Patent · US Active

Floating flapper valve

US8584411B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
26References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 2011
Grant dateNov 19, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 16, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB33Y80/00
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for increasing the insulation value of a window system with a weep hole includes a flapper valve with a buoyant flap articulating relative to a non-moving portion. The flap is positioned on the window frame over the weep hole proximate the inside of the structure in which the window system is installed and the non-moving portion is attached to the window frame. The flap may be held against the frame around the weep hole by gravity and/or by the elastic memory of a portion of the flap, such as a plastic hinge. The flapper valve is closed when dry to diminish the flow of ex-filtration through the weep hole, but opens in response to being flooded with water due to the buoyancy of the flap, opening the weep hole and allowing the water to drain.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.