BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a plumbing valve arrangement and more specifically a pneumatic operated plumbing valve arrangement for use in a cistern.

[0002] The term "cistern" is used herein with reference to any kind of reservoir wherein a fluid is collected.

[0003] In various plumbing applications it is required to dispense a predetermined amount of water from a cistern. Examples of such applications are cisterns which are used for both flushing and washing.

[0004] In underdeveloped communities where water is a scarce commodity the restriction of water use by way of a valve arrangement which only allows a predetermined amount of water to be dispensed during each use of the plumbing system could result in substantial costs and water savings.

[0005] The use of electricity on plumbing installations is dangerous and in underdeveloped communities access to and the cost of electricity are often additional constraints.

[0006] The use of mechanical arrangements to operate plumbing valves are known but are prone to mechanical failure. The handling of hand operated mechanical arrangements often results in the transfer of disease, infections and germs which has a negative impact on population health and sanity in critical environments such as hospitals and clinics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention aims to provide an alternative plumbing valve arrangement which might alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

[0008] The invention provides a plumbing valve arrangement which includes a body which has a holder formation and a sleeve formation which extends from the holder formation, an inlet into the holder formation, an outlet from the holder formation, a valve seat on the holder formation at the outlet, a valve member which is engageable with the valve seat and which is movable in the holder formation, a valve stem which is engaged with the valve member and which extends into the sleeve formation, a conduit which is connected to the sleeve formation and a vacuum pump which is attached to the conduit.

[0009] Preferably the inlet includes a plurality of openings in the holder formation.

[0010] The valve stem may fit snugly into the sleeve formation.

[0011] The conduit may be flexible.

[0012] The vacuum pump may include at least a primary bladder. The vacuum pump may include a secondary bladder. In one form of the invention the vacuum pump includes a foot pump. In another form of the invention the vacuum pump is in the form of an electrical pump. [0013] Preferably the valve arrangement includes a float which is connected to the valve stem. The float may be movable in the holder formation and may include an annular rib formation which abuts the holder formation.

[0014] The valve arrangement may include a water trap between the sleeve formation and the conduit. Preferably the valve arrangement includes a water outlet valve which is connected to the water trap. The water outlet valve may be in the form of a first float valve.

[0015] The valve arrangement may include an air inlet valve which is connected to the sleeve formation. The air inlet valve may be in the form of a second float valve.

[0016] The invention also provides a cistern which includes a water container, a primary water inlet valve into the container, a connection pipe which extends from the container and which is connectable to a toilet bowl, and a plumbing valve arrangement of the aforementioned kind which is located in the container and which is connected to the connection pipe.

[0017] The invention further provides a water reservoir which includes a water container, a primary water inlet valve into the container, an exit from the container, and a plumbing valve arrangement of the aforementioned kind which is located in the container and which is connected to the exit.

[0018] The invention further provides a water geyser which includes a primary water reservoir which has a primary water inlet valve, a secondary water reservoir which is in fluid connection with the primary reservoir and which is connected to the primary reservoir by way of a plumbing valve arrangement of the aforementioned kind which is located in the primary reservoir.

[0019] The geyser may include a heating element which is located in either the primary reservoir or the secondary reservoir.

[0020] The geyser may include an electricity control circuit which is connected to the heating element and to electrical power supply.

[0021] The geyser may include at least one thermostat which is connected to the control circuit.

[0022] The geyser may include at least one indicator which is connected to the control circuit. The indicator may be in the form of a light.

[0023] The geyser may include an actuator which is connected to the control circuit. The actuator may be in the form of an electrical switch.

[0024] The geyser may include a drainage tap which is connected to the secondary reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a plumbing valve arrangement according to the invention in a cistern wherein the cistern is filled with water; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve arrangement of Figure 1 while water is being drained from the cistern;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve arrangement of Figure 1 wherein the cistern is drained;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a toilet wherein the valve arrangement of Figures 1 to 3 is used;

Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional side views of the toilet of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative toilet seat used with the valve arrangement of Figures 1 to 3;

Figures 7 and 8 are examples of alternative vacuum pumps used with the valve arrangement of Figures 1 to 3; and

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a geyser according to the invention wherein the valve arrangement of Figures 1 to 3 is used.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a plumbing valve arrangement 10 which is located in a primary water reservoir or cistern 12.

