METHODS AND APPARATUSES RELATING TO PROVIDING AN IMPROVED TOILET VALVE SYSTEM

Abstract

A modified serviceable fill valve assembly for use in a toilet tank, with the upper portion of the fill valve assembly being detachable from a lower portion which remains in the bottom of the tank, said bottom portion closing an internal valve when the upper portion is detached therefrom, such that the upper portion can be selectively replaced without disconnecting water further upstream of the serviceable fill valve assembly.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the use of methods and apparatuses for providing an improvement to water valving in flush toilets.

SUMMARY

This section provides some introduction to various matters relating to the invention mentioned herein, but it should be understood that this should not be construed as prior art to the invention; certain materials may be included, referenced, or alluded to in this section that may be inventions of the inventors noted herein. This section is simply included to include some introduction for the sake of the reader, some of which may be background to the invention, and some which is not.

Toilets for removing excrement such as human excrement are well known. Gravity toilets generally have two main parts: a tank and a toilet bowl. The tank and toilet bowl can be combined together into separate parts (commonly referred to as a two-part toilet) to form a toilet system, or one (usually a one-part toilet).

A tank, usually located on the back of the toilet bowl, initiates the flushing action of the excrement from the toilet bowl to the sewer and contains the water used to fill the toilet bowl with fresh water.

To flush the toilet, one typically activates a flush lever on the outside of the tank, which is connected to a movable chain or lever inside the tank, or a button outside the tank. When the flush lever is activated, this moves an inner chain or lever of the tank, which acts to lift and open the flush valve assembly, causing water to flow from the tank into the toilet bowl. A toilet fill valve assembly is configured to recognize when the level in the tank has fallen to a given level, whereupon the toilet fill valve assembly will open an internal water supply valve and allow the level in the tank to raise until it reaches a desired filled level, whereupon the toilet fill valve assembly will then close its internal water supply valve. The internal water supply valve will remain closed until the level in the tank has fallen to a given level, and the cycle is repeated. The toilet fill valve opens and closes every time the toilet flushes.

As it can be a heavily used device, occasionally such a toilet fill valve assembly will fail. This can include failure in which the valve is only partially closed, resulting in water continuously being introduced into the tank. Typical tanks will accommodate this failure, and include a drain feature that drains water from the tank into the bowl of the toilet assembly when the tank level gets too high. While this minimizes external water damage proximate the toilet area, such drainage can go undetected and can result in high levels of water loss, which can result in significant monetary losses to the user.

In order to service replace such a toilet fill valve assembly, it is known in the prior art to turn off the water supply to the assembly, drain the tank, and replace the various parts as needed. Draining the tank and removing the entire assembly be a cumbersome affair, as it typically requires disconnecting the water supply from the toilet fill valve assembly, removing the entire toilet fill valve assembly from the toilet tank, installing a new toilet fill valve assembly, connecting the water supply to same, and then turning the water on. Such a procedure invariably includes dealing with connective leaks and other issues before the new unit has been completely replaced and adjusted.

Therefore it may be understood that improvements are always welcome to such a repair protocol noted above.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process and devices for preforming same, that solves any deficiencies in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrative views of a serviceable fill valve assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, said assembly 10 including a detachable upper subassembly 20 and a fixed lower subassembly 30. The fixed lower subassembly 30 is configured to be fixed to the floor of a conventional toilet tank 6 and to accept water passing through the hole in the floor of the tank. The upper subassembly 20 is configured to be detachably connected to the fixed lower subassembly 30 should the upper subassembly 20 components require servicing. When attached, water can flow from subassembly 30 to subassembly 20. When detached, a valve closes in subassembly 30 so as to prevent water loss and to obviate the need to shut the water off further back in the water supply path.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the components of the fixed lower subassembly 30, which includes an upper portion 31 and a mounting nut 39. The upper portion includes a quick disconnect valve assembly 32, medial body portion 36, stop 37, and threaded portion 38. The quick disconnect valve assembly 32 includes a valve body portion 32B, quick disconnect trigger 33, and defines a quick disconnect opening portion 34 which provides one of two quick disconnect connection portions.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing the quick disconnect and shutoff feature of the present invention, showing the upper portion in position within a tank floor shown in phantom. This figure also shows the quick disconnect valve assembly 32 disconnected from the upper quick disconnection portion 24 of the upper subassembly 20. In this configuration, the valve assembly 32 does not allow the pressurized water to pass therethough.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrative views of a serviceable fill valve assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; these drawings are a more simplified versions than that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 4B shows an alternate quick disconnection plane AQD.

