US2740129A

US2740129A - Valve mechanism for flush tanks

Info

Publication number: US2740129A
Application number: US405701A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr James Walter Braswell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1954-01-25
Filing date: 1954-01-25
Publication date: 1956-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 1973-04-03

Description

April 3, 1956 J. w. BRASWELL, JR

VALVE MECHANISM FOR FLUSH TANKS Filed Jan. 25, 195 -1 I N VEN TOR ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,740,129 VALVE MECHANISM FOR FLUSH TANKS James Walter Braswell, Jr., Swansbero, N. C. Application January 25, 1954, Serial No. 405,701 1 Claim. (Cl. 4-57) My invention relates to valve mechanism for flush tanks, such as toilet flush tanks and the like. 7

A primary object of the invention is to provide flush tank apparatus which will operate to discharge the flushing water from the tank by merely pressing a push button on the outside of the tank with the fingertip.

A further object is to provide a float operated flushing valve for toilet flush tanks, held closed or seated when the tank is filled due to air pressure upon the surface of the water, within a chamber or receptacle receiving the float, the air pressure within said chamber holding the water level low enough so that the float will not be waterborne, until the trapped air is allowed to escape from the chamber.

Another object is to provide a flush valve of the above mentioned character which opens and closes slowly and which is substantially noiseless.

A further object is to provide a flush valve which is guided in alignment with the valve seat during operation, so as to seat accurately and positively when closed, thus eliminating wasteful leakage.

A further object is to provide a flush tank mechanism composed of a minimum number of simplified parts, which are sturdy and durable in construction, longlasting, easy to service or maintain, and cheap to manufacture.

A still further object is to provide a flush valve mechanism which may be manually operated for flushing a single toilet fixture or operated automatically at desired and controllable time intervals for flushing a plurality of interconnecting fixtures in public wash rooms or the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a plan view of flush tank mechanism embodying my present invention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same, parts in section, and parts broken away,

Figure 3 is an enlarged central vertical longitudinal section through the flush valve and associated elements,

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is an enlarged central vertical section through a filter element and associated parts connected in the compressed air release line, in accordance with a modification of the invention, and

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of float operated valve means in accordance with another modification of the invention.

In the drawings, where for the purpose of illustration are shown preferred embodiments of my invention, attention is directed first to Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, wherein the numeral 10 designates generally a flush tank for toilets, or the like. The tank 10 includes a forward side wall 11 and a bottom wall 12, as shown. A discharge or flushing pipe 13 has its upper portion engaging through an opening 14, formed centrally in the bottom wall 12 of the tank. The top end of the pipe 13 projects somewhat above the bottom wall 12, and is flared conically as at 15 to form a conically tapered valve seat for a rubber flush valve, to be described. The pipe 13 is screw threaded near its point of passage through the opening 14, for the reception of a nut 16, as shown.

A conventional overflow trap 17 receives the upper portion of the pipe 13, as shown in .the drawings, and the pipe is provided within the overflow trap 17 with a slot 18, below the conical valve seat 15. The conicalvalve seat or portion 15 is seated within a conical opening 19 in the top wall of the overflow trap 17, as shown. Compressible gaskets of rubber or the like are interposed between the bottom of the overflow trap 17 and bottom wall 12, and between the nut 16 and bottom wall 12, as shown at 20 and 21. When the nut 16 is tightened, the overflow trap 17 is drawn down tightly upon the gasket 20 for forming a liquidtight seal about the opening 14, and the gasket 21 is also compressed for sealing this opening. The overflow trap 17 and flushing pipe 13 are thus rigidly anchored to the bottom wall 12 of the tank. The usual upstanding vertical overflow pipe 22 is provided, and has its lower end rigidly connected with the top of the trap 17 and communicating therewith. The top end of the overflow pipe 22 terminates near and below the top of the tank 10 and is open, so that the water level in the tank 10 can never rise above the top of the overflow pipe.

