Patent Application
20120227172
The embodiments presented herein are generally related to toilet tank plumbing and more particularly to valves that control the flow of water to the toilet bowl.
The toilet is one of the biggest users and wasters of water in the household.
The modern gravity-assisted flush toilet 50 is well known in the art as illustrated in
The bowl 80 provides a pool of bowl water 84 that is coupled in fluid communication to a drain 52 by a water trap 88. When the bowl water 84 reaches an overflow level 89, the bowl water 84 overflows into the drain 52 at an overflow 83 taking any waste in the bowl 80 with it. In most toilets 50 the bowl 80 is constructed such that when tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92 is quickly released into the bowl 80, the tank water 94 is directed towards the water trap 88 and drain 52 through the bowl water 84 which creates a siphoning action assisting in draining the bowl water 84. The water trap 88 provides a water seal between the bowl 80 and the drain 52 to prevent sewer gas from entering the bowl 80 from the drain 52. The overflow level 89, defined by the top of the overflow 83, determines the maximum height of the bowl water 84 when the flush and refill is completed.
Valves and other plumbing associated with the flush toilet are well known in the art. Referring to
The overflow pipe 70 is a vertical tube defining a lumen therethrough that is open at the overflow pipe top 72 defining an overflow pipe inlet 78. The overflow pipe 70 drains water from the tank reservoir 92 that is above the overflow pipe top 72, and thus determines an overflow pipe level 74 defining the maximum height of the tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92. The overflow pipe 70 defines an overflow pipe outlet 79 that is coupled in fluid communication to the bowl 80 such that overflow water from the tank reservoir 92 is drained to the bowl 80. The overflow pipe 70 prevents the water from overflowing the top of the tank reservoir 92 in cases where the fill valve 60 malfunctions and does not turn off the flow of mains water.
During a flush, the tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92 is released into the bowl 80 via a tank conduit 97, the opening and closing of which is controlled by the flush valve 96. The flush valve 96 is commonly coupled to a handle by a chain 98. A user engages the handle to open the flush valve 96 so as to release the tank water 94 into the bowl 80, and thus, flushing the toilet 50. The flush valve 96 is commonly held in the open position by a buoyancy effect on the flush valve 96 by the tank water and closes, sealing the tank conduit 97, when the buoyancy effect is reduced by the lowering tank water level 95 in the tank reservoir 92 during the flush. The flush valve 96 is held closed by the water pressure of the tank water 94 during refill and inactivity.
After the tank water 94 is released into the bowl 80, the siphoning effect of the emptying bowl 80 into the drain 52 may leave the bowl 80 with a less than desired amount of bowl water 84 were it not for the fill valve 60 refilling the bowl 80. The fill valve 60 supplies water to the fill valve bowl outlet 66 simultaneously with supplying mains water to the fill valve tank outlet 64. The fill valve bowl outlet 66 is coupled in fluid communication to the overflow pipe inlet 78 by a bowl refill hose 76. The fill valve 60 supplies a portion of the water from the water main 54 to the tank reservoir 92 and to the overflow pipe 70. The water supplied to the overflow pipe 70 drains into the bowl 80 through the overflow pipe outlet 79 thus refilling the bowl 80 with water.
Since the fill valve 60 supplies mains water to the fill valve bowl outlet 66 simultaneously with supplying mains water to the fill valve tank outlet 64, the timing of the tank reservoir refill and bowl refill has been a long standing problem with the modern flush toilet 50. Ideally, the bowl 80 and tank reservoir 92 will reach their predetermined fill levels simultaneously. This ideal condition is rarely, if ever, achieved. Where the bowl 80 refills with water before the tank reservoir 92 is full and the fill valve 60 is closed, excess bowl water 84 in the bowl 80 overflows the water trap 88 and is wasted down the drain 52. Where the tank reservoir 92 refills before the bowl 80 refills, a less than ideal amount of bowl water 84 will be in the bowl 80. The ideal water level in the bowl 80 is rarely achieved without wasting bowl water 84 over the water trap 88.
The timing of tank water 94 and bowl water 84 refill is influenced by many factors and variables. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the proportion of mains water divided between the fill valve tank outlet 64 and the fill valve bowl outlet 66, and the size of the tank reservoir 92 and bowl 80 of a particular model of toilet 50. Such variables also include, but are not limited to, whether a partial or full flush is used (the time that the flush valve remains open), the water pressure from the water main 54, and the effectiveness of the siphoning action which may be dependent on waste load.
