Flush Valve Toilet

- PERFECTeau LLP

A flush toilet that includes an air reservoir having an interior diaphragm installed inside a tank in the toilet. The air reservoir has a hydraulic pressure maintained by a water supply coming from a conduit. At least two propulsion jets are located in a bottom portion of a toilet bowl. These propulsion jets are capable of ejecting contents of the bowl into a siphon upon activation of a flush mechanism. Furthermore, a double water-supply pipe system is located between a valve and the tank. The double water-supply pipe system includes a first pipe that extends from the valve to orifices in the bottom of the toilet bowl. A second pipe is connected at substantially 90° to the first pipe and extends from the first pipe to a rim of the toilet bowl.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to plumbing fixtures in general and, more particularly to flush toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Global potable water resources are gradually diminishing in spite of restrictions imposed by some countries that are intended to maintain these resources. The reduction in water levels in lakes, rivers, and the water table getting lower is troubling to all nations and it is desirous that this reduction be slowed. In North American households, 45% of all potable water used is consumed by our conventional toilets. Americans use up 50,000 liters of potable water to evacuate 600 liters of waste, a ratio of 83% (source ECONOWATCH USA.). Specialized organizations have affirmed that 5 billion liters of potable water are used in the USA every day.

Thus, it is desirable to manufacture and use toilets that are more sanitary and secure in the manner in which they are bolted to the floor. It is further desirable to manufacture and use a toilet having a superior flushing performance which on average reduces the amount of water consumed. These improved toilets may be installed on any conventional floor attachment base, and can be connected to the same water supply piping system to which conventional toilets are connected.

Approximately 80% of our conventional toilets lose water 24 hours a day because the flap gate located in the reservoir of conventional toilets only close by gravity without any pressure. Thus, when the flap gates are improperly closed, there is a flow of water which is not visible to most users because the piping between the supply tank and the toilet bowl are internal.

It is therefore desirous to produce a new valve (flushometer) for toilets. The new value includes a flexible diaphragm covering the flush evacuation conduit and is held in place by the water supply pressure. This inventive method of maintaining the diaphragm closed substantially reduces or eliminates the loss of water due from the toilet tank that has previously occurred between flushes. It is further desirable that the a toilet having the ability to reduce extraneous water loss be at least one of a floor mounted toilet and a wall mounted toilet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet that includes an air reservoir having an interior diaphragm installed inside a tank in the toilet. The air reservoir has a hydraulic pressure maintained by a water supply coming from a conduit. At least two propulsion jets are located in a bottom portion of a toilet bowl. These propulsion jets are capable of ejecting contents of the bowl into a siphon upon activation of a flush mechanism. Furthermore, a double water-supply pipe system is located between a valve and the tank. The double water-supply pipe system includes a first pipe that extends from the valve to orifices in the bottom of the toilet bowl. A second pipe is connected at substantially 90° to the first pipe and extends from the first pipe to a rim of the toilet bowl.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for hanging a toilet onto a wall. The hanging system includes a plurality of hangers attached to the toilet and connected to the wall. A removable toilet lid is mounted to the wall, the removable lid having a top that is held in place by a flat hook secured to the wall, and a bottom that is secured to the toilet. A drain acts as a conduit between a toilet siphon, otherwise known as a P-Trap, and a sewer line. The drain is secured to the siphon which is equipped with a sealing cushion. The drain, siphon and sewer line are held in place by a flexible sealed coupling, and the sealing cushion holding the toilet in place on the wall.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a toilet flush valve that has a first part and a second part secured about a diaphragm. A pipe is integral with the second part, and a ball valve is located within the pipe, the ball valve capable of activating the flush mechanism.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a flushing mechanism for a flush toilet. The flushing mechanism includes a handle attached to a wall of a toilet tank for activating the flush mechanism. A handle cover is also attached to the wall of the toilet tank in proximity to the handle. An adjustable central union block is located in the toilet and connects the flush valve with the handle. A chassis is located in a slot between a central block and a washer, the chassis capable of limited rotation so as to operate the flush mechanism. At least one tension spring is in communication with the handle, a plurality of orifices are located in the chassis for adjusting an extension angle bracket, thereby sealing the ball valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a floor-mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the side of the flush toilet.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a floor mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a floor mounted flush toilet with a cutaway showing the flush tank.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a flush toilet.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the front of a flush toilet taken along line BB in FIG. 2

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the rear of a flush toilet taken along line AA in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a flush toilet.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the top part of the toilet taken along line DD in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lower part of the toilet taken along line CC in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a wall-mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a wall-mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a wall-mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the wall-mounted flush toilet showing the inside of the flush box.

