US3285277A

US3285277A - Toilet tank supply valve assembly

Info

Publication number: US3285277A
Application number: US327863A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charley L Goldtrap
Original assignee: TWENTIETH CENTURY PRODUCTS COR
Current assignee: TWENTIETH CENTURY PRODUCTS COR; TWENTIETH CENTURY PRODUCTS CORP
Priority date: 1963-11-15
Filing date: 1963-11-15
Publication date: 1966-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 1983-11-15

Description

C. L. GOLDTRAP TOILET TANK SUPPLY VALVE ASSEMBLY Nov. 15, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. l5, 1963 INVENTOR. CHARLEY L. GOLDTRAP 3 A. A n 5 7 3 w 5 l 3 v 6 f ..1 m 7 8 3 2 2 3 ATTO RNEYS,

C. L. GOLDTRAP TOILET TANK SUPPLY VALVE ASSEMBLY Nov. 15, 1966 Filed Nov) 15, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 "F/G. 7 F/. a H69 F/Gtg /2 INVENTOR.

CHARLEY L. GOLDTRAP ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,285,277 TOILET TANK SUPPLY VALVE ASSEMBLY Charley L. Goldtrap, Englewood, Colo., assignor to Twentieth Century Products Corp., Englewood, Colo. Filed Nov. 15, 1963, Ser. No. 327,863 `8 Claims. (Cl. 137-414) This invention relates generally to the plumbing art, and more specifically to a new and useful toilet tank supply valve assembly.

A primary object of my invention is to provide a toilet tank supply valve assembly with -a siphon break, in both the tank filling and the bowl filling lines, which break is open to the atmosphere at all times.

Another object of my invention is to provide a toilet tank supply Valve assembly which operates to fill the tank with a minimum of turbulence, and with a minimum of noise.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a toilet tank supply valve assembly in which the -control valve housing can be readily removed, after installation, for flushing, and for maintenance if any should be required.

In addition, it is an object of my invention to provide a toilet tank supply valve assembly which can be mounted without regard to the position of the bowl filling outlet, and which can be readily adjusted, after mounting in the tank, to position the tank filling section, and the bowl filling outlet, as desired.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a toilet tank supply valve assembly having an inlet casing so constructed as to eliminate contamination of the supply line, should a leak develop in the exterior wall of the casing.

It is also an object of my invention to provide the foregoing, in a relatively inexpensive and simple construction which is both durableand dependable in operation.

In one aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention is characterized by the provision of a tank filling section having a tubular filling member of open mesh side wall construction, means for mounting the member in a tank in a generally upright attitude, the member being open adjacent its lower end, and means for delivering water to the member adjacent its upper end.

In another aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly -constructed in accordance with my invention is characterized by the provision of an inlet casing adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure, an inlet passage through the casing, an arm projecting from the casing and having a water outlet passage communicating with the inlet passage, a bowl filing outlet carried by the arm, a normally upright tubular filling member carried by the arm, the upper end of the filling member being higher than the bowl filling outlet, and the interior of the member providing a tank filling passage, and means providing a transfer passage from the arm passage to the interior of the member adjacent its upper end, the bowl filling outlet communicating with the transfer passage adjacent the upper end of the filling member.

In still another aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention is characterized by the provision of a tubular tank filling section having means for mounting the section in a generally upright attitude in a tank with the upper end of the section projection above the overflow level of the tank, and means for delivering water to the section for filling the tank, the upper end of the section being open to the ambient atmosphere at all times including during tank filling operation of the assembly.

3,285,277 Patented Nov. l5, 1966 ICC In another aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention is -characterized by the provision of an inlet casing adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure, an inlet passage through the casing, a laterally projecting yarm mounted on the casing for rotation relative thereto, and a tank filling member carried by the arm for movement therewith, the arm having a water passage therethrough communicating with the inlet passage and with a tank filling passage through the tank filling member.

In another aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention is characterized by the provision of a normally generally upright first tubular inlet casing adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure, a second tubular inlet casing Within the first casing, the second casing being connected at spaced points therealong to the first casing in fiuid tight relation thereto, the second casing being spaced from the first casing between such points to provide a drain passage between the casings for Water which might enter the first casing from an associated tank, and an outlet passage through the first casing from the lower end of the drain passage.

