AU2019239675A1

AU2019239675A1 - Flush pipe assembly and associated flushing system

Info

Publication number: AU2019239675A1
Application number: AU2019239675A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen John Cummings; Sam Robertson England
Original assignee: Caroma Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Caroma Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-23
Filing date: 2019-03-22
Publication date: 2020-10-01
Also published as: GB2587130B; GB202016630D0; CN112041514B; WO2019178647A1; CN112041514A; GB2587130A

Abstract

Toilet flushing systems typically use a flush pipe assembly to interconnect a water tank for storing a charge of water with a toilet pan. In concealed systems, errors and miscalculations can be made in determining the relative heights of the toilet flushing systems components. The present invention provides a flush pipe assembly (1) for a toilet flushing system (100), comprising a first pipe section (10) for connection to a water tank (50) of the toilet flushing system, and a second pipe section (20) connected in fluid communication with the first pipe section for conveying water from the tank towards the toilet pan to be flushed. The second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section to adjust a position, and especially a height, of the second pipe section.

Description

FLUSH PIPE ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED FLUSHING SYSTEM

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush pipe assembly and an associated flushing system for a toilet.

Background

[0002] In conventional toilet flushing systems a water tank is provided for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan, together with a flush pipe assembly to interconnect the water tank and the toilet pan. In many modem bathrooms, the toilet flushing system is set or mounted within a wall and is largely invisible to a user. For this reason, a toilet flushing system is typically designed to be used with a variety of different toilet pans. Because the toilet pans themselves may vary in size and configuration, it is generally desirable if the toilet flushing system provides flexibility and adaptability to different toilet pan configurations. In addition, because errors and miscalculations can be made in determining the height of the finished floor level in a new or renovated bathroom during the installation of toilet flushing systems in a wall cavity, it would be desirable if the toilet flushing system is adaptable to different mounting requirements.

Summary of Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a flush pipe assembly and an associated toilet flushing system that substantially overcomes, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the disadvantages associated with known arrangements, or at least provides a useful alternative.

[0004] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a flush pipe assembly for a toilet flushing system, comprising:

a first pipe section having a first end region for connection to a water tank of the toilet flushing system, the first pipe section for conveying water from the tank towards an associated toilet pan to be flushed; and

a second pipe section having a first end region connected in fluid communication with a second end region of the first pipe section for further conveying water from the tank towards the toilet pan to be flushed; wherein a second end region of the second pipe section is configured for connection to a flushing inlet of the toilet pan and wherein the second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section to adjust a position, and especially a height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

[0005] In this way, the flush pipe assembly of the invention enables the second pipe section to be moved relative to the first pipe section to adjust the position, and especially the height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan. This adjustability enables the position, and especially the height, of the second end region of the second pipe section to be varied to suit a variety of different toilet pans. It also provides flexibility during installation in the event that measurement or positioning of the toilet flushing system involved an error or miscalculation.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the second pipe section is movable, especially telescopically, relative to the first pipe section in an axial direction of the first pipe section. In particular, the first end region of the second pipe section preferably receives the second end region of the first pipe section in the axial direction of the first pipe section in a sealed and yet axially slidable connection.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first pipe section is substantially straight and configured to be oriented substantially vertically between the water tank of the toilet flushing system and the second pipe section. The second pipe section, on the other hand, may be bent or angled such that the second end region of the second pipe section is configured to extend substantially horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section by a distance in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably in the range of about 10 mm to about 25 mm, to adjust the position, and especially the height, of the second end region of the second pipe section.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the flush pipe assembly includes a connector fitting for the second end region of the second pipe section, and specifically, for interconnecting the second end region of the second pipe section to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan. The connector fitting has one end for connection with the second pipe section and an opposite end for connection with the flushing inlet of the toilet pan. The one end of the connector fitting for connection with the second pipe section is preferably arranged eccentric of the opposite end of the connector fitting for connection with the flushing inlet of the toilet pan; for example, with the axes or centres off- set by a distance of about 5 mm, preferably up to about 10 mm. In this way, the connector fitting may also provide additional adjustment to the height of the flushing inlet of the toilet pan.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the flush pipe assembly further comprises a mounting bracket for supporting and/or securing the first pipe section and the second pipe section relative to one another. The mounting bracket is preferably configured to limit movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket is configured or adapted to be secured or fastened to a wall frame. The mounting bracket may include a first recess for receiving and supporting the second end region of the first pipe section and a second recess for receiving and supporting the first end region of the second pipe section. The second recess permits movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section between the wall frame and an upper limit defined by the bracket to adjust the position, and especially the height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first recess of the mounting bracket is configured to receive and/or support the second end region of the first pipe section in a keyed relationship that essentially permits relative displacement in the axial direction only. Similarly, the second recess of the mounting bracket is preferably configured to receive and/or support the first end region of the second pipe section in a keyed relationship that essentially permits relative displacement in the axial direction only.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a toilet flushing system, comprising: a water tank for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan; and a flush pipe assembly according to any one of the embodiments of the invention discussed above interconnecting the water tank and the toilet pan.

