IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSET BASINS AND IN THE MEANS OF FLUSHING SAME ALSO IN THE MEANS OR METHOD OF CONVEYING AWAY THE NOXIOUS GASES THEREFROM, AND FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION OF CLOSETS."
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas William Helliwell of Brighouse in the county
of York Architect and Surveyor, for an invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATER CLOSET BASINS AND IN THE MEANS OF FLUSHING SAME ALSO IN THE
MEANS OR METHOD OF CONVEYING AWAY THE NOXIOUS GASES THEREFROM,
AND FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION OF CLOSETS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas William Helliwell
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th May 1882.
THOMAS WILLIAM HELLIWELL of Brighouse in the county of York Architect
and Surveyor. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSET BASINS AND IN THE MEANS OF
FLUSHING SAME ALSO IN THE MEANS OR METHOD OF CONVEYING AWAY THE
NOXIOUS GASES THEREFROM AND FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION OF CLOSETS."
The object of the first part of my invention is to construct water closet basins so
that they can be used for two purposes viz. as water closet basins and as urinals
and this I accomplish by making the front edge of the basin with a suitable spout or
projection and in connecting a flushing pipe to such spout so that when the
apparatus is set in motion for flushing the water closet, the same apparatus shall
through the medium of the connecting pipe also flush the spout used for urinary
purposes.
To
The object of the second part of my invention is to convey the noxious gases
away which issue from water closet basins and their fittings. Notwithstanding the
various forms of traps and the positions in which they are placed, it is found
practically impossible to prevent noxious gases from getting into the room.
overcome this evil I construct the framing which boxes off the basin and fittings in
such manner as to enable to gather any bad gases which may arise either from or
near this basin and convey it into a flue or shaft the outer end of which flue
communicates with the atmosphere. I also employ a lid placed in an inclined
position so that when it is down or closed it covers the basin, at the same time

page_text: allowing a free passage for gases to pass up the flue and thereby effectually prevents
the escape of gases into the room.
When the closet is not in use the inclined lid will close onto the seat and cover
the basin india-rubber or other suitable packing being attached under the lid which
acts both as packing and to soften the closing of the lid.
If required the lid may close immediately after the closet has been used which
is done by fixing a spring or other device to the woodwork above the seat
which will hold up the inclined lid until the room door is opened, when by
means of a suitable arrangement of mechanism the lid will be released and cover
the basin,

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas William Helliwell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
4th November 1882.
THOMAS WILLIAM HELLIWELL of Brighouse in the County of York, Architect
and Surveyor. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSET BASINS, AND IN THE MEANS
OF FLUSHING SAME, ALSO IN THE MEANS OR METHOD OF CONVEYING AWAY THE
NOXIOUS GASES THEREFROM AND FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION OF CLOSETS."
The object of the first part of my Invention is to construct water closet basins
so that they can be used for two purposes-viz.-as water closet basins and as
urinals.
And in order that my Invention may be better understood I herein give reference
to the accompanying sheet of Drawings wherein Fig. 1 is plan view and Fig. 2
section of a water closet basin having its front edge projecting so that it may be
more conveniently used for urinary purposes. This projection may be flushed
and cleansed at the same time as the water closet basin is flushed, and this is
accomplished by the pipe A which is connected to the flushing pipe used for the
basin. In order that the basin may be more conveniently used an opening is left
in the wood work at B so that the feet of the person using it may be got under
and allow him to get closer to it, the seat of the basin is also rounded off as shewn
in the Drawings for the same purpose.
The object of the second part of my Invention is to convey the noxious gases
away, which issue from water closet basins and their fittings. Notwithstanding
the various forms of traps and the positions in which they are placed, it is found
practically impossible to prevent noxious gases from getting into the room.
This part of my Invention is shewn in Figs. 2 and 3 and consists in connecting
the water closet basin to a flue as shewn at C, the outlet of which is carried to
the outside of the building as shewn more clearly in Fig. 3. The flue may either be
placed within the building or the enclosed surroundings may be connected to a pipe
placed outside, in either case the basin and its fittings are so cased off so as to
prevent the noxious gases escaping into the room as will be well understood.
I also place the closet lid in an inclined position so that when it is down or
closed, it covers the basin, at the same time allowing a free passage for gases to
pass up the flue.
When the closet is not in use the inclined lid will close onto the seat and cover
the basin india-rubber or other suitable packing being attached under the lid,
which acts both as packing, and to soften the closing of the lid.
If required the inclined lid may close immediately after the closet has been used,
and this is accomplished by the employment of the catch D shewn in detail Fig. 4
which is lifted from contact with the lid by the motion of the door on being
opened, to do this however the lid must be hinged so that the centre of gravity is
towards the closet.
Fig. 3 shews an arrangement of closets on different stories and connected to
flues, the water being supplied thereto by one cistern.
Having thus shewn and described my Invention and the manner in which the
same may be performed, I would have it understood that I do not confine myself
to any of the details herein shewn and described as all of them may be more or less
varied, nor do I confine myself to the shape or configuration of the urinary basin,
but what I wish to be secured to me by Letters Patent is-
as
Firstly. The use and employment of a water closet basin constructed
herein shewn and described whereby it is made available for the two purposes set
forth

page_text: Secondly. The means of flushing the two parts of the water closet basin
substantially as herein shewn and described.
Thirdly. The means and method of conveying the noxious gases from water
closets and their fittings in the manner substantially as herein shewn and
described.
Fourthly. The use and employment of water closet lids placed at an angle in
manner and for purposes substantially as shewn and described.
Fifthly. The self acting mechanism herein shewn and described for closing the
water closet lid.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas William Helliwell have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of October, in the year
of our Lord, One thousand, eight hundred and eighty two.