In yet another-'aspect thereof, a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention is characterized by the provision of a normally upright water inlet casing adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure, an inlet control valve housing mounted on the casing adjacent its upper end, a float guidingly supported on the casing for rising and falling movement therealong below the housing in response to changes in the water level in an `associated tank, a tank filling outlet passage from the housing, an hydraulically controlled first valve controlling the flow of water through the outlet passage, and means hydraulically controlling the first valve including a bleed passage from the housing, a bleed Valve controlling the bleed passage, and means canting the bleed Valve to open the passage upon predetermined falling movement of the float along the casing, the bleed valve moving to close the bleed passage upon rising movement of the float along the casing.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and characterizing features of the toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention will become clearly apparent from the ensuing detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment thereof, together with a modification, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing illustrating the same wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout and wherein:

FIG. l is a view partly in vertical section and partly in side elevation, of a toilet tank supply valve assembly of my invention, parts being broken away for ease of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof, with a cover parl broken away to show details;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, transverse sectional view through the float of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the tank filling assembly cap;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of one part of a pressure regulating device;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view thereof, taken about on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second part of the pressure regulating member;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view thereof, taken about on line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the pressure equalrizing orifice member, the location of the end cap of FIGS.

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the orifice member cap; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view thereof taken about on line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

Referring noW to the illustrative embodiment of my invention depicted in the accompanying drawing, there is provided a normally upright inlet casing, generally designated 1, of double Wall construction. Casing 1 includes an outer tubular member 2 and an inner tubular member 3. Tube 2 is provided adjacent its lower end with an external flange 4 adapted to seat against the bottom wall 5 of an associated toilet tank, a sealing gasket 6 being interposed therebetween. Outer tube 2 extends through an opening in the tank wall 5, terminating in an externally threaded nipple'7 for attachment to the usual supply line, not shown. Inlet casing 1 is secured in place in the tank by a nut 8 threaded on nipple 7 and bearing against bottom Wall 5.

Casing 1 is elongated, comprising in the illustrated embodiment a hollow cylinder on which a float member 9 is guidingly supported for rising and falling in the manner of

float members

18 and 18 of my pending application Serial No. 249,954 now Patent No. 3,144,875. Indeed, float 9 can be like either of said floats, except that it is provided with a central opening 10 at its upper end for projection of inlet casing 1 therethrough. Float 9 has a circumferential opening 11 in its outer wall 12, for entry of water into the water chamber portion 13, with air being trapped in the air chamber portion. 14.

Chambers

13 and 14 are defined by the tubular inner wall 15, outer wall 12, and bottom and

top walls

16 and 17. The inner float wall slidingly receives casing 1 therethrough.

The inner tubular member 3 of inlet casing 1 provides a Water inlet passage and is arranged in concentric, spaced relation to the outer member 2. Member 3 terminates at its lower end in a lateral flange 18 bearing against the inner Wall of tube 2 in sealing engagement therewith at a point spaced below the tank bottom wall 5. A similar llange 18 is provided at the upper end of inner member 3, in sealing engagement with member 2 at a point near its upper end.

At its upper end, inlet casing 1 supports an inlet control valve housing comprising an enlarged body 19 having an externally threaded, downwardly extending nipple 20 threaded into the internally threaded upper end of outer member 2. A normally horizontal, annular valve seat 21 is provided in body 19. Seat 21 has a central inlet port 22 communicating with the inlet passage through casing 1, and a series of outlet passages 23 around port 22 in spaced relation thereto. A main control valve, in the form of diaphragm 24 is positioned in body 19, to overly seat 21. Diaphragm 24 has a depending peripheral iiange 25 locked in place in a corresponding groove in body 19 by the centrally apertured back-up member 26. For assembly, body 19 can be made in two, upper and lower parts, joined adjacent member 26. Diaphragm 24 carries a tubular orice member 27 having a pressure equalizing passage therethrough into a pressure'chamber 28 between diaphragm 24 and the upper end of body 19. A bleed valve 29 is provided, having an O-ring seal 30 adapted to seat against the underside of the top wall of body 19'to close a bleed passage 31 therethrough. A post 32 projects from bleed valve 29, through passage 31. Bleed valve 29 is provided with a central recess 33 in its undersurface for receiving the jet of water through pressure equalizing member 27, to assist in seating bleed valve I29 when iloat member 9 rises.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bleed valve unseating means comprises a member 34 having a clevis end 35 pivotally connected to an upstanding lug 36 on housing 19, as shown at 37. Member 34 extendsracross the upper end of housing 19, and is provided with an oblique cam surface 38 for canting bleed valve post 32,

