Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2099686
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to toilets with flushing
tanks, and more particularly to improvements in apparatus
for initiating and terminating the flow of water or another
flushing liquid from a tank into a toilet ~owl.
It is known to provide a water closet with a float
which can descend with a body of liquid to control the
movement of a valving element which seals the outlet of a
flushing tank when the latter has discharged a predetermined
quantity of liquid into a toilet bowl. Thus, once the valving
,~ element has been lifted off the outlet of the tank, the
evacuatlon of flushin~ liquid proceeds until terminated by
the float which descends at a controlled rate in order to
lower the valving element bac~. into sealing en~a~ement
with a seat at the outlet of the tank. To this end, the
tank or another part of the water closet carries a knob, a
lever or another actuator which must be operated (e.g.,
pulled, pushed or pivoted) by hand in order to disengage the
valving element from the outlet of the tank. The float can
be installed in a separate housing whose internal chamber
communicates with the internal space of the tank so that the
liquiA in the housing ~escends at the same rate as the
liquid in the tank, The liquid ~hich flows into the tank
during or subsequent to flushing of the bowl fills the tank
and the housing to a predetermined level, and the apparatus
is then ready for the next flushing operation.
It is further known to select the quantity of
liquid which is discharged into a toilet bowl in response
to disengagement of the valvin~ element from its seat at
the outlet of the flushing tank. Thus, the flushing operation
can be terminated hefore the tank is empty, i;e., it is
possihle to select a relatively small quantity of liquid
which is deemed to be sufficient for effective flushing of
the toilet bowl. A drawback of such conventional apparatus
is that they are not sufficiently versatile, i.e., they
-- 2 --
2~9968~
can be operated to discharge a full quantity or a relatively
small quantity of liquid but it is not possihle to select
another quantity prior to start of or in the course of a
flushing operation. Insufficient flushing can result in the
accumulation of waste in the pipe or pipes connecting the
bowl with the waste discharge system. The accumulations
can reach proportions which render the toilet useless for
its intended purpose. On the other hand, it is desirable
and advantageous for ecological reasons and for reasons of
economy to limit the quantities of flushing liquid to a
minimum. This would render it possible to operate with
more compact sewa~e disposal systems as well as to achieve
substantial savings in flushing liquid.
1 2~9686
O~JECT.S OF THE INV~NTION
An object of the invention is to provide a novel
¦ and improved apparatus which can be combined with or
I incorporated into a water closet to regulate the quantities
of flushing liquid within a desired range.
Another ohject of the invention is to provide a
novel and improved apparatus for controllin~ the quantities
of flushing liquid which are to be discharged from the
tank of a toilet.
A further object of the invention is to provide a
versatile apparatus which can be desi~ned to regulate the
quantities of flushing liquid within a wide range.
An additional object of the invention is to provide
the apparatus with novel and improved means for interruptin~
the flow of flushing liquid from a tank into a toilet bowl.
Still another object of the invention is to provide
an apparatus which can be installed in or combined with the
flushing tanks of existing water closets.
A further object of the invention is to provide a
novel and improved method of economizin~ with liquiA which
is used to flush toiiet bowls.
An additional object of the invention is to
provide a method of interrupting the outflow of liquid from
the flushin~ tank of a toilet prior to evacuation of the
entire contents of the tank.
2~686
!
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
/ The invention is embodied in an apparatus for
/ flushing a toilet bowl. The improved apparatus comprise~ a
¦ tank having a liquid confining space and an outlet for
/ 5 admission of liquid into the toilet bowl, a housing (which
can be installed in the tank) having a chamber and an
opening connectinq the chamber with the space of the tank,
a float which is provided in the chamber and is arranged to
rise or descend in response to flow of liquid into or from
the chamber, an actuator which extends through the housing
and includes a valving element and is movable to and from an
operative position in which the valving element seals the
outlet to prevent the flow of liquid from the space into
the bowl, and novel and improved means for regulating the
movements of the actuator to interrupt the flow of liquid
from the tank into the toilet bowl upon evacuation of a
preferably variable predetermined minimum quantity of liquid
through the outlet of the tank.
In accordance with a presently preferred
embodiment, the regulating means comprises a valve which is
displaceable relative to the housing to and from a predetermined
position in which the opening of the housing i9 nearly
sealed to limit the flow of liquid bet~een the space and
'p the chamber, and means for displacing the va~ve. The valve
can comprise a substantially disc-shaped sealing element.
The regulating means can further comprise meanfi
for locating (e.g., centering) the displacing means and the
valve relative to the housing and the opening in the hou~sing.
Such locating means can comprise a first portion at a level
above and a second portion at a level below the valve.
I the valve is displaceable substantially
vertically, the displacing means can comprise means for
moving the valve from the predetermiaed position to a level
above and to a level helow the opening.
The re~ulating means can further comprise means for
-- 5 --
2~68~
/ biasing the displacin~ means to at least one predetermined
/ position relative to the housin~. If the displacing means
/ is movable along a substantially vertical path, it can
/ comprise a portion which is ~isposed beneath the valve and
the biasing means can comprise a sprinq ~e.g., a coil sprin~)
which reacts a~ainst the housing (and/or against another
stationary part) and bears against the portion of the
displacing means to urge the latter downwardly. The housing
can comprise a fixed retainer for the spring. It is also
possible to employ biasing means having a spring which
reacts a~ainst the hou6ing and/or against another stationary
part and bears a~ainst a portion of the displacin~ means
above the valve to ur~e the valve upwardly.
The float can be provided with a passa~e, and the
displacing means can he mounted for reciprocatory movement
in the passage. Such float can be provided with a reinforcing
lining which surrounds the passa~e.
The apparatus can further comprise a jacket or
envelope which surrounds a portion of or the entire float.
Means can be provided to couple the float with the
displacing means of the regulatin~ means; such couplin~ means
can comprise a yoke which is provided in the housing and
includes a first portion at the float, a secon~ portion and
means for preferably articulately connectin~ the second
portion of the yoke to the displacin~ means. A hottom wall
of the housin~ can be provided ~ith or can he adjacent to at
least one fulcrum whic~ serves to tilt the yoke in response
to movement of the float in the chamber. Such at least one
fulcrum can be positioned to tilt the yoke in response to a
rise of the float in the chamber and/or to tilt the yoke
in response to a descent of the float in the housin~.
At least a portion of the actuator can constitute
a tube.
~he apparatus can further comprise means for
mechanically coupling the actuator with the displacin~ means.