The timing of tank water 94 and bowl water 84 refill is further complicated by the use of various “water-saving” devices. Many water-saving devices are directed to controlling the amount of tank water 94 used from the tank reservoir 92 to supply the bowl 80. For example, in an effort to save water, two-stage flush mechanisms have been developed where, in a first stage, or partial flush, only a portion of the tank water 94 is allowed to pass through the flush valve 96 to accommodate the flushing of liquid waste. Since less tank water 94 is released from the tank reservoir 92, tank reservoir 92 refilling is faster with less mains water used than a full flush. A second stage provides a more complete tank reservoir 92 discharge to accommodate the flushing of solid waste. Since more tank water 94 is released from the tank reservoir 92, tank reservoir 92 refilling is slower with more mains water required than the first stage flush. Regardless of which stage is used for a particular flush, the bowl 80 is required to be refilled to a desired level. Therefore, the amount of mains water for bowl refill is commonly adjusted to be completed by the time the tank reservoir 92 is refilled for the stage one, shortest refill time, condition. Therefore, in the stage two condition, the bowl 80 is supplied with much more mains water than necessary to refill the bowl 80 wasting the overflowing water through the water trap 88 to the drain 52.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved apparatus and methods for conserving water usage by controlling tank and bowl refill such that an ideal water level may be achieved in the bowl without wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl.
Embodiments provided herein provide apparatus and methods suitable for use with a gravity-assisted flush toilet for automatically controlling the flow of water from a fill valve bowl outlet of a fill valve to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl.
Embodiments are provided of a control valve for use with a toilet. The toilet includes a tank in fluid communication with a bowl. The tank defines a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve. The overflow pipe includes a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with the bowl. The fill valve includes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The fill valve inlet is in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fill valve bowl outlet. The bowl is in fluid communication with a water trap and drain, The control valve comprises means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl.
Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir until the water level in the tank reservoir is at a predetermined height, at which time the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the overflow pipe inlet and therefore to the bowl.
Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the overflow pipe inlet and therefore to the bowl until the water level in the tank reservoir is at a predetermined height, at which time the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir.
Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl comprises a valve body, a vane, and buoyancy means. The valve body includes a body outer surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber. The valve body defines an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. Each of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet provides fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water may flow into and out of the valve chamber. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and is operable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The vane comprises a vane first side and a vane second side opposite the vane first side. The vane first side defines a portion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defining a portion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantially conform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotally coupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable to allow rotation of the vane between a first position and a second position. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position. The buoyancy means is operable to move the vane between the first position and the second position in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir.
Embodiments are provided wherein the buoyancy means comprises a vane float coupled to the vane wherein the position of the vane is controlled by the buoyancy of the vane float in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir. When water in the tank reservoir is disengaged from the vane float, the vane float positions the vane in the first position, and wherein when the water in the tank reservoir engages and lifts the vane float, the vane float rotates the vane to the second position.
Embodiments are provided wherein the valve body further comprises a pair of apertures aligned with the pivot axis, and an armature defining a C-shape including two armature ends operable to extend through the valve body via the apertures to couple with opposite edges of the vane intersecting the pivot axis. The cooperative arrangement of the armature ends and the apertures are operable to allow pivotal motion of the vane. The vane float is coupled to the armature.
Embodiments are provided wherein the first outlet defines an elongated slot operable to provide fluid communication between the valve chamber and the tank reservoir. The control valve further comprises a vane float stem extending from an edge of the vane and extending through the slot and coupled to the vane float.
Embodiments are provided of toilet system comprising a toilet and an control valve. The toilet includes a tank in fluid communication with a bowl. The tank defines a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve. The overflow pipe includes a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with the bowl. The fill valve includes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The fill valve inlet is in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fill valve bowl outlet. The control valve comprises a valve body, a vane, and a buoyancy means. The valve body includes a body outer surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber. The valve body defines an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. Each of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet provides fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water may flow into and out of the valve chamber. The inlet is operable for fluid communication with the fill valve bowl outlet. The first outlet is operable for fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the second outlet is operable for fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The vane comprises a vane first side and a vane second side opposite the vane first side. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and is operable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The vane first side defines a portion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defines a portion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantially conform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotally coupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable to allow rotation of the vane between a first position and a second position. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position wherein both the inlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber, and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-located within the second sub-chamber. The buoyancy means is operable to move the vane between the first position and the second position in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl.
