IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-CLOSETS, LAVATORIES, AND URINALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE GENERALLY FOR TRAPPING THE INLETS TO DRAINS AND SEWERS."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John William Holland, of 47, Crossley Street, Liverpool
Road, in the County of Middlesex, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATER-CLOSETS, LAVATORIES, AND URINALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS
ARE APPLICABLE GENERALLY FOR TRAPPING THE INLETS TO DRAINS AND
SEWERS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John William Holland at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th October 1880.
JOHN WILLIAM HOLLAND, of 47, Crossley Street, Liverpool Road, in the County
of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS, LAVATORIES, AND URINALS,
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE GENERALLY FOR TRAPPING THE
INLETS TO DRAINS AND SEWERS."
The object of the Invention is, first, to provide a simple construction of closet by
which the outward and exposed parts of the closet are practically disconnected with
the soil pipe and other parts in which exist or are generated poisonous and injurious
gases.
For this purpose I form a water closet of strong earthenware, cast iron, or other
suitable material, with a closed chamber at the side communicating with the closet
basin, which may be called an intercepting or disconnecting chamber, from which a
ventilating pipe is led off to the open air; into this side chamber the trap of closet
is made or arranged to discharge itself, but has no immediate or direct communica-
tion with the soil pipe which is connected to the bottom of the side chamber.
The soil pipe may be taken from bottom exactly in a vertical line with the outlet
of trap, or by preference be extended a little distance, say, two inches, from end of
trap, so that the first and sudden discharge does not fall into the soil pipe, but upon
this intermediate space, and so avoiding a sudden counteraction and dispersion of
sewer gas, while the force of the current when at full discharge would allow of its
passage through the trap over the upper surface of contents being discharged.
By the above means the unsealing of the trap by any syphonage or similar action
is entirely obviated, nor is it so likely or liable to be forced by any pressure exerted
on its discharge side. The overflow pipe from the closet basin is led off from the
lower part of the basin and arranged to discharge into the upper part of the side
chamber.

page_text: I place on the orifice of the overflow pipe a slit india rubber nose piece or valve to
seal it against any back current of impure air.
I also perforate the upper part of the diaphragm of the trap above the level of
valve seat so as to prevent and carry away any sewer gas that might otherwise
accumulate or exist; or by another method, instead of having this perforated
diaphragm, I carry a short and distinct length of ventilating pipe from the upper
part of the valve chamber into the ventilating pipe just above the connection with
closed chamber, and by this means also clear the valve chamber of impure air.
A combined basin, intercepting chamber, and trap, may be formed by the outlet
from the bottom of the basin leading into as it were a trough, which passes across
the chamber and forms the trap.
By my Invention I make a simple form of hopper and trap of same materials or
combination as before described in this Specification in relation to valve closets,
the trap and chamber being formed similarly as described, with the other form of
closet or arranged with the usual distal end of trap being brought close up to back
of chamber, or the trap may discharge itself at either one side or both as preferred
or desired. A ventilating pipe is carried from the top or side of the chamber, and
the chamber is provided with an access door, and the junction for the soil pipe is
placed at the bottom in the centre or upon either of the sides.
A trap formed as above described with hopper to discharge at end or at
either or both of the sides may be used for lavatories, or made in one piece with
them, and is applicable to the several forms of plug or tip up basins, and also to
urinals and sinks, or as gully and drain traps.
In order to form the joint for connecting the down right soil branch to the soil
pipe I form a groove externally round the branch or down pipe of closet, and upon
which a round india rubber ring is tightly fixed or jumped on.
