Improvements in and relating to Water Closets.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 12th May, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 12th Mar., 1994-Accepted, 21st Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Water Closets.
I, JOHN DAY, of 26 Canal Street, Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford,
Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention has for its main object the construction of water closets in a
manner which prevents large articles, such as scrubbing brushes, tin cannisters,
and the like, from passing through the hottom of the pan, and ensures at the
same time that the pan will be cleansed by the flow of water used for flushing
the closet; and has the further object of facilitating, the clearing or unstopping of
drain piping from closets, the removal of an automatic flushing tank when placed
to work within a recess in the side of a closet, and the renewal and adjustment of
indiarubber or like stop pieces employed to act as stops to the return or upward
movement of automatic flushing tanks used with water closets.
According to one part of this invention, the pan into which the excremental
matter is directly discharged is formed, preferably, of an egg-shape or analogous
form in plan, with the wider end at the back. An inlet is formed at the front or
narrower end for the supply of flushing water, and an outlet opening is formed
through the bottom of the binder end which is of a crescent shape or analogous
form as seen from above, the maximum width being say 2 or 3 inches so as to
prevent large articles from passing through. The outer side of this opening is
conveniently flush with the back wall of the pan, and such wall is carried down for
some distance below the bottom of the pan, and the bottom of the pan is curved
down to the edge of the inner side of such opening to form a rounded corner
and facilitate. the flow of water and the movement of the excremental matter
thereover. A portion of the bottom of the pan is, raised inmediately in
front of the inlet opening, and is of a V or analogous shape, with its apex
towards the opening, and runs down at such point to, or nearly to, the level
of the bottom of the pan: As the water flows through the inlet in a small
stream, it is divided, by the raised portion of the bottom of the pan, and flows
around each side of the bottom of the pan and into the horns or ends of the
outlet opening, and thus keeps the corners of the pan clean. When a considerable
flow of water passes through the inlet; the main quantity flows over the raised
portion of the bottom of the pan, and the stream of water flows over the entire
surface of the bottom of the pan and carries away any excremental matter
thereon. The middle portion of the bottom of the pan may be depressed; if
desired, to permanently retain a small quantity of water. While the outlet
opening is narrow at its widest part the necessary area is provided for by its
extent lengthways.
This pan may be used either with a closet employed to utilize waste water such
as from a sink, bath or other source, or with a closet which is flushed with clean
water. When used for a waste water closet it is, according to one modification,
set immediately over a tipping tank which discharges its contents automatically
into the bottom of a container and thence through a syphon or trap into the sewer,
and in such case the outlet dips down into the water within the tipping tank.
According to another modification, the tipping tank discharges the water through
the inlet opening into the pan, and in such case the outlet opening is formed, at
the bottom and at the middle portion thereof, into a syphon or trap, of say 4 inches
diameter bore, through which the contents of, the pan are discharged into the

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sewer. The outlet opening being thus, enlarged somewhat downwards from the
widest portion thereof, namely, tlie portion which is about 2 to 3 inches in width,
anything passing from the pan to the syphon must be such only as will pass
through an opening of such width. The sides or horns of the outlet opening are
formed, in. this modification, with bottoms which slant or curve down into the
syphon; and the pan may be formed of such shape and size that the flushing tank
may be pivoted in one end thereof, in which case the inlet opening for the flushing
water is dispensed with..
The pan may be formed, if desired, with the bottom. slanting down into a plain
round outlet, of say 4 inches diameter, and be fitted with a false bottom which is
shaped to give a crescent or analogous shaped opening leading down into the round
outlet ; and the back of the false bottom may, for convenience of retaining it
securely in place, be inserted into a groove formed in a shoulder which runs across
the bottom of the pan on the opposite side thereof to that: from which the outlet
passes. An advantage of this arrangement is that, in case of the syphon or drain
becoming choked; the false bottom can be lifted out and a plunger be pushed down
into the round outlet to force the syphon or drain clear.
When the pan is employed for a closet utilizing, clean water, it is constructed
with a syphon or trap the same as when it is flushed by means of a tipping tank.