Embodiments are provided wherein the buoyancy means is a vane float. The position of the vane is controlled by the buoyancy of the vane float in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir. When water in the tank reservoir is disengaged from the vane float, the vane float positions the vane in the first position. When the water in the tank reservoir engages and lifts the vane float, the vane float rotates the vane to the second position.
Embodiments of methods are provided for automatically controlling the flow of water in a toilet from a fill valve bowl outlet to a tank reservoir and a bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl. The methods comprise providing a toilet and an control valve. The toilet includes a tank in fluid communication with a bowl. The tank defines a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve. The overflow pipe includes a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with the bowl. The fill valve includes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The fill valve inlet is in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fill valve bowl outlet. The bowl is in fluid communication with a water trap and drain. The control valve comprises a valve body, a vane, a buoyancy means, and an overflow pipe coupler. The valve body includes a body outer surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber. The valve body defines an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. Each of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet provides fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water may flow into and out of the valve chamber. The inlet is operable for fluid communication with the fill valve bowl outlet. The first outlet is operable for fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the second outlet is operable for fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The vane comprises a vane first side and a vane second side opposite the vane first side. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and is operable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The vane first side defines a portion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defines a portion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantially conform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotally coupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable to allow rotation of the vane between a first position and a second position. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position wherein both the inlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber, and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-located within the second sub-chamber. The buoyancy means is operable to move the vane between the first position and the second position in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl. The overflow pipe coupler is coupled to the valve body. The overflow pipe coupler comprises a means for removable coupling with the overflow pipe and operable for adjusting the position of the control valve along the length of the overflow pipe. The method further comprises installing the control valve in the tank reservoir by receiving the overflow pipe coupler onto the overflow pipe such that the buoyancy means may interact with the water in the tank reservoir operable to move the vane between a first position and a second position, positioning the overflow control valve higher on the overflow pipe if the bowl water level is above a predetermined level at the completion of a flush refill, and positioning the overflow control valve lower on the overflow pipe if the bowl water level is below a predetermined level at the completion of a flush refill.
The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following Figures.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments.
Reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language which will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the illustrated embodiments and further applications of the principles of the invention, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, are also within the scope of the invention.
Referring to
In accordance with some embodiments, the control valve 2 supplies at least a portion of the mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the tank reservoir 92 until the tank water level 95 is at a predetermined height in the tank reservoir 92, at which time, the control valve 2 diverts at least a portion of the mains water supplied by the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the overflow pipe 70, and therefore to the bowl 80.
In accordance with other embodiments, the control valve 2 comprises means for supplying mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the overflow pipe 70, and thus the bowl 80, until the tank water level 95 reaches a predetermined height in the tank reservoir 92, at which time the control valve 2 diverts water supplied by the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the tank reservoir 92.
The straight-vane control valve 100 comprises the valve body 10 having a body outer surface 14 and a body inner surface 16 defining a valve chamber 12. The valve body 10 is substantially hollow with the valve chamber 12 defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular transverse cross-section as shown in
The straight-vane control valve 100 further comprises a vane 30, in the embodiment of
The straight vane 34 is pivotally coupled within the valve chamber 12 and is operable to present the straight vane 34 in a first position P1 and thus substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the first outlet 22, which is coupled in fluid communication to the tank reservoir 92, along a first flow path 26, as both the inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are co-located within the first sub-chamber 13. And, for presenting the straight vane 34 in the second position P2 and thus substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet 24, which is coupled in fluid communication to the overflow pipe 70, along the second flow path 28, as both the inlet 20 and the second outlet 24 are co-located within the second sub-chamber 15.
It is appreciated that there are many means for pivotally coupling the straight vane 34 to the valve body 10.
The inlet 20 comprises an inlet nipple 21 operable for coupling with a first refill hose 76a, which may have been the bowl refill hose 76 where the control valve 100 is retrofitted onto an existing toilet. The first refill hose 76a is operable for providing a fluid connection between the fill valve bowl outlet 66 of the fill valve 60 and the inlet 20. The second outlet 24 comprises a second outlet nipple 25 operable for coupling with a second refill hose 76b. The second refill hose 76b is operable for providing a fluid connection between the second outlet 24 and the overflow pipe 70.
