GB2611016A

GB2611016A - Inlet valve assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2611016A
Application number: GB2110592.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dudley Martin; Carter Tyron
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-22
Filing date: 2021-07-22
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: GB202118087D0; GB202110592D0; GB2611118A

Abstract

The invention relates to an inlet valve assembly (101 fig 1), (201 fig 12) for a toilet cistern. The assembly includes a valve (102 fig 1), (202 fig 12) and an inlet pipe (103 fig 1), (203 fig 12) having an outlet (130 fig 1), (230 fig 12) fluidly connected to the valve (102 fig 1), (202 fig 12) an inlet (131 fig 1), for fluid connection with a source of water, a deformable tube 104, sealingly connecting the inlet (131 fig 1), to the outlet (130 fig 1), (230 fig 12) and an adjustment mechanism 105, (205 fig 13) for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe (103 fig 1), (203 fig 12). The adjustment mechanism 105, (205 fig 13) is configured to adjust the height of the valve (102 fig 1), (202 fig 12) and the deformable tube 104, is configured to extend or retract in response to the adjustment. Later embodiments relate to an inlet pipe for use with said valve assembly and a method of adjusting the height of the said inlet valve.

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.

Another example of a height-adjustable inlet valve assembly is described in GB2589546, wherein the length of the inlet pipe is adjustable irreversibly. This is achieved by irreversibly locking a pair of telescoping tubes at a desired relative position or cutting a single inlet pipe at a desired length and then fluidly coupling the inlet valve to it.

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 toilet cistern, the assembly comprising a valve and an inlet pipe having an outlet fluidly connected to the valve, an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water, a deformable tube sealingly connecting the inlet to the outlet and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe.

The provision of an inlet pipe with a deformable tube and an adjustment mechanism incorporates the aforementioned benefits of adjustability, whilst ensuring that the assembly is as reliable and robust as fixed-length inlet pipes.

Another aspect of the invention provides an inlet pipe for use in the inlet valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17, the pipe comprising an outlet for fluid connection to a valve of the valve assembly, an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water, a deformable tube sealingly connecting the inlet to the outlet and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe.

Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust, in use, the height of the valve. More preferably, the deformable tube is configured to extend or retract in response to such adjustment.

The adjustment mechanism may comprise a pair of telescopic tubes. Each telescopic tube io may be connected to a respective one of the inlet and the outlet. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a threaded connection, e.g. between the telescopic tubes. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may comprise any other mechanism appropriate for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe, such as rack and pinion, linear ratchet and pawl, worm drive and the like. Any such mechanism may be associated with the telescopic tubes, bars or any other suitable extendable member(s).

Preferably, the threaded connection between the telescopic tubes is provided by an adjustment ring. The adjustment ring may be rotatably connected to and/or captivated by a first of the telescopic tubes. A second of the telescopic tubes may comprise one or more threads. The adjustment ring may comprise one or more threads, which may engage with the thread(s) of the second of the telescopic tubes. The adjustment ring may be rotatable relative to the first and/or second telescopic tubes.

The adjustment ring may comprise an engaging feature about its inner or outer periphery, which may cooperate with an engaging feature of the first telescopic tube, e.g. to rotatably connect the adjustment ring thereto. The engaging feature may comprise a ring or barb, which may be segmented. The adjustment ring may comprise two or more resilient arms each including part of the engaging feature at or adjacent a free end thereof. The resilient arms may be described in a cylindrical portion of the adjustment ring. Preferably, each arm has a barb at or adjacent its free end that resiliently engages a lip of the first telescopic tube.

The first telescopic tube may be an outer tube. The first telescopic tube may comprise a receptacle. The receptacle may rotatably receive and/or captivate the adjustment ring. The first telescopic tube may comprise the engaging lip in the receptacle or at or adjacent a mouth of the receptacle. The second telescopic tube may comprise an inner tube. The second tube may comprise one or more external threads. The adjustment ring may comprise one or more internal threads. The external threads of the second tube may engage with the internal threads of the adjustment ring.