FIG. 6 shows a part of a conventional toilet tank 6 having therein a fill valve assembly 6 and drain assembly 8.

FIG. 5 shows a conventional toilet 5 having a tank 6.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate quick disconnection fill valve assembly 100, having a quick disconnection point located at the plane AQD referenced earlier in FIG. 4B. This assembly 100 includes a quick disconnection feature in a different location, in the tubular elongate body portion 121 just under the fill valve component 122, and above the travel space of the float 134, which in this configuration is in the fixed lower subassembly 130. In this case the angled valve lever connecting the fill valve component 122 relative to the float 134 would also need to be disconnected, or some other connection would need to be separated between the fill valve assembly component 122 and the float 134. Disconnection of the quick disconnection subassembly 100 would allow for separation of the detachable upper subassembly 120 from the fixed lower subassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

INTRODUCTION

Reference is now made to the figures, in which like elements indicate like elements throughout the several views.

ELEMENT LIST

Here is a list of at least some of the various elements:

• • 5 Toilet
  • 6 Toilet tank
  • 8 Drain assembly
  • 10 Serviceable fill valve assembly
  • 20 detachable upper subassembly
    • 21 elongate body portion
    • 22 Fill valve component (includes pivot arm and connections to float)
    • 24 Float
    • 26 upper quick disconnect connection portion
  • 30 fixed lower subassembly
    • 31 upper portion
      • 32 quick disconnect valve assembly (shut off when disengaged)
        • 32B valve body portion
        • 33 quick disconnect trigger
        • 34 quick disconnect end opening portion (providing lower quick disconnect connection portion)
      • 36 medial body portion
      • 37 stop
      • 38 threaded portion
    • 39 threaded mounting nut
  • 100 Alternate Serviceable Fill Valve Assembly
    • 120 detachable upper subassembly
      • 121 elongate body portion
      • 122 Fill valve component (includes pivot arm and connections to float)
      • 126 quick disconnect valve assembly (shut off when disengaged)
    • 130 fixed lower subassembly
      • 134 Float

DETAILED DISCUSSION

Basic Construction and Operation

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B which shown a serviceable fill valve assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, said assembly 10 including a detachable upper subassembly 20 and a fixed lower subassembly 30. The fixed lower subassembly 30 is configured to be fixed to the floor of a conventional toilet tank 6. As shown particularly in FIGS. 4A and 4B, water is supplied into the bottom of the fixed lower subassembly 30 in the same matter as provided to conventional toilet fill valve assemblies.

FIG. 1A shows the detachable upper subassembly 20 of the serviceable fill valve assembly 10 in its “installed” configuration, attached to the fixed lower subassembly 30 in a quick release configuration. In the FIG. 1A configuration, water is supplied into the bottom of the fixed lower subassembly 30; when as shown the quick disconnect feature is engaged between the detachable upper subassembly 20 and a fixed lower subassembly 30, water is allowed also to flow through the fixed lower subassembly and then into the detachable upper subassembly 20, which includes a float and fill valve component such as is included in conventional fill valve assembly. When so attached, the float and fill valve component of the detachable upper subassembly 20 of the serviceable fill valve assembly 10 operate in much the same manner as do a conventional fill valve assembly.

FIG. 1B shows the detachable upper subassembly 20 in its “detached” configuration, with the quick release configuration being detached. In this configuration, water flow is not allowed through the fixed lower subassembly. This allows removal of the detachable upper subassembly 20 in its “detached” configuration from the remainder of the assemblies, without turning off the water connection to the toilet.

Thus it may be understood that this detachable configuration allows for easy replacement of the detachable upper subassembly 20 relative to the fixed lower subassembly 30 without turning off the water supplied upstream to the fixed lower subassembly 30, or even draining the tank of the toilet. Should a detachable upper subassembly 20 have parts needing service, it can be simply detached and replaced without turning off the water or draining the tank. This is a significant advantage of the present invention.

Detailed Construction and Operation

Reference is now also made to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a conventional toilet 5 having a tank 6. FIG. 6 shows a part of a conventional toilet tank 6 having therein a fill valve assembly 7 and drain assembly 8.