20~9686
/ The mechanical coupling means can comprise a transverse
/ brace which is provided on the displacing means. Such
/ apparatus can further comprise means for depressing the
/ displacing means by way of the actuator and/or by way of the
/ 5 float and the coupling means. The latter can further comprise
I a lever (e.g., in the form of a yoke) which is articulately
connected to the brace.
The apparatus can also comprise means (e.g., one
or more coil springs and/or one or more leaf springs) for
biasing the displacing means to a predetermined starting
position.
The displacing means can include means for moving
the valve between the predetermined position and a plurality
of additional positions in each of which the opening
permits the liquid to flow between the chamber and the
space at a different rate.
The housing can include or can carry a collar
which surrounds the opening and defines with the valve a
clearance for the flow of liquid between the chamber and the
space.
The apparatus can comprise means for mechanically
coupling the actuator with the displacing means. Such
coupling means can comprise a lever (such as the afore-
mentioned yoke) and at least one wear-resistant member
between the lever and the float.
The apparatus can also comprise meal~s for
adjusting the actuator relative to the housing and relative
to the float, Such adjustinq means can comprise at least
one female adjus~inq element (e.g., one or more circumferential
recesses or grooves in the peripheral surface of the
actuator) and at least one male adjusting element (e.g., a
substantially washer-like arresting member which extends
into a selected recess or groove, and means (e.g., a split
ring or an O-ring) for releasably holding the arrestinq
member in the selected recess or groove).
2~9~8~
/ The tank can comprise an upright tubular adapter,
/ and the housing can include a wall ~e.g., a cylindrical
/ internal wall) which surrounds the adapter. The latter
/ surrounds the actuator which is reciprocable therein.
/ 5 Means can be provided for adjustably connecting the housing
with the adapter. For example, such connecting means can
comprise a length of wire which couples the actuator with
the wall of the housinq.
The apparatus also comprises means for filling
the space of the flushing tank with liquid to a predetermined
level, and the top wall of the housing can be disposed
below such level.
The apparatus can further comprise means for
operating the actuator and the displacing means. Such
actuating means can comprise a knob or a like part which
serves to push or pull the actuator. The operating means
can be manipulated by hand to initiate the flow of a
predetermined maximum quantity of liquid from the space in
the tank, through the outlet of the tank (as a result of
disengagement of the valving element from the outlet) and
into the toilet bowl,. The operating means can further
include or constitute means for ,effectin~ an interruption
of the flow of liquid from the space prior to evacuation of
the full predet:~rmined (maximum) quantity of liquid. For
example, the operating means can be arranged to he manipulated
by hand to disen~a~e the valvin~ element from the outlet or
vice versa in response to a first mallipulation and to
interrupt the flow of liquid into the toilet bowl, prior to
emptying of the tank, in response to a second manipulation.
The first manipulation can involve the applic,ation of a first
pulling or pushing force, and the second manipulation can
involve the application of a greater second pulling or
pushing force.
The operating means can further include means for
restoring the flow of liquid from the space within the
20!3~686 ~1~
/ flushing tank in order to evacuate additional liquid from
/ the tan~. The arrangement may be such that the operating
/ means is responsive to a first push or pull to initiate the
flow of the predetermined quantity of liquid into the toilet
bowl, and to a second push or pull in order to interrupt the
flow of liquid into the toilet bowl prior to evacuation of
the predetermined ~uantity from the tank.
The housing can be provided with a second opening
(hereinafter called aperture) which connects the chamber of
the housing with the space in the flushing tank, and the
regulating means then further comprises a second valve
which is movable between a plurality of positions relative
to tl-e aperture, and means (e.g., an elongated bar) for
movin~ the second valve in response to the movement of the
displacing means. The second valve can constitute a
magnetic valve which preferably comprises a buoyant
member in the chamber of the housing, a magnet which is
coupled to the buoyant member, and a magnetizable (e.g.,
ferromaqnetic) member which is disposed at the aperture and
serves to attract the magnet to thereby seal the aperture
when the magnet is lowered sufficiently close to the
magnetizable member to overcome the tendency of the
buoyant member to lift the magnet above and away from the
ma~netiæable memher. The latter is preferahly configurated
to permit at least some liquid to flow through the aperture,
i.e., the magnetizable member can seal the aperture
only in conjunction with the magnet when the latter is
sufficiently close to and is attracted by the magnetizable
member to assume a sealing position.
The means for moving the second valve can comprise
means for biasing the magnet toward the magnetizable memher.
Such moving means can further comprise an operating device
having means for moving the magnet away from the magnetizable
member. The operatin~ device can extend downwardly
through the huoyant member, through the magnet, through the
!1l
2 ~ 8 ~
/ aperture and through the magnetizable member. The means for
/ moving the magnet away from the magnetizable member when
/ ~he buoyant member is free to rise in the chamber of the
/ housing, or when the operating device is pulled to lift the
/ 5 buoyant member and the magnet, can comprise an enlarged
portion of the operating means
The just discussed apparatus can further
comprise means for adjustahly connecting the operating means
with the displacing means The displacing means can include
or constitute an elon~ated rod, and the connecting means can
be designed in such a way that it is movable lon~itudinally
of the rod. Means (e.g., one or more legs or similar
portions of the connecting means) can be provided for
maintaining the connecting means in a selected pOSiti
relative to the displacing means. For example, the
connecting means can comprise a yoke defining with the
displacing means a clearance for a portion of the operating
means.
The apparatus comprises means for supplyin~ liquid
into the tank, and the actuator can be provided with an
inlet which is disposed at a predetermined level in tlle
tank to receive liquid when the liquid in the tank rises to
this level. The actuator defines a passage for the flow
of liquid from the inlet into the toilet bowl. Such
apparatus preferably further comprises means for adjusting
the level of the inlet in the space of the tank so as to
determine the maximum quantity of liquid which can gather
in the tank.
The novel features which are considered as
characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular
in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself,
however, both as to its construction and its mode of
operation, together with additional features and advantages
thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following
detailed description of certain presently preferred specific
-- 10 --
20~686
/ embodiments with reference to the accompanyin~ drawin~s.
~ .
