IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS, WASHING BASINS, BATHS, JAW BOXES, AND URINALS, AND IN VALVES, TRAP BENDS, AND OTHER CONNECTIONS THEREFOR AND APPLICABLE OTHERWISE
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Shanks, of Barrhead, in the County of Renfrew,
North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS,
WASHING BASINS, BATHS, JAW BOXES, AND URINALS, AND IN VALVES,
TRAP BENDS, AND OTHER CONNECTIONS THEREFOR AND APPLICABLE
OTHERWISE."
Sealed the 18th July 1879, and dated the 22nd January 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Shanks at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd January 1879.
" IM-
JOHN SHANKS, of Barrhead, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain.
PROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS, WASHING BASINS, BATHS, JAW BOXES, AND
URINALS, AND IN VALVES, TRAP BENDS, AND OTHER CONNECTIONS THEREFOR
AND APPLICABLE OTHERWISE."
This Invention has for its object to improve the construction of waterclosets,
washing basins, baths, jaw boxes, and urinals, and parts connected therewith to
render them more durable and less liable to leakage and breakage, and to secure
other advantages in an economical manner.
It has long been acknowledged that a glazed surface like that of delf or earthen-
ware is in many ways the best for the interiors of the articles to which this Inven-
tion relates, but liability to breakage and other practical difficulties have interfered
with its general adoption, and whilst cast iron has been preferred for its strength
and comparative cheapness, attempts that have been made to modify its objectionable
surface have not been successful. In some cases delf or earthenware has been
encased in lead or copper, but the great cost involved in this plan has been a bar
to its general use.
By one part of the present Invention the difficulties referred to are overcome by
combining delf and cast iron in an improved manner, and in some cases a less
costly article can be produced in this way, and yet be better and less liable to
breakage than those mentioned.
In carrying out the Invention in the case of a watercloset it is preferred to make
the several portions in separate parts, by doing which better forms can be obtained
with less cost. The internal part is made of delf, but with only the inner surface
glazed, the outside being rough. A casing of cast iron is made for each delf part,

page_text: and where the form of the part renders it necessary or desirable the cast iron
casing is made in two or more pieces, to be bolted together or otherwise attached.
When each delf part has been placed in its castiron shell, cement, plaster, or other
suitable composition is run in or applied between them to render the whole solid
and strong. This construction is adopted in the cases of the trunk and trap bend
as well as with the basin of the watercloset. The overflow passage from the closet
basin may be formed between the basin and its casing, the latter being made with
an internal channel for the purpose.
In some modifications the delf basin may be made without a top flange, a
metallic flange being substituted therefor, and in such cases the casing may be
made with an enlargement at the top forming a channel round the top edge of the
basin. The water inlet is placed in the channel (by preference in a depressed part)
and the water enters the basin by flowing over the edge all round. If the channel
round the basin is made deep enough an after flush may be obtained in a very
simple way by its means, one or more small holes being made from the bottom of
it into the basin. When the main discharge valve opens, and also the water supply
valve, the water flows in over the edge of the basin, and then, after the valves are
shut, the water in the channel gradually passes into the basin by the small
holes.
In the case of the trapbend of a watercloset, bath, urinal, or other apparatus
having a waste or discharge pipe the trapbend casting is formed with a small com-
partment, which is a combined air or ventilating outlet and a trapped overflow; the
overflow pipe from the basin, bath, or other vessel being led into this casting
whilst the continuation of the ventilating pipe proceeds from it. This compartment
may be in the same casting as the trapbend or separate therefrom.
Another improvement in waterclosets having delf basins consists in fixing a delf
shell or shield over the inlet, but as such shell, when of delf, cannot be easily made
to direct or spread the entering water in a proper manner, there is combined with it
and under it a shell of lead or other suitable metal, which can in each case be
easily shaped to direct the water as desired. The delf shield is fixed by means of a
horizontal flange or lug formed at the top of it.
