CLOSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME

• US 20070089223A1
• Filed: 11/21/2006
• Published: 04/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert Andersen
• Original Assignee: Robert Andersen
• Inventors: Andersen, Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/562,169
• Publication Number:
  US 20070089223A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 4/246.100
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 13/10 Devices for raising and lowering, e.g. tilting or lifting mechanismsthereby controlling flushing valves E03D5/04; Collapsible or rotating seats or covers

Abstract

A toilet assembly that includes a bowl, a toilet seat member mounted on the bowl for movement between raised and lowered positions, and a tank mounted on the bowl. The tank is adapted to contain water for flushing the toilet and has a flushing apparatus for causing the water in the tank to flow into the bowl. The toilet assembly also includes a hydraulic closure apparatus mounted on the toilet. The apparatus includes a member movable relative to the toilet and engageable with the seat member such that movement of the member in one direction moves the seat member toward the lowered position. Movement of the seat member toward the raised position moves the member in an opposite direction. The apparatus also includes a cylinder and a piston slidable inside the cylinder. The piston divides the cylinder into first and second chambers and is connected to the member such that movement of the member in the opposite direction moves the piston in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber. The apparatus further includes a spring positioned in the second chamber. The spring is compressed by the piston when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber. The apparatus also further includes a conduit having one end in communication with the second chamber and a second end positioned in the water in the tank. The toilet assembly further includes a valve arrangement for closing the second end of the conduit when the tank is relatively full of water and for opening the second end of the conduit when the toilet is flushed.

Claims

1. A toilet assembly comprising:

a bowl;

a toilet seat member mounted on the bowl for movement between raised and lowered positions;

a tank mounted on the bowl, the tank adapted to contain water for flushing the toilet and having a flushing apparatus for causing the water in the tank to flow into the bowl;

a hydraulic closure apparatus mounted on the toilet, the apparatus including

a member movable relative to the toilet and engageable with the seat member such that movement of the member in one direction moves the seat member toward the lowered position, and such that movement of the seat member toward the raised position moves the member in an opposite direction;

a cylinder;

a piston slidable inside the cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into first and second chambers, and the piston connected to the member such that movement of the member in the opposite direction moves the piston in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber;

a spring positioned in the second chamber, the spring being compressed by the piston when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber; and

a conduit having one end communicating with the second chamber and having a second end positioned in the water in the tank; and

a valve arrangement for closing the second end of the conduit when the tank is relatively full of water and for opening the second end of the conduit when the toilet is flushed.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the piston and the member form a unitary structure.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a piston rod connected to the piston and connected to the member.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a valve arrangement for allowing water flow from the second chamber to the first chamber when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber, and for preventing water flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the piston includes a piston body, and where the valve arrangement for allowing water flow from the second chamber to the first chamber includes a plate in the first chamber and a seal between the piston body and the plate, the plate capable of moving relative to the piston body and to the seal such that the seal changes shape with the relative positioning of the plate, the seal permitting water flow around the piston when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber and preventing water flow around the piston when the piston moves in the direction maximizing the volume of the second chamber.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising a second conduit, the second conduit adapted to transport water flow from the first chamber to the tank.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the piston includes a seal positioned around an outer edge of the piston, the seal preventing water flow around the piston.

8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conduit is formed of flexible tubing.

9. A toilet assembly comprising:

a bowl;

a toilet seat member mounted on the bowl for movement between raised and lowered positions;

a tank mounted on the bowl, the tank adapted to contain water for flushing the toilet and having a flushing apparatus for causing the water in the tank to flow into the bowl;

a hydraulically actuated device for moving the seat member toward the lowered position in response to a flow of water to the device;

a conduit having one end in communication with the device and an opposite end in the tank below the level of water in the tank; and

a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member seals the opposite end of the conduit and a second position in which the valve member allows water to flow into the opposite end of the conduit, the valve member moving to the first position when the tank is relatively full of water, and the valve member moving to the second position when the toilet is flushed.

10. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 and further comprising a float positioned in the tank and coupled to the valve member, wherein the float lowers in response to flushing the toilet and moves the valve member to the second position.

11. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the valve member includes a nipple, the nipple seated in the opposite end of the conduit when the valve member is in the first position.

12. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 and further comprising a second conduit, the second conduit having a first end in communication with the device and a second end positioned above the level of the water in the tank.

13. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 and further comprising a second conduit, the second conduit having a first end in communication with the device and a second end positioned below the level of water in the tank.

14. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 13 and further comprising a second valve member movable between a first position in which the second valve member seals the second end of the second conduit and a second position in which the second valve member allows water to flow into the second end of the second conduit, the second valve member moving to the first position when the tank is relatively full of water, and moving to the second position when the toilet is flushed.

15. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 and further comprising a second conduit, the second conduit having a first end in communication with the device and a second end in direct communication with the opposite end of the first-mentioned conduit.

16. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein the first position of the valve member blocks communication between the first-mentioned conduit and the second conduit, and the second position of the valve member allows communication between the first-mentioned conduit and the second conduit.

17. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the conduit is formed of flexible tubing.