2~9~g~ 1
/ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
/ FIG. 1 is a fragmentary schematic partly elevationalf and partly vertical sectional view of an apparatus which
/ embodies one form of the invention, the left-hand portion of
/ 5 the valving element on the actuator being shown in a raisedposition above the outlet of the flushing tank and the right-
hand portion of the valving element being shown in the
predetermined position, the section of FIG. 1 being taken
in the direction of arrows as seen from the line I-I in
FIG. 5;
FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the structure of
FIG. 1, with the regulating means in raised position so that
the valve of the regulating means is located in the
chamber of the housing;
FIG. 3 shows the structure of FIG. 2 but with the
regulating means in an intermediate position in which the
valve nearly seals the opening in the bottom wall of the
housing;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view showing
one mode of adjusting the level of the actuator;
FIG, 5 is a.horizontal sectional view substantially
as seen in the direction of arrows from the line V-V in
FIG: 3;
FIG. 6 illustrates a presently preferred couplin~
between an adapter and an internal wall of the housin~;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic partly elevational
and partly vertical sectional view of a modified apparatus
wherein the displacing member of the regulating means can
transmit motion to certain parts of a further valve in a wall
of the housing within the flushing tank;
FIG. 8 is a schematic horizontal sectional view
substantially as seen in the direction of arrows from the
line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the apparatus of
FIG. 7 with an adjusting means in a different position; and
- 12 -
209~6~6
/ FI~ illustrates the structure of FIG. 9
¦ bat with the adjusting mean~ in a Earther po~ition.
./
"~
2099~
/
~ DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EM~ODIMENTS
/ FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a first emhodiment of the
¦ improved toilet flushing apparatus. The apparatus comprises
a flushing tank 34 haviny an internal space 134 for a supply
of flushing liquid (such as water and hereinafter called water
for the sake of brevity), an upriqht (preferably cvlindrical)
housing 1 which is installed in the tank 34, a float 4
which is reciprocable in an internal chamher 3 of the housing
1 and whose axis preferably coincides with the vertical
axis 2 of the housing, and an at least partially tubular
actuator 5 which extends through the housing 1 and through
a central hole 15 of the float. The tank 34 includes an
insert 27 which is threadedly connected to its ~ottom wall
and has an annular seat 33 surrounding an outlet 32 for
evacuation of selected quantities of water from the chamber
134 into a toilet bowl (not shown) Reference may be had,
for example, to commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,125
granted June 23, 1992 for "Flushing tank for use with toilet
bowls".
The lower end portion of the actuator 5 carries a
plate-like valving element 6 which can descend into sealing
engagement with the seat 33 to thereby seal the outlet 32
and to thus interrupt or terminate the flow of water into the
toilet bowl.
The bottom wall 7 of the housing 1 is provided with
a preferably circular opening ~ which establishes communication
between the internal space 134 of the tank 34 and the chamber
3 of the housing 1 when a disc-shaped sealing element or
valve 9 is maintained at a level above or below the bottom
wall 7. The valve 9 forms part of a unit which serves to
regulate the movements of the actuator 5 in order to determine
the quantity of water which is permitted to leave the space
134 through the outlet 32 in order to flush the toilet bowl.
The regulating unit further comprises an elongated upright
displacing member 10 (hereinafter called rod for short)
2~9686
~ whose central vertical axis 12 coincides with the axes of
¦ the valve 9 and opening 8. The valve 9 is carried by and is
~ movable with the rod 10 to a level above (FIG. 2), to a
J level below (FIG. 1) or to a partial sealing position (FIG.
¦ 5 3) in the opening 8 of the bottom wall 7. The rod 10
further carries a radially and axially extending locating
device or cage 11 having portions disposed above and below
the valve 9. The locating device 11 cooperates with a collar
13 which is located below the opening 8 and extends downwardly
from the bottom wall 7 of the housing 1 to center the rod 10
and the valve 9 relative to the opening 8. Each of the two
portions of the locating device 11 can comprise a substantially
star-shaped array of parts (e.g., prongs) which are
carried by the rod 10. A stop 46 on the lower portion of the
locating device 11 serves as a means for limiting the extent
of Aownward movability of the valve 9 relative to the bottom
wall 7 of the housing 1. The stop 46 can engage the top
panel or wall 29 of the aforementioned insert 27 which
includes the seat 33and defines the outlet 32 of the tan~ 34.
The collar 13 constitutes an optional but desirable feature
of the regulating unit, its purpose is to cooperate with the
locating device 11 to reliably guide the valve 9 and the
rod 10 for movement relative to the housing 1 and float 4
~i~ in the chamher 3. 1~he central vertical axis o~ the collar
13 preferably coincides with the axis 12 of the rod 10.
The float 4 is provided with a vertical passage 14
to reciprocably receive an elongated portion of the roA 10
at a level above the bottom wall 7 and the valve 9. It is
presently preferred to provide the float 4 with a reinforcing
lining 14a which surrounds the passage 14 and serves to
reduce the wear upon the float as a result of repeated
movements of the rod 10 and valve 9 relative to the housing
1 and the float. For example, the lining 14a can constitute
a continuous tube or it can consist of a series of axially
aligned short tu~es or sleeves which surround certain portions
- 15 -
209968~ 1
/ of or the entire passage 14.
/ ~he float 4 can constitute a hollow upright
¦ cylinder which is reciprocably received in the chamber 3
/ of the housing 1. Such design reduces the likelihood of
jamming of the float 4 in response to admission of water
into or in response to evacuation of water from the chamber
3 through the opening 8 in the bottom wall 7. A median
portion of the actuator 5 extends with clearance through
the central vertical hole 15 of the float 4. In order to
further reduce the likelihood of jamming of the float 4 in
the chamber 3, the housing 1 is preferably provided with a
cylindrical internal wall 36 which extends with requisite
clearance between the internal surface of the float and
the external surface of the actuator 5. Jamming of the
float 4 is further prevented by the rod 10 which is
reciprocably guided in the top wall 7a of the housing 1
and whose locating device 11 is reciprocably guided in the
collar 13 of the bottom wall 7.
The regulating unit further comprises means for
biasing the rod 10 to certain positions relative to the
housing 1 in order to select corresponding positions of the
valve 9. ~he illustrated hiasing ~eans comprises a coil
spring 16 at a level below the valve 9. The spring 16
facilitates the assembly of the regulatinq unit because it
renders it possibl.e to simply slip the valve 9, the locating
device 11, the stop 46, a retainer 17 and a retainer 44
loosely onto the rod 10 and to thereupon maintain such parts
in proper positions solely in cooperation with a portion or
abutment 18 of the rod 10 and a transverse brace 37 (FI~,. 5).
3~ The uppermost convolution of the spring 16 (which surrounds
the rod 10 beneath the valve 9) reacts against. the retainer
17 at the lower end of the locating device 11, and the
lowermost convolution of this spring reacts (directly or
indirectly) against the aforementioned portion or abutment
18 of the rod 10.
- 16 -
20~9~86 li!
