring, each having a flapper valve, generally of a circular configuration. The flapper valves are held in the open position by a pair of pins having ends that receive into recesses defined in the ring and extending in opposite directions axially. If the connector breaks apart, such as in the case of an aircraft crash, the pins will hang down from their recesses, and the annular ring will be biased to close the flapper valves and create a sealed relationship with the valve base.

[0006] Patent Document 3 relates to a breakaway coupling device including opposing check valves configured to remain open to each other when the female valve body and male valve body are connected to each other. When the female valve body is separated from the male valve body, the check valves no longer make contact, and springs bias each check valve to close.

[0007] Patent Document 4 relates to a joint for connecting fuel or oil tanks, piping, and connectors on helicopters and other aircraft, comprising an elongated body having connectors at opposing ends for securing hose piping, etc., to a fuel tank. The central portion of the body is thin-walled and therefore results in a breakable neck. The body is connected to a rubbery tube extending between it and the connector, the remaining portion of which is fixed to the body by a joint only at its ends, allowing it to stretch freely. A pair of poppet valves adjacent to the connector are fixed to opposing ends of a rubber liner by springs biasing them toward the closed position. However, these valves are held in their open position by a two-piece rod having a splice connected by a shear pin, so that compressive, bending, or shear forces may cause the rod to collapse or move itself away from the valves, thereby closing the valves. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 3,719,194 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 4,090,524 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 5,826,610 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 3,630,214 [Overview of the project]

[0009] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a self-sealing breakaway valve is provided that can be used to connect to any fluid piping, for example, a fuel piping, thereby minimizing or preventing overall leakage of the fluid piping in the event of relative movement of the fluid piping as a result of impact or collision.

[0010] The self-sealing breakaway valve described above can be used for manned or unmanned ground vehicles, aircraft such as airplanes, or fixed fuel supply equipment.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that meets the requirements of FAR CFR Part 25, Part 27, Part 29 and EASA for aircraft.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing valve that cannot be accidentally closed unless the housings are physically separated from each other by at least a certain distance in the axial direction.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve having an axially compressed poppet-type design to reduce the amount of space required for installation so that it can be suitably used in small aircraft.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that has higher spatial and weight efficiency than a flexible hose and better flow efficiency than a relatively long hose.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that can be broken 360° around its longitudinal axis.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve using simple machining so as to be cost-effective in manufacturing.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve having the minimum number of parts.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve with increased torque on the breakable fastening to minimize the effects of pre-applied loads and / or fatigue.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve configured for double or single interruption, which is independent of the direction of the applied load.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that includes a visual indicator indicating whether the self-sealing breakaway valve is in an open configuration or in a closed configuration, i.e., a sealed configuration.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that is conductive through its components.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve with high vibration resistance.

[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable self-sealing breakaway valve for use with flight times exceeding 60,000 hours.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable self-sealing breakaway valve.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve configured for use with end connection portions of different sizes, e.g., a pore size corresponding to 0.50 to 0.75.

[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve configured to accommodate partial separation sealing.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve configured for use with various separation loads and separation modes.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve that enables low turbulence and high flow efficiency.

[0029] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing breakaway valve in which the sealing mechanism is disengaged from the flow path and is not affected by contaminated fuel.

[0030] The above and other objects are obtained through exemplary embodiments of the self-sealing breakaway valve further discussed below.

[0031] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a self-sealing breakaway valve having a poppet design. The breakaway valve is made of two bodies connected to each other by one or more breakable fasteners to form a flow path through the breakaway valve. Each body may include a valve mechanism that responds to the separation of the two bodies to cause closure of the flow path in the respective body. The valve mechanisms are releasably connected to each other by a connecting key configured to restrict the movement of each valve mechanism, so that the flow path in the breakaway valve remains open. When the two bodies are separated from each other, the connecting key can be released from the valve mechanism, which allows closure of the flow path and thereby prevents leakage of fluid from the breakaway valve.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first body having a first connecting end and a first central body, wherein the first connecting end defines a first opening and the first central body is located inside the first body; a second body having a second connecting end and a second central body, wherein the second connecting end defines a second opening and the second central body is located inside the second body; and a first bar movable between the first central body and the first opening. A breakaway valve is provided, comprising: a lubrication mechanism; a second valve mechanism movable between a second central body and a second opening; a first valve spring disposed between the first valve mechanism and the first central body, configured to bias the first valve mechanism toward the first opening; and a second valve spring disposed between the second valve mechanism and the second central body, configured to bias the second valve mechanism toward the second opening.