The inlet valve assembly may comprise a locking means, e.g. for selectively inhibiting relative movement of the telescopic tubes and/or rotation of the adjustment ring. The locking means may be operable to selectively inhibit rotation of the adjustment ring relative to the first and/or second telescopic tubes. The locking means may be operable to selectively io inhibit rotation of the adjustment ring before or after the length of the inlet pipe has been adjusted. The locking means may comprise a first locking feature associated with at least one of the telescopic tubes and a second locking feature associated with the adjustment ring. In some examples the locking features cooperate to selectively inhibiting rotation of the adjustment ring. In other examples, the locking means comprises a third locking feature, such as a locking member, that cooperates with each of the first and second locking features. Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a first locking feature associated with one of the telescopic tubes and a second locking feature associated with the other telescopic tube, in which case the first and second locking features may cooperate with one another or with a third locking feature to selectively inhibit relative movement of the telescopic tubes In one example, the locking means comprises a locking member movably mounted to or otherwise associated with one of the telescopic tubes or with the adjustment ring and a locking feature associated with another of them. The locking member may be movable or operable between a deployed condition, e.g. in which relative movement between the tubes and/or rotation of the adjustment ring is inhibited, and an undeployed or retracted condition, e.g. in which relative movement between the tubes is allowed and/or the adjustment ring is able to rotate. The locking member may be engaged with or inserted into the locking feature when it is in the deployed condition.

The locking means may comprise a bolt lock, !coking tab, tongue and groove or latching mechanism, such as a latch and pawl mechanism. The locking member may comprise a pin, clip, locking tab, tongue, latch or any other appropriate feature. The or each locking feature may each comprise a recess, hole, groove or projection, e.g. with which the locking member may engage.

The inlet valve assembly may comprise a longitudinal guide, which may be between the telescopic tubes. The longitudinal guide may enable telescopic movement between the telescopic tubes. The longitudinal guide may inhibit rotation between the telescopic tubes.

The longitudinal guide may comprise a first guide feature on one of the telescopic tubes, which may engage a second guide feature of the other of the telescopic tubes. The first guide feature may comprise a key. The second guide feature may comprise a slot.

In one example, the longitudinal guide comprises a key on the first telescopic tube that io engages a slot along the length of the second telescopic tube.

The deformable tube may be configured to stretch, in use, when length of the inlet pipe is increased by the adjustment mechanism. The deformable tube may be configured to retract, in use, when length of the inlet pipe is decreased or reduced by the adjustment mechanism. The deformable tube may be configured to stretch or retract resiliently.

The deformable tube may be sealingly connected at a first of its ends to an inlet member, which may describe the inlet of the inlet pipe. The deformable tube may be sealingly connected at a second of its ends to an outlet member, which may describe the outlet of the inlet pipe. The telescopic tubes may each be connected to a respective one of the inlet member and the outlet member, e.g. thereby to stretch, in use, resiliently the deformable tube when the telescopic tubes are adjusted to increase the length of the inlet pipe.

One or each of the inlet member and outlet member may comprise a fluid connector, e.g. a hose connector. The fluid connector may comprise a pipe or spigot, which may include one or more barbs or rings, e.g. on its outer surface. The deformable tube may receive, e.g. engagingly receive, the or each fluid connector, e.g. in an interference fit. The outlet member may comprise a receptacle. One of the telescopic tubes, e.g. the first telescopic tube, may be received within the receptacle. The inlet member may comprise a threaded spigot. The other of the telescopic tubes, e.g. the second telescopic tube, may threadedly engage the threaded spigot.

The deformable tube may be configured to unravel, in use, when the length of the inlet pipe is increased by the adjustment mechanism. The deformable tube may be configured to fold, in use, over itself when the length of the inlet pipe is decreased or reduced by the adjustment mechanism and/or as it retracts. The deformable tube may be folded over itself, e.g. such that its overlap decreases, in use, as it is unravelled and/or such that its overlap increases, in use, as it retracts.

The defomable tube may comprise a resilient material. The deformable tube may comprise an elastomeric material. The deformable tube may comprise an elastomer.

