GB2589546A

GB2589546A - Inlet valve assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2589546A
Application number: GB1913361.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dudley Martin; Lyndel Aaron
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-16
Filing date: 2019-09-16
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-16
Also published as: GB2589546B; GB201913361D0

Abstract

A toilet cistern fill valve 1 comprising a fill valve assembly body 2 attached to an inlet tube 5, wherein the inlet tube comprises means to allow irreversible setting of the length of the inlet tube. The irreversible means may comprise a locking mechanism having irreversibly deformable formations of interlocking steps, stops or barbs (Figs. 1-10 and 13-17), or an adhesive (Figs. 11-12), to fix a height adjustment mechanism permanently in position. There may be a lock sleeve 62 which slides over adjustment nut 60 and is permanently held in place by barb 69. A lock insert 162 may be provided with a resilient barb 169. A collet member 261 may have a tapered internal surface with a step 262 to prevent reverse rotation by engaging fingers which act as a ratchet and pawl mechanism. Adhesive may be provided in a rupturable capsule 362. Alternatively an additional sealing interface member 660 for location between a cut or severed end of the inlet tube and the valve assembly body (Figs. 18-19) may be provided. Also claimed is a method of installing and a computer program design.

Description

INLET VALVE ASSEMBLY

This invention relates generally to inlet valve assemblies for cisterns. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to inlet valve assemblies which selectively introduce water into toilet cisterns from above the fill level.

Inlet valves are well known for filling toilet cisterns following a flushing event. Such valves generally operate automatically in response to the level of water within the cistern. This, automatic operation is usually performed using a float that closes the valve as the fill level rises to a predetermined level. One common and reliable inlet valve design used for this purpose is a diaphragm valve. However, this invention is not limited to such an inlet valve designs.

GB1588216, for example, describes an equilibrium valve assembly, which includes a body with an inlet, an outlet, a valve mechanism with a seat in the body between the inlet from the outlet and a flexible diaphragm on the downstream side of the seat. The diaphragm is deformable to seal against the seat and carries an insert having a through aperture with a monitoring pin therein to keep the aperture clear and to restrict flow therethrough to a slow bleed. The diaphragm divides a pressure chamber defined within the body into a first part, which includes the seat, and a second part. The pressure chamber acts in conjunction with the slow bleed to keep water pressure on opposite faces of the diaphragm substantially in equilibrium so that only a small pressure differential operates the valve mechanism. A float carried on a lever applies closing force to a second bleed aperture in the second part of the pressure chamber such that, when the float drops, the second bleed aperture opens, thereby dropping pressure in the second side and displacing the diaphragm from the seat to allow inflow to the cistern.

The various styles of toilets, cisterns and mains water configurations that exist in water closet installations have necessitated a corresponding variety of inlet valve assemblies. In the United Kingdom, there are now two standard configurations for the supply of mains water into the cistern. These are referred to as "side-entry" and "bottom-entry" configurations. The first, "side-entry" configuration requires the fluid connection to the inlet valve assembly to pass through a side wall of the cistern, above the intended fill level. The second, "bottom-entry" configuration requires the fluid connection to the inlet valve assembly to pass through a bottom wall of the cistern, below the intended fill level. Inlet valve assemblies are generally configured for one of these two configurations.

Known "bottom-entry" inlet valve assemblies fall generally into two categories linked to the position of the outlet. The outlet in a first of the categories is below the fill level, whilst the outlet in the second category is above the fill level. Inlet valve assemblies with an outlet below the fill level are advantageous in that they reduce substantially the noise generated by the filling operation.

It is also known to provide "bottom-entry" inlet valve assemblies with height adjustability. This enables the same inlet valve assembly to be used in a range of different cistern installations. One example of such a height-adjustable inlet valve assembly is described in US4100928, which includes telescoping inner and outer tubes. The outer tube includes an internally extending radial projection that engages a continuous helical groove in the outer surface of the inner tube to enable continuous adjustment. The telescoping tubes are secured together at a desired position by a locking collar.

One non-exclusive aim of the invention is to provide an improved inlet valve assembly, preferably one that is reliable, robust and less prone to failure.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an inlet valve assembly for a cistern, e.g. a toilet cistern, the assembly comprising an inlet pipe with a first, mounting end, a valve connected or connectable to the inlet pipe at a second end thereof and an actuator for closing, in use, the valve when water in the cistern reaches a predetermined level, wherein the length of the inlet pipe is adjustable irreversibly.

By making the inlet pipe adjustable irreversibly, the assembly can be configured to incorporate the aforementioned benefits of adjustability, whilst ensuring that the assembly is reliable and robust as fixed-length inlet pipes. As such, once the general installer or plumbing professional installs the inlet valve, its configuration is permanent and irreversible.