/ The biasing means further comprises an (optional)
¦ second coil s~ring 19 which reacts against a portion or
~ abutment 21 on the upper part of the rod 10 at a level
/ above the top wall 7a of the housing 1 and bears against
a retainer 20 at the upper side of the top wall 7a. The
spring 19 can be utilized in conjunction with or in lieu of
the spring 16. If the sprin~ 16 is omitted, the illustrated
locating device 11 is preferably rePlaced with a longer
locating device tas seen in the direction of the axis 12 of
the rod 10). The retainer 20 can form part of the top wall
7a of the housing 1.
FIG. 2 shows that the rod 10 carries a first
disc-shaped retainer 41 which is disposed between the
portion or abutment 21 and the uppermost convolution of the
spring 19, and a second disc-shaped retainer 42 between the
lowermost convolution of the spring 19 and a further portion
or abutment 50 of the rod 10 beneath the portion or abutment
21. The convolutions of the spring 19 surround the rod 10
between the retainers 41, 42, and the convolutions of the
spring 16 surround the rod 10 between the retainer 17 and
a disc-shaped retainer 44 above the portion or abutment 18
of the rod. An additional disc-shaped retainer 43 is
disposed beneath a rod portion or abutment 45 above the
locating device 11.
The abutment or portion 50 on the upper part of
the rod 10 is configurated and dimensioned in such a way
that it can pass through a suitably shaped and dimensioned
opening of the retainer 20 but not through the disc 42 at
the lower end of the coil spring 19.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show that the biasing means including
the coil spring 16 and/or 17 can be replaced with a
biasing means employing a leaf spring 113 having an upright
lower leg which extends into a vertical guide 117 at the
exterior of the housing 1 and a horizontal leg which has a
bore or hole 118 for the rod 10. The portion or abutment 50
- 17 -
2~99~8~
~ on the upper part of the rod 10 is located above and can
f engage the horizontal leg of the leaf spring 113. The
configuration of the leaf spring 113 is such that it does
not apply forces to the rod 10 irrespective of whether the
rod is held in the upper or in the lower end position
relative to the housing 1. Thus, the leaf spring 113 is
prcferahly constructed, configurated and mounted to avoid
any lateral deflection of the rod 10.
In order to ensure that the valve 9 can be maintained
in a predetermined starting position, the regulating unit
further comprises a coupling device including a one-armed
lever here shown as a yoke 22 a portion of which is
articulately connected to the rod 10, namely to the afore-
mentioned brace 37 which is shown in FIG. 5 and extends
transversely of the corresponding portion of the rod 10.
In order to transmit forces from the yoke 22 to the rod 10,
the upper side of the bottom wall 7 of the housing 1 is
provided with or connected to two upwardly extending
fulcra 23, 24 each of which pivots the yoke while the
float 4 descends in the chamber 3 of ~he housing 1, The
fulcrum 23 pivots the yoke 22 if the float 4 descends
before the valve 9 has descended into the opening 8, and
the yoke 22 is ~ivoted by the fulcrum 24 if the float 4
descends while the valve 9 nearly seals the opening 8.
At least the upper portion of the actuator 5 is
provided with circumferentially extending external recesses
or grooves 25 each of which can receive a substantially
washer-like arresting member 26, The member 26 can be
releasably held in a selected recess 25 by a split ring 101
or in any other suitable way. The arresting memher 26 can
come to rest on top of the float 4 in order to prevent
further downward movement of the actuator relative to the
float. The position of the arresting member 26 relative to
the actuator 5 determines the quantity of water which can
escape from the space 134 through the outlet 32 and into a
- 18 -
20996~
~ toilet bowl in responSe to lifting of the actuator in order
¦ to start a flushing operation. The quan~ity of water which
is permitted to flow into the toilet bowl is reduced if the
arresting membar 26 is installed in a recess 25 which is
nearer to the top of the actuator 5. If the arresting
member 26 is installed nearer to the valving element 6
at the lower end of the actuator 5, the valving element
re~uires a longer interval of time to descend back into
sealing engagement with the seat 33 around the outlet 32.
The washer-like arresting member 26 can be made of a
suitable plastic material. ~he split ring lOl can be
replaced with a deformable O-ring which can be affixed to
the arresting member 26 to snap into a selected recess 25
and to thus retain the member 26 in such recess at a
selected distance from the valving element 6.
The recesses 25 weaken the corresponding portions
of the actuator 5. Thus, the actuator 5 can be shortened by
severing or hreaking it at the level of a selected recess
25 in order to reduce its overall size for convenient
installation in a particular water closet. For example,
the actuator 5 can be severed at the level of a selected
recess 25 if it is to be installed in a toilet having a
relatively short flushing tank.
~J The in~ert 27 of the tan~ 34 has an external
thread which surrounds the seat 33 and meshes with a
complementary thread in the bottom wall of the tank 34.
This insert is located at a level beneath the bottom wall 7
of the housing l and is secured to the latter by a connecting
or coupling device 28 in the form of an upright cylinder
which surrounds the adjacent portion of the actuator 5.
The latter extends through a central opening in the top
panel 29 of the insert 27. In the sealing position which
is shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. l, the valving
element 6 is disposed between the upper panel 29 and a lower
wall or panel 30 which carries the seat 33. ~he panels 29, 30
-- 19 --
20~96~ 1
/ are connected to each other by substantially vertically
] extending ribs 31 whicn establish clearances for the flow of
water from the ~ain portion of the space 134 into the outlet
32 when the actuator 5 has been lifted to maintain its
~ 5 valving element 6 at a level above the seat 33 of the
/ insert 27. The panels 29, 30 of the illustrated insert 27
are parallel to each other and to the bottom wall 7 of the
housing 1. The 6eat 33 may but need not constitute a
relatively short cylinder whose axis coincides with the
common axis 2 of the housing 1 and actuator 5. A nut (not
shown) can be provided beneath the bottom wall of the tan~
34 to mate with the lower portion of the external thread on
the seat 33 and to thus deform an elastomeric sealing
ring 33a into sealing engagement with the underside of the
panel 30 as well as with the upper side of the bottom wall
of the tank 34.
The valving element 6 can comprise or constitute
a disc of rubber or other suitable elastomeric material which
extends into a circumferential groove 5a at the lower end
of the actuator 5 and sealingly engages the top face of the
seat 33 when the actuator 5 is free to descend to the lower
end position which is shown in the right-hand portion of FI~
1. The top panel 29 of the insert 27 can be releasably
connected to the lower end of the connecting or coupling
cylinder 28 by a bayonet mount 35. Other suitable mechanical
connections between the parts 27 and 28 can be utili~ed with
equal or similar advanta~e.
