GB2363132A

GB2363132A - Internal overflow fitting for a syphon-discharge flushing cistern

Info

Publication number: GB2363132A
Application number: GB0110204A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Terrence Mcmanus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-29
Filing date: 2001-04-26
Publication date: 2001-12-12
Also published as: GB0010400D0; GB0110204D0

Abstract

An apparatus for the prevention of overflowing water in a syphonic flush cistern comprises a closed pipe (22) attached to the syphon in communication therewith above the normal water level (16) of the cistern, the pipe having an air inlet (28) at or near the top thereof normally closed with a float (30) which is displaced under overflowing conditions. The pipe may be an overflow pipe (22) attached to the "down" leg (18) of the syphon and extend downwardly to a depth at least level with the air inlet of the syphon system. The pipe may be formed integrally with the down leg of the syphon or may be fitted to a standard commercial syphon ('retro-fitted'). The float is preferably arranged with a flotation cell on either side of the overflow or closed pipe so as to stably remain in place during normal usage of the cistern. In addition, the float body preferably has a weight bias so that it will tend to topple over when released from the sealing position thereby ensuring as far as possible that it cannot reseal after activation. Once the device of the invention has been activated, the WC will no longer flush and so the user has a warning that something is amiss and on inspection will note that the float has been displaced. The fault may then be corrected and the float manually replaced, after which the device of the invention is ready to be tripped should there be another fault. Any continuing overflow of water is visible in the toilet pan.

Description

2363132 OVERFLOW CONTROL APPARATUS This invention relates to overflow

control apparatus for syphonic flush systems, in particular such systems for water closets (WC's).

Most WC's are flushed by means of a syphonic system. Such systems generally incorporate an overflow system to cope with circumstances in which the WC inlet valve does not work properly and fails to shut off the water supply. In many areas it is illegal, or a water supplier requirement, that such overflow is visible to prevent wastage of water which could happen if an overflow occurred that was not immediately apparent to the occupier of the premises. An alternative is often that an equivalent system is in place to shut off the water supply in the event that the level rises to a dangerously high level in the cistern.

UK patent publication number 2266101 discloses an apparatus which can be fitted to an existing syphon which is triggered when the water level in the cistern rises past the normal level towards a high level whereby the vacuum in the syphon is broken to prevent further flow of water. It involves a spring clip arrangement removably covering a hole in the down leg of the syphon. While this system is very effective, it requires careful fitting since it relies on a good seal to prevent premature ingress of air to the syphonic system, and yet the seal must be easily broken upon activation of the device to stop further water flow through the syphon and provide an escape route for further water flow into the WC pan..

The invention seeks to provide an apparatus improved in the above respects.

According to the broadest aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for the prevention of overflowing water in a syphonic flush system which comprises a closed pipe attached to the syphon in communication therewith above the normal water level of the cistern, the pipe having an air inlet at or near the top thereof normally closed with a float which is displaced under overflowing conditions.

According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the prevention of overflowing water in a syphonic flush system which comprises an overflow pipe attached to the "down" leg of the syphon in communication therewith above the normal water level of the cistern, the pipe extending downwardly to a depth at least level with the air inlet of the syphon system, the pipe having an air inlet at or near the top thereof normally closed with a float which is displaced under overflowing conditions.

The overflow pipe may be formed integrally with the down leg of the syphon or may be fitted to a standard commercial syphon ('retro-fitted'). Although it is convenient to fit the pipe on the down leg, it can in fact be fitted anywhere convenient above the normal water level. In the former case, a hole is drilled in the leg of the syphon above the normal water level, for example conveniently 25mm to 30min above the normal water level. In order to attach the overflow pipe to the down leg of the syphon, and seal with the hole, a clip or other suitable connector may be employed. Since the pipe may be held permanently in place, adhesive, sealant, or the like may be employed to ensure a permanent and water tight fit.

The overflow pipe is preferably 'U' shaped with the longer leg depending downwardly towards the bottom of the cistern. At its top it has an inlet hole. In normal operation, this air inlet is closed by means of a float arranged not to be buoyant under normal conditions. However, should the water level rise, the float rises and unseals the air inlet allowing air to be drawn into the syphon thereby breaking the vacuum and stopping further flow of water therethrough, while allowing any further water coming into the cistern to pass up outlet pipe into the down leg of the syphon and out into the WC pan where it can be seen overflowing.

In another embodiment of the invention a closed pipe is provided in communication with the syphon above the normal water level. Since the pipe is closed, it does not need to extend downwardly to a depth at least level with the air inlet of the syphon system. This form of the device is ideal for use the new, shorter syphonic systems where the syphon itself provides the overflow, the top being below the high water level. This embodiment, unlike that with a down leg, does not itself, therefore, provide an overflow.

The float is preferably arranged with a flotation cell on either side of the overflow or closed pipe so as to stably remain in place during normal usage of the cistern. In addition, the float body preferably has a weight bias so that it will tend to topple over when released from the sealing position thereby ensuring as far as possible that it cannot reseal after activation.