This irreversibility may be achieved mechanically, electro-mechanically, electronically, magnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically and/or chemically.

The inlet pipe may comprise telescoping tubes. The inlet pipe may comprise a fastening means or mechanism, hereinafter fastening means. The fastening means may be for, e.g. suitable or configured for, irreversibly securing the tubes together. The fastening means may comprise a lock means. The lock means may comprise a lock element. The lock means may be configured to secure the telescopic tubes together mechanically, electromechanically, electronically, magnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically and/or chemically.

The fastening means, lock means may comprise a lock member. The lock member may be operable to secure mechanically the telescopic tubes together. The assembly or fastening means may comprise a release means, element, member or tab, e.g. for operating the lock member.

io The fastening means may be operable from a first configuration, e.g. in which the tubes are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, e.g. in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes is irreversibly inhibited. Operation of the fastening means from the second configuration back to the first configuration may be irreversibly inhibited.

An inner one of the tubes may comprise one or more, e.g. a series of, recesses or projections, e.g. along its length. The fastening means may comprises an annular member, which may surround the inner tube. The fastening means or annular member may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, radial elements. The radial element(s) may engage the or one of the recesses or projections, e.g. when the fastening means is in the second configuration.

The fastening means or annular member may comprise a collar. The collar may comprise one or more fingers, which may extend from the collar, e.g. one end of the collar. The finger(s) may extend into the collar. The finger(s) may depend from an upper portion of the collar. The or each radial element may comprising a radial projection, which may extend, e.g. inwardly and/or toward the inner tube, from the or one of the fingers. The radial projection(s) may engage one of the series of recesses of the inner tube.

The collar may comprise a nut, which may engage, e.g. threadedly engage, an outer tube of the telescopic tubes. The outer tube may have a tapered end, which may comprise an inner tapered surface. The tapered end or inner taper surface thereof may urge the finger(s) toward the inner tube and/or into engagement with one of the recesses. The tapered end of the tube may urge the finger(s) as the nut is tightened, in use, over the outer tube.

The tapered end may be formed in the end of the outer tube. The tapered end may be integral with the outer tube. Alternatively, the assembly or fastening means may comprise a collet, which may comprise the tapered end or inner taper surface and/or may be received within the end of the outer tube. The collet may comprise a lock collet.

The lock means may be configured to prevent rotation of the nut, for example after it has been tightened over the outer tube. The lock means may be configured to irremovably lock the nut in place, for example after it has been tightened over the outer tube.

io The lock means or lock element may comprise a lock sleeve. The lock sleeve may have a projection, for example a radial projection, barb or barb-shaped element, edge or portion. The projection, barb or barb-shaped element, edge or portion may comprise a lead-in, for example to enable it to be urged, in use, over the nut.

The projection, barb or barb-shaped element, edge or portion may be for preventing or configured to prevent removal of the lock sleeve from the nut. The lock sleeve may be sized and/or dimensioned and/or configured to rotate freely on the nut, e.g. when the lock sleeve is over the nut and/or such that rotation of the nut is inhibited.

The lock means or lock element may comprise a lock insert. The lock insert may be configured to be irremovably inserted into a receptacle of the nut, e.g. thereby to irreversibly lock the nut in place. The lock insert may be configured to be irremovably inserted between the nut and the inner and/or outer tube(s). The nut and/or the inner tube and/or the outer tube may comprise or describe, e.g. may together describe, a receptacle. The lock insert may be configured to fill or substantially fill an exposed part of the receptacle, for example to prevent or at least inhibit insertion of a tool or implement. The assembly may be configured such that removal of the lock insert would destroy at least part of the assembly.

The lock insert may comprise a projection, for example a radial projection, barb or barb-shaped element or portion, which may have a lead-in. The lock insert may comprise a sprung barb, which may be configured to deflect, in use, over an outer portion of the outer tube or collet and/or snap into engagement with a stop or ledge thereof.

The lock means or lock element may comprise a stop, for example within the tapered end of the outer tube. The stop may be formed in or on the tapered surface of the tapered end.

which allows rotation of the nut in a first, tightening direction and cooperates with the or one of the fingers to prevent rotation in a second, loosening direction. The tapered surface may vary about the periphery or circumference of the outer tube or the end thereof, e.g. to provide the stop. For example, the angle of the tapered surface, e.g. relative to the axis of the outer tube, may vary or increase, for example in a direction of loosening of the nut.

Alternatively, the tapered surface may spiral outwardly, for example in a direction of loosening of the nut.