In
In connection with a watercloset having the water supply apparatus all below
the seat, and of the kind described in the Specification of the Letters Patent granted
to the present applicant, and dated 26 May 1877 (No. 2056), an improved con-
struction of float valve is used by the present Invention in order to allow of a very
small float being used and of tho sizes of the parts generally being reduced.
this valve the outlet is closed by a flexible disc of rubber or the like stretched
across a cavity to which the water has access by a small holo whilst a second small
hole is controlled by a very small valve worked by the float. On the float valve
opening the pressure on the disc is relieved so that it rises off the outlet, but on
the float valve closing the water slowly fills into the cavity again, and makes the
disc gradually close the main outlet. The action of this improved valve is gentle
and without concussion, and the valve is also applicable to overhead water closet
and other cisterns and for steam traps and other apparatus working with hot water.
Instead of the diaphragm itself closing the main outlet it may have a disc or
conical valve attached to it for that purpose.
Where the pressure of water is moderate and lowness of cost an object, a simple
modification of the water supply valve may be used. In this valve a metal disc
with or without a rubber or leather face piece closes the outlet, and is fixed to a
spindle passing through the valve cover, a cylinder or number of rings of rubber
being placed on the spindle between the disc and the inside of the cover.
rubber cylinder or set of rings keeps the opening in the cover watertight, and acts
as a spring to ensure the closing of the valve. Externally, the spindle is connected
to the float lever.
The
In another modification of float valve the valve piece is a cap fitted with a quick
screw on the end of the water supply pipe, and closing or opening an internal
nozzle on that pipe by its inward or outward movement due to the screw. A dis-

page_text: charge tube of small bore extends from one side of the valvo cap, and is bended or
coiled with the view of rendering the discharge of the water less noisy than is the
case with ordinary float valves. The float is attached to the discharge tube which
thus serves as the lever, and as the float rises or falls it turns the valve cap, and
thus closes or opens the valve.
A modification of the valve last herein before described is advantageously
applicable as a tube or swan-neck cock, such as is commonly used in connection with
jaw boxes or sinks fitted at kitchen windows. The tube or swan neck is fixed to
the side of a cap fitted with a quick screw on the end of the supply pipe, and the
cap has fixed to it a spindle projecting inwards, and having a head or valve at its
inner end. This valve is between two valve seats, and closes against one when the
tube is turned down, and against the other when the tube is turned up and over,
the water flowing when the tube is in an intermediate position
The improvement in waterclosets herein before described are applicable to water-
closets of various known constructions as regards their main discharge valves and
passages; the Invention however also comprises a new construction of main dis-
charge valve and other parts, the valve being in the form of a curved disc consisting
of delf fixed to a metal arm, and arranged to close upwards against a seat of
vulcanised rubber, which seat is in the form of a cylindrical or conical flange
projecting down from the inner edge of a flat ring or flange, by means of which
last it is fixed in position. By this Invention also the main lever for moving the
main discharge valve is placed parallel to the axis of the valve instead of at right
angles as heretofore, such improved arrangement being specially advantageous in
the case of double-valve closets for ships, as it admits of the two valves being
worked directly by the same lever, its fulcrum being placed in the middle with the
acting parts for the two valves on opposite sides thereof. Or a similar result may
be obtained in the case of a double-valve closet with the lever placed at right
angles to the axes of the valves, but with its fulcrum at the middle, and with the
valves in reversed positions, so that their spindles are at opposite sides. Another
improvement consists in casting a snug on the side of the castiron casing of the
watercloset basin, and in screwing to such snug the cup for the closet handle, the
handle rod being provided with a screw at its bottom end to adjust the parts for
height.
