US3806964A

US3806964A - Hydrotherapeutic apparatus for a bath tub

Info

Publication number: US3806964A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Vanegas; J Kaiser; J Niemann
Original assignee: American Standard Inc
Current assignee: Trane US Inc
Priority date: 1967-09-05
Filing date: 1969-12-29
Publication date: 1974-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-30

Abstract

A hydrotherapeutic apparatus for use with a bathtub and the like comprising a plurality of telescoping tubes having an outlet to provide a snorkel. The tubes are movable between an extended position and an elevated position, wherein the outlet is spaced above the water-line of the tub to provide an efficient device which may be raised easily to prevent clogging of the snorkel when the apparatus is not in use and to allow the entire space within the tub to be used for conventional bathing. The apparatus further includes a drain, conduit means connecting the snorkel with the drain, and a pump in the conduit means for withdrawing water from the bathtub and for ejecting it under pressure from the outlet. Air-regulating means are provided for varying the whirlpool action of the circulating water.

Description

United States Patent [191 Vanegas et a1.

[ HYDROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS FOR A BATH TUB [75] Inventors: Guillermo J. Vanegas; Jack N.

Kaiser; James E. Niemann, all of Louisville, Ky.

[73] Assignee: American Standard Inc., New York,

[22] Filed: Dec. 29, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 1,939

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 665,503, Sept. 5, 1967, Pat. No.

[52] us. Cl. 4/180, 137/6165 [51] Int. Cl A47k 3/00 [58] Field of Search 4/173; 178, 180, 191, 192;

[4 1 Apr. 30, 1974 8/1970 Vanegas et al. 128/66 Primary Examinerl averne D. Geiger Assistant ExaminerDonald B. Massenberg Attorney, Agent. or Firm-JelTerson Ehrlich; Tennes 1.

Erstad ABSTRACT A hydrotherapeutic apparatus for use with a bathtub and the like comprising a plurality of telescoping tubes having an outlet to provide a snorkel. The tubes are movable between an extended position and an elevated position, wherein the outlet is spaced above the water-line of the tub to provide an efficient device which may be raised easily to prevent clogging of the snorkel when the apparatus is not in use and to allow the entire space within the tub to be used for conventional bathing. The apparatus further includes a drain, conduit means connecting the snorkel with the drain, and a pump in the conduit means for withdrawing water from the bathtub and for ejecting it under pressure from the outlet. Air-regulating means are provided for varying the whirlpool action of the circulating water.

8 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures HYDROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS FOR A BATH TUB 1 I This is a division of application Ser. No. 655,503 (now Pat. No. 3,523,525) filed Sept. 5, 1967.

This invention relates generally to a fluid circulating apparatus and, more particularly, pertains to hydrotherapeutic apparatus for use with a bathtub which produces a whirlpool bath.

A so-called whirlpool or therapeutic bath is normally used to produce a therapeutic massage for the treatment or relief of sore muscles,,rheumatic or arthritic conditions, and the like. In conventional hydrotherapeutic devices which produce this type of action and, in particular, those devices which are used with plumbing fixtures such as a home bathtub, the bath water is recirculated through a delivery unit. The unit may be attached to the drain hole or installed in a special hole in the side of the tub walhln both constructions a special bath drain is utilized which directs the water in the tub to a remote pump which discharges the water into the tub through the delivery unit. However, both of these constructions present problems.

In the former construction the unit occupies a great deal of space in the bathtub and creates a storage problem when it is removed. In the latter construction, the unit is permanently affixed to the tub wall and becomes submerged in the bath water when the apparatus is not in use. Thus, this type of unit accumulates dirt and scum, thereby necessitating its periodic cleaning at relatively short intervals of time.

A third type of construction utilizes a self-contained unit which is provided with a pump, a delivery spout and an air intake to produce the whirlpool action. However, this type of construction presents even greater problems than the above-described units because it takes up more space than the aforementioned units and it is substantially heavier. It similarly presents a storage problem when it is not in use.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for generating a whirlpool pattern in a bathtub which is compact, requires a minimum of space and provides a pressurized flow of water, and which is easily controlled, and is also reliable in operation.

