Universal Valve Adaptor for toilet fill-valves

Abstract

A universal valve adaptor for toilet fill-valves is placed within a toilet tank and connected to a water source outside the toilet tank. The top end of the system has a threaded profile to mate a toilet fill-valve and the bottom end has a threaded profile to mate a water supply line. An internal valve contained within the lower non-separated portion of the body controls water flow through the body. The internal valve allows water flow to occur while coupled and open, with an automatic shut-off when the separated top end is detached. The internal valve is actuated by an axial profile on the separable top end which forces and displaces a plunger located within the lower non-separated portion of the body. The separable top end allows a new or replacement toilet fill-valve to be installed without further disassembly or impact on associated connections and related parts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally related to toilet fill-valves, and, in particular to a universal valve adaptor device for a fill-valve within a toilet tank and connected to an external water supply source. Furthermore, this invention relates to coupling and removing the proximal end of toilet fill-valves within a toilet tank.

2. Description of Related Art

Toilets have been accepted as a common fixture within households, institutions and all phases of industries for the purpose of providing a suitable means for people to relieve themselves. Toilets generally are constructed as a two component system, comprised of a commode and its corresponding reservoir tank. For decades, and even today, the reservoir tank holds a predetermined amount of water to flush clean the commode after use. The reservoir tanks are generally connected to a water supply source for refilling the reservoir tank after each use. In order to fill and refill the reservoir tank, a valve is mounted within, having a discharge opening for filling the reservoir tank. As the water level rises, a buoyant float mounted to the valve also rises until it reaches a preset height at which point the water source is shut-off.

The performance and reliability to successfully re-flush the toilet is directly dependent upon the fill-valve reliably opening and closing to properly refill the reservoir tank. Whether due to the number of times the valve is used, especially with variable water pressure, or due to time in service, the fill-valve internal seating seal fails in most applications over time, requiring the fill-valve to be replaced.

The effort to replace the fill-valve generally results in a time-consuming, problem-plagued process. In order to replace the fill-valve, the water supply source needs to be shut-off, the reservoir tank drained and sponged out, and the fill-valve disconnected. During this process, several issues often arise; the water-supply connection or pipe fittings can leak or break off, especially in the presence of corrosion, requiring more replacement parts and/or labor costs.

Thereafter, installing the replacement fill-valve further relies on the ability of the installer to properly attach and seal the fill-valve to the reservoir tank in the correct orientation allowing the typical float to fully travel with the water level lowering or raising. A second, and often more problematic, installation issue involves the re-connection of the water supply line and its valve. Some water supply lines have been updated to a flexible hose with crimped end fittings having a non-replaceable seal contained in the fitting and being deformed by the initial connection, thus causing the seal to leak when reconnected. Other water supply lines have copper or steel plated tubing connections; these tubes generally bend out during fill-valve removal and may be difficult to bend back and achieve an effective, leak-proof connection. As a practical matter, the majority of the effort required to replace a reservoir tank fill-valve involves the water supply connection and ability to provide a long-term leak-proof joint.

The present invention has been developed to provide a device which overcomes multiple issues associated with reservoir tank fill-valve replacement. The developed device inherently addresses problematic issues and achieves a safe, time-saving, effective solution to easily replace toilet fill-valves, while being ergonomically friendly. Further, the present invention reduces the skill level required to manually service the plumbing components described.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a Universal valve adaptor for toilet fill-valves being placed within a toilet tank and connected to an external water supply source. A separable conduit allows a toilet fill-valve to be installed or removed solely within a toilet reservoir tank. An internal valve actuates and allows the external water supply to be closed upon fill-valve removal and open again upon fill-valve installation.

In accordance with the present invention the Universal valve adaptor constructed as a multi-piece conduit body joining each end as an assembly or being the proximal end of a fill-valve. The top end of the system has a threaded profile to connect, seal and fasten a mating toilet fill-valve and the bottom end having a threaded profile to connect, seal and fasten the mating water supply line.

Further, in accordance of the present invention, disconnection and separation of the threaded top end from the body can occur, and, the separation is located between the connected toilet fill-valve and the toilet tank inner surface. Secondly, an internal valve contained within the lower non-separated portion of the body controls water flow through the body. The function of the internal valve allows water flow to occur when installed and immediately shut-off when removed. The internal valve is actuated by an axial profile on the separable top end which forcefully displaces a plunger located within the lower non-separated portion of the body. The method to install or disconnect the separable top end occurs by inserting or removing the separated top end into or out of the body by hand and using a rotating motion causing the internal valve to open or close. The rotation is limited to an arc with a predetermined stop. The separable top end allows a new or replacement toilet fill-valve to be installed without further disassembly or impact on associated connections and related parts.