The fastening means, lock means or lock element may comprise an adhesive. The adhesive to may be activatable or releasable to secure, adhere or bond, e.g. chemically, the telescopic tubes together. The fastening means may comprise an activation means for activating or releasing the adhesive, e.g. thereby to secure the telescopic tubes together. The adhesive may be configured to be activated or released, for example when the nut is tightened over the outer tube, e.g. thereby to secure the tubes together.

The assembly or fastening means may comprise a release means, e.g. for operating the lock means or the activation means. The release means may comprises a release element or member, e.g. a release tab, which may be removable from the assembly, e.g. thereby to operate the lock member or activation means.

The collar may be mounted to or incorporated in an end of an outer tube. The release means may be operable to release the finger(s), for example to irreversibly engage one of the series of recesses of the inner tube.

The fastening means may allow or be configured to allow, e.g. in use, telescopic movement between the tubes in a first direction. The fastening means may inhibit or be configured to inhibit, e.g. in use, telescopic movement between the tubes in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction. The first direction may be an extending or lengthening direction and/or the second direction may be a retracting or shortening direction.

Alternatively, the first direction may be a retracting or shortening direction and/or the second direction may be an extending or lengthening direction.

The annular member may comprise a lock ring. The lock ring may allow telescopic movement between the tubes in the first direction. The lock ring may inhibit telescopic movement between the tubes in the second direction. The radial element(s) may project from the lock ring and/or toward the inner tube, e.g. in the first direction. The lock ring may be captivated between a collar and one or both of the telescopic tubes. The collar may be irremovably mounted to an outer one of the telescopic tubes.

The inlet pipe may be adapted or configured to be severed, in use, e.g. to irreversibly adjust its length. The valve may be connectable to an end, e.g. the severed end, of the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe may include a thread, e.g. along at least part of its length. The thread may be for cooperating with the valve, e.g. a thread of the valve, thereby to connect the valve to the end, e.g. the severed end, of the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe may comprises an external io thread along its length, e.g. for cooperating with a threaded bore of the valve.

The assembly may comprise an interface element or member, which may be tubular. The interface element or member may comprise a flange, which may be external and/or radial. The flange may be adjacent the centre of the interface element or member. The interface element or member may comprise a seal on one or each side of the flange, e.g. for sealing receipt with or within one or a respective one of the inlet pipe and valve. The interface element or member may be between the inlet pipe and valve and/or may be configured to provide a sealing engagement between the inlet pipe and the valve.

The inlet pipe may comprise a mounting flange at or adjacent its first end. The first end of the inlet pipe may be threaded or comprise a thread, e.g. an external thread. The thread of the inlet pipe may extend from the first end to the mounting flange. The assembly may comprise a mounting nut, e.g. for threaded engagement with the thread at the first end of the inlet pipe. The assembly may be configured to captivate, in use, the bottom of a cistern between the flange and the mounting nut.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into an inlet valve assembly, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise the valve and/or the inlet pipe.

The valve may comprise a float valve or a float operated valve. The assembly or kit may comprise a float, which may be mounted, e.g. pivotally mounted, to the valve, e.g. the cap. The outlet may be located, in use, above the float when the assembly is installed in a cistern. The float may be operable in use, e.g. in response to a rising water level, to open or close the valve. The float may comprise an open position or condition, for example when the float is in a lowered position. The float may comprise a closed position or condition, for example when the float is in a raised position.

The float may be pivotally mounted to the valve by a lever. The float may be adjustably, e.g. stepwise adjustably, mounted to the lever. The lever may be pivotally mounted to the valve, e.g. the cap. The lever may comprise a stop or stop surface for selectively seating against the second aperture. The stop or stop surface may abut or seat against the second aperture when the float is in the raised or closed position or condition. The stop or stop surface may be spaced or unseated from the second aperture when the float is in the io lowered or open position or condition.

The float may describe or control the intended fill level. Other actuation mechanisms are also envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. Such actuation mechanisms may describe or control the intended fill level.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling and/or installing an inlet valve assembly into a cistern, e.g. a toilet cistern, the method comprising adjusting irreversibly the length of an inlet pipe of the assembly such that an actuator of a valve connected to the inlet pipe is positioned for closing the valve when water in the cistern reaches a predetermined level For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the inlet valve assembly may comprise any one or more features of the method relevant thereto and/or the method may comprise any one or more steps relevant to the assembly.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a three-dimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of the inlet valve assembly described above or any one or more components thereof.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides the computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar io term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of an inlet valve assembly according to a first example; Figure 2 is a partial section view of the assembly of Figure 1 showing the lock sleeve in a raised position Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 showing the lock sleeve installed over the nut; Figure 4 is a perspective schematic view of an inlet valve assembly according to a

second example;

Figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of the lock insert of the assembly of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a partial section view of the assembly of Figure 4 showing the lock insert installed; Figure 7 is a partial section view of the fastening assembly of an inlet valve assembly according to a third example; Figure 8 is a top view of the lock collet of the assembly of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the lock collet of Figure 8; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 7 illustrating one of the fingers of the nut in engagement with the lock collet; Figure 11 is a partial section view of the fastening assembly of an inlet valve assembly according to a fourth example, shown in a first, adjustable configuration with an adhesive element intact; Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 11 shown in a second, non-adjustable configuration in which the adhesive element has been activated; Figure 13 is a perspective schematic view of an inlet valve assembly according to a fifth example, Figure 14 is a partial section view of the assembly of Figure 13 showing the release member between the lock collar and the inner tube; Figure 15 is a similar view to that of Figure 14 showing the release member removed, Figure 16 is a perspective schematic view of an inlet valve assembly according to a

sixth example;

Figure 17 is a partial section view through the assembly of Figure 16 at the interface between the telescopic tubes; Figure 18 is a perspective schematic, exploded view of an inlet valve assembly according to a seventh example; and Figure 19 is a partial section view through the assembly of Figure 16 at the interface between the telescopic tubes.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a bottom-entry inlet valve assembly 1, which includes a valve 2, a float 3, a tubular outlet member 4 fluidly connected to the valve 2 for introducing water into a cistern (not shown) above the water line and an inlet pipe 5 for io introducing water into the valve 2 from a mains water source (not shown). The inlet pipe 5 includes a fastening mechanism 6 for irreversibly adjusting the length of the inlet pipe 5.

The valve 2 is an equilibrium valve in this example, similar that which is disclosed in EP0961892, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The valve 2 includes a housing 20 with a removable cap 21 threadedly mounted to one end of a hollow body 22 to describe a pressure chamber therebetween. The pressure chamber receives a flexible diaphragm (not shown), which divides it into first and second parts, and a valve seat (not shown) in the first part and fluidly connecting the outlet pipe 4 and the inlet pipe 5. The diaphragm (not shown) is on the downstream side of the valve seat (not shown) and is deformable to seal against it.

The diaphragm (not shown) includes an insert having a through aperture (not shown) with a monitoring pin (not shown) to produce a slow bleed. The pressure chamber (not shown) acts in conjunction with the slow bleed to keep water pressure on opposite faces of the diaphragm (not shown) substantially in equilibrium so that only a small pressure differential operates the valve 2. The cap 21 closes the second part of the pressure chamber and describes a second bleed aperture 23.

The float 3 is substantially cylindrical with an open bottom 30, a closed top 31 and a threaded stem 32 projecting from the closed top 31. The float 3 is adjustably mounted to a lever 33 via the threaded stem 32. The lever 33 is pivotally mounted to the cap 21 and includes a stop (not shown) which applies closing force to the second bleed aperture 23 such that, when the float 3 drops, the second bleed aperture 23 opens, thereby dropping pressure in the second side of the pressure chamber (not shown) and displacing the diaphragm (not shown) from the seat (not shown) to allow water to flow from the inlet pipe 5 to the outlet pipe 4.

The outlet member 4 is fluidly connected to an outlet in the top the housing 20 and extends to a side of the housing 20. The outlet member 4 has an open end that is spaced from the housing 20 to allow water to flow into the cistern under the force of gravity along the side of the valve 2.

The inlet pipe 5 includes an outer tube 50 and an inner tube 51 telescopically received lc) within the outer tube 50. The outer tube 50 includes a flange 52, a threaded spigot 53 projecting from the flange 52 and a securing nut 54 threadedly engaged with the spigot 53 for captivating the bottom wall (not shown) of a cistern (not shown) between the flange 52 and nut 54 in the usual way. The inner tube 51 is formed integrally with the valve 2 in this example.

As illustrated more clearly in Figures 2 and 3, the outer tube 50 includes an enlarged upper end 55 with an internal recess 56 and an external thread 57. The inner tube 51 includes a series of circumferential grooves 58 spaced equally along its length. The inner tube 51 also includes a support flange 59 toward its upper end, adjacent but spaced from the valve 2.

The fastening assembly 6 includes a nut 60 threadedly engaged with the external thread 57 of the outer tube 50, a lock collet 61 and a lock sleeve 62. The nut 60 includes a plurality of axial ribs 63 spaced about its outer surface to enable a user to grip and turn the nut 60, an annular flange 64 projecting inwardly from its upper end and a plurality of fingers 65 projecting downwardly from the annular flange 64. Each finger 65 has an inwardly extending radial projection 66, for engaging one of the circumferential grooves 58 of the inner tube 51.