The lead soil pipe
is dressed out to go over this, and is kept in position by a clip bolted together; this
clip has a short neck and flange, so that in addition it forms a stand for the whole
fixture, and may be independent in itself or form a part of another frame; this and
the clip may be made of wrought or cast iron or any other suitable material. The
branch pipe of closet would have a flange made upon it with an hollow or groove
on the under side close to the pipe, that is, on the inner side of flange, at such a
distance from end as to take the bearing of the combined clip and stand; in this
groove on the flange around pipe would be fixed a round rubber ring, the better to
form a bed for bearing, and as an additional packing or seal as a more effectual
preventive against the passing of sewer gas at this joint or junction. The joint
may be formed by itself, so that it may be applied to other forms of closet or
wherever sound joints may be required. It is not essential that a groove should be
fornied either in the branch pipe of closet, in the lead soil pipe, or in the clip; they
may be perfectly plain, and a free movement allowed to the india rubber ring
or band, in which case the clip by preference may have a slight bead upon its
surface and nearly at the top to act as a check or stop to the india rubber ring.
In order also that the basin of a closet may be kept perfectly clean I form the
closet in such a manner that an inner basin inay easily be put in or taken out for
cleaning purposes; this inner basin rests upon a projecting rin formed on the inner
side of the outer basin; the rim should have a continuous band of rubber or 3 or 4
pieces of rubber or other soft material attached to and projecting from it to prevent
breakage when the inner basin is being dropped into position. The water service or
distributor of water in basin will be moveable and distinct from inside of basin, being
jointed where fixed to the projecting ears on outer side of basin, and from which it
would take its bearings, so that it could be thrown up clear when desired to remove
or replace basin and dropped down to fit under the rim of the basin when in use.
The basins are each provided with a slot or sunk bearing to allow of the water
distributor to fall down flush, this distributor is made preferably with fine holes on
its lower side next the basin to flush that part of the basin, and with larger holes
at each end at different angles one with the other to flush the remaining part of
basin sides and front.

page_text: The form of outlet valve to be used with the plug type of water closet may be
made of a cylindrical porcelain plug of about same length and diameter, the diameter
to be a little larger than the inside diameter of the outlet or soil pipe, the bottom
of the plug to be preferably flat with a male screw (say 11½") projecting from its
bottom, to which would be attached a semi-circular piece of porcelain, having a
corresponding female screw; between these two pieces of porcelain may be inserted
an india rubber disc of not larger diameter than the plug, the semi-circular piece
being less in diameter than the cylindrical piece, thereby leaving a margin all
round; the rod for handle will pass through the upper plug only and be secured with
a nut or screw.
Or the plug may be spherical and free to rotate on its axis, thus bringing its
several surfaces in various positions to better contribute to its cleanliness, The
joint or valve is made sound by a rubber ring being laid on the seat; these plugs
can be made of any suitable material.
In street urinals I apply a cover over the urinal basin to dip down into and in
a great measure hide its contents, thus forming a trap, and leaving the discharge
side with a chamber of considerable area which is ventilated by a central shaft with
an exhaust cowl or extractor fixed at the top. The shaft runs up the centre, and
the several urinals or partitions or subdivisions are either attached or detached; or
lower receptacle is also formed just under the ground level and covered with a
grating so as to receive any overflow from the upper vessels; this lower receptacle
is either covered and trapped in a similar manner to the one above, or is left open
and trapped nearer the centre, that is, the projection of cover is much less, and the
ventilating chamber is also proportionately reduced, at the same time leaving a
sufficient exposed area to the centre shaft for ventilation. The upper basins or
urinals are by preference formed out of one annular chainber with divisions, effected
by leaves, and provided in the most convenient place at bottom with a washer and
plug to empty them of the whole of their contents and for cleaning by flushing.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John William Holland in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th April 1881.
JOHN WILLIAM HOLLAND, of 47, Crossley Street, Liverpool Road, in the County
of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS, LAVATORIES, AND URINALS,
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE GENERALLY FOR TRAPPING THE
INLETS TO DRAINS AND SEWERS."
The object of the Invention is, first, to provide a simple construction of closet by
which the outward and exposed parts of the closet are practically disconnected with
the soil pipe and other parts in which exist or are generated poisonous and
injurious gases.