In lieu of the crescent or analogous shaped opening above described, any
convenient form of narrow elongated opening may be used, and the hinder end of
the pan is shaped to suit the character of such opening.
The crescent or analogous shaped opening, or other elongated' narrow opening,
may be formed in the wall of the pan instead of in the bottom thereof, if desired.
In such case, when the pan-discharges into a tipping tank a passage may be formed
at the back of the outlet opening therefrom, through which the discharge passes
down into the tank; but, when the pan discharges direct into the drain the outlet
opening is gathered in at the back into a round outlet, of say 4 inches diameter, and
forms with the bottom of the pan and such outlet-a syphon or trap.
"
According to a further part of the invention, an inclined passage is formed from
the upper portion of a closet pau, or down pipe from the seat, into the drain, into
which a plunger or other instrument can be passed to clear out the drain, in case of
an obstruction therein. The opening of this passage into the pan or down: pipe is
normally closed in. by means of a plug.
In the case of an automatic flushing tank which is set in a recess in the wall of a
closet, the sides of the recess within which it is pivoted are formed, according to this
invention, with inclined ledges which run down towards the bearings; and the tank is
provided with a hole at its front end so that it may be suspended on the hooked end of a
bar and be lowered down into the container; and such tank is put in place by catching
the pivot pins on the forward ends of the inclined ledges, and then allowing the
tank to slide back down the ledges until the pins drop into place in the bearings.
The hinder or lower end of the tank, and the corresponding part of the recess
within which it is pivoted, are shaped in' relation to one another so that when the
forward end of the tank is raised above its normal position such hinder or lower
end, coming in' contact-with the hinder or lower part of the recess; causes the pivot
pins to be lifted up out of their bearings as the forward end of the tank is continued
to be raised. When the tank has been raised sufficiently to clear the pins from
their bearings, it is pulled forwards along the inclined ledges, aforesaid, 'and may
thus be drawn up through the top of the container. In this case, the stop against
which the tank comes when it returns from its tilted position must, of course, be
removable, or capable of being raised sufficiently, to allow of the removal of the
tank.
܂
"
:
This invention, as it relates to the stop pieces for automatic flushing tanks used
with water closets, consists of a screwed eye which is permanently fixed in plate,
and of a screwed plug which is screwed into such eye; and thus may be readily
adjusted therein as to height and be readily removed when required for the renewal
of the rubber or other buffer which is fixed thereto, according to this invention, by

page_text: means of a shank which is inserted within a recess formed in the lower end of the
plug. This stop piece is fixed in such position that the plug can be readily
unscrewed and drawn up, and also replaced, by means of a hooked bar or other
suitable instrument passed down through the top of the container.
Dated this Tenth day of May 1893.
STEPHEN WATKINS,
Wolverhampton, Agent for the Applicant."
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Water Closets.
I, JOHN DAY, of 26 Canal Street, Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford,
Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention has for its main object the construction of water closets in a
manner which prevents large articles, such as scrubbing brushes, tin cannisters, and
the like, from passing through the bottom of the pan, and ensures at the same time
that the pan will be cleansed by the flow of water used for flushing the closet; and.
has the further object of facilitating, the clearing or unstopping the drain piping
from closets, the removal of an automatic flushing tank when placed to work within
a recess in the side of a closet and the replacement of itself or its replacement by
another tank, and the renewal and adjustment of indiarubber or like stop-pieces
employed to act as stops to the return or upward movement of automatic flushing
tanks used with water closets.
In order that the invention may be clearly understood, I will proceed to describe
the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which
Figures 1 to 10 inclusive illustrate, by way of example, the application of the
invention, according to different modifications, for the purpose of preventing large
articles, such as scrubbing brushes, tin cannisters and the like from passing through
the bottom of the pan and into the drain, and at the same time ensuring that the
pan will be cleansed by the flow of water used for flushing the closet.
Figure 10 illustrates also, by way of example, means, according to this invention,
of facilitating the clearing or unstopping of drain piping from a closet; and means,
according to this invention, for facilitating the removal of an automatic flushing
tank when placed to work within a recess in the side of a closet, and the replacement
of itself or its replacement by another tank.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate in detail means, according to this invention, for
facilitating the renewal and adjustment of a stop-piece employed to act as a stop to.
the return or upward movement of an automatic flushing tank used with a water
closet.