Another object and feature of the present invention resides in the novel details of construction which provide an apparatus of the type described, wherein the usual bathtub drain is employed to feed water in the tub to a pump for ejecting the water from a snorkel under considerable pressure to create a whirlpool action.

A further object of the invention is to provide an air intake apparatus which employs control means to vary the volume of air introduced into the water to produce a desired whirlpool activity.

Another object resides in the provision of a snorkel arrangement comprising a plurality of telescoping tubes which are adapted to be positioned adjacent the bottom of the tub when the device is in use. The tubes are adapted to be elevated above the water-line when the device is not in use to prevent dirt and scum accumulation and allow the use of the full tub for conventional bathing.

In furtherance of the above objects, one embodiment of. the device of the present invention comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes having a bottom outlet and providing a snorkel. The tubes are movable between an extended position and an elevated position wherein they are spaced above the water-line in an associated bathtub. Conduit means are provided to connect the bathtub drain with the snorkel. A pump is connected in the conduit means to draw water from the bathtub and through the drain and expel the water through the bottom outlet under pressure to provide a whirlpool pattern, thereby to provide a compact unit in which clogging of the snorkel outlet is substantially eliminated.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a hydrotherapeutic apparatus constructed according to the present invention, illustrating the arrangement of the elements with regard to a conventional bathtub;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of two of the several telescoping tubes forming the snorkel;

FIG. 3 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the air and flow control portion of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view of a shut-off valve arrangement, shown in the open state and with the telescoping tubes extended;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the shutoff valve in the closed position;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a modified embodiment of a hydrotherapeutic apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view particularly illustrating a pivot connection of the snorkel;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of another modified embodiment of a therapeutic apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a further modified embodiment of a hydrotherapeutic apparatus;

FIG. 1 1 is a vertical sectional view of a different form of shut-off valve arrangement which maybe employed with the telescopic tube apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 1 la illustrates a perspective of the conical bullet or plug of the shut-off valve which may be used in the arrangement of FIG. 11;

FIG. 1 lb shows a vertical sectional view of the cage arrangement upon which the conical bullet form of FIG. 11a may rest; I

FIG. He shows a sectional view of the rod element which may be employed in the FIG. 11 assembly;

FIG. 11d illustrates the shut-off valve arrangement in its uppermost or contracted position; and

FIGS. 12, 12a, 12b and illustrate schematically the. components of a locking mechanism for the snorkel arrangement.

While this invention may have application to equipments of various types, it will be described with particular reference to a bathtub which is essentially of the conventional type.

Referring: now to FIGS. 1" and'4, there is shown a hydrotherapeutic apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention and designated generally by the reference numeral 10'. The apparatus 10 is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a bathtub of conventional construction having an inner wall 12 which merges smoothly with the bottom wall of the tub and anouter wall16. Water is allowed to enter the bathtub through a conventional faucet or the like (not shown) and is discharged from the bathtub-through a drain 18.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 1, the drain is convex upwardly and is provided with a plurality of apertures through which the water may pass.

The drain 18 is connected through a plurality of pipes and

fittings

22,24 and 26 and a trap 28 to a conventional drain line 20 which, in turn, may be connected to a sewer system. The elements described up to this point are, with the exception of the drain 18, found in a conventional bathtub, and provide a means for the water to be drained from the bathtub proper through the elbow 22 and the

pipes

24 and 26 and through the trap 28 and drainline 20 to the sewer system.

The basic components of the hydrotherapeutic whirlpool producing apparatus of the present invention include a conduit'comprising a pipe 30, which communicates with the pipe 24, a pipe 32 and a pipe 34 which is connected to the intake of a pump 36. The pump 36 is driven by a motor 38 which is actuated and controlled by a timer 40 of conventional design. The

pipes

30, 32 and 34 provide a path for the flow of water from the drain 18 to the inlet of the pump 36.