The lock collet 61 is tubular with an enlarged head 67 forming an external step 67a and having a tapered internal surface 67b facing the inner tube 51. The lock collet 61 is received within the internal recess 50b, with an 0-ring seal captivated between the lower end of the recess 50b and the lock collet 61.

The lock sleeve 62 is in the form of a hollow cylinder with an annular flange 68 projecting inwardly from its upper end and an annular barb 69 projecting inwardly of its lower edge.

The annular flange 68 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube 51, thereby inhibiting the insertion of a tool or other implement therebetween. The annular barb 69 has a flat upper surface 69a and a tapering lower, lead-in surface 69b In use, the nut 60 of the fastening assembly 6 is loosely engaged with the external thread 57 of the outer tube 50 and the annular flange 68 of the lock sleeve 62 rests on the support flange 59 of the inner tube 51. The assembly 1 is installed in a cistern (not shown) by captivating its bottom wall (not shown) between the flange 52 and nut 54 in the usual way. The inlet pipe 5 is telescopically adjusted to the required level by moving the inner tube 51 io relative to the outer tube 50 until the radial projections 66 of the fingers 65 of the nut 60 engage with the appropriate circumferential groove 58 of the inner tube 51.

The nut 60 is then tightened onto the external thread 57 of the outer tube 50, which urges the fingers 65 against the tapered internal surface 67b of the lock collet 61, thereby forcing the radial projections 66 further into engagement with the circumferential groove 58 of the inner tube 51. At this stage, the inner tube 51 is locked into place such that it is immovable relative to the outer tube 50. The lock sleeve 62 is then urged downwardly, such that the annular flange 68 thereof passes over the support flange 59 and the lead-in surface 69b of the annular barb 69 engages the top of the nut 60. The lock sleeve 62 is then urged against the nut 60 to cause the annular barb 69 to deform, enabling it to pass over the axial ribs 63 until it returns to its annular shape and snaps into place below the nut 60.

In this state, shown more clearly in Figure 3, the lock sleeve 62 loosely captivates the nut 60, thereby preventing a user from applying a torque to the nut 60 without destroying at least part of the assembly 1. As such, the installation of the lock sleeve 62 over the nut 60 reconfigures the fastening assembly 6 from a first configuration, in which the tubes 50, 51 are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes 50, 51 is irreversibly inhibited.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an inlet valve assembly 101, which is similar to the inlet valve assembly 1 described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 100. The inlet valve assembly 101 according to this example differs from the aforementioned assembly in that the fastening assembly 106 includes a lock insert 162, which is received within a receptacle R formed in part by the nut 160 and in part by a notch RN in an upper portion of the outer tube 150.

The lock insert 162 includes a body 168 with a barb 169 projecting from the body 168. The body 168 includes a part-annular base 168a and three equally spaced legs 168b depending from the base 168a and joining the base 168a to the barb 169. The barb 169 is in the form of a substantially J-shaped dogleg, which extends across and joins the legs 168b together.

The barb 169 has a free end 169a and forms a tapering lower, lead-in surface 169b.

In use and as set out above, the nut 160 of the fastening assembly 106 is loosely engaged with the external thread 157 of the outer tube 150 and the assembly 101 is installed in a to cistern (not shown). The inlet pipe 105 is telescopically adjusted to the required level and the nut 160 is tightened onto the external thread 157 of the outer tube 50 to lock the inner tube 151 into place such that it is immovable relative to the outer tube 150. In this position, the receptacle R in the nut 160 is aligned with the notch RN in the outer tube 150. The lock insert 162 is inserted into the receptacle R, which deforms the barb 169 toward the legs 168b until the free end 169a thereof passes over the head 167 of the lock collet 161. At this point, the barb 169 returns to its J-shape and snaps into place below the head 167 of the lock collet 161 and the free end 169a of the barb 169 engages external step 167a.

In this state, shown more clearly in Figure 6, the legs 168b and barb 169 of the lock insert 162 engage the sides of the notch RN in the outer tube 50, thereby preventing a user from loosening the nut 60 without destroying at least part of the assembly 101. The part-annular base 168a is sized and configured to fill substantially the receptacle R in the nut 160 to provide a contiguous surface, which prevents, or at least inhibits, a user's ability to insert a tool or other implement therebetween, thereby making the insert 162 irremovable. As such, the installation of the lock insert 162 into the receptacle R, RN reconfigures the fastening assembly 106 from a first configuration, in which the tubes 150, 151 are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes 150, 151 is irreversibly inhibited.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate an alternative fastening assembly 206 for one of the inlet valve assemblies 1, 101 described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 200 with respect to the fastening assembly 6 of the first example. The fastening assembly 206 according to this example differs from previous examples in that the irreversible locking function provided by the lock sleeve 62 and lock insert 162 is achieved by the lock collet 261. More specifically, the angle of the tapered internal surface 267b of the lock collet 261 increases gradually about the circumference of the lock collet 261 such that a radial step 262 is provided. This increase in taper angle is in a counterclockwise direction, corresponding to the direction of loosening of the nut 260.