[0027] The arrangement 10 has an elongate body 14 which has an enlarged holder formation 16 and a sleeve formation 18 which extends from the holder 16. An inlet 20 which is in the form of a plurality of openings 22 are formed in the housing 16 and an outlet 24 extends from the holder 16. A valve seat 26 is formed on the holder 16 at the outlet 24 and is located between the outlet 24 and the inlet 20.

[0028] A valve member 28 is movably engageable with the seat 26 and is movable in the holder 16. A valve stem 30 is engaged with and extends from the valve 28. The stem 30 extends into the sleeve 18, fits snugly in the sleeve 18 and is movable relatively to the sleeve 18. A float 32 is attached to the stem 30 and is positioned between the valve 28 and the stem 30. An annular rib formation 34 surrounds the float 32 and abuts against the holder 16.

[0029] A water trap 36 is attached to a leading end 38 of the sleeve 18. The trap 36 has a collection chamber 40 which is separated from the sleeve 18 by a wall 42. A passage 44 in the wall 42 ensures that the chamber 40 is in fluid communication with the sleeve 18. A water outlet valve 46 is attached to the chamber 40 to allow any water which might accumulate in the chamber 40 to drain there from. The water outlet valve 46 is in the form of a first float valve 48 which is of known construction. An air inlet valve 50 is also attached to the chamber 40. The air inlet valve 50 is in the form of a second float valve 52 which is of known construction and allows air to enter the chamber 40. The air inlet valve 50 is situated above the water outlet valve 46.

[0030] An elongate and flexible conduit 54 extends from the water trap 36. The conduit 54 is in fluid communication with the sleeve 18 and extends to a vacuum pump 56.

[0031] The cistern 12 has a container 58 which has a lid 60. A primary water inlet 62 which is connected to water supply 64 extends into the container 58. The primary water inlet 62 is in the form of a third float valve 66 which is of known construction. The primary water inlet 62 is situated at an upper side 68 of the container 58. An exit 70 from the container 58 is located at a lower side 72 of the container 58.

[0032] The valve arrangement 10 is fixed and sealed to the cistern 12 at the exit 70. In this example the outlet 24 has an outer thread with which a nut 74 is engageable. Ring seals 76 are trapped between the cistern 12, the holder 16 and the nut 74.

[0033] A connection pipe 78 is sealingly attached to the outlet 24 and connects the valve arrangement 10 and cistern 12 to a required sanitary facility 80.

[0034] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5 the facility 80 is in the form of a toilet bowl 81 which is of known construction.

[0035] In the toilet bowl 81 shown in Figures 4 and 5 the vacuum pump 56 is in the form of a primary bladder 82A which is located between a toilet seat 84 and the bowl 81 and a secondary bladder 82B which is situated on the bowl 81 behind the seat 84.

[0036] Each of the bladders 82 is biased to an expanded position and is made from any appropriate rubber or synthetic material.

[0037] In this example the seat 84 has a bracket 86 which extends from a hinge 88 of the seat 84. When the seat 84 is pivoted up and down about the hinge 88, as is shown in Figure 5B, the bracket 86 abuts the secondary bladder 82B with a lever action.

[0038] Instead of the two bladders 82 the seat 84 can have a single bladder 82 which is similar to the primary bladder 82A.

[0039] An alternative toilet seat 84C is shown in Figure 6. In this example a bladder 82C is fixed inside the seat 84C. A plurality of biased pressure pads 90 extend through an underside 91 of the seat 84C and abuts the bladder 82C. The pads 90 are arranged around the seat 84C and each pad 90 has an abutment head 92 which abuts the bladder 82C, a shaft 93 which extends from the head 92 and through the underside 91 , an end stop 94 attached to the opposite end of the shaft 93 and a coil spring 95 which acts between the underside 92 and the end stop 94.