In accordance with the embodiment of
The straight-vane control valve 100 further comprises a vane float 40 coupled to the edge 38 of the straight vane 34 by a float stem 42. The movement of the straight vane 34 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is affected by the buoyancy of the vane float 40 operable to rotate the straight vane 34 about the vane pivot element 32 in accordance to the tank water level 95 of tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92, as shown in
The position of the straight vane 34 is controlled by the cooperation of the vane float 40 with the tank water 94. When the tank water 94 is below the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the straight vane 34, is in the first position P1. When the tank water 94 lifts the vane float 40 due to buoyancy affect, the straight vane 34 rotates to the second position P2.
In accordance with another embodiment, a coupler pivot 49 pivotally couples the second half ring 44 of the split ring 47 to the first half ring 43. The coupler pivot 49 allows for spreading apart the second half ring 44 relative to the first half ring 43 such that the overflow pipe 70 may be positioned therebetween.
It is appreciated that the means for diverting mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the overflow pipe 70 and tank reservoir 92 may be affected by a number of elements. The straight vane 34 discussed above is but one example of a vane 30. Further, it is appreciated that there are various means for pivoting the vane 30 within the valve chamber 12, where the vane pivot element 32 in the form of a dimple projection 31 cooperating with divots 17 in the valve chamber 12 is but one example.
The bent-vane control valve 200 comprises the valve body 10 having an outer surface 14 and a body inner surface 16 defining a valve chamber 12. The valve body 10 is substantially hollow with the valve chamber 12 defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular transverse cross-section as shown in
The bent-vane control valve 200 further comprises a vane 30, in the embodiment of
It is appreciated that there are many means for pivotally coupling the bent vane 36 to the valve body 10. By way of example, the bent vane 36 may be pivotally coupled to the valve body 10 in substantially the same way as the embodiment of
The bent-vane control valve 200 further comprises a vane float 40 coupled to the armature 45, and thus to the bent vane 36. The movement of the bent vane 36 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is affected by the buoyancy of the vane float 40 operable to rotate the bent vane 36 about the vane pivot element 32 in accordance to a tank water level 95 of tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92, as shown in
Means for restricting the rotation of the vane 30, in this embodiment bent vane 36, is provided to control the rotation of the bent vane 36 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In accordance with an embodiment, the means for restricting the rotation of the bent vane 36 comprises first stop 19a and second stop 19b operable to control the rotation of the vane 36 between the first position P1 and the second position P2, each stop defining a projection from the body inner surface 16 into the valve chamber 12.
The angle between the first half vane 36a and the second half vane 36b, the location of the inlet 20, the first outlet 22, and the second outlet 24, and the location of the first stop 19a and second stop 19b, are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the first outlet 22 in a first position P1 and operable to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet 24 in a second position P2.
By way of example, in the embodiment of
The body inner surface 16 defines a second stop 19b defining a projection at about 30 degrees from axis Y that is operable to engage the second half vane 36b so as to prevent rotation of the bent vane 36 in the clockwise direction beyond the second position P2, as shown in
It is appreciated that various mechanisms may be used for restricting the counter-clockwise rotation of the bent vane 36 when in the first position P1 and the clockwise rotation in the second position P2, with the first stop 19a and the second stop 19b, as shown in
The bent vane 36 is operable to substantially conform to the geometry of the body inner surface 16 of the valve body 10 so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber 13 and a second sub-chamber 15. As discussed previously, an absolute fluid-tight separation between the first sub-chamber 13 and a second sub-chamber 15 is not required for satisfactory function of the bent-vane control valve 200. Further, an absolute fluid-tight seal about the armature ends 41 and the apertures 11 is similarly not required as the water within the valve body 10 will simply leak into the tank reservoir 92. It is appreciated that wherein a fluid-tight seal is desired, such may be facilitated by rubber seals and o-rings and other means known in the art to affect a desired seal.
As provided for the embodiment of
The position of the bent vane 36 is controlled by the cooperation of the vane float 40 with the tank water 94. When the tank water level 95 is below the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the bent vane 36, is in the first position P1. When the tank water level 95 lifts the vane float 40 due to buoyancy affect, the bent vane 36 rotates to the second position P2.
It is appreciated that other configurations of the vane 30 besides the straight-vane 34 and bent-vane 36 provided above, may be suitably used for the intended purpose. Further, it is appreciated that other configurations of the valve body 10, besides a cylindrical shape as provided above, may be suitably used for the intended purpose. By way of example, wherein the valve chamber 12 defines a spherical shape, the vane 30 may define a flat or bent disk.