For this purpose I form a water closet of strong earthenware, cast iron, or other
suitable material, with a closed chamber at the side communicating with the closet
basin, which may be called an intercepting or disconnecting chamber, from which
a ventilating pipe is led off to the open air; into this side chamber the trap of closet
is made or arranged to discharge itself but has no immediate or direct communication
with the soil pipe which is connected to the bottom of the side chamber.
I form a combined basin, intercepting chamber, and trap, by making the outlet
from the bottoin of the basin to lead into as it were a trough which passes across
the chamber and forms the trap.
A simple form of hopper and trap and chamber may be similarly formed.
A ventilating pipe is carried from the top or side of the chamber, and the chamber
is provided with an access door, and the junction for the soil pipe is placed at the
bottom in the centre or upon either of the sides.
A trap formed as above described with hopper to discharge at end or at either or
both of the sides, may be used for lavatories or made in one piece with them, and
is applicable to the several forms of plug or tip up basins, and also to urinals and
sinks, or as gully and drain traps.
In order to form the joint for connecting the down right soil branch to the soil
pipe, I form a groove externally round the branch or down pipe of closet, and
upon which a round india rubber ring is tightly fixed or jumped on. The lead
soil pipe is dressed out to go over this, and is kept in position by a clip bolted
together; this clip has a short neck and flange, so that in addition it forms a stand
for the whole fixture, and may be independent in itself or form a part of another
frame; this and the clip may be made of wrought or cast iron or any other suitable
material. The branch pipe of closet would have a flange made upon it with an
hollow or groove on the under side close to the pipe, that is, on the inner side of
flange, at such a distance from end as to take the bearing of the combined clip and
stand in this groove. On the flange around pipe would be fixed a round rubber ring,
the better to form a bed for bearing, and as an additional packing or seal, as a
more effectual preventive against the passing of sewer gas at this joint or junction.
The joint may be formed by itself, so that it may be applied to other forms of
closet, or wherever sound joints may be required. It is not essential that a groove
should be formed either in the branch pipe of closet, in the lead soil pipe, or in the
clip; they may be perfectly plain, and a free movement allowed to the india rubber
ring or band, in which case the clip by preference may have a slight bead upon its
surface and nearly at the top to act as a check or stop to the india rubber ring.
In order also that the basin of a closet may be kept perfectly clean, I form the
closet in such a manner than an inner basin may easily be put in or taken out for
cleaning purposes; this inner basin rests upon a projecting rim formed on the inner
side of the outer basin. The rin should have a continuous band of rubber or 3 or
4 pieces of rubber or other soft material attached to and projecting from it, to
prevent breakage when the inner basin is being dropped into position. The water
service or distributor of water in basin will be moveable and distinct from inside
of basin, being jointed where fixed to the projecting ears on outer side of basin,
and from which it would takes its bearings, so that it could be thrown up clear when

page_text: desired to remove or replace basin and dropped down to fit under the rim of the
basin when in use. The basins are each provided with a slot or sunk bearing to
allow of the water distributor to fall down flush; this distributor is made preferably
with fine holes on its lower side next the basin to flush that part of the, basin, and
with larger holes at each end at different angles one with the other to flush the
remaining part of basin sides and front. The outlet valve to be used with the plug
type of water closet may be spherical and free to rotate on its axis, thus bringing
its several surfaces in various positions to better contribute to its cleanliness. The
joint or valve is made sound by a rubber ring being laid on the seat; these plugs
can be made of any suitable material.
In street urinals I apply a cover over the urinal basin to dip down into and in a
great measure hide its contents, thus forming a trap, and leaving the discharge side
with a chamber of considerable area, which is ventilated by a central shaft with
an exhaust cowl or extractor fixed at the top. The shaft runs up the centre, and
the several urinals or partitions or subdivisions are either attached or detached. A
lower receptacle is also formed just under the ground level and covered with a
grating, so as to receive any overflow from the upper vessels; this lower receptacle
is either covered and trapped in a similar manner to the one above, or is left open
and trapped nearer the centre, that is, the projection of cover is much less, and the
ventilating chamber is also proportionately reduced, at the same time leaving a
sufficient exposed area to the centro shaft for ventilation. The upper basins or
urinals are by preference formed out of one annular chamber with divisions effected
by leaves, and provided in the most convenient place at bottom with a washer
and plug to empty them of the whole of their contents, and for cleaning by
flushing.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention I will proceed to describe
more fully the manner of performing the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figures A, A', A", shew a plan, vertical section, and elevation of a urinal
constructed as above described. The Drawings shew clearly the construction.