[0040] Figures 7 and 8 show alternative pumps 56 which are in the form of foot pedals or foot pumps 96. Each foot pump 96 is biased to an expanded position and is located in proximity of the cistern 12 of Figures 1 to 3 and in a position which allows a user (not shown) to step thereon.

[0041] In use the cistern 12 is filled with water 98 to an appropriate water level 100 in a known manner through the primary water inlet 62. As the water level 100 rises air is trapped inside the sleeve 18, trap 36, conduit 54 and pump 56. When the cistern 12 is full both the water outlet valve 46 and air inlet valve 50 are closed as is shown in Figure 1.

[0042] The valve 28 sits on the valve seat 26 and water pressure which acts on the valve 28, float 32 and rib 34 keeps the valve 28 and seat 26 closed. When water 98 is required at the facility 80 the pump 56 is actuated. The pump 56 draws air from the conduit 54, trap 56 and sleeve 18. As a result of the low pressure area created behind the stem 30 in the sleeve 18 the stem 30 is drawn into the sleeve 18 in a piston and sleeve action. When the stem 30 moves into the sleeve 18 the seal between the valve 28 and seat 26 breaks and water 98 flows from the cistern 12 through the inlet 20, outlet 24 and pipe 78 to the facility 80. [0043] As the water pressure which acts on the valve 28, float 32 and rib 34 is overcome by the combined action of the vacuum in the sleeve 18 and the buoyancy of the float 32 the float 32 moves upwards in the holder 16 and keeps the valve 28 and seat 26 apart and the valve arrangement 10 open as the water 98 drains from the cistern 12. This position is shown in Figure 2.

[0044] As the water 98 drains from the cistern 12 the water outlet valve 46 and air inlet valve 50 open. Any water 98 which might have been drawn into the chamber 40 of the trap 36 through the sleeve 18 when the pump 56 was activated drains from the chamber 40 through the water outlet valve 46. The vacuum or low pressure area created by the pump 56 in the conduit 54, water trap 36 and sleeve 18 is relieved by air flowing into the conduit 54, chamber 40 and sleeve 18 through the air inlet valve 50.

[0045] When the cistern 12 is completely drained, as is shown in Figure 3, gravity draws the valve 28, stem 30 and float 32 towards the seat 26 and the valve 28 and seat 26 seals. The valve arrangement 10 is again closed and the cistern 12 fills with water 98 flowing into the container 58 through the primary water inlet 62. Once the container 58 is filled the cistern 12 is ready for use.

[0046] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3 the conduit 54 extends from the trap 36 into the holder 16, down the pipe 78 and to the pump 56. The conduit 54 can however extend to the vacuum pump 56 in any other appropriate way.

[0047] When a user (not shown) sits on the seat 84 of Figures 4 and 5 the primary bladder 82A is compressed and excess air in the primary bladder 82A is expelled to atmosphere via the conduit 54, trap 56 and sleeve 18. When the user rises from the seat 84 the primary bladder 82A expands and creates a vacuum in the conduit 54, chamber 40 and sleeve 18 which causes the valve arrangement 10 to open and the cistern 12 to flush in the manner described. This happens automatically without any other interaction between the user and the valve arrangement 10 or cistern 12.

[0048] The secondary bladder 82B is compressed by the bracket 86 when the seat 84 is lifted and pivoted on the hinge 88. Again excess air in the secondary bladder 82B is expelled to atmosphere through the conduit 54, water trap 36 and sleeve 18. When the user lowers the seat 84 the secondary bladder 82B expands and a vacuum is drawn in the conduit 54, chamber 40 and sleeve 18 which causes the valve arrangement 10 to open and the cistern 12 to flush.

[0049] The bladder 82C in the seat 84C shown in Figure 6 functions in the same manner as the primary bladder 82A except that the pads 92 compress the bladder 82C when the user sits on the seat 84C. The weight of the user when sitting on the seat 84C is taken up by spacers 102 which are attached to the underside 91. The spring 95 biases the pad 92 away from the bladder 82C and ensures that the bladder 82C remains expanded when the seat 84C is not used.

