Patent Abstract:
A flow diverter accepts a stream of water from a conventional toilet valve and diverts a portion of the flow into the toilet tank, outside the overflow tube. In a first, more rudimentary embodiment of the invention, a flow diverter accepts flow from the toilet tank fill valve and includes a first exit opening for introducing a portion of the flow into the toilet tank overflow tube, and a second portion of the flow into the toilet tank. Providing two exit openings for to split the incoming stream into a first flow of about one third of the input and into a second exit opening to split the remainder of the incoming stream into a second flow of about two thirds of the incoming stream provides significant flow control for the user. In cases where a user&#39;s bowl overfills, the user can attach the flow diverter to the end of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube line and position it as needed. The user can (1) attach the diverter to the top rim of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube in a position to deliver one third of the flow into the tube and two thirds of the flow into the toilet tank, (2) attach the diverter to the top rim of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube in a position to deliver two thirds of the flow into the tube and one third of the flow into the toilet tank, (3) all of the flow into the tube or (4) all of the flow into the toilet tank.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to the field of plumbing and bathroom appliances and more particularly to a quick and inexpensive retrofit system for saving water by prevention of toilet bowl overfill.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Conventional flush toilets are typically supplied water through a line from a manually available shutoff valve, and into a valve apparatus inside the tank. Some valve mechanisms use a float mounted at the end of a lever arm while others use a vertically sliding float, while others use static water pressure to indicate when the flush tank or reservoir is full.  
         [0003]     Within the tank an overflow tube is provided to enable small leaks of the internal valve, or small internal valve failures to enter the toilet tank overflow tube and pass to the toilet bowl. Since the toilet bowl flow operates by passing its volume over a static pressure head dam at the rear and or base of the toilet, additional flow into the overflow tube simply continues into the bowl and over the dam at the rear and base of the toilet.  
         [0004]     The flow path from the bowl, through the dam and into the floor pipe fitting is relatively small compared to the volume of water in each flush. This rapid flow helps to sweep the bowl, but because the flow is restricted, a significant kinetic energy of flow takes the toilet bowl to a level lower than its level would be if it were determined by the height of the dammed up water within the toilet fixture. This kinetic energy drains the bowl level lower than it would have based upon the level of the overflow damn in the fitting, because the mass of flow and its kinetic energy continues to siphon water out of the bowl for a second or so at the end of the flush. This typically occurs along with the pull of air and the gargling sound heard when the upper part of the bowl is completely drained.  
         [0005]     If the bowl was left at this level, the volume of water for the next flush would be partially spent in refilling the bowl and would have a lesser volume available to apply to the static head within the bowl to cause a complete flush in the next cycle. In essence, the next flush would be only half of a flush, and at low velocity. This results in the need for a further flush, assuming that the bowl is left in a filled state by the half flush.  
         [0006]     To overcome the above problems, most toilet fill valves have provided for a first flow path of water into the toilet tank for refill and a second flow path through a small plastic tube mounted to direct flow into the toilet tank overflow pipe to provide a small stream of water to allow the toilet bowl to re-fill at the same time that the toilet tank refills. During refill, the bowl will have stabilized, and a stream of water into the overflow tube will bring the bowl fully up to a level of the internal dam or trap within the toilet bowl. This will insure that upon the next flush, that the complete volume of water in the toilet tank will be applied to developing a full static head to be applied to a fully rushing velocity flush so that the bowl will be swept clean. In other words, it prevents part of the toilet tank contents from being wasted in re-filling the bowl leaving a lesser amount of water available for developing a fully rushing velocity flush. If the system for providing additional water into the overflow tube provides too much water, the excess will escape over the dam or trap at the base of the appliance.  
         [0007]     However, the use of a side stream of water from the refill valve is not exact. The side stream will have a low flow where the local water pressure is low and a high flow where the water pressure is high. Where the flow rate is too small, the complete valve assembly can be replaced in order to provide adequate functioning. With increasing community needs for water conservation there is a need to conserve water and for toilet appliance to provide only as much water as is needed for proper operation. The user needs to be at minimum able to forego excess water introduced into the bowl which will be wasted over the overflow dam.  
         [0008]     One such solution proposed appears in U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,889 to Schuster, incorporated by reference herein. The Schuster reference suggests a more complex and more expensive specialized toilet valve which includes an adjustable pressure overflow tube line valve in the toilet tank valve body near the point where the overflow refill tube leaves the toilet tank valve. The overflow tube line valve is located within the toilet tank refill valve so that it can handle the pressure from reduction in the flow of the overflow tube line, which can range from full open to a zero flow rate. The solution, though expensive, enables users to set the flow rate for the amount of water to be introduced into the overflow tube. The user can reduce this refill flow by adjusting the valve.  