In use, as the nut 260 is tightened, each consecutive finger 265 passes over the radial step 262 and snaps into the deeper portion of the tapered internal surface 267b. As such, rotation of the nut 260 in the opposite, loosening direction is inhibited. Such counterclockwise rotation causes the side of the finger 265 to abut the radial step 262, which thereby provides a stop preventing the nut 260 from being loosened without destroying at to least part of the assembly 201. Tightening of the nut 260 to the aforementioned position in which the inner tube 251 is locked relative to the outer tube 250 therefore reconfigures the fastening assembly 206 from a first configuration, in which the tubes 250, 251 are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes 250, 251 is irreversibly inhibited.

It is also envisaged that such a step 262 could be achieved by configuring the tapered internal surface 267b to spiral outwardly, thereby to provide a step 262 of constant depth.

Turning now to Figures 11 and 12, an alternative fastening assembly 306 is shown for use in one of the inlet valve assemblies 1, 101 described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 300 with respect to the fastening assembly 6 of the first example. The fastening assembly 306 according to this example differs from the previous fastening assemblies 6, 106, 206 in that the irreversible locking function provided by the lock sleeve 62, lock insert 162 and lock collet 261 is achieved by an adhesive lock element 362.

The adhesive lock element 362 in this example is annular and is received in opposed recesses 368, 369 in the nut 360 and outer tube 350. The nut 360 also includes a lock recess 368a radially inboard of the adhesive lock element recess 368. The adhesive lock element 362 includes a semi-flexible skin configured to be ruptured when the element 362 is compressed.

In use, tightening of the nut 360 onto the external thread 357 of the outer tube 350 causes the adhesive lock element 362 to be compressed therebetween. Continued tightening urges the fingers 365 into engagement with the inner tube 351 as described above. As the inner tube 351 is locked in place, the adhesive lock element 362 ruptures, thereby releasing adhesive A material therefrom. As illustrated in Figure 12, this adhesive A fills the space between the nut 360 and the outer tube 350 and fills the lock recess 368a of the nut 360.

Once the adhesive A cures, rotation of the nut 360 is inhibited without destroying at least part of the assembly 301. Tightening of the nut 360 to the aforementioned position in which the inner tube 351 is locked relative to the outer tube 350 and the adhesive A is released therefore reconfigures the fastening assembly 306 from a first configuration, in which the tubes 350, 351 are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic to adjustment of the tubes 350, 351 is irreversibly inhibited.

Figures 13 to 15 illustrate an inlet valve assembly 401, which is similar to the inlet valve assembly 1 according to the first example described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 400. The inlet valve assembly 401 according to this example differs from the previous examples in that the fastening assembly 406 includes a lock collar 460 instead of the lock nut 60, 160, 260, 360 and the fingers 465 of the lock collar 460 are prevented from engaging the circumferential grooves 458 of the inner tube 451 by a release member 462.

The lock collar 460 is in the form of a hollow cylinder with a series of barbs 463 spaced about and projecting inwardly from its lower edge. The lock collar 460 also includes an annular flange 464 projecting inwardly from its upper end and a plurality of fingers 465 projecting downwardly from the annular flange 464. Each finger 465 has an inwardly extending radial projection 466 for engaging one of the circumferential grooves 458 of the inner tube 451.

The radial projection 466 of the fingers 465 and the circumferential grooves 458 of the inner tube 451 each have a square cross-section in this example, which cooperate with one another to resist disengagement. This is contrary to the rounded profile of the projections 66, 166, 266 in previous examples, which are designed to be dislodged from the grooves 58, 158, 258, 358 as the inner tube 51, 151, 251, 351 is adjusted.

The enlarged upper end 455 of the outer tube 450 includes a series of slots 457, which receive the barbs 463 of the lock collar 460 to secure it to the outer tube 450. The lock collar 461 has a cylindrical inner surface, as there is no cooperation between it and the fingers 465 in this example.