Where waterclosets and other cisterns are required to be lined with lead, such
lining is, by this Invention, applied in combination with castiron, and so as to avoid
soldering (the soldered parts being by some considered to be more liable to affect
the water). The castiron casing is made in pieces with flanges, and the lead lining
is laid over the inside and on the flanges so as to be fixed between the flanges
when they are bolted together. When the cistern has to be divided by a partition,
this partition is made of sheet lead, and is held by its edges between flanges of the
castiron casing, which casing is made with its joints placed suitably for the
partition.
In making urinals according to this Invention either the castiron casing applied
in combination with delf as hereinbefore described, or the delf itself is bent or
curled over in wards round the edge so as to form a channel all round with a narrow.
slit-like opening between the edge of the curled-over part and the sides.
A fan or
shield is fitted over the inlet for the flushing water, and directs into the edge
channel as much of the water as will be sufficient to cause a film to flow from such
channel over the entire inner surface.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Shanks in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th July
1879.
JOHN SHANKS, of Barrhead, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS, WASHING BASINS, BATHS, JAW BOXES, AND
URINALS, AND IN VALVES, TRAP BENDS, AND OTHER CONNECTIONS THEREFOR
AND APPLICABLE OTHERWISE."
My said Invention has for its object to improve the construction of waterclosets,
washing basins, baths, jawboxes, and urinals, and parts connected therewith, to
render then more durable and less liable to leakage and breakage, and to secure
other advantages in an economical manner.
It has long been acknowledged that a glazed surface like that of delf or earthen-
ware is in many ways the best for the interiors of the articles to which my Invention
relates, but liability to breakage and other practical difficulties have interfered with
its general adoption; and whilst castiron has been preferred for its strength and
comparative cheapness attempts that have been made to modify its objectionable
surface have not been successful. In some cases delf or earthenware has been
encased in lead or copper, but the great cost involved in this plan has been a bar to
its general use.
By one part of my present Invention the difficulties referred to are overcome by
combining delf and castiron in an improved manner; and in some cases a less costly
article can be produced in this way and yet be better and less liable to breakage than
those mentioned.
My said Invention comprises various improvements besides the one hereinbefore
indicated, but all my improvements and their practical application will be most
readily understood if I at once proceed to particularly describe them with the aid of
the accompanying two Sheets of explanatory Drawings, which bear reference
numerals, the same numerals being used to mark the same or like parts wherover
they are repeated.
The application of the first part of my Invention in the case of a watercloset
according to one modification is shown in vertical section in Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of
the accompanying Drawings. I prefer to make the several portions in separate
parts, three parts 1, 2, 3, being shown in Figure 1, and by doing this better forms
can be obtained with less cost. The internal parts are made of delf or earthenware,
but with only the inner surface glazed, the outside being rough. A casing of castiron
is made for each delf part, and where the form of the part renders it necessary or
desirable the castiron casing is made in two or more pieces; or, on the other hand,
one iron casting may sometimes serve to receive two or more pieces of delf.
Thus in the casting 2 there is the inclined delf discharge tube 4 in one piece
and the delf lining 5 of the valve box in another piece. The several castiron
casings 1, 2, 3, aro bolted together by flanges. When cach delf part has been
placed in its castiron shell cement, plaster, or other suitable composition, which
in the Drawings is shown solid black, is run in or applied between them to
render the whole solid and strong. This construction is adopted in the cases of the
trunk and trapbend as well as with the basin and other parts of the watercloset. In
the case of the trapbend, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 the castiron casing is made in
two halves. The overflow passage 6 from the closet basin may be formed between
the basin and its casing 1, the latter being made with an internal channel 6 for the
purpose as shown in Figure 4, which is a vertical section of a different form of basin.
In some cases where economy is a special object only the basin part 1 is fitted inside
with a delf basin or lining.