         [0009]     This solution works well where users have the funds to invest in a new toilet tank fill valve, as well as the high labor rates associated with plumbing services. Further, some time is required for the installer to run the valve through several flushes to determine the optimum operating setting for the complex specialized device. Further, the replaced toilet tank refill valve will typically be disposed of despite the fact that it remains in operating condition. In particular, an institutional facility replacing its valves would generate a significant volume of used toilet tank refill valves having very little market value. The loss of value from a change out and in wasted valves would make the value of the water savings minuscule by comparison. The expensive solution of the Schuster reference may work well if employed as a replacement for a defective toilet tank but is prohibitively expensive and burdensome for any water saving retrofit plan.  
         [0010]     What is needed, however, is a solution which is not expensive, not complex, and does not require replacement of the functioning toilet tank refill valve. The needed solution should give the user practical control ability over the amount of water entering the refill tube. Further, the solution should be installable in a minimum amount of time and by ordinary people. The installation should not, unlike a toilet tank valve replacement, subject the user&#39;s facility to flooding, water shutoff, leaks about the toilet tank fittings and the like. The needed solution should be achieved without tools.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     A flow diverter accepts a stream of water from a conventional toilet valve and diverts a portion of the flow into the toilet tank, outside the overflow tube. In a first, more rudimentary embodiment of the invention, a flow diverter accepts flow from the toilet tank fill valve and includes a first exit opening for introducing a portion of the flow into the toilet tank overflow tube, and a second portion of the flow into the toilet tank. Providing two exit openings for to split the incoming stream into a first flow of about one third of the input and into a second exit opening to split the remainder of the incoming stream into a second flow of about two thirds of the incoming stream provides significant flow control for the user. In cases where a user&#39;s bowl overfills, the user can attach the flow diverter to the end of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube line and position it as needed. The user can (1) attach the diverter to the top rim of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube in a position to deliver one third of the flow into the tube and two thirds of the flow into the toilet tank, (2) attach the diverter to the top rim of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube in a position to deliver two thirds of the flow into the tube and one third of the flow into the toilet tank, (3) all of the flow into the tube or (4) all of the flow into the toilet tank.  
         [0012]     Further numbers of diversion streams, and the ability to orient the flow diverter atop a toilet tank overflow tube will allow a user to more finely and exactly select and subdivide the streams which are to be directed into, or outside of the conventional toilet tank overflow tube. Where three diversion conduits are used, a user can specify a flow equal to zero, ⅕, ⅖, ⅗, ⅘, and 5/5 of the inlet flow. A metal clip can be molded with the flow diverter to provide more holding power than possible if the flow diverter is constructed with certain materials. The flow diverter is preferably inexpensively injection molded and can be made from a wide range of materials having many characteristics. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a two stream flow diverter having a male input port and two exit conduits and a clip holding structure;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of the flow diverter of  FIG. 1  and illustrating one possible orientation for the internal conduit bores;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a partial sectional view illustrating the environment in which the flow diverters of the present invention are utilized and illustrating attachment of the flow diverter attached to a near side of a toilet tank overflow tube;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates an expanded view of a mounting of the flow diverters of the present invention are utilized and illustrating attachment of the flow diverter attached to a far side of a toilet tank overflow tube;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a flow diverter utilizing a side leg structure similar to the adjacent flow diverter structures, the location of three such adjacent structures facilitating the circularly selectable positioning of the flow diverter;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the flow diverter seen in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is an alternative arrangement seen as a third embodiment in which a pair of diversion conduits are separated by an accommodation space and in which end mounted clip structures are placed on either side of the pair of diversion conduits enable full user selectability of four flow conditions into a toilet tank overflow tube;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a fourth embodiment of a flow diverter having three diversion conduits in a line and in which end mounted clip structures are placed on either side of the pair of diversion conduits enable full user selectability of up to six flow conditions into a toilet tank overflow tube; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a flow diverter having an embedded metal clip between two flow conduits.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]     The description and operation of the invention will be best initiated with reference to  FIG. 1  which illustrates a side plan view of a flow diverter  21 . At the upper left side of the flow diverter  21 , an inlet fitting  23  has a length of about one half inch. The shape of the inlet fitting  23  is designed to provide good, progressive fit to an tubular member flexible conduit from a conventional toilet fill valve. Inlet fitting  23  has three cylindrical sections each separated from the other by two progressively larger abbreviated frusto conical structures.  