According to a modification of the invention illustrated in longitudinal section by
Figure 1, and in sectional plan (taken on line a x of Figure 1) by Figure 2, for the
purpose of preventing large articles from passing through the bottom of the pan
and at the same time ensuring that the pan will be thoroughly cleansed by the flow
of water used for flushing the closet, the pan A, into which the excremental
matter is directly discharged through the down pipe B from the seat, is
formed, preferably, of an egg-shape or analogous form in plan, with the wider.
end at the baek as shewn by Figure 2. An inlet a is forined at the front or
narrower end of 'the opening for the supply of flushing water, which may be
either waste water, such as from a sink lavatory or bath, or may be clean water..
A narrow curved-shaped outlet opening b, extending lengthways for a considerable..
distance around the hinder end of the pan, is formed through the bottom
thereof. It is preferred to make the opening about 2 inches in width,
I

page_text: but in any case it should be narrow compared with its length, and should not exceed
from 2 to 3 inches in width so that it may prevent large articles from passing
through. The outer side of the opening 6 is conveniently flush with the back wall
of the pan, as shewn. The curved opening b joins into a round opening c, of say
six inches diameter, which forms the interior of a downward branch pipe e.
Figure 3 is a section of the pan taken on the curved line y y of Figure 2, and
represents the parts in section as they appear developed on a plane surface.
The figure is consequently wider than if drawn as a true section. The bottom of
the pan slants or curves down, as shewn at d d d', to the narrow opening b, to
facilitate the flow of water and the movement of excremental matter into the
opening 6; and the ends.or horns 6' 6' of the opening b widen out sideways into the
opening c, as indicated by the broken lines ff. Figure 2 (in a manner difficult to
shew with clearness on the drawing, but which will be readily understood) and thus
the full area of passage-way is or may be maintained between the narrow opening b
and the round opening c. The branch e may be connected with a syphon, or it may
be formed as one, if preferred; and in either case the outlet end of the syphon may
be reduced in diameter, if desired. A projection y is formed in the bottom of the
pan, immediately in front of the inlet opening a, and is of a V or analogous shape
in plan, with its apex towards the opening a, and runs at such point into (or nearly
into) the level of the bottom of the opening. When water flows through the
inlet a in a small stream, it is divided by the projection g and flows around each side
of the bottom of the pan and into the horns or ends 6161 of the narrow. opening b,
and thus keeps the corners of the pan clean. When a considerable flow of water
passes through the inlet a the main quantity flows over the projection g, and the
stream of water flows thus over the entire surface of the bottom of the pan, and
carries away any excremental matter lying thereon; the projection g ensuring that
a portion of the stream shall flow around the sides of the pan. The middle
portion of the bottom of the pan may be depressed, if desired, as shewn, to
permanently retain a small quantity of water.
A projection such as g may be used with closet pans generally in which the
flushing water is delivered, through an opening, into one end of the pan along or
near the bottom.
In a modification illustrated in longitudinal section by Figure 4, and in section
taken on line x x of Figure 4 (looking in the direction of the arrow i) by Figure 5,
an opening of say six inches in width, and running lengthways for the width of
the pan (or it may be only for a considerable portion of such width) is formed
through the bottom of the pan at the back thereof, and itself forms the interior of a
downward branch m. A syphon B is joined to the branch m, and the interior of
the inner end of the syphon forms a continuation of the opening 1. A narrow
opening b, corresponding in purpose to the opening 6 before described, is formed
between the bottom of the lip k of the syphon and the bottom of the syphon, and
the opening is gathered in to the round form of the outlet o of the syphon.
Large articles falling into the opening cannot pass through the narrow opening b,
and are readily pulled up out of the inner side of the syphon. The syphon B may,
of course, be formed with the pan, if desired.
In a modification illustrated in longitudinal section by Figure 6, in sectional
fab, taken on line ax of Figure 6, by Figure 7, and in section, taken on line y y of
Figure 6, by Figure 8, the pan A has the narrow opening 6 formed lengthways
through the bottom thereof. The opening 6 is shaped into the round opening c
forming the interior of a downward branch e.