In some modifications the delf basin 7 may be made as shown in vertical section
in Figure 5 without a top flange, a metallic flange 8 being substituted therefor, and
in such cases the casing 1 may be made with an enlargement 9 at the top, forming

page_text: a channel round the top edge of the basin 7. The water inlet 10 is placed to enter
the channel 9 (by preference at a depressed part) and the water enters the basin 7
by flowing in over the edge all round. If the channel 9 round the basin 7 is made
deep enough an after flush may be obtained in a very simple way by its means, one
or more small holes being made from the bottom of it into the basin, as shown in
Figure 6. When the main discharge valve is opened, and also the water supply
valve, the water flows in over the edge of the basin 7, and then after the valves are
shut the water in the channel 9 gradually passes into the basin 7 by the small
holes.
The herein before described improvement of combining delf linings with castiron
casings by means of interposed cement or composition is obviously applicable to
washing basins, baths, jaw boxes, and urinals, and in the case of baths or other large
vessels the delf lining may be in a number of pieces, whilst the castiron shell may
bo in one or more pieces, as may be convenient, in each case.
Another improvement in waterclosets having delf basins consists in fixing a delt
shell or shield 11, Figure 7, over the water inlet, but as such shell, when of delf,
cannot be easily made to direct or spread the entering water in a proper manner,
there is combined with and under it a shell or spreader of lead or other suitable
The
metal, which can in each case be easily shaped to direct the water as desired.
delf shield, which is shown separately in face view in Figure 8, is fixed by means
of a lug or flange formed at the top of it.
In connection with a watercloset having the water supply apparatus all below the
seat, and of the kind described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me,
and dated 26 May, 1877 (No. 2056), or of the kind shown partially in Figure 1 of
the Drawings accompanying the present Specification, an improved construction of
float valvo is used by my present Invention, in order to allow of a very small float
being used, and of the sizes of the parts generally being reduced. In a modification
of this valve, shown in vertical section in Figure 10, the outlet 12 is closed by a
flexible diaphragm or disc of rubber or the like, shown by a thick black line, and
stretched across a cavity 13, to which the water has access from the inlet 14 by a
small hole, whilst a second small hole 15 is controlled by a small valve formed on
the float lever 16. On the float lever 16 falling and opening the bolo 15, the
pressure on the disc is relieved so that it rises off the outlet 12; but on the hole 15
being closed the water slowly fills into the cavity 13 again, and makes the disc
gradually close the main outlet 12. The action of this improved valve is gentle
and without concussion, and the valve is also applicable to overhead watercloset
and other cisterns, and for steam traps and other apparatus working with hot
water. Instead of the diaphragm or disc itself closing the main outlet 12, it may
have a disc or conical valve 17 attached to it for that purpose, as in the modification
shown in vertical section in Figure 11.
Where the pressure of water is modorate, and lowness of cost an object, a simple
modification of the water supply valve may be used. In this valve, which is shown
in side elevation in Figure 12, and in vertical section in Figure 13, a metal disc 17,
with or without a rubber or leather face, closes the outlet, and is fixed to a spindle 18
passing through the valve cover 19, a cylinder 20 or number of rings of rubber
being placed on the spindle 18 between the disc 17 and the inside of the cover 19.
The rubber cylinder or set of rings keeps the opening in the cover watertight, and
acts as a spring to close the valve. Externally the spindle 18 is connected by a
cross pin to the forked end of the lever 16, which may be the float lever, or a lever
or handle actuated otherwise. The fork ends of the lever 16 are cam shaped, so as
by their action on the cover 19 to draw out the spindle 18 when the lever 16 is
turned out of the straight line.
In another modification of float valve, which is shown in side elevation in
Figure 14 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, and in horizontal section in
Figure 15, the valve piece is a cap 21 fitted with a quick screw on a nozzle 22 fixed
to the end of the water supply pipe, and this cap 21 when turned closes or opens
the nozzle aperture by its inward or outward movement due to the screw.
A

page_text: discharge tube 23 of small bore extends from one side of the valve cap 21, and is
bended or coiled with the view of rendering the discharge of the water less noisy
than is the case with ordinary float valves. The float 24 is attached to the
discharge tube 23, which thus serves as the float lever, and as the float rises or falls
it turns the valve cap 21, and thereby closes or opens the valve.