The deformable tube may be sealingly connected at a first of its ends to an inlet member, which may describe the inlet of the inlet pipe. The deformable tube may be sealingly io connected at a second of its ends to one of the telescopic tubes, e.g. the telescopic tube that is connected to the outlet of the inlet pipe. The second end of the deformable tube may be connected to the opposite end of the telescopic tube to the outlet of the inlet pipe. The telescopic tube connected to the outlet of the inlet pipe may be integral with and/or describe the outlet. The deformable tube may unravel, in use, when the telescopic tubes are adjusted to increase the length of the inlet pipe. The deformable tube fold, in use, over itself when the telescopic tubes are adjusted to decrease or reduce the length of the inlet pipe and/or as it retracts.

The inlet member may comprise a feed tube, which may be fluidly connected to the inlet.

The feed tube may be received within the deformable tube. The feed tube may support the deformable tube and/or may inhibit its collapse.

The inlet pipe may comprise a threaded stem, which may describe the inlet. The inlet pipe may comprise a flange. The threaded stem may project from the flange. The inlet pipe may comprise a threaded nut, e.g. for engagement with the threaded stem for captivating, in use, the base wall of a cistern between the flange and threaded 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 operatively connected or mounted, e.g. pivotally mounted, to the valve, e.g. a cap of the valve. The float may be for selectively closing the valve when water reaches, in use, a predetermined level in a cistern within which the valve assembly is received.

The valve may comprise an inlet, which may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the inlet pipe. The valve may comprise an outlet, e.g. for discharging, in use, water into a cistern within which the assembly is mounted. The valve 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.

io The valve may comprise an equilibrium valve, which may include a body with the inlet and the outlet. The valve may comprise a valve mechanism with a seat in the body between the inlet and the outlet. The valve may comprise a flexible diaphragm, e.g. on the downstream side of the seat. The diaphragm may be deformable to seal against the seat. The diaphragm may carry an insert, which may have a through aperture with a monitoring pin therein to keep the aperture clear and to restrict flow therethrough to a slow bleed. The diaphragm may divide a pressure chamber defined within the body into a first part, which includes the seat, and a second part. The pressure chamber may act 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. The float may apply a closing force to a second 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 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 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 toilet cistern comprising an inlet valve assembly, e.g. as described above. The assembly may be mounted to a base wall of the cistern.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of adjusting the height of an inlet valve within a toilet cistern. The method may comprise adjusting the length of an inlet pipe to which the inlet valve is mounted, e.g. such that a deformable tube of the inlet pipe extends or retracts in response thereto.

The length of the inlet pipe may be adjusted via relative movement between telescopic tubes. The relative movement may, but need not, be effected via a threaded engagement between telescopic tubes. The length of the inlet pipe may be adjusted by rotating a threaded adjustment ring. The adjustment ring may be rotatably connected to a first of the telescopic tubes. The adjustment ring, e.g. the thread(s) thereof, may engage with one or more threads of a second of the telescopic tubes.

The method may comprise locking the adjustment ring, e.g. against rotation. The method may comprise locking the adjustment ring following the adjustment of the inlet pipe.

The method may comprise inhibiting relative rotation between the telescopic tubes, e.g. as they are moved relative to one another and/or as the adjustment ring is rotated. The method may comprise inhibiting relative rotation between the telescopic tubes via a longitudinal guide. The longitudinal guide may enable relative axial movement therebetween.

The adjustment may comprise increasing the length of the inlet pipe, e.g. such that the deformable tube stretches in response thereto. The adjustment may comprise decreasing the length of the inlet pipe, e.g. such that the deformable tube retracts in response thereto.

The adjustment may comprise increasing the length of the inlet pipe, e.g. such that the deformable tube unravels, e.g. such that an overlap of a fold of the deformable tube decreases, in response thereto. The adjustment may comprise decreasing the length of the inlet pipe, e.g. such that the deformable tube folds over itself, e.g. such that an overlap of a fold of the deformable tube increases, in response thereto.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the valve assembly may comprise any one or more features of the inlet pipe relevant thereto or vice versa and/or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the valve assembly or the inlet pipe or vice versa.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design, e.g. of the inlet pipe or valve assembly described above or an embodiment thereof. The three-dimensional design may be for use with a simulation means or an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device.