In the embodiments of
The timing of the transition of mains water being supplied to the first outlet 22, and thus the tank reservoir 92, and the second outlet 24, and thus the bowl 80, is determined, at least in part, by the location of the vane float 40 of the control valve 2 relative to the final tank water level 93, defined as the tank water level 95 at the time of closing of the fill valve 60 to the water main 54. The further below the final tank water level 93 that the vane float 40 is positioned, the vane float 40 will be raised sooner by the raising tank water level 95 and the amount of mains water supplied to the overflow pipe 70, and thus the bowl 80, will be greater. By properly adjusting the location of the vane float 40 relative to the final tank water level 93, the control valve 2 may be optimized to provide the correct amount of mains water supplied to the bowl 80 sufficient to fill the bowl 80 to a desired bowl water level 85 but not overfill the bowl 80 such that water overflows the overflow 83 and into the drain 52, as shown in
In accordance with an embodiment, the control valve 2 may be raised and lowered relative to the final tank water level 93 by raising and lowering, respectively, the overflow pipe coupler 46 along the length of the overflow pipe 70.
In accordance with another embodiment, the vane float 40 may be adjusted along the length of the shaft operable to fine tune the bowl water level.
Alternatively, it is appreciated that the bowl-fill portion of the refill process may come at the beginning of the refill process.
Therefore, when the tank water level 95 is below the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the vane 30, is in the first position P1 substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet 24, which is coupled in fluid communication to the overflow pipe 70, along the first flow path 26, as both the inlet 20 and the second outlet 24 are co-located within the first sub-chamber 13. When the tank water level 95 is above the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the vane 30, is in the second position P2 substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only first outlet 22, coupled in fluid communication to the tank reservoir 92, along the first flow path 26, as both the inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are co-located within the second sub-chamber 12.
It is important to understand that the mains water coming out of the fill valve tank outlet 64 is unaffected by the control valve 2. The control valve 2 diverts mains water being supplied through the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to either the tank reservoir 92 or the bowl 80. With the control valve 2 installed, the tank reservoir 92 may be filled with mains water faster than without the control valve 2 as the water that would have been wasted into the drain by overfilling the bowl 80 if the overfill valve 2 is not used, is diverted to the tank reservoir 92.
It is appreciated that any suitable element may be used as a vane float 40. The buoyancy property of the vane float 40 may be provided by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, the material property of the vane float 40 and the construction of the vane float 40. Elements exhibiting buoyancy suitable for use as a vane float 40 are well known in the art. The vane float 40 may comprise a material that is buoyant in water. Such material includes, but is not limited to, cork, expanded polystyrene, and some closed-cell foams. The vane float 40 may define geometry so as to impart buoyancy, such as, but not limited to, a fluid-tight hollow element, an upward-facing cup, and a downward-facing cup that may trap air when exposed to raising water.
It is appreciated that the vane float 40 may be coupled to the vane 30 in such a way that the vane float 40 is inside the valve chamber 12.
It is also appreciated that the vane 30 may comprise integral float functionality.
It is appreciated that other means for positioning the control valve 2 within the tank reservoir 92 may be used. By way of example, but not limited thereto, the control valve 2 may be provided with a free-standing element that is not coupled to the overflow pipe 70. Another embodiment comprises an adhesive coupling for coupling to a surface within the tank reservoir 92. In yet another embodiment, a cross-brace is provided that spans across two opposing surfaces of the tank reservoir 92 upon which the control valve 2 may be coupled.
It is appreciated that the control valve 2 may be an integral part of the plumbing provided with the toilet. By way of example, but not limited thereto, the control valve 2 may be permanently coupled to or an integral part of the overflow tube 70. The toilet manufacturer may determine the ideal bowl water level for a particular toilet system and therefore, adjustability of the control valve 2 on the overflow tube 70 may not be required.
Embodiments of the control valve 2 are provided herein that automatically controls the flow of mains water to the bowl 80 so as to establish an ideal water level in the bowl 80 without overfilling the bowl 80. Embodiments of the control valve 2 control valve 2 controls the flow of mains water to the bowl 80 irrespective of a specific tank 90 or bowl 80 design. Embodiments of the control valve 2 may be part of the plumbing system of a new toilet as well as used for retrofitting to an existing toilet.
While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US10/43147 | Jul 2010 | US |
| Child | 13475897 | US |