A modification of the valve shown in Figures 14 and 15, and last herein before
described, is advantageously applicable as a tube or swan-neck cock, such as is com-
monly used in connection with jaw boxes or sinks fitted at kitchen windows. This
modification is shown in horizontal section in Figure 16, and in it the tube or swan-
neck 25 is fixed to the side of a cap 21, fitted with a quick screw on the end
piece 22 fixed to the water supply pipe, and the cap 21 has fixed to it a spindle 26
projecting inwards, and having a head or valve 27 at its inner end. This valve 27
is between two valve seats, and closes against one when the tube 25 is turned down,
and against the other when the tube 25 is turned up and over, the water flowing
when the tube is in an intermediate position. The double closing action may be
obtained without the two valve seats of the modification shown in Figure 16, by
simplifying the construction as shown in section in Figure 17. In this case the
nozzle or end piece 22 of the water supply pipe has a groove 28 formed round it,
having at one part an indentation with inclined or screw-like sides, and pin 29
fixed in the cap 21 projects into the groove 28. When the cap 21 is turned to
bring the pin 29 opposite the indentation in the groove 28, the pressure of the
water opens the valve; but on the cap 21 being turned in either direction from that
point, the screw action of the side of the indentation on the pin forces the cap to
close the end of the nozzle 22.
My improvements in waterclosets hereinbefore described are applicable to water-
closets of various known constructions as regards their main discharge valves and
passages; my Invention however also comprises a new construction of main
discharge valve and other parts. The valve is shown in plan in Figure 18, and in
side or edge view in Figure 19; and it is also shown as applied to a watercloset in
Figure 9. It is in the form of a curved disc 30 made of delf or glazed earthenware,
and fixed to a metal arm 31; and it is arranged to close upwards against a seat 32
of vulcanised rubber, which seat is shown separately in Figures 20 and 21, and is in
the form of a cylindrical or conical flange projecting down from the inner edge of a
flat ring or flange, by means of which last it is fixed in position.
By my Invention also, and as shown in Figures 7 and 9 on Sheet 1 of the accom-
panying Drawings, and already hereinbefore referred to, the main lever 33, for
moving the main discharge valve 30, is placed in a plane parallel to the axis or
spindle 34 of the valve, instead of being at right angles as heretofore. The spindle 34
has fixed on it a curved slotted lever piece 35, through which a rounded part of the
main lever passes, and which is shaped so that the lever acts on it with a wedging
action towards the end of the closing movement, and thereby insures that the valve
is held firmly up against its seat. In the closet shown in Figures 7 and 9 the water
supply valve 36 is of the kind shown in Figures 12 and 13, and herein before
described, the valve lever 16 being acted on by a link 37 connecting it to an exten-
sion of the main lever 33. The overflow pipe 38 from the basin 7 is fitted into a
box 39, connected to the trunk 40 by a hollow arm, the box and arm being formed
in the same casting as the trunk, and the pipe 38 dipping down into the box so us
to be water-trapped. A screw plug is fitted to the bottom of the box 39 for cleaning
it out by. Another improvement consists in casting a snug 41 on the side of the
castiron casing 1 of the watercloset basin, and in fixing to such snug the piece 42
holding up the cup 43 for the closet handle, the handle rod 44 being provided with a
screw at the bottom to adjust the parts for height. In some cases the snug 41 is on
a level with the top of the basin, as shown in Figures 23; in other cases, as in
Figure 7, it is lower down.
The arrangement of main lever 33 and valve spindle 34 with its lever 35, herein-
before described with reference to Figures 7 and 9, is applicable in connection with
any kind of main discharge valve opening with an angular movement; thus, in

page_text: Figure 22, on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, it is shown with a pan
valve 45. This Figure 22 is a section like Figure 9, and also shows an improved
form of the trunk 40 and its cover 46, the trunk being of less height than usual,
and the cover of a curved form, whereby the interior of the upper part is reduced.
in size and less space allowed for the accumulation of effluvia. Both trunk and
cover are represented as having delf linings.
