US3639918A

US3639918A - Flushing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3639918A
Application number: US7699A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gobind R Mansukhani
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-02-02
Filing date: 1970-02-02
Publication date: 1972-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flushing apparatus. Conventional sanitary flushing apparatus generally employ either a flush or reservoir tank, or a flush valve without a reservoir tank and connected directly to water mains. Such flush tanks or flush valves usually have one lever operated by a single action, which lever when operated permits the quantity of water to flow necessary to flush out waste bulk. Such quantity, however, is in excess when waste matter is small like urine deposit.

Description

United States Patent Mansukhani 5] Feb. 8, 1972 [54] FLUSHING APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Gobind R. Mansukhani, B7 Ananta,

Rajaballi Patel Road, Bombay, 26, India [22] Filed: n Feb. 2, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 7,699

[52] US. Cl. ..4/67, 4/67 A [51] Int. Cl. ..E03d 1/04, E03d H06 [58] Field ofSearch ..4/19,67,21,67 A, 36,57, 4/57 P, 41-46, 35, 39, 36, 40

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,780,810 11/1930 Brown ..4/67 A 1,805,204 5/1931 Brown ..4/40 1,960,864 5/1934 Brown ....4/67 A 1,963,21 1 6/1934 Patterson. ....4/67 A 2,722,015 11/1955 Burchett... .....4/46 2,803,833 8/1957 Charest.... ....4/67 X 2,839,759 6/1958 Martino ..4/67 X Martino ..4/67 X Davies ....4/67 A X 3,487,476 1/1970 Stiem et al ..4/67 A X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 297 6/1913 Great Britain ..4/35

40,500 1 1/1936 Netherlands ..4/35

Primary Examiner-Herbert F. Ross Assistant ExaminerHenry K. Artis Attorney-Watson, Cole, Grindle & Watson 1 1 ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a flushing apparatus. Conventional sanitary flushing apparatus generally employ either a flush or reservoir tank, or a flush valve without a reservoir tank and connected directly to water mains. Such flush tanks or flush valves usually have one lever operated by a single action, which lever when operated permits the quantity of water to flow necessary to flush out waste bulk. Such quantity, however, is in excess when waste matter is small like urine deposit.

8 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 8 I972 SHEET 1 [IF 5 PATENTEU FEB 8 I972 SHEET l. 0F 5 FIG/7 M454 4&4 fimz Ma PATENTEUFEB 8l972 3639918 SHEET 5 [1F 5 FLUSI-IING APPARATUS An object of the invention is, therefore, to avoid such wastage of water, to which end the flushing apparatus of this invention embodies a dual action system providing either a full flush or a half or partial flush, depending upon the waste bulk deposit.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a flushing apparatus of the type described characterized in that there is at least one lever which actuates a dual action mechanism so that the quantity of flushing water is regulated.

The full or partial emptying of the flush tank may be effected by any of the following methods:

I Having two escape outlets at different heights.

2. Having two interconnected siphons which operate at different levels of water.

3. Having two independent siphons which operate at different levels of water.

4. Having one or more siphons with suitable attachments or any other device to secure the aforesaid purpose.

5. Having a subcompartment in the main tank, either interconnected or not with the main tank, with emptying arrangements as described herein.

6. Having one or more adjustable valve(s) or a suitable device fitted into the water pipe and connected directly to the basin (commode) for generating and regulating the flushing flow of water, for the said purposes.

This invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank having a conventional floating ball valve shown in the open position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank having a conventional floating ball valve shown in the shut position;

FIG. .3 is an exploded view of a conventional ball valve assembly;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank showing conventional single action ball type mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of single action ball type assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank in which the single action ball type mechanism is shown when actuated;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank in which a dual action ball mechanism is shown according to the inventron;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank incorporating a conventional siphon;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pump assembly to activate the siphon shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the metal disc and rubber diaphragm of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank incorporating a conventional siphon and a pump assembly to activate the siphon;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a dual action siphontype flush tank according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a dual action siphontype flush tank showing the flow of water when one siphon is activated;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a dual action siphon type flush tank showing the flow of water when the other siphon is activated;

FIG. 14(a) is a cross-sectional view of another type of dual action siphon flush tank according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross section view of still a further type of dual action siphon flush tank in which the tank is divided into two compartments by a partition;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cage and a diaphragm which is used in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a flush tank incorporating a siphon tube mounted in the partition dividing the flush tank into two compartments;

FIG. [8 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional flushing apparatus of a flush valve type having no reservoir tank;

FIG. I9 is a sectional view of the various parts of the operating mechanism shown in FIG. I8;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the piston assembly shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 2! is a sectional view of the operating mechanism shown in FIG. I8, but modified according to this invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a floating tongue modified according to this invention.