A vertical water inlet pipe 23 extends through an opening in the bottom wall 12 of the tank, near one end of the same, and is rigidly secured therein by conventional means, as indicated at 24', Figure 2. The inlet pipe 23 extends for a substantial distance above the bottom wall 12, as shown, and a conventional float operated water inlet control valve 24 is mounted upon the upper end of the inlet pipe 23. The opening and closing of the water inlet valve 24 is controlled by a float ball 25, which floats upon the water in the tank 10, and the float ball 25 is secured to a generally horizontal rod or arm 26, in turn operatively secured to the operating linkage or mechanism of the inlet valve 24, as shown. The valve 24, float 25 and associated elements are of conventional and wellknown construction, and need not be described in further detail. The valve 24 also carries a depending vertical water outlet pipe 27, rigidly secured thereto, and the lower discharge end of this pipe preferably terminatesnear and above the bottom wall 12 of the tank. As is well known, when the water level in the tank 10 drops, due to passage of the water through the flush pipe 13, the float 25 is lowered, and the inlet valve 24 is opened to admit water from the pipe 23. This water is discharged from the valve 24 downwardly, through the pipe 27 to fill the tank. As the water level in the tank again raises, the float 25 is elevated for gradually closing the inlet valve 24. A tube 28 leads from the water inlet valve 24 to the top of the overflow pipe 22, in the usual manner, and the purpose of this tube is to supply water through the overflow trap 17 and pipe 13 in suflicient quantity to maintain the trap in the toilet bowl, not shown, filled with water after flushing.

My improved flush valve mechanism proper comprises an inverted cylindrical cup or sleeve 29 of considerable length, arranged vertically within the tank 10, directly above the flush pipe 13. The cup 29 has a top wall 30, integral therewith, and its lower end is open, and spaced somewhat above the overflow trap 17, as shown. The cup 29 is provided at its lower end and in its side wall with a notch 31, for a purpose to be described. The lower end of the cup 29 preferably has depending legs 32 rigidly secured thereto, and resting upon the top of the trap 17. The cup or sleeve 29 is rigidly connected with the.

vertical overflow pipe 22 by means of suitable brackets 33, arranged near its upper and lowerends.

A cross bar or bracket 34' is rigidly mounted within the cup 29, somewhat below its longitudinal center, and the bracket 34 is horizontally disposed, as shown. A vertical guide sleeve 35 of considerable length is dependingly rigidly secured to the bracket 34, in axial alignment with the tapered valve seat 15. The guide sleeve 35' slidably receives a vertical rod or stem 36, having a rubber flush valve element 37 rigidly secured to its lower end, and a cylindrical float 38 rigidly secured to its top end, above the bracket 34. The rubber valve 37 may be of conventional and well known construction, and this valve is adapted to be guided into accurate registration with the seat 15 by the coaction of the rod 36 with the guide sleeve 35. The cylindrical float 38 is slightly smaller in diameter than the cup 29, and the float 38 is freely movable longitudinally or vertically within the cup 29, above the stationary bracket 34. A compressed air discharge tube or pipe 39 is connected in an opening in the top wall 30 of the cup 29, as indicated at 40. The tube 39 may extend a slight distance vertically above the cup 29, and then horizontally toward the end of the tank having the inlet valve 24 and associated elements therein. Near this end of the tank 10, the tube 39 is directed forwardly toward the tank wall 11, as shown, and the tube 39 is disposed near the top of the tank, and above the top of the overflow pipe 22.

The front wall 11 of the tank has an opening 41 formed therein, receiving a tubular valve casing or sleeve 42, Figure 4. The forward end of the valve sleeve 42 has an enlarged head 43, integral therewith which bears against the outer side of the tank wall 11. The valve sleeve 42 is screw threaded at 44, inwardly of the wall 11, for the reception of a nut 45. A suitable gasket 46 is arranged between the nut 45 and tank wall 11, as shown, and the valve sleeve 42 is thus fixedly secured within the opening 41. The valve sleeve 42 contains an internal transverse web or wall 47, integral therewith, and provided with a conical opening 48, forming a valve seat for a conically tapered valve element 49. The valve element 49 is rigidly secured to a valve stem 50, surrounded by a compressible coil spring 51, within the bore of the valve sleeve 42. A push putton 52 is rigidly secured to the forward end of the valve stem 50, and slidably received within the bore of the sleeve 42, as shown. The push button 52 normally projects forwardly of the head 43, as shown, and the spring 51 has one end engaging the push button, and its other end engaging the internal web 47. The spring 51 normally maintains the valve element 49 seated, and the push button 52 in its forwardmost position, shown in Figure 4. A small port 53 in the side wall of the valve sleeve 42, forwardly of the web 47 is provided for releasing air or entrained water from the bore of the sleeve 42.

The inner or rear screw threaded end of the valve sleeve 42 carries a screw threaded coupling member 54, having a reduced tubular extension 55 which is externally screw threaded. The extension 55 has its rear end conically tapered at 56 for engaging within and spreading the adjacent end of the tube 39, as shown in Figure 4. The bore of the extension 55 communicates directly with the tube 39, and with the bore of the valve sleeve 42. A nut or fitting 57 has screw threaded engagement with the extension 55, and serves to draw the flared end of the tube 39 into tight engagement with the tapered end 56 of extension 55.