to crack open bleed valve 29. This relieves the pressure in chamber 28, causing valve 24 to move away from its seat 21, placing outlet passages 23 in communication with inlet passage 22. The canting of bleed valve 29 provides for easy opening .and closing of the valve, smoothly and with less surging. Member 34 is swung about its pivot 37 by float 9 through a connecting link 38 provided at one end with a reduced neck 39 loosely received in the forked, hook shaped end 40 of member 34. At its opposite end, link 38 is releasably clampedl in a resiliently yieldable, semicylindrical socket 41 carriedy on the side of float 9. The level of Water in the tank, Whenfilled, is indicated at A, but this can be varied by moving link 38 lengthwise in socket 40. Member 34 is hollow, to enclose post 32, and seats on the top wall of housing 19 when oat 9 drops.

The foregoing comprises the inlet section of my supply v valve assembly. f

A laterally extending arm 42y containing a water outlet, transfer passage 43 is provided with an upstanding sleeve 44 encircling the lower part of body 19, which can be of reduced di-ameter as shown. Arm 42 also is provided with an internally shouldered, depending sleeve 45 engaging around the upper end of tube 2, the arm 42 seating on said upper end as shown. The bottom wall 46 of arm 42 is spaced below the bottom wall of body 19, to provide an annular collector passage 47 from outletpassages 23, into the main outlet or transfer passage 43.

Arm 42 provides atransfer section, from the inlet section previously described to the tank filling section described below.

The tank lling section comprises an'elongated tubular member 48 carried by arm 42. To this end, arm 42 is provided with an upstanding sleeve 49 encircling and supporting member 48 adjacent its upper end. Member 48 is of open mesh side wall form, comprising generally parallel threads 50 Wound in one direction along its length,

the threads 50 crossing and being secured to generally v parallel threads 51 wound in the opposite direction along the length of member 48. Plastic material is preferred, whereby the mesh is resiliently flexible, and member 48 is bonded or otherwise secured to sleeve 49.

A second tubular sleeve 52 extends upwardly from arm 42, in concentric, outwardly spaced relation about the upper end of member 48 and sleeve 49, defining an annular connecting passage 53 communicating with the main filling passage 43 through arm 42 and with the interior of filling member 48 through its side wall adjacent its upper end. Sleeve 49 closes the open mesh of member 48 for a portion -of its length adjacent its upper end, conning delivery of water to the upper end of member 48.

An annular cap 54 has a skirt y55 secured about the upper end of sleeve 52, and extends across the upper end of filling member 48 which abuts the cap. Cap 54 also has a central opening 56 therethrough into the upper end rof tube 48. Member 48 is open at its opposite ends, and is positioned with its lower end in closely spaced relation to the tank bottom wall 5.

A laterally projecting nipple 57 on arm 42 communicates with a passage 53', formed by a pair of upright baiiies 54 extending from the bottom of

passages

43 and 53 to the upper end of sleeve 49 in spaced apart relation around sleeve 49 on opposite sides of nipple 57, Nipple 57 is adapted for connection to a bowl filling conduit, not shown, leading to the usual overflow pipe, also not shown, the upper end of which is at level B, above water level A but below the upper end of sleeve 49.