The path of flow of the water from the bathtub to either the drain line 20 or the pump 36 is controlled by a toggle lever 42 which may be mounted on the wall 12 of the tub and is operable by the operator of the device. The lever 42 is movable between an upper position and a lower position and controls a valve (not shown) which is positioned between the

pipes

24 and 26. Thus, when the lever 42 is moved to the upper position, the drain 18 will be closed to the pipe 26 and the trap 28 to prevent the discharge of water through the drain line 20 into the sewer system. However, when the lever 42 is moved to the lower position, the water in the bathtub will be allowed to pass through the drain 18 and the

respective pipes

22, 24 and 26 and through the drain line 20 to the external sewer system. Hence, it will be obvious that, when the lever 42 is in the upper position, the water in the bathtub will be caused to flow through the

pipes

22, 30, 32 and 34 to the pump 36, thereby to effect whirlpool action in the manner indicated below. On the other hand, when the lever is moved to the lower position, the water will be drained from the bathtub in the conventional manner.

Connected'between the outlet of the pump 36 and the inlet of a flow control valve 44 is a pipe 46. Connected to the outlet side of the control valve 44 is a header 48 which connects to a plurality of telescoping tubes designated generally by the reference numeral 50. The flow control valve 44 may be of the conventional butterfly type which is controlled by'a knob 52 through a shaft 54 in the conventional manner to regulate the flow of fluid through the valve. As shown more particularly in FIG. 3, the valve 44 includes a flap 56 which is inserted in a slot on the shaft 54 and is fastened with an appropriate screw or rivet. The shaft 54 is sealed by means of a packing washer 58 which produces a sufficient amount of friction on the shaft to hold the valve at a set position. The knob 52 may be graduated with markings to indicate full flow, half flow, or closed, or by other and finer markings, so that the user may adjust the desired amount of agitation.

The telescoping tubes or snorkel 50 are shown in the illustrated embodiment as including four sections respectively designated 60, 62, 64 and 66. However, it is to be noted that this is by way of illustration only and is not to be interpreted as being a limitation on the present invention. That is, the telescoping tubes 50 may contain more or less than the number of tubes shown. The lower tube 66 terminates in an outlet 68 which directs the fluid or water into the bathtub proper. The telescoping tubes 50 are adapted to be moved between an extended position as shown, for example, in FIG. 4 and in the dotted line position of FIG. 1 wherein the outlet is positioned adjacent the bottom wall 14 of the tub, and an elevated or retracted position wherein the outlet 68 is positioned above the normal water line of the bathtub, as indicated by an arrowhead 70 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2, which shows the connection between the

tubes

62 and 64, is illustrative of the connection between the plurality of tubes comprising the telescoping tubes 50. Thus, the upper end of the tube 64 is provided with an external groove 72 which receives a slide 74. The lower end of the tube 62 is provided with an internal groove 76 which receives the slide 78. The

slides

74 and 78 are preferably of a low friction material, such as plastic, so that the tubes will easily slide relative to each other. Moreover, the

slides

74 and 78 are positioned so that they will abut one another to limit the movement of the

tubes

64 and 62 to prevent their separation.

Additionally, the tube 64 is provided with an external annular groove 80 which receives an O-ring 82 therein. The O-ring performs two functions. It provides a seal between the

tubes

62 and 64 to prevent the leakage of water therebetween and it also serves to retain the tube 64 in a desired position by frictionally engaging the walls of the

tubes

62 and 64.

The snorkel construction comprising the plurality of tubes 50 is fastened at its upper end to the header 48 by an arrangement which prevents damage to the structure of the plurality of telescoping tubes or snorkel 50 when the same is tilted or accidentally kicked or pushed as, for example, when the occupant is either entering or leaving the bathtub. As shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement includes an upper lip or radial flange 84 on the uppermost tube 60 which is supported on the inner leg of an annular resilient member or bumper 86 having substantially a U-shaped cross section. The

member 86 is received in an annular seat or recess 88 in a nut 90 which is threaded on the header 48. The member 86 may be fabricated from rubber or the like. Normally, the member 86 biases the flange 84 against the header 48 and functions as a seal to prevent leakage of water. However, if the snorkel or plurality of telescoping tubes 50 is tilted, the leg of the member 86 supporting the flange 84 will flex slightly so as to absorb the shock and prevent damage to the tubes.