         [0024]     From the left, a first cylindrical section  25  has an external diameter of, for example, 0.335 inches. Adjacent the first cylindrical section  25 , a first frusto conical shaped land  27  extends circumferentially outward. Adjacent the frusto conical shaped land  27 , a second cylindrical section  29  has an external diameter of 0.360 inches. Adjacent the second cylindrical section  29 , a second frusto conical shaped land  31  extends circumferentially outward. The second frusto conical shaped land  31  may be larger than the first frusto conical shaped land  27 . Adjacent the second frusto conical shaped land  31  is a third cylindrical section  33  which may also have an external diameter of 0.360 inches.  
         [0025]     The inlet fitting  23  is designed to present an increasing slip fitting resistance pressure and increasing friction fit to a flexible hose attached. The body of the flow diverter  21  continues with a first flow section  37  which is linear with respect to the inlet fitting  23 . At the start of the first flow section  37  adjacent and slightly displaced away from the inlet fitting  23  is a first diversion conduit  41 . At the opposite end of the first flow section  37 , a second diversion conduit  43  is positioned. In between the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  are one or more structures  45  which are clip structures. The clip structures shown in  FIG. 1  are made generally of the same material as the flow diverter  21  and may be evenly space or non-evenly spaced. The clip structures and the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  form a series of three accommodation spaces  47 ,  49 , and  51  which may be of different widths and which can provide force and friction when engaged onto a toilet tank overflow tube. The rudimentary structure shown in  FIG. 1  is built for an engagement on a toilet tank overflow tube such that one or the other of the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  will be directed into the tube. The flow diverter  21  can be placed so that either the first diversion conduit  41  will be inside the tube and the second diversion conduit  43  will be outside of the tube, or that first diversion conduit  41  will be outside the tube while the second diversion conduit  43  will be inside of the tube. The other two conditions, that of 100% of the fill tube flow being directed inside of the tube and 0% of the fill tube flow being directed inside of the tube is not as facilitated with this design. If no flow diverter  21  is used, it may be assumed that other structure is present to either direct 100% flow into the fill tube or that the fill tube line may be left in an unobstructed way to flow into the toilet tank without interfering with the flush mechanism.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side sectional view illustrates the internal flow space of the flow diverter  21 , as a slightly differing embodiment having first cylindrical section  25  displaced by movement of the first frusto conical shaped land  27  to the end, simply to show that a different arrangement can be made. An inlet conduit bore  57  has a first diameter to a point just beyond a t-conduit bore  59  within the first diversion conduit  41 . A second diameter is seen as conduit bore  61  which turns at a right angle to a conduit bore  63  associated with the second diversion conduit  43 .  
         [0027]     The relative flow through the conduit bores  59  and  63  from fluid entering the inlet conduit bore, can be specified by the abruptness of angle, location, difference in internal bore size, and curvature and internal features of bores  57 ,  59 ,  61 , and  63 . Moreover, the size of all the bores  57 ,  59 ,  61 , and  63  should be so as to avoid creating any significant back pressure for any flow line into which inlet fitting  23  is attached. Further, it is noted that first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  are parallel to each other, but need not be. The parallel arrangement seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  have advantages in that if one of the, first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  placed outside the toilet tank overflow tube is directed downward, that the flow will contribute to sweeping the toilet tank clean. Conversely, where a significant flow rate of material exits the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43 , thrust will result in the opposite direction. This thrust may tend to dislodge the flow diverter  21  from its slip fit onto the toilet tank overflow tube via the three accommodation spaces  47 ,  49 , and  51 .  
         [0028]     The dimensions of the flow diverter  21  are approximate and a flow diverter  21  having a higher flow or a lower flow may encourage a differing dimension. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the water available to enter bore  59  will do so based upon the cross sectional area of exit presented, the angle and sharpness as related to the path of flow of water entering the conduit  57 , and the kinetic energy of the remaining water stream as it flows past conduit  59  and onward into conduit  61 . The relative flow split is also dependent upon the much longer flow path of the combined path of conduits  61  and  63  and the elbow connection between these conduits.  