FIG. 15 is sectional view of the side of the wall-mounted flush toilet.

FIG. 16 is a detail view of the wall anchoring components.

FIG. 17 is a top and side view of a wall hanger.

FIG. 18 is a top and side view of a double hangar.

FIG. 19 is top and side view of a hangar extension.

FIG. 20 is a top and side view of a hangar support.

FIG. 21 is a sectional side view of the wall cover.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the lift assembly on the toilet.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the toilet siphon and sewer drain.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the siphon on a wall-mounted toilet.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the toilet anchoring system.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a flush valve.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the flush valve.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the flush valve.

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the flush valve.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation of a connecting pipe.

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the lower portion of the valve.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the flush valve taken along line AA of FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the flush valve taken along line BB of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the upper part of the flush valve.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the upper part of the flush valve taken along line CC in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the flexible diaphragm.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the diaphragm.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the diaphragm taken along line DD of FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the flush handle.

FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the flush handle taken along line A-A of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a rear view of the flush handle.

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the flush handle.

FIG. 43 is a side view of the flush handle.

FIG. 44 is front view of the flush handle chassis.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the chassis taken along line B-B of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is front view of the chassis.

FIG. 47 is top view of a central block.

FIG. 48 is a side view of a central block.

FIG. 49 is a front view of a central block.

FIG. 50 is sectional view of a washer.

FIG. 51 is a front view of a washer.

FIG. 52 is a front elevation view of a chassis.

FIG. 53 is a first extension of a ball valve assembly arm.

FIG. 54 is a second extension of a ball valve assembly arm.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

    • 10—Main body of toilet
    • 11—Toilet tank lid
    • 12—Flush control handle
    • 13—Seat and seat lid
    • 14—Point of water entry into toilet
    • 15—Rear opening for toilet mounting and maintenance
    • 16—Water pipe for the toilet bowl rim
    • 17—Toilet bowl
    • 18—Orifices pierced through the bowl rim for the flush water
    • 19—bottom of the bowl orifice for priority evacuation of bowl contents
    • 20—Toilet bowl siphon
    • 21—Toilet bowl accessory chamber
    • 22—Air reservoir with diaphragm
    • 23—Orifices for bolts anchoring toilet to floor
    • 24—Flush valve (flushometer)
    • 25—Water conduit to orifice (19) at bottom of bowl
    • 26—Water conduit, connected at 90 degrees from conduit (26) to supply bowl rim
    • 25—Wall hanger
    • 26—Double hanger
    • 27—Extension
    • 28—Hanger support
    • 29—Orifices for nailing and screwing the wall framework
    • 30—Orifice for wall-mounted tank lid (11) driftbolt
    • 31—Wall-mounted tank lid driftbolt
    • 32—Hanger for holding up the wall-mounted tank lid
    • 33 Flexible sealed coupling for assembling siphon (20) to the sewer line
    • 34 hanger
    • 36 hanger extension
    • 38 double hanger extension
    • 39 drain
    • 40 sewer pipe
    • 42 Bolting plate for toilet siphon (20) with sewer drain 24—Flush valve (flushometer)
    • 44 lower valve
    • 46 upper vale
    • 48 adjustable mini-valve
    • 50 valve assembly orifices
    • 52 pipe for assembling the valve to toilet and flush handle
    • 54 support spacing blocks for toilet tank wall
    • 56 toilet tank walls
    • 58 outlet pipe for toilet contents
    • 60 pipe passing from ball valve (22) for activating flushing mechanism
    • 61 pipe passing through the mini-valve for regulating filling of space (22)
    • 62 ball valve in flush activator
    • 64 space for accommodating hydraulic pressure on diaphragm
    • 66 movement of diaphragm (21) activated by changes in hydraulic pressure
    • 68 vault for housing pressure spring on diaphragm (21) and point of meeting of (60) and (61)
    • 70 pressure spring
    • 72 control plug
    • 74 extension for adjusting inside square opening in wall (56)
    • 76 standard bolt and nut
    • 78 washer
    • 80 handle lid
    • 82 chassis for handle
    • 84 central block for handle
    • 86 assembly washer for central block to maintain chassis in slot
    • 88 bolt for assembling handle cover to chassis
    • 90 adjustment orifices for assembly arms for sealing ball valve
    • 92 handle cover recess
    • 94 chasis recess
    • 96 stabilizer for handle cover
    • 98 spring that bring the handle back into the vertical position
    • 100 first extension for activating ball valve
    • 102 second extension for activating ball valve