The computer program element may be for causing, or operable or configured to cause, an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device to manufacture the inlet pipe or valve assembly described above or an embodiment thereof. The computer program element may comprise computer readable program code means for causing an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device to execute a procedure to manufacture the inlet pipe or valve assembly described above or an embodiment 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 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 side view of an inlet valve assembly according to one example; Figure 2 is a section view of the inlet pipe of the valve assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the deformable tube assembly of the inlet pipe of io Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inlet member of the deformable tube assembly of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the outlet member of the deformable tube assembly of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view of the adjustment mechanism of the inlet pipe of Figure 2, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the threaded inner tube of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the outer tube of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view of the outer tube of Figure 8 through the locking pin slot; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the adjustment ring of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 6; Figure 11 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 showing the inlet pipe in a fully extended position; Figure 12 is a side view of an inlet valve assembly according to another example; Figure 13 is a section view of the inlet pipe of the valve assembly of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the inner tube assembly of the inlet pipe of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a section view of the inner tube assembly of Figure 14; to Figure 16 is a section view of the outer tube assembly of the inlet pipe of Figure 13; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the adjustment ring of the outer tube assembly of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a partial section view showing the engagement between the locking pin of the valve mounting ring and the adjustment ring in the inlet valve assembly of Figure 12; Figure 19 is a sectional perspective view of the outer tube of the outer tube assembly of Figure 16; and Figure 20 is a similar view to that of Figure 13 showing the inlet pipe in a fully extended position.

Referring now to Figures 1, there is shown an inlet valve assembly 101 for a toilet cistern (not shown), which includes a valve 102 and an inlet pipe 103. The inlet pipe 103, which is shown more clearly in Figure 2, includes an outlet 130 fluidly connected to the valve 102 and an inlet 131 for fluid connection with a source of water (not shown). The inlet pipe 103 also includes a deformable tube assembly 104 providing a sealed fluid passageway FP from the inlet 131 to the outlet 130 and an adjustment mechanism 105 for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe 103.

The valve 102 is configured in a similar manner to that which is disclosed in GB1588216, and so will not be described further. The assembly 101 also includes a float 120, only part of which is shown in Figure 1. The float 120 includes a threaded stem 121 adjustably mounted to a lever arm 122 pivotally connected to the valve 102. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, when the assembly 101 is mounted within a cistern the height of the float 102 can be adjusted by rotating the threaded stem 121 relative to the lever arm 122. This will adjust the water level at which the float 102 will cause the lever 122 to pivot and close the valve 102.

The deformable tube assembly 104 is shown in Figure 3 and includes an inlet member 140, an outlet member 141 and a deformable tube 142 formed of a resilient, elastomeric material. As shown more clearly in Figure 4, the inlet member 140 includes an inlet connector 143, io a threaded stem 144 and a radial flange 145 between the inlet connector 143 and the threaded stem 144. The inlet connector 143 includes a tubular spigot 146 with a barb 146a adjacent its free end for engaging receipt within the deformable tube 142. The tubular spigot 146 also includes an external thread 146b extending from the radial flange 145 along part of its length.

The outlet member 141 is shown in Figure 5 and includes an outlet connector 147, a cylindrical receptacle 148 surrounding the outlet connector 147 and a push fit spigot 149 projecting from a top wall 148a of the cylindrical receptacle 148. The outlet connector 147 also includes a tubular spigot 147a with a barb 147b adjacent its free end for engaging receipt within the deformable tube 142. The cylindrical receptacle 148 includes a pair of opposed L-shaped slots 148b on its internal surface.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the adjustment mechanism 105 includes an inner tube 150, and outer tube 151 and an adjustment ring 152. The inner tube 150 includes an internal thread 150a at a first of its ends and an enlarged end 150b opposite the end with the internal thread 150a. The internal thread 150a cooperates with the external thread 146b of the tubular spigot 146 of the inlet connector 143 of the inlet member 140 to secure the inner tube 150 to the inlet member 140. The enlarged end 150b includes a circumferential groove 150c for receiving an 0-ring seal (not shown). As shown more clearly in Figure 7, the inner tube 150 also includes external threads 153 and a pair of longitudinal slots 153a extending axially and interrupting the external threads 153.