In any of the modifications above described the projection y may of course be
dispensed with, as the pan will still be cleansed by the flow of water, though matter
will be liable to collect in the corners in the intervals between full flushes.
Any convenient method of flushing the pan may be adopted for use in combination
with a narrow outlet opening b.
In a modification illustrated in longitudinal section by Figure 9, the pan A is
formed with the bottom slanting or curved down into a plain round outlet c, of say

page_text: four inches diameter, forming the interior of a downward branch e, and is fitted
with a false bottom C which is shaped to leave, between itself and the back wall of
the pan, a long and narrow opening 6 leading down into the round outlet c; and the
end of the false bottom C which is opposite to the opening 6 may, for convenience
in retaining it securely in place, be inserted in a groove p formed in a shoulder
which runs across the bottom of the pan. The false bottom is prevented from
slipping forwards by the narrowing diameter of the back of the pan. An advantage
of this arrangement is that, in case of the syphon or drain becoming choked, the
false bottom can be lifted out and a plunger be pushed down into the round outlet c
to force the syphon or drain clear.
The long and narrow opening 6 (shewn according to different modifications by
the drawings) through which water and excremental matter pass from a closet pan,
may be varied considerably in shape from any of the modifications shewn, as will be
apparent. It may, for instance, be zig-zag in shape, or be in the form of a
letter S.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section through a closet apparatus embodying several
features of this invention. An inclined passage a¹ is formed from the upper portion
of the closet pan, or down pipe from the seat, into the drain c', into which a bar or
plunger can be passed to clear the drain, in case of an obstruction therein. The
opening of this passage a¹ into the pan or down pipe is normally closed in by means
of a plug d', which is made airtight with clay or other plastic material to prevent
the escape of gas or effluvia from the drain.
The pan A, in Figure 10, is shewn with a depression h in the middle and with a
narrow opening b at the back, but the pan is formed at its forward end with a
recess D in which is mounted a tipping tank E. Waste water, such as from a sink,
lavatory or bath, falls into the tipping tank E from a pipe F, or clean water may
be used for charging the tank, and the tank of course overbalances when full and
discharges its contents on to the bottom of the pan and flushes out the closet,
and after discharging its contents balances itself up, against a stop-piece 9, into
the position shewn, ready to receive a further charge of water. In this case,
the projection g, above described, is not shewn as there is no purpose for it.
There is nothing new in the application of a tipping tank to a closet, or in
setting it within a recess in the side as shewn. The invention, as it relates
specially to a tipping tank set in such position, consists in means for facilitating
the removal of such tank and the replacement of itself or its replacement by another
tank. According to these means, the sides of the recess D are each formed
with a curved or inclined ledger which runs down, in one direction, to the
bearings of the tank pivot on the same side, and runs upwards in the other
direction along the side of the pan or passage-way which is between the seat
and bottom of the pan.
The tank has a hole u at its forward end, so that
it may be engaged with the hooked end of a bar. When it is desired to put
the tank in place within the recess D, it is suspended on the hooked end of the
bar.t, as shewn by broken lines, and is lowered down so as to catch the pivot
pins on the forward ends of the ledges 7, and the tank is then allowed to slide
back down the ledges until the pivot pins drop into place in the bearings.