The operation -of this embodiment of my invention is as follows. Upon ushing the tank, the water level drops, causing oat member 9 to fall to the position shown in FIG. 1. This pulls lever 34 down, canting bleed valve post 32 and opening bleedy passage 31, as shown.j The supply line pressure thereupon lifts diaphragm valve 24, permitting water to ow through inlet 22 across seat 21 and.

through

passages

23, 43 and 53 to the tank filling member 48. I The water liows downwardly through member 48 by gravity alone, running down the side wall of member 48 to a point closely adjacent the bottom wall 5 of the tank. The open mesh, flexible construction of member 48 provides a smooth, quiet flow and delivery of Water to the interior of the tank, and the provision of gravity flow only substantially to the bottom of the tank eliminates turbulence and the noise associated with pressure flow. This is important, not only in noise reduction, but also because turbulence is believed, by some at least, to caus objecti-onable sweating.

As Ithe tank ll-s, the rising water level traps air in the upper portion 14 of ilo-at 9, whereupon it rises on casing 1. This releases bleed valve 29, which floats into bleed passage closing position, bein-g aided by the water jetting through orifice member 27 against the bleed valve and into -recess 33 therein. It has been found, for example, that a stream of water will shoot through the orifice to a hei-ght of about one inch. IOnce .bleed passage 31 is closed, pressure in chamber 28 builds up, causing diaphragm 24 to close and thereby shutting off the inflow of water. i

Water also tiows through passage S3' to fill the toilet bowl through outlet 57. Because of baffles 54', water cannot pass from passage 43 lto the bowl filling -outlet 57 until it rises in passage 53 to the upper end of sleeve 49. Thus, a portion of the incoming water is diverted to the bowl filling outlet 57, `for simultaneous filling of the tank and bowl.

The tank fill-ing passage through member 48 is at all times open to atmosphere through opening 56 in cap 54, which is above t-he siphon break level las determined by over-how level B. The same is true of the Ibowl filling passage through outlet 57.` Consequently, should there be a drop in supply line pressure, producing back flow such as might otherwise siphon lwater from either the tank or 4the bowl through the supply assembly and into the supply line, the -cha-in is at once broken by the air breakthrough opening 56. It is a particular feature of my invention that this Siphon break is open to atmosphere at all times, is in both the tank land the lbowl filling lines, and contains no valves or other parts which could stick or otherwise fail t-o function. Therefore, back `siphoning cannot possibly occur.

Another particular feature of my invention is that arm 42 is swiveled on body 19 and tube 1 of the inlet section. As a result, in-let casing 1, and indeed the entire inlet section, can be mounted in the tank without regard to the particular angular yposition of arm 42. Arm 42 then .is simply swung into the position desired for ease of connection of the bowl filling conduit (not shown) to nipple 57, and for locating the tank filling section as desired.

Another feature of my invention is the mounting of valve housing 19 on inlet casing 1. Housing 19 simply threads int-o casing 1, whereby it can be removed when desired. For example, upon installation housing 19 can be unscrewed from casing 1, flushed out to remove any debris, and then replaced.

Also of significance is Ithe double wall inlet casing 1. The lower end of outer tulbe 2 is provided with laterally opening weep holes 58 therethrough, below the tank bottom wall 5. Holes 58 communicate with the annular chamber -59 which is defined by tubes 2 and 3 between flanges 18. Chamber 59 is completely isolated by tube 3 and flanges 18 from 4the supply line connected to nipple 7, and from the supply passage through tube 3. Nut 8 is provided with a wall engaging skirt 60, spaced outwardly from -tube 2 and provided with lateral passages 61 therethrough communicating with weep holes 58. Therefore, should any leak develop in the outer tube 2 of inlet casing 1, water entering the inlet `casing 1 from the tank will be confined -between tubes 2 and 3 and will pass out through weep holes 58 and passages 61 without contaminating the 4supply system. The number and size of

passages

58 and 61 are such as to quickly drain the chamber or passage 59.

A strainer 62 can be positioned in the nipple 20 of body 19, as shown. Strainer 62 is the same as that shown at 58 in my pending 'application Serial No. 116,859, -to which reference is made for details thereof.

A ow controlling pressure Iregulator 63 :also is provided, being mounted in the valve hofusing nipple 20. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, regulator 63 comprises -a rigid first body member 64 having :a projecting central boss 65 surrounded Iby an annular recess 66 on its upstream end. Member 64 has an annular `side wall 67 extending beyond the base of boss 65, but terminating short of the outer end thereof. A series `of passages 68 extend through member 64 around the boss 65 adjacent side wall 67.

