Fluid handling – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-27
2001-02-20
Walton, George L. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Processes
C137S218000, C251S040000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189554
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to devices to deter rapid re-engagement of valve opening mechanisms, and more particularly, to an improved delay flush control forming part of a diaphragm flush valve used in a toilet, urinal or similar plumbing fixture.
2. Prior Art
Flush valves, and in particular flush valves used in the construction of water closets or urinals, have been used for many years. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 30,462 issued Oct. 23, 1860. However, the forerunner to one of the most popular modem diaphragm flush valve designs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,714,573 issued May 28, 1929, and commonly referred to as a diaphragm flush valve. One problem with the diaphragm flush valve is controlling the amount of water used when the plunger handle is continuously being activated. This problem is particularly acute in prisons and schools where the persons using the toilet facilities are more likely to misuse the equipment. Principle causes of this problem are holding the plunger handle down for an extended period of time or continuously engaging the plunger handle which unseats the relief valve before a normal flushing cycle has been completed. A modified relief valve which addressed the first cause of this problem and other problems is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/152875 entitled “Improved Relief Valve” and filed on Sep. 14, 1998 by the inventor herein. This invention addresses solutions to the second cause of this problem.
Over the years, improvements have been made to the diaphragm flush valve to provide control of the rapidity of the flushing operation employing electronic controls or mechanical controls. However, these improvements involve more complex and expensive construction than is desired by the industry. A second disadvantage of these flush valve designs is that they did not permit a simple retrofitting of the flush valve already installed, but required a more expensive replacement of an otherwise workable flush valve.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide an improved plumbing system utilizing an improved flush valve to control the minimum time between flushing operations.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved relief valve used in conjunction with a diaphragm or similar type flush valve provided with a control means for delaying or retarding the descent of the relief valve sleeve member after a flushing operation has begun.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved diaphragm or similar type flush valve containing a relief valve having a floatable sleeve member used in conjunction with a modified vacuum breaker assembly to control the minimum time between flushing operations.
A further object of this invention is to provide an improved combination diaphragm flush valve and vacuum breaker assembly which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install in a water closet for controlling the minimum time between flushing actions.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a retrofit assembly and a method of installation that can be utilized with conventional diaphragm or similar type flush valves to control the minimum time between flushing operations.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method for operation of a diaphragm flush valve utilized in a plumbing system.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of the invention.
The problem of excess water usage caused by repetitive engagement of the plunger handle can be substantially overcome by delaying the relief valve sleeve member before it resets in a position to be operatively contacted by the plunger pin after the relief valve has been reseated. Experience has indicated that increasing this time at least five seconds, and more preferably at least ten seconds, will be sufficient to discourage most persons from unnecessary repetitive engagement of the flush initiating means. In order not to unduly disrupt normal usage, it is preferred that the delay time not exceed sixty seconds.
In one aspect of this invention the time delay can be achieved by construction of the flush valve to cause the sleeve member to remain positioned out of operative contact with the plunger pin for a predetermined period of time before it is repositioned for operative contact. One such preferred construction is to construct the sleeve member whereby it will float in the water retained in the outlet chamber, and to modify the vacuum breaker to drain water trapped in the outlet chamber of the flush valve when the flush valve diaphragm is reseated.
In another aspect of this invention the time delay can be achieved by constructing the relief valve whereby the rate of descent is retarded. One such way is to construct the contacting surfaces of the sleeve member and stem to create frictional resistance of a predetermined amount. Another construction is to fix the sleeve member to the relief valve by an elastomeric material have predetermined elasticity characteristics.
In still another aspect of this invention the increase in time can be achieved by constructing the relief valve whereby the distance the sleeve member travels after the relief valve has been reseated is greater than the vertical distance it traveled when operatively engaged by the plunge pin. One such preferred construction is to modify the relief valve stem and sleeve member to have cooperating helical groove and nib or ridge members that cause the sleeve member to rotate around the stem as it slides vertically. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment the plunger pin is constructed to force the sleeve member when contacting the sleeve member lower end to vertically move above the plunger pin.
In another embodiment of this invention an improved method for operating a diaphragm flush valve utilized in a plumbing system is provided wherein the relief valve sleeve member is caused to rise out of operative contact position with the plunger pin upon the reseating of the flush valve diaphragm and to retain its raised position for a predetermined length of time before returning to its original position for operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1114398 (1914-10-01), Sloan
patent: 1573092 (1926-02-01), Russell
patent: 1912937 (1933-06-01), George
patent: 2024270 (1935-12-01), Binnall
patent: 2122189 (1938-06-01), Ward
patent: 2302150 (1942-11-01), Sloan et al.
patent: 2620826 (1952-12-01), Johns
patent: 3085779 (1963-04-01), Phillippe
patent: 3334646 (1967-08-01), Billeter et al.
patent: 3406940 (1968-10-01), Kertell
patent: 4202525 (1980-05-01), Govaer et al.
patent: 5564460 (1996-10-01), Gronwick et al.
patent: 5730415 (1998-03-01), Gronwick
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