Patent ID: 8230533
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: E03D

Abstract:
1. A toilet, comprising: a bowl having a lower discharge outlet; a trap in fluid communication with the discharge outlet; and a trap valve positioned to control outflow from the discharge outlet through the trap, the trap valve comprising: a valve housing having an entry, an exit, and a cavity connecting the entry and exit; a gate valve positioned in the cavity and pivotable using linkage that extends from outside the valve housing to the gate valve; wherein the gate valve is in a form of a spherical segment having a radius of curvature extending from a center of curvature; and a sealing gasket; wherein the gate valve is pivotable from a first position essentially closing off outflow from the discharge outlet to a second position permitting flow from the discharge outlet to the trap; wherein the gate valve is positioned relative to the sealing gasket so as to begin closing off the entry when a lead edge of the gate valve is within 40° of vertical; and wherein the gate valve is mounted to the valve housing so that it is linked to the valve housing so as to pivot relative thereto about a center of rotation offset from said center of curvature to thereby create an eccentric closure of the gate valve against the sealing gasket which helps reduce scraping of the gate valve against the sealing gasket as the gate valve closes; and wherein said trap has a normal trap water level to restrict back flow of sewer gases to the bowl, and the gate valve is positioned so as to be entirely above that water level in both the first position and a fully open position.