When it is desired to remove the tank E from the recess D, the bar is again
engaged with the hole in the tank, and the forward end of the tank is lifted
up. The hinder end of the tank is shaped, in relation to the corresponding
part of the recess D, that when the forward end of the tank is raised above its
normal position the binder end of the tank, coming in contact with the hinder
part of the recess, causes the pivot pins to be lifted up out of their bearings as
the forward end of the tank is continued to be raised, as will be readily under-
stood. When the tank has thus been moved sufficiently to clear the pivot pins
from their bearings, it is pulled forwards along the inclined ledges into the
main passage-way. If the tipping tank is balanced up against a stop 9 over
the forward end thereof, as shewn, such stop must of course be raised to allow
of the tank being drawn up out of position or placed therein, and a suitable

page_text: means of accomplishing this is hereinafter described; but if a broad stop or a
pair of stops is used at the underside of the tank, as it of course may be, such
stop or pair of stops will ensure that the pivot pins will rise out of their
bearings if the forward end of the tank is pulled up by the bar. By the means
described a tank may be readily passed down through the down pipe or main
passage from the seat of a closet, and mounted in bearings in a recess formed
in the side of such passage, and be removed and drawn up through such pipe
or passage; and such means are, of course, applicable generally to closets using
a tipping tank mounted in a recess formed in the side of the down pipe or main
passage from the seat.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate, in side elevation and plan, respectively, means
whereby a stop-piece for an automatic flushing tank used with a water closet may
be raised to allow of the removal of a tank, and may be removed and drawn up
through the down pipe or passage-way when required for the renewal of the rubber
or other buffer, if such is used therewith, and be readily replaced, and be capable
also of ready adjustment as to height. The stop-piece consists of a shank or
plug G, which is screwed through an eye H fixed to the side of the closet or
otherwise in convenient position to allow of the shank being removed and replaced
in the manner hereinafter described. The upper end of the shank is formed as an
eye for the engagement of a hooked bar therewith, or is otherwise formed for
engagement with a specially prepared end of a bar, so that by means of the bar the
shank may be unscrewed from the eye H and drawn up through the downpipe or
passage-way, and be lowered again and screwed through the eye H; and such
shank may be readily adjusted as to height by screwing it as desired through the
eye H, by means of the bar which engages with the eye v.
The indiarubber or
other buffer q, when such is used, may be fixed to the lower end of the shank G by
means of a part w, shewn by broken lines, inserted in a recess in the shank. The
arrangement of shank G and eye H shewn in detail by Figures 11 and 12, is
illustrated also by Figure 10.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. A water closet pan, or a syphon formed with or fixed to a water closet pan,
formed with a long and narrow opening (such as b) which prevents the passage
therethrough of large articles such as scrubbing brushes, tin cannisters, and the
like, in combination with means by which the pan is cleansed by the flow of water
used for flushing the closet, substantially as described.
2. A water closet pan, or a syphon formed with or fixed to a water closet pan,
formed with a long and narrow opening (such as b) which prevents the passage
therethrough of large articles such as scrubbing brushes, tin cannisters, and the
like, and which is formed (preferably without material reduction of area) into a
round outlet branch, substantially as described.
3. A water closet pan formed with. the bottom slanting down into an outlet and
fitted with a false bottom which when in place causes the pan to be provided with
a long and narrow opening (such as b) which communicates with such outlet,
substantially as described.
4. The several modifications in which a water closet pan, or a syphon formed
with or fixed to a water closet pan, is formed with a long and narrow opening, and
in which the pan is cleansed by the flow of water used for flushing the closet, and
whether the projection g is used in the modifications in which it is shewn or not,
substantially as described and shewn by the drawings herewith.
5. A projection (such as g) in front of an opening through which flushing water
is delivered into one end of a water closet pan, along or near the bottom thereof,
for the purpose of dividing the stream, when the flow is small, so that in such
case the water flows around each side of the bottom of the pan, but allowing the
stream to flow over it also when the flow is considerable so that in such case the

page_text: water flows over the entire surface of the bottom of the pan, substantially as
described.
6. An inclined passage (such as a¹), formed from the upper portion of a water
closet pan, or otherwise from the passage-way from the seat in position above the
syphon, into the drain, substantially as described, for the purpose set forth.
7. A pair of ledges, curving or slanting up from a recess in the side of a water
closet into the pan or passage-way from the seat, for the purpose of enabling a
tipping tank to be passed down such passage-way and mounted in bearings within
such recess, and removed out of such bearings and drawn up such passage-way,
substantially as described.
8. The means whereby a stop-piece for a tipping tank used for flushing a water
closet may be removed and replaced and adjusted as to height, by an instrument
passed down the passage-way from the seat, substantially as described and shewn.
Dated this 10th day of March 1894
STEPHEN WATKINS,
Wolverhampton, Agent for the Applicant.
STEPHEN WATKINS,
Wolverhampton, Agent for the Applicant.