IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS AND IN DRAIN PIPES THEREFOR, WHICH PIPES ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Paton Buchan, of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, Sanitary Engineer and Master Plumber, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS AND IN DRAIN PIPES
THEREFOR, WHICH PIPES ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 9th April 1880, and dated the 24th December 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Paton Buchan at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th December 1879.
WILLIAM PATON BUCHAN, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Sanitary Engineer and Master Plumber. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS AND
IN DRAIN PIPES THEREFOR, WHICH PIPES ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER
PURPOSES."
This Invention, which has for its object improvements in water closets and in
drain pipes therefor or connected therewith, relates as regards water closets to those
classes of basins which are formed in one piece with the trap, and also to such
basins as are formed separately from and rest in sockets made in the traps to
receive them.
As regards the latter class of water closet basins and traps, the trap
on the house side is made with a conical socket having a rim or ledge at its lower
end for the basin to rest on, the said rim or ledge being preferably above the level
of the water seal or lock of the trap. The joint between the basin and the trap is
made with stucco, cement, gutta percha, or equivalent material, and below the
resting rim or ledge of the socket the trap is preferably widened on the house side,
so as to give a sufficient surface and depth of water in the trap itself to form the
seal without allowing the water to rise into the lower end of the basin, as hitherto.
The trap in this, as also in the case wherein the basin and trap are made in one
piece, is formed or provided with a seat, sole, or feet resting on the floor, and so
arranged that the bottom of the trap may be as close to or raised as high from the
floor as desired. In each case the flushing rim of the basin is so constructed as to
produce a cascade action upon or near the centre of the surface of the water in the
trap, in addition to the action of the water in cleansing flush down or around the
surface of the basin. This cascade action may be produced by forming a circular,
semi-circular, oblong, or other shaped opening or openings in the front or inner

page_text: part and near the lower edge of the flushing rim, whereby a portion of the flushing
water is allowed to flow down with force in an inclined direction, and so to fall
near or upon the centre of the surface of the water in the trap. The angle of
inclination of the cascade may if desired be regulated by a lip or upward projection
at the inner lower part of the water inlet, and the opening or openings to produce
the cascade action may be placed either immediately in front of the entrance water
way, or at any other part of the flushing rim where desired. The cross section of
the flushing rim may be circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, ▷ shaped, or of other
suitable form with a branch or opening at its lower part.
Under another method of producing the said cascade action an opening is left in
the flushing rim, preferably immediately in front of the entrance water way, and
either above or under the rim. At this part a piece of lead, brass, tin, or other
metal is securely fixed by bolts and nuts, cement, or equivalent means. Out of
this piece of metal the circular, semi-circular, oblong, or other shaped opening or
openings for the cascade is or are made either wholly or partially after the water
closet is fitted up, whereby it is enabled to suit the size and position of the said
openings to the height and power of the flushing water. Further, when desired,
and either independently of or in conjunction with the foregoing methods, the
material composing the basin at the back of the flushing rim, and where it is
desired to have the cascade action, opening or openings may be made to stand or
bulge out from the surface of the basin to the required extent to produce a cascade
action on a somewhat similar principle to that set forth in the Specification filed in
pursuance of Letters Patent granted to the present applicant dated 23rd April,
A.D. 1875, Number 1499, or instead of a projection composed of the material
constituting the basin an adjustable piece of metal may be used, and fixed either
by one or more bolts and nuts, or equivalent means to suit the purpose.
A similar cascade action may be produced by connecting a short metal branch
pipe, preferably oblong or square in transverse section, to the lead or metal water
supply pipe at a position just above the basin, and so that this branch pipe may
direct the water down upon or near the centre of the surface of the water in the
trap. In lieu of the flushing rim being closed in entirely round the basin, it may
extend a few inches only on each side of the inlet horn, in which case the water
flows out at each end of the rim and extends round the surface to the front of the
basin directly opposite the entrance horn, where the two currents meeting and
impinging on each other produce a cascade.