Such a configuration shown in FIG. 6 requires the entire fill valve assembly to be disconnected and the tank drained in order for the fill valve assembly to be replaced.

Reference is now again made to FIGS. 1A and 1B which shown a fill valve assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, said assembly 10 including a detachable upper subassembly 20 and a fixed lower subassembly 30. The fixed lower subassembly 30 is configured to be fixed to the floor of a conventional toilet tank 6. As shown particularly in FIGS. 4A and 4B, water is supplied into the bottom of the fixed lower subassembly.

FIG. 1A shows the detachable upper subassembly 20 of the fill valve assembly 10 in its “installed” configuration, attached to the fixed lower subassembly 30 in a quick release configuration. In the FIG. 1A configuration, water is supplied into the bottom of the fixed lower subassembly 30. When the quick disconnect feature is engaged between the detachable upper subassembly 20 and a fixed lower subassembly 30, water is allowed also to flow through the fixed lower subassembly and then into the detachable upper subassembly 20, which includes a float and fill valve such as is included in conventional fill valve assembly. When so attached, the float and fill valve of the detachable upper subassembly 20 of the serviceable fill valve assembly 10 operate in much the same manner as do a conventional fill valve assembly.

FIG. 1B shows the detachable upper subassembly 20 in its “detached” configuration, the quick release configuration being detached. It should be understood that in this configuration water flow is not allowed through the fixed lower subassembly. This allows removal of the detachable upper subassembly 20 in its “detached” configuration from the remainder of the assemblies, which is one significant part of this invention.

Reference is also now made to FIG. 2, which shows the components of the fixed lower subassembly 30, which includes an upper portion 31 and a mounting nut 39.

The upper portion 31 includes:

• • 32 quick disconnect valve assembly (shut off when disengaged)
  • 36 medial body portion
  • 37 stop
  • 38 threaded portion

The quick disconnect valve assembly 32 includes a valve body portion 32B, a quick disconnect trigger 33, and a quick disconnect end opening portion 34 (providing a lower quick disconnect connection portion.

The function of the upper portion 31 of the fixed lower subassembly 30 is to accept water supplied to its lower hollow end, and provide a selective valving effect depending on whether the upper portion 31 is attached to the detachable upper subassembly 20 or not. If it is attached, water is allowed to flow through the quick disconnect interface up into the detachable upper subassembly 20. If it is not attached, the valve in the valve body portion 32B is closed (aka shut off), and no water is allowed to flow above that valve.

A quick disconnect trigger 33 is provided in order to facilitate disconnection of the quick release fluid connection. By pressing the trigger 33, a mechanical connection is released between the subassemblies 20 and 30. Upon removal of the subassembly 20, the valve 32 in subassembly 30 is closed. In one embodiment, this is done by use of a biased valve in subassembly 30 that is biased towards its closed position when its quick disconnect feature is disengaged, but is pushed open against this bias upon engagement of the quick disconnect connection (and the engagement of subassemblies 20 and 30).

In order to install a new subassembly 20, the valve body portion is configured to allow the subassembly 20 to be pushed into physical connection and fluid communication with the subassembly 30 without depression of the quick disconnect trigger 33. However, alternately the trigger could be pressed to make insertion easier. During this insertion process the quick disconnect lower portion of the subassembly 20 is inserted into the quick disconnect opening portion 34 of the subassembly 30.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrative views of the serviceable fill valve assembly 10; these drawings are a more simplified versions than that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but they also illustrate how the fluid flow is stopped when the quick disconnect connection is detached at the “Quick Disconnect” Connection Point QD (see FIG. 4B), but allowed when the two members are connected.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the detachable upper subassembly 20 includes and elongate tubular hollow body portion 21, a fill valve component 22 (includes the pivot arm and connections to the float), and a float 24. The elongate body portion 21 includes at its lower end a quick disconnect lower portion 26. The elongate tubular hollow body portion 21 facilitates water flow from its quick disconnect lower portion 26 to the fill valve component 22, which is connected to the top of the portion 21. The outside of the elongate body portion 21 is used as a guide for up and down travel of the float 24, as the float fits loosely around the portion 21 and travels up and down according to the level of water in the tank. When the fill valve component 22 is open, water travels from inside the elongate tubular hollow body portion 21, through the valve component 22, and out of the valve component 22 to the tank cavity.