         [0029]     One geometry which has been shown to be acceptable for a given average flow includes a flow diverter  21  having a conduit bore  57  diameter of about 0.25 inches and sharply connecting orthogonally to a conduit bore  59  also having an internal diameter of about 0.25 inches. The diameter of conduit bores  61  and  63  are about 0.225 inches. With these dimensions it has been shown that the volume of flow through the first diversion conduit  41  will constitute about one-third of the total input volume, while the volume of flow through the second diversion conduit  43  will constitute about two-thirds of the total input volume. It is understood that small changes to the internals, including the placement of the transition between bores  57  and  61  and other design changes can affect the relative flow rates. For the rudimentary case of one stream being split into two, the two-thirds/one-third ratio is believed to give the user the most ease and flexibility at making a relatively easy to observe and measure.  
         [0030]     The outer diameter of the first cylindrical section  25  of the inlet fitting  23  is about 0.335 inches. While the largest dimension of the second frusto conical shaped land  31  is about 0.36 inches. This breadth of available fit should enable the flow diverter  21  inlet fitting to form a good tight fit on flexible tubing having an inner diameter of from about slightly smaller than 0.25 inches and up to and including tubing having an inner diameter of up to 0.36 inches. In the event of a mis-match, an adapter could be used. A smaller toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  would be preferable as the dimensions of the flow diverter  21 , and particularly the diameter of the bores  57 ,  59 ,  61 , and  63 , should not cause a restriction which will be powerful enough to either cause the flow diverter  21  to become disconnected from the toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  nor to create a thrust in the flow diverter  21  sufficient to cause it to become disconnected from the toilet tank overflow tube  89 . An oversized flow diverter  21 , with respect to the toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  is generally encouraged.  
         [0031]     In the view of  FIG. 3 , the flow diverter  21  was attached to the toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  such that second diversion conduit  43  was inside it and delivering two-thirds of the flow within, while first diversion conduit  41  was outside, delivering one-third of the flow outside. Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative partial sectional view showing a different positioning shows the flow diverter  21  attached to the toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  such that first diversion conduit  41  was inside it and delivering one-third of the flow within, while the second diversion conduit  43  was outside, delivering two-thirds of the flow outside of toilet tank overflow fill tube line  87  and into the toilet tank  71  in contribution to the toilet tank water level  79 .  
         [0032]     Other configurations of a flow diverter  21  can give further flexibility of mounting. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow diverter  101  has essentially the same flow arrangement as flow diverter  21 , but is formed with a side leg  103  which can form an engagement with the rim of an object placed between side leg  103  and the first and second diversion conduits  41 , between first diversion conduit  41  and the second diversion conduit  43  and the first diversion conduit  41  and side leg  103 . The side leg  103  is preferably solid and carries no flow. The side leg  103  is, like clip structures  45 , simply a holding structure to assist in attachment to toilet tank overflow tube  89 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43  and side leg  103  may preferably be tapered or step tapered in order to form a better fit. In this configuration, all, none, one or two flow streams may be directed into the toilet tank overflow tube  89 .  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a further embodiment is seen as a flow diverter  111  which, like the flow diverter  111 , has the ability to be mounted so that all, none, one or two flow streams may be directed into the toilet tank overflow tube  89 . Placement of the two clip structures  45  on the outside of the first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43 , and providing three accommodation spaces  113 ,  115 , and  117 , with space  113  between a clip structure  45  and first diversion conduit  41 , space  117  between a clip structure  45  and second diversion conduit  43 , and space  115  between first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43 . This permits the flow diverter  113  to be placed on the near edge of a toilet tank overflow tube  89  so that the flow is all outside the tube, one stream inside, or two streams are inside the tube. Where the stream from first diversion conduit  41  is desired to flow into the toilet tank overflow tube  89 , the space  115  is simply fitted over the far wall of the toilet tank overflow tube  89  such that first diversion conduit  41  is oriented to send its flow into the toilet tank overflow tube  89 .  
         [0034]     The orientation and flexibility of flow diverter  111  can be expanded to longer versions having, for example one more flow conduit, and the next integer number ratio of flow. Three conduits may ideally have flows of ¼, ¼, and ½ to enable selection of flow into the toilet tank overflow tube  89  of ¼, ½, ¾, and full flow. In the configuration of flow diverter  111 , an additional conduit and clip set are all that need to be added. This is seen in  FIG. 8  where a flow diverter  121  has one additional diversion conduit and one additional accommodation space.  
         [0035]     Flow diverter  121  second diversion conduit  43  is followed by an accommodation space  123  and then followed by a third diversion conduit  125 . The third diversion conduit is then followed by an accommodation space  127 . Any of the accommodation spaces  113 ,  115 ,  123 , or  127  can fit over the rim of a toilet tank overflow tube  89 . The selectability of three flow conduits can be demonstrated by example.  