[0033] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include: a first pin operably connected to a first valve mechanism, the first pin engaged with a first inclined portion located inside a first central body such that movement of the first valve mechanism toward a first opening by a first valve spring results in rotational motion of the first valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism; a second pin operably connected to a second valve mechanism, the second pin engaged with a second inclined portion located inside a second central body such that movement of the second valve mechanism toward a second opening by a second valve spring results in rotational motion of the second valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism; and a connecting key configured to operably engage with the first valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism to suppress rotational motion of the first valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism and rotational motion of the second valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism.

[0034] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a first body and a second body connected to one or more breakable fasteners to define a flow path through the breakaway valve from a first opening to a second opening.

[0035] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a first flange positioned around the outer circumference of the first body in the first body and a second flange positioned around the outer circumference of the second body in the second body.

[0036] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve can be configured such that the first flange and the second flange are connected together by one or more breakable fasteners to the first body and the second body.

[0037] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include at least one recess configured for receiving a coupling key in the first central body, and a notch configured for receiving a coupling key in the first valve mechanism.

[0038] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve can suppress rotational motion of the first valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism when the coupling key is aligned with at least one recess and notch.

[0039] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a second central body having at least one recess configured for receiving a coupling key, and a second valve mechanism having a notch configured for receiving a coupling key.

[0040] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve can suppress rotational motion of the second valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism when the coupling key is aligned with at least one recess and notch.

[0041] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a cam engagement between a first pin and a first inclined portion such that the first pin follows the outer surface of the first inclined portion in order to impart rotational motion to the first valve mechanism.

[0042] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a cam engagement between a second pin and a second inclined portion such that the second pin follows the outer surface of the second inclined portion in order to impart rotational motion to the second valve mechanism.

[0043] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a first face seal positioned between a first opening and a first valve mechanism, the first valve mechanism being configured to cause closure of the flow path when biased by a first valve spring to collide with the first face seal.

[0044] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a second face seal positioned between a second opening and a second valve mechanism, the second valve mechanism being configured to cause closure of the flow path when biased by a second valve spring to collide with the second face seal.

[0045] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a first valve spring configured to move the first valve mechanism linearly along the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism, and a second valve spring configured to move the second valve mechanism linearly along the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism.

[0046] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve can suppress linear movement of the first valve mechanism by engagement between a first pin and a first inclined portion when the linking key is operably engaged with the first valve mechanism, and can suppress linear movement of the second valve mechanism by engagement between a second pin and a second inclined portion when the linking key is operably engaged with the second valve mechanism.

[0047] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a coupling key configured to disengage from the first valve mechanism when the first body is separated from the second body.

[0048] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a coupling key configured to disengage from the second valve mechanism when the second body is separated from the first body.

[0049] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a coupling key configured to disengage from at least one recess and / or notch when the first body is separated from the second body.

[0050] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a coupling key configured to disengage from at least one recess and / or notch when the second body is separated from the first body.

[0051] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve allows for rotational motion of the first valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism and biasing the first valve mechanism toward the first opening by a first valve spring, by disengaging a coupling key with at least one recess and / or notch.

[0052] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve allows for rotational motion of the second valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism and biasing the second valve mechanism toward the second opening by a second valve spring, by disengaging a coupling key with at least one recess and / or notch.

[0053] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a first pop-up visible indicator that is movable between an upwardly extended position of the first body and a downwardly retracted position of the first body.

[0054] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may include a second pop-up visible indicator that is movable between an upwardly extended position of the second body and a downwardly retracted position of the second body.