With reference to the drawings, a flushing apparatus consists of a reservoir tank 1 connected to a water supply pipe 2. When water flowing into the tank 1 reaches the predetermined level 3 the supply is shut off by means of a floating ball valve assembly generally denoted as 4. The tank 1 is also provided with an overflow outlet 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The floating ball valve assembly 4 consists of a hollow sphere 6 generally made of rubber or plastics or other light material and is connected by a rod 7 to a piston-type valve 8. In the down position of the ball 6 the piston valve 8 is open and allows the water to flow in from the water pipe 2. As the water flows in, its level in the tank 1 rises and the ball 6 also rises. At a predetermined level, the piston valve 8 shuts off the flow of water.

The floating ball valve assembly 4 is shown in FIG. 3. In the open position (FIG. 1) when the piston 9 moves out of socket 10, it uncovers a hole 11 in socket 10, through which hole 11 the water flows. In the closed position (FIG. 2) hole II is closed by piston 9 and the flow of water is shut off. The floating ball valve assembly 4 thus determines the water level 3 in the tank.

The flushing operation of such a tank is accomplished by several devices. One such device, for example, is a discharge or outlet pipe 12, whose mouth 13 is closed by another ball 14 of rubber or like material, such that when ball [4 rises, the mouth 13 of the outlet pipe 12 is exposed and water discharges (see FIG. 4). Ball 14 is fitted to a shaft 15 which slides in a guide tube 16 at the other end of which shaft 15 is fitted a knob or handle 17 above the hood of the tank 18.

The flushing operation is effected by pulling the knob 17 upwards. This lifts ball 14 and opens mouth 13 of outlet pipe 12. Knob 17 may be released but due to the rush of water into the outlet pipe 12, the ball 14 will not immediately sit over mouth 13 of outlet pipe 12 but floats in the tank 18 (see FIG. 6). When the water level in tank 18 falls below mouth 13 of outlet pipe 12 the flow of water will stop and ball 14 will cover the mouth 13 of the outlet pipe 12. When tank 18 is empty the floating valve ball assembly of FIG. 3 operates. Water flows in to fill tank 18 again. The water in tank 18 exerts pressure on ball 14 of outlet pipe 12 and thus seals the outlet pipe.

In order to have dual action in this kind of flush tank there is provided a composite Y" shaped outlet pipe having two limb pipes 19 and 20 disposed at different levels instead of a single outlet tube (see FIG. 7). Each limb pipe has a separate knob 2!, rod 22, tube 23 and ball 24. Since the quantity of discharge is determined by the height of the mouth 25 of each limb pipe 19 or 20, these heights may be adjusted within the flush tank to correspond to half empty or full empty position (see FIG. 7). By operating individually each knob 21 is required, the desired result may be achieved. Instead of the operating knobs 21 there may be provided levers, push buttons or handles, for example.

Another way of flushing the reservoir tank is by using a conventional siphon which when activated drains the flush tank. Such a construction is shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings wherein the flush tank 26 is shown full of water and an inverted U shaped drain pipe 27 is provided. The floating ball valve assembly 4 of FIG. 3 is adjusted so that the water level 28 in tank 26 remains below the top of pipe 27 whereby the pipe 27 is not activated. In order to activate pipe 27 a pump assembly 29 is used, which consists of a cylinder 30 in which operates a piston 31. The piston 31 consists of a metal disc 32 on which is mounted a rubber diaphragm 33. Piston 31 can be raised by a rod 34 attached to a lever 35. The stroke of the pump is adjusted as required. Pump assembly 29 is shown in FIG. 9 and the piston assembly in FIG. 10. Metal disc 32 of the piston 31 has radial vents 36, which allow water to enter the pump.

Pump 29 is attached to pipe 27 as shown in FIG. 11. This may be described as a siphon with a bell, which is the pump assembly. When the water flows into the tank, it assumes a level 37 as shown in FIG. 11. Because the pump assembly 29 allows water to enter from below, the pump is also full of water. To operate the flush, a down stroke of lever 35 pulls pump piston 31 up (see FIG. 11). Metal disc 32 will move up and carry with it rubber diaphragm 33. Rubber diaphragm 33 is able to carry some water along with it, which is pushed into the neck 38 of the pipe 27 and this in turn pushes out the air, from the siphon pipe, thereby activating the siphon. Thus the tank is drained off until the water level reaches the lower level 39 of the pump assembly 29. When level 39 is reached, air rushes into the pipe 27 through the bell (pump assembly) 29 and the siphon action cuts off.