The whirlpool activity is mainly governed by the amount of air which is introduced into the fluid. Accordingly, FIG. 3 shows an air pipe 92 which vents to the atmosphere and which extends into the uppermost tube 60 of the snorkel or plurality of tubes 50. The water flowing through the header 48 exits through the circumferential opening 90 defined between the air pipe 92 and a portion of the header 48. Accordingly, the flow of water through the outlet 90 will draw air through the pipe 92 by venturi action so that the air will mix with the water passing through the snorkel to produce the whirlpool effect when the water exits through the snorkel outlet 68.

The volume of air traversing the pipe 92 is regulated by a control device which includes a cap 94 which threadedly engages the top of the pipe 92. The cap 94 includes circumferentially spaced vertical air passages 96 which provide a path for the flow of air from the atmosphere through these passages and between the top of the cap 94 and the pipe 92 and then through the pipe 92 to the stream of water. By rotating the cap 94, the space between the top of the cap and the tube 92 may be changed, thereby to regulate the flow of air entering the water stream.

In operation, the tubes or snorkel 50 may be moved to the lower positionand the bathtub may be filled with water in the conventional manner until the outlet 68 of the snorkel is below the water-line, the maximum level of the water being indicated by the arrowhead 70. The lever 42 is moved to the upper position to prevent the flow of the water in the bathtub to the drain-line 20. The whirlpool action is initiated by setting the timer 40 for the interval of time that it is desired to operate the apparatus of the present invention. The pump 36 sucks water through the drain 18 and the conduit formed by the

pipes

30, 32 and 34 into the pump. The fluid then exits from the pump 36 under pressure and flows through the conduit including the pipe 46, the valve 44 and the header 48 and through the snorkel and-exits through line snorkel outlet 68 into the bathtub. The operation of the pump remainscontinuous as long as the timer 40 maintains the motor 38 energized. Thus, water will be continuously drained through the drain 18 and will be forced under pressure through the outlet 68 to maintain the whirlpool action until the timing cycle is completed.

The flow of water and the whirlpool action may be adjusted to suit the desires of the occupant of the bathtub by respectively adjusting the valve 44 by means of the knob 52 and the amount of air to be mixed with the water by means of the cap 94. When the timer 40 has completed its cycle, the motor 38 will be deenergized so that the whirlpool action will cease.

When desired, the snorkel or plurality of tubes 50 may be moved to the retracted or elevated position, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the snorkel outlet 68 is raised above the water-line 70. During the normal operation of the bathtub, the snorkel will be above the water-line 70, thereby to prevent the accumulation of dirt and scum about the outlet 68 and allow use of the entire tub for conventional bathing. Hence, the apparatus of the present invention will require a minimum of cleaning. It should also be noted that the elements comprising the invention are normally protected by a hood 96 so that only the outlet 68 and upper tube 60 projects below or beyond the hood.

It should also be noted that because of the shape of the drain 18, the drain cannot be blocked by the occupant of the bathtub so that, even if the occupant covers a portion of the drain with his foot, water will be drained through the uncovered portion, thereby to allow continuous operation of the apparatus.

After the operation of the whirlpool apparatus, the lever 42 may be moved to the lower position to allow the water to drain through the drain 18 to the drain line in the normal manner.

Accordingly, a hydrotherapeutic apparatus has been disclosed which is simple and reliable in operation, which is compact and does not take up much room, and which may be moved above the water-line when it is not in use to prevent clogging of the apparatus.