The internal wall 36 of the housing 1 is
preferably a cylinder which rather snugly receives the
adjacent portion of the preferably tubular or partly
tubular actuator 5. The clearance between the cylindrical
internal wall 36 and the preferably cylindrical actuator 5
suffices to ensure that the actuator can move up and down
relative to the housing 1. The chamber 3 surrounds the
internal wall 36 of the housing 1, and the aforementloned
- 20 -
:
2~9968
J~ , .
~ clearance can be selected by utilizing a cylindrical adapter
¦ 48 which can be inserted between the actuator and the
internal wall 3~. The adapter 48 is preferably adjustable
relative to the internal wall 36 in the direction of the
axis 2. ~he lower end of the adapter 48 is or can be
secured to the insert 27 so that, by selecting the
axial position of the adapter 48 relative to the internal
wall 36, one can select the distance of the insert 27 from
the bottom wall 7 of the housing 1. The connecting cylinder
28 can constitute the lower end portion of the adapter 48;
as mentioned above, the cylinder 28 is secured to the top
~J panel 29 of the insert 27. A presently preferred mode of
releasably coupling the adapter 48 to the internal wall
36 of the housing 1 is shown in FIG. 6. The coupling
comprises radially extendin~ sleeves or eyelets 49 which
are provided in the wall 36 and are receivable in
complementary sockets or holes of the adapter 48, and a
length of wire which is threaded through the sleeves or
eyelets 49. Other types of means for releasably coupling
the adapter 48 to the internal wall 36 of the housing 1 can
be used with e~ual or similar advantage. The actuator 5
is reciprocable relative to the adapter 48.
FIG. 5 shows that the brace 37 extends transversely
, of the rod 10 and its two en~ portions have sockets 38 for
suitably bent prong- or pin-shaped portions 39 of the yoke
22, Such ar~iculate connectiOn constit~ltes but one of the
means which can be utilized to movably (pivotably) secure
the rod 10 and its brace 37 to the adjacent portion of the
yoke 22. For example, the brace 37 can be provided witl-
pins ~corresponding to the portions 39) which are receivable
in sockets ~corresponding to those shown at 38) in the
adjacent portion of the yoke 22. The brace 37 can
constitute a tube which is traversed by the rod 10 between
the sockets 38.
The reference character 51 denotes in FIG. 1 a
- 21 -
2~9963~
~ piece of wire which is affixed to the underside of the
¦ cylindrical float 4 and abuts the adjacent free end
portion of the yoke 22 diametrically opposite the pin-
shaped portions 39. This wire reduces the likelihood of
extensive wear upon the adjacent portion of the yoke 22
and/or upon the float 4 when the latter descends and causes
the yoke to pivot relative to the fulcrum 23 or 24 at -the
upper side of the bottom wall 7 of the housing l. The
illustrated wire 51 can be replaced with a wear-resistant
or wear-reducing plate or with any other part which can
perform the aforediscussed function of the wire 51. The
manner in which the yoke 22 can raise the rod lO and the
valve 9 or permits a lowering of the rod lO and the valve
9 in response to raising or lowering of the float 4 can be
understood by comparing the angular positions of the yoke
22 in FIGS. l, 2 and 3. The valve 9 defines with the collar
13 a clearance even if the rod l~ assumes the axial position
of FIG. 3.
The upper end of the actuator 5 is provided with
a knob or the like tnot shown) to permit lifting of the
actuator in order to initiate a flushing operation which
involves the evacuation of a maximum quantity of water from
the tank 34. The rod lO is moved axially by a knob or the
J' like if the guantity of flushing water is to be reduced
below such ma~imum quantity.
When the apparatus is not in use, the tank 34 is
filled with water to a level above the top wall 7a of the
housing l or at least above the openin~ 8. This ensures
that, when the actuator 5 is lifted (e.g., by hand) in
order to initiate a flushinq operation, adequate quantities
of water can flow from the space 134 into the chamber 3 to
lift the float 4 toward the top wall 7a of the housing l.
When the user of the toilet lifts the actuator 5 (e.g., by
the knob at the upper end of the actuator), the valving
element 6 is lifted above and away from the seat 33 of the
- 22 -
2~996~$
insert 27 so that water which was confined in the space
134 of the tank 34 can flow between the ribs 31 of the insert
27, into the outlet 32 and thence into the toilet bowl.
The arrangement is preferably such that the float 4 cannot,
by itself, lift the valving element 6 of the actuator 5
off the seat 33. However, once the actuator 5 has been
lifted by hand or otherwise and the float 4 was permitted
to rise in the chamber 3 due to its buoyancy, the ~loat
begins to descend as the upper level of the supply of water
in the space 134 descends wherebv the valving element ~
moves downwardly ~at a speed which is determined by the
descending float 4) toward and ultimately into sealing
enga~ement with the seat 33 to thus prevent further flow
of water from the space 134, throuqh the outlet 32 and into
the toilet bowl. The valve 9 is then located above or
below or in the opening 8 so that the latter permits
water to flow at a selected rate hetween the chamber 3 and
the space 134, i.e., the liquid level in the chamber 3
descends proportionally with the selected rate of water flow
between the housing 1 and the tank 34. In order to
terminate or interru~t the outflow of water from the tank
34 into the toilet bowi, the rod 10 is used to displace the
valve 9 relative to the bottom wall 7 of the housing 1 so as
to increase the exposed area of the openin~ 8 and to thus
enable water to flow from the chamber 3 at a higher rate so
that the throttling action of the valve 9 is reduced and the
descent of the float 4 and actuator 5 relative to the housing
1 and insert 27 is accelerated. In other words, the float
4 and the actuator 5 descend more rapidly than when the
valve 9 cooperate`s with the collar 13 to furnish a pronounced
throttling action and to thus compel the float 4 to descend
in the chamber 3 at a relatively low speed.
An interruption of the outflow of water from the
tank 34 into the toilet bowl is possible when the level of
water in the space 134 has descended to an extent which is
2 0 ~
necessary to enable the float 4 to descend to a level at
which the valving element 6 at the lower end of the
actuator 5 (which descends with the float) is free to
reengage the seat 33 and to thus seal the outlet 32 of the
~ 5 tank 34. Thus, the regulating action can begin when a
/ predetermined minimal quantity of water has been permitted
to leave the space 134 by flowing into the toilet bowl.
Before the outflow of such minimal quantity of water from the
space 134 is completed, the opening 8 merely serves to
permit the flow of water between the space 134 and the
chamber 3 in order to ensure that the upper level of water
~'~ in the housing 1 matches the upper level of water in the
tank 34. The outflow of water through the outlet 32 continues
until the float 4 permits the actuator 5 to descend to the
level which is necessary to return the valving element 6
into sealing engagement with the seat 33. The minimum
quantity of water which is permitted to leave the tank 34 is
determined by appropriate selection of the level of the
housing 1 (and hence of the float 4) relative to the seat 33.
