Fast acting, nonrepairable plastic on/off valve

Abstract

A fast acting on/off valve formed of molded plastic components includes a molded plastic body bearing offset inlet and outlet passages which extend from opposite ends through integral nipples to a common area, with communication effected by way of a bore and counterbore for respective outlet and inlet passage portions. The end of the bore, at a shoulder formed between the bore and counterbore, is chamfered. A spool type plunger having lands at opposite ends is mounted within the counterbore and bore with one land sized to the bore and the other being sized to the counterbore, that land having a conical inside face at an angle corresponding to the chamfer. A coil spring is compressed between the larger diameter land end of the plunger and a cap which is welded to the valve body and closes off the counterbore, the spring biasing the spool type plunger to valve closed position. An O-ring of an outside diameter larger than the counterbore is borne by the counterbore and rests on the shoulder and effects a high integrity seal and valve seat for the tapered plunger land face. A smaller diameter O-ring is borne within a peripheral recess on the small diameter land to effect sealing of the plunger to the bore and cooperates with the larger diameter O-ring for double sealing during valve closure. A U-shaped actuator handle is formed of plastic and is snap fitted to the valve body with raised sidewalls protecting the inlet nozzle and the hose connection thereto.