A modified embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 5 and 6 wherein the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 4 indicate similar or identical elements. It is to be understood that the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantially identical in every respect to the apparatus disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 4, with the exception of the header 148 and the manner in which air is introduced into the water stream. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the header 148 terminates in a depending outlet 190. Air is introduced into the water stream by venturi action through an air pipe 192. The uppermost tube 60 in this arrangement includes a valve mechanism designated generally by the reference numeral 98 which is connected to the header 148 and which includes a curved section 100 and a projection 102. When the snorkel or plurality of tubes 50 is retracted to the elevated position, the upper edges of the respective nesting tubes engage the curved section 100 of the valve mechanism 98 to move the projection 102 into sealing engagement with the outlet 190. Hence, if the pump is accidentally or otherwise caused to operate after the snorkel has been elevated, substantially no water will be allowed to traverse the snorkel. It will be obvious that the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 provide an automatic seal for the apparatus of the present invention.

A further modified embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the snorkel 250 includes a pipe 252 which is connected to the header 48 in the same manner as the snorkel 50 is connected to the header. Connected to the bottom of the pipe 252 is an elbow 254 which, in turn, is sealingly connected to a pipe 256 which is rotatable with respect to the elbow 254. The pipe 256 may be moved to the elevated position as shown by the solid line positions of FIG. 8, or it may be rotated to a lower position as indicated by the dashed-line position of FIG. 8, thereby to move the snorkel into its operating position. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 similarly includes a snorkel which may be elevated above the water-line when it is not in use to prevent clogging of the snorkel.

A further modified embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 wherein the snorkel 350 includes an upper section 352 which is connected to the header 48 in the manner indicated above, and a lower removable section 356 which includes the outlet 68. The removable section 356 may be connected to the section 352 by a bayonette or. a screw thread joint or the like. Hence, when the apparatus is not in use, the portion 356 may be removed, thereby to prevent clogging of the same.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the snorkel 450 includes a vertical pipe 456 having an outlet 68 at the bottom thereof. The pipe 456 may be moved vertically through the header 48 in a known manner so that the outlet 68 may be lowered to the operating position shown by the solid line of FIG. 10 or the pipe 456 may be moved to the elevated position shown by the dotted line position in FIG. 10, thereby to elevate the outlet 68 above the water-line.

The arrangement shown in FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d represents modifications of the arrangements .previously. shown and described in this application.

the telescoping tubes. The telescoping tubes are designated 401, 402 and 403 and the lowermost tube, the elbow tube, is designated 404. The movable bullet 400 is normally positioned within a cage 410, which is held stationary. The cage 410 may have one or more ribs, such as 411. The bullet 400 rests on a base 412 of the cage 410. The cage 410 is affixed to a tube 414 which is mechanically coupled to the header 415. The arrangement also includes a rod 420. The bottom of the rod is threaded and meshes with a threaded portion of 421 of the elbow 404.

The cage 410, which is held affixed to the lower segment of the stationary tube 414, provides a space around the periphery of cage 410, that is, between bullet 400 when in its lowermost position and the ribs 411, which allows water traversing the tube 414 to enter the next segment of pipe 402. On the other hand, when the bullet 400 is in its uppermost position, as shown in FIG. 11, the bullet will provide a barrier against the flow of fluid through the

tubes

414, 402, etc.

When the

telescoping tubes

401, 402 and 403 are in their lowermost position, as shown in FIG. 11, water will flow through the header 415, through tube 414 and around the bullet 400, which is seated within the cage 410, then through

tubes

402 and 403 and out through the opening of the elbow section 404 which leads to the bathtub. The bullet 400 is thus by-passed by the peripheral spaces provided by the ribs 411 within cage 410. Water will continue to flow over this path as long as the main valve (not shown) of the installation remains open, but the water will cease to flow when that main valve is closed.

However, if the elbow tube 404 is raised, raising with it

tubes

403 and 402 to their uppermost position, the upper terminal of rod 420 will make contact with the bottom of the bullet 400 and move the bullet to its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 11d. If the main valve of the installation still remains open, the water will be substantially interrupted immediately after the bullet leaves its seat within the cage 410. The water will continue to remain interrupted throughout the travel of the bullet 400 to its uppermost position.