Thus, by adjusting the connection 40, 49 of FIG. 6, it is
possible to select a different minimum quantity of water
which must be discharged from the space 134 before the
valving element 6 can reach and again seal the outlet 32.
Such adjustability of the level of the housing 1 relative
to the tank 34 enables the person in charge to conform
the minimum quantity to any one of a varietv of parameters,
e.g., to the capacity of the tank 34 and to the estimated
minimum quantity of water which is neçded to effectively
flush the toilet howl. Furthermore, the minimum quantity
of water which is permitted to leave the tank 34 can he
determined in advance by the aforediscussed expedient of
selecting that recess 25 of the actuator 5 which is to
recei~e t~le arresting member 26 and the split ring or
O-ring 101.
When the outflow of a maximum quantity or a
- 24 -
20996~`
~ smaller quantity of water from the tank 34 is completed,
¦ the tank 3~ receives and collects fresh water which
remains in the space 134 because the valving element 6 is
then maintained in sealin~ engagement with the seat 33.
The opening 8 is at least partially expose~ at all times
~ (i.e., it is not completely sealed by the valve 9) so that
/ the level of water in the chamber 3 can rise toward the
level of water in the space 134 of the tank 34.
FIG. 4 shows an adjustable mechanical connection
or coupling between the rod 10 and the actuator 5. Such
connection comprises pins or male detent elements 47 which
are directly or indirectly connected to one of the parts 5
and 10, and complementary sockets or female detent elemerts
47a in the other of these parts. The connection of FI~,. 4
can be used in lieu of the connection of FIG. 6.
The rod 10 (and hence the valve 9) can be moved
relative to the housing 1 in a number of different ways.
For example, FI~.. 7 shows a spherical knob 120 which is
provided at the upper end of the rod 10 and serves to
initiate a flushing operatiOn in response to a first depression
of the rod 10. A second dep~ession of the rod 10 by way of
the }cnob 120 can result in an interruption of the flushing
operation, i.e., in a reduction of the quantity of water
i which is permitted to flow through the outlet 32 and into
the toilet bowl. ~lowever, it is e~ually possible to pull
the knob 120 in order to initiate a flushing operation and
to depress the knoh in order to éffect an interruption of
such operation. Alternatively, the apparatus can be
designed in such a way that a first pull upon the knob
120 initiates the start of a flushing operation and that
such operation is interrupted in response to a second
pull upon the knob 120. Still further, it is possible to
design the apparatus in such a way that a push upon the knob
120 initiates a flushin~ operation which continues as long
as the knob 120 is held in the depressed position. The
- 25 -
~09~31i~
¦ mode of operatiOn can be reverse~ hy starting the flushing
y operation as a result of liftin~ of the knob 120, and such
operation is interrupted or terminated when t}-e application
of lifting force is terminated.
~ 5 The actuator 5 can be used as a means for
/ evacuating surplus water from the tank 34 into the toilet
/ bowl while the valving element 6 remains in sealing
engagement with the seat 33. Thus, the upper end or the
upper portion of the actuator 5 has an inlet, and the
preferably tubular actuator defines a passage for the flow
of liquid from the inlet directly into the toilet bowl.
; When the body of water in the tank 34 rises to the level of
the inlet of the actuator 5, the surplus simply flows
through the actuator, i.e., in the aforementioned passage
of the actuator, and into the outlet 33 to enter the toilet
bowl.
The means for supplying water into the tank 34 is
described and shown, for example, in commonly owned U.~.
Pat. No. 4,80~,596 granted January 31, 1989 for "Ventilated
Toilet". The disclosure of this patent is incorporated
herein by reference.
The level of the inlet of the actuator 5 can be
adjusted by the arresting member 26 (namely by installing
the member 26 in a different recess), by a suitable extension
to locate the inlet at a greater Aistance from the outlet
33, or by removing a portion of the actuator.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a portion of a second
apparatus which employs the aforementioned leaf spring 113
in lieu of the coil springs 16, 19 anA which further comprises
the aforediscussed knob 120 as an operating means for moving
the rod 10 relative to the housing 1. The apparatus of
FIGS. 7 and 8 is designed in such a way that a single
application of force to the rod 10 suffices to initiate a
full flushing operation (i.e., the evacuation of a maximum
quantity of water from the tank 34) or a less pronounced
- 26 -
J~ 20~9~
flushing operation which results in the flow of a smaller
quantity of water into the toilet bowl. The user of the
~ toilet can select the (minimum or maximum) quantity of
/ water to be discharged into the toilet bowl, preferably by
~ 5 pulling upon the knob 120 in order to initiate the evacuation
¦ of a maximum quantity of water and by pushing the knob 120
in order to initiate the evacuation of a minimal quantity
of water ~or vice versa~.
The apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8 further comprises
a magnetic valve 103 which can be operated by a device
including an elongated rod or bar 104 (hereinafter called
P bar to distinguish from the displacing rod 10 for the valve
9). The bar 104 is coupled to the rod 10 which latter is
adjacent and parallel to the bar. The magnetic valve 103
comprises a buoyant member 108 which is disposed in the
chamber 3 of the housing 1 and the underside of which is
adjacent an annular permanent magnet 107, The latter is
attracted to a magnetizable member 106 which is outwardly
adjacent the neighhoring portion of the housin~ 1. The
magnet 107 (which shares the movements of the buoyant
member 108) is attracted to the magnetizable member 106
when the apparatus is idle, i.e., when the outlet 32 (not
shown in FIGS, 7 and 8) of the tank 34 is sealed by the
valving element 6 of the actuator 5 (not sho~n in FI~,S. 7
and 8). The magnetizable member 106 is disposed beneatll
an opening or aperture 109 in the adjacent portion of the
housing 1. The parts 106, 107 of the valve 103 then
cooperate to seal the aperture 109. The bar 104 extends
through re~istering holes or passages of the buoyant member
108, magnet 107 and magnetizable member 106. The bar ln4 is
provided with an enlarged portion (e.g., a collar) 110
which is located at the magnetic valve 103 and can move
through the passages of the member 108 and magnet 107 but
not through the passage of the magnetizable member 106.