When urinals are formed in this way it is advantageous to place at top of the
ventilating shaft of the urinal a chamber surmounted with an extracting cowl, the
ventilating shaft being carried up some little distance into this chamber, upon
the top of which I place a cage male with as large meshes or holes as its purpose
will allow, this cage to contain sponge, charcoal, or any other porous and suitable
material upon which one or more small jets or sprays of water would play; the
supply of water through these jets would be regulated by a ball valve which would
be opened and closed according to the height of water contained in chamber; when
the jets are not supplied with water the material in cage would be supplied by
capillary attraction; in this way the water in chainber would be chiefly absorbed,
the action of supply, &c., being automatic, the object of this arrangement being to
better obtain an upward current and so promote ventilation, and also to purify or
practically to destroy the noxious gases arising in all cases from urinals and
poisoning the whole of the surrounding atmosphere, more especially when placed
contiguous to houses, as in large towns, the air that enters the upper parts of these
buildings. It is not necessary that all these improvements shall be used together,
they may be in part only adopted.
Figures B, B, B1, B¹¹, shew a plan, vertical section, end elevation, and horizontal
section of a valve closet made in the way that is now generally common, and
showing my various improvements adapted to it, as already set forth, viz., movable
basin, movable water supply pipe, soil-pipe, joint and stand, and overflow, with
flexible slit nose piece upon it.
Figures D and D' shew the double basin and supply arm in further detail.
Figures C, C¹, C", shew the soil pipe joint in further detail.
This joint can be made upon a smaller scale (and of a material of elastic property

page_text: or not), and is adapted for making Joints in lead and other pipes or an sizes, and is
more especially suited to such places where it may be necessary sometimes to
disconnect the fixture from the pipes; it is also particularly adapted for attaching
the supply pipes to the arms of closet and lavatory basins. In these adaptations
the flange upon joint would not be necessary, and in place of bolts and nuts set
screws might be used. It might be found necessary to make the arm of closet or
other basin with a small bead upon it, the better to suit this joint.
Figures E, E', E", show another form of closet with spherical valves, as herein
before described.
Figures F, F, F, shew a plan, vertical section, and horizontal section of a
urinal formed with my improved trap passing across the ventilating chamber.
Figures G, G, G", show a trap of the same construction.
Figures J, J, J, shew a plan, vertical section, and horizontal section of a closet
with my improved trap.
Figures L, L, L", show my improved closet with ordinary plug valve; the
overflow, although not appearing on Drawing, is similarly arranged to Figures E
and B.
This remark as to overflow applies in the same way to all the forms of closet
shown, &c.
All my improved closets may be made in one or more pieces, and the arrange-
ment of valves and seats be adapted accordingly.
Figure M' shows how my improved closet with inner moveable basin may be
fitted with a sliding valve so as to form a closet without any mechanism below the
seat.
Figure U shews another closet in which the same object is attained; the outlet is
formed at one side of the basin and fitted with a valve in a vertical position, or
approximately so.
In another chamber, which for distinction I will call a handle chamber, the trap
into which contents of basin are emptied is immediately under the handle chamber,
and is covered with a valve working in connection with the valve closing side of
closet; these valves are sufficiently weighted to keep them tightly closed. One plan
by which I propose to open these valves and regulate their closing is by having
fixed in handle chamber à bell crank having a long and short arm, the shorter arm
being connected to handle, and the longer arm having an intermediate connection
with a length of wire attached to the extreme end (from basin) of horizontal valve,
and continuing therefrom to the vertical valve, being fastened to it a little above
the joint or hinge which connects the two valves; by this arrangement, when the
handle is raised the horizontal valve is first opened and the vertical valve follows
quickly afterwards, the handle only being raised to its usual height will give a
clear and sufficient passage for contents of basin. The handle rod passes through
a guide rod fixed across the upper part of handle chamber, having two friction
rollers for handle to move easily up and down. A strong V spring is fixed on the
two sides of handle rod with V extending upwards so as to ease and regulate the
closing of the valve.