The outer tube 151 includes an enlarged receptacle 154 at its lower end with a retaining lip 154a adjacent its open mouth and a locking pin 155 received and releasably retained within a slot 155a in the circumferential wall describing the receptacle 154. As illustrated more clearly in Figures 8 and 9, the outer tube 151 also includes a pair of square pins 151a projecting radially outwardly adjacent its upper end for cooperating with the 148b to provide a bayonet-type connection. The outer tube 151 also includes a pair of longitudinal keys 151b projecting radially inwardly adjacent the enlarged receptacle 154 which cooperate with the longitudinal slots 153a of the inner tube 150 to allow axial movement between the inner and outer tubes 150, 151 whilst inhibiting relative rotation therebetween. The locking pin slot 155a includes a stop 155b adjacent the mount of the receptacle 154 and a pair of opposed lips 155c adjacent the upper end of the slot 155a.

io The adjustment ring 152 is shown in Figure 10 and includes a hollow cylindrical base 156 and an engaging ring 157 projecting from an upper surface of the base 156. The base 156 includes a plurality of axial holes 156a, which extend through its thickness and adjacent its periphery, and a plurality of axial gripping ribs 156b projecting from its outer circumferential surface to facilitate manipulation of the adjustment ring 152. The engaging ring 157 includes a plurality of helical segments 158 projecting from its inner surface, for engaging the external threads 153 of the inner tube 150, and four axial arms 159 spaced equally about its periphery. Each axial arm 159 extends from the base 156 and includes an outer barb 159a that cooperates with the retaining lip 154a of the enlarged receptacle 154 of the outer tube 151 to rotatably retain the adjustment ring 152 on the outer tube 151.

In use and with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 11, adjustment of the length of the inlet pipe 103 is achieved by first ensuring that the locking pin 155 is retracted from whichever axial hole 156a of the adjustment ring 152 that it is aligned with, thereby providing a bolt lock type locking means. The user (not shown) may then grasp the inlet member 140 with one hand and the outer tube 151 with the other hand and pull them apart. This will cause the outer tube 151 to move telescopically with respect to the inner tube 150, which causes the adjustment ring to rotate as the helical segments 158 engage with the external threads 153 of the inner tube 150. This will also stretch resiliently the deformable tube 142, which will provide some resistance to the telescopic movement between the inner and outer tubes 150, 151.

Alternatively, it is possible to rotate the adjustment ring 152 to move the outer tube 151 relative to the inner tube 150, but the skilled person will appreciate that this approach is more time consuming. Both approaches may be employed, for example rotation of the adjustment ring 152 may be carried out toward the end of the adjustment to fine tune the length of the inlet pipe 103.

When the desired length of the inlet pipe 103 is reached, the locking pin 155 is deployed by urging it (e.g. with a thumb) into the axial hole 156a of the adjustment ring 152 with which it is aligned. This locks the position of the outer tube 151 relative to the inner tube 150. The skilled person will appreciate that, if this adjustment is performed when the inlet valve assembly 101 is mounted within a cistern (not shown), the user (not shown) is able to evaluate the required height of the inlet valve 102 relative to the base of the cistern (not to shown) within which it is mounted. Minor adjustments may then be made to the position of the float 120 to fine tune the desired fill level within the cistern (not shown).

Thus, the invention provides similar adjustability to prior art designs, but the provision of a continuous, sealed passageway FP without any sealed connections below the water line ensures that the assembly is as reliable and robust as fixed-length inlet pipes. In fact, the mechanism by which adjustment and subsequent locking is achieved is believed to be more user friendly, and can be performed in installations with limited access to the inlet valve assembly 101.