The ventilating horn or branch at the top of the outlet pipe from the trap may be
straight, oblique, bent T shaped, or otherwise formed, and of circular, oblong,
square, or other form in section. When T shaped the opening may be utilized as
an access opening on the principle shewn at Figure 12 of the Drawings appended
to the Provisional Specification of the Invention for which Letters Patent were
granted to the present applicant dated July 9th, A.D. 1878, Number 2745, but
instead of using a fire-clay or earthenware lid a brass or other metal trap screw
may be used, and the female half of the said screw may be soldered to a piece of
lead formed to suit the socket of the ventilating horn or branch, which socket in
this case at this part is preferably made rectangular; or in lieu of the foregoing
arrangement an earthenware or other lid fitted with an india rubber or other band
may be used to close the top or access opening of the horn or branch.
The improved closets may be made of earthenware, clay, porcelain, or metal.
The improvements in drain pipes for water closets embraced by this Invention
relate both to earthenware or fire-clay and iron or metal pipes. As regards fire-
clay pipes the improvement consists in casting a seat or stand on the pipe, so as to
raise the facet above the line of the bottom of the trench in order to allow the hand
of the workman making the joints to get under the facets, and also to prevent any
water in the trench from coming into contact with the cement of the joint; and
further, to prevent the pipe from rolling or moving from its position, and so
breaking the joint when filling in the trench. The seat or stand may extend
throughout the greater portion of the pipe's length, and be so made as to act as an

page_text: under drain, or to enable the pipe to be cut to different lengths as required; the
stand or seat may be constructed only on sections of its length; or the stand or
seat may be cast on the facet end only of the pipe, and instead of resting on the
ground it may rest in a shoe, or the pipe may be supported on legs or feet.
In earthenware or fire-clay pipes another improvement consists in forming long
access cleansing and junction openings on the pipes' length, and in a position not to
interfere with or break the joints or facets of the pipes. These openings are closed
by lids on which when required eyes or sockets may be formed, and placed either
vertically or at an angle to receive branch pipes. The spigot ends of the pipes may
cach have a raised part or bead formed round it, the better to keep the pipe in
position in the centre of the facet of the next pipe, and the said spigot end may
also bave indentations round it for the purpose of increasing the security of the
joint.
When iron pipes are used, such pipes may be glazed, enamelled, coated, or
painted with non-corrosive materials inside to obviate contact of the soil or foul
liquids with the metal, and so to prevent rust or corrosion inside the pipes. The
pipes hereinbefore described, besides being used as drain pipes for water closets, may
be otherwise used as drain pipes, and for the carriage of sewage generally, and
besides being employed for such purposes they may also be used for the carriage of
pure water or other liquids for domestic and other purposes, and they may either
be circular, oval, elliptical, or of other form in section.
When the drain pipes are used in connection with sinks, jaw boxes, or stop
stones, a grease intercepting trap may be employed in conjunction with them in
order to keep the said pipes clean.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Paton Buchan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd June 1880.