These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a universal valve adaptor according to the present invention with a fill valve installed and mounted within a section of a toilet tank;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the complete universal valve adaptor;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the upper coupler showing a restrictor plate;

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the upper coupler and restrictor plate of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the assembled universal valve adaptor mounted within a section of a toilet tank;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the upper coupler above and disengaged from the lower coupler;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the lower coupler installed without the upper coupler;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the arrangement of the lower coupler components for assembly within a section of the toilet tank;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower coupler assembled within a section of a toilet tank with the water supply connection;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper couple components of the assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the installed lower coupler assembly mounted within a section of a toilet tank and the upper coupler assembly illustrated and positioned to be installed into the lower coupler assembly; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the complete universal valve adaptor mounted within a section of a toilet tank and having both the water supply connection and fill valve installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Like parts are marked throughout the specifications and drawings with the same reference numbers. The drawings Figures are not necessarily to scale. Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10; a Universal valve adaptor according to the present invention is generally referred to by reference numeral 10 as mounted within a toilet tank 12. The Universal valve adaptor 10 normally is installed in a conventional manner being positioned vertically in the toilet tank 12 and more specifically, perpendicular to the water surface 14. The water surface 14 defines a horizontal reference and an up above or down below direction as being perpendicular to the said surface. Further the Universal valve adaptor 10 mounts though either a horizontal or angled or vertical opening in the toilet tank 12. As vertically shown in FIG. 1 and for clarity of this detailed description of the Universal valve adaptor 10 aligns on a center axis 32 having a concentric reference on the base of the toilet tank 12.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrates a portion of the Universal valve adaptor 10 mounted externally below the toilet tank 12 and a portion mounted above and within the toilet tank 12. The Universal valve adaptor 10 separates as a jointed fitting into an upper coupler 16 and a lower coupler 18 and disconnects within the toilet tank 12. Tank seal 20 provides a non-hygroscopic barrier and provides the containment of water 24 from exiting out of the toilet tank 12. Tank seal 20 has a sized concentric opening only allowing the external threaded portion of the lower coupler 18 to protrude though the toilet tank 12 and be secured externally by nut 22. Water 24 can flow 26 though an internal open passage of the lower coupler 18 into and though the upper coupler 16 of the Universal valve adaptor 10 and into a Fill Valve 28 filling toilet tank 12 to a desired water level 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2; the Universal valve adaptor 10 shown as an exploded view to illustrate the sequence of components normally having installed contact with mating surfaces. Upper coupler 16 having a generally circular contoured shape concentric to a center axis 32 utilizes an internal thread seal 34 as a ring shaped elastomeric non-hygroscopic barrier preventing water from penetrating though an installed fill valve (not shown) flowing up and around the threads and out of upper coupler 16. External tabs 36 are an integral feature of the upper coupler 16 to engage and lock into passages 38 of the lower coupler 18. Lower coupler 18 having a generally circular contoured shape concentric to a center axis 32 utilizes an internal coupler to coupler seal 40 as a ring shaped elastomeric non-hygroscopic barrier preventing water flow 26 from leakage between lower coupler 18 and upper coupler 16. Contoured plunger 42 having an upper finned or round restrictor plate 43 with holes 45 through the outer surface and a round shank lower body are concentric to a center axis 32 and placed onto compression spring 44 and inserted into the upside of the center hole in the lower coupler 18. Plunger seal 46 inserts in the lower side of the center hole in the lower coupler 18 and fastens to the down facing side of the plunger 42 body and retained by washer 48 and screw 50. Tank seal 20 has an array of tabs facing up to engage into mating slots on lower coupler 18 for torsional positioning and locking. Tank seal 20 contacts toilet tank 12 (not shown) on the inner surface and external nut 22 contacts the lower external surface of Toilet tank 12.

Spring 44 is commonly a helix composed of wound wire, having an open space between windings with closing ends perpendicular to axis 32 applies an uplifting, separating force against plunger 42 to lift the attached plunger seal 46 to contact an internal seat 18B (not shown) within the center passage of the lower coupler 18. Deflection of spring 44 forces the attached plunger seal 46 to unseat and create a passage for water flow.