It may be understood that this detachable configuration allows for easy replacement of the detachable upper subassembly 20 relative to the fixed lower subassembly 30 without turning off the water supplied to the fixed lower subassembly 30, or even draining the tank. A detachable upper subassembly 20 having parts needing service can be simply detached and replaced without turning off the water or draining the tank. This is a significant advantage of the present invention.

For example, if the fill valve in the detachable upper subassembly 20 is leaking, the entire subassembly 20 can easily be replaced. Likewise if the float is broken, the entire subassembly 20 can easily be replaced.

The Quick Disconnect Feature

The quick disconnect feature provides selective physical connection and fluid communication between the subassemblies 20 and 30. Fluid flow is stopped when the quick disconnect connection is detached at the “Quick Disconnect” Connection Point QD (see FIG. 4B), but allowed when the two members are connected.

As noted elsewhere, the quick disconnect trigger 33 is provided in order to facilitate disconnection of the quick release mechanical and fluid connection. By pressing the trigger 33, a mechanical connection is at least partially released between the subassemblies 20 and 30, which allows removal of element 20 by hand. Upon removal of the subassembly 20, the valve in subassembly 30 is closed. In one embodiment, this is done by use of a biased valve in subassembly 30 that is biased towards its closed position when its quick disconnect feature is disengaged, but is pushed open against this bias upon engagement of the quick disconnect connection (and the engagement of subassemblies 20 and 30).

In order to replace the subassembly 20 in place, the valve body portion is configured to allow the subassembly 20 to be pushed into physical connection and fluid communication with the subassembly 30 without depression of the quick disconnect trigger 33. However, alternately the trigger could be pressed to make insertion easier.

It may be understood that this configuration allows for a relatively simple “one-handed” process; a human user can reach into the tank (even if full), push the trigger with the thumb, and while grasping the upper subassembly 20, the entire subassembly 20 can be removed and then replaced as needed. Installation is likewise possible with one hand, with the user pushing the button as needed or desired during the install process.

It may be understood that this feature could also be provided at location AQD in FIG. 4B. In this configuration, a quick disconnect feature (providing selective physical connection and fluid communication between two elements) could be provided at the alternate quick disconnect location plane AQD in FIG. 4B. While this is a dotted line in the two dimensional drawing page of FIG. 4B, it represents a typically horizontal interface plane, at which a quick disconnect feature could be added, in order to allow the fill valve only to be replaced as needed relative to the elements beneath it. In this case the angled valve lever connecting the fill valve relative to the float would also need to be disconnected.

It should also be understood that other elements could be made disconnectable other than the elements described herein.

Variations

It should be understood that the male/female connection of the components 32 and 26 of FIG. 4B could be reversed, that is, the valve assembly 32 could present a male member which is accepted by a female member presented by elongate body 21. Either way, an upper quick disconnect connection portion engages a lower quick disconnect connection portion to provide the desired connection.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate quick disconnection fill valve assembly 100, having a quick disconnection point located at the plane AQD referenced earlier in FIG. 4B. This assembly 100 includes a quick disconnection feature in a different location, in the tubular elongate body portion 121 just under the fill valve component 122, and above the travel space of the float 134, which in this configuration is in the fixed lower subassembly 130. In this case the angled valve lever connecting the fill valve component 122 relative to the float 134 would also need to be disconnected, or some other connection would need to be separated between the fill valve assembly component 122 and the float 134. Disconnection of the quick disconnection subassembly 100 would allow for separation of the detachable upper subassembly 120 from the fixed lower subassembly.

It should be understood that various quick-release connects and disconnect couplings could be used in conjunction with the present invention, including those that do not require a trigger to open the connection; alternately spring biased collars such as used in quick disconnection air supplies could also be used. Also, connectors could be used which do not use any trigger type device at all; all that is needed is a physical upward pull to provide the disconnection. However, the valve should close when the connection is broken in order to prevent water from coming out.