Turning now to Figure 12, there is shown an inlet valve assembly 201 according to another example, which is similar to that of the previous example, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. As illustrated more clearly in Figure 13, the inlet valve assembly 201 according to this example differs from that of the previous example in that the orientation of the telescopic tubes 250, 251 is reversed, the outlet member 241 is sealingly connected to an upper end of the inner tube 250 and a folded deformable tube 242 is sealingly connected to a lower end of the inner tube 250. Thus, the fluid passageway FP is described in part by the inner tube 250 in this example. A nut 206 is also shown for securing the inlet valve assembly 201 to the base of a cistern (not shown).

The assembly describing the fluid passageway FP is shown more clearly in Figures 14 and 15. More specifically, a first end of the deformable tube 242 includes a bead 242a with an annular receptacle 242b that sealingly receives the lower end of the inner tube 250. The skilled person will appreciate that a similar, perhaps more reliable sealed connection may be achieved using an overmoulding process. The other end of the deformable tube 242 is sealingly secured to a base of the inlet connector 243 of the inlet member 240. The deformable tube 242 is folded back over itself such that portions thereof overlap over nearly their entire length when the inlet pipe 203 is in the retracted position shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The tubular spigot 246 of this inlet connector 243 is in the form of a feed tube that extends along most of the length of the inner tube 250, and supports the folded deformable tube 242 against collapse. In this example, the inlet member 240 also includes a pair of resilient arms 246b projecting from the radial flange 245 on opposite sides of the inlet connector 243. Each arm 246b includes a barb 246c adjacent its free end that engages a respective to slot 251a in the outer tube 251 to secure the outer tube 251 on the inlet member 240.

In use and with reference to Figures 12, 13 and 20, adjustment of the length of the inlet pipe 203 is achieved by first ensuring that the locking pin 255 is retracted from whichever axial hole 256a of the adjustment ring 252 that it is aligned with. The user (not shown) may then grasp the outlet member 241 with one hand and the outer tube 251 with the other hand and pull them apart. This will cause the inner tube 250 to move telescopically with respect to the outer tube 251, which causes the adjustment ring to rotate as the helical segments 258 engage with the external threads 253 of the inner tube 250. This will also unravel the deformable tube 242 along the tubular spigot 246. As with the first example, it is possible to rotate the adjustment ring 252 to move the inner tube 250 relative to the outer tube 251.

When the desired length of the inlet pipe 203 is reached, the locking pin 255 is deployed by urging it (e.g. with a thumb) into the axial hole 256a of the adjustment ring 252 with which it is aligned. This locks the position of the inner tube 250 relative to the outer tube 251. The skilled person will appreciate that, if this adjustment is performed when the inlet valve assembly 201 is mounted within a cistern (not shown), the user (not shown) is able to evaluate the required height of the inlet valve 202 relative to the base of the cistern (not shown) within which it is mounted. Minor adjustments may then be made to the position of the float 220 to fine tune the desired fill level within the cistern (not shown).