While the flush tank is being emptied the floating ball assembly of FIG. 3 becomes operative and water starts flowing into the tank.

The dual action according to the invention from a siphon type of flush tank is obtained in the following manner.

A T shaped tube 40 is provided at the ends of the two horizontal arms of which are mounted two

siphons

42 and 43, and the vertical end of the T is the outlet pipe 44 leading to the commode. The two siphons have a bell (pump assembly FIGS. 9 and at each end, so that the two

bells

45 and 48 are at different levels, one at the bottom of the tank 46 and the other midway between the bottom of the tank 46 and the top of the water level 47 when the tank 46 is full (FIG. 12). H (FIG. 13) is the siphon and bell which makes the tank 46 half empty and F (FIG. 13) is the siphon and bell which makes the tank 46 fully empty. These bells are operated by separate levers (not shown) as described below.

When the siphon bell H is operated by its lever, the siphon 42 starts working and the flow of water is as shown by arrows in FIG. 13. The suction operates the siphon 42 and while the water flows out of the outlet 44, the horizontal portion 49 of the T section remains full. This acts as a lock and prevents any suction from developing in the siphon 43. Water flows, therefore, only from the siphon 42. When the tank is half empty, the bell 45 is exposed to air, which rushes through it and into the siphon 42 and the siphon action ceases.

When the siphon bell F is operated by its lever, the siphon 43 starts working and drains of? the water. The horizontal portion 49 of the T section which becomes full of water acts as a lock and even when the level of water falls below the bell 45, this lock prevents the air from rushing in from the siphon 42 and disturbing the flow of siphon 43. The water flow is shown in FIG. 14 by arrows. When the tank 46 is fully drained, the air enters from the bottom of the bell 48 into the siphon 43 and the siphon ceases. The respective lengths of the aforesaid horizontal vertical portions of the T-section can be suitably adjusted to obtain the aforesaid waterlock effect.

Accordingly, by activating the siphon 42 or 43 the tank may be half emptied or fully emptied. The horizontal section 49 of the T, though connecting the two

siphons

42 and 43, makes the action of each siphon independent of the other by provid ing a water lock. Water pressure in the T at all points is equal to the atmospheric pressure and so counteracts the atmospheric pressure of the air in the siphon which is not workmg.

Another way of obtaining the same result would be by rearranging the siphons so that they meet outside the tank in a "Y shaped pipe 50 which leads into the commode as in FIG. 14(a). The

long columns

51 and 52 of the

siphons

53 and 54 make them independent of each other, so that each can be activated independently. In this arrangement the siphon

bells

55 and 56 are at different levels to allow full or partial discharge.

Alternatively, the flush tank is divided by a partition C into two compartments A and B. One compartment B is approximately half the size of compartment A or one-third of the whole tank 57 (FIG. The partition C is such that water cannot flow rapidly from A to B, but can only pass slowly. The water can, however, flow rapidly from B to A. Two siphons and bells as shown in FIG. 15 are provided, but they are both at equal height and disposed at the bottom of the tank. The floating ball valve assembly of FIG. 3 is housed in compartment A. When the water enters compartment A, it passes slowly into compartment B and the flush tank gradually fills to a predetermined level 58 (see FIG. 15). When the siphon in compartment B is activated this siphon operates until compartment B is empty. In such manner approximately one-third of the total capacity of the tank empties in addition to some of the water which passes slowly into compartment B from compartment A.

When the siphon in compartment A is activated, it not only empties compartment A, but also the compartment B, because water is able to flow freely from compartment B to compartment A. Thus the full tank empties.

The function of partition C to allow only a slow flow of water from compartment A to compartment B, but to allow a free flow of water in the opposite direction is secured as follows:

Partition C has a circular hole 59, onto which is mounted a circular cage 69 on the side of compartment A said cage 69 enclosing a rubber diaphragm 70. When water tries to go from compartment A to compartment B, rubber diagram 70 sits on the cage 69 and closes the partition holes 59 thereby allowing only a slow flow of water to pass. In the reverse direction diaphragm 70 falls back and allows water to flow freely from compartment B to compartment A. Alternatively, partition C may have a siphonlike tube 71 with the

legs

72 and 73 of the siphon of unequal length, the longer leg 72 disposed in compartment A near the base thereof and the shorter leg 73 disposed in compartment B (see FIG. 17). The tube 71 is positioned below the maximum water level so as to function as a pipe in one direction and as a siphon in the other direction. In this embodiment the water is able to flow from compartment A to compartment B through such a tube. Compartment A houses the floating ball valve assembly of FIG. 3. When the siphon in compartment B is activated, it empties compartment B and while the water level in compartment B is falling, water starts flowing into compartment B from compartment A through tube 71. This flow will be maintained till the water level in compartment A falls below the top of the tube 71 in compartment A. The siphon will thus drain compartment B and some water from compartment A. By adjusting the partition C and the tube 71, half the flush tank will be emptied. When the siphon in compartment A starts to work and as soon as the level of water falls sufliciently in compartment A, tube 71 causes a siphon action and drain the water from compartment B to compartment A. By adjusting tube 71 before the siphon in compartment A ceases to operate, most of the water from compartment B is drained into compartment A, and the tank can be emptied.