Referring now to FIG. 3, universal valve adaptor 10 has an open water flow 26B though a center passage 18A on the lower end of the lower coupler 18 around plunger seal 46 and across an internal seat 18B, up and though spring 44, around the fin portion 42A of the plunger 42. The lower end of the upper coupler 16 applies a force against the top of plunger 42 compressing spring 44 and unseating plunger seal 46. The coupler to coupler seal 40 has a molded flexible lip 40A to deflect upon an increase in water pressure providing a tighter barrier as water flows though the lower coupler 18 center passage 18A. Now as water continues flow upward into the upper coupler 16 across the fill valve seal, over the internal threads and out the top of the upper coupler 16 allowing free flow.

Referring now to FIG. 4, upper coupler 16 can rotate about center axis 32 disengaging the tabs 36 from horizontal slot 52 by pressing downward to vertically offset out of recess 52A and begin to rotate about center axis 32 until tabs 36 stop at the arc end of horizontal slot 52. At the arc end of horizontal slot 52, upper coupler 16 can be vertically lifted out of lower coupler 18 along the intersecting vertical slot 38 as tabs 36 pass upward though vertical slot 38. As upper coupler 16 clears lower coupler 18, the full disconnection occurs.

A valve action occurred as upper coupler 16 rotated out of the horizontal slot 52 when upper coupler 16 had been vertically lifted out of lower coupler 18, releasing flexible lip 40A from providing a non-hygroscopic barrier against upper coupler 16 as upper coupler 16 passes along the intersecting vertical slot 38 further plunger 42 along with plunger seal 46 vertically traveled upward in sequence with upper coupler 16 causing plunger seal 46 to contact seat 18B terminating water flow 26A from passing though center passage 18A. Plunger 42 along with plunger seal 46 traveled upward vertically due to the upward force of spring 44 and water flow 26A. Plunger seal 46 provides a non-hygroscopic barrier and the containment of water flow 26A.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that full disconnection occurred with the removal of the upper coupler 16 and that water flow 26 has stopped.

Referring now to FIG. 5, retention of water 24 can be contained within toilet tank 12 without back flowing through the center passage 18A of lower coupler 18. Water flow 26 has stopped though an internal open passage of the lower coupler 18 as plunger seal 46 seats against seat 18B in lower coupler 18. This allows the present invention to maintain the water level 24 within the toilet tank 12 despite the absence of upper coupler 16.

Referring now to FIG. 6, is an illustrated view of the lower coupler 18 being positioned in toilet tank 12. The inside surface base 55 of toilet tank 12 has a generally round vertical opening 57 as a passage for a water supply line. Tank seal 20 will be placed in the vertical opening 57 on the inside surface base 55 of toilet tank 12 providing a non-hygroscopic barrier and preventing water 24 (not shown) from exiting out of the toilet tank 12. Once in place lower coupler 18 can be inserted though tank seal 20 with slots 18A locked and aligned to multiple external contoured protrusions 20A for assembly and seating of lower coupler 18. Nut 22 being positioned along axis 32 and directly below toilet tank 12 can then be used to secure lower coupler 18 when installed.

Referring now to FIG. 7, shows conventional construction and includes the attachment of an external fitting 40 being assembled as an integral part of a water supply line 41. The lower coupler 18 having tank seal 20 installed abuts the inside surface base 55 of the toilet tank 12 secured on the outer base of the toilet tank 12 by threaded nut 22 screwed on the circular threads of lower coupler 18 by applying torsion force against tabs 22A. This embodiment creates a functional valved lower coupler 18 assembly as a stand-alone portion of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, is an illustrated view of a typical fill valve 28, partially shown, having a normally threaded end-body being positioned along axis 32 in toilet tank 12. The upper coupler 16 positioned along axis 32 and directly below the typical fill valve 28 have been aligned for assembly by inserting the typical fill valve 28 and to be threaded into the upper coupler 16.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depicted the lower coupler 18 in part and as an installed assembly within toilet tank 12 as being the lower separable portion of the present invention. The assembled lower coupler 18 remains within toilet tank 12 as a stationary stand-alone portion of the Universal valve adaptor in a disconnect mode. FIG. 8 only depicted the upper coupler 16 unassembled to the typical fill valve 28 as a removable portion of the Universal valve adaptor in a disconnect mode.