Once the device of the invention has been activated, the WC will no longer flush and so the user has a warning that something is amiss and on inspection will note that the float has been displaced. The fault may then be corrected and the float manually replaced, after which the device of the invention is ready to be tripped should there be another fault.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view of an overflow pipe forming part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view corresponding to figure I with the float in place; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the float; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the float; Figure 5 is a end elevational view similar to figure I with the float in place; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a syphon flush with the apparatus of the invention under normal conditions; Figure 7 is a similar view to figure 6 indicating activation of the device of the invention; Figure 8 is an end view corresponding to figure 6; Figure 9 is an end view corresponding to figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment; and Figure 11 is a similar view to Figure 10 with the float activated.

Referring to the drawings, and firstly Figures 1 to 9, a standard syphonic flush system is illustrated in figures 6 to 9 and, as is well known, comprises an "up" leg 10 containing a valved plunger (not shown) actuated by means of a linkage 12. The end 14 of the leg 10 is below the normal water level 16 in the cistern. The syphon also has a "down" leg 18 which passes through the base of the cistern at 20 to the WC (not shown).

In accordance with the invention, an 'U' shaped overflow pipe 22 is provided fitted to the down leg 18 above the normal water level. The overflow pipe 22 can be formed integrally with the down leg 18 but, as shown, a "retro" fit version is provided which includes a snapon clip 24 and a resilient seal area 26. A fitter drills a hole approximately 25min to 30MM above the normal water level 16 to receive the top of the overflow pipe 22. The snap-on connector 24 goes round the down leg 18 and the resilient air tight scaling portion 26 is adjusted so that the pipe is in fluid connection with the down leg 18 and is sealingly attached thereto. If necessary a sealant and/or adhesive can be applied to ensure a good seal and to retain the overflow pipe 22 in place.

The overflow pipe 22 has, at its upper portion, an air inlet 28. A float generally designated 30 (figure 3) is provided which includes a pair of flotation chambers 32 and a spigot 34 designed to sealingly engage in the air inlet 28 of the overflow pipe 22.

In use, the float 30 sits on top of the overflow pipe 22 with the spigot 34 engaged in the air inlet 28 sealingly closing the inlet against ingress of air. Indeed, during operation of the syphon the lowering of pressure within it causes the float to be sucked more tightly onto the overflow pipe ensuring a good seal between the spigot 34 and the air inlet 28. As can be seen from figure 6, in normal operation the water level 16 never rises to meet the float 30. However, as can be seen in figures 7 and 9, in overflowing conditions where the water level 16rises to greater than normal levels the float 30 is lifted so that the spigot 34 disengages from the air inlet 28 allowing air into the syphon thereby destroying the vacuum and stopping flow of water therethrough. Any continuing water flow (for example from a faulty inlet valve) goes up the pipe 22 and down the down leg 18 into the WC pan.

As can be seen best from figure 9, the float 30 is biassed so that it tips over once released from the air inlet 28 thus ensuring that it will not reseal. The syphon will not therefore work and the user is alerted to the fact that there is a problem. Manual inspection will then ensue after which the problem can be put right and the float reset.

The legs 32 of the float may be open at the bottom or sealed. The latter gives a more reliable float action under most conditions but is more expensive to manufacture.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, another embodiment is illustrated. Using like numerals for like parts, the float 30 sits on the top of an 'L'-shaped closed pipe 22a having an aperture 28 in the top thereof as before. The aperture is closed off by the spigot 34 of the float. The pipe is illustrated as being mounted on the down leg 18 as before but could be mounted, e.g. on the up leg, as long as the top is above the normal water level. The float 30 needs to be below the aperture so that it is raised clear of the aperture before the water level rise to the level of the aperture as that would prevent the device from working effectively. Operation is as explained above. Since the pipe 22a is closed, there is no need for it to extend right down below the inlet 14 to the syphon. This embodiment is intended for use with shorter syphons having inbuilt overflow and any continuing water flow goes through the down leg 18 where it is visible in the pan. This embodiment can also be retrofitted or manufactured from scratch, and has the advantage of small size.

The apparatus of the invention can be provided as a separate kit to attach to existing syphons or formed when manufacturing the syphon and the float 30 provided for use with it.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the prevention of overflowing water in a syphonic flush system which comprises a closed pipe attached to the syphon in communication therewith above the normal water level of the cistern, the pipe having an air inlet at or near the top thereof normally closed with a float which is displaced under overflowing conditions.

2. An apparatus as claimed 1 wherein the pipe is 'closed' by virtue of extending downwardly to a depth at least level with the air inlet of the syphon system.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 fitted to the 'down' leg of the syphon.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pipe is formed integrally with the down leg of the syphon or may be fitted subsequently to a standard commercial syphon.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the pipe is attached to the syphon by forming a hole therein and sealing it to the hole with a clip or other suitable connector.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein adhesive, sealant, or the like is employed to ensure a permanent and water tight fit.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the pipe is 'U' shaped, having at its top an inlet hole.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the float body has a weight bias so that it will tend to topple over when released from the sealing position thereby ensuring as far as possible that it cannot reseal after activation.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim I and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.