The operation of the flush valve mechanism is as follows:

When the tank 10 is filled with water, up to the proper level, as controlled by the float ball 25, the flush valve 37 is seated upon the valve seat 15.

As the water level within the tank 10 rises, it will of course also tend to rise within the cup 29, since the lower end of this cup is open. However, due to the'fact that the valve 49 is closed, the air within the cup 29, above the water level is trapped in the top of the cup and compressed. This trapped air acting upon the surface of the water tending to rise in the cup 29 holds the water level down below the float 38, and accordingly, the float 38 is not waterborne when the tank 10 is filled, so long as the push button valve 49 remains closed. Since the water level in the cup 29 cannot rise sufficiently to buoy up the float 38, as previously stated, the valve 37 will remain seated or closed, due to its own weight and the weight of the stem 36 and float 38.

When it is desired to discharge the water from the tank 10 for flushing the toilet fixture, the push button 52 is depressed with the fingertip, and the valve 49 is unseated. This permits the trapped air in the cup 29 to escape through the tube 39 and escape port 53. The air escapes slowly from the port 53 and the air pressure above the water level inside of the cup 29 slowly decreases. As this occurs, the water level within the cup 29 moves upwardly and the water begins to surround the float 38. When the water level in the cup 29 is sufficiently high, the float 38 will become waterborne and move upwardly within the cup 29. This causes the valve 37 to rise from the seat 15, thus allowing the water in the tank 10 to discharge through the pipe 13. Upward movement of the float 38 and valve 37 is limited by contact of the valve 37 with the lower end of the guide sleeve 35, as shown in broken lines in Figure 3.

As the water level in the tank 10 recedes, water is retained in the cup 29 by the vacumn created in the top of the cup, as the water attempts to pass downwardly or flow from the bottom of the cup, the valve 49 now being closed by release of finger pressure on the button 52. The valve 37 will be held open by the float 38 until the water level in the tank-recedes to the level of the notch 31. When this occurs, air will rush into the cup 29, through the notch 31, and break the vacumn within the top of the cup 29, releasing the water from the cup and lowering the float 38. This causes the valve 37 to be seated or closed.

The tank 10 is now refilled with water by the conventional means above described, and as the water level within the tank 10 again rises air is trapped and compressed within the top of the cup 29, and the water level in the cup 29 is held by the trapped air below the level of the float 38. The float 38 accordingly is not waterborne, and the valve 37 will remain seated or closed by gravity. The above cycle of operation may be repeated as often as desired.

In Figure 5 of the drawings, I have shown means for accomplishing the automatic operation of my flush valve mechanism in controllable time intervals. Instead of the] push button valve means shown in Figure 4, a short section of tubing 58 leads from the top 30 of the cup or sleeve 29, as shown. The tube 58 is preferably above the highest water level within the tank 10.= An enlarged portion 59 of the tube 58 forms a housing for a filter or strainer 60, which is intended to remove foreign particles from the air in the tube 58, which particles might clog the small air escape port of the tube 58, to be described. The enlargement 59 of the tube 58 carries a cup 61, having a reduced top extension 62, provided with a small air escape port 63, located near the top of the tank 10, not shown in Figure 5.

In operation, air is trapped beneath the top 30 of cup 29, as above described. This air leaks slowly through the small port 63, allowing water to gradually enter and rise within the cup 29, slowly lifting or buoying up the float 38, which of course unseats the valve 37. The flushing of the toilet fixture now takes place, as the water from the tank passes through the pipe 13.

When the tank 10' empties down to the level of the bottom of the cup 29, the valve 37 closes automatically, as above described, and as the water level in the tank againrises, air will be trapped in-the top of the cup, 29

much faster than it can escape through the small port 63. This will hold the water level in the cup 29 down below the level of the float 3S, and the valve 37 will be closed or seated by gravity.

This cycle of operation will repeat itself automatically, and the time interval between flushings will be dependent upon the volume of the tank It), the rate of flow of fresh water into the tank, and the size of the escape port 63. The volume of water entering the tank may be regulated by a manual valve, not shown, connected in the pipe 23 at any desired point. When this arrangement is used, the float operated valve 24 and associated elements are not used, and the pipe 23 opens directly into the tank 10. The time interval between automatic flushings is thus regulated for a given capacity tank and an escape port 63 of given size, by adjusting or setting the flow of water into the tank 10 from the pipe 23.