WILLIAM PATON BUCHAN, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Sanitary Engineer and Master Plumber. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS AND
IN DRAIN PIPES THEREFOR, WHICH PIPES ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER
PURPOSES,"
My said Invention, which has for its object improvements in water closets and
in drain pipes therefor or connected therewith, relates, as regards water closets, to
those classes of basins which are formed in one piece with or separately from the
trap, and also to improvements in the construction of the trap itself. As regards
improvements in drain pipes my said Invention consists in the provision of means
whereby the pipes are raised in the trench, so that the bottoms of the facets is
above the line of the bottom of the trench, thereby enabling the workman in
making the joint between two pipes to pass his hand under or round the facet, and
also in the provision of means whereby access is obtained to the interiors of the
pipes for the purpose of cleaning them out or for other purposes.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the
accompanying Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say,-
On the Sheet of Drawings bereunto appended Figures 1 to 13, inclusive, are
views of water closet basins and traps therefor, constructed in accordance with my
said Invention. As shown by the vertical section Figure 1 of the Drawings, the
basin A is formed or constructed separately from the trap B, which is widened on
the house side into a conical socket made with a rim or ledge D at its lower end
for the lower end of the basin A to rest on, the said rim or ledge being preferably
above the level of the water lock or seal of the trap as shown. The joint between
the basin A. and trap B is made with Kean's Portland or other cement, stucco, or
equivalent material, and below the resting rim or ledge D of the conical socket the
trap is made wide and deep enough on the house side to give in the trap itself a
sufficient surface and depth of water to form the water lock or seal without
allowing the water constituting the said lock or seal to rise into the lower end of
the basin as hitherto. The trap B is formed or provided with a seat, sole, or feet E,
which either rests on the floor F, as seen at Figure 1, or in the lead or other safe
usually placed below water closet basins, as indicated at X, Figure 32, to catch or
intercept leakage from the basin, and the said seat, sole, or feet may be of such a
height or depth that the bottom of the trap may be close to the floor, as at Figure 1,
or raised to any desired distance therefrom, as indicated at E, Figure 2 of the
Drawings. The outlet pipe or end G of the trap, which may be of the S or P form,
or of other suitable form, has an access opening H formed on its top to afford easy
access, not only to the outer part B¹, but also to the branch soil pipe B² beyond the
trap, for the purpose of examination and cleansing, and on the side of the said
opening a ventilating horn or branch J is made, to which a pipe leading to the
exterior of the building is connected to carry off any foul air or gases rising through
the pipe G. The said opening H is closed by a fire-clay, earthenware, or other lid
or cover K, which is preferably oval or elliptical in plan and held in position by
two bolts a, as seen at Figure 4. An india rubber or other elastic ring may be
placed between the flanches of the opening H and of the lid or cover K to ensure
an air and gas tight joint, or washers of leather, pasteboard, asbestos, millboard, or
putty, or equivalent material may be used for that purpose.
In lieu of closing the opening H by a fire-clay or earthenware lid it may be

page_text: closed by a brass or other metal trap screw, as seen at M, Figure 5, of the Drawings,
in which case the female part 6 of the said screw is soldered or otherwise secured
to a flanch or piece of lead c formed to fit or suit the mouth of the opening H,
which is in this case preferably made rectangular, so that the socket part of the
screw may be more firmly held in position.
Figures 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, shew vertical sections and a plan of water closet
basins made in one piece with the trap, Figures 6 and 8 being views taken
respectively on the lines e, f, and g, h, Figures 5 and 7. In each of the Figures
shown on the Drawings the flushing rim N of the basin is so constructed as to
produce a cascade action upon or near the centre of the surface of the water in the
trap in addition to the action of the water in flushing down and around the
interior surface of the basin for the purpose of cleansing the same. This cascade
action has the effect of submerging the floating paper and soil, and forcing them
towards the bottom of the trap, from whence they pass off through the soil pipe B³,
and under my said Invention the cascade may be produced in various ways. As
shown at Figures 1, 2, 7, and 8, the cascade is produced by attaching a lead or
other metal fan O to the basin immediately in front of the water inlet P, the said
fan being preferably dished and formed with a flanch or flat portion round the
dished part. The lead at the bottom part of the fan is worked up so as to produce
a semi-circular opening k at the centre, through which water from the inlet P flows
with a cascade action on the surface of the water in the trap, as indicated on the
Drawings, and at the same time the interior surface of the basin is cleaned by the
water flushing around it and downwards from the rim N. The flushing water
entering from the inlet P passes out at the sides of the lead fan O around the
flushing rim in both directions, and the two currents meeting at a point opposite
the fan tend to produce a secondary cascade, which assists in submerging the paper
and soil in the trap
Under another method of producing the cascade action, seen at Figures 3 and 5
of the Drawings, the flushing rim N is curved inwards to the interior surface of
the basin, and an opening is made at the lower part of the rim immediately in
front of the entrance water inlet P, or a series of such openings may be so made as
seen at 1, Figure 4. The opening or openings are preferably conical so as to
deliver the water with greater force, and they are made in the thickness of the rim
at an inclination or angle which will direct the cascade to or near the centre of
the surface of the water in the trap. The opening or openings 1 instead of being
placed immediately in front of the entrance waterway P may be situated at the
lower part of any other desired portion in the circumference of the rim, or an
opening or openings may be made in front of the inlet, and another opening or
openings at any other desired part of the rim. Instead of forming the inlet horn
and rim as shown at Figures 3 and 5, they may be constructed as seen at Figure 10
of the Drawings.