Thus, when the knob 120 is depressed to move the rod 10 and
2~96~
~ the bar 104 downwardly, the enlarged portion 110 passes
f (from the position of FIG. 7) through the magnet 107 and
; pushes the magnetizable member 106 downwardly and away from
/ the maqnet 107. This enables the buoyant member 10~ to
~ 5 lift the magnet 107 and to thus enable the aperture 109 to
¦ pern,it water to flow between the internal space 134
of the tank 34 and the internal chamber 3 of the housing 1.
While moving downwardly and away from the magnet 107, the
magnetizable member 106 is caused to stress a coil spring
111 which surrounds the bar 104 at a locus outside of the
housing 1 and beneath the aperture 109. The magnet 107
; can rise with the buoyant member 108 as soon as the
distance between the parts 106, 107 of the valve 103
reaches a preselected value, i.e., as soon as the knob
120 has been depressed to a predetermine~ extent. The
direction of upward movement of the buoyant member 108
and magnet 107 in the chamber 3 of the housing 1 is
determined by the bar 104
If the operator then relaxes the pressure upon
the knob 120, the magnetizable member 106 is lifted by the
coil spring 111 to rise toward the underside of the
adjacent portion of the housing 1, Thi.s does not result in
sealing of the aperture 109 because the latter can be
sealed only by the magnet 107 or by the magnet 107 in
conjunction with the magnetizable member 106. For example,
the magnetizable member 106 can be provi~ed with slots or
it can be imparted a cruciform or star-shaped confic3uration
to establish one or more paths for the flow of water between
the internal space 134 of the tank 34 an~ the chamber 3 of
the housing 1, The dimensions of the aperture 109 are
preferably selecte~ in such a way that, when the magnetic
valve 103 is open, the level o~ water in the housing 1
sinks at the sa~e rate (or nearly the same rate) as in the
internal space of the tank 34. The aperture 109 is closed
in a fully automatic way when the buoyant member 108 is
- 28 -
j~ 20~6~
f free to lower the magnet 107 to the position of FI~,. 7
~ while the magnetizable member 106 is biased against the
; housing 1 by the spring 111, i.e., the member 106 is free
to attract the magnet 107 and to thus ensure that the
~ 5 aperture 109 is resealed.
1 If the operator decides to pull the knob 120 and
hence the rod 10, the enlarged portion 110 of the bar 10~ is
lifted so that the buoyant member 108 is entrained b~ the
portion 110 or is free to rise due to its buoyancy. In
either event, the member 108 causes the magnet 107 to rise
above the magnetizable member 106, i.e., the attractin~
force of the magnetizable member 106 is overcome and the
aperture 109 is free to permit wa'er to flow between the
chamber 3 of the housin~ 1 and the internal space 134 of
the tank 34. From there on, the operation of the apparatus
of FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as described hereinbefore in
connection with depression of the knob 120.
The magnetic valve 103 is located at a level above
the valve 9 for the opening 8 in the bottom wall 7 of the
housing 1. Therefore, the magnetic valve 103 can seal the
aperture 109 before the valving element 6 of the actuator 5
can seal the outlet 32 of the tanX 34. 'rhus, when the
valve 103 already seals the aperture 109, the opening 8
continues to permit an equalization of the levels of upper
surfaces of the boAies of water in the tank 34 and housing 1.
In other words, sealing of the aDerture 109 by the valve
103 does not terminate the outflo~l of water from the tank
34 into the toilet bowl because the valving element 6
is still in the process of desce~ding ~with the float 4)
toward and into sealing engagement with the seat 33 around
the outlet 32 of the tank 34.
Another advantage of the feature that the magnetic
valve 103 is installed in the housing 1 at a level above
the opening 8 for the valve 9 is that an operator can
proceed, if and when necessary, to initiate additional
- 29 -
2~9~6~
flushing of the toilet bowl when the flushing with a minimal
quantity of water is completed In other words, the
operator can cause the apparatus to discharge a minimal
~ quantity o~ water from the tank 34 into a toilet bowl
/ 5 and to thereupon discharge (if necessary) an additional
quantity (namely the remainder) of water from the internal
space 134 of the tank 34, through the outlet 32 and into
the toilet bowl. All that is necessary is to again depress
the knob 120 with attendant depression of the rod 10 and
bar 104.
The bar 104 extends through a hole or bore 112
in the aforementioned leaf spring 113 and through a
bore or hole 114 of a leaf spring 115 which is located
beneath the mac3netic valve 103. The bar 104 has an
enlarged portion or abutment 116 which is connected with
the lowermost convolution of the coil spring 111 to bear
against the upper side of the leaf spring 115. The portion
116 cannot pass through the hole or bore 114 of the leaf
spring 115. When the knob 120 is depressed, the bar 104
moves downwardly with the rod 10 and the portion 116 of
the bar 104,116 depresses the leaf spring 115. ~lowever,
the leaf spring 115 reassumes the position of FIG. 7 by
dissipating energy when the pressure upon the knob 120 is
, interrupted or terminated. This causes the enlarged portion
110 of the bar 104 to rise to the level of FIG. 7, i.e., to
the level of the magnet 107. In o~her words, the leaf spring
115 ensures that the bar 104 is normally maintained in a
predetermined neutral position.
The mode of operating the rocl 5 and the bar 104
by way of the knob 120 can be adjusted in order to alter
the timing of initiation and termination or interruption
of the flushing operation. The combined connecting and
adjusting means is shown at 105 and constitutes a
mechanical coupling hetween the rod 10 and the bar 104.
This adjusting means 105 is movable up and down along the
- 30 -
20996~6
~ rod 10 and comprises a U-shaped yoke-like adjusting member
/ having an upper leg 124, a lower leg 125 and a web 123
~ between the legs 124 and 125. The legs 124, 125 are
¦ traversed by and frictionally engage the rod 10, and the
latter is parallel or nearly parallel to and spaced apart
from the web 123. As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
web 123 and the adjacent portion of the rod 10 define an
elongated vertical clearance 122 which receives a horizontal
arm 126 at the upper end of the bar 104. The level of the
U-shaped adjusting member of the adjusting means 105
relative to the rod 10 is selected in such a way that the
~? arm 126 of the bar 104 abuts or is adjacent the upper
leg 124 or the lower leg 125 of the adjusting member or
is located substantially in the middle of the clearance 122.
FIG. 9 shows the arm 126 at the lower leg 125, and FIG. 1
shows the arm 126 somewhere between the legs 124 and 125.
In FIG, 7, the arm 126 is located at the upper leg 124.