[0050] The foot pumps 96 act in a similar manner as the bladders 82 except that a user steps onto the pump 96 in order to compress it and when stepping off the pump 96 expands and draws the required vacuum in the conduit 54.

[0051] The valve arrangement 10 can be used in various plumbing applications and can for example be used in undeveloped communities to dispense predetermined amounts of water to users without the need of mechanical or electrical activation of the valve arrangement 10. The use of the valve arrangement 10 to dispense water only when the pump 56 (for example in the form of a foot pump) is activated can reduce water wastage and the indiscriminate running of water taps.

[0052] The valve arrangement 10 can also be used in washing facilities where a user requires a predetermined amount of water in order to, for example wash his hands without the need to manually activate the water supply.

[0053] Depending on the volume of water which is required the size of the container 58 can be adjusted or the flow volume of the primary water inlet 62 can be manipulated.

[0054] Figure 9 shows another application of the valve arrangement 10 and similar reference numerals are used for similar components identified and described in respect of Figures 1 , 2 and 3 and only the differences between the example shown in Figures 1 to 5 and the example shown in Figure 9 are described.

[0055] Figure 9 shows a geyser 200 which has an upper, primary reservoir 202 and a lower, secondary reservoir 204 which are in fluid connection. The primary reservoir 202 acts as the cistern 12 and the secondary reservoir 204 acts as the facility 80.

[0056] The valve arrangement 10 is located in the primary reservoir 202 and the outlet 24 is in direct communication with and exits into the secondary reservoir 204. An upright overflow tube 206 extends from the lower side 72 of the container 58 of the primary reservoir 202 and allows the upper side 68 of the container 58 to be in communication with the secondary reservoir. Should the primary reservoir 202 overflow water 98 will move through the tube 206 from the primary reservoir 202 to the secondary reservoir 204. The secondary reservoir 204 has a weir overflow 208 which extends from the secondary reservoir 204.

[0057] A drainage tap 210 is fitted to the secondary reservoir 204. The tap 210 can for example lead to a basin, bath or shower (not shown).

[0058] The geyser 200 has a control circuit 212 which is connected to electric power supply 214. A heating element 216 and a first and second thermostat 218, 220 are connected to the circuit. The element 210 and thermostats 218, 220 are located in either the primary or the secondary reservoirs 202, 204. Preferably the element 216 and thermostats 218, 220 are located in the secondary reservoir 204. A flow switch 222 is fixed to the outlet 24 and is connected to the control circuit 212. An actuator switch 224 which is in the form of an electrical switch is connected to the control circuit 212 and at least one indicator light 226 is also connected to the control circuit 212. In this example the pump 56 is in the form of an electrically operated vacuum pump which is connected to the control circuit 212.

[0059] In use a user who requires hot water would actuate the geyser 200 by way of the switch 224. The control circuit 212 activates the vacuum pump 56 which causes the valve arrangement 10 to open and the primary reservoir 202 to flush in the manner described. The control circuit 212 deactivates the vacuum pump 56 once the water 98 flows from the primary reservoir 202 to the secondary reservoir 204. The water flow from the primary reservoir 202 to the secondary reservoir 204 initiates the flow switch 202 which causes the circuit 212 to activate the element 216. Through the first and second thermostats 218 and 220 the circuit 212 monitors the temperature of the water 98 in the secondary reservoir 204. When the water in the secondary reservoir 204 reaches a desired temperature the element 216 is deactivated and the indicator light 226 is activated to inform the user that the water 98 is heated. By opening the tap 210 the user draws the heated water 98 from the secondary reservoir 204.

[0060] The circuit 212 is in the form of an electronic circuit and various fail-safes can be built into the circuit 212 which is not described herein in detail.

[0061] By adjusting the size of the container 58 or the flow volume of the primary water inlet 62 the volume of heated water 98 can be controlled.

[0062] The geyser 200 ensures that only a limited amount of water is heated when required and ensures that both water and electricity are used sparingly.

[0063] The geyser 200 could be specially practical in low cost housing developments where the use of conventional geysers is impractical and beyond the economical reach of the occupants.