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. For example, whilst the telescopic tubes 150, 151, 250, 251 are adjusted using a threaded adjustment ring 152, 252, the threads may be on each of the tubes 150, 151, 250, 251 or may be omitted completely. More specifically, it may be advantageous, particularly in the interest of simplicity, to simply have the telescopic tubes 150, 151, 250, 251 slide relative to one another (i.e. without threads), with or without the longitudinal keys 151b, 251b and slots 153a, 253a. The skilled person will readily appreciate how this may be achieved. In such examples, the locking mechanism 155, 156a, 255, 256a may be comprised in the telescopic tubes150, 151, 250, 251, for example the locking pin 155, 255 and axial hole 156a, 256a may be in a respective one of the telescopic tubes 150, 151, 250, 251. Other locking means or mechanisms are also envisaged.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the io 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 a valve and an inlet pipe having an outlet fluidly connected to the valve, an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water, a deformable tube sealingly connecting the inlet to the outlet and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust, in use, the height of the valve and the deformable tube is configured to extend or retract in response thereto.
The inlet valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a pair of telescopic tubes each being connected to a respective one of the inlet and the outlet.
The inlet valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the telescopic tubes.
The inlet valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the threaded connection is provided by an adjustment ring rotatably connected to a first of the telescopic tubes and having one or more threads that engage with one or more threads of a second of the telescopic tubes.
The inlet valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the first telescopic tube is an outer tube with a receptacle that rotatably captivates the adjustment ring and the second telescopic tube is an inner tube with one or more external threads that engage with one or more internal threads of the adjustment ring.
The inlet valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5 comprising a locking means for selectively inhibiting relative movement of the telescopic tubes.
7. The inlet valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the locking means comprises a bolt lock, locking tab, tongue and groove or latching mechanism.
8. The inlet valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 7 comprising a longitudinal guide between the telescopic tubes which enables telescopic movement but inhibits rotation therebetween. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The inlet valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal guide comprises a key on the first telescopic tube that engages a slot along the length of the second telescopic tube.
10. The inlet valve assembly of any one of claim 2 to 9, wherein the deformable tube is configured to stretch, in use, resiliently when length of the inlet pipe is increased by the adjustment mechanism.
11 The inlet valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the deformable tube is sealingly connected at a first of its ends to an inlet member describing the inlet of the inlet pipe and is sealingly connected at a second of its ends to an outlet member describing the outlet of the inlet pipe, the telescopic tubes each being connected to a respective one of the inlet member and the outlet member thereby to stretch, in use, resiliently the deformable tube when the telescopic tubes are adjusted to increase the length of the inlet pipe.
12. The inlet valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the deformable tube is configured to unravel, in use, when the length of the inlet pipe is increased by the adjustment mechanism.
13. The inlet valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the deformable tube is folded over itself such that its overlap decreases, in use, as it is unravelled.
14. The inlet valve assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the deformable tube is sealingly connected at a first of its ends to an inlet member describing the inlet of the inlet pipe and is sealingly connected at a second of its ends to the telescopic tube that is connected to the outlet of the inlet pipe such that the deformable tube unravels, in use, when the telescopic tubes are adjusted to increase the length of the inlet pipe.
15. The inlet valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the inlet member comprises a feed tube fluidly connected to the inlet which is received within and supports the deformable tube.
16. The inlet valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe comprises a threaded stem describing the inlet, a flange from which the threaded stem projects and a threaded nut for engagement with the threaded stem for captivating, in use, the base wall of a cistern between the flange and threaded nut.
17. The inlet valve assembly of any preceding claim comprising a float operatively connected to the valve for selectively closing the valve when water reaches, in use, a predetermined level in a cistern within which the valve assembly is received.
18. A toilet cistern comprising an inlet valve assembly according to any preceding claim mounted to a base wall of the cistern.
19. An inlet pipe for use in the inlet valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17, the pipe comprising an outlet for fluid connection to a valve of the valve assembly, an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water, a deformable tube sealingly connecting the inlet to the outlet and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the inlet pipe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust, in use, the height of the valve and the deformable tube is configured to extend or retract in response thereto.
20. A method of adjusting the height of an inlet valve within a toilet cistern, the method comprising adjusting the length of an inlet pipe to which the inlet valve is mounted such that a deformable tube of the inlet pipe extends or retracts in response thereto.
21 The method of claim 20, wherein the length of the inlet pipe is adjusted via a threaded engagement between telescopic tubes.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the length of the inlet pipe is adjusted by rotating a threaded adjustment ring rotatably connected to a first of the telescopic tubes such that it engages with one or more threads of a second of the telescopic tubes.
23. The method of claim 22 comprising locking the adjustment ring against rotation following the adjustment of the inlet pipe.
24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23 comprising inhibiting relative rotation between the telescopic tubes as the adjustment ring is rotated via a longitudinal guide that enables relative axial movement therebetween.
25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the adjustment comprises increasing the length of the inlet pipe such that the deformable tube stretches or unravels in response thereto.