A resiliently yieldable second body member 69, of rubber or the like, seats on side wall 67 against the upstream end of member 64. Member 69 has a central passage 70 therethrough, and is frusto-conically recessed on its downstream side, as shown at 71.

In operation, water flows through passage 70, over the center boss 465 and through passages 68 into the inlet port 22. If the `supply pressure increases, the central portion of member 69 moves toward the boss 65 of member 64, thereby restricting the fluid passage between the members and maintaining the desired rate of flow despite the increase in pressure. In -other words, a relatively even rate of flow is maintained through the pres-sure regulator, despite fluctuations in pressure.

Also, I provide a unique pressure equalizing orifice 27, in that the inlet end is provided with transverse slots 72, Aand is covered with a cap 73 having a recess 74 receiving the slotted end of member 27. Recess 74 is shallow enough, to leave the inner end portions of slots 72 open for the ingress of water. The outer end 75 of cap 73 is conical, and the cap 73 projects llaterally a substantial distance beyond the member 27. Accordingly, water must move laterally inwardly through the slots 72, .and the cap 73 defiects any pieces of grit, or other debris such as might clog the orifice through member 27 Memlber 27 extends through diaphragm 24, having a flange 76 seating against the inlet side thereof.

Accordingly, it is seen that my invention ful-ly accomplishes its intended objects. Preferably, all of the parts are made of non-corrosive synthetic lplastic: material, except forthe diaphragm tand gaskets, which can be of rubber, preferably also synthetic. While I have disclosed and described in detail only one embodiment, and modification of a part thereof, that has been done by way of illustration, -it being intended that the scope of my invention be limited only as dened by the appended claims.

Having fully disclosed and completely described my invention, and its mode of operation, what I claim as new is:

1. A toilet tank supply valve assembly comprising, in combination with a toilet tank having a bottom wall, a tubular tank filling casing of open mesh wall form open lat the opposite ends thereof, means mounting said casing in said .tank in a generally upright attitude with the lower end of said casing in closely spaced relation `to said bottom wall, and means for delivering 'water to the upper end of said casing, said casing comprising threads of material wound in opposite directions. to each other.

2. In a toilet tank supply valve assembly, a normally generally upright tank filling section comprising an elongated tubular tank filling mem-ber having ian open mesh side wall, fand means for delivering water to the upper end of said member, wherein said member comprises threads of material wound in opposite directions to each other.

3. A toilet tank supply valve assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said member comprises a flexible mesh of plastic material.

4. A toilet tank supply valve assembly comprising, in combination with a tank having a bottom wall, an inlet section includinga normally upright inlet casing adapted adjacent it-s lower end for connection to a source of Water .under pressure and defining an inlet passage, an inlet control valve housing carried by said inlet casing adjacent the upper end thereof, and afloat member encircling .said inlet casing and -guided thereby for movement therealong below said housing in response to changes in Water level in said tank, said inlet casing including a first tubular member extending through said tank bottom Wall `and having a laterally outwardly projecting flange for seating on the interior side of said Wall, a second tubular member within said first member also extending through said bottom wall, said second member being connected to said first inlet member in fluid tight relation thereto iat one point spaced from said bottom Wall on the exterior side thereof and at another point adjacent said upper end of said inlet casing, an inlet valve seat in said housing, a plurality of outlet passages around said seat, a diaphragm inlet valve across said seat defining a pressure chamber in said housing,