[0014] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a toilet flushing system, comprising:

a water tank for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan; and a flush pipe assembly for interconnecting the water tank and the toilet pan, the flush pipe assembly comprising: a first pipe section having a first end region for connection to the water tank for conveying water from the tank towards the toilet pan to be flushed and

a second pipe section having a first end region connected in fluid communication with a second end region of the first pipe section for conveying water towards the toilet pan to be flushed;

wherein the second end region of the second pipe section of the flush pipe assembly is configured for connection to a flushing inlet of the toilet pan and the second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section to adjust a position, especially a height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the second pipe section is movable, especially telescopically, relative to the first pipe section in an axial direction of the first pipe section. In this regard, the first end region of the second pipe section preferably receives the second end region of the first pipe section in the axial direction of the first pipe section in a sealed and yet axially slidable connection.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank is configured to be mounted in a wall cavity between members of a wall frame. The first pipe section is adapted to be oriented substantially vertically between the water tank and the second pipe section, and the second pipe section is bent or angled such that the second end region of the second pipe section is configured to be extend substantially horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the flush pipe assembly comprises a mounting bracket for supporting and/or securing the first pipe section and the second pipe section relative to one another to the wall frame in the wall cavity. The mounting bracket is preferably configured to limit movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flush pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; [0020] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the flush pipe assembly shown in Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a toilet flushing system according to an embodiment of the invention, with the toilet flushing system shown mounted within a wall structure;

[0022] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of the toilet flushing system of Fig. 3 shown mounted to the frame members of a wall frame;

[0023] Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the toilet flushing system of Fig. 3 shown mounted in the wall after application of the wall cladding;

[0024] Fig. 5 is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in the embodiment of the toilet flushing system of Fig. 3 in an adjusted position with no change to the wall cladding;

[0025] Fig. 6 is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in the embodiment of the toilet flushing system of Fig. 3 in another adjusted position with a change to the wall cladding;

[0026] Fig. 7 is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in the adjusted position of Fig. 6 with an eccentric connector fitting for further height adjustment;

[0027] Fig. 8a is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in a normal installed position with a standard connector fitting for connection to the flushing inlet of a toilet pan;

[0028] Fig. 8b is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in the normal position of Fig. 8a with an eccentric connector fitting for lowered height adjustment;

[0029] Fig. 9a is a front view of the flush pipe assembly showing the second end of the second pipe section in a maximum upwardly adjusted position without a connector fitting; and

[0030] Fig. 9b is a front view of the flush pipe assembly in the normal position of Fig. 8b with an eccentric connector fitting for lowered height adjustment;

[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0032] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

Description of Embodiments

[0033] With reference firstly to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, a flush pipe assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment is shown for a toilet flushing system 100. The flush pipe assembly 1 comprises a first (upper) pipe section 10, a second (lower) pipe section 20, and a mounting bracket 30 for supporting and/or securing the first pipe section 10 and the second pipe section 20 relative to one another. As will be described in more detail later, the flush pipe assembly 1 may include a removable tiling spacer 40 provided on the second pipe section 20.

[0034] The first pipe section 10 has a first end region 11 for connection to a water tank 50 of the toilet flushing system 100 and extends to a second end region 12 for conveying water from the tank 50 towards an associated toilet pan (not shown) to be flushed. The second pipe section 20 has a first end region 21 connected in fluid communication with the second end region 12 of the first pipe section 10 for further conveying water from the tank 50 towards the toilet pan to be flushed. A second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 is configured for connection to a flushing inlet of the toilet pan (not shown).