[0055] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a first pop-up visible indicator configured to be in an extended position when a first valve spring moves a first valve member toward a first opening.

[0056] According to the above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the breakaway valve may have a second pop-up visible indicator configured to be in an extended position when a second valve spring moves a second valve member toward a second opening.

[0057] For a more complete understanding of the features and objectives of the present invention, refer to the following detailed description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary self-sealing breakaway valve according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary self-sealing breakaway valve of Figure 1 in its open configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary self-sealing breakaway valve of Figure 1 in its closed configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary self-sealing breakaway valve of Figure 1 in its closed configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary body of the self-sealing breakaway valve described above. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary main body of Figure 5, with some elements removed for clarity. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary main body of Figure 5, with some elements removed for clarity. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged front view of the exemplary main body of Figure 5, with some elements removed for clarity. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve mechanism of the self-sealing breakaway valve described above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary main body shown in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] The present invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0060] Now, with reference to Figures 1-10, an exemplary breakaway valve, typically indicated by reference numeral 10, is described therein. The breakaway valve 10 may include a first body 12 and a second body 14 configured to be operably connected to form the breakaway valve 10. The first body 12 may include a connecting end 16 having an opening 18 formed therein and a structure 20, such as a thread, for joining the first body 12 to a pipe, hose, piping, etc. (not shown) directly or indirectly using fasteners, connectors, etc. (not shown). The first body 12 may also include a flange 22 extending circumferentially around the first body 12 and a central body 24 formed inside the first body 12. The central body 24 may be formed so that fluid can enter through the opening 18 of the connecting end 16 or exit through the opening 18 and pass through the first body 12. In other words, the central body 24 does not completely obstruct the flow of fluid into the first body portion 12 and may be, for example, a cylindrical structure located inside the first body portion 12. The central body 24 may include one or more recesses 25 formed therein. The recesses 25 may be arranged to face each other radially. The first body portion 12 may also include a flow guide 26 arranged to form a suitable flow path for transitions between the connecting end 16 and the internal region of the first body portion 12. The first body portion 12 may further include a valve mechanism 28 located inside the central body 24. The valve mechanism 28 may include a notch 29 formed at one end thereof, which may be arranged to align with one or more recesses 25 of the central body 24. The valve mechanism 28 may be operably connected to a valve spring 30 configured to bias the valve mechanism 28 in a direction away from the central body 24 and toward the opening 18 of the connecting end 16. The pin 31 and the inclined portion 33 mechanism may be used to serve as guides for the movement of the valve mechanism 28 relative to the central body 24. The first body portion 12 may also include a surface seal 32 positioned adjacent to the opening 18 of the connecting end 16.The face seal 32 is positioned and sized to form a sealing engagement with the valve mechanism 28 when the valve mechanism 28 is biased toward the connecting end 16 by the valve spring 30. The valve mechanism 28 may include an annular extension 34 positioned to operably engage with a pop-up visible indicator 36. The pop-up visible indicator 36 is positioned inside the central body 24 and may include a foot 38 that engages with the annular extension 34 of the valve mechanism 28. A visible indicator spring 40 is also positioned inside the central body 24 and is configured to bias the pop-up visible indicator 36 toward away from the valve mechanism 28.