When the adjusting means 105 is moved to the position of
FIG. 7, flushing with the maximum quantity as well as Wit}
a leqser quantity of water is effected by depressing the
knob 120. Flushing with the full quantity of water is
initiated in response to a sli~ht depression of the knob
120 such as suffices to lift the valvin~ element 6 off the
~, seat 33 around the outlet 32 of tl~e tank 34. The valvinc~
element 6 is lifted by the yoke 22 and float 4 in responsc
to depression of the knoh 120 at the upper end of the rod
10. However, the extent of depression of the knob 120
should be less than that which is necessary to lift the
magnet 107 sufficiently above the magnetizable member
106 so that the aperture 105 is fully exposed in order to
permit maximum flow of water between the cham~jer 3 and the
internal space 134 of the tank 34, If the person using the
toilet decides that the quantity of flushing water is to be
reduced below the maximum quantity, slight depression of
the knob 120 is followed by more pronounced depression so
2~996~
that the magnetic valve 103 opens and the aperture 109
permits rapid evacuation of water from the chamber 3
whereby the valving element 6 rapidly descends toward and
1 sealingly engages the seat 33 to thus interrupt further
¦ 5 outflow of water from the tank 34 into the toilet bowl.
FIG. 9 shows the adjusting means 105 in a position
in which a lifting of the rod 10 by way of the knob 120
results in lifting of the bar 104 and enlarged portion 110.
Slight lifting of the rod 10 results in evacuation of a
maximum quantity of water from the tank 34 into the toilet
bowl. I~owever, if the user decides to lift the rod 10 all
' the way, the enlarged portion 110 of the bar 104 can lift
the buoyant member 108 of the valve 103 to such an extent
that the magnet 107 is no longer attracted by the
magnetizable member 106. This results in rapid evacuation
of water from the chamber 3 into the space 134 of the tank
34 and in more rapid descent of the valving element 6
into sealing engagement with the seat 32, i.e., the
quantity of water which has been discharged into the
toilet bowl prior to sealing of the outlet 32 is reduced
accordingly.
If the adjusting means 105 is moved to the
intermediate position of FI~.. 10, the apparatus is set up
for normal flushin~ (with a maxim~lm quantity of water)
regardless of whether the knob 120 is manipulated to lift
or to depress the rod 10, In o~her words, the apparatus is
then not rea~y to reduce the quantity of flushin~ water
below the maximum quantity,
The positions of the ma~net 107 an~ magnetizable
member 106 can be interchanged without departing from the
spirit of the invention,
An im~ortant advanta~e of the improved apparatus
is that it enables the user of the toilet to select ~he
quantity of flushing liquid, e.g., to select a maximum
quantity or a minimum quantity, as well as to switch to
- 32 -
2099~86
1
~ flushing with a minimum quantity while the flushing
/ operation is already in progress. This entails considerable
savings in flushing liquid with attendant savings for
operation of ~ewage treatment plants. Moreover, it is
possible to decide, while the flushing operation is in
progress, whether or not a reduced quantity of liquid t~ill
suffice to adequately flush the toilet bowl. Still further,
the operation of the apparatus is highly predictable and
reproducible.
Another important advantage of the improved
apparatl~s is its compactness. Thus, the housing 1 and the
' regulatin~ means including the parts 9 and 10 can he confined
in a flushin~ tank of avera~e size or even in a relatively
small tank.
~ further important advantage of the improved
apparatus is its simplicity. Thus, it is merely necessary
to provide the housing 1 with an opening 8 and to install in
the housing a regulating unit including the valve 9 and the
rod 10. These parts can directly or indirectly influence
the rate of descent of the valving element 6 into sealing
engagement with the seat 33 around the outlet 32 of the
tank 34. The rod 10 can move the valve 9 to a position in
which the opening 8 is nearly sealed and to one or more
, additional positions in which the opening 8 is at least
partially exposed to permit water to flow between the
chamber 3 and the internal space 139 at a selected rate.
Such simplicity of the regulating unit includin~ the
valve 9 and the rod 10 renders it possible to employ simple
additional parts which are necessary for the aforediscussed
mode of operation of the improved apparatus. ~hese simple
parts (including the yoke 22, the adapter 48 and others)
contribute to lower cost of and enhance the reliability of
the apparatus. The adjustments of the apparatus in order to
select the minimum quantity of flushing liquid are equally
simple. Thus, all that is necessary is to select the level
- 33 -
2~99~8~
/ of the housing 1 relative to the outlet 32 of the tank 34.
An advantage of such design of the improved
apparatus that the actuator 5 is at least substantially
~ parallel to the rod 10 is that a single operatinn member
/ 5 (for example, the knob 120 of FIG 7) suffices to initiate
/ a flushing operation as well as to select the level of the
valve 9. As already described hereinabove, the operating
member can be used to initiate a flushing operation in
response to a first axial displacement of the rod 10 and
to interrupt the flushing operation in response to the
next-following shifting of the rod 10. Such simplicity of
the means for initiating and interrupting or terminating
a flushing operation renders it possible to simplify the
construction of the cover of the tank 34 because the cover
can be traversed by a single part, such as the upper
portion of the rod lO which carries the knob 120. The
~rovision of a single knob 120 (or of an equivalent of
this knob) as a means for o~eratin~ the apparatus for the
purpose of effecting a flushing with a maximum quantity as
well as with a reduced quantity of flushing liquid is
particularly desirable and advantageous when the improved
apparatus is installed in the tank of a public toilet in
an airport, rail or bus terminal, in a school, in another
public building or in a similar establishment which is
likely to be accessible to vandals.
~he locating device 11 constitutes an optional
but desirable and advantageous feature of the i~provecl
apparatus, This device ensures that the rod 10 is
properly guided relative to the housin~ l and float ~
regardless of whether the valve 9 is moved into, upwardly
and away from or downwardly and away from the opening 8 in
the bottom wall 7 of the housing 1. The illustrated
locating device 11 can be said to resemble or constitute a
cage for the valve 9.
The float 4 can be made of a suitable huoyant
- 34 -
2099681;
material. If such materail is not sufficiently resistant to
/ stresses or is likely to be affected by direct contact
¦ with flushing liquid, at least a portion of the float can
be confined in a suitable jacket or envelope 4a which is
shown in FIG. 1. For example, the ~acket 4a can constitute
a plastic foil whi'ch is shrunkontothe float4undertheaction of
heat. The jacket 4a can further serve as a means for
reducing the likelihood of damage to the float 4 in the
event of jamming in the chamber 3.
2~9~86
~ Without further analysis, the foregoing will so
¦ fully reveal the ~ist of the present invention that others
~ can, by applying current knowledge, readily aAapt it for
/ various applications without omitting features that, from
/ 5 the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential
characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of my
contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations
should and are intended to be comprehended within the
meanin~ and range of equivalence of the appended claims.
- 36 -