[0035] The mounting bracket 30 is typically moulded from a polymer plastic material and has a generally cuboid shape with a first recess 31 formed as a generally cylindrical cavity in a top part thereof. The first recess 31 is configured for receiving and supporting the second end region 12 of the first pipe section 10. To this end, the first recess 31 includes four generally rectangular keyways 32, each of which is configured to receive a respective rectangular lug or projection 13 on the second end region 12 of the first pipe section 10 for locating and restraining movement of the first pipe section 10 with respect to the bracket 30 to displacement in the axial direction only. The mounting bracket 30 further includes a second recess 33 for receiving and/ or supporting the first end region 21 of the second pipe section 20. In this regard, as is apparent from Fig. 2, the first pipe section 10 is substantially straight and is oriented generally vertically extending from the water tank 50 of the toilet flushing system 100 to the second pipe section 20. The second pipe section 20, on the other hand, is bent or angled so that the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 is configured to extend substantially horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan (not shown). The second recess 33 of the mounting bracket 30 includes a pair of opposite keyways 34 for respectively receiving an elongate rib 23 projecting laterally from the first end region of the second pipe section 20. This arrangement again both locates and restrains movement of the second pipe section 20 with respect to the bracket 30 to displacement in the axial direction only.

[0036] The first end region 21 of the second pipe section 20 receives the second end region 12 of the first pipe section 10 in an axial direction of the first pipe section 10 in an axially slidable connection. In this regard, the second end region 12 of the first pipe section 10 includes an O- ring 14 around its circumference for sealing against and inner surface 24 of the first end region 21 of the second pipe section 20 in which it is received. In this way, the second pipe section 20 is movable, especially telescopically, relative to the first pipe section 10 in an axial direction of the first pipe section to adjust a position, especially a height, of the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 for connection to the toilet pan. In this particular example, the second pipe section 20 is slidably movable relative to the first pipe section 10 by a distance up to about 25 mm to adjust the height of the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20.

[0037] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the toilet flushing system 100 comprises the water tank 50 for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan; and the flush pipe assembly 1. In addition, the toilet flushing system 100 includes an activation mechanism 60, which is largely hidden from view but includes an external actuator button 61 for operation by a user. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the flushing system 100 further includes a refill mechanism (not shown) for refilling the tank 50 after use.

[0038] The flushing system 100, including the water tank 50 is configured to be mounted in a wall cavity between members Fl, F2 of a wall frame F. To this end, the flushing system 100 includes bracket members 51 for securely mounting the water tank 50 between the frame members Fl, F2. The first pipe section 10 is oriented substantially vertically between the water tank 50 and the second pipe section 20, and the second pipe section 20 is bent or angled such that the second end region 22 extends generally horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan. The mounting bracket 30 is configured or adapted to be fastened to a horizontal frame member or noggin F3 of the wall frame F, via fasteners that engage recesses 35 in a base portion 36 of the bracket 30. The second recess 33 in the bracket 30 is configured to permit movement of the second pipe section 20 relative to the first pipe section 10 between the horizontal member F3 of the wall frame F and an upper stop or limit 37 defined by the mounting bracket 30 to adjust the position or height of the second end region 22 of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan. As will be explained in more detail below, this adjustability enables the height of the second pipe section 20 to be varied to suit a variety of different toilet pans. It also provides flexibility during installation in the event that measurement or positioning of the toilet flushing system involved an error or miscalculation.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 3 as well as to Figs. 4a and 4b, it will be noted that after the toilet flushing system 100 is mounted within the wall cavity, the wall cavity is closed or covered by a layer of cladding C, typically comprised of plasterboard and tiling. This is represented in Fig. 3 as a transparent cladding layer C shown partially removed along a curved line (in broken line) approximately down the middle of the flushing system 100 to enable inspection of the system in-situ. In this view, the purpose or function of the tiling spacer 40 on the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 can be appreciated; namely, to provide a supporting surface around the second pipe section 20 to which a tiler can lay tiles when applying the cladding C. The completed cladding C with the second pipe section 20 (and spacer 40) projecting from the completed wall W can be clearly seen in Fig. 4b.

[0040] Upon removal of the tiling spacer 40 from the end 22 of the second pipe section 20, as shown in Fig. 5, the corresponding square hole H in the cladding C provides space for an 8 mm lift or upward movement of the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 from contact against the noggin F3 to abut against the upper edge of the hole H in the cladding C. If a greater adjustment in the position or height of the end 22 of the second pipe section 20 is required, this can be achieved by cutting or otherwise removing a section of the cladding C above the second pipe section 20, as shown in Fig. 6. The second pipe section 20 can then be slid upwards relative to the first pipe section 10 until the second end region 22 bears against the upper stop or limit 37 on the mounting bracket 30. This enables the end 22 of the second pipe section 20 to be lifted or raised by about 25 mm. An even greater upward adjustment can be obtained by the use of an eccentric connector fitting 45, as shown in Fig. 7. In particular, an eccentric connector fitting 45 for interconnecting the second end region 22 of the second pipe section 20 to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan is provided, in which one end for connection with the second pipe section 20 is arranged eccentric of the opposite end for connection with the flushing inlet of the toilet pan; in this case, with the axes or centres off-set by a distance of about 5 mm, thereby providing a total height increase of 30 mm.