a pressure equalizing passage through said diaphragm placing said pressure chamber in communication with said inlet p-assage, a bleed passage from said chamber through the upper end of said housing, a bleed valve `controlling said bleed pas-sage and havin-g a post projecting therethrough beyond said housing, a lever pivoted on said housing fat one side thereof :and extending across said upper end of said housing to the other side thereof, a link connecting said float and said lever, said le-ver having a part engaging said bleed valve post and canting it to crack open said bleed valve upon predetermined lowering of said lioat, an arm projecting laterally from said inlet section, said arm having an internally shouldered depending sleeve over said upper end iof said inlet casing for swivelling said arm about the center line of said inlet casing, vand an upstanding sleeve encircling said housing, said housing having a depending nipple threaded `in said upper end of said casing, an -annular collector passage in said arm communicating with said outlet passages, a water delivery passage through said arm, and a tank filling section carried by said arm, said lling sect-ion including a normally upright tubular member of open mesh side wall form extending from a point -above said delivery passage to a point closely adjacent said t-ank bottom wall, ya first tubular shell closely encircling said filling member adjacent the upper end thereof Iand a second tubular shell encircling said first tubular shell in outwardly spaced relation thereto to define a connecting passage therebetween, said shells -being iof solid wall construction, a cap over said second shell .and across the upper end of said filling member, said cap having an opening therethrough into said filling member, a bowl filling fitting on said arm communicating with lsaid connecting passage adjacent the upper end of said first shell, the upper end of said first shell being disposed above the overflow level of said tank.

5. A toilet tank supply valve assembly comprising a Water inlet passage, a Water outlet passage, means including a first valve in controlling relation to said passages defining a pressure chamber, -a pressure equalizing passage through said first valve placing said chamber in communication with said inlet passage, said pressure equalizing passage being provided by a generally tubular member extending through said first valve lbetween said chamber and said inlet passage, the end of said tubular member Within said inlet passage being transversely slotted in communicating with said pressure equalizing passage, and a cap over said end, said cap closing the end of said passage while leaving slot portions exposed to provide lateral passages.

6. A toilet tank supply valve .assembly as set forth in claim 5, said cap having a conical outer end and projecting laterally beyond said tubular member.

7. In a toilet tank supply valve -assembly having a water inlet passage adapted for communication with a source of Water under pressure and an inlet control valve associated with said inlet passage, a pressure regulator positioned in said inlet passage upstream of said valve, said regulator comprising ya rigid first member across said inlet passage, said first member having a projecting central portion facing upstream and a series of openings through said first member Iaround said central portion thereof, and a resilient second member seated on said first member upstream thereof across said inlet passage, said second member having a central passage therethrough and being conically dished on the downstream side thereof, said second member yielding under pressure to. move toward said central portion of said first member to vary the rate iof flow therethrough.

8. In -a toilet tank supply valve assembly having a rwater inlet passage adapted for communication with a source of Water under pressure and an inlet control valve associated with said inlet passage, a pressure regulator positioned in said inlet passage upstream of said valve, said regulator comprising a rigid first member across said inlet passage, said first member having a projecting central portion facing upstream, a side -wall encircling said central portion and terminating short of the upstream end of said projecting. central portion, and a series of openings through said first member around said central portion 'adjacent said side wall, and a resilient second member seated on the upstream side of said first member side Wall .across said inlet passage, said second member having a central passage therethrough and being conically dished on the downstream side thereof, said second member yielding under pressure -to move toward said central portion of said rst member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,663,382 3/1928 Merkel et al 251-118 X 2,195,797 4/ 1940 Groeniger 13`7-440 X 2,706,998 4/ 1955 Bletcher et al. 137-436 2,752,938 7/1956 Owens 137-483 2,911,000 11/1959 Doyle 1'37-414 3,107,747 10/ 1963 Parkison 1'37-437 X 3,135,287 6/1964 Kepka et al. 137-414 FOREIGN PATENTS 671,288 7/ 1959 Canada.

WILLIAM F. ODEA, Primary Examiner.

ISADOR WEIL, Examiner. D. MATTHEWS, Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. A TOILET TANK SUPPLY VALVE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION WITH A TOILET TANK HAVING A BOTTOM WALL A TUBULAR TANK FILLING CASING OF OPEN MESH WALL FORM OPEN AT THE OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF, MEANS MOUNTING SAID CASING IN SAID TANK IN A GENERALLY UPRIGHT ATTITUDE WITH THE LOWER END OF SAID CASING IN CLOSELY SPACED RELATION TO THE BOTTOM WALL, AND MEANS FOR DELIVERING WATER TO THE UPPER END OF SAID CASING, SAID CASING COMPRISING THREADS OF MATERIAL WOUND IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS TO EACH OTHER.