The release member 462 includes a cylindrical wall 462a, an annular flange 468 projecting outwardly from the cylindrical wall 462a and a series of stop tabs 469. The annular flange 468 includes a pair of opposed gripping tabs 468a projecting outwardly therefrom. When the fastening assembly 601 is in a first, adjustment configuration, shown in Figure 14, the stop tabs 469 of the release member 462 are received within interruptions (not shown) of the cylindrical wall 462a. However, when the release member 462 is in a relaxed state, io shown in Figure 15, the stop tabs 469 project from the annular flange 468 at an angle, away from the interruptions of the cylindrical wall 462a.

In use, the fastening assembly 406 is in a first, adjustment configuration, shown in Figure 14, with the cylindrical wall 462a and stop tabs 469 maintaining the fingers 465 in a retracted condition. In this state, the stop tabs 469 bear against the inner tube 451 of the inlet pipe 405. The inlet pipe 405 is telescopically adjusted to the required level by moving the inner tube 451 relative to the outer tube 450 until the inner tube 451 is in the appropriate position.

The user then grips the gripping tabs 468a of the release member 462 and pulls upwardly to remove the release member 462 from the fastening assembly 406. This action releases the fingers 465 of the lock collar 460 such that they deploy into engagement with the circumferential grooves 458 of the inner tube 451. In addition, this action also releases the stop tabs 469 of the release member 462 such that they deploy into the angled position illustrated in Figure 15. In this, deployed condition the stop tabs 469 prevent reinsertion of the release member 462 between the lock collar 460 and the inner tube 450 and irreversibly prevents the length of the inlet pipe 405 from being adjusted without destroying at least part of the assembly 401. Removal of the release member 462 from the fastening assembly 406 therefore reconfigures the fastening assembly 406 from a first configuration, in which the tubes 450, 451 are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes 450, 451 is irreversibly inhibited.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate an alternative inlet pipe 505 for one of the inlet valve assemblies 1, 101, 401 described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 500 with respect to the inlet pipe 5 of the first example. The inlet pipe 505 according to this example differs from the inlet pipe 405 of the immediately preceding example in that the lock collar 560 of the fastening assembly 506 captivates a lock ring 565 for engaging the circumferential grooves 558 of the inner tube 551 instead of the fingers 465. A release member 562 in the form of a U-shaped plate 568 with a gripping flange 569 is provided, which engages the circumferential groove 558 of the inner tube 551 immediately above the lock collar 560, thereby to prevent the inner tube 551 from being inserted into the outer tube 550.

Similar to the previous example, the lock collar 560 is in the form of a hollow cylinder with an annular barb 563 projecting inwardly about its lower edge and an annular flange 564 io projecting inwardly from its upper end. The lock ring 565 is captivated between the annular flange 564 and includes a plurality of inwardly extending engaging tabs 566, which are angled downwardly and engage one of the circumferential grooves 558 of the inner tube 551. By angling the engaging tabs 566 in the direction of insertion of the inner tube 551 into the outer tube 550, the lock ring 565 allows such movement for shortening the inlet pipe 505, but retraction of the inner tube 551 from the outer tube 550 is prevented. As such, lengthen the inlet pipe 505 is not possible without destroying at least part of the assembly 501.

In use, the inlet pipe 505 is provided with the lock ring 565 in engagement with the lowermost circumferential groove 558 of the inner tube 551 and with the release member 562 engaged with the circumferential groove 558 of the inner tube 551 immediately above the lock ring 565. This corresponds to the longest setting for the inlet pipe 505. In order to adjust the length of the inlet pipe 505, the release member 562 is removed from the inner tube 551 and the inner tube 551 is urged into the outer tube 550.

As the inner tube 551 is inserted into the outer tube 550, the engaging tabs 566 of the lock ring 565 sequentially move from one circumferential groove 558 of the inner tube 551 to the next until the desired inlet pipe length 505 is achieved. As explained above, retraction of the inner tube 551 from the outer tube 550 is prevented by the engaging tabs 566 of the lock ring 565. As such, the fastening assembly 506 according to this example enables the length of the inlet pipe 505 to be adjusted irreversibly.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate an inlet valve assembly 601, shown in kit form, which is similar to the inlet valve assembly 1 according to the first example described above, wherein like features are depicted by like reference numerals incremented by 600. The inlet valve assembly 601 according to this example differs from the inlet valve assemblies 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 described above in that the inlet pipe 605 is not telescopic. Rather, the inlet pipe 605 includes a single tube 650 with an external thread 658 along a substantial upper portion of its length and the valve 602 includes an internally threaded spigot 651, which receives and engages an upper end of the external thread 658 of the tube 650.