All other parts of the apparatus remain identical with those shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention, Figures 1 to 3.

The above arrangement for automatic flushing will be particularly useful in connection with toilet fixtures in public washrooms and the like, where they may be installed individually or interconnected in groups, as is well known. In either event, the public toilet fixtures will flush automatically at desired time intervals with my above described arrangement, including the elements shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 6, I have shown modified means for rendering the apparatus automatic and repetitive in operation. This means, in Figure 6, may comprise a stationary bracket or arm 64, rigidly secured to the inner side of the tank wall 11, as shown, near and above the highest water level within the tank. A push button operated valve 65, which may be identical in construction and operation with the push button valve shown in Figure 4 is rigidly secured to the horizontal portion of the bracket 64, in a vertical position with the push button 52 arranged uppermost and above the bracket 64, as shown. The identical tube 39 shown in the first form of the invention may lead to the lower end of the push button valve 65 and be connected therewith, as shown. The tube 39, as in the first form of the invention, leads to and is connected with the top 30 of the cup 29, not shown in Figure 6.

An elevated extension or arm 66 of the bracket 64 has pivoted thereto at 67 for vertical swinging movement, a float operated armor lever 68, carrying a float 69. The lever 68 has an operating extension 70 integral with, and arranged above the push button 52 for depressing the same when the float 69 is elevated, due to the rising water level within the tank 10.

As the water level in the tank 10 rises during filling of the tank, the float 69 will be elevated, and the lever extension 70 will depress the push button 52, Figure 6, allowing air from the top of the cup 29 to escape through the tube 39 and escape port 53 of valve 65. When this occurs, the water level rises in the cup 29 and surrounds the float 38, lifting the valve element 37 from its seat. The flushing operation now takes place, as described previously, and as the water level in the tank 10 recedes, the float 69 is lowered and the extension 70 is elevated for releasing the push button 52. This immediately closes the escape valve 65, and the above described vacuum will be formed in the top of the cup 29, as the water level begins to drop rapidly therein. The float 38 will continue to be supported or buoyed up until the receding water level reaches the notch 31. At this time, the valve element 37 will close, as previously described and the water level within the tank 10 will rise. Air will again be trapped in the top of the cup 29, and the water level in the cup will be held down below the level of the float 38, so that the valve element 37 will remain seated. When the water level in the tank approaches its highest point, the float 69 will be elevated sufliciently to again depress the pushbutton 52, and the cycle of operation will repeat itself automatically.

The time interval between flushings will depend upon the volumn of the tank. The water level is determined by the setting of float 69, and by the amount of water entering the tank, which in turn may be regulated by a manually adjustable valve connected in the pipe 23. As with the construction of Figure 5, the conventional float operated valve 24 and associated elements are not required, and the pipe 23 may be equipped with a manually adjustable valve which opens directly into the tank 10, and regulates the rate of flow of water into the tank. All other parts of the apparatus remain identical with those shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention, Figures 1 to 3.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention, herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

Valve mechanism for flush tanks and the like comprising in combination a member secured to the bottom of the tank and having a valve seat and a large unobstructed outlet passage for the water in the tank adjacent the valve seat, a substantially vertical overflow pipe secured to said member and extending above the same and spaced from one side of the valve seat and passage, said passage leading vertically downwardly from said valve seat, an upstanding sleeve arranged within the tank above said member and valve seat and substantially concentric with the valve seat and having a top wall, the lower end of said sleeve being open and spaced above the member and valve seat, means carried by the side wall of the sleeve and engaging the overflow pipe for securing the sleeve thereto, a bracket mounted within said sleeve intermediate its ends and extending transversely thereof and including a tubular guide part in substantial axial alignment with the valve seat, a valve stem engaging through said guide part and extending above and below the bracket and movable toward and from the valve seat, a valve element secured to the lower end of the valve stem below said tubular guide part and engageable with the valve seat to cover the same when the stem is lowered, a float secured to the upper end of the valve stem above said bracket and disposed within the sleeve, and air escape means connected with the top wall of the sleeve to permit air trapped within the top portion of the sleeve to escape and thereby allowing the Water level Within the sleeve to rise for elevating the float, valve stem and valve ele ment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 926,155 Walls June 29, 1909 1,186,091 Harmon June 6, 1916 1,247,211 Boss Nov. 20, 1917