18. A hydraulic closure apparatus for a toilet seat member movable between raised and lowered positions, the toilet seat member being mounted on a toilet having a flushing apparatus, the closure apparatus comprising:

a member movable relative to the toilet and engageable with the seat member such that movement of the member in one direction moves the seat member toward the lowered position, and such that movement of the seat member toward the raised position moves the member in an opposite direction;

a cylinder;

a piston slidable inside the cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into first and second chambers adapted to contain fluid, and the piston connected to the member such that movement of the member in the opposite direction moves the piston in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber;

a spring positioned in the second chamber, the spring being compressed by the piston when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber;

a first conduit having one end communicating with the first chamber and having a second end;

a second conduit having one end communicating with the second chamber and having a second end; and

a valve arrangement for preventing communication between the second ends of the conduits except when the toilet is flushed and for permitting communication between the second ends of the conduits when the toilet is flushed, whereby fluid flow between the first and second chambers is permitted when the toilet is flushed.

19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the piston and the member form a unitary structure.

20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 and further comprising a piston rod connected to the piston and connected to the member.

21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 and further comprising a second valve arrangement for allowing fluid flow from the second chamber to the first chamber when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber.

22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein the second valve arrangement also prevents water flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein the piston includes a piston body, and where the second valve arrangement includes a plate in the first chamber and a seal between the piston body and the plate, the plate capable of moving relative to the piston body and to the seal such that the seal changes shape with the relative positioning of the plate, the seal permitting fluid flow around the piston when the piston moves in the direction minimizing the volume of the second chamber and preventing fluid flow around the piston when the piston moves in the direction maximizing the volume of the second chamber.

24. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the piston includes a seal positioned around an outer edge of the piston, the seal preventing fluid flow around the piston.

25. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the conduits are formed of flexible tubing.

26. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the second ends of the conduits are adapted to be located in the water in the tank.

27. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the valve arrangement includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member prevents communication between the second ends of the conduits and a second position in which the valve member permits communication between the second ends of the conduits, the valve member moving to the second position when the toilet is flushed, and the valve member moving to the first position after the toilet is flushed.

28. An apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein the toilet has a tank adapted to contain water, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a float adapted to be positioned in the tank and coupled to the valve member to move the valve member between the first and second positions, wherein the float lowers in response to flushing the toilet and moves the valve member to the second position.

29. A toilet assembly comprising:

a bowl having therein a bore for mounting of a toilet seat member hinge;

a hinge mounted on the bowl, the hinge having therein a bore that aligns with the bore in the bowl;

a toilet seat member pivotally supported by the hinge for movement between raised and lowered positions;

a tank mounted on the rear of the bowl, the tank adapted to contain water for flushing the toilet and having a flushing apparatus for causing the water in the tank to flow into the bowl;

a mounting bolt extending through the hinge bore and the bowl bore, the mounting bolt having a central bore and a lower end;

an upper rod movable in the bore of the mounting bolt, the rod being engageable with the toilet seat member such that upward movement of the rod moves the toilet seat member from its raised position toward its lowered position, and such that movement of the toilet seat member from its lowered position to its raised position moves the rod downward;

a mounting nut threaded onto the mounting bolt to secure the hinge to the bowl;

a cylinder connected to the lower end of the mounting bolt;

a piston slidably housed in the cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into upper and lower chambers, the piston including a piston body, and a piston rod extending from the piston body and through the upper chamber, the piston rod coupled to the upper rod such that the piston rod and the upper rod move vertically together, the piston also including a plate surrounding the piston rod, and a seal positioned around the piston rod between the piston body and the plate, the plate capable of moving relative to the piston body and to the seal such that the seal changes shape with the relative positioning of the plate, the seal permitting water flow around the piston when the piston moves downward and preventing water flow around the piston when the piston moves upward;

a spring positioned in the lower chamber of the cylinder to bias the piston upward, the spring adapted to be compressed by downward movement of the piston;

an inflow tube communicating between the tank and the lower chamber of the cylinder, a first end of the inflow tube communicating with the water in the tank and a second end of the inflow tube communicating with the lower chamber;

an outflow tube communicating between the upper chamber of the cylinder and the tank, a first end of the outflow tube communicating with the upper chamber and a second end of the outflow tube communicating with the tank at a point above the water in the tank;

a weighted float positioned in the tank; and

a nipple coupled to the weighted float, the nipple movable between a seated position in which the nipple seals the first end of the inflow tube and an open position in which the nipple is unseated from the first end of the inflow tube so that the water can enter the first end of the inflow tube, the nipple being moved by the float to the seated position when the tank is relatively full of water, and the nipple moving to the open position when the toilet is flushed;

wherein movement of the toilet seat member from its lowered position to its raised position moves the rod downward, thereby moving the piston downward against the force of the spring to a lower position;

wherein, when the tank is relatively full of water, the nipple being in the seated position, in combination with the seal, substantially prevents water flow into the lower chamber, thereby locking the piston in its lower position;

wherein, upon flushing the toilet with the seat member in its raised position, the weighted float lowers in response to flushing of the toilet to cause the nipple to move to its open position, allowing water in the tank to flow through the inflow tube into the lower chamber, thereby allowing the spring to move the piston and the rod upward to move the seat member to its closed position, with water in the upper chamber flowing into the tank via the outflow tube.

30. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein the nipple is formed of an elastomeric material.

31. A toilet assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein the inflow tube and the outflow tube are formed of flexible tubing.