My improved arrangement of main lever (33) is especially advantageous in the case
of double-valve waterclosets for ships, as it admits of the two valves being worked
directly by the same lever. This application is shown in side elevation in Figure 23,
the lever 33 being centered on a stud 47 fixed in the side of the trunk 40, and
having separate parts on each side of its centre for acting on the two slotted valve
levers 35 and 48. A similar result may be obtained, but not so satisfactorily in the
case of a double-valve closet with the lever (33) placed at right angles to the axes
of the valves, but with its fulcrum at the middle, and with the valves in reversed
positions, so that their spindles are at opposite sides.
Where watercloset and other cisterns are required to be lined with lead, such
lining is by my Invention applied in combination with castiron, and so as to avoid
soldering (the soldered parts being by some considered to be more liable to affect
the water). Figure 24 is a vertical section of a cistern made in the improved
manner. The castiron casing is made in pieces or plates with flanges, and the lead
lining (shown by a black line, the thickness of which is exaggerated), is laid over
the inner surfaces of the pieces or plates and on the flanges, so as to be fixed
between the flanges when they are bolted together. When the cistern has to be
divided by a partition, as in the example shown in sectional sido elevation in
Figure 25, this partition 49 is made of sheet lead, and is held by its edges between
flanges of the castiron casing which is made with joints placed suitably for the
partition.
In my Provisional Specification relative hereto, mention is made of certain
proposed improvements which are not hereinbefore described, because I do not now
wish to claim them as forming part of the present Invention.
Having thus particularly described my said Invention, and the manner of per-
forming the same, I have to state that I do not restrict myself to the precise
details herein described or delineated, but that what I believe to be novel and
original, and claim as the Invention secured to me by and in terms of the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
1. The making of waterclosets, washing basins, baths, jaw boxes, and urinals, or
parts thereof or connected therewith, with linings or internal parts of delf or
carthenware cemented into castiron casings, substantially as hereinbefore described.
2. The constructing of combined watercloset basins and casings, as hereinbefore
described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
3. The construction or arrangement of water inlet herein before described with
reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying Drawings.
4. The construction or arrangement of water inlet combined with provision for
after flush, hereinbefore described with reference to Figure of the accompanying
Drawings.
5. The application to a delf watercloset basin of a delf shield (11) combined with
an internal lead shield as herein before described with reference to Figures 7 and 8
of the accompanying Drawings.
6. The construction of float valve hereinbefore described with with reference to
Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying Drawings.
7. The construction of water supply valve hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying Drawings.
8. The construction of water supply valve herein before described with referenco
to Figures 14 to 17 of the accompanying Drawings.
9. The improved watercloset main discharge valve and valve seat hereinbefore
described with reference to Figures 18 to 21 of the accompanying Drawings.
10. The placing of the main lever of a watercloset in a plane parallel to the axis

page_text: of the main discharge valve, and combined therewith in the manner hereinbefore
described with reference to Figures 7, 9, and 22 of the accompanying Drawings.
11. The arrangement of main lever and valves of a double valve water closet
herein before described with reference to Figure 23 of the accompanying Drawings.
12. The casting of a snug (41) on the casing of the watercloset basin for the
attachment of the cup of the closet handle as hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 7 and 23 of the accompanying Drawings.
13. The system of making lead-lined castiron cisterns wherein tho lead linings
are fixed by being held between the flanges of the castiron pieces or plates as
herein before described with reference to Figure 24 of the accompanying Drawings.
14. The providing of lead-lined castiron cisterns with partitions of sheet lead
held between the flanges of the castiron pieces or plates, as herein before described
with reference to Figure 25 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Shanks, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.
SAC