[0061] Now, referring to Figures 1-4, the second body portion 14, similar in configuration to the first body portion 12, may include a connecting end 42 having an opening 44 formed therein and a structure 46, such as a screw thread, for joining the second body portion 14 to a pipe, hose, piping, etc. (not shown) directly or indirectly using fasteners, connectors, etc. (not shown). The second body portion 14 may also include a flange 48 extending circumferentially around the second body portion 14 and a central body 50 formed inside the second body portion 14. The central body 50 may be formed so that fluid can enter through the opening 44 of the connecting end 42 or exit through the opening 44 and pass through the second body portion 14. In other words, the central body 50 may not completely obstruct the flow of fluid into the second body portion 14 and may be, for example, a cylindrical structure located inside the second body portion 14. The central body 50 may include one or more recesses 51 formed therein. The recesses 51 may be arranged to face each other radially. The second body 14 may also include a flow guide 52 arranged to form a suitable flow path (low pressure drop) for transitions between the connecting end 42 and the internal region of the second body 14. The second body 14 may further include a valve mechanism 54 located inside the central body 50. The valve mechanism 54 may include a notch 55 formed at one end thereof, which may be arranged to align with one or more recesses 51 of the central body 50. The valve mechanism 54 may be operably connected to a valve spring 56 configured to bias the valve mechanism 54 away from the central body 50 and toward the opening 44 of the connecting end 42. The pin 57 and the inclined portion 59 mechanism may be used to serve as guides for the movement of the valve mechanism 54 relative to the central body 50. The second body 14 may also include a face seal 58 located adjacent to the opening 44 of the connecting end 42. The face seal 58 is positioned and sized to form a sealed engagement with the valve mechanism 54 when the valve mechanism 54 is biased toward the connecting end 42 by the valve spring 56. The valve mechanism 54 may include an annular extension 60 that is operably arranged to engage with a pop-up visible indicator 62.The pop-up visible indicator 62 is located inside the central body 50 and may include a foot 64 that engages with the annular extension 60 of the valve mechanism 54. A visible indicator spring 66 is also located inside the central body 50 and is configured to bias the pop-up visible indicator 62 away from the valve mechanism 54.

[0062] Referring further to Figures 1-4, the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 of the breakaway valve 10 may be joined to each other by one or more breakable fasteners 68 that join the flanges 22, 48 of the respective body portions 12, 14. The one or more breakable fasteners 68 may be screws, bolts, studs, etc., and may be configured to pass through the flanges 22, 48 or to pass directly into one of the flanges 22, 48. The one or more breakable fasteners 68 may be positioned at desired locations around the outer circumferences of the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 on the flanges 22, 48 to securely fasten the first body portion 12 to the second body portion 14. One or more partial separation seals 70 may be positioned between the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14. The first valve mechanism 28 of the first body portion 12 may be breakably connected to the valve mechanism 54 of the second body portion 14 by a connecting key 72. The connecting key 72 is configured to engage with notches 29, 55 of valve mechanisms 28, 54, and also to engage with one or more recesses 22, 51 of central bodies 24, 50. Further as will be discussed below, the connecting key 72 joins valve mechanism 28 together with valve mechanism 54 and maintains valve mechanisms 28, 54 in the open configuration against the biasing force of valve springs 30, 56. In the open configuration, the connecting key 72 prevents valve mechanisms 28 and 48 from separating from each other as a result of restricting the rotation of valve mechanisms 28, 54, so that the movement of valve mechanisms 28, 54 is constrained by the interaction of their respective pins 31, 57 and inclined portions 39, 59, as will be further described below.

[0063] Now, with reference to Figures 2-10, exemplary operation and use of the breakaway valve 10 will be discussed. While only the first body 12 and its parts are shown in Figures 5-10, the corresponding elements of the second body 14 are not specifically shown in Figures 5-10, but it is understood that the corresponding elements of the second body 14 interact and operate in the same manner. The breakaway valve 10 can be installed in the fuel piping (not shown) of a land vehicle or aircraft, for example, an airplane, by attaching the connecting end 16 of the first body 12 to the end of the fuel piping through the mechanism 20 and the connecting end 42 of the second body 14 to the other end of the fuel piping through the mechanism 46, so as to provide an uninterrupted flow of fuel. It is understood that fuel can flow into or out of either the connecting ends 16 or 42, and that the breakaway valve 10 is not limited to any particular direction of fuel flow. In other words, the direction of flow through the breakaway valve 10 is interchangeable. The breakaway valve 10 can generally be configured between an open configuration, as shown in Figure 2, for example, and a closed configuration, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In the open configuration (see Figure 2), the valve mechanisms 28 and 54 are held together by the connecting key 72 so that fuel or other liquid can flow through the breakaway valve 10, spaced apart from their respective surface seals 32 and 58. When the valve mechanisms 28 and 54 are held by the connecting key 72, the fuel or other liquid is not obstructed by either of the valve mechanisms 28 or 54.