Under another method of producing the cascade action, shown at Figures 11
and 12, a piece m of lead, brass, tin, or other metal is secured by bolts and nuts,
cement, or equivalent means to the inner surface of the basin immediately in front
of the entrance water way P and below the rim N. To this piece of metal a short
pipe n is soldered or otherwise secured for the passage of the water constituting
the cascade into the basin. The cascade action may also be produced by con-
structing the lead fan O with a short pipe passing through it, as indicated in dotted
lines at X, Figure 2, instead of making a semi-circular opening k at the lower part
of the fan, as herein before described.
A cascade action may be produced by the arrangement illustrated at Figure 13,
which consists in connecting a branch pipe o, preferably oblong or square in
transverse section, to the metal water inlet pipe P, the said branch being bent over
the upper side of the flushing rim N with its opening or mouth at an angle suitable
for producing a cascade action on the centre of the surface of the water in the trap,
but it is to be understood that I do not claim this method of producing a cascade
as constituting any part of my said Invention.

page_text: Under another method, which I do consider to be novel and original, the branch
pipe T instead of passing over the flushing rim enters the basin at a point under
the flushing rim, as seen at S, Figure 13, the said branch being connected by a
union nut V to the short pipe S fixed to the side of the basin by a nut W, and
collar or flanch U. The cascade action may also be produced by conducting the
water through a passage formed between the inlet horn and the side of the basin
below the rim, as indicated in dotted lines at X, Figure 3, in which case the inlet
horn may be made a little longer than usual.
The improved water closet basins and traps hereinbefore described may be made
of porcelain, fire-clay, earthenware, or metal, and they may be either circular, oval,
or of other shape in plan, and in order the more readily to suit any position of the
inlet service pipe the inlet horn of the closet may be made T shaped or with two
branches, as seen at W, Figure 9, the branch opposite the service pipo being closed
with a lid or plug, through or into which a bolt or bolts may pass to hold it in
position, holes for the insertion of the bolt or bolts being made in the inlet horn.
In order to prevent the inward passage of air between the rim and seat of the
closet a ring of tubular india rubber may be placed between them, as seen at W,
Figure 5. On the under side of the tube slits or holes are cut to permit of tacks
being passed through with which to tack the tube to the seat, as indicated at Y.
The tube, by its elasticity, accomodates itself to the space between the bottom of
the seat and basin, and so prevents draughts. Although the originator of the
arrangement, I do not claim it as part of this Invention.
Figure 14 of the Drawings is a longitudinal section showing certain of the
improvements in drain pipes embraced by this Invention. These pipes are preferably
made of fire-clay or earthenware, and on the facet end a of each of them a block,
sent, or stand b is cast, as also seen at Figure 15, which is an end view of the facet
end of one pipe. The block, seat, or stand, which is terminated short of the outer
end of the facet, may be cast only on the said end of the pipe, or, if desired, it may
extend along the length of the pipe to a short distance from the spigot end, or two
or more short blocks or seats may be cast on the pipe's length, as shown at b¹, b³,
Figure 14. By means of these blocks or seats the facet of the pipe is raised above
the line of the bottom of the trench, whereby a workman in making the joint can
get his hand under and round the facet, thereby enabling him to manipulate the
cement better than hitherto, and to make a more perfect joint. Any water in the
trench is, by the raised position of the pipe, prevented from coming in contact
with and injuring the cement of the joint, and by means of the blocks or stands
the pipes are also prevented from rolling or moving from position, and so breaking
the joint when filling in the trench. When the pipes are laid, or being laid, this
plan also permits of their being the better tested as to tightness, and also enables
a better job to be made if the pipes are thereafter to be closed around with concrete.