The diameter of the base of the bullet 400 is machined so as to be very closely equal to the internal diameter of the tube 414. This serves to reduce the flow of water beyond the base of the outlet 400 after it has been raised into tube 414, the flow being reduced to a very small or inconsequential amount. The water flow may then be completely stopped by turning off the main valve.

The main valve serves to interrupt the flow of water in the FIG. 11 arrangement. However, in an arrangement such as, for example, FIG. 1, which employs a timer 40 to limit the duration of the water flow to a predetermined time interval, the timer 40 will in effect serve as the equivalent of the main valve to completely stop the flow of water through the mechanism. The operation of the timer 40 will remove power from the motor 38 which drives the pump 36.

Thehorizontal lines

430 and 431, which are indicated in arbitrary positions in FIG. 11, determine the range of water levels in the bathtub between which the flow of water into the bathtub may be interrupted by moving the elbow section 404 upwardly. Thus, when the elbow section 404 reaches line 430, the water input to the bathtub will be stopped. The stoppage may be accomplished at any point between

levels

430 and 431.

FIGS. 12, 12a, 12b and 12c illustrate a mechanism to lock the discharge elbow, such as 404 of FIG. 1 1, in its uppermost position when the telescoped tubes are in their elevated position and the whirlpool apparatus is therefor not in use,

In FIG. 12, there are shown the elbow tube 504 and the

telescoping tubes

501, 502 and 503 (which resemble and operate like the

corresponding tubes

401, 402 and 403 of FIG. 11). The elbow tube 504 has an integral nose or protrusion 520. A stationary retainer mechanism 521, which is in the form of a collar and is supported by the stationary tube 501, is designed to lock the elbow tube 504 in its uppermost position after it has been raised to that position and the elbow tube 504 twisted so that it nose 520 will be gripped and held by the retainer mechanism 521. The I retainer mechanism 521 may be soldered to tube 501.

The nose 520 is preferably triangular in shape as shown and can relatively easily enter the cavity of the retainer device 521 through any one of four slots 522 (see FIG. 12b). The triangular shape of nose 520 serves as a guide to align the nose 520 with one of the several slots 522.

When the elbow tube 504 is raised to bring the nose 520 into a position A (see FIG. 12C) within one of the slots 522, the elbow tube 504 can be turned, for example, clockwise to cause the nose 520 to pass over one of the short ribs 523 of the retainer mechanism. The nose 520 will be prevented from rotational motion beyond the nearby long rib 524. The short rib 523 and the long rib 524 are separated by a horizontal flange 525 (see FIG. 12c). The nose 520 will come to rest on flange 525 in position B upon the release (of mechanical pressure) of the elbow tube 504.

The two

ribs

523 and 524 and the flanges 525 are contoured so as to lock the elbow tube 504 when the latter is to be held in its uppermost position. Both ribs act as barriers; the shorter rib serves merely as a minor barrier that can be cleared or passed merely by turning the elbow tube 504 in the appropriate direction, in one direction to engage and hold the nose 520 and in the opposite direction to disengage nose 520.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that numerous omissions, changes and additions may be made in such embodiments without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A snorkel control apparatus for a plumbing fixture, comprising a plurality of linear telescoping tubes, one of which is held stationary and the others movable upwardly or downwardly in a vertical direction, a bulletshaped plug, a fluid entrance tube having a crosssectional shape substantially the same as the crosssectional shape of said plug, said entrance tube being mechanically fixed to the stationary telescoping tube, means for raising said telescoping tubes to their upper position, said raising means including means for moving said plug into said entrance tube so as to seal said entrance tube to substantially prevent the flow of fluid therethrough.

2. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 1, in which the raising means includes a rod which engages the bullet-shaped plug to advance the plug into the entrance tube.

3. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 1, in which the raising means includes an elbow section which is coupled to and movable with the movable tele scoping tubes, and a rod supported by said elbow section and making contact with the bullet-shaped plug to control the movement thereof into the entrance tube.

4. A snorkel control apparatus for a plumbing fixture, comprising two vertically-arranged concentric tubes of different cross-sectional dimensions, both of said concentric tubes being fixed in a stationary position, a plurality of linear telescoping tubes coupled to the outer concentric tube so that said telescoping tubes may be raised or lowered in a vertical direction, a cage which is affixed to the inner concentric tube, a plug which normally is seated in said cage, said plug having a crosssectional dimension which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional dimension of the inner concentric tube, and means for raising said plug out of said cage and into said inner concentric tube when the telescoping tubes are raised so as to substantially reduce the flow of fluid through the inner concentric tube, said plug being returned to said cage when said telescoping tubes are dropped to their lower position.

5. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 3, in which the raising means includes a rod which engages said plug to move it out of the cage and allows the plug to be returned to its position within the cage upon release of the raising means.

6. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 3, in which the raising means includes an elbow section afi'ixed to and movable with the lowermost of the telescoping tubes, and a rod supported by and movable with the elbow section to advance the plug into the inner concentric tube when the telescoping tubesare raised and to allow the plug to return to its seat in the case when the telescoping tubes are lowered.

7. A snorkel control apparatus for a plumbing fixture, comprising a plurality of linear telescoping tubes one of which is held stationary and the others movable upwardly to clear the plumbing fixture downwardly in a vertical direction so that the tubes will be extended into the plumbing fixture an elbow tube which is coupled to and movable with the lowermost tube and is rotatable with respect to the lowermost tube, a retainer mechanism which is affixed to the uppermost tube, said retainer mechanism having a flange and a rib, a projection affixed to said elbow tube, the projection being passable over said rib so that the projection will rest on said flange after the telescoping tubes are moved into their uppermost position.

8. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 7, in which'the retainer mechanism has a flange and short and long ribs, the projection affixed to the elbow tube being passable over the short rib so as to allow said projection to rest on the flange.

Claims

1. A snorkel control apparatus for a plumbing fixture, comprising a plurality of linear telescoping tubes, one of which is held stationary and the others movable upwardly or downwardly in a vertical direction, a bullet-shaped plug, a fluid entrance tube having a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of said plug, said entrance tube being mechanically fixed to the stationary telescoping tube, means for raising said telescoping tubes to their upper position, said raising means including means for moving said plug into said entrance tube so as to seal said entrance tube to substantially prevent the flow of fluid therethrough.

3. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 1, in which the raising means includes an elbow section which is coupled to and movable with the movable telescoping tubes, and a rod supported by said elbow section and making contact with the bullet-shaped plug to control the movement thereof into the entrance tube.

4. A snorkel control apparatus for a plumbing fixture, comprising two vertically-arranged concentric tubes of different cross-sectional dimensions, both of said concentric tubes being fixed in a stationary position, a plurality of linear telescoping tubes coupled to the outer concentric tube so that said telescoping tubes may be raised or lowered in a vertical direction, a cage which is affixed to the inner concentric tube, a plug which normally is seated in said cage, said plug having a cross-sectional dimension which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional dimension of the inner concentric tube, and means for raising said plug out of said cage and into said inner concentric tube when the telescoping tubes are raised so as to substantially reduce the flow of fluid through the inner concentric tube, said plug being returned to said cage when said telescoping tubes are dropped to their lower position.

6. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 3, in which the raising means includes an elbow section affixed to and movable with the lowermost of the telescoping tubes, and a rod supported by and movable with the elbow section to advance the plug into the inner concentric tube when the telescoping tubes are raised and to allow the plug to return to its seat in the case when the telescoping tubes are lowered.

8. A snorkel control apparatus according to claim 7, in which the retainer mechanism has a flange and short and long ribs, the projection affixed tO the elbow tube being passable over the short rib so as to allow said projection to rest on the flange.