[0064] The retention of the valve mechanism 28 of the first body 12 by the connecting key 72 will be discussed in more detail, with particular reference to Figures 5-10. The retention of the valve mechanism 54 of the second body 14 by the connecting key 72 is understood to work in a similar manner. When the connecting key 72 engages with the notch 29 of the valve mechanism 28 and one or more recesses 25 of the central body 24, the rotational movement of the valve mechanism 28 around its longitudinal axis is suppressed. As a result, the pin 31 cannot move along the inclined portion 33, since any further movement of the pin 31 requires the rotational movement of the valve mechanism 28, and consequently the valve mechanism 28 is held spaced apart from the surface seal 32 despite the biasing force of the valve spring 30.

[0065] In the closed configuration (Figures 3 and 4), an external load acting on the breakaway valve 10, for example due to impact, causes one or more breakable fasteners 68 to break, resulting in at least partial separation of the first body 12 from the second body 14. Since the breakable fasteners 68 no longer hold the flanges 22 and 48 together, a force is applied to the connecting key 72 as a result of the separation of the first body 12 from the second body 14, leading to the separation of the connecting key 72 from one or both of the valve mechanisms 24 and 54. This separation of the connecting key 72 disengages it from the recesses 25, 51 and the notches 29, 55. With the connecting key 72 no longer hindering the equivalent movement of the pins 31, 57 along the rotational and inclined portions 33, 59 of the valve mechanisms 28, 54, the valve springs 30, 56 bias the valve mechanisms 28, 54 in opposite directions toward their respective connecting ends 16, 42. The valve mechanisms 28, 54 are then further biased to make sealing contact with their respective face seals 32, 58 so that the breakaway valve 10 is in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the flow of fuel or other liquid is obstructed. In this way, the breakaway valve 10 prevents leakage and / or outflow of fuel or other liquid, which results from an impact force sufficient to separate the first body 12 from the second body 14 with a sufficient gap, for example, only 0.03 inches, to disengage the coupling key 72 from the notches 29, 55 of the valve mechanisms 28, 54.

[0066] Now, referring to Figures 3 and 4, when the breakaway valve 10 is in the closed configuration, the pop-up visible indicators 32 and 62 extend above the first body 12 and above the second body 14. In the open configuration (Figure 2), the annular extensions 34 and 62 of the valve mechanisms 28 and 54 engage with the feet 38 and 64 of the pop-up visible indicators 32 and 62 to hold them below the first body 12 and the second body 14. When the valve springs 30 and 56 bias the valve mechanism 28 and 54 away from the pop-up visible indicators 32 and 62, the annular extensions 34 and 62 are disengaged from the feet 38 and 64, and the visible indicator springs 40 and 66 bias the pop-up visible indicators 32 and 62 upward of the first body 12 and the second body 14 to indicate that the breakaway valve 10 is in the closed configuration.

[0067] Therefore, it is understood that the objectives described above among those revealed in the foregoing description are fully achieved, and that certain modifications can be made within the foregoing description without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, all matters included in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. It is understood that all accompanying drawings and the accompanying descriptive discussions of the corresponding embodiments are not to be claimed to represent a fully strict treatment of the invention under consideration. The above arrangements are understood to be merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Various improvements and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. It is a breakaway valve, A first main body having a first connecting end and a first central body, wherein the first connecting end defines a first opening and the first central body is located inside the first main body, A second body portion is destructibly connected to the first body portion and has a second connecting end and a second central body, wherein the second connecting end defines a second opening and the second central body is located inside the second body portion, A first valve mechanism movable between the first central body and the first opening, A second valve mechanism movable between the second central body and the second opening, A first valve spring disposed between the first valve mechanism and the first central body, configured to bias the first valve mechanism toward the first opening, A second valve spring disposed between the second valve mechanism and the second central body, configured to bias the second valve mechanism toward the second opening, A first pin operably connected to the first valve mechanism, the first pin engaging with a first inclined portion located inside the first central body such that the movement of the first valve mechanism toward the first opening by the first valve spring results in rotational motion of the first valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism, A second pin operably connected to the second valve mechanism, the second pin engaging with a second inclined portion located inside the second central body, configured such that the movement of the second valve mechanism toward the second opening by the second valve spring results in rotational motion of the second valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism; A connecting key configured to operably engage with the first valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism in order to suppress the rotational motion of the first valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism and the rotational motion of the second valve mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism, A breakaway valve equipped with this feature.