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, is directed to a flush toilet. The flush toilet includes an air reservoir having an interior diaphragm 22 installed inside a tank 10 in the toilet. The air reservoir 22 has a hydraulic pressure maintained by a water supply 14 coming from a conduit. At least two propulsion jets are located in a bottom portion of a toilet bowl 19. Alternatively, a single propulsion jet may be equally effective. These propulsion jets are capable of ejecting contents of the bowl into a siphon 20 upon activation of a flush mechanism 24. Furthermore, a double water-supply pipe system is located between a valve 24 and the tank 10. The double water-supply pipe system includes a first pipe 25 that extends from the valve to orifices 19 in the bottom of the toilet bowl. A second pipe 26 is connected at substantially 90° to the first pipe 25 and extends from the first pipe to a rim 16 of the toilet bowl 17. The rim 16 includes a plurality of orifices 18 positioned around a periphery thereof for expelling water from conduit 26 into the bowl 17 thereby causing the contents of the bowl to be ejected into siphon 20.

In one embodiment of the invention, the toilet bowl 17 has a base, and at least two orifices 23 are defined in the base of the toilet bowl to allow the toilet 17 to be anchored to a floor.

In yet another embodiment, a handle 12 is attached to a wall of the tank, the handle 24 is able to selectively activate flush mechanism of the toilet.

The toilet is anchored to the floor through the use of an anchoring rod that includes a first bushing, inserted into a top of the toilet. The anchoring rod secured to a second bushing attached to a connector to hold the toilet to the floor. Preferably, the connector is a bolt. It is also preferable that the first and second bushing are hexagonal in shape. However, any connector may be used so long as the connector is able to secure the toilet to the floor. Additionally, the first and second bushings may be formed in any geometrical shape and are able to receive the connector for securing the toilet to the floor.

FIGS. 11-20 is an alternate embodiment of the flush valve toilet of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 11-20, the toilet is mounted to a wall as opposed to being anchored to the floor. This is accomplished by a system comprised of a plurality of hangers 34, attached to the toilet 17 and connected to the wall. The hangers 34 are supported by hanger support 28 which are able to support the weight of the toilet 17 attached thereto. The hangers 34 include a plurality of orifices 29 for receiving at least one of a nail and a screw for securing the hangers 24 to the wall. Connected to the hanger 34 positioned within the wall is a double hanger 36 also having a plurality of hanging orifices 29 extending therethrough. An anchor bolt 13 is passed through the toilet 17 and received within a respective orifice 29 thereby securing the toilet 17 thereto.

A removable tank lid 11 is also mounted to the wall. The removable tank lid 11 is releasably connected to the wall via a block 32 and is held in place by a flat hook secured to the wall as shown in FIG. 15. The tank lid 11 is further secured to the toilet 17 via a bolt received through a mounting orifice 30. A drain 39 acts as a conduit between a toilet siphon 20 and a sewer line 40. The drain is secured to the siphon which is equipped with a sealing cushion. The drain 39, siphon 20 and sewer line are 40 all maintained in a stable position by a flexible sealed coupling 33.

FIGS. 21-24 show the system for hanging a toilet 17 onto a wall, the system is comprised of a plurality of hangers 34.32 attached to the toilet and connected to the wall. A removable tank lid 11 is mounted to the wall using the hanger 32. The hanger 32 includes a flat hook secured to the wall, and a bottom that is secured to the toilet. The toilet 17 is further secured by a bolting plate 42 which connects the siphon 20 to the drain 39. The drain 39 functions as a conduit between the toilet siphon 20 and a sewer line 40. The drain 39 is secured to the siphon 20 via the sealing cushion 43. The drain 40, siphon 20 and sewer line 40 are held in place by a flexible sealed coupling 33.

FIGS. 25-38 show a flush valve 24 for the flush value toilet of the present invention. The flush valve 24 is comprised of a first part 44 and a second part 46 secured about a diaphragm 21. The diaphragm 21 is secured between the first part 44 and the second part 46 by securing mechanism received through assembly orifices 50 which extend through both the first part 44 and the second part 46. A pipe 60 is positioned integral with the second part 44 and a ball valve 62 is located within the pipe 60 such that the ball valve 62 can selectively activate the the flush mechanism.

In one embodiment, the pipe is attached to a flush control handle. In still another embodiment, an adjustable valve 48 is installed in the pipe 62, and the adjustable valve capable of interacting with the diaphragm 21 so as to close the flush mechanism.