The seat or stand b instead of being solid, as seen at Figures 14 and 15, may be
hollow, as at Figure 16, in which case when it extends along the pipe's length it
may act as an under drain, or under another arrangement, secn at 6, Figure 17, the
pipe may be supported on legs or feet, or the stand or seat b instead of resting on
the ground may rest in a shoe or socket as at c, Figure 18.
The
Another improvement consists in forming long access openings on the pipes, as
seen at D, Figures 14 and 19, for the purpose of cloaning out the drain.
openings D are closed by fire clay or earthenware lids e, which are provided with
lifting handles or knobs f, the lids being secured in position by cement or equivalent
means. The spigot end of each pipe has preferably a raised part or bead formed
round it, as seen at g, Figure 14, the better to keep the pipe in position in the
centre of the facet of the next pipe, and the said spigot may also have indentations
round it to more securely hold the cement, and thereby increase the solidity of
the joint. Hemp or gascon may be used in conjunction with the cement in making
the joint. In pipes formed to receive a branch, as at Figure 21, stands or seats
are cast at opposite sides of the pipe, so that it may be adapted to receive either a
right or left hand branch. The improved pipes instead of being made round may

page_text: be egg shaped, as seen at Figure 22, or they may be formed oval, elliptical, rect-
angular, or of other form in section. The pipes hereinbefore described, besides being
used as drain pipes for water closets, may be otherwise used as drain pipes, and for
the carriage of sewage generally, and besides being employed for such purposes
they may be employed for the carriage of pure water or other liquids for domestic
and other purposes
When the drain pipes are used in connection with sinks, jaw-boxes, or slop-
stones, a grease intercepting trap is preferably employed in conjunction with them
to keep the pipes clean. Figure 23 is a vertical section, and Figure 24 a plan of a
trap suitable for the purpose. The interior of the trap, which may be made of
earthenware, fire-clay, or metal, is divided into three compartments vertically by
the diaphragms or dips a, b. The first compartment c connects with the pipe from
the sink jaw-box or slop-stone at the branch c¹, and with the drain by the branch k,
and it is provided at its upper end with a cast iron, fire-clay, or other grating m for
ventilating the interceptor and for the escape of steam or vapour. The diaphragm a
dips only a very short distance below the surface of the water in the interceptor
so as to afford no great obstacle to the passage of grease into the compartment d,
where it is intercepted by the diaphragm b, which dips deep into the water as
indicated. The compartment d is provided with a lid e, on removing which the
grease may be cleaned out, and any grease intercepted in the compartiment c may
be cleaned out on removing the grating. In the compartment ƒ a lid is also
provided to afford access thereto, and to the drain beyond the trap.
Figure 25 is an end elevation, and Figure 26 a longitudinal section of an improved
sink or jaw-box and trap, which may be constructed of earthenware, fire-clay, or
metal. The sink or jaw-box and trap are preferably cast in one piece, and the
trap is made with an access opening a, and with a ventilating horn b, as herein-
before described with reference to the water closet traps. The overflow is shown
on the side of the sink or jaw-box, but it may be made in the end, and the rests or
supports c for the sink or jaw-box may either be formed in one piece with it or
separately; Figure 27 shows the same improvements applied to a wash hand
basin. A removable plug a fitted with an india rubber or other water tight ring
or packing is provided to retain the water in the sink or jaw-box, and in the basin
when desired; Figure 29 shows the improved trap applied to a slop sink or
basin.