2. In order to define a flow path through the breakaway valve from the first opening to the second opening, the first body and the second body are connected to each other by one or more breakable fasteners. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

3. The first main body portion comprises a first flange arranged around the outer circumference of the first main body portion, The second main body comprises a second flange arranged around the outer circumference of the second main body, The first flange and the second flange are configured to connect the first body and the second body together by one or more destructible fastenings. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

4. The first central body is configured for receiving the connecting key and has at least one recess, The first valve mechanism includes a notch configured for receiving the coupling key, When the connecting key is aligned with the at least one recess and the notch, the rotational movement of the first valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism is suppressed. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

5. The second central body comprises at least one recess configured for receiving the connecting key, The second valve mechanism comprises a notch configured for receiving the coupling key, When the connecting key is aligned with the at least one recess and the notch, the rotational movement of the second valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism is suppressed. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

6. The first pin and the first inclined portion have a cam engagement so that the first pin follows the outer surface of the first inclined portion in order to impart rotational motion to the first valve mechanism. The second pin and the second inclined portion have a cam engagement so that the second pin follows the outer surface of the second inclined portion in order to impart rotational motion to the second valve mechanism. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

7. A breakaway valve further comprising a first surface seal disposed between the first opening and the first valve mechanism, The first valve mechanism is configured such that when biased by the first valve spring to collide with the first surface seal, it causes the flow path to close. The breakaway valve according to claim 2.

8. A breakaway valve further comprising a second surface seal disposed between the second opening and the second valve mechanism, The second valve mechanism is configured such that when biased by the second valve spring to collide with the second surface seal, it causes the flow path to close. The breakaway valve according to claim 7.

9. The first valve spring is configured to move the first valve mechanism linearly along the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism, The second valve spring is configured to move the second valve mechanism linearly along the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism. A breakaway valve according to claim 1.

10. When the connecting key operably engages with the first valve mechanism, the engagement between the first pin and the first inclined portion suppresses the linear movement of the first valve mechanism. When the connecting key is operably engaged with the second valve mechanism, the engagement between the second pin and the second inclined portion suppresses the linear movement of the second valve mechanism. The breakaway valve according to claim 9.

11. The connecting key is configured such that when the first body is separated from the second body, it disengages from the first valve mechanism. The breakaway valve according to claim 10.

12. The connecting key is configured to disengage from the second valve mechanism when the second body is separated from the first body. The breakaway valve according to claim 10.

13. The connecting key is configured such that when the first body is separated from the second body, it disengages from the at least one recess and / or the notch. The breakaway valve according to claim 4.

14. The connecting key is configured such that when the second body is separated from the first body, it disengages from the at least one recess and / or the notch. The breakaway valve according to claim 5.

15. Disengaging the connecting key from at least one recess and / or the notch allows for rotational movement of the first valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the first valve mechanism and biasing the first valve mechanism toward the first opening by the first valve spring. The breakaway valve according to claim 13.

16. Disengaging the connecting key from at least one recess and / or the notch allows for rotational movement of the second valve mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the second valve mechanism and biasing the second valve mechanism toward the second opening by the second valve spring. The breakaway valve according to claim 14.

17. A first pop-up type visible display that is movable between an upward extension position of the first main body and a downward storage position of the first main body, A second pop-up type visible display that is movable between an upward extension position of the second main body and a downward storage position of the second main body, The breakaway valve according to claim 1, further comprising:

18. The first pop-up type visible indicator is configured to be in the extended position when the first valve spring moves the first valve mechanism toward the first opening. The second pop-up type visible indicator is configured to be in the extended position when the second valve spring moves the second valve mechanism toward the second opening. The breakaway valve according to claim 17.

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