[0041] Referring now to Fig. 8a of the drawings, the flush pipe assembly 1 is shown installed in a normal or neutral position and with a standard (i.e. concentric) connector fitting 45 for inter connection with the flushing inlet of a toilet pan. Fig. 8b, on the other hand, shows the flush pipe assembly 1 installed in a normal or neutral position, but with an eccentric connector fitting 45 provided to lower the connection height by 5 mm. Figs. 9a and 9b show an arrangement of the flush pipe assembly 1 in which a section of the cladding C has been removed to raise the end 22 of the second pipe section 20 by about 25 mm (i.e. corresponding to Fig. 6) and to which a standard (i.e. concentric) connector fitting 45 has then be attached. It will be noted that in Figs 8 and 9, the cladding C is shown solid but partially removed along the curved line.

[0042] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0043] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

1. A flush pipe assembly for a toilet flushing system, comprising:

a second pipe section having a first end region connected in fluid communication with a second end region of the first pipe section for further conveying water from the tank towards the toilet pan to be flushed;

wherein a second end region of the second pipe section is configured for connection to a flushing inlet of the toilet pan and wherein the second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section to adjust a position, and especially a height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

2. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second pipe section is movable, especially telescopically, relative to the first pipe section in an axial direction of the first pipe section.

3. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first end region of the second pipe section receives the second end region of the first pipe section in the axial direction of the first pipe section in a sealed and axially slidable connection.

4. A flush pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pipe section is substantially straight and configured to be oriented substantially vertically between the water tank of the toilet flushing system and the second pipe section, and wherein the second pipe section is bent or angled such that the second end region of the second pipe section is configured to extend substantially horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan.

5. A flush pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting bracket for supporting and/or securing the first pipe section and the second pipe section relative to one another, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to limit movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.

6. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 5, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be secured or fastened to a wall frame and includes a first recess for receiving and supporting the second end region of the first pipe section and a second recess for receiving and supporting the first end region of the second pipe section.

7. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second recess permits movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section between the wall frame and an upper limit defined by the bracket to adjust the position, and especially the height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

8. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first recess of the bracket is configured to receive and support the second end region of the first pipe section in a keyed relationship that essentially permits relative displacement in the axial direction only.

9. A flush pipe assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second recess of the bracket is configured to receive and support the first end region of the second pipe section in a keyed relationship that essentially permits relative displacement in the axial direction only.

10. A toilet flushing system, comprising:

a water tank for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan; and a flush pipe assembly for interconnecting the water tank and the toilet pan, the flush pipe assembly comprising:

a first pipe section having a first end region for connection to the water tank for conveying water from the tank towards the toilet pan to be flushed and

wherein a second end region of the second pipe section of the flush pipe assembly is configured for connection to a flushing inlet of the toilet pan and wherein the second pipe section is movable relative to the first pipe section to adjust a position, especially a height, of the second end region of the second pipe section for connection to the toilet pan.

11. A toilet flushing system according to claim 10, wherein the second pipe section is movable, especially telescopically, relative to the first pipe section in an axial direction of the first pipe section.

12. A toilet flushing system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first end region of the second pipe section receives the second end region of the first pipe section in the axial direction of the first pipe section in a sealed and axially slidable connection.

13. A toilet flushing system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the water tank is configured to be mounted in a wall cavity between members of a wall frame, wherein the first pipe section is configured to be oriented substantially vertically between the water tank and the second pipe section, and wherein the second pipe section is bent or angled such that the second end region of the second pipe section is configured to be extend substantially horizontally for connection to the flushing inlet of the toilet pan.

14. A flush pipe assembly according to claim 13, wherein the flush pipe assembly comprises a mounting bracket for supporting and/or securing the first pipe section and the second pipe section relative to one another to the wall frame in the wall cavity, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to limit movement of the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.

15. A toilet flushing system, comprising:

a water tank for storing a charge of water for flushing an associated toilet pan; and a flush pipe assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 interconnecting the water tank and the toilet pan.