         [0036]     With regard to the flow diverter  121 , where first and second and third diversion conduits  41 ,  43 , &amp;  125  are employed, second and third diversion conduits  43  and  125  can each have a flow of ¼ of the total flow with first diversion conduit  41  having a flow of ½ of the total. As the flow diverter approaches the toilet tank overflow tube  89 , the accommodation clot  127  could be attached to the upper rim of tube  89  to cause all of the flow to go outside, into the toilet tank  71 . Moving the flow diverter  121  to attach at accommodation space  123  would cause ¼ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  with the remainder into the toilet tank  71 . Moving the flow diverter  121  to attach at accommodation space  115  would cause ½ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  with the remainder into the toilet tank  71 .  
         [0037]     Moving the flow diverter  121  across the toilet tank overflow and to attach to the opposite side of the toilet tank overflow tube  89  at accommodation space  123  will cause ¾ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  (from first and second diversion conduits  41  and  43 , with the remainder of the flow via third diversion conduit  125  to flow into the toilet tank  71 . As can be seen from this case, the use of accommodation space  115  splits the flow, and for finer flow adjustability, the flow openings of the first and second and third diversion conduits  41 ,  43 , &amp;  125  should be selected for an uneven split.  
         [0038]     By further example, if increments of ⅕ were selected, and with regard to the flow diverter  121 , where first and second and third diversion conduits  41 ,  43 , &amp;  125  are employed, second and third diversion conduits  43  and  125  can each have a flow of ⅕ of the total flow with first diversion conduit  41  having a flow of ⅗ of the total. As the flow diverter approaches the toilet tank overflow tube  89 , the accommodation clot  127  could be attached to the upper rim of tube  89  to cause all of the flow to go outside, into the toilet tank  71 . Moving the flow diverter  121  to attach at accommodation space  123  would cause ⅕ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  with the remainder into the toilet tank  71 . Moving the flow diverter  121  to attach at accommodation space  115  would cause ⅖ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  (from second and third diversion conduits  43  and  125  flowing at ⅕ each) with the remainder into the toilet tank  71 .  
         [0039]     Moving the flow diverter  121  across the toilet tank overflow and to attach to the opposite side of the toilet tank overflow tube  89  at accommodation space  115  will cause ⅗ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  (from first diversion conduit  41 ) with the remainder of the flow via third and fourth diversion conduits  43  and  125  to flow into the toilet tank  71 .  
         [0040]     Moving the flow diverter  121  across the toilet tank overflow and still at the opposite side of the toilet tank overflow tube  89  at accommodation space  123  will cause ⅘ of the flow to go inside the toilet tank overflow tube  89  (from first and second diversion conduits  41  &amp;  43 ), with the remainder of the flow via third diversion conduit  125  to flow into the toilet tank  71 . Moving to the accommodation space  113  in a near orientation, or accommodation space  127  in a far orientation would cause all of the flow to enter the toilet tank overflow tube  89 . As can be seen, the use of three linear diversion conduits can produce  7  flows, namely zero, ⅕, ⅖, ⅗, ⅘, and 5/5 of flow to be selectability placed in either the toilet tank overflow tube  89  or the toilet tank  71 . Moreover, the use of a larger number of diversion conduits not only gives the user increased selectability in terms of flow, but also reduces any tendency of the flow diverter to produce thrust which might cause it to be dislodged from its position atop the toilet tank overflow tube  89 .  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a Fifth embodiment is seen as a flow diverter  131 . Flow diverter  131  has a metal clip  133  which may be attached as the flow diverter  131  is injection molded. Clip  133  has a base  135  from which two metal members  137  extend. The metal members may be curved to facilitate mounting to the upper rim of toilet tank overflow tube  89 . Metal clip  133  may have one or more anchoring structures  139  to enable it to hold fast within the flow diverter  131 . The use of a flow diverter  131  with a metal clip  133  enables the use of a much larger and stronger holding device, regardless of the plastic or elastomer from which the flow diverter  21 ,  101 ,  111 ,  121 ,  131  is made. Further, none of the flow diverters  21 ,  101 ,  111 ,  121 ,  131  are shown to scale, and it is contemplated that a clip can have an expanded volume, length or other characteristic.  
         [0042]     While the present invention has been described in terms of a flow diverter for a toilet tank overflow tube fill line, the principles contained therein are applicable to other types of selectable flow diversion systems.  
         [0043]     Although the invention is derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art and which may be reasonably envisioned.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4