Figure 28 shows the improved water closet basins and traps in position for a
dwelling house, a grease interceptor a being also shown in position as applied to an
ordinary sink or jaw-box s. Of course in place of the ordinary sinks the improved
sinks, seen at Figures 25 and 26, may be used. Between the water closets f, g,
and the drain a trap is placed, which may be of the construction more particularly
seen in enlarged vertical section at Figure 30, wherein the trap is formed with a
removable neck or portion k, which is cemented or otherwise fixed in position in a
socket made to receive it. The neck is fitted with a lid or cover o to afford access
to the trap, or when access is required to the drain the neck is removed. The
said portion is also provided with a ventilating branch 1, to which a vertical pipe
may be secured, and employed for the purpose of ventilating the sewer or drain
beyond the trap. When not so used the branch is closed by a lid or cover. The
ventilating opening of the trap may be enlarged to any desired size by widening it,
as seen at q, and it may be carried to any desired height, as indicated by the dotted
lines. Figure 31 is a vertical section of another form of trap which may be used
for rain water pipes when desired, and in some cases it might also be used for soil
or waste pipes. I do not claim the two forms of trap last described as constituting
part of my said Invention.
To ensure greater safety against the passage of sewage gas into the house, not
merely from the drains but also from the soil pipe, an open channel pipe may be
employed, as seen at A, Figure 32, and in transverse section on the line b, c, at
Figure 33. The upper or flat side of this open pipe A is covered with coarse wire
netting or perforated metal to admit of free communication with the atmosphere,

page_text: whilst at the same time bodies are prevented from falling into the pipe. In this
case the branch soil pipe B is ventilated by fresh air entering from the open channel
at C, and which after passing through the branch soil pipe B gets exit at D from
the ventilating horn of the water closet trap. Although the originator of it I do
not claim this arrangement for ventilating the soil pipe and water closet.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the system, inode, or manner in or under which the same is or may be
used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion with reference
to the improved water closets that I am aware that an action for the purpose of
sinking the paper and soil floating in the trap has been produced before the date of
my said Invention by one or more special jets of water admitted to the interior
of the basin by a jet, nozzle, or nozzles passing from the inlet horn entirely through
or over the flushing rim, such nozzles being cast in one piece with the basin, and
adding materially to the cost of its construction. It is therefore to be understood
that I do not claim to have invented the production of such an action for water
closets otherwise than as hereinbefore described, that is to say, what I consider to
be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The general arrangement and construction, excepting where otherwise
disclaimed, of the several water closet basins and traps hereinbefore described and
shown by Figures 1 to 13, inclusive, of the accompanyings Drawings, or any mere
modification thereof,
Second The production of a cascade or sinking action on the paper and soil in
the trap by a stream or streams of water issuing from a semi-circular or other shaped
opening in the lower side of the lead fan, as shown at k, Figures 1, 2, 7, and 8, and
fiom a short pipe fixed in the said fan, as shown at X, Figures 2 and 7, and from
an opening or openings made at any desired part in the circumference of the
flushing rim, as shown at 1, Figures 3, 4, 5, and 10, and from a passage or passages
cast in the basin and entering below the rim, as seen at X, Figure 3, and from a
short pipe fixed in a piece of metal extending across the water inlet P, as shown at
n, Figures 11 and 12, and from a pipe extending from the water inlet or service
pipe, and entering the basin below the flushing rim, as shown at S, Figure13, and
all substantially as herein before described.
Third. Constructing water closet traps with an access opening at or near the top
of the outer side of the trap, and with access and ventilating openings in combi-
nation, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 1 to 5 of the Drawings.
Fourth. The employment of the improved traps in conjunction with sinks or jaw-
boxes, wash-hand basins, and slop sinks or basins, substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to Figures 25, 26, 27, and 29 of the Drawings.
Fifth. Constructing fire-clay or earthenware drain pipes with long access openings
on their upper sides, and with stands, supports, or feet at the facet ends and other
parts of the lower sides of the pipes or throughout the pipe's length, substantially
as and for the purposes herein before described with reference to Figures 14 to 22,
inclusive, of the appended Drawings.
Sixth. The arrangement and construction of grease interceptor, hereinbefore
described, and the employment thereof, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth, with reference to Figures 23 and 24 of the Drawings annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Paton Buchan, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty second day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.