The diaphragm 21 can act as a sealing cushion between the first and second part, 44 and 46, respectively. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 21 pushes up or down depending on variations in hydraulic pressure, thereby starting or stopping the flush mechanism. A plug that includes a plurality of guide vanes may also be affixed to the diaphragm. In still another embodiment, a tubular vault houses a pressure spring located on the diaphragm, and a first and second conduit intersect at the vault.

FIGS. 39-54 is a flushing mechanism for a flush toilet the present invention. This flushing mechanism is comprised of a handle 82 attached to a wall of a toilet tank 56. Movement of the handle 82 from a first position to a second position selectively activates the flush mechanism of the flush valve toilet of the present invention. A handle cover 80 is attached to the wall 56 of the toilet tank in proximity to the handle 82. An adjustable central union block 84 is located within the toilet tank. The central union block 84 connects the flush valve 24 with the handle 82. A chassis is located in a slot between a central block and a washer, the chassis capable of limited rotation so as to operate the flush mechanism. At least one tension spring 98 in communication with the handle 82, and a plurality of orifices 90 are located within the chassis for adjusting an extension angle bracket, thereby sealing the ball valve 62.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1-6. (canceled)

7. A flush toilet comprised of:

an air reservoir having an interior diaphragm installed inside a tank in the toilet, the air reservoir having a hydraulic pressure maintained by a water supply coming from a conduit;
at least two propulsion jets located in a bottom portion of a toilet bowl, the at least two propulsion jets capable of ejecting contents of the bowl into a siphon upon activation of a flush mechanism; and
a double water-supply pipe system located between a valve and the tank, the double water-supply pipe system including a first pipe extending from the valve to orifices in the bottom of the toilet bowl, and a second pipe connected at substantially 90° to the first pipe, the second pipe extending from the first pipe to a rim of the toilet bowl.

8. The flush toilet of claim 7, wherein:

the toilet bowl has a base; and
at least two orifices are defined in the base of the toilet bowl to allow the toilet to be anchored to a floor.

9. The flush toilet of claim 7, wherein a handle is attached to a wall of the tank, the handle capable of activating flush mechanism.

10. A system for hanging a toilet onto a wall, the system comprised of:

a plurality of hangers attached to the toilet and connected to the wall;
a removable toilet lid mounted to the wall, the removable lid having a top that is held in place by a flat hook secured to the wall, and a bottom that is secured to the toilet;
a drain acting as a conduit between a toilet siphon and a sewer line, the drain secured to the siphon which is equipped with a sealing cushion;
the drain, siphon and sewer line being held in place by a flexible sealed coupling; and
the sealing cushion holding the toilet in place on the wall.

11. A toilet flush valve comprised of:

a first part and a second part secured about a diaphragm;
a pipe integral with the second part;
a ball valve located within the pipe, the ball valve capable of activating the flush mechanism.

12. The valve of claim 11, wherein the pipe is attached to a flush control handle.

13. The valve of claim 11, wherein:

an adjustable valve is installed in the pipe;
the adjustable valve capable of interacting with the diaphragm so as to close the flush mechanism.

14. The valve of claim 11, wherein:

the diaphragm acts as a sealing cushion between the first and second part; and
the diaphragm pushes up or down depending on variations in hydraulic pressure, thereby starting or stopping the flush mechanism.

15. The valve of claim 11, wherein a plug including a plurality of guide vanes is affixed to the diaphragm.

16. The valve of claim 11, wherein:

a tubular vault houses a pressure spring located on the diaphragm; and
a first and second conduit intersect at the vault.

17. A flushing mechanism for a flush toilet, the flushing mechanism comprised of:

a handle attached to a wall of a toilet tank, the handle capable of activating the flush mechanism;
a handle cover attached to the wall of the toilet tank in proximity to the handle;
an adjustable central union block located in the toilet, the central union block connecting a flush valve with the handle;
a chassis located in a slot between a central block and a washer, the chassis capable of limited rotation so as to operate the flush mechanism;
a least one tension spring in communication with the handle; and
a plurality of orifices located within the chassis for adjusting an extension angle bracket, thereby sealing the ball valve.

18. A system for anchoring a toilet to a floor, the system comprised of an anchoring rod, including a first bushing, inserted into a top of the toilet, the anchoring rod secured to a second bushing attached to a connector to hold the toilet to the floor.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the connector is a bolt.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the first and second bushing are hexagonal in shape.

Patent History
Publication number: 20050188454
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 27, 2004
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2005
Applicant: PERFECTeau LLP (Sudbury, MA)
Inventor: Paul Bosivert (Laval)
Application Number: 10/789,741
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 4/425.000