The assembly 601 includes a tubular interface member 660, which includes an external radial flange 661 at its centre and a pair of 0-ring seals 662 received in respective grooves on each side of the radial flange 661. As illustrated in Figure 19, one end of the interface to member 660 is sealingly received within an inlet 624 of the valve 602 and the other end is sealing received within the inner tube 651 of the inlet pipe 605. The radial flange 661 is captivated between the inlet 624 of the valve 602 and the inner tube 651 of the inlet pipe 605.

The inner tube 651 includes a series of indicators 658a along the length of the threaded portion 658. In order to adjust the length of the inlet pipe 605, the inner tube 651 is cut to length, for example at the appropriate indicator 658a, corresponding to the desired position of the valve 602. The interface member 660 is then inserted into the cut end of the inner tube 651 and the valve 602 is installed onto the inner tube 651 and rotated to engage with the threads 658 until the other end of the interface member 660 is urged into sealing engagement with the inlet 624 of the valve 602. As such, the inlet valve assembly 601 provides a means of irreversibly adjusting the length of the inlet pipe 605.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSAn inlet valve assembly for a toilet cistern, the assembly comprising an inlet pipe with a first, mounting end, a valve connected or connectable to the inlet pipe at a second end thereof and an actuator for closing, in use, the valve when water in the cistern reaches a predetermined level, wherein the length of the inlet pipe is adjustable irreversibly.
2. An inlet valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe comprises to telescoping tubes and a fastening means for irreversibly securing the tubes together.
An inlet valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fastening means is operable from a first configuration, in which the tubes are telescopically adjustable, to a second configuration, in which telescopic adjustment of the tubes is irreversibly inhibited.
4. An inlet valve assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein an inner one of the tubes comprises a series of recesses or projections along its length and the fastening means comprises an annular member surrounding the inner tube with one or more radial elements that engage one of the recesses or projections when the fastening means is in the second configuration.
5. An inlet valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the annular member comprises a collar with one or more fingers depending from an upper portion thereof, the or each radial element comprising a radial projection extending inwardly from the or one of the fingers which engages one of the series of recesses of the inner tube.
6. An inlet valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the collar comprises a nut which threadedly engages an outer tube, the outer tube having a tapered end which urges the finger(s) toward the inner tube and into engagement with one of the recesses as the nut is tightened, in use, over the outer tube.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein the fastening means comprises a lock element configured to prevent rotation of the nut after it has been tightened over the outer tube. 10. 11 12. 13. 14. 15.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lock element comprises a lock sleeve having a barb with a lead-in enabling it to be urged, in use, over the nut and prevent removal of the lock sleeve from the nut, the lock sleeve being sized and configured to rotate freely on the nut such that rotation of the nut is inhibited.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lock element comprises a lock insert configured to be irremovably inserted into a receptacle of the nut, thereby to irreversibly lock the nut in place.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lock element comprises a stop within the tapered end of the outer tube which allows rotation of the nut in a first, tightening direction and cooperates with the or one of the fingers to prevent rotation in a second, loosening direction.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lock element comprises an adhesive configured to be activated or released when the nut is tightened over the outer tube, thereby to secure the tubes together.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the collar is mounted to or incorporated in an end of an outer tube, the fastening means comprising a release member operable to release the finger(s) to irreversibly engage one of the series of recesses of the inner tube.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the annular member comprises a lock ring which allows telescopic movement between the tubes in a first direction but inhibits telescopic movement between the tubes in a second direction, opposite the first direction.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein the radial element(s) project from the lock ring toward the inner tube in the first direction.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein the lock ring is captivated between a collar and the telescopic tubes, the collar being irremovably mounted to an outer one of the telescopic tubes.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe is configured to be severed, in use, to irreversibly adjust its length and the valve is connectable to the severed end of the inlet pipe.An inlet valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the inlet pipe includes a thread along its length for cooperating with a thread of the valve, thereby to connect the valve to the severed end of the inlet pipe.An inlet valve assembly according to any one of claim 17, wherein the inlet pipe comprises an external thread along its length for cooperating with a threaded bore of the valve, the assembly comprising a tubular interface member between the inlet pipe and valve to provide a sealing engagement therebetween.An inlet valve assembly according to any one of claim 18, wherein the tubular interface member comprises an external radial flange adjacent its centre and a seal on each side of the radial flange for sealing receipt within a respective one of the inlet pipe and valve to provide a sealing engagement therebetween.A method of installing an inlet valve assembly into a toilet cistern, the method comprising adjusting irreversibly the length of an inlet pipe of the assembly such that an actuator of a valve connected to the inlet pipe is positioned for closing the valve when water in the cistern reaches a predetermined level.A computer program element comprising a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing device, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of an inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19. 16. 17. 18. io 19. 20.