CONCLUSION

Various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious, and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. 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 accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A fill valve assembly for use in a toilet tank, said toilet tank including a floor having a hole, and said toilet tank also defining an inner tank cavity, said fill valve assembly configured for accepting water from an external water source and for dispensing said water into said toilet tank up to a preselected fill level, whereupon said fill valve assembly stops said dispensing,said fill valve assembly defining a water path from said external water source to the point said fill valve assembly dispenses said water into said toilet tank,said fill valve assembly comprising the following components:A) a fixed lower subassembly configured to accept said water from said external source, said fixed lower subassembly itself comprising: 1) a body portion accepting water delivered through said hole in said toilet tank floor and defining a lower end and an upper end, each end being along said water path; and2) a quick disconnect valve assembly attached to said upper end of said body portion, said valve assembly providing a selective quick disconnect and shutoff feature and including a lower quick disconnect connection portion, andB) a removable upper subassembly, comprising; 1) a body including at its lower end an upper quick disconnect connection portion configured to selectively engage and disengage said lower quick disconnect connection portion of said fixed lower subassembly; and2) a fill valve component attached to the upper end of said body, for selectively dispensing said water from said body into said toilet tank,such that said quick disconnect valve assembly may be selectively engaged and disengaged between correspondingly connected and disconnected configurations by corresponding engagement and disengagement of said upper and lower quick disconnect connection portions,said connected configuration facilitating the flow of water from said water source, along said water path in said fixed lower subassembly, through said quick disconnect valve assembly, through said body, and to said fill valve component,said disconnected configuration blocking the flow of water from said water source at said quick disconnect valve assembly, such that said removable upper subassembly may be removed as a unit for servicing as needed.

2. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, said removable upper subassembly further comprising a movable float.

3. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 2, said float configured to be removed along with said removable upper subassembly for servicing.

4. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, said fixed lower subassembly further comprising a movable float.

5. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 4, said float configured to remain in place upon removal of said removable upper subassembly for servicing.

6. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said quick disconnect valve assembly includes the use of a finger operated release button.

7. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said quick disconnect valve assembly is configured to engage with a pushing together of said upper and lower quick disconnect connection portions.

8. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper quick disconnect connection portion is a male member and wherein said lower quick disconnect connection portion is a female member.

9. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper quick disconnect connection portion is a female member and wherein said lower quick disconnect connection portion is a male member.

10. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body portion provides an internal passageway for said water path as said water passes through said hole in said tank.

11. A method for servicing a fill valve assembly used in a toilet tank, said toilet tank including a floor having a hole, and said toilet tank also defining an inner tank cavity, said fill valve assembly configured for accepting water from an external water source and for dispensing said water into said toilet tank up to a preselected fill level, whereupon said fill valve assembly stops said dispensing,said fill valve assembly defining a water path from said external water source to the point said fill valve assembly dispenses said water into said toilet tank,said method comprising the following steps:A) providing a fixed lower subassembly configured to accept said water from said external source, said fixed lower subassembly itself comprising: 1) a body portion accepting water delivered through said hole in said toilet tank floor and defining a lower end and an upper end, each end being along said water path; and2) a quick disconnect valve assembly attached to said upper end of said body portion, said valve assembly providing a selective quick disconnect and shutoff feature and including a lower quick disconnect connection portion, andB) providing a removable upper subassembly, comprising; 1) a body including at its lower end an upper quick disconnect connection portion configured to selectively engage and disengage said lower quick disconnect connection portion of said fixed lower subassembly; and2) a fill valve component attached to the upper end of said body, for selectively dispensing said water from said body into said toilet tank,C) selectively engaged and disengaged said quick disconnect valve assembly between correspondingly connected and disconnected configurations by corresponding engagement and disengagement of said upper and lower quick disconnect connection portions,such that said connected configuration facilitates the flow of water from said water source, along said water path in said fixed lower subassembly, through said quick disconnect valve assembly, through said body, and to said fill valve component, andsuch that said disconnected configuration blocks the flow of water from said water source at said quick disconnect valve assembly, such that said removable upper subassembly may be removed as a unit for servicing as needed.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, said removable upper subassembly further comprising a movable float.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, said float configured to be removed along with said removable upper subassembly for servicing.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, said fixed lower subassembly further comprising a movable float.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, said float configured to remain in place upon removal of said removable upper subassembly for servicing.

16. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said quick disconnect valve assembly includes the use of a finger operated release button.

17. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said quick disconnect valve assembly is configured to engage with a pushing together of said upper and lower quick disconnect connection portions.

18. The fill valve assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein said upper quick disconnect connection portion is a male member and wherein said lower quick disconnect connection portion is a female member.

19. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said upper quick disconnect connection portion is a female member and wherein said lower quick disconnect connection portion is a male member.

20. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said body portion provides an internal passageway for said water path as said water passes through said hole in said tank.