In this embodiment of the invention the operating lever (as shown in FIG. 11) may be replaced by knobs, push buttons or chains to serve the same function.

According to another embodiment of the invention, dual action may also be effected in a flushing apparatus of a flush valve type having no reservoir tank.

One such conventional flushing apparatus is shown in FIG. 18. The apparatus comprises an inlet 74, an outlet 76, a piston assembly 78 slidably housed within body 80 of the apparatus and an operating mechanism 82, an exploded view whereof is shown in FIG. 19.

Inlet 74 has outer threads 84 connectable to an inlet pipe (not shown) from a water tank (not shown); outlet 76 also has outer threads 86 whereby it can be connected to an outlet pipe (not shown) leading to a commode.

Body 80 is a cylindrical in shape and divided into an upper chamber 88 and a lower chamber 90 by the piston assembly 78.

As also shown in FIG. 20, the piston assembly 78 consists of a piston 92, a washer 94, a mushroom valve 96, a screw 97 and a coil spring 98; a spider 100 is provided at the top of the piston assembly 78. A floating tongue 102 is slidably suspended from the mushroom valve 96 and the coil spring 98 remains pressed between the mushroom valve 96 and the spider 100. The piston assembly 78 normally rests on a water seal 104.

The operating mechanism 82 is horizontally mounted in a cap 106 and, as shown in FIG. 19, has a gland nut 108, a felt washer 110, a spring-loaded plunger 112 and a lever 114 for actuating said plunger 112. A spiral spring for loading the plunger 112 is denoted by reference numeral 116. The operating mechanism 82 is, therefore, spring-actuated and operates when lever 114 is pressed. As shown, a semicircular end 118 of lever 114 presses the spring-loaded plunger 112 inwards to abut the floating rod or tongue 102.

Body 80 also has an opening at the top 120 of the upper chamber 88. The mouth of this top 120 is closed by a cover 122. This cover is provided with a threaded aperture 124 locating a threaded spindle 126 which is provided at its free end with a nut 128. Together with the threaded spindle 126, cover 122 ensures a predetermined supply of water from out let 76.

In the conventional flushing apparatus, water from inlet 74 moves under pressure into upper chamber 88 through a gap therebetween and the piston assembly 78. This gap is normally two thousandths of an inch. The water accumulated under pressure in the upper chamber 88 forces piston assembly 78 to move downwards and form a pressure contact with the water seal 104 which prevents water from flowing into lower chamber 90.

During operation, when lever 114 of the operating mechanism 82 is pressed, the plunger 112 pushes the floating tongue 102 to one side. This causes the mushroom valve 96 to tilt at an angle, as shown in FIG. 18, and allow the water stored in the upper chamber 88 to leak out along the arrows shown into the chamber 90. And this leakage reduces the pressure in chamber 88 and, therefore, causes the piston assembly 78 to rise due to the pressure of water from inlet 74.

As the piston assembly 78 rises more water now rushes in from the inlet 74 and the force of this incoming water from inlet 74 causes piston assembly 78 to move upwards till it abuts said spindle 126. As the piston rises, water rushes from inlet 74 into outlet 76, through chamber 90. The floating tongue 102 moves upwards too until its free end is located above plunger 112. This action allows mushroom valve 96 to straighten. When this happens, the leakage of water out of chamber 88 stops, and so pressure starts developing in chamber 88. Even if lever 114 is not released, the leakage of water from the upper chamber 88 into the lower chamber 90 ceases, because the mushroom valve 96 is straight and so virtually closed.

The downward movement of the piston assembly 78 begins as soon as sufficient water pressure has developed in said upper chamber 88 and, if the operating lever 114 has not been released, the floating tongue 102 abuts the side of the plunger 112, and moves upwards inside the mushroom valve 96 and thereby allows only a little water to flow to the lower chamber 90. This flow ceases as soon as lever 114 is released.