Now referring to FIG. 9, both the assembled upper coupler 16 and the assembled lower coupler 18 have been positioned along axis 32 within toilet tank 12 as separate assemblies shown in a disconnect mode. Upper coupler 16 can align about center axis 32 to engage tabs 36 into vertical slot 38 of lower coupler 18 by moving downward 61 and inserting it into the bottom of vertical slot 38 of lower coupler 18 then to engage into horizontal slot 52. Thereafter begin to rotate 62 about center axis 32 until tabs 36 stop at the arc end of horizontal slot 52 of lower coupler 18.

Referring also to FIG. 10, universal valve adaptor 10 is joined and fully connected as a flow-fitting, allowing water 24 to flow upward, unrestricted, and though the Universal valve adaptor into a typical fill valve 28. Water 24 thereafter is controlled by the typical fill valve 28 as needed within toilet tank 12.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is well adapted to attain all of the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages, which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the Figures of the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve comprising, in combination:

a. a substantially cylindrical member for connection to a water source at the bottom end and a fill-valve on the top-end, whereby water can be conducted through the substantially cylindrical member to a fill-valve;

b. an exterior threaded portion of the substantially cylindrical member able to fit through the fill-valve hole in a toilet tank;

c. a flexible washer to fit over the exterior threaded portion;

d. a securing nut to match the exterior threaded portion, capable of securing the flexible washer against a surface, such as against the top of a fill-valve hole on the internal surface of the inside of a toilet tank; and

e. a plunger inside the substantially cylindrical member, wherein the plunger blocks water flow if no fill-valve is connected to the top end of the substantially cylindrical member and to allow water flow if a fill-valve is connected.

2. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1, further including a connecting nut to fit the threaded portion of a fill-valve:

a. wherein the nut has wings for thumb-tightening the nut onto a fill-valve and a twist-lock mechanism; and

b. wherein the top end of a substantially cylindrical member has a matching twist-lock mechanism, whereby the connecting nut and the substantially cylindrical member twist-lock together once the connecting nut engages a fill-valve.

3. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 2, further including:

a. a seal securely fastened to the plunger;

b. a seal engaging surface on the inside of the substantially cylindrical member; and

c. a cylindrical spring, which forces the seal against the seal-engaging surface, cutting off water flow unless the plunger is pushed down so that the seal no longer engages the seal-engaging surface.

4. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 3 further including a top portion of the plunger which is pushed down by the connecting nut when the connecting nut is connected to the substantially cylindrical member.

5. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1, further including:

a. a seal securely fastened to the plunger;

b. a seal engaging surface on the inside of the substantially cylindrical member; and

c. a cylindrical spring, which forces the seal against the seal-engaging surface, cutting off water flow unless the plunger is pushed down so that the seal no longer engages the seal-engaging surface.

6. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve comprising, in combination:

a. a flange for abutting the bottom of a toilet tank base;

b. a seal for tightening against the top side of a toilet tank base, within the toilet tank;

c. a retainer including lugs and a lower inside threaded portion; and

d. a connecting piece connecting the water supply to the toilet fill-valve inserted into the retainer from above the toilet tank base, wherein the retainer screws onto the connecting piece using the lugs by means of an outward threaded portion of the connecting piece being screwed through the lower inside threaded portion; and a coupler used to manually tighten the toilet fill-valve or a molded adapter fitting for accepting a small diameter toilet fill-valve.

7. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 6, wherein the connecting piece includes a ridge or lip for retaining the coupler.

8. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 7 further including:

a. a plug;

b. a cruciform engaging the plug, which cuts off the water flow to the toilet tank when no toilet fill-valve is in place; and

c. a return spring engaging the cruciform so that the cruciform displaces the plug when a toilet fill-valve is in place, allowing water to flow; and

d. a cage retaining the cruciform, the plug and the return spring.

9. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 8 further including a restrictor plate engaging the lower end of a toilet fill-valve or the molded adapter fitting to moderate water flow, wherein the restrictor plate is a plate with holes through it to allow water flow, but not unrestricted water flow.

10. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 6 further including:

a. a plug;

b. a cruciform engaging the plug, which cuts off the water flow to the toilet tank when no toilet fill-valve is in place; and

c. a return spring engaging the cruciform so that the cruciform displaces the plug when a toilet fill-valve is in place, allowing water to flow; and

d. a cage retaining the cruciform, the plug, and the return spring.

11. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1 wherein the plunger includes a molded contour having a determined cross section to regulate or restrict water flow.

12. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1 having an internal threaded end within the toilet tank suitable to couple with plumbing fittings.