With my improved closet and valve there is a greater freedom from contact with
the several impuritics contained by the basin when in use than with those having
a valve with the under action, as these latter facilitate a gradual accumulation or
incrustation of foul matter upon their underside, which it is impossible to cleanse
without taking the closet more or less to pieces, whereas in mine it is an easy
matter to thoroughly cleanse it without disturbing any of the fixed parts, the trap
is also as easily accessible. The valve is raised quickly and quite clear of the
outlet, allowing a perfectly free passage for contents, and it is impossible for the
valve in any way to form an obstruction or to get clogged. Another desideratum
obtained is that the space is so reduced in the upper part of the trap in which the
valve (in many types of closets) works, and sometines called the valve box or
container, that there is little or no foul air escapes when the valve is raised. In that
type of closet, with plug valve, the contents of basin being free to circulate around

page_text: this plug valve it becomes very foul and noxious, and it is not an easy matter to
get at it to cleanse it. A great feature in my improvements in closets being that
there is no mechanism fixed underneath the closet or in any of the passages
through which contents are carried.
I also arrange my improved trap so as to form a sink trap; it may be made with
a fast or hinged grating, the hinge being formed upon the division between the
grating or open part, and the blank part, or it may have a grating made and
attached after any of the usual methods, providing always that that part covering
the side chamber be blank, that is, not forming part of the grating; a branch with
union attached to connect ventilating pipe to is taken from the top or upper part
of this chamber. When the grating is a fixture a cap and screw is provided in some
convenient position so that access may be had to the inside of trap for cleansing or
clearing purposes. When necessary or desirable I provide this trap with a straight
or bent union to connect the outgo or outlet pipe to. I do not confine my improved
stench or drain trap to those kinds only which I have described with open tops, as
they are equally as applicable for intermediate trapping for such purposes as S and
D traps are now generally applied, and in place of the grating I carry up a pipe to
connect to waste or other pipe of fixture, &c.
This sink trap is shown, first, with a distinct intercepting chainber, and with the
trap or channel continued to back of so called intercepting chamber, and with
the outlet over the two sides of the channel; secondly, the trap or channel is
carried on one side of the intercepting chamber and the current is taken, in this
instance, only over the one side; and, thirdly, the arrangement with side chamber
only, trap being formed by a diaphragm, and overflowing direct into waste pipe ;
this explanation refers in same manner to my improved street drain or gulley
shewn at Figure T.
The traps R, S, T, may be made either with or without a ventilating pipe,
although its object is better attained and it is a more perfect appliance with the
ventilating branch applied; these traps may be made in lead, iron, earthenware, or
any combination thereof. Figure Tur shows blank cap fixed when ventilation pipe
is not fixed.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I would have it understood that I claim,―
First. The construction of urinals, substantially as described and illustrated at
Figures A, A¹.
Second. The construction of water closet with an inner removeable basin and
jointed water supply pipe, substantially as described with referenco to Figures
D, D'.
Third. The construction of water closets, substantially as described and shewn at
Figures B, B1, B1, B¹¹
Fourth. The manner of forming a joint, substantially as described and illustrated
at Figures C, C', C", applicable for connecting the soil pipe to the outlet from the
closet, or wherever sound joints are required.
Fifth. The construction of traps, substantially as herein before described and
illustrated in the Drawings annexed.
Sixth. The construction of water closets, substantially as herein before described
and illustrated in the Drawings annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John William Holland, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
JOHN WILLIAM HOLLAND. (L.S.)
JOHN WILLIAM HOLLAND. (L.S.)