The adjustable threaded spindle 126 provided in the cover 122 is an optional feature which is provided to vary the limit of the movement of the piston assembly 78 on its upper stroke and thereby regulate the volume of water discharged form the inlet 74 to the lower chamber 90 when the lever 114 is pressed. Different volumes of water are discharged corresponding to different settings of the spindle 126.

The volume of water discharged in the aforesaid conventional flushing apparatus thus depends upon the stroke of the piston assembly 78 which also depends upon the duration for which the floating tongue 102 in the mushroom valve 96 remains tilted. If floating tongue 102 straightens rapidly, mushroom valve 96 will close rapidly and the rise of piston assembly 78 will be arrested, thus resulting in a lesser discharge of water.

Referring to FIG. 21 of the drawings, the operating mechanism 82 referred to above is modified in accordance with this invention to obtain a dual action of the valve.

Two identical plunger assemblies 128, are provided each of which comprises a gland nut 130, a felt washer 132, a spiral spring 134 and a plunger 136. These two assemblies are accommodated in a plunger chamber 138. A lever which activates plunger assemblies 128 comprises a handle 142 and two heads 144 of similar shape. This modified operating mechanism has dual action. If handle 142 is pushed upwards, it pushes the upper plunger 136 and thereby tilts the floating tongue 102 for a longer time. If the handle 142 is pushed downwards, the lower plunger 136 is pushed forward which tilts the floating tongue for a shorter time. The floating tongue 102 straightens itself as soon as it looses contact with plunger 136. Lever 140 may be replaced by two pushbuttons (not shown), so that each pushbutton operates its own plunger. The pushbutton and plunger assembly may be kept in a position parallel to the commode for convenience.

The floating tongue 102 may be modified to incorporate an adjustable screw device as shown in FIG. 22. The modified tongue 102 comprises a male member 146 threaded at one end 148 and a female member 150 threaded internally at 152. The construction of the tongue would, therefore, be of the socket pin type, the male and the female screw fitting into each other, with the outer surface smooth as at 154.

The length of the floating tongue would thus be adjustable by turning the member 146 and hence variations in the discharge of water can be obtained.

1 claim:

1. Apparatus for controlling the flushing of water into a commode, comprising; means for providing a supply of water, an outlet connected to said commode, means interposed between said water supply and said outlet, said means including a dual action mechanism for providing at least two quantities of water to said outlet as a result of a pressure differential of the water therein, said dual action mechanism comprises a T shaped tube having two substantially horizontal arms and a vertically upstanding member forming said outlet, a siphon mounted at the ends of each of said horizontal arms and the respective lengths of said horizontal arms and said vertical member are constructed to cause each of said siphons to operate independently of each other, and means for initially selectively actuating said dual action mechanism to provide a selective one of said at least two different quantities of water.

2. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means interposed between said water supply and said outlet includes a reservoir for storing water from said water supply and respective means connected to each siphon for controlling the entry of water thereto from said reservoir, said respective means are at different levels within said reservoir.

3. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said arms are joined outside said reservoir, said arms further having respective vertical members connected to each of said siphons, said vertical members are substantially longer than said horizontal arms so that each of said siphons operates independently of the other.

4. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said tank is wherein said means interposed between said water supply and said outlet includes a reservoir for storing water from said water supply and a partition for separating said reservoir into two compartments, the volume of one compartment being substantially half the volume of the other.

5. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said siphons is mounted at substantially the same level within said reservoir and said dual action mechanism further comprises means mounted to said partition for controlling the flow of water between said compartments whereby the flow of water in one direction between said compartments is more restricted than the flow of water in the opposite direction.

6. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said partition has a hole and said means mounted thereto is a cage having therein a movable rubber diaphragm actuated by the pressure differential between said compartments.

7. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said partition has mounted thereto a siphonlike tube having legs of unequal length, the longer leg extending into the larger of said compartments to a region of said reservoir near the base thereof and the shorter leg extending into the other of said compartments.

8. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said tube is positioned below the maximum water level in said reservoir

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling the flushing of water into a commode, comprising; means for providing a supply of water, an outlet connected to said commode, means interposed between said water supply and said outlet, said means including a dual action mechanism for providing at least two quantities of water to said outlet as a result of a pressUre differential of the water therein, said dual action mechanism comprises a ''''T'''' shaped tube having two substantially horizontal arms and a vertically upstanding member forming said outlet, a siphon mounted at the ends of each of said horizontal arms and the respective lengths of said horizontal arms and said vertical member are constructed to cause each of said siphons to operate independently of each other, and means for initially selectively actuating said dual action mechanism to provide a selective one of said at least two different quantities of water.

8. A flushing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said